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The Phillies need to win today. The end. ... ... ... Okay, not “the end,” but the end of that sentence. The Phillies really need to pull out a win today. They need to salvage something positive from this series. And this isn’t on the pitching at all. The offense has been atrocious. Lots of strikeouts, very little walking, it’s not good. And the defense is also an issue. Come back soon, J.P. Crawford. As soon as possible. Please! It's Jake Arrieta's turn on the mound this afternoon for our series finale with the Giants. #BeBold pic.twitter.com/QedDyItvdf — Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) June 3, 2018 The Phillies just need to hit. They need to hit the ball hard. They need to winnnnnnn just win please win I’m tired of watching you guy lose to the Giants so WIN PLEASE WIN PHILLIES. Discuss the game in the comments below.<doc-sep>Goody goody gumdrops, it’s time for the Phillies to face the Giants. At least this time, the Phillies won’t have to do it again for another year. Not too long ago, the Phillies swept the Giants in four games. This is the return trip. There are worse parks to play in than AT&T Park. Let’s see if the Phillies can rediscover the magic from that sweep earlier this season. Our West Coast trip continues tonight in San Francisco with the first of three games against the Giants. #BeBold pic.twitter.com/1vUC2sRw66 — Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) June 1, 2018 Hey, Dylan Cozens is making his first major league start! Congratulations to him! Good luck, buddy. Just remember: thanks to that four-game sweep, the Phillies can’t lose the season series. Thank goodness. Discuss the game in the comments below.<doc-sep>After splitting a four-game set with the Dodgers, the Phillies will head up the coast to San Francisco where the struggling Giants await. The Last Time They Met In mid-May, the Giants visited Citizens Bank Park for a four-game series, and the home team wasn’t feeling very hospitable. Thanks to strong outings by their starting pitchers and a suddenly-powerful offense, the Phillies had their way with the Giants, outscoring them 32-8 in the four-game sweep. Since Then... Heading into the Phillies series, the Giants had a winning record, but there was a feeling that they were overachieving. The Giants have done little to dispel that notion by going 7-11 since leaving Philadelphia. They certainly haven’t been done any favors by their schedule, as they’ve spent most of that time playing contenders like the Astros, Cubs, and Rockies. Still, there is growing evidence that the Giants are simply not a very good team. Giants Offense vs. Phillies Pitchers At first glance, you might think the Giants have a good lineup. Look at their roster and you’ll see plenty of big name stars: Brandon Belt! Buster Posey! Evan Longoria! Brandon Crawford! Andrew McCutchen! If it was three years ago, that would indeed be an impressive collection of offensive talent. Seeing how the calendar currently reads 2018, many of those guys appear to be firmly in the decline phase of their careers. I’ll admit that Brandon Belt is having an excellent season, and they’ve gotten surprisingly good play from whoever Gorkys Hernandez is. But for most of the others, the production doesn’t necessarily match the reputation anymore. Two of the Phillies’ starters will get their second crack at the Giants this season. Nick Pivetta only lasted five innings in his previous start against them, but he managed to cram a lot of goodness into those five innings, striking out seven without allowing a run. As for Vince Velasquez, all he did was rack up 12 strikeouts in six innings. As bad as the sweep was for the Giants, it could have been even worse, since they avoided facing Jake Arrieta. They won’t be so lucky this time, as Arrieta will get the start on Sunday. It just so happens that AT&T Park seems to be one of Arrieta’s favorite places to pitch. In five career starts there, he’s 4-1 with a 2.23 ERA. It’s hard to remember this now, but when these teams played in May, Seranthony Dominguez was not yet the greatest relief pitcher who ever lived. He was merely a highly-touted rookie reliever making his debut. How did that debut go, you ask? Maybe one day, the Giants will look back with a sense of pride that they were the first victims on the Seranthony Dominguez Tour of Domination. But for now, they probably aren’t looking forward to another meeting with a guy who can do this: here you see Seranthony striking out the same batter twice on the same pitch. pic.twitter.com/Y7BWsyda1g — chris jones¯\_(ツ)_/¯ (@LONG_DRIVE) June 1, 2018 The Giants may receive a boost from the return of old friend Hunter Pence who is expected to be activated from the disabled list. It likely won’t be a big boost since Pence isn’t very good anymore, but he should feel right at home with the rest of the Giants’ hitters. Giants Pitchers vs. Phillies Offense The earlier series against the Phillies didn’t go too well for the Giants’ hitters. But it REALLY didn’t go well for the Giants’ pitchers. The Phillies scored 32 runs over the four-game set, twice putting up an eleven-spot. The Phillies hitters haven’t exactly been on a tear lately, so there’s reason for the Giants to hope that things will be different this time. But considering the starting pitchers they’ve got scheduled for the series, they shouldn’t allow themselves too much hope. If the Phillies can’t get their bats going this weekend, there’s a good chance they won’t ever get going. Chris Stratton gets the start on Friday. Normally I’d guess that he’s still having nightmares from the beating the Phillies gave him, but when a pitcher has been knocked around as often as Stratton has this season, it’s hard to get too hung up on any one bad performance. Perhaps the most surprising thing about the Phillies offensive dominance was that Andrew Suarez didn’t even pitch in the series. He’s spent the past month getting pummeled by the rest of the National League, and on Saturday night, the Phillies will get their chance to put up some crooked numbers against him. The Giants have yet to announce a starter for Sunday’s game. My suspicion is that none of their pitchers want to face the Phillies again, so they’re all trying to avoid the call. I can’t really blame them. Would you really want to face the Phillies lineup again when Jake Arrieta is the opposing pitcher and the Phillies will likely be going for a sweep? The Giants bullpen is full of guys who seem to be solidly okay. Their closer is Hunter Strickland who might be the okayest out of all of them. He didn’t blow a save in the month of May, but that might have been due to the lack of opportunities more than anything. Boo this Man Remember the 2010 Giants? They somehow upset a much more talented Phillies team in the NLCS, and lucked into a World Series win. There aren’t too many members of that team left on the roster, but if you look closely, you can still see Pablo Sandoval taking up (a lot of) space on the Giants’ bench. Sandoval is possibly the best example of a player being overrated because of a cool nickname. While he had some strong offensive seasons early in his career, I think most people just wanted to see a guy called “Kung Fu Panda” succeed. The Red Sox front office were among those who overrated him. In 2015, despite him coming off a few down seasons, and an ever-expanding waistline, they signed him to a five-year/$95 million contract that went as poorly as anyone with sense would have predicted.<doc-sep>SAN FRANCISCO — The Giants have discovered the secret to life without Brandon Belt. Throw shutouts. With their slugging first baseman resting comfortably at home after undergoing an emergency appendectomy, the Giants beat the Philadelphia Phillies 2-0 Saturday night before a crowd of 39,208. Andrew Suarez, a rookie left-hander, was dazzling through seven innings, giving up three hits with no walks and striking out five to improve to 2-4. Tony Watson pitched a 1-2-3 eighth and Hunter Strickland retired the side in order in the ninth for his 12th save. The Giants didn’t exactly do major damage against Philadelphia starter Vince Velasquez (4-6), but some opportunistic base-running by Joe Panik and two RBIs without a hit from Andrew McCutchen were all they needed to improve to 27-30. McCutchen also made the game’s biggest defensive play, running down a drive from Cesar Hernandez in triples alley with a runner on third base and two outs. It was the second consecutive shutout for the Giants, who beat the Phillies 4-0 Friday night behind Chris Stratton and three relievers. “It’s good to see the young guys just get better and that’s going to be the key to our season, those guys doing what they’re doing now, giving us a chance to win,” Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. “They did more than that the last two nights.” Suarez set the pace in a game that was finished in a tidy two hours and 24 minutes, starting 15 batters off with strikes and throwing 59 strikes in 86 pitches. He never threw more than 15 pitches in an inning or less than nine with Nick Hundley calling the game behind the plate. “I think my curveball was good today,” Suarez said. “Hundo called it a lot and I got some swing and misses on it. It usually hasn’t been like that.” Get San Francisco Giants news in your inbox. Sign up now for the free Giants HQ newsletter. The Phillies had only two real scoring chances, with the first one coming in the third inning after a one-out triple by Jorge Alfaro. Suarez got Velasquez on a grounder to third — with Alfaro holding but served up one of his few room service pitches to Hernandez. Hernandez launched a drive to the deepest part of the park, and Bochy figured the game was as good as tied — unless the ball made it over the fence. “I didn’t think he had a chance for it, to be honest,” Bochy said. “At first I couldnt tell if he caught it, his back was too us. That’s a game-changing catch.” Instead, McCutchen somehow ran it down with his back to the plate, a spectacular defensive play which brought to mind his Gold Gloves as a Pittsburgh center fielder. “The only way you’re going to catch balls is if you make up your mind that’s what you’re going to do,” McCutchen said. “Gotta catch everything out there. I was able to run it down.” Said the understated Suarez: “It fired me up. You probably can’t tell I’m fired up, but once he made that play I had a feeling I was going to go deep in the game.” In the fifth, Philadelphia got an infield single from Carlos Santana and a blooper to center from Mikael Franco to lead off the inning. Nick Williams grounded to short, but the Giants failed to turn the double play and had runners at first and third. Suarez then struck out Alfaro and Velasquez to end the inning. McCutchen got his two RBIs with the help of a base-running clinic by Panik in the sixth and eighth innings. In the sixth, Panik doubled to right center and advanced to third on a ground ball out up the middle by Brandon Crawford. He broke perfectly on a chopper to shortstop Mike Kingery, scoring with a slide to the outside evading the tag of Alfaro. “Sometimes you’re going on contact, sometimes you’re seeing the ball through and sometimes you’re reading it,” Panik said. “That was a read play. You’re looking for contact down, chopping it. Vince was throwing the ball well so sometimes you have to take a chance. You trust your instincts and take off.” In the eighth, Panik singled to deep short, and when Crawford followed with a soft single to center, he raced without hesitation to third, knowing how deep Odubel Herrera plays in center. McCutchen drove him in again, this time with a sacrifice fly to medium deep center. “When you’re a leadoff guy, you’ve got to make things happen,” Panik said. “I got a couple of good reads today and that’s all you can ask for.” — Belt was placed on the disabled list, with Alen Hanson (hamstring) reinstated after a rehab assignment on San Jose. Hanson struck out in a pinch-hitting appearance in the seventh. Bochy said Belt will miss approximately three weeks, allowing for the fact that it could be slightly sooner or slightly later depending on how he heals. — Outfielder Hunter Pence, who missed 40 games while rehabbing a thumb injury and working on a new swing, was reinstated on the roster and Gregor Blanco was designated for assignment. Pence, who will be a backup outfielder and said before the game he accepts his role, did not play. Blanco cleared waivers and will join the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats Tuesday.<doc-sep>

There’s not a lot to say. The Phillies’ bats couldn’t muster up more than three hits as a great start by Vince Velasquez was wasted. Velasquez pitched six and a third innings, and was charged with a single run on five hits and a walk, and he struck out nine. He left with only 91 pitches thrown in one of the best outings he’s had recently. The run probably should not have scored, though. Joe Panik led off the sixth with a double that maybe should have been a single and moved to third on a groundout. Then Andrew McCutchen chopped one to Scott Kingery who fielded it cleanly, threw high to home, and Panik was able to evade Jorge Alfaro’s tag. A better throw or a better tag or both may have prevented the run, but who knows. Velasquez was done after this play, and Luis Garcia finished the seventh. Adam Morgan allowed an insurance run in the eighth, before Edubray Ramos finished the game. For the Phillies, lately, it seems as if the pitching is all that’s working well. The offense has gone quieter than we’ve seen in years, and the defense seems to border on Bad News Bear-levels at times. I will freely admit I saw both these categories as strengths before the season, with pitching being the weakness. Baseball is hard to predict, but I don’t think anyone could have imagined the depths of the current slump. Here’s hoping that’s all it is and that they'll pull out of it before it’s too late. Speaking of getting stuff done before it’s too late, I missed the first half of this game watching Solo, and I heartily recommend watching it while it’s still in theatres. It’s very very good. With the loss—yet another boring loss—the Phils drop to 31-25, and are 1.5 games out of the wild card. The season finale against San Francisco is tomorrow afternoon, at 12:05PM, with Jake Arrieta taking the hill against the Giants’ Dereck Rodriguez, who happens to be Ivan ‘Pudge’ Rodriguez’s son. I like imagining that he’s a pitcher because his dad was a catcher and they could play catch better. It’s kind of adorable if that’s how that happened. Good night folks.

Florida: Red tide containing toxic algae kills hundreds of fish top stories direct to your inbox SUBSCRIBE Invalid email Sign up to receive our rundown of the day'sdirect to your inbox When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they'll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time. Florida is at the mercy of a foreboding ‘red-tide’ and blue-green algae which have caused people and sealife to fall ill. The toxic mass of harmful bacteria has been observed more than usual this year, as hot temperatures in places have prevented water from flushing it out. A water park in the UK was closed down for a day as blue-green algae was spotted in the water, making it unsafe for anyone to enter. Florida’s ‘red tide’ is caused by a certain type of algae which is known to dye the water a deep red. Red tide, formally known as Karenia brevis, is a type of bacteria which usually occurs in the ocean. A naturally forming organism, the algae generally occurs about 10 to 40 miles offshore and can expand in clouds miles wide. As it rolls in, the bloom is known to kill fish and other sea-inhabiting organisms and they end up being washed-up on the shore. To humans, the red algae can cause a nasty smell and toxic haze, which can cause respiratory distress to people with pre-existing conditions. Florida news: Red tides seen killing off endangered species in Florida The red tide is caused by an increase in hot temperatures and runoff from lakes and streams in the area. Usually presenting in quite small pockets, the organisms have ballooned to hundreds of square miles around the Florida coast. Algae in these situations can cause serious natural crises, as endangered animals are caught in the bloom. Whale sharks and sea turtles are among animals killed by this year, along with a number of manatees. Already endangered sea turtles are at the mercy of the algae menace Florida’s red tide issue is a separate one from another heat based threat of blue-green algae blooms. Blue-green algae is equally as dangerous as its sea-based counterpart, primarily due to habitat differences. These different blooms tend to favour freshwater, as the red tide thrives in water high in salinity. Blue-green algae is naturally occurring in lakes and rivers, and multiplies when it cannot be flushed out. Blue green algae is toxic when ingested Dangerous bacterial infections Mon, March 6, 2017 Dangerous bacterial infections from food poisoning to meningitis. Play slideshow Getty 1 of 12 Sepsis is also referred to as blood poisoning or septicaemia, it is a potentially life-threatening condition triggered by an infection or injury<doc-sep>Residents along the South Florida coasts are once again experiencing sludgy, slime-laden waters as a result of nefarious blue-green algae blooms. In Southwest Florida, sightings of the blue-green algae have been reported in Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach, North Fort Myers and Sanibel Island. Earlier this month, in an effort to combat the toxic algae, Governor Rick Scott placed an emergency order for the following seven counties: Glades, Hendry, Lee, Martin, Okeechobee, Palm Beach, and St. Lucie. According to a statement issued by Gov. Scott’s office, the algal blooms are caused by water discharges by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from Lake Okeechobee. “Today, our state is once again facing a crisis from water releases controlled by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,” Gov. Scott said. “This has prompted me to issue an emergency declaration, so our state agencies can do everything in their power to minimize the harmful impacts these releases are having on our communities.” According to Senator Marco Rubio, this is the third time in five years that the harmful algae run off from Lake Okeechobee has affected downstream areas. Prior to the recent bloom, Florida experienced a massive outbreak in 2016. Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, can produce what are called cyanotoxins—harmful toxins that are capable of killing fish, domestic animals, and wildlife. In recent years, concern for human illness through recreational exposure (boating, kayaking, fishing, etc.) is on the rise, this according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Following the 2016 algae blooms that affected South Florida, researchers from the United States Geological Survey studied the algae from Lake Okeechobee, the Caloosahatchee River, and the St. Lucie Canal in order to determine potential toxins. They found 28 different types of algae with the dominant organism identified as Microcystis aeruginosa. At lower levels, researches discovered several other cyanobacteria known to produce harmful toxins to both humans and wildlife. The three main types of cynatoxins found in Florida’s freshwater systems include: hepatotoxins, which affect the liver, neurotoxins, affecting the nervous system, and dermatotoxins, which can cause skin irritations. The FWC states that few cases of human illness related to cyanobacteria have been reported in the U.S. However, direct exposure to a cyanobacteria bloom may produce symptoms similar to that of hay fever, this includes sore throat, congestion, skin rashes, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. The Florida Department of Health advises that blue-green algae be avoided entirely. Why does Lake Okeechobee produce so much blue-green algae? Lake Okeechobee has long been the center of a divisive environmental and political debate. For decades the lake has been in a tug of war between environmentalists, state legislators, and big business (such as Big Sugar). Many environmental groups believe that the lake is polluted due to lax agricultural regulations and overdevelopment of the area. The algae buildup that occurs in the lake is a result from phosphorus runoff caused by cattle manure and fertilizer from surrounding farms. Prior to human involvement, Lake Okeechobee naturally drained south into the Everglades. However, in 1928 a massive hurricane changed that, altering the course of Florida’s history forever. Around 2,500 people perished as a result of the storm and the extensive flooding that followed. The Okeechobee Hurricane stands as the second most destructive natural disaster in human history. In order to prevent future flooding, the Herbert Hoover Dike was constructed, effectively blocking off water flow to the Everglades. The dike is comprised of 143 miles of levee and includes hurricane gates as well as multiple water control structures. Today, water still flows from Lake Okeechobee but into smaller canals that lead to either coast. This is how the blue-green algae is spread to the ocean. Historically Big Sugar has also impacted the area by draining swampland in order to plant crops. This ushered in the agricultural development and subsequent commercialization of Lake Okeechobee, which further impeded drainage of the lake. Local organizations such as Captains for Clean Water, advocate that the state of Florida acquire land in the Everglades Agricultural Area in order to restore the natural flow of water back to the river of grass. They wish to see the construction of storm water treatment zones that they believe would help reduce the phosphorous and nitrogen levels in the water. “Nutrient reduction is critical so we do not simply send our problem south,” Captains for Clean Water said in a statement on their website. Gov. Scott, however, plans to use the federal funding that the state will receive as a result of the 2017 hurricane season in order to fund repairs to the Herbert Hoover Dike. Gov. Scott asserts that these repairs will allow Lake Okeechobee to store more water and will hypothetically reduce the need for releases. “At our urging, part of this money will be used to speed the critical repairs to the Herbert Hoover Dike, a long overdue federal project, to help Lake Okeechobee store more water to protect our communities,” Scott said. Captains for Clean Water founder, Chris Wittman, believes that while the dike repairs are necessary, it’s doesn’t fix the underlying issue. “Dike repair is needed, but it’s for flood control and safety of the communities around the lake,” he said. “It won’t have a benefit to our restoration as far as discharges and it doesn’t help get water to rehydrate the Everglades.” Wittman, a U.S. Coast Guard Master Captain and charter business owner, says he has experienced first-hand the effects of the toxic algae blooms on his business. “Fishing guides are probably some of the first to feel it, as far as cancellations and fish kills,” he said. According to Wittman, restoring the Everglades is critical for Florida’s future and economy. “By restoring the Everglades and restoring the flow of water to the Everglades, not only do you save the Everglades on Florida Bay, which are huge economic drivers to our state, but you also reduce the discharges from Lake Okeechobee to the east and west coast, which devastates those communities and hurts local economies,” he said.<doc-sep>Toxic algae blooms have spread as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers releases water from Lake Okeechobee to keep lake levels down. Releases were suspended temporarily, but they were resuming Monday from the St. Lucie Lock & Dam.<doc-sep>At a Glance At least 15 people were reportedly treated at emergency rooms last week after making contact with water teeming with cyanobacteria algae. Nearly 4,000 dead fish were counted on Sanibel area beaches and parks. Harmful algae blooms along Florida's coasts are sending people to emergency rooms and killing marine wildlife by the scores. At least 15 people were treated at area hospitals last week after making contact with water teeming with blue-green algae from the St. Lucie River near Palm City on Florida's east coast, tcpalm.com reports. The algae prompted Sportsman magazine in Stuart, Florida, to close its office. "It smells like death," publisher Blair Wickstrom told the Sun-Sentinel. If ingested, water contaminated with toxic cyanobacteria can cause nausea, vomiting and, in severe cases, acute liver failure, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) says. The Centers for Disease Control says coming in direct contact with the algae can result in a rash. Some research indicates a link between long-term inhalation of toxic algae fumes and neurological disorders like Parkinson’s and Lou Gehrig’s diseases. (MORE: Worst Red Tide In More Than a Decade Leaves Animals Dead on Southwest Florida Beaches) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes the harmful blooms are sometimes referred to as red tides. "But this can be misleading since they can be different colors," the agency notes. Algae blooms of cyanobacteria originate from runoff containing human waste and fertilizers from nearby farms and neighborhoods, according to the FWC. Nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as other nutrients in the polluted runoff, can act like fertilizer for the algae, creating large and long-lasting blooms. Earlier in July, Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency for Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Glades, Hendry, Lee and Okeechobee counties because of the blooms. To reduce the bloom, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers temporarily suspended scheduled water releases from Lake Okeechobee, but they resumed on Monday. Advertisement Meanwhile, the worst red tide in more than a decade has killed marine life, including a number of sea turtles, on Southwest Florida beaches. According to the Fort Myers News-Press, scores of sea turtles were collected in Lee and Collier counties over the past week. Last week, the National Weather Service issued a red tide beach hazard advisory for Lee, Charlotte and Sarasota counties. The advisory was extended past Monday as strong offshore winds pushed the algae onto area beaches. It was a particularly brutal weekend, with nearly 4,000 dead fish counted Sunday on Sanibel area beaches and parks, the News-Press reported. According to the FWC, respiratory issues in humans and fish kills can begin when red tide counts reach 10,000 cells per liter. Rick Bartleson, a water quality expert for the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundatio, told the newspaper he collected samples that exceeded 20 million cells per liter. The bloom has triggered respiratory responses in vulnerable people. Meghan Temple, 33, of Lexington, Kentucky, was on vacation with her family on Sanibel Island last week. She told weather.com that the time they spent at the beach was "interesting, to say the least." "We were coughing like crazy and the smell made our noses drip," she said. "There were dead fish everywhere, and the water was rough, super rough." Tony Hurt, an NWS meteorologist in Ruskin, noted that respiratory symptoms could linger even after people return home from the beach. These can include coughing, an itchy throat, watery eyes and difficulty breathing. The bloom on Florida's southwest coast originated in waters off Lee County near Fort Myers but has expanded to include waters just south of Tampa Bay to the Collier-Monroe border, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported in June. Typically, red tide season last from October to February, but this bloom has lingered along the coast for more than 10 months and doesn't appear to be letting up. Experts say that even if the winds push the algae away from the shore, marine wildlife will continue to die. "We might not see as many (dead sea turtles) on the beach but they will still be out there," Maura Kraus, a sea turtle expert for Collier County, told the News-Press. "The waves just aren’t going to be bringing it in because of the (offshore) wind."<doc-sep>

The worst red tide in more than a decade has left Florida's southwestern shoreline littered with dead fish and sea turtles, but now humans are getting sick too. Exposure to algae sent at least 15 people to the hospital last week for symptoms related to contact with toxic algae, but the number of people who have actually gotten sick could be higher, TCPalm reported. An algae bloom, known as the red tide, has wreaked havoc on coastal wildlife. Red tide season typically lasts from October to around February, but this red tide has persisted along the coast for 10 months. Some rivers and lakes in Florida are also seeing a rise in harmful algae, forcing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to release water from Lake Okeechobee to keep lake levels down, Sun Sentinel reported. Images from beachgoers shared on social media show piles of dead fish lining a popular beach destination in Sanibel, a small city in northwest Florida. The News-Press reported nearly 4,000 dead fish washed up on Sanibel-area beaches and parks over the weekend. "The water was cloudy and brown, and there were fish jumping out of the water trying to get out," Rick Bartleson, a water-quality expert for the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, told The News-Press. Staffers at Florida Sportsman magazine closed the office in Stuart because a nearby algae bloom seemed to be making them feel ill, TCPalm reported. "It smells like death," publisher Blair Wickstrom said. Blue-green algae has also washed up in yards in a Palm City neighborhood, WPTV-Channel 5 reported. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) warned residents that water contaminated with toxic blue-green algae can cause nausea, vomiting and, in severe cases, acute liver failure. Direct contact with algae can also result in a rash, the Centers for Disease Control reported. Some research indicates a connection between long-term inhalation of toxic algae fumes and neurological disorders like Parkinson's and Lou Gehrig's diseases. Algae blooms can originate from runoff containing human waste and fertilizers from nearby farms and neighborhoods, according to the FWC. Nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as other nutrients in the runoff, can act like fertilizer, creating the perfect environment for algae to thrive. The National Weather Service issued a red tide beach hazard advisory last week for Lee, Charlotte and Sarasota counties. The advisory was extended through Monday because of offshore winds that pushed the algae onto area beaches. Earlier in July, Florida Governor Rick Scott declared a state of emergency for Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Glades, Hendry, Lee and Okeechobee counties because of the red tide.

Get the latest United updates, transfer news and analysis delivered straight to your inbox every day for free Invalid Email Something went wrong, please try again later. Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Gareth Southgate reminded Marcus Rashford and England's forwards 'what a threat they are' before the Three Lions' famous win against Spain. The United forward scored England's second goal in their 3-2 win in Seville and also set up Raheem Sterling's opener, putting those misses against Croatia three days previously firmly behind him. England were 3-0 up at half-time and while Spain mounted a spirited comeback after the break, pulling back two goals, La Roja suffered their first home defeat in a competitive fixture since 2003. Rashford has now scored three goals in his last four appearances for the Three Lions, which as many as he managed in his previous 25 internationals. So what did Southgate tell Rashford, Sterling and Harry Kane ahead of the UEFA Nations League clash? "We spoke to the forward players in particular before the game to remind them what a threat they are, and the three of them were outstanding, causing all sorts of problems all night, a tremendous threat," he told Sky Sports. "Then it was up to the rest of the team to come out and play, be brave, and we did that really well. [The 4-3-3 formation] allowed us to press better, but you still need the players to play, receive the ball under pressure. "If you can get out of their initial press quickly, then we are a threat on the counter. The finishes were excellent. I'm delighted and now we have to keep building."<doc-sep>ENGLAND secured a scintillating victory to hand Spain their first competitive home defeat for 15 years in the rain in Seville. Raheem Sterling scored his first international goals for three years, while Marcus Rashford also netted to guide Gareth Southgate's youngsters to their first Uefa Nations League win. 6 Raheem Sterling finally showed that killer instinct for England in front of goal and scored twice Credit: PA:Press Association At 3-0 up at the break, the second half was bound to see Spain come out fighting, desperate to reclaim some pride. And they did just that scoring twice, but couldn't find an equaliser to deny the Three Lions. Here, SunSport rates England's heroes, as well as Spain's unlikely losers. JORDAN PICKFORD - 7 Played a big part in two goals and then completely lost the plot in the second half at 3-1. His distribution is certainly outstanding and was a key for England’s amazing start. But stupidly attempted a Cruyff turn against Rodrigo and could have conceded a penalty. 6 Jordan Pickford had very much the definition of a game of two halves Credit: EPA KIERAN TRIPPER - 7 Brilliant covering – and a terrific block – to deny a rampaging Jonny when England looked on the verge of caving in. We have a three-way battle at right-back but Trippier is currently ahead of his rivals. JOE GOMEZ - 7 Improving with every game for England and will be a key part of this defence moving forward. Held firm after that exceptionally difficult start. Brilliant tackle to deny Asensio early in the second half. Gareth Southgate says England were brave and really believed in their own threat against Spain 6 Harry Maguire put in another powerful performance at the back as he continues to star at world level Credit: Getty Images - Getty HARRY MAGUIRE - 7 Developing and maturing as an England player. The decision to play with a three-man defence at the World Cup was partly to give Maguire protection but he no longer needs this. A rocky opening spell but impressive after that. BEN CHILWELL - 7 Only his third game but looked as though he had been playing at left-back at this level for years. His performance over both Uefa Nations league games has been a massive plus and now a real rival for Luke Shaw and Danny Rose. ERIC DIER - 8 Powerful midfield performance. After a torrid start pushed up onto Spain’s midfield three and made things difficult. Stunned after being booked for a tackle on Sergio Ramos. This was arguably his best performance in a Three Lions shirt. 6 Eric Dier justified his selection in the England engine room with a colossal performance Credit: PA:Press Association HARRY WINKS - 7 Only his second game but not afraid to get into the Spanish players’ faced when they surrounded. Good range of passing. Occasionally gave the ball away. The game started to pass him by in the second half but will learn from this experience. ROSS BARKLEY - 7 Great vision to play the ball out wide to set up the third goal for Sterling. Yet he put in a really decent shift in the midfield three and was full of energy, closing down the Spaniards before being replaced. Has returned from the cold for England and still has a big future with the national team. RAHEEM STERLING - 9 At last. No sooner had Sterling spoke about wanting to end his three-year goal drought he did it with an absolute stunner. And then he did it again 22 minutes later. This could prove to be a massive night in the England career of Sterling. Sky Sports pundits Jamie Carragher, Jamie Redknapp and Alex Scott forced to analyse Spain v England match in darkness after stadium blackout 6 Raheem Sterling sent the England fans into raptures as he put the Three Lions 3-0 up before half-time Credit: Getty Images - Getty HARRY KANE - 8 Outstanding link play. Played a part in all three first half goals. Worked hard, dropped deep and deserved that elusive strike. Has not scored for seven England games – his worst run – but does not matter when he plays like this. MARCUS RASHFORD - 8 One of his best nights in an England shirt. Outstanding pass to Sterling to create the first goal and then showed a classy first touch before tucking away Kane’s pass. Also got back to help defensively. 6 Marcus Rashford rivalled Raheem Sterling for top marks in England's terrific triumph Credit: Getty Images - Getty Subs Walker (for Barkley 76 mins) 7. Alexander-Arnold (for Trippier 85 mins) 7, Chalobah (for Winks 90 mins) 5 Subs not used: Butland, Bettinelli, Dunk, Mount, Maddison, Sancho. Spain De Gea 5, Jonny 5, Nacho 4, Ramos 5, Alonso 5, Alcantara 6, Busquets 5, Saul 5 (Alcacer 57 mins 7), Aspas 5 (Ceballos 57 mins 5) , Rodrigo 6 (Morata 73 mins 5) , Asensio 6. Subs not used: Arrizabalaga, Lopez, Albiol, Koke, Suso, Azpilicueta, Rodri, Gaya, Bartra.<doc-sep>Relive the action on Monday night from a famous win for the Three Lions It was a first win in Spain for England for 31 years and they did it in some style too. The Three Lions were 3-0 up at half-time in Seville where Raheem Sterling ended a three-year international goal drought with a thunderous opener, and then added a second after a fine team move. 2 Sterling scored twice for England in the 3-2 win against Spain Marcus Rashford also scored, with Paco Alcacer and Sergio Ramos getting the hosts’ goals. For Spain, this was their first loss at home in a competitive fixture since 2003. “I’m just extremely proud of the performance the players have given because the played with huge courage,” manager Gareth Southgate said. “We knew that to come here and just defend for 90 minutes, you’re unlikely to get a result, so we needed to be brave with the ball.” getty 2 Spain had no answers for England in the first-half<doc-sep>

Marcus Rashford scores IMPRESSIVE goals in England training England soared into a 3-0 first half lead. Two goals from Raheem Sterling and one from Marcus Rashford blew Spain apart in the first 45 minutes. Rashford has received his fair share of criticism over the weekend after missing two golden chance in the 0-0 draw against Croatia. Many have suggested that the young forward lacks a cutting edge in front of goal. The Man United forward answered his critics though when he collected the ball from Harry Kane and fired past David de Gea. This was Rashford’s second goal against Spain in the Nations League, he beat his club team mate De Gea in September’s loss at Wembley. Now United fans have turned to Twitter to question Jose Mourinho’s management of Rashford. "Please tell me that's the Rashford we'll get this weekend,” one fan said. Rashford was on target in Seville Rashford made it 2-0 after finishing past de Gea Mourinho has struggled to get the best out of Rashford “Another reason why Mourinho needs to go.. Rashford total different player for England,” said another. One Man Utd fan said: “Utd fans actually have the nerve to call Rashford c***. Amazing what happens when you're out of Mourinho's epicentre.” Along with Sterling, Rashford was one of the best players on the pitch in the first half. Vinnie Jones urged Rashford to be more clinical before the match. Rashford is a different player under Mourinho according to some United fans Rashford mostly plays on the left for Man United Fans want to see Rashford play through the middle

Theory 1: It was all a dream According to creator Ryan Murphy via Entertainment Weekly, there’s going to be “a huge thing that happens in episode five.” We have two guesses for what that is: One, that it’s revealed the Apocalypse is just a dream, or “vision,” from Cordelia Goode (Sarah Paulson) since she has the gift of sight. Once Cordelia sees what could happen, she and the rest of the Coven witches will have to fix things in the present so the doomsday from episode one never occurs. Our other guess is that the witches, who can time travel, go back in time to stop the doomsday from occurring, basically rewriting history. The time jump would occur in episode five and could go back to 2015, which is when we may see the Murder House from season one again. (Apocalypse takes place five years later, in 2020.)<doc-sep>Despite the fact that only one episode of American Horror Story Season 8: Apocalypse has aired so far, excited AHS already have plenty of theories about what’s in store, Going into Episode 2, tons of questions remain about the settings, characters, and storyline this season — and the internet is chock full of theories on what’s to come. After all, what better way to pass the time during the week between episodes than to discuss your ideas with fellow fans on various AHS online forums? First, a quick recap. In the premiere of American Horror Story Season 8 the world ended. Sure, some people survived, but the season’s title, Apocalypse, definitely lived up to its name when most of the planet was destroyed by missiles in the first few minutes of Episode 1. Some of the survivors ended up camping out in a containment facility run by a government organization under the control of Kathy Bates’ and Sarah Paulson’s characters, but their future looks bleak. Then, in walks Michael Langdon, who is almost definitely the Antichrist. He arrives at the facility and tells Bates’ character there’s another outpost like her’s, offering the taken the entire group there. But first, he has to determine who’s worthy of being rescued, which probably won’t end well for at least some of the survivors. Some of the theories about the American Horror Story Season 8 involve Langdon directly, and since he’s been positioned as such an important figure (the Antichrist is generally a pretty big deal in most end of the world stories), he will likely be a big influence over a lot of events in AHS: Apocalypse. So let’s take a look at a few of the theories fans have dreamed up so far. Who ended the world? From the very first episode of the season, AHS viewers know that the world has essentially “ended” in missile fire and almost total destruction. What we don’t really know yet is who launched the missiles or why they were sent out in the first place. Some fans believe the Cooperative, the government group housing survivors, is responsible for the launches. “I’m hoping we find out a little more about who sent the missiles this episode,” Redditor No_ThisIs_Patrick suggested on a pre-discussion thread about Episode 2. “I’m sure it’s the Cooperative.” Others agreed, including Reddit user ricola7, who replied in the same discussion: Maybe the cooperative had agents in major world governments and organizations. People thought it was countries fighting against each other, but it was really the cooperative pretending to fight itself. Still others think it may have been the Antichrist himself “so he could form the earth in his vision,” one Reddit user, Lux-xxv, theorized. But my favorite theory is that, regardless of who was actually responsible for the apocalypse, the newscaster from Episode 1 was in on it too. During his final broadcast, he clearly says, “I can’t believe we did it.” He may have just been speaking out of disbelief that the world really went through with launching nukes, but it would also be very clever to have a hint like that hidden in the premiere episode. Who’s in the Coven? Fans are extremely anxious for the witches from American Horror Story: Coven to show up. This new AHS story is supposed to be a crossover between Coven and Murder House, but so far, the witches are not present at the end of the world. However, a few of them do pop up in the teaser trailer for Episode 2. New Coven members? Reddit And if a photo posted to Reddit is to be believed, the Coven may get a new member — if not multiple — during the Apocalypse season of AHS. The photo, seen above, makes it look like Coco, a character from the premiere episode, may be in the Coven now. “I hope this means Coco is a witch,” Redditor General Stanton replied. In the same thread, Reddit user dreammkushh responded, “I read that coco is related to Madison. So I feel like you’re correct,” likely referring to Madison Montgomery from Coven. There’s always a chance that Leslie Grossman is playing someone other than Coco in that photo, especially because American Horror Story has actors play other characters all the time. But a favorite fan theory seems to be that Coco gets to be a witch later on in the season. What crossovers can we expect? Fans also have thoughts about how Apocalypse will play around with crossovers of other American Horror Story seasons. On Twitter, Chloe Carney suggested that the entire show universe could be combined before the end of the Season 8, for instance. We already know Murder House and Coven clues will be involved, but there are a lot of other AHS seasons that Ryan Murphy could crossover with this one as well. Maybe some of these theories will be proven correct in the second episode of American Horror Story: Apocalypse. Or maybe everyone is wrong, and AHS Season 8 even more surprises up their sleeves. American Horror Story airs at 10:00 p.m. Eastern on FX.<doc-sep>Denis O'Hare as Elizabeth Taylor in American Horror Story FREE now for the biggest moments from morning TV SUBSCRIBE Invalid email Sign up fornow for the biggest moments from morning TV When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they'll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time. American Horror Story: Terrifying trailer for 'Apocalypse' series WARNING: This article contains spoilers from American Horror Story: Apocalypse Season eight of the Emmy Award-winning American Horror Story premiered in States last night (Wednesday, September 12) on FX. British fans will have to wait for a couple of weeks when the show will air on FOX in the UK on September 27 at 10pm. The latest run sees a crossover between characters from season one’s Murder House and the third cycle Coven but will the show also feature other figures from the American Horror Story universe? Is Elizabeth Taylor in American Horror Story season 8? It seems highly unlikely that Elizabeth “Liz” Taylor (played by Denis O’Hare) will be in Apocalypse considering the character appeared in season five’s Hotel and was not in either Coven or Murder House. Also, the cast has been revealed for season eight and actor O’Hare is not listed. A quick scan of his IMDb page also does not have the character of Elizabeth Taylor and American Horror Story Apocalypse on it. However, O’Hare did appear in Coven as a character called Spalding and Larry Harvey in Murder House, which suggests he could make a potential cameo. AMERICAN HORROR STORY SEASON 8 RELEASE DATE, CAST, TRAILER, PLOT Denis O'Hare as Elizabeth Taylor in American Horror Story American Horror Story creator Ryan Murphy previously confirmed that the universe was connected, so this again suggests that perhaps Liz Taylor could pop up O’Hare previously received an Emmy nomination for his performance in Murder House, while he was universally lauded for his touching and poignant turn as Liz Taylor. Apocalypse aired last night with Dame Joan Collins making her debut as one of several characters. Collins appeared as a cannibal called “Nanna” Evie Gallant, who had survived a nuclear fallout and was living in a bunker in Beverley Hills in 2019. HOW TO WATCH AMERICAN HORROR STORY SEASON 8 ONLINE Season eight marks Collins’ induction into the American Horror Story family, which includes the likes of Angela Bassett, Lady Gaga and Jessica Lange. Many people on social media hailed Collins’ performance in episode one which was called The End. One audience member wrote: “Joan Collins has been an icon for DECADES. But she’s now peaked in #AHS and I hope she stays on forever…” While a second person posted: “After that first episode, AHS Apocalypse looks so promising absolutely LIVING for Joan Collins #AHSApocalpyse.” HOW MANY EPISODES ARE IN AMERICAN HORROR STORY SEASON 8? Joan Collins in American Horror Story season 8 Sarah Paulson in American Horror Story season 8<doc-sep>

American Horror Story‘s universe has always been creepy, but it’s about to get a whole lot creepier. This fall marks the premiere of AHS: Apocalypse, the first official crossover season in this anthology series. But Apocalypse is remarkable for something over than combining the characters of Murder House and Coven into one twisting tale of madness. This season actually takes place during the end of the world. Well, “our” world. That’s right — the apocalypse in Season 8’s namesake isn’t a metaphor. This upcoming season is really about the end of times. And it turns out that the birth of the antichrist isn’t something that just affects the complicated characters of Season 1 and Season 3. All the seasons of American Horror Story may be suffering. Over the past week, the official American Horror Story Twitter account has been releasing GIFs of iconic AHS locations covered in flames, much like you would expect if the world really was to end in a fiery uprising of the antichrist. Here’s the Harmon family home from Murder House smoldering. And though Freak Show‘s carnival is in flames, Elsa Mars (Jessica Lange) could probably still turn a profit: If it’s possible for Hotel Cortez from Season 5 to look any creepier, that’s happening. Even Cult is represented in the madness, though its GIF is a bit more abstract and Manson-esque: Briarcliff Manor from Asylum isn’t accepting any new patients. And though we know that our favorite Coven witches are safe, but Miss Robichaux’s Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies may not be: And you know Roanoke is in the middle of another tragedy: If we were talking about any other show, this could be written off as a cool but likely meaningless marketing tactic. But this is American Horror Story, a show that has spent eight seasons winking at the fact that all of its stories are in some way connected. If that’s true, which is something that show creator Ryan Murphy alluded to last year, there’s a chance that the apocalypse will affect all seasons of the show. This isn’t a completely insane theory as American Horror Story has a history of making semi-canonical marketing materials. Tied to the premiere of Murder House, FX released the interactive website and short story You’re Going to Die in There, which elaborated on some dark stories that were only hinted at during Season 1. That history tied with the fact that each season of American Horror Story may represent a different circle of hell may mean that the apocalypse is going to effect everything. Coinciding timelines can exist in representations of hell, right? Or maybe all of this is just wild speculation. Regardless it’s weirdly cool to see your favorite AHS locations in the middle of various states of destruction. The end of the world needs to hurry up. Watch American Horror Story: Apocalypse on FXNOW and FX+ September 12

Hundreds of people in a caravan of migrants travelling across Central America attempted to breach the Mexican border on Friday, as local governments began preparing to disperse the convoy under pressure from Washington. Migrants poured through Guatemalan border posts in the town of Tecun Uman and onto a bridge leading to Mexico, only to be halted by dozens of Mexican police in riot gear. Mexico's president sharply rebuked the migrants for the border surge. U.S. President Donald Trump has warned the Central American caravan—which includes women, children and elederly people—must be stopped before it reaches the United States, and Honduras and Guatemala said late on Friday they were mobilizing to assist the return of Honduran migrants to their homeland. President Trump threatened Friday to close the U.S. border to halt the carvan, and said he would call on the military to assist if necessary. Some migrants violently shook fences at the border and police said a few officers were injured in clashes. A handful of migrants jumped into the Suchiate River below to swim for rafts. Others turned back toward Guatemala. Carrying backpacks and small children, many migrants simply sat down on the bridge. Some said that they had been tear gassed. As the afternoon drew on, a tropical storm, Vicente, formed nearby off the Pacific coast. Jose Brian Guerrero, a 24-year-old Honduran traveling with neighbors and his extended family, told Reuters he had joined the caravan to escape violent street gangs, and to find work. "There's nothing for us in our country," said Guerrero, who used to sell beans in Honduras. Mexican authorities say that migrants must have valid documents in order to be admitted into the country. On Friday evening, Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez said he had spoken to his Guatemalan counterpart Jimmy Morales for clearance to send civil protection personnel to help the Hondurans and to find transport for those wanting to return. "We'll continue this operation for as long as is necessary," Hernandez said in a post on Twitter. Shortly afterwards, Guatemala's government tweeted that Hernandez would meet Morales on Saturday in Guatemala City to implement a strategy for returning the Honduran migrants. Meanwhile, in a late televised address, outgoing Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto called the mass rush to penetrate the border "unprecedented", accusing some migrants of attacking police. "Mexico does not and will not allow (people) to enter its territory illegally, let alone violently," he said. A similar caravan of Central Americans that formed in southern Mexico in late March also drew the ire of Trump, who on Thursday threatened to use the military and close the southern border if Mexico did not halt the new march. Such a move would cause chaos on the crossing, one of the world's busiest, and badly disrupt trade. Speaking in Scottsdale, Arizona on Friday, Trump said he "appreciated very much" Mexico's efforts to stop the caravan. "If that doesn't work out, we're calling up the military - not the (National) Guard - we're calling up the military," he told reporters. "They're not coming into this country." Trump has also threatened to cut off aid to Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador - some of the poorest and most violent countries in the Americas - if they fail to prevent undocumented immigrants from heading to the United States. In a tweet Thursday he had praised Mexico for its decision to send riot police to halt the progress of the caravan. Their emigrants make up the bulk of people now caught trying to enter the United States illegally every year. Several migrants at the Guatemala-Mexico border spoke of entire neighborhoods leaving their homes to join the trek after news circulated on social media of a call for a new "caravan" to Mexico six months after the previous one.<doc-sep>A growing throng of Central American migrants resumed their advance toward the US border in southern Mexico on Sunday, overwhelming Mexican government attempts to stop them at the border. Their numbers swelled to about 5,000 overnight and at first light they started walking toward the Mexican town of Tapachula, 10 abreast in a line stretching approximately a mile (1.5 kilometres). Several hundred more already had applied for refugee status in Mexico and an estimated 1,500 were still on the Guatemalan side of the Suchiate River, hoping to enter legally. The decision to re-form the migrant caravan capped a day in which Mexican authorities again refused mass entry to migrants on the bridge, instead accepting small groups for asylum processing and giving out 45-day visitor permits to some. Authorities handed out numbers for people to be processed in a strategy seen before at US border posts when dealing with large numbers of migrants.<doc-sep>David Agren Special to USA Today A caravan of U.S.-bound migrants broke down a border crossing Friday and streamed onto a bridge on Mexico’s southern border with Guatemala in the face of a heavy presence of Mexican and Guatemalan law enforcement officers, according to media reports, Mexican and U.S. officials. The travelers — made up of 1,500 to 4,000 people mostly from Honduras — were eventually stopped on the river crossing, according to video broadcast by the U.S.-based Spanish-language network Telemundo. Some members of the caravan became so desperate they jumped from the bridge, trying to grab onto one of the makeshift rafts other migrants were using to cross the river into Mexico. “Unbelievable sight on Mexican border.. tear gas.. rocks being thrown … caravan wants to enter … not able to right now,” tweeted Telemundo anchor José Díaz-Balart. The network, which had reporters traveling with the caravan, showed Mexican police lined up along the fence holding it up against the waves of migrants trying to push past. Caravan participants screamed that they were being fired upon with tear gas, but it was unclear from the video whether that was happening. Mexican officials vowed not to harm or mistreat any of the migrants, but tensions were high on Friday. The group was on an early leg of a 1,100-mile sojourn to the U.S. border that President Donald Trump has made a key argument for his border policies in rallies leading into the midterm elections. In a series of tweets this week, he angrily threatened to cut off aid to Central America and close the southern border with Mexico if their respective governments failed to deal with the situation. The Associated Press initially reported that the thousands of migrants stopped about two blocks from the Guatemala-Mexican border crossing before turning around, saying they would wait another hour or so. The border post was guarded by a heavy security force and tall metal gates, reported the AP. On the Mexican side of a border bridge, the migrants were met by a phalanx of police with riot shields. About 50 managed to push their way through before officers unleashed pepper spray and the rest retreated. Mexican government officials were trying balance the need to enforce its immigration laws, treat the migrants in a humanitarian way and not further antagonize an unhappy White House. The migration crisis at Mexico’s southern border happened the same day Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was visiting with top Mexican government officials in Mexico City as part of a previously planned trip. Pompeo met with top Mexican officials, including Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto, for confronting the caravan of migrants and harshly criticized caravan organizers. He said the Mexican government deployed 500 federal police officers to the southern border with Guatemala, where at least four were injured. “We don’t know the severity of those injuries, but I want to express my sympathy to those four policemen,” he told reporters traveling with him late Friday. He accused the caravan organizers of using women and children as “shields” to attempt to cross Mexico’s border. “This is an organized effort to come through and violate the sovereignty of Mexico, and so we’re prepared to do all that we can to support the decisions that Mexico makes about how they’re going to address this very serious and important issue to their country,” said Pompeo. The Mexican had sought the assistance of the United Nations refugee agency review asylum claims of caravan’s mostly Honduran migrants before they can make their way to the U.S.-Mexico border. The migrants told the AP they fleeing a corrupt government, poverty and violence in Honduras. Cristian, a 34-year-old cell phone repairman from San Pedro Sula, said he left Honduras because gang members had demanded protection payments of $83 a month, a fifth of his income. It was already hard enough to support his four daughters on the $450 he makes, so he closed his small business instead. Cristian, who declined to give his last name because the gangsters had threatened him, estimated that about 30 percent of the migrants want to apply for refugee status in Mexico, while the rest want to reach the United States. “I want to get to the States to contribute to that country,” Cristian told the AP. “to do any kind of work, picking up garbage.” The mass of migrants arrived in the Guatemalan border town of Tecún Umán, where they slept on the streets and in a park and prepared Friday to cross the Suchiate River – which separates Mexico and Guatemala – and head northward to the U.S. border. Such migrant caravans are not uncommon as those heading north seek safety in numbers as the road through Mexico is rife with risks such as kidnap, rape and extortion. Mexico has said only those with the proper papers would be allowed entry into the country and dispatched two planeloads of Federal Police officers to the area –which is often so neglected that migrants simply float across the river in rafts into Mexico without having to clear customs. Mexico said the staff of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees would help identify “legitimate” asylum claims from the migrants who are part of the caravan. The AP reported that police and immigration agents allowed small groups of 10, 20, 30 people through the gates to apply for refugee status. Once they filed a claim, they were permitted to go to shelter to spend the night. More:Trump administration supports Mexico, UN plan to deal with caravan of migrants Some in Mexico have questioned if the government’s plan to accept so many asylum applications would work, given the current backlog of claims and slow processing times. Mexico has received a crush of asylum claims in recent years as many Central Americans consider Mexico a destination country or prefer to not risk crossing an increasingly fortified U.S. border. The country accepted 14,596 claims in 2017, more than six times the number of applications it received in 2104.<doc-sep>CHIAPAS, Mexico — Kesler Steven, 12, was crossing from Guatemala into Mexico along with thousands of migrants fleeing from Honduras when fights broke out. Kesler said people began throwing sticks. Then the police threw tear gas. "At first I didn't feel anything, but later I got dizzy and I couldn't feel my body," he said. "I felt everything hard. I wasn't even able to walk anymore." In the chaos, Kesler temporarily lost track of his mother Isis Ramirez, 32. They were later reunited before the family arrived at a temporary shelter in Ciudad Hidalgo, a city in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas, which borders Guatemala. On Saturday, hundreds of migrants waited at the shelter before they were expected to continue to the U.S.-Mexico border, more than 1,000 miles away. The group is part of a caravan of approximately 4,000 immigrants fleeing Central America. On Thursday night, a portion of the group split off and crossed from Guatemala into Mexico. The approximately 2,000 to 3,000 migrants remaining in the Guatemalan border town of Tecun Uman began crossing hours after the first group. Mexican authorities were only letting small groups at a time into the country, rather than allowing mass entry, according to The Associated Press, which estimated that as many as 3,000 people had entered by Saturday. The caravan began with hundreds preparing to leave Honduras, and grew in size after media coverage. Many of the travelers, which included families with young infants, had already planned to leave the country and felt that traveling in a group would lessen the risk of falling victim to robbery and assault. Mexican authorities said on Saturday that 640 migrants from the caravan have presented asylum claims to the Mexican government, but it was unclear how many entered the country in total. As the migrants arrived in Ciudad Hidalgo, they were warmly greeted with cheers and applause by the local community. Volunteers cooked and handed out meals on the street as the group approached the temporary shelter. Inside the shelter, groups rested on blankets and slept on tiled floors beneath colorful dangling paper decorations. Others stood together, discussing what would happen next.<doc-sep>

The U.S. government is now tracking a small group of immigrants from the Honduran migrant caravan who crossed into southern Mexico on Thursday night, a border President Donald Trump made clear he did not want the migrants to cross in order to prevent them from arriving at the U.S. southern border. The breakaway group crossed over the Succhiate River separating Guatemala and Mexico, according to an internal U.S. document obtained by NBC News. They are soon to be followed by a group of 2,000-3,000 migrants who have congregated in Guatemalan border town of Tecun Uman, which is located about 25 miles south of Tapachula, Mexico. The group of migrants, gathered in the town's central park, were preparing to make a decision by early afternoon about how to enter Mexico. Among the options: cross Tecun Uman's border bridge by foot and face detention or try to make it across the Succhiate River undetected. "If migration and the federal police do not allow us access, we will do the impossible to cross into Mexico," one of the migrants shouted to the others. Later Friday, six Mexican federal police officers were injured in an altercation with migrants along the border, Mexican authorities said. A separate group of roughly 500 migrants are expected to join the others later Friday. Another large caravan of roughly 1,000 Hondurans recently crossed into El Salvador as they make their way north. In a tweet on Thursday morning, Trump raised pressure on Mexico "to stop this onslaught," adding "if unable to do so I will call up the U.S. Military and CLOSE OUR SOUTHERN BORDER!" Trump on Friday thanked Mexico for its handling of the caravan and reiterated his vow to mobilize the military if needed. "It's being stopped as of this moment by Mexico," Trump said in Arizona. "So we appreciate very much what Mexico’s doing." Trump went on to declare that a number of the migrants are criminals. "A fairly big percentage of those people are criminals, and they wanna come into our country, and they’re criminals, and it’s not happening under my watch," he said. Honduran migrants, part of a caravan trying to reach the U.S., rest inside a shelter during a new leg of their travel in Tecun Uman, Guatemala, on Oct. 18, 2018. Edgard Garrido / Reuters Meanwhile, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo traveled to Mexico to meet with his counterparts, where he will continue to pressure the country to stop migrants from passing through Mexico to the United States. Mexican President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said his government will urge the U.S. and Canada to participate in a joint investment of about $30 billion for the development of projects and jobs to curb migration in the region. "We don't want temporary solutions because if the problem isn't addressed at the root people are always going to look for a way to improve their lives," Obrador said. "The people don't leave their villages for pleasure. They do it out of necessity." The migrants' travel patterns could trigger a crackdown on the border by the Trump administration. Senior administration officials say Trump is "dead serious" about taking drastic measures, including sealing the border, but is likely to hold off until after the Nov. 6 midterms. The first wave of the caravan is due to reach the United Stated border just around that time. The internal document said roughly 400 of the roughly 4,000 migrants who fled poverty and violence in Honduras have been repatriated, which means they were either deported or voluntarily returned to their country.

The last special election of the year for the U.S. House is too close to call. With election officials in Ohio done counting Tuesday night, Republican Troy Balderson has a slight lead over Democrat Danny O’Connor in the special election in the state’s 12th Congressional District. But there are at least 3,367 provisional ballots left to be reviewed. That’s enough for O’Connor to potentially pick up enough votes to force a mandatory recount. The Associated Press does not declare winners in races that go to an automatic recount. View live results here:<doc-sep>When Ohio Republican Rep. Pat Tiberi announced in October 2017 that he would resign from the U.S. House of Representatives to become president of the Ohio Business Roundtable, Doug Jones and Conor Lamb were not yet household names, and Democrats had yet to flip a Republican-held seat in a special election. What a difference 10 months make. Ohio’s 12th Congressional District will finally elect Tiberi’s successor on Tuesday, and the race is following a very similar script to previous special elections. 1. The players Just like in Georgia’s 6th District and Pennsylvania’s 18th District, Democrats in Ohio’s 12th District picked as their nominee a fresh-faced 30-something: Franklin County Recorder Danny O’Connor. And just like in Georgia and Pennsylvania, Republicans chose a 50-something veteran of state politics: state Sen. Troy Balderson. Like his Democratic antecedents, O’Connor has outraised his opponent in campaign cash, deploying that advantage early on TV ads burnishing his centrist bona fides: He tied himself to Republican Gov. John Kasich and explicitly promised not to vote for Nancy Pelosi for speaker. (Although he may have given back some of that yardage on July 24 when he said on MSNBC that he would support “whoever the Democratic Party puts forward” instead of allowing Republican control of the House.) Meanwhile, in keeping with special–election tradition, some Republicans have anonymously complained about their candidate, although others have publicly embraced him: Kasich (albeit after some initial reticence) endorsed Balderson and cut an ad for him, and President Trump flew in Saturday for a rally. As in past special elections, Republican super PACs have also come to their candidate’s aid; the top spender is the Congressional Leadership Fund at $3.2 million, and many of its ads have been negative. The good news for Republicans is that they have a sizable overall spending advantage — the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is the only progressive outside group that has spent more than $90,000 (investing $630,000). 2. The partisanship Ohio’s 12th District is traditionally Republican. According to FiveThirtyEight’s partisan lean metric, it is 14 percentage points more Republican-leaning than the nation as a whole. But most districts (along with the one state) that have hosted federal special elections since Trump’s inauguration leaned strongly toward Republicans, and most of those races were decided by single digits. In other words, Democratic enthusiasm, Trump’s unpopularity and the normal mean-reversion tendency of midterm election cycles have transformed normally safe Republican seats into nail-biters. How will Democrats perform in Ohio’s 12th District? U.S. House and Senate special elections this cycle, by the seat’s partisan lean and final vote margin Year Date Seat Partisan Lean Vote Margin Dem. Swing 2017 April 4 California 34th* D+69 D+87 +18 April 11 Kansas 4th R+29 R+6 +23 May 25 Montana at large R+21 R+6 +16 June 20 Georgia 6th R+9 R+4 +6 June 20 South Carolina 5th R+19 R+3 +16 Nov. 7 Utah 3rd R+35 R+32 +3 Dec. 12 Alabama Senate R+29 D+2 +31 2018 March 13 Pennsylvania 18th R+21 D+0.3 +22 April 24 Arizona 8th R+25 R+5 +20 June 30 Texas 27th* R+26 R+21 +5 Aug. 7 Ohio 12th R+14 ? ? Partisan lean is the average difference between how the constituency voted and how the country voted overall in the last two presidential elections, with 2016 weighted 75 percent and 2012 weighted 25 percent. * Results are from either an all-party primary or an all-party general election, both of which include multiple candidates of the same party; vote margin is the total vote share of all Democratic candidates combined minus the total vote share of all Republican candidates combined. Sources: Daily Kos Elections, secretaries of state Lo and behold, the special election in Ohio’s 12th has evolved into a toss-up race too, with perhaps a slight tilt toward Republicans. But this should come as no surprise: Since 2017, the margins of federal special elections have shifted leftward from their partisan leans by an average of 16 percentage points (calculated from the rightmost column in the table above). If Ohio holds an average special election on Tuesday, that would suggest a 2-point O’Connor win. 3. The polling An O’Connor win could very well happen, but it’s worth noting that the Democrat has led in only one poll of the race. An average of the four polls taken in the final two weeks of the campaign puts the race at Balderson 47 percent, O’Connor 45 percent. The latest polls in Ohio’s 12th District show a close race Start End Pollster Pop. O’Connor Balderson Margin 8/2 8/4 Emerson College LV 47% 46% D+1 7/26 7/31 Monmouth University* LV 45 47 R+2 7/27 7/29 Public Policy Polling^ V 44 48 R+4 7/23 7/25 GBA Strategies† LV 45 48 R+3 7/10 7/13 GBA Strategies† LV 43 48 R+5 6/13 6/16 JMC Analytics LV 35 46 R+11 6/9 6/12 GBA Strategies† LV 41 48 R+7 6/7 6/10 Monmouth University* LV 38 48 R+10 * Monmouth University polls are an average of three likely voter models: the “low turnout,” “standard midterm” and “Democratic surge” models. ^ Poll conducted for liberal group End Citizens United. † Internal poll conducted for the O’Connor campaign. V = voters; LV = likely voters Democrats might make a few points to argue that their candidate will outperform the polls. They might point out that O’Connor has closed the gap significantly over the past couple of months. The implication there is that O’Connor will continue to surge — perhaps right into the lead — in the race’s final “poll” on election day. But as we’ve shown in the past, this concept of “momentum” in general-election polling is a myth. Democrats also might trot out early voting statistics, which appear favorable to O’Connor: As of July 26, 54 percent of early votes had been cast by Democrats compared with 31 percent by Republicans. But in Ohio, a voter “registers” for a political party by simply voting in that party’s primary election — an unreliable indicator for one’s true partisan feelings. Plus, the early vote is accounted for in polls, so we shouldn’t give it any weight above and beyond that.<doc-sep>LAS VEGAS, NV - OCTOBER 20: U.S. Rep. and U.S. Senate candidate Jacky Rosen (D-NV) speaks during a rally at the Culinary Workers Union Hall Local 226 featuring former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden on October 20, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Early voting for the midterm elections in Nevada begins today. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., speaks to supporters after she was declared the winner over former Gov. Phil Bredesen in their race for the U.S. Senate Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018, in Franklin, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) (CNN) — Tuesday marks the final special election before November, and a reliably Republican seat is once again at risk of switching parties. Republican state Sen. Troy Balderson is fighting to maintain his party’s three-decade hold on the Ohio 12th District, which spans north and east of Columbus. President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence have campaigned there in an effort to get Republicans to vote for Balderson and tamp down Democrat Danny O’Connor’s momentum. The candidates will square off again in the fall, but a loss for Republicans will serve as a major psychological blow ahead of the critical midterm elections. The implications of this race, along with critical contests in Michigan, Missouri, Kansas and Washington state, will give a temperature of voters across the country that hasn’t occurred since the last major multi-state primary in June. What we’ll learn tonight IS THIS A SIGN OF A BLUE WAVE? If O’Connor prevails, it will be a strong indicator that Democrats can win in areas that have long eluded them. With only 23 seats needed to take back the majority in the House, a win in this Columbus-area district will put that in greater reach for them (plus the number will tick down to 22). If Balderson wins the final vote, Democrats will point to the margin to show gains. Former Rep. Pat Tiberi won the district with a margin of about 37 percentage points in 2016. A loss within a close margin less than two years after a strong victory for the GOP will still be a big talking point for Democrats. HOW STRONG IS THE TRUMP BUMP? President Donald Trump’s endorsement in Republican primaries has given last-minute boosts to candidates like Katie Arrington in South Carolina. His support for John James in Michigan and Kris Kobach in Kansas could help bring them over the line in their primaries tonight. But will Trump’s backing be enough to take Balderson over the finish line despite Democratic enthusiasm for O’Connor? The race will say a lot about the President’s impact on general election match-ups in November. A.O.C. ALL OVER AGAIN? Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is barnstorming for progressives across the country after her unexpected primary victory over House Democratic Caucus Chair Joe Crowley in New York. She’s campaigned for James Thompson in Kansas and Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan, but can she help outsider candidates in areas that aren’t liberal strongholds? What to watch tonight OHIO-12 SPECIAL ELECTION (polls close 7:30 p.m. ET): Like many races this year, this has come down to turning out the base. Trump stumped here on Saturday to turn out his base (he won the district with 52% in 2016). O’Connor will need Democrats to turn out in droves, combined with some flips from Independents and Republicans. A mid-August race with a potential for low turnout could be the right mix for Democrats. They are hoping to replicate Conor Lamb’s impressive victory in Pennsylvania earlier this year, rather than Hiral Tipernini’s close but ultimate loss in Arizona. Like the Arizona special election, both candidates will face off again in November. KANSAS (all polls closed by 9 p.m. ET): Kris Kobach, the conservative secretary of state who served on the President’s voter integrity commission, has been tight in the polls in the race for governor, but Trump’s last-minute support of him on Monday could shake up the race. GOP Gov. Jeff Colyer is competing for a full term after the appointment of unpopular Gov. Sam Brownback to the State Department. Brownback’s deep budget cuts to the state have been unpopular, leaving Republicans worried they may lose the seat in November. Kobach’s staunch conservative views may not play as well in the general election as they might normally. For Democrats, Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez came to the ruby red state for Brent Welders, which could upend a race that Democrats think they can flip with candidate Sharice Davids. If Welders wins, Democrats worry he won’t have enough broad support to beat GOP Rep. Kevin Yoder. MICHIGAN (polls close 9 p.m. ET): The Democratic race for the open governor’s seat once again pits a Sanders progressive outsider against a well-known Democratic leader. Former state Senate Majority Leader Gretchen Whitmer has tried to boost her liberal bona fides with her experience, focusing her campaign on her work to expand Medicaid in the state. She’s leading in the polls, but it was the Wolverine State that gave Sanders an unexpected win during the 2016 primaries. Abdul El-Sayed, whom Sanders has campaigned hard for, is hoping to bring those voters out again. If he wins the primary and wins in November, he would be the nation’s first Muslim governor. On the Republican side, John James – an African-American Iraq War vet – got a boost from the President that could put him over the top and shake up the Senate race against three-term Sen. Debbie Stabenow. Stabenow is expected to win in the fall, but James could prove to be a formidable foe. MISSOURI (polls close at 8 p.m. ET): Tonight’s primary will kick off one of the most strongly contested Senate races of the year. State Attorney General Josh Hawley is widely expected to win the Republican primary, setting him up to take on two-term Sen. Claire McCaskill. McCaskill has won by facing deeply flawed candidates in her previous elections, but Republicans are hoping this time that Hawley can avoid past mistakes. In a state Trump won by almost 20 points, you can expect to see him continuing to campaign hard here for Hawley (and for more comparisons between McCaskill and Hillary Clinton).<doc-sep>On Tuesday, voters in 2018 set a record for female nominees for governor in either major party, according to data collected by the Center for American Women and Politics. Democratic voters nominated women for the governor's mansion in Michigan and Kansas, bringing the total number of female nominees for governor to 11. Not all these women will win in November, but experts say just having more women run for office can narrow a subtler gender gap: how voters put different expectations on female candidates than they do male candidates.<doc-sep>

LAS VEGAS, NV - OCTOBER 20: U.S. Rep. and U.S. Senate candidate Jacky Rosen (D-NV) speaks during a rally at the Culinary Workers Union Hall Local 226 featuring former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden on October 20, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Early voting for the midterm elections in Nevada begins today. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., speaks to supporters after she was declared the winner over former Gov. Phil Bredesen in their race for the U.S. Senate Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018, in Franklin, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) (CNN) — Politics is about wins and losses. By that measure, Republicans appear to have had a good night on Tuesday, with state Sen. Troy Balderson (R) leading Franklin County Recorder Danny O’Connor (D) by just under 2,000 votes with 99% of precincts reporting in the special election in Ohio’s 12th District. But keeping score in politics – especially in special elections by simply tallying up wins and losses – can miss the point. And this is one of those moments. Yes, Balderson appears to have won. Which means he will likely hold the seat for the handful of months that remain in this Congress. But the underlying dynamics of the district and the race should concern every smart Republican looking at the November playing field and assessing the GOP’s chances of holding onto its 23-seat House majority. Consider that the 12th district is not, by any traditional measure, a toss-up district. Taking in the northern and eastern suburbs of Columbus – and stretching to more rural areas further east – it has been held by a Republican member of Congress continuously for the past three decades. In 2012, even while losing the state to President Barack Obama, Mitt Romney won the 12th by 10 points. Four years later, Donald Trump carried it by 11 points. Based on those numbers, this is not a seat that should be at all competitive – even in a special election – if the national playing field was flat-ish. Of course, we know it’s not – based on lots and lots of other results this year. The playing field – as it so often is in a midterm election with one party in control of all the levers of power in Washington – is clearly tilted toward Democrats, and will be this November. The question that needs to come into better focus is how tilted. And that’s where the result in Ohio can be instructive – in judging the size of the coming Democratic wave. According to the Cook Political Report’s House editor David Wasserman, there are 68 Republican-held seats that perform less well for the GOP at the presidential level than the 12th. That tells you a lot about where things stand – and why Balderson’s apparent eking out of a victory isn’t any reason to celebrate for Republicans. There’s another reason, too: Outside conservative groups dumped millions of dollars into this seat to save Balderson, a spending plan they simply won’t be able to repeat around the country. The Congressional Leadership Fund, which spent upwards of $3 million on ads to get Balderson across the line, was blunt about this financial math in a statement on Tuesday night. “While we won tonight, this remains a very tough political environment and moving forward, we cannot expect to win tough races when our candidate is being outraised,” the statement read. “Any Republican running for Congress getting vastly outraised by an opponent needs to start raising more money.” And here’s a very scary reality for House Republicans: In the second fundraising quarter of 2018, 55(!) Democratic challengers outraised their Republican incumbent opponents, according to CNN calculations. There’s no way the Congressional Leadership Fund – or any other outside group – can spend $3+ million on all 55 of those incumbents to save them in November. The worst thing for Republican chances in the midterms is to breathe any sort of sigh of relief following Balderson’s apparent victory. To do so would be to mistake winning a battle for winning the war. And if anything, the chances of Republicans holding onto their majority went down slightly on Tuesday night, as Balderson’s extremely narrow margin suggests that the Democratic wave is coming – and it’s not a small one. Consider this: If even half of the 68 Republicans who represent a district less friendly than Ohio’s 12th lose this November, Democrats retake the House – with 11 seats to spare.

University News In its 2019 guidebook, The Princeton Review cites students praising professors who "are amazing and want to help in any way they can" and a campus community they describe as a "huge melting pot" and "refreshingly diverse." In the University of New Haven's profile in the Princeton Review students praised the University's welcoming campus community. The University of New Haven is featured in The Princeton Review’s 2019 "The Best 384 Colleges" guidebook. It is the third consecutive year the University is featured in the well-respected guidebook that serves as a go-to resource for students, families, and high school guidance counselors. It is the fifth year in a row The Princeton Review has included the University in its annual ratings of the nation's top colleges and universities. "Being recognized again by The Princeton Review is a testament to our high-achieving students and our talented faculty and staff who through their boundless expertise and tireless devotion enable our students to achieve more than they ever thought possible," said University of New Haven President Steve Kaplan. "It is especially gratifying to see how strongly our students feel about the impact their professors are making on their lives and future pursuits and how much they enjoy being part of our close-knit and vibrant campus community." University of New Haven President Steve Kaplan In the University's profile, students praised their professors who truly believe "their main purpose is to help us prepare to become leaders" and "are amazing and want to help in any way they can." Students said the University is "full of academic, social, and professional opportunities" and that the relatively small population "allows the professors to get to know you and gives you multiple opportunities for research and other advancements." Students also said their classmates "know what it is they want" and that everyone is "friendly and had a positive and welcoming attitude." They said the University community is a "huge melting pot" and described the campus as "refreshingly diverse." Only about 15 percent of America's 2,500 four-year colleges are profiled in the book, which is one of The Princeton Review's most popular guides. It has been published annually since 1992. The rankings are based on surveys of 138,000 students. "We picked the 384 'best' colleges for our book primarily for their outstanding academics; we highly recommend each one," said Robert Franek, The Princeton Review's editor-in-chief and the book's lead author. About The Princeton Review The Princeton Review is a leading tutoring, test prep and college admission services company. Every year, it helps millions of college- and graduate school-bound students achieve their education and career goals through online and in person courses delivered by a network of more than 4,000 teachers and tutors, online resources, and its more than 150 print and digital books published by Penguin Random House. The Princeton Review is headquartered in Natick, Mass. and is an operating business of Match Group (NASDAQ: MTCH). For more information, visit www.princetonreview.com. Follow the company on Twitter @theprincetonrev. Used with permission. ©2018 TPR Education IP Holdings, LLC. The Princeton Review is not affiliated with Princeton University. For more information about reprints from The Princeton Review visit PARS International Corp. at www.TPR-licensing.com.<doc-sep>New York and Connecticut have no shortage of universities getting national attention for excellence. Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville has been named No. 1 for having the “Best Classroom Experience” among the hundreds of colleges listed in The Princeton Review’s "The 384 Best Colleges: 2019 Edition." Manhattanville College in Purchase, meanwhile, was ranked as having the "Best College Radio Station" nationwide. Marist College in Poughkeepsie ranked 20th nationwide for the most beautiful campus and eighth for the most popular study abroad program. In Connecticut, Fairfield University ranked ninth nationwide for "Best Quality of Life" and 13th for "Happiest Students." Sacred Heart University, also in Fairfield, CT, ranked No. 17 for "Happiest Students" and No. 19 for "Most Engaged in Community Service." Yale University in New Haven, CT, was ranked 7th in the nation for "Great Financial Aid," 9th for "Best Financial Aid" and 9th for "Colleges that Pay You Back." For its 27th edition, Princeton Review surveyed 138,000 students from across the country -- to tell you which college has the best food, best career services, happiest students, and more. Find out if your dream school made one of Princeton Review's 62 lists by clicking here: Sarah Lawrence College has received this top rating two out of the last three years, and came in fourth among all colleges for “Professors Get High Marks,” a category that recognizes the high regard the College’s students hold for their professors. Sarah Lawrence also received high marks for political activism and No. 3 for "Tree-Hugging Vegetarians." Cristle Collins Judd, president of Sarah Lawrence College, said: “The fact that these ratings come from students, who after all are the experts, makes them all the more telling, and shows that we are keeping the best of the Liberal Arts tradition alive by offering an interdisciplinary education that focuses on in-depth study, and critical thinking." The State University of New York at Purchase ranked No. 1 in "Best College Theater." Pace University's description by students fared much better than some of its rankings which included No. 1 in "Nobody Plays Intramural Sports." One of The Princeton Review’s most popular guides, "The Best 384 Colleges" rankings are based on surveys of 138,000 students at 384 top colleges that includes a wide representation by region, size, selectivity and character. Published annually since 1992, the book has detailed profiles of the colleges with rating scores in eight categories as well as ranking lists of top 20 schools in 62 categories. For details on the rankings and methodology click here: In New York, Barnard College also ranked among the nation's best, as did Columbia University which ranked No. 1 for "Best College Newspaper" as well as for its "Best College Library." Fordham University in the Bronx was ranked 11th in the nation for "Best College Newspaper," and 13th in the nation for "Best College Radio Station." (WFUV) New York University got a dubious No. 1 ranking for "Financial Aid Not So Great," but placed fifth for "College City Gets High Marks." Upstate, Cornell University in Ithaca and Colgate University in Hamilton and Hamilton College in Clinton also made the national ranking. Colgate ranked No. 2 for "Best College Library," and No. 3 for "Great Financial Aid." Cornell ranked fourth for "Best College Newspaper" and "Best College Food," and placed seventh for "Best College Library." Ithaca College ranked second nationwide for "Best College Theater," sixth for "Best College Radio," and eighth for "Best College Newspaper." Also, "Students Pack the Stadiums" (and Carrier Dome) at Syracuse University ranking in No. 1 in that category and No. 4 "Party School." SU also ranked No. 2 for "Best College Newspaper," No. 5 for "Best College Radio Station," and gulp....No. 6 for "Lots of Beer." St. Lawrence University in Canton, ranked No. 3 for "Best Alumni Network." The State University of New York's College of Environmental Science and Forestry at Syracuse University ranked No. 1 for Top 50 Green Colleges. St. Bonaventure University ranked No. 3 for "Best College Radio Station." State University of New York at Binghamton ranked as having the 10th "Best College Newspaper." Click here to sign up for Daily Voice's free daily emails and news alerts.<doc-sep>

Princeton Review 2019 Ohio Wesleyan Listed among Guidebook’s ‘Best’ and ‘Best Midwestern’ Colleges By Cole Hatcher DELAWARE, Ohio – Ohio Wesleyan University is one of the top schools in the nation, according to The Princeton Review’s 2019 guidebook, “The Best 384 Colleges.” According to the new guidebook, released Aug. 7, Ohio Wesleyan earns high marks with students for the quality and accessibility of its professors. The university earned a 94 rating (out of 99) for student responses to the statement, “Your instructors are good teachers,” and a 93 rating for “Your instructors are accessible outside the classroom.” In addition to being named as one of the nation’s 384 best colleges, Ohio Wesleyan also earned a spot on The Princeton Review’s list of “Best Midwestern Colleges,” comprised of schools that “we consider academically outstanding and well worth consideration in your college search,” according to the organization’s website. The new guidebook is based on surveys of 138,000 students at its top colleges with questions exploring the areas of academics, administration, campus life, student body, and the students themselves. Academics receive the highest consideration, states Robert Franek, The Princeton Review’s editor-in-chief and the guidebook’s lead author. “We picked the 384 ‘best’ colleges for our book primarily for their outstanding academics; we highly recommend each one,” he said. According to the 2019 guidebook: “To some, Ohio Wesleyan University offers the best of both worlds: the ‘smaller school’ experience of a ‘liberal arts education’ along with the ‘fantastic financial aid,’ ‘scholarship money,’ and ‘opportunity to play a collegiate sport’ available at a ‘global” university.’ ” Students also report enjoying the culturally diverse atmosphere of the campus, stating: “I’ve never met so many people that are religiously and culturally different in a single place. It’s amazing!” and it’s “very easy to make friends in this type of environment.” “At OWU,” The Princeton Review guidebook concludes, “ ‘everyone fits in somewhere. ’ ” Learn more about The Princeton Review, its “The Best 384 Colleges” guidebook, and its methodology at www.princetonreview.com/best384. Learn more about Ohio Wesleyan, including academic opportunities and enrollment information, at www.owu.edu/admission. Founded in 1842, Ohio Wesleyan University is one of the nation’s premier liberal arts universities. Located in Delaware, Ohio, the private university offers more than 90 undergraduate majors and competes in 25 NCAA Division III varsity sports. Through Ohio Wesleyan’s signature OWU Connection program, students integrate knowledge across disciplines, build a diverse and global perspective, and apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Ohio Wesleyan is featured in the book “Colleges That Change Lives” and included in the U.S. News & World Report and Princeton Review “best colleges” lists. Learn more at www.owu.edu.

Just after 7:30 a.m. Sunday, Melissa Quintero, 21, curled up in a folding chair on Silver Lake Boulevard. Her sister Alison, 15, was running the Los Angeles Marathon for the first time. Quintero planned to make multiple stops along the 26.2-mile route to watch her jog by. Silver Lake was the first. “We’ll scream,” Quintero said in anticipation. More than 24,000 people took to the streets Sunday for the 34th Los Angeles Marathon, supported by cheering fans, friends and family members gathered along the course that stretched from Dodger Stadium near downtown to the beach in Santa Monica. Advertisement WINNERS: Elisha Barno wins 2019 L.A. Marathon; Askale Merachi wins women’s race in course-record time » As thousands of runners coursed down Sunset Boulevard, spectators clapped and cheered, some banging noisemakers and waving colorful signs. Runners raked the sidelines with their eyes as they passed, waving in delight and recognition when they saw family and friends. Shortly after 8:45 a.m., a group of runners wearing purple shirts that said “Team Chrissy” paused to take a group photo with their family on Sunset. The group was running to honor their relative Christiana Duarte, who was shot and killed at a Las Vegas country music festival in 2017, the deadliest mass shooting in American history. Duarte, who was 22 when she died, grew up in Redondo Beach and worked for the Kings hockey team. Her family has run two L.A. Marathons to honor her memory. “Almost everyone has been touched by a mass shooting,” said Camilla Duarte-Brannstrom, whose partner was running, her voice choked with emotion. “You don’t think you will be until you are.” At Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue, Arielle Miller-Cohen stood waiting and watching, wearing a sign that read, “My husband runs for scleroderma, ask me about it.” Two years ago, Greg Cohen, a trainer for Equinox, was diagnosed with the disease, which involves the hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues. Cohen has run the marathon twice since then, to raise awareness about the disease — something experts say is rare. “He’s truly a fighter,” said Peggy Hickman, a board member of the Scleroderma Foundation. She stood in a group wearing white T-shirts and holding signs with a photo of Cohen. Advertisement Across the street, in front of the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, runners snatched paper cups filled with water as spectators cheered. One waved a sign that read, “Get to that finish line, Sheila, the beer won’t stay cold forever!” “When you come to see the marathon, you come to see the best in all of us,” said Andy Acosta, who left his Glendale home around 5 a.m. to support a Ralphs coworker. “This is L.A. at its finest.” Outside of the El Capitan Theatre, David Fletcher, 42, waited with his two children — James, 4, and Rory, 6 — for their mother, Brenda, who was running her first marathon. The children clutched homemade signs that cheered on their mom in English and Spanish. “I wanted to be funny,” Fletcher said, holding up his own sign. It read: “My arms are tired.” Advertisement Brenda stopped for a kiss and a photo. “I love you!” Fletcher yelled. “I love you!” she responded, as she rejoined the race. As runners turned from Wilshire Boulevard onto Santa Monica in Beverly Hills, Gary and Dora Anderson waited for their 13-year-old son, Aiden, to race by just before 11:30 a.m. This was the 18-mile mark. Advertisement Gary’s neon-yellow sign read: “Aiden, Mom and Dad are so proud of you. See you @ the finish line.” Aiden’s little brother, 4-year-old Caleb — a redhead like his sibling — held a smaller sign that read “Go Aiden” and had a drawing of a boy with red hair. “I got this so Aiden would come,” he muttered, waving his sign above his head. Aiden, who goes to Los Nietos Middle School in Whittier, recently got into running and has been training since September, his parents said. His passion, they said, is all the more impressive because he has asthma. “He’s blowing our minds right now,” Gary Anderson said. Advertisement Minutes later, the family stood up straight and faced the intersection. Amid shouts of “Aiden!” a lanky boy in a neon shirt ran toward them, clutching a bottle of juice. He hugged his parents and then kept running. Watching her son head toward the finish line, Dora Anderson brushed tears from her cheek. In his 50s, Linwood Bracey quit smoking and took up running. Now 78, he has run the L.A. Marathon nearly two dozen times. He wanted to race this year too, but had to sit out because of an injury. But Bracey, who lives in Big Bear, showed up Sunday to cheer on his nephew Alex Williams, alongside his nephew’s wife, Gayle Williams. The couple, who live in Cerritos, became runners because of Bracey, she said. Advertisement “He motivated us all,” she said. Around noon, Alex Williams, 62, approached his family, gathered near the 18-mile marker at Santa Monica Boulevard. “I’m so proud of you,” Gayle told Alex as she embraced him and handed him orange slices and a banana. “You’re almost there, sweetheart.” Bracey snapped a photo, telling Alex: “Only eight to go. I’d love to be alongside you.” Advertisement “Come on,” said Alex, gesturing to the road stretching ahead of them. “Next year,” Bracey replied. As the runners approached Mile 26, some were still smiling and waving. Others limped, or walked. One man bounced a basketball. Over and over again, they heard the same welcome words as they ran along Ocean Boulevard in Santa Monica and approached the finish line: “You’re almost there.” Advertisement Cruz Alamillo and his wife waited nearby to catch a glimpse of their 17-year-old son, Andrew, who was running his first marathon. They had been following his progress all morning, stopping at Mile 2, Mile 13 and Mile 22 to cheer him on. Around 1:30 p.m., his mother Gloria spotted Andrew and began cheering. Cruz banged a cowbell and yelled and cheered as he ran past and waved. “He looks fresh,” Cruz said. “I’m very proud of him.” At the finish line in Santa Monica, 63-year-old Frank Sosa took a moment to recover, sitting on the ground with his tennis shoes off, leaning against a chain-link fence. Sosa had survived another marathon — his 11th in L.A., his 19th overall. Advertisement He finished the race in 5 hours and 58 minutes, beating his time last year by one minute. After 26.2 miles, he said, even sitting down was hard. At first, his knees wouldn’t bend. But he was already thinking about his next marathon in Long Beach. “If you can do a marathon, you can do anything in life,” Sosa said. “You can tell yourself: ‘I finished a marathon, I can finish this.’” #BeverlyHills first responders 🚑🚒and City staff ready to help at the #LAMarathon ~ Have a safe race!! 🏃🏾‍♀️🏃🏻‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/SVNrrBffjG — CityofBeverlyHills (@CityofBevHills) March 24, 2019 Advertisement<doc-sep>Damian Dovarganes/Associated Press Elisha Barno and Askale Merachi won the men's and women's races at Los Angeles Marathon on Sunday morning. The Kenyan Barno shocked runner-up John Korir with a blistering pace down the home stretch. Barno finished with a time of 2:11:45, followed by Korir (2:11:52), Juan Luis Barrios (2:11:59), Milton Rotich (2:12:42) and Weldon Kirui (2:13:24). Ethiopia's Merachi had a bit less drama in her victory: With a time of 2:24:11, Merachi held off Cynthia Jerop (2:25:54), Lucy Karimi (2:26:15), Olha Skrypak (2:30:33) and Jane Kibii (2:32:12) with relative ease. She also set a course record with her victory, according to Austin Knoblauch of the Los Angeles Times. And Barno's victory ended Kirui's string of dominance, after the Kenyan won the previous two men's marathons. It appeared neither would end Sunday victorious, as Korir established a sizable lead ahead of the 20-mile mark. But Barno made his comeback on the final two miles, finishing with an impressive burst to claim the title. The sights and scenes are always striking at the Los Angeles Marathon, which begins at Dodger Stadium before winding downtown and making trips through famous neighborhoods like Hollywood and Beverly Hills before ending at the Santa Monica Pier. After all, how many marathon courses are lined with palm trees? Video Play Button Videos you might like According to ABC7.com, "More than 24,000 people are in the race, which has drawn entrants from all 50 states and a record 66 nations, three more than the previous high, according to organizers."<doc-sep>WATCH: Caroline D'Amore Discusses 'Surreal' MTV's 'The Hills: New Beginnings' Experience & Pizza Girl BusinessThe Los Angeles native discusses what it was like to join the cast of "The Hills: New Beginnings" and her new line of sauce. SEC Football: CBS Sports Announces 2021 Schedule Including Alabama At Florida On September 18The SEC on CBS kicks off on September 18 with an SEC Championship game rematch between the Crimson Tide and Gators. Mayweather Vs. Paul: Showtime Sports Announces Broadcast Team For June 6 EventThe network announced its plans for the broadcast of the pay-per-view exhibition bout between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Logan Paul. The 74th Annual 'Tony Awards' And 'The Tony Awards Present: Broadway's Back!' Come To CBS September 26thCBS and Tony Award Productions will celebrate Broadway’s highly anticipated return to live theatre with a multiplatform event The Tony Awards Present: Broadway's Back! Sunday, September 26th (9:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) broadcasting on CBS and available to stream live and on demand with Paramount+ or the CBS app. Champions League Final: Christian Pulisic 'Could Be The Difference' For Chelsea Against Manchester City Says Micah RichardsThe Champions League on CBS Sports analyst says Pulisic could have a "huge impact" on Saturday's final for Chelsea as they look to upset the favorites, Manchester City. ⚽⚽⚽ UEFA Champions League Final: How To Watch, Coverage Plan For Chelsea Vs. Manchester CityThe all England final featuring Chelsea and Manchester City is getting wall-to-wall coverage on CBS and various platforms. 📺📺📺<doc-sep>

The Los Angeles Marathon has another two-time champion. Elisha Barno of Kenya won the L.A. Marathon in dramatic fashion Sunday, passing countryman John Korir over the final meters in the closest finish of the race’s 34-year history. Barno won the men’s race in a time of 2 hours, 11 minutes and 46 seconds. Korir finished second (2:11:52), and Juan Luis Barrios (2:11.59) of Mexico was third. Barno has won the Los Angeles Marathon twice — his first win came in 2017. Korir, the brother of two-time L.A. Marathon champion Wesley Korir (2009-10), broke away from the main group of elite men runners before the 20-mile mark and appeared set to win after building a big gap over Barno and Barrios heading into the last mile and a half. However, Korir’s pace began to slow over the final mile, allowing Barno to run past him on Ocean Ave. about 150 meters before the finish line. Barno’s victory prevented countryman Weldon Kirui from becoming the first runner to win the L.A. Marathon three times. Kirui, who won the race in 2016 and 2018, finished fifth (2:13:24.11). On the women’s side, Askale Merachi of Ethiopia broke the “stadium to the sea” course record with a winning time of 2:24:12 seconds. She broke the previous mark set by Lidiya Grigoryeva in 2006 by nearly a minute. Kenya’s Cynthia Jerop finished second (2:25:54) and countrywoman Lucy Karimi (2:26:15) was third. Merachi and Barno both receive $23,000 for winning their respective races. Joshua Cassidy (1:31:48) won the men’s wheelchair race and Katrina Gerhard (1:56:22) took first in women’s wheelchair. The annual race, which begins at Dodger Stadium and weaves past various Los Angeles landmarks on the way to Santa Monica, attracted 24,000 runners this year. The field consisted of runners from every state and 66 countries. × The L.A. Marathon attracted more than 24,000 runners from around the world.

Kendall Jenner awkwardly ran into Jordyn Woods at Coachella over the weekend It's their first time they've met in public since the cheating scandal. It was inevitable that the Kardashian clan and Jordyn Woods would cross paths again but, at Coachella, a place with lots of paparazzi and people watching on, it's certainly not ideal. Advertisement On Saturday, while attending the Bootsy Bellows party, it is rumoured that Jordyn and her friends were awkwardly placed under the same cabana as Kendall Jenner and Hailey Baldwin. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) on Apr 15, 2019 at 12:04am PDT In what has been reported as a very "awkward encounter", a source told Page Six that "Kendall’s group turned their backs toward Jordyn. Jordyn eventually got up and left.” And the run in got even more awkward. Hailey then bumped into Jordyn outside the party once it was over. The 22-year-old was papped standing near Jordyn, briefly acknowledging her as she spoke to Jayden Smith before then leaving. Many described the second encounter as "tense". Hailey at Coachella with Jaden Smith and Jordyn Woods. pic.twitter.com/TRZ2J58caw — Hailey Bieber Outfits (@haileysoutfits2) April 14, 2019 Kylie Jenner was too at Coachella over the weekend, however, seemed to avoid Jordyn, not attending any of the same VIP parties in what we'd believe was a planned move on her behalf. Advertisement Kylie and Jordyn fell out last month following reports that Jordyn kissed Khloe Kardashian's partner at the time, Tristan Thomspon. It's reported that Jordyn moved out of Kylie's house shortly after the news broke and since, hasn't been in contact with the Kardashian family, losing her deal with Khloe's jean company, Good American.<doc-sep>Awkward. Jordyn Woods saw Kendall Jenner at The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival after the Tristan Thompson scandal, and things were a bit tense. An onlooker told Us Weekly that Kendall and her BFF Hailey Baldwin were “sitting at their own cabana table” next to Jordyn and her mom, Elizabeth Woods, at the Bootsy Bellows party on Saturday, April 13. “Hailey and Kendall saw Jordyn and both gave her a stare,” the eyewitness claimed. “Jordyn was visibly uncomfortable by their reaction. As Jordyn was sitting, her and her mom were in a bit of an argument and she told her mom, ‘I don’t want to discuss this right now. '” According to the insider, Jordyn “didn’t stay long” and told people “she was ‘ready to leave.’” After the model, 21, departed, the KUWTK star, 23, and Hailey, 22, “became a lot more social with everyone.” One day earlier, the California native was spotted cozying up to a mystery man at the music event. Jordy even supported her childhood friend Jaden Smith during his Coachella set later that same day. “Had to run onstage, of course,” she captioned a video on her Instagram Stories. Marksman/Snorlax/MEGA It seems like Jordy is living her best life post-scandal. As fans recall, the SECNDNTURE designer was seen canoodling with Khloé Kardashian’s baby daddy, Tristan, in February. “Tristan and Jordyn were into each other,” a source exclusively told In Touch at the time. “They were cuddling, holding hands. Tristan was rubbing her ass, they were definitely hooking up.” It’s unclear whether Jordyn and Kylie have spoken since the incident, but Jordyn made it clear during her first tell-all interview with Jada Pinkett Smith on her show, Red Table Talk, that she reached out to Kylie prior to the discussion. “I have [spoke to Kylie]. I told her I was coming to the table,” she said in March. “I think at this point it’s gone too far. Enough is enough and when the safety of the people that I love is in jeopardy, I have to speak.” Courtesy of Kourtney Kardashian/Instagram Meanwhile, on April 7, Kylie, 21, posted a photo of herself with a cryptic caption that might have been about her former bestie. “Grow though, what you grow through,” she wrote. “When you focus on the good, the good gets better.” Hmm … here’s to hoping a reconciliation is in the works.<doc-sep>"It wasn’t hard to see the tension and the awkwardness," the partygoer at Saturday's Bootsy Bellows Pool Party noted of Kendall Jenner and Jordyn Woods' interactions Two months may have passed since news of Jordyn Woods and Tristan Thompson‘s cheating scandal broke, but it does not appear that the tensions between the model and the KarJenner fam have subsided just yet. On Saturday, Jordyn showed up to a Coachella pre-party near Palm Springs, where she awkwardly ran into Kendall Jenner, the older sister of Jordyn’s former best friend Kylie Jenner — and the uncomfortable moment was evident to nearly everyone attending the bash. Get push notifications with news, features and more. A partygoer at the 7th annual Bootsy Bellows Pool Party, presented by McDonald’s and PacSun, tells PEOPLE that Kendall, 23, was sitting with Hailey Baldwin at a table when Jordyn, 21, arrived with longtime pal and Coachella performer Jaden Smith. “It was such an awkward moment, everyone saw it,” the insider recalled, adding that their tables were within direct eyeshot of each other. “They made eye contact and you could see that they all thought this is awkward — they were saying it with their eyes and body language,” the insider added. “It wasn’t hard to see the tension and the awkwardness.” Kendall Jenner and Jordyn Woods Kendall Jenner (left) and Jordyn Woods | Credit: Don Arnold/WireImage; Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images Kendall Jenner Kendall Jenner arriving at the Bootsy Bellows Pool Party | Credit: Mike Nguyen The uncomfortable encounter only lasted for a short time until Jordyn appeared to have a “little fight” with her mom, according to the partygoer. Once Jordyn was gone, the source said Kendall and Hailey appeared to be relieved and were joined by fellow model Gigi Hadid. “They were basically [like], ‘Let’s get this party started’ and were chatting away with Gigi.” Reps for Jordyn and Kendall did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment. Kendall Jenner Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid | Credit: Mike Nguyen Since news of the cheating scandal involving Thompson broke in February, the KarJenner family has banded together to support Khloé Kardashian and Kylie through the difficult time. On March 1, Jordyn shared her side of the story in the tell-all interview, claiming that the father of Khloé‘s child kissed her at an afterparty at his house on Feb. 17. Kendall Jenner Kendall Jenner at the at the Bootsy Bellows Pool Party presented by McDonald’s and PacSun | Credit: Mike Nguyen Gigi Hadid Gigi Hadid snacked on some McDonald’s fries before parting with Kendall | Credit: Mike Nguyen Though she adamantly denied having sex with him, she admitted that the next day, while she told Kylie, 21, and Khloé, 34, that she had been at Thompson’s house, she didn’t disclose what had happened between them. Khloé initially slammed Jordyn on Twitter after the interview, blaming her for breaking up her family, but she softened her tone a day later and placed the fault instead on Thompson, 27. A source close to the Kardashians also told PEOPLE at the time that “the Kardashians are feeling 100 percent done with Jordyn” and that they were “pissed” that Jordyn would try to make amends during her public appearance on the show, instead of reaching out directly. khloe-tristan-jordyn From left: Khloé Kardashian, Tristan Thompson, and Jordyn Woods | Credit: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty; Cassidy Sparrow/Getty; Emma McIntyre/Getty Jordyn, who moved out of Kylie’s house, currently remains distanced from the famous family, and a source recently told PEOPLE that Jordyn and Kylie have had limited contact. “It’s still a tricky situation for Kylie. And no one is actually putting too much pressure on her,” the source said. “Her family is aware that she is in contact with Jordyn. They are letting Kylie figure things out for herself.” And while Kylie isn’t cutting Jordyn out of her life entirely, she’s also working to strengthen other friendships. “She has been socializing more and trying to find a bigger circle of friends that she can be close with,” the source explained. “After the Jordyn drama, she realized that relying on just one friend is not the best idea.” kylie-jordyn-3 Jordyn Woods and Kylie Jenner | Credit: Kylie Jenner/Instagram Meanwhile, Jordyn has kept herself busy and has been slowly reemerging into the public eye. The model was spotted out on numerous occasions over the past few weeks in Los Angeles and London. The day before the Bootsy Bellows Paty, she appeared on stage with Smith during his Coachella set on Friday.<doc-sep>

Both Kendall Jenner and Jordyn Woods attended a party held on day two of Coachella this weekend, which resulted in visible "tension" and "awkwardness,” a partygoer told People. The situation reportedly mellowed out when Gigi Hadid arrived. She joined fellow models Kendall and Hailey Bieber, and the three of them chatted and looked excited to party together, according to Us Weekly. Jordyn still follows the entire Kardashian and Jenner clan, including Khloé, who once tweeted that Woods is "the reason my family broke up." Despite being Khloé's sister, Kylie Jenner still follows BFF Woods on Instagram. The Jenner sisters and Jordyn Woods converged in Indio, California over the weekend for the annual Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, and according to People, things got uncomfortable when Kendall and Woods were in the same vicinity. An insider who attended the Bootsy Bellows party told the publication that while Hailey Bieber (née Baldwin) and Jenner were chilling at a table, Woods and Jaden Smith (son of Jada Pinkett-Smith and Will Smith) arrived to the venue. “It was such an awkward moment, everyone saw it,” the partygoer told the publication. “They made eye contact and you could see that they all thought this is awkward — they were saying it with their eyes and body language," the People source continued. "It wasn’t hard to see the tension and the awkwardness.” People's insider added that although the party was uncomfortable, the situation quickly defused when Jordyn appeared to have a “little fight” with her mom. The same source added that when Bieber and Jenner bumped into Gigi Hadid, they "were basically [like], ‘Let’s get this party started,’" and they all chatted together. Us Weekly also had an insider at the soiree whose description of the interaction was similar to People's. “Hailey and Kendall saw Jordyn and both gave her a stare,” said Us Weekly's source. “Jordyn was visibly uncomfortable by their reaction. As Jordyn was sitting, her and her mom were in a bit of an argument and she told her mom, ‘I don’t want to discuss this right now,’” said the insider. The magazine's source continued that Woods "didn't stay long" and told her party that "she was ready to leave" the venue. Although Kendall no longer follows Woods on Instagram, Woods has not unfollowed anyone from the entire clan—Khloé, Kim, Kourtney, Kris, Kendall, and Kylie. At the time of writing, Kylie still follows Woods on Instagram. It may come as a surprise that Woods is still following Khloé on Instagram, especially after Woods became entangled in cheating allegations with Tristan Thompson, the father of Khloé's daughter, True. Woods openly discussed her side of the story on Jada Pinkett-Smith's show, Red Table Talk, in February, but Khloé called her out on Twitter, calling her "the reason my family broke up." At the time, Twitter users disagreed with Khloé's tone and clapped back at her for attempting to drag Jordyn.

On Monday, we posted about President Donald Trump taking a swipe at ABC’s Cecilia Vega with the headline: “Did Trump Insult ABC News Reporter Cecilia Vega and Tell Her She ‘Never’ Thinks?” The original answer, according to the official White House transcript, was no. But now, amid criticism, that answer has changed. The exchange between Trump and Vega, during a Monday news conference in the White House Rose Garden, went like this: Trump: “She’s shocked that I picked her. She’s like in a state of shock.” Vega: “I’m not. Thank you, Mr. President.” Trump: “That’s okay, I know you’re not thinking. You never do.” Vega: “I’m sorry?” Trump: “No, go ahead.” Originally, the White House quoted the president as saying “I know you’re not thanking,” instead of “I know you’re not thinking.” But, as flagged by the Washington Post‘s Aaron Blake, the White House has amended the transcript: White House has CORRECTED transcript of Trump’s exchange @CeciliaVega Initially quoted Trump saying, “I know you’re not *thanking. * You never do.” Now says: “I know you’re not thinking.” pic.twitter.com/JJZWGpr3HU — Aaron Blake (@AaronBlake) October 2, 2018 [featured image via screengrab] Have a tip we should know? [email protected]<doc-sep>Trump to ABC's Cecilia Vega: 'I Know You're Not Thinking, You Never Do' By Dustin Rowles | Politics | October 1, 2018 | Trump held a press conference today in the Rose Garden to ostensibly talk about this new trade deal he struck with Mexico and Canada, but as expected, questions about Brett Kavanaugh — and Trump’s deranged thinking — took up most of the time. There were the usual array of lies, misleading statements, and insults, plus the expected Trump monologuing. While he said plenty in this news conference, I don’t want to talk about anything else, because it would shift focus away from this one exchange with ABC’s Cecilia Vega, which says everything you need to know about how Trump thinks of women. Everything. Trump to woman reporter: "She's shocked I picked her, she's in a state of shock” Reporter: “I'm not, thank you Mr. President” Trump: "I know you're not thinking, you never do” Reporter: "I'm sorry?" Trump: "Go ahead" This is institutionalized misogyny. pic.twitter.com/Y31GwISb4I — Shannon Watts (@shannonrwatts) October 1, 2018 What the hell? Meanwhile, the creepy smiles on the Republicans behind Trump never waver, a perfect reminder of the kind of entitled people elected and appointed to run this country. Compare the same to Kavanaugh’s deep disrespect for Senator Klobuchar. Says it all, doesn’t it? In the same press conference, he also shouted down CNN’s Kaitlin Collins for not asking the question he wanted her to ask. Trump shouts down @kaitlancollins as she tries to ask him a question about Kavanaugh!!! She asks it anyway. He won't answer. pic.twitter.com/05AIvBa38c — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) October 1, 2018 ← Banker's Wife Fires Black Nanny After Accidentally Sending Her a Racist Text Message | Hulu's 'Runaways' Get A Secret Hideout And Maybe A Skrull In Season 2 → Dustin is the founder and co-owner of Pajiba. You may email him here, follow him on Twitter, or listen to his weekly TV podcast, Podjiba. Header Image Source: ABC<doc-sep>It's probably no secret to most that President Donald Trump isn't too happy with the press. From saying every outlet (other than a few of his personal favorites) disseminates "fake news" to repeatedly calling the press the "enemy of the people," Trump isn't shy about where he stands with journalists. But yet, somehow, he's still able to shock us all by just how far the depths of his disdain for the media can go. Take, for example, on Monday, when Trump told Cecilia Vega, the senior White House correspondent for ABC News (and winner of multiple Emmys) that she "never" thinks. While giving a press conference in the White House Rose Garden to discuss the new trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, Trump, answering questions from reporters, called upon Vega. A brief pause followed as Vega stood up to grab the microphone. At that moment, Trump said with a smile, “She’s shocked that I picked her. Like in a state of shock.” Vega quickly responded, “I’m not, thank you, Mr. President.” It appeared Trump may have misunderstood her, and replied, “That’s OK, I know you’re not thinking, you never do.” Vega, a consummate professional replied, “I’m sorry?” and continued on with her question. Even then, however, Trump continued to be dismissive. Vega asked the President about the ongoing FBI investigation into allegations Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, however, all Trump wanted to do was discuss trade. He later returned to Vega to answer her question. Vega tweeted after the news conference, "A news conference means you get to ask whatever question you want to ask. #FirstAmendment." However, other journalists were quick to jump on social media to defend Vega and note that her line of questioning was entirely in reason. Story continues "I very sincerely hope the president does indeed to @CeciliaVega to answer her respectful and entirely appropriate question on Brett Kavanaugh," Hallie Jackson, chief White House correspondent for NBC News tweeted. "The White House, and POTUS, know they can’t dictate the content of questions. And the pres. has often taken off-topic Qs before." "Wow. @CeciliaVega asks Trump about limiting FBI investigation into Kavanaugh allegations," Karen Travers, an ABC News reporter also covering the White House shared. "He doesn't want to talk that, says he wants to talk trade. She follows w/Q about if it will pass Congress. Pushes again on Kavanaugh, still doesnt want to answer. WH aide GRABS mic from her." And as Vega's ABC producer Alisa Wiersema shared, Trump apparently missed her extensive coverage of the trade deal already: "Took a post-GMA nap after a morning of helping @CeciliaVega report on trade, and woke up to this exchange," she wrote. "Seems like the President didn’t tune in to see her already having covered his trade deal extensively today." Maybe next time we can hope for better. Maybe. Related Content: Donald Trump's History of Calling Women 'Dogs' Just Got Longer With New Omarosa Tweet Donald Trump Takes Aim at the 'Me Too Generation' at Montana Rally<doc-sep>

UPDATE: The official White House transcript, after some debate, has Trump saying “thinking.” President Donald Trump held a contentious press conference with White House reporters on Monday, scolding them for asking questions about Brett Kavanaugh at his trade announcement. The presser started off with a tense exchange between the president and Cecilia Vega, ABC News’ senior White House correspondent. Trump called on Vega, before joking: “She’s shocked that I picked her. She’s like in a state of shock.” “I’m not. Thank you, Mr. President,” Vega replied. Trump’s reply made headlines, everywhere from the Washington Post to Buzzfeed News to the Daily Beast to Bloomberg: “That’s okay, I know you’re not thinking. You never do.” “I’m sorry?” Vega shot back, with a glare. “No, go ahead,” Trump said with a laugh, and Vega asked her question. It’s hard to tell exactly what Trump said to Vega, given the possible interpretations of their exchange, and how hard it is for Trump to operate his mouth. It’s possible the exchange went as follows, which is a more innocuous interpretation: Trump: “She’s shocked that I picked her. She’s in a state of shock. Vega: “I’m not. Thank you, Mr. President.” Trump: “That’s okay, I know you’re not thanking. You never do.” Vega: “I’m sorry? Trump: “No, go ahead.” Watch above, and see what you think. Here’s another angle:  Vega did not address the Trump comment, but took to Twitter after the presser to criticize the president for shutting down questions about his Supreme Court nominee. A news conference means you get to ask whatever question you want to ask. #FirstAmendment — Cecilia Vega (@CeciliaVega) October 1, 2018 [image via screengrab] Have a tip we should know? [email protected]

Petra Kvitova couldn’t remain consistent to save herself from elimination at the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Tuesday night. Defending champion Caroline Wozniacki overcame losing control in the second set to defeat the fourth seed 7-5, 3-6, 6-2 on centre court at Singapore Indoor Stadium. It allowed the Dane to stay in contention in the white group with one more to play. A 15th meeting between the two Euro stars had them returning for a second face-off this season and the third in Singapore. Wozniacki won their recent matchup four years ago to evenly split the series on the court. The 28-year-old went down at the hands Karolina Pliskova in straight sets, needing a win to keep her hopes of defending last year’s title alive. Kvitova would also hunt down a tenth win against the Dane, after losing to Elina Svitolina on Sunday. The fourth seed had eight double faults with seven coming in the first set, and would have hoped for that to not happen again. She opened with a service game that Kvitova attacked right away, forcing deuce, but was unable to achieve the break. The Czech made sure to hold in the following, which saw Wozniacki put down a stronger game in the third. Kvitova was put under pressure on serve in the fourth, that she managed to hold on the first break, but the leverage was in the hands of Wozniacki, who held in the fifth. After a chat with her coach, the fourth seed laid out an offensive strategy that kept the score level. She went after a chance for the break, but Wozniacki was having none of it. She called her father and coach out for points on how to set up the counterattack going into the eighth. The opportunity to serve for the set arrived for the Dane as she made it a tough time for Kvitova. On set point, the Czech answered with a winner far out of reach of her opponent to force deuce. She did indeed get it backing up the break to send Wozniacki and herself into extra frames. Wozniacki got out front again, holding an important serve in the 11th that took her a couple breaks to do so. With the fourth seed under pressure, Wozniacki went after her after the break, gaining two set points. While she had just seven winners in the set, keeping the unforced errors low was huge for her as Kvitova racked up double digits on both sides of the spectrum. The fourth seed knew that she needed a different approach and did so with a break of Wozniacki. The Dane broke back with a shutout of Kvitova, but it wasn’t enough to take anything away from her. The fourth seed gained the double break and consolidated it with a hold in the fourth for a 3-1 lead. Wozniacki showed signs of pain in her left knee, which she had treated during the changeover. After being treated by the physiotherapist, the 28-year-old served to reel in the score, holding two game points where a challenge showed that her shot caught the line. While adding more tape to her knee, she listened to what her father had to say during the coaching call. With a rally back, the fourth seed fired great shots to pressure the 28-year-old, and win on the second break of deuce. A hold in the eighth gave her a shot at sending the match to a decider. She locked down that opportunity with a supreme break of the Dane to even the match after 44 minutes.It was quite even going into the third. Wozniacki started her push to holding Kvitova on serve, before consolidating it with a hold in the second. Kvitova, down two games, rallied to get herself on the board, before she and Wozniacki called their coaches during the break to get some ideas on the next step. When it looked as if Kvitova would level the score, the Dane had the ultimate answer to take a 3-1 stance. The Czech went to her bench to get a new racket with new balls in play in the fifth. The world number two continued to dictate the set as she had Kvitova beaten for her third straight game winner. Kvitova was on the edge of defeat, serving to extend the set and avoid elimination. A good hold in the seventh for the fourth seed came with great body serves to put the Dane away from placed winners. She was still not out of trouble, as the 28-year-old served for the match. Keeping Kvitova down in the eighth, Wozniacki had two match points, winning it on a return error by the fourth seed, ending her run in 2 hours and 19 minutes. “I played much better today,” Wozniacki said to Andrew Krasny after the match. “I think I returned well, served well and moved really well against Petra who is so powerful. You just have to stay on your game and you never know what’s going to happen.” With a win in hand, she’ll await her final group match against Elina Svitolina on Thursday.<doc-sep>If women’s tennis were a bistro, there would be “a whole lot on the menu,” Tracy Austin said. It is hard to argue. The men’s game has re-entered another phase of dominance by Novak Djokovic. But with one season about to end and another soon to begin, the women’s game remains delightfully difficult to categorize with its rich multigenerational mix of genuine contenders and week-to-week suspense. “There’s a story line for everyone,” said Austin, a former No. 1 player who is now an analyst. That is true of the tour but not quite the case in Singapore, where the WTA Finals will begin on Sunday. Among those who failed to qualify for these year-end championships were two of the most fascinating figures of the 2018 season: 37-year-old Serena Williams and 20-year-old Aryna Sabalenka. Williams, picking her spots very carefully as a new mother, might not have played anyway. But the four women who each won a Grand Slam singles titles this year did make the cut: Caroline Wozniacki, Simona Halep, Angelique Kerber and Naomi Osaka.<doc-sep>It might be late October, but there are more storylines this week in tennis than pumpkins at the farm stand. The final official event on the WTA calendar kicked off Sunday. The tour finals features the top eight women in the world -- sans No. 1 Simona Halep, who is out with an injury. The men's season finale is still two weeks away, with three of the eight qualifiers for the ATP Finals yet to be determined. Things will clarify somewhat this week, with ATP 500 tournaments in Basel and Vienna. Here's a closer look at what is on the line for both the men and women: On Monday, perhaps the most intriguing matchup of the tournament unfolded as the last two women to hoist the US Open singles trophy, 2017 champion Sloane Stephens and this year's winner, Naomi Osaka, clashed. Stephens won the 2½-hour, three-set struggle in what looked a lot like a statement match. It came a day after defending champion Caroline Wozniacki fell in her opener. If there was no clear-cut favorite to win this tournament from the outset, it now looks that much more unpredictable. The lower seed has won each of the four matches so far, including No. 8 Kiki Bertens, who beat No. 1 Angelique Kerber in three sets Monday. On Tuesday, Wozniacki will face Petra Kvitova, while Elina Svitolina takes on Karolina Pliskova. Swiss Indoors Basel Roger Federer hopes to find his winning ways this week and gain some momentum ahead of the ATP Finals. BRIAN HIRSCHFELD/EPA-EFE/R­EX/Shutterstock Roger Federer is making his return to competition at Basel, and it couldn't come at a better place given the Swiss champ's recent history. While still ranked No. 3, Federer hasn't won a tournament in the second half of this year. He fell to Australian journeyman John Millman in the fourth round at the US Open and struggled in his last outing in Shanghai, where after a couple of three-set struggles, he fell to Borna Coric in the semifinals -- the second time Fed has fallen to the Croatian this season. Nobody, especially a great competitor like Federer, enjoys looking bad in front of his hometown fans. So Federer, the eight-time champion and top seed in Basel, will be hard-pressed to continue his dominance. Stan Wawrinka and No. 3 seed Marin Cilic ended up in the bottom half, which is good news for Federer, but he could meet Millman and/or Stefanos Tsitsipas and Daniil Medvedev along the way. Cilic will be motivated. With a good showing, he could clinch a berth in the ATP Finals, where he'd have a chance to improve on a career 0-6 record in the year-enders. Erste bank open 500 Aside from Cilic, most of the qualifying for the ATP Finals will happen in Vienna, where seven of the top eight seeds are all in the hunt for one of the three places still up for grabs. The contenders are Kevin Anderson, Dominic Thiem, John Isner, Kei Nishikori, Coric, Fabio Fognini and Kyle Edmund. Anderson and Coric started strongly Monday, each prevailing in three sets. ATP Players to watch True, the big cats were idle last week, either still nursing injury (Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray) or keeping their powder dry (Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer). But the winners of the tour events were hardly the usual suspects. All three are young, carry big games, and are on the cusp of breaking out in a big way. Great Britain's 23-year-old Edmund bagged his first ATP title at Antwerp, 22-year-old Karen Khachanov prevailed in Moscow and 20-year-old Tsitsipas also broke through to grip his first trophy, in Stockholm. He's now No. 2 behind No. 5 Alexander Zverev in the #NextGen 21-and-under group. Also keep in mind 22-year-old Daniil Medvedev, who lost to Khachanov in the Moscow semis, has won three titles in this year. By the time Djokovic and Nadal return to the fray at the Paris Masters 1000 at the end of the month, the game might look a lot different than it did even a month ago. "You have to almost get your first [title] out of the way, and do it, rather than just thinking it will happen," Edmund told ATP personnel after winning his first title. "I think it's going to help me in the future." Pundits have been predicting a changing of the guard in the men's game -- a polite way of forecasting the demise of the Big Four -- for some time now. It seems to be taking place, but not exactly the way we expected.<doc-sep>

The last edition of the WTA Finals in Singapore is certainly living up to the expectations. On Day 2, tennis fans were left spellbound by the fighting spirit and tenacity of four of the season's best eight women as Kiki Bertens upset Angelique Kerber and Sloane Stephens edged Naomi Osaka, both in three sets. Now the attention turns to the White Group once more as the second round of matches begin in that group on Tuesday. The outcome in the first round of matches in White Group all went against prediction as Elina Svitolina and Karolina Pliskova emerged winners over former champions Petra Kvitova and Caroline Wozniacki respectively. Interestingly, Day 3 pits the winners of Day 1 against each other and the losers too face each other. The first match will see two Grand Slam champions battling it out. Both Kvitova and Wozniacki will be keen to get their first win of the tournament. Getting it done in straight sets will also boost their own chances of qualifying for the semi-finals. The Czech southpaw has the upper hand in this rivalry and leads it 8-5, having won their last four meetings, which also includes an epic three-set win over the Dane in their last showdown in the semi-finals of the Qatar Open this year. With five titles this season, Kvitova has certainly done better than anybody else on the Tour, but her performances in the fall have been anything but noteworthy. In contrast, Wozniacki seems to have got back on track with a title in Beijing after showing some inconsistency previously in the year. Could that inspire the Dane to stop her losing streak to the two-time Wimbledon champion? That certainly remains to be seen. In the second match of the day, Pliskova takes on Svitolina, a player she leads 4-2. Despite the Czech's apparent ease in dealing with the Ukrainian, here's a caveat. She has lost her last two matches to Svitolina, with their most recent clash being this year in the semi-finals at Brisbane. Svitolina has certainly figured out how to stop Pliskova from dominating their matches, just as she showed on Sunday that she has worked out a way to beat Kvitova, irrespective of the fact that she had lost seven out of their eight matches earlier. And that could be the key. Svitolina is determined to justify her place in the best-eight and admitted that her big win over Kvitova was one to silence her 'haters'. With so much confidence from that resounding win, she might just manage to notch up yet another victory in Singapore, although Pliskova's gigantic serve could have a say in this face-off. Here is the schedule for October 23, 2018: (2) Caroline Wozniacki vs (4) Petra Kvitova at 7.30pm local time/5pm IST followed by (6) Elina Svitolina vs (7) Karolina Pliskova Here is all you need to know about how to follow the WTA Finals 2018: Tournament name: BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore Location: Singapore Category: Year-ending championships Date: Tuesday, October 23, 2018 Round: Round robin Broadcast: No live telecast in India Live score: wtafinals.com You can follow all the coverage of the WTA Finals 2018 here on Sportskeeda

Fiona's life as she knows it is over. Shameless Season 9 Episode 10 started with my favorite Gallagher realizing the error of her ways, striving for change, but in a much worse position by the final scene. Let's start with that dark opening scene. It was dumb of Fiona to leave the money out while the cafe was still open. There's no getting away from that. I thought the money would be gone when she returned, but that would have been too predictable. The three men were menacing, and there's no telling what they would have done if the other staff member did not show up to save the day. The truth is, Fiona's been getting so drunk that she no longer knows fact from fiction. That scenario at Patsy's gave her the nudge in the right direction she needed. Welcome to the South Side, bitch. Fiona Permalink: Welcome to the South Side, bitch. Permalink: Welcome to the South Side, bitch. She was finally taking accountability for her actions. It gave me hope that Fiona was getting a happy ending what with Emmy Rossum's departure looming. Margo was right to fire her. She's gotten erratic. She's gotten drunk on the job; she's been ridiculing customers, yelling at staff members, and even accusing people of sexual misconduct. It's surprising that it took Margo a month of complaints to make a decision. Then again, the business guru knows Fiona has helped the diner turn in a profit like never before. Margo may not have picked up the phone, but that's probably because she was giving Fiona time to get it together. It's just a shame that Fiona took too long to sort herself out. Fiona: I've had a rough few months, but I've turned a corner. Margo: People who say they've turned a corner, they haven't turned a corner. Permalink: People who say they've turned a corner, they haven't turned a corner. Permalink: People who say they've turned a corner, they haven't turned a corner. Throwing the vodka out was a great start. I thought for sure Frank would have been able to sniff that all the way from the Hobo Loco Hunger Games. Related: Get Showtime via Prime Video Channels for Award-Winning Original Series, Hit Movies, Sports & More! Fiona rallying up the entire South Side to go to the new neighbor's door was the moment I realized there's no hope for Fiona, and she's going to find herself back in prison. If Fiona felt so strongly that the woman called the cops on Liam because of his skin color, then she should have had a chat with the woman to find out what the real issue was. Bringing an army to the woman's door, jumping over her fence and punching the woman so hard that she fell to the ground was not the right way to go about things. Waitress: Yo, wakey wakey. Fiona: Get the fuck away from me. Permalink: Get the fuck away from me. Permalink: Get the fuck away from me. There's no rooting for Fiona anymore. It hurts me to write that because she's my favorite character, but she's several zip codes away from the line she crossed back on Shameless Season 4 which almost resulted in Liam's death. I don't doubt for one minute that Fiona would rough someone up if they mess with her family, but that punch was built on the rage she was holding inside after being fired. Knowing that Fiona is reverting to her old ways, if the woman presses charges and this goes to trial, Fiona could be headed to jail. That would be a terrible goodbye for such a great character. Shameless has an issue saying goodbye to its characters, so prison seems to be the place they're sent to in case the actors change course and decide to come back (I'm looking at you, Cameron Monaghan). Hopefully, the powers that be craft a more meaningful conclusion for Fiona than being locked up. This journey we've traveled with her would be a waste if it ended with prison. Related: Showtime at TCA: Shameless Renewed, The L Word Revived & More! As for the Hobo Loco Hunger Games, I didn't find them funny. The series loves to poke fun at poverty-stricken families, but there has got to be laws against exploiting them in such a manner. Hobo Loco put profit over ethics, and I couldn't shake that during all of the scenes with Frank fighting to the death to keep himself in the competition. Frank: That's the way we're going to play this thing? Mickey: All's fair in love and hobo wars. Permalink: All's fair in love and hobo wars. Permalink: All's fair in love and hobo wars. The only semi-enjoyable part of it all was Mickey wanting to join forces with Frank to share the winnings. In hindsight, Frank should have accepted that offer. Ingrid was at home while all this was playing out, and I couldn't help but laugh as she tried to dole out therapy over the phone while Fiona was poking fun at her. Fiona was right. It was bizarre to have someone who was not of sound mind doling out therapy over the phone -- in the Gallagher house no less. With Katey Sagal signed to appear on an ABC pilot, it sounds like her character is not sticking around, so it wouldn't surprise me if she decides to move back in with her ex-husband and have the children with him. They're looking for someone with no purpose in life. I've finally found my calling. Frank Permalink: They're looking for someone with no purpose in life. I've finally found my calling. Permalink: They're looking for someone with no purpose in life. I've finally found my calling. Ingrid desperately wanted to believe that Frank was the man for her, but she's slowly starting to realize that he's only a short-term lover who will fleece her for every dollar she has. I'm just waiting for the scene in which it all comes out that Carl is the father to the children. That will likely be something Frank screams when Ingrid inevitably packs up shop to leave him behind. Then there's Tami. I wanted to hate her because of the way she ridiculed Lip. She was so self-absorbed initially that it seemed there was no personality there. Related: Shameless Shocker: Emmy Rossum Leaving After Nine Seasons! These past few episodes have shed light on her in a big way, and I'm now at the point that I want the character to have a more significant presence on the show. The way she acted with Xan took Lip by surprise. It would have been perfectly natural for her to run off and leave Lip to deal with the kid. Instead, Tami couldn't have been more motherly. I thought Xan was gone, but it seems like her mother has run off once and for all, and I'm so here for Lip and Tami looking out for this kid. "Los Diablos!" felt like the Shameless we know and love. It's slowly getting back to the creative footing it was on a few years ago. Other tidbits from the episode: Debbie is poised to pull a robbery on Carl after Kelly complimented her ass. That's going to cause a lot of drama, but it's also going to be a fun storyline. Santiago is gone already! While I'm happy he's reuniting with his family, the storyline would have worked better as an arc that lasted more than a handful of episodes. Carl's new job was brutal. He needs to find something that won't end with him getting assaulted. What did you think of the episode? Is Fiona gearing up for a stint behind bars? Hit the comments. Remember you can watch Shameless online right here via TV Fanatic. Shameless continues Sundays at 9/8c on Showtime. Los Diablos! Review Editor Rating: 4.0 / 5.0 4.0 / 5.0 1 2 3 4 5 User Rating: 4.5 / 5.0 1 2 3 4 5 Rating: 4.5 / 5.0 ( 30 Votes) 4.0 / 5.0 Paul Dailly is the Associate Editor for TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter.<doc-sep>Shameless renewed for Season 10 at Showtime Showtime has renewed their Golden Globe-nominated dramedy Shameless for a 10th season, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. This marks the first original Showtime series to hit 10 seasons. The news follows the departure of Cameron Monaghan in the first half of Season 9 and ahead of Emmy Rossum’s upcoming exit in the Season 9 finale. However, Showtime entertainment co-president Gary Levine announced that Monaghan will be returning in Season 10. The second half of Season 9 is currently airing. RELATED: Shameless Season 9B Trailer: Fiona Continues to Go Downhill In season nine of Shameless, political fervor hits the South Side, and the Gallaghers take justice into their own hands. Frank (Macy) sees financial opportunity in campaigning and decides to give voice to the underrepresented South Side working man. Fiona (Rossum) tries to build on her success with her apartment building and takes an expensive gamble hoping to catapult herself into the upper echelon. Lip (Jeremy Allen White) distracts himself from the challenges of sobriety by taking in Eddie’s niece, Xan (Amirah Johnson). Ian (Cameron Monaghan) faces the consequences of his crimes as the Gay Jesus movement takes a destructive turn. Debbie (Emma Kenney) fights for equal pay and combats harassment, and her efforts lead her to an unexpected realization. Carl (Ethan Cutkosky) sets his sights on West Point and prepares himself for cadet life. Liam (Christian Isaiah) must develop a new skillset to survive outside of his cushy private school walls. Kevin (Steve Howey) and V (Shanola Hampton) juggle the demands of raising the twins with running the Alibi as they attempt to transform the bar into a socially conscious business. RELATED: Emmy Rossum Announces She’s Leaving Shameless Shameless stars Oscar nominee and Emmy and SAG Award winner William H. Macy and Golden Globe nominee Emmy Rossum. Created by Paul Abbott, Shameless is produced by Bonanza Productions in association with John Wells Productions and Warner Bros. Television. Developed for American television by John Wells, the series is executive produced by Wells, Nancy M. Pimental and Sheila Callaghan. Season 10 of Shameless will premiere in late 2019.<doc-sep>

Showtime’s flagship series Shameless officially is returning for a 10th season, with William H. Macy and the rest of the cast coming back, sans Emmy Rossum. Also, Cameron Monaghan — who left the series during Season 9 — will return as Ian Gallagher for the upcoming run. Primetime-Panic Your Complete Guide to Pilots and Straight-to-Series orders See All The announcement was made at the top of Showtime’s TCA presentation today. While Rossum had announced that she would leave the series after the the end of her contract after Season 9, Macy had said that he was wanted to continue as the Gallagher patriarch. He has closed a new deal with producer Warner Bros. TV, as have his co-stars. Gotham regular Monaghan exited the Showtime series midway through last year as his Ian Gallagher character ended up behind bar. The then seeming end of the long time Shameless character worked out for Ian as he was reunited with his ex-boyfriend Mickey, portrayed by Noel Fisher, in the closing scenes of the October aired episode. No word if Fisher will be back on Shameless for Season 10 yet. Today’s renewal will make Shameless the longest-running series ever on Showtime. Along with Macy, coming back are cast members Jeremy Allen White, Ethan Cutkosky, Emma Kenney and Christian Isaiah. Production on season 10 will begin this year. “The Gallaghers are a force of nature, and they are coming back,” said Gary Levine, President of Entertainment at Showtime Networks. “Shameless, with its ever-growing fan base, is like no other show on television. We are thrilled it will live on with its unique blend of love and larceny on Showtime.” Added executive producer John Wells: “All of us on Shameless are delighted that we get to tell more wonderful Gallagher stories – and thankful to Showtime for their continued support. We can’t wait to get back to work with this extraordinary cast.” Marked by a party at the Sundance Film Festival last week, Season 9 of Shameless resumed this month with Fiona (Rossum) at a low point and Debbie (Kenney) taking on more responsibility in keeping the family afloat, while Frank (Macy) enjoys the honeymoon period of his relationship with Ingrid (guest star Katey Sagal) before reality interferes. Lip (White) and Carl (Cutkosky) dive deep into new, complicated relationships, as Kev (Steve Howey) and V (Shanola Hampton) realize they are in over their heads with their latest family plans. Created by Paul Abbott, Shameless is produced by Bonanza Productions in association with John Wells Productions and Warner Bros. Television. Developed for American television by John Wells, the series is executive produced by Wells and Nancy M. Pimental.

More than 140 passengers have managed to escape from a plane crash as a Boeing 737 jet slipped off a runway and into a river. More than 140 passengers have managed to escape from a plane crash as a Boeing 737 jet slipped off a runway and into a river.... A Boeing 737 jet has skidded and crashed off a runway in a major incident at an airport in Florida. In a miracle rescue, it has been reported all 136 passengers and seven crew on board the aircraft survived the crash. The incident, which occured at about 9.40pm on Friday, saw the Boeing aircraft skid in to the St Johns River in Jacksonville in the north east of the state. There were two “very minor” injuries, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The plane was operated by Miami Air International which is not a major US airline. It is believed the 737 had been chartered by the Department of Defence in the US and was landing after a flight from the naval bases at Guantánamo Bay in Cuba. #JSO Marine Unit was called to assist @NASJax_ in reference to a commercial airplane in shallow water. The plane was not submerged. Every person is alive and accounted for. pic.twitter.com/4n1Fyu5nTS — Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) May 4, 2019 737 plane goes into water at #NASJax In #Jacksonville. ➡️Everyone off safely, no major injuries. ➡️Plane flying from Guantanamo Bay pic.twitter.com/tomiLfAiv2 — Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) May 4, 2019 A spokesman for Naval Air Station Jacksonville told Reuters that no fatalities had been reported. The flight had arrived from Naval Station Guantánamo Bay and went into the river at the end of the runway at about 9:40pm Friday local time, 11.40am Saturday AEST. The mayor of Jacksonville said on Twitter that everyone on board the flight was “alive and accounted for” but that crews were working to control jet fuel on the water. Cheryl Bormann, who was reportedly on the flight, told CNN host Don Lemon that the plane landed during a thunderstorm and then “bounced.” “It was terrifying,” she said. “But everybody we pretty calm...everybody helped everybody else.” It is understood Ms Bormann and the other passengers got in to rafts, however weren’t sure if they’d landed in a river or an ocean. There are unconfirmed reports several pets crated in the luggage section of the plane didn’t survive the crash. Unconfirmed report that pets were on the Jacksonville flight that didn't make it https://t.co/25sCyXkyEs — Steve Lookner (@lookner) May 4, 2019 We are aware of an incident in Jacksonville, Fla. and are gathering information. — Boeing Airplanes (@BoeingAirplanes) May 4, 2019 President Donald Trump called to offer help as the situation was developing, the mayor said. Aircraft manufacturer Boeing tweeted they were “aware of an incident in Jacksonville and are gathering information”. While the plane is a 737 it is not a 737 Max jet which has been grounded following two crashes.<doc-sep>The plane that greeted the 143 passengers and crew at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, was four hours late and lacked air-conditioning. It got terrifyingly worse when the Boeing 737 hours later crashed into the St. Johns River off a runway in Jacksonville, Florida, on Friday night at 9:40 p.m. Cheryl Bormann, a passenger on the military-chartered plane heading from Cuba to Jacksonville, said they were in a "universally miserable" mood when they boarded the plane but begrudgingly took their seats anyway. Appearing on CNN with host Don Lemon Friday, she described a frantic, confusing final minutes, with the pilot seeming to lose control before the plane skidded off the runway and into the marsh of the nearby river. All passengers and crew aboard the plane are safe and accounted for, although 22 were treated and one, a 3-month-old child, was hospitalized overnight as a precaution. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said there were no critical injuries. More:Flight from Guantanamo Bay with 136+ on board crashes in Florida river; everyone safe The plane traveled through rain and lightning to make it to Jacksonville – but the tumultuous landing came afterward. Bormann, a prominent defense attorney from Chicago, said the landing "didn't feel right." She said the plane "literally hit the ground and then it bounced. It was clear that the pilot did not have complete control of the plane because it bounced some more, it swerved and tilted left and right." She added: "The pilot was trying to control it but couldn't, and then all of a sudden it smashed into something." She said the plane "came to a complete like crash stop." The plane skidded off the runway at the Naval Air Station Jacksonville and into the river, but it did not submerge in the water. Photos showed the plane landed in a shallow dredge of water with minimal damage. Capt. Michael Connor, a commanding officer at the station, called the safe landing "a miracle." CNN reported that the plane was carrying military personnel headed home, on vacation, or to get medical care. The group included families, civilians, grandparents and children connected to the military. Bormann said that after the crash landing some oxygen masks deployed, and overhead bins opened up and sent belongings spilling out. She said her identification, cash, credit cards, computers, phone and passport were sent flying to the seats behind her. Passengers didn't know what happened or where they were, she said. However, she recalled that they weren't screaming, and people helped each other put on their life vests and exit the plane onto its wing and into a raft. Bormann told CNN that as of Friday night most passengers didn't have the identification that authorities are asking for because their items are still on the plane. "Everyone is sort of milling around because no one knows quite what to do. They won't let us leave," Bormann said. "Everybody is curious about their belongings and want to know what will happen next." Connor, the commanding officer, told reporters Saturday that despite the chaotic landing, those on board were "very cordial" and there wasn't "any commotion or panic." While all of the passengers on board made it out OK, at least four pets aboard the plane had not been found and are presumed dead. More:Pets presumed dead from Boeing 737 plane that crash landed in Jacksonville, Florida The pets, which included dogs and cats, were checked in the luggage department located in the bottom of the plane, the portion that was partially submerged. Connor told reporters the status of the pets became the "second priority" for responders after it was determined all passengers were safe. He said first responders looked in the cargo bay and did not hear any animal noises or see any crates – a suggestion they were under water. "So at that point, as well as for their own safety and not knowing if the aircraft could potentially sink and risk their lives, they backed out," he said. He said that he later in the night had first responders do a second assessment in search of pets, but again they did not see any pet carriers above the water. "Obviously, we do not have confirmation, but we are continuing to do what we can to positive determine the status of the pets," he said, adding that he has spoken to some of the pet owners. "It's a very, obviously, rough situation. My sympathy and my heart really goes out to those families." Authorities haven't said what caused the plane to overshoot the runway. Naval Air Station Jacksonville is a military airport about 8 miles south of downtown. The National Transportation Safety Board announced that it is investigating the crash landing and officials were working Saturday to retrieve the plane's flight recorder and get the jet to shore. Contributing: Christal Hayes<doc-sep>All pets stored in the cargo hold of a Boeing 737 are thought to be dead after the military-chartered plane crash-landed on a runway in Jacksonville, Florida, on Friday night and skidded into a river, according to a spokeswoman for the U.S. Navy in Jacksonville. All 143 people on board the plane survived and sustained no life-threatening injuries. The jet, which had departed from Guantanamo Bay and was operated by charter airline Miami Air International, crashed at 9:40 p.m. after passing through thunderstorms, according to CNN. It’s unknown if the weather had anything to do with the rough landing. Passengers told reporters that after a hard landing on the runway, the plane bounced, swerved, and then crashed into the water in the middle of a storm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The passengers on board were a collection of active-duty military members, their family members, and government employees. Many were traveling home to see their families. Passengers took to the wings of the plane to await rescue, and firefighters helped ferry them to safety with rafts. Twenty-one of the people on board were sent to the hospital for minor injuries. A commanding officer at Naval Air Station Jacksonville said at a press conference that the landing and the survival of all the passengers and crew amounted to a “miracle.” “We could be talking about a different story this evening,” he said. The jet did not fully sink into the water, as it came to a stop in a shallow portion of the river, but the bottom of it—including the cargo hold, where the pets were held—was submerged. It’s not yet known how many pets were on the flight, but there were at least four. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash landing. As a result, the jet has been left untouched on the site, and passengers have not yet been able to retrieve their luggage. Authorities have not yet said what caused the plane to end up in the river.<doc-sep>Send this page to someone via email Editor’s note: A previous version of this article stated in the headline there were 142 people on board. The number of people has since been updated to 143 by officials. Nearly 150 passengers were unharmed after a Boeing 737 that had travelled from Naval Air Station Guantanamo Bay crashed in the St. Johns River near Naval Air Station Jacksonville, reports said Friday night. WATCH: Aerial images show a Boeing 737 in the water in Jacksonville, Florida 1:56 Officials say all people rescued after plane slides off runway in Florida Officials say all people rescued after plane slides off runway in Florida – May 4, 2019 The plane, a Miami Air flight, ended up in the water but was not submerged, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office tweeted. Story continues below advertisement Every passenger was alive and accounted for, with 21 adults being transported to hospital in good condition. #JSO Marine Unit was called to assist @NASJax_ in reference to a commercial airplane in shallow water. The plane was not submerged. Every person is alive and accounted for. pic.twitter.com/4n1Fyu5nTS — Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) May 4, 2019 The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the plane was chartered by the Department of Defense (DOD) for a flight from Guantanamo Bay to Jacksonville, CBS News transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave tweeted Friday. News 4 Jax also reported the plane’s origin, citing a release from Naval Air Station Jacksonville. WATCH: Commercial jet overshoots runway in Florida, lands in water 1:24 Commercial jet overshoots runway in Florida, lands in water Commercial jet overshoots runway in Florida, lands in water – May 3, 2019 Capt. Michael Connor, the commanding officer of NAS Jacksonville, said during a news conference that passengers were a mix of civilian and military personnel. Some were staying in the area, while others were set to fly on to other parts of the country. Story continues below advertisement While the crash certainly wasn’t ideal, Connor acknowledged that it could have been much worse. “I think it is a miracle,” Connor said. “We could be talking about a different story this evening.” WATCH: New images show Boeing plane hours after sliding off Florida runway 1:26 New images show Boeing plane hours after sliding off Florida runway New images show Boeing plane hours after sliding off Florida runway – May 4, 2019 The White House had been briefed and was offering support, WJXT 4 reporter Vic Micolucci tweeted. READ MORE: 47 passengers safe after plane crashes into sea, missing runway at Micronesia airport Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry tweeted that teams were working to control any jet fuel in the water. It isn’t clear how long the plane will be in the water before teams are able to remove it, but Connor said the landing gear appeared to be resting on the river bed, making it unlikely for the aircraft to float away. Story continues below advertisement 3. Teams working to control jet fuel in the water. — Lenny Curry (@lennycurry) May 4, 2019 Officials did not immediately say what caused the plane to leave the runway. Boeing said in a tweet Friday night that it was investigating: “We are aware of an incident in Jacksonville, Fla., and are gathering information.” *with files from the Associated Press<doc-sep>

The pilot of a US charter plane carrying 143 people that crashed into a US river says it is a miracle how well the situation ended. The Boeing 737 was arriving from Guantanamo Bay when it went off the runway into the St Johns River just before 10pm Friday night (local time). Fire and emergency crews rushed to the scene, however no critical injuries or deaths were reported, officials said. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office posted on Twitter that a marine unit responded to assist. The plane was in shallow water and not submerged. Everyone on the plane was alive and accounted for, the agency posted, with 21 adults transported to local hospitals in good condition. Despite initial reports that the plane was a commercial flight, it's since been confirmed that it was in fact a Miami Air chartered plane. Officials are yet to suggest what may have caused the crash, however it's believed the heavy thunderstorms in the area likely contributed. The Jacksonville County Sheriff's Office said 21 adults had been taken to hospital. It's understood four passengers suffered minor injuries. Passenger Cheryl Bormann told CNN that the plane “bounced" before it skidded off the runway. “It was terrifying,” she said. “But everybody we pretty calm...everybody helped everybody else.” Miami Air International is a charter airline operating a fleet of Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Airline representatives could not immediately be reached for comment, while a Boeing spokesman said that the company was aware of the incident and was gathering information. 'It was a miracle' Capt. Michael Connor, the commanding officer of NAS Jacksonville, said during a news conference that passengers were a mix of civilian and military personnel. Some were staying in the area, while others were set to fly on to other parts of the country. While the crash certainly wasn’t ideal, Connor acknowledged that it could have been much worse. “I think it is a miracle,” Connor said. “We could be talking about a different story this evening.” It wasn’t known how long it would take to remove the plane from the river, but Connor said the landing gear appeared to be resting on the river bed, making it unlikely for the aircraft to float away. He said crews began working to contain any jet fuel leaks almost immediately after securing the passengers’ safety. Liz Torres told the Florida Times-Union that she heard what sounded like a gunshot Friday night from her home in Orange Park, about 8 kilometres south of NAS Jacksonville. She then drove down to a Target parking lot where police and firefighters were staging to find out more. “I’ve never seen anything like this,” she said.

Photo: YouTube On Tuesday, the House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on white nationalism, featuring witnesses who testified on the movement’s recent rise, and the role that online indoctrination plays in far-right communities. Considering the subject matter — and the trollish habits of those in the movement — it wasn’t a huge surprise that the hearing got derailed. Conservative provocateur Candace Owens was the witness that first pushed the hearing off-course. “We need to condemn all types of hate speech,” Owens said, complaining of a “double standard” that allows condemnation of Christians and black conservatives. (Of course, such language ignores the very point of a hearing meant to understand the rise of far-right violence, including the recent mosque shooting in New Zealand and the 2018 Tree of Life synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh.) “The hearing today isn’t about white nationalism, it’s a preview of a Democrat 2020 election strategy, same as the 2016 election strategy,” Owens said. “If they were really concerned about white nationalism, they’d hold hearings on Antifa.” Republicans on the committee ran with Owens’s “All Types of Hate Speech” Matter rhetoric. Texas representative Louie Gohmert asked a Facebook official testifying why the platform is so hard on “my friends, Diamond and Silk.” Arizona representative Andy Biggs asked why Owens was listed on the witness list as a “conservative activist.” As NBC News notes, both Biggs and Gohmert “mused about the concept of staged hate crimes and hoaxes, suggesting they are frequently at play in the United States.” Surprisingly, it wasn’t until the afternoon that Hitler was mentioned, when Democratic representative Ted Lieu played a recording of Owens stating that his plans for Germany were “fine,” but that his “globalized” ambitions were the problem. . @TedLieu just played Candace Owens' comments on Hitler and nationalism during the hearing on white nationalism. She looks less than pleased. pic.twitter.com/AwOLiGhQkK — jordan (@JordanUhl) April 9, 2019 If the hearing itself maintained at least some semblance of etiquette, the reception online was lawless. While Google public-policy counsel Alexandria Walden said in front of the committee that “hate speech and violent speech have no place on YouTube,” the site’s users proved her abjectly wrong. After an hour of hurling white nationalist shorthand and epithets against Jews and Muslims on a YouTube livefeed of the hearing, the stream’s comments section was taken down. Perhaps most egregiously — considering the hearing explored the internet’s role in promoting white nationalist ideas — the far-right YouTube channel Red Ice hosted the livestream of the House testimony as a fundraising tactic. “This is nothing but the elites and globalists setting up laws that will be enacted in a single pen stroke against the white race in the future,” wrote one user, who donated $100. Another user, who donated $10, employed the white nationalist 14 words. Past Red Ice videos have claimed that interracial couples are promoting “white genocide” and that America “can never, ever, ever, be too white” — two common arguments made by far-right media outlets.<doc-sep>Conservative commentator Candace Owens on Tuesday blasted a House hearing on white nationalism and hate crimes, claiming Democrats on the panel were focused on "fear-mongering, power and control" rather than on the issue of racism. "We’re hearing [terms like 'white nationalism'] sent around today because what they want to say is that brown people want to be scared, which seems to be the narrative that we hear every four years ahead of a presidential election," Owens, communications director at conservative group Turning Point USA, said during her opening remarks. Owens was invited to testify by GOP lawmakers on the House Judiciary Committee in Tuesday's hearing. ADVERTISEMENT Owens, whose 74-year-old grandfather sat behind her during the hearing, said he "grew up in an America where words like 'racism' and 'white nationalism' held real meaning under the Democratic Party’s Jim Crow laws." The House Judiciary hearing was planned to "examine hate crimes, the impact white nationalist groups have on American communities and the spread of white identity ideology," according to a description of the event. The panel's hearing comes after a number of mass shootings in recent months were carried out by alleged white supremacists, including a shooting at a Pittsburgh-area synagogue that killed 11 Jewish congregants and two mosque shootings in Christchurch, New Zealand, that killed 50 worshippers last month. "The hearing today is not about white nationalism or hate crimes, it’s about fear-mongering, power and control," Owens said, casting doubt on whether hate crimes in the U.S. have risen in recent years. "The goal here is to scare blacks, Hispanics, gays and Muslims, helping [Democrats] censor dissenting opinions … helping them regain control," Owens said at the hearing. "White supremacy, racism, white nationalism, words that once held real meaning, have now become nothing more than election strategies," she claimed. According to the FBI, hate crimes increased in the U.S. for the third year in a row in 2017, rising 17 percent from the previous year. The bulk of those hate crimes were committed against black, Jewish and Muslim Americans. In her remarks, Owens also called talk of a GOP "southern strategy" in the 1960s, which critics say was an appeal to white southern voters over racial issues a "myth." "We hear over and over again about black conservatives, who have the audacity to think for themselves and become educated about our history and the myth of things, like the southern switch and the southern strategy, which never happened." Candace Owens calls the GOP’s Southern Strategy “a myth.” It’s not a myth. In 2005, RNC chairman Ken Mehlman even apologized for it to the NAACP national convention and said it was “wrong.” pic.twitter.com/gLVr68ySjK — Adam Best (@adamcbest) April 9, 2019 The issue has long been a controversial one. Many GOP leaders have said the party did try to use racial divisions to win white voters. In 2005, then Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman told NAACP leaders that the southern strategy was "wrong." Owens was one of eight witnesses on the panel, alongside multiple civil rights advocates and representatives with Google and Facebook. Updated at 1:30 p.m.<doc-sep>Just half an hour in, YouTube disabled the comments section on the livestream of the House Judiciary Committee’s Tuesday hearing on white nationalism and hate crimes after it was overrun by racist trolls. Before the hearing had even started, users began flooding the comments of the House’s official stream with jokes about hate crimes and accusations that Jewish people had engineered the hearing. Some defended white nationalism. The bigoted rhetoric became even more extreme once the witnesses began giving their opening statements. Advertisement When Eileen Hershenov, a senior vice president for the Anti-Defamation League, gave the first set of remarks, trolls ridiculed her heritage and claimed she was lying under oath. Perhaps the worst comments came when the next witness, Mohammad Abu-Salha, described the pain of losing his two daughters at the hands of a man who had expressed anti-Muslim sentiments online. Trolls spuriously accused Abu-Salha’s family of being terrorists and spun conspiracy theories that he was an actor reading a script written by Jewish people in Hollywood. Others mocked his deceased daughters with Islamophobic epithets and blamed their deaths on him. Advertisement Advertisement By the time Alexandria Walden, counsel for free expression and human rights at Google, began telling the committee that hate speech had no place on the company’s platforms, such as YouTube, the comments section for the livestream had been disabled. Comments for livestreams of the hearing by PBS NewsHour and Red Ice TV, a far-right YouTube channel, were also disabled. Advertisement A YouTube spokesperson provided a comment on the matter: “Hate speech has no place on YouTube. We’ve invested heavily in teams and technology dedicated to removing hateful comments and videos and we take action on them when flagged by our users. Due to the presence of hateful comments, we disabled comments on the livestream of today’s House Judiciary Committee hearing.” New York Democratic Rep. Jerry Nadler, the chairman of the Judiciary Committee, brought up a Washington Post report on the racist YouTube comments later on in the hearing. “This just illustrates part of the problem we’re dealing with,” he said. Texas Rep. Louie Gohmert, a Republican who had previously suggested that people were too quick to label comments as racist, asked Nadler, “Could that be another hate hoax?” Gohmert then said he was just keeping an “open mind.”<doc-sep>

A congressional hearing on online hate turned into a vivid demonstration of the problem Tuesday when a YouTube livestream of the proceedings was bombarded with racist and anti-Semitic comments. YouTube disabled the live chat section of the streaming video about 30 minutes into the hearing because of what it called “hateful comments” from internet users. The incident came as executives at Google and Facebook appeared before the House Judiciary Committee to answer questions about the companies’ role in the spread of hate crimes and the rise of white nationalism in the United States. Conservative commentator Candace Owens slammed Democrats while testifying, claiming they were focused on "fearmongering, power and control" rather than on the issue of racism. "We’re hearing [terms like 'white nationalism'] sent around today because what they want to say is that brown people want to be scared, which seems to be the narrative that we hear every four years ahead of a presidential election," Owens, communications director at conservative group Turning Point USA, said during her opening remarks. Rep. Ted Lieu plays recording of Candace Owens statement on Adolf Hitler (C-SPAN) "The goal here is to scare blacks, Hispanics, gays and Muslims, helping [Democrats] censor dissenting opinions … helping them regain control," Owens said at the hearing. Rep. Ted Lieu from California played a tape of Owens saying it would have been fine if Hitler just wanted to make Germany great — a claim Owens made while speaking in the United Kingdom in February. Leaders of human rights organizations such as the Anti-Defamation League and the Equal Justice Society also appeared before the committee. Neil Potts, Facebook director of public policy, and Alexandria Walden, counsel for free expression and human rights at Google, defended company policies that prohibit material that incites violence or hate. “There is no place for terrorism or hate on Facebook,” Potts testified. “We remove any content that incites violence.” The hearing broke down into partisan disagreement among the lawmakers and among some of the witnesses, with Republican members of Congress denouncing as hate speech Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar’s criticism of American supporters of Israel. The hearing was prompted by last month’s mosque shootings in Christchurch, New Zealand, that left 50 people dead. The gunman livestreamed the attacks on Facebook and published a long post online that espoused white supremacist views. But controversy over white nationalism and hate speech has dogged online platforms such as Facebook and Google’s YouTube for years. In 2017, following the deadly violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, tech giants began banishing extremist groups and individuals espousing white supremacist views and support for violence. In March, Facebook extended its ban to white nationalists. Despite the ban, accounts such as one with the name Aryan Pride were still visible as of late Monday. The account read: “IF YOUR NOT WHITE friend ur own kind cause Im not ur friend.” On Wednesday, a Senate subcommittee will hold a hearing on allegations that companies such as Facebook, Google and Twitter are biased against conservatives — an allegation leveled by political figures from President Donald Trump on down. The companies have denied any such bias.

ATLANTA -- He had just won $10 million, but Justin Thomas looked like a guy who set the bag of cash down somewhere and couldn't locate it. Having captured golf's ultimate prize, he was annoyed because he didn't secure the smaller one that was also at stake that day. Even today, Thomas laments finishing second at last year's Tour Championship to Xander Schauffele, having missed an 18th-hole birdie opportunity that would have forced a playoff. "It still bothers me,'' he said, even though Thomas still walked away from East Lake with the $10 million bonus that goes to the winner of the yearlong points competition on the PGA Tour, part of a player-of-the-year season. And that is something that won't happen in the future. After years of conjecture and debate, and with dozens upon dozens of ideas put forth, the PGA Tour unveiled a new plan to begin next year. It essentially wipes out the Tour Championship as we know it and turns into it into -- using golf terminology -- a flighted event in which players will be given a stroke advantage based on their place in the FedEx Cup standings. Gone will be the inane points permutations -- a good thing -- but in its place is a 72-hole tournament in which the player with the lowest score might not be the winner. Huh? Think of giving your buddy 1 stroke a side over the course of a four-day tournament, or the equivalent of 8 shots. If it were this year, that is essentially what No. 1 Bryson DeChambeau would be getting from Tiger Woods, who is ranked 20th in the standings and would begin the Tour Championship 8 strokes back of the leader. DeChambeau would have a 1-stroke lead over No. 2 Justin Rose, a 2-shot advantage over No. 3 Tony Finau, 3 shots over No. 4 Dustin Johnson and 4 shots over No. 5 Thomas. The stroke differences then increase in groups of five down to the 26th through 30th players, who would begin the Tour Championship 10 strokes back. "It's something that is very, very weird and going to be hard to get used to,'' Thomas said. "We talked about it, and it's ... never going to be perfect.'' Thomas, the reigning FedEx Cup champ, is part of the tour's players advisory committee. It means he has a voice in how business is conducted. And yet he doesn't seem sold. The FedEx Cup is in its 12th year. What it has provided in excellent fields with a season-ending champion, it has not always produced in clear-cut drama. That has often been due to the clumsy nature of all the points permutations, and the fact that what is unfolding on the leaderboard doesn't clearly show what happens in the overall FedEx competition. Defending FedEx Cup champ Justin Thomas doesn't sound sold on the way the FedEx Cup will be decided starting next year. Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire By eliminating the computer and having just a single winner -- albeit one with a staggered start -- the tour hopes to alleviate those issues. "Once play begins, we now have a single leaderboard,'' PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said. "Every viewer, every spectator and every player on the golf course will know precisely where they stand at any given moment in the competition as it relates to winning the FedEx Cup.'' Here's the problem: you know that there will be instances where the FedEx Cup champion does not shoot the lowest score that week, which goes counter to every other stroke-play tournament in every other week of the season. It would have happened last year with Thomas, who shot one more than Schauffele. It would have happened in 2009, when Tiger Woods was 3 strokes worse than Phil Mickelson but won the FedEx Cup. And it would have happened in 2008, when Vijay Singh was 16 shots behind Camilo Villegas but won the FedEx Cup in a format that was later revamped. (Singh had clinched the FedEx Cup before ever getting to Atlanta.) The difference? Schauffele, Mickelson and Villegas at least claimed the Tour Championship title and a winning prize in excess of $1 million. Starting next year, that person with the lowest score will take his place wherever it falls in the strokes-adjusted tournament. Is that bad? Well, at the very least it will take some getting used to, especially the idea that the winner will be credited with a tour title and some to-be-determined world ranking points that still needs to be determined by the Official World Golf Ranking. In the tour's defense, it wanted to do away with the mind-numbing computer projections that changed on every shot through the course of a Tour Championship. For a player competing in the tournament, it could be very difficult to discern where he stood in the FedEx Cup picture. Monahan said the process took three years and that every idea conceivable was put forward and considered. Among the many broached over the years was the simple concept of having the playoff events proceed as they have, then crowning a winner at the Tour Championship. From there, take the top four, six, eight -- whatever number -- and let them play the next day for the bonus money, which will now be $15 million to the winner and $5 million to second place and subsequent payouts from there. That clearly would produce some of the drama the tour says it is after, not only with the Tour Championship itself but among those players fighting for those top spots to get a shot at the bonus money, and then the actual competition itself among a small group of players for a big prize. Monahan said the players, for the most part, were opposed. "We had a lot of discussion about a format like that,'' Monahan said. "Coming down to 18 holes or coming down to 36 holes, whether you were four or six players, and we brought that forward.'' But players couldn't get past the idea that "I'm battling from the Safeway Open (in October) to the Wyndham Championship (in August) and it's going to come down to an 18-hole shootout.'' And yet, isn't that what playoffs in other sports are typically about? Part of the new plan involves a $10 million bonus pool for the top 10 finishers in the regular season, with $2 million going to the top player down to $500,000 for 10th. Given the current points set up, those players are all but guaranteed of getting to the Tour Championship -- after two more $9 million purse events -- where they would then be in position to compete for the big prize. While $15 million goes to the winner and $5-million to second place, 10th place is still pays more $1 million. Sure, the guy who has the best season is not always going to come out on top. Monahan, who is from New England, ought to know all about that. Think 2007 New England Patriots. Or think this year's Boston Red Sox, who to this point have won 12 more games than any other team in baseball but are only assured of an extra game at home in each playoff series. That is the nature of players. You work hard all season, but then you still have to produce in the postseason. When presented with that type of scenario, Thomas could only shrug. "I really don't know what to say,'' he said. "I agree with you, I'll just say that.''<doc-sep>PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – With the upcoming 2018-19 PGA TOUR schedule reflecting previously announced, significant structural changes, PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan today unveiled further innovations that elevate the entire FedExCup season – from the Regular Season through the FedExCup Playoffs and ultimately, at the Playoffs Finale, the TOUR Championship. These changes include a simplified scoring system at the TOUR Championship that will determine the FedExCup Champion and a new $10 million program for the FedExCup Regular Season sponsored by Wyndham Rewards: the “Wyndham Rewards Top 10.” The FedExCup Playoffs – which have been reduced from four to three events beginning next season and will conclude before Labor Day, allowing the TOUR to compete to own the August sports calendar – will feature fields of 125 for THE NORTHERN TRUST, 70 for the BMW Championship and 30 for the TOUR Championship, where the FedExCup Champion will be determined. While the points structure for the first two events will remain the same (awarding quadruple points compared to FedExCup Regular Season events), there will be a significant change to the format for the TOUR Championship. Instead of a points reset at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, beginning with the 2018-19 event the TOUR is instituting a strokes-based bonus system related to the FedExCup standings through the BMW Championship. The FedExCup points leader after the first two Playoffs events will begin the TOUR Championship at 10-under par. The next four players will start at 8-under through 5-under, respectively. The next five will begin at 4-under, regressing by one stroke per five players until those ranked Nos. 26-30 start at even par. With the implementation of this change, the player with the lowest total score will be the FedExCup Champion and be credited with an official victory in the TOUR Championship competition. “This is a significant and exciting change for the PGA TOUR, our players, our partners and – most importantly – our fans,” said Monahan. “As soon as the TOUR Championship begins, any fan – no matter if they’ve followed the PGA TOUR all season or are just tuning in for the final event – can immediately understand what’s going on and what’s at stake for every single player in the field. And, of course, players will know exactly where they stand at all times while in play, which will ratchet up the drama, consequence and volatility of the competition down the stretch. “Compared to the current system, the beauty here is in the simplicity. Fans are very familiar with golf leaderboards in relation to par, so they will have a clear understanding of the impact every shot makes during the final run for the FedExCup – ultimately leading to a singular champion without conflicting storylines.” “It has been gratifying to witness the growth, popularity and importance of the FedExCup since its launch in 2007,” said Davis Love III, a current Player Director on the PGA TOUR Policy Board who also served on the Board during the development and launch of the FedExCup. “Several important refinements have been made along the way to help accelerate the FedExCup’s universal acceptance as a tremendous achievement in professional golf. However, I believe this new strokes-based bonus system for the TOUR Championship might well be the most important of them all, as it will lend absolute clarity to where everyone in the field stands and what exactly they must do to win the FedExCup. It will make for a very exciting and dramatic four days.” Meanwhile, the new $10 million Wyndham Rewards Top 10 not only will add drama to the Wyndham Championship as the final event before the FedExCup Playoffs but will also put an even greater premium on excelling over the course of the FedExCup Regular Season. The top-10 Regular Season finishers in FedExCup points through the Wyndham Championship – also sponsored by Wyndham Rewards – will reap the benefits of the Wyndham Rewards Top 10. The leader will earn $2 million, followed by $1.5 million for the runner-up with the 10th-place finisher earning $500,000. Additionally, each player in the top 10 will be invited into Wyndham Rewards at its most exclusive Diamond level, unlocking all the travel perks and unique Wyndham benefits that go along with it. And while the Wyndham Rewards Top 10 will be recognized at the conclusion of the Wyndham Championship, the impact of the program will be felt throughout the season; a player’s performance every week becomes more critical than ever before, elevating the significance of each tournament on the schedule and producing drama for PGA TOUR fans at every turn. “We are excited to unveil the Wyndham Rewards Top 10 next year, which will place an even greater premium on excelling over the course of the Regular Season,” said Andy Pazder, Chief Tournament and Competitions Officer for the PGA TOUR. “Season-long success is tantamount to qualifying for and advancing through the FedExCup Playoffs, and this is an exciting way to reward the best of the best and provide an added layer of drama for our fans in each market and around the world.” In addition to the $10 million Wyndham Rewards Top 10, the existing FedExCup bonus pool will increase by $25 million, to $60 million. The FedExCup Champion will receive $15 million, versus the $10 million prize from previous years. “Our players and fans have invested in the FedExCup over the past 12 seasons, and with these enhancements, we are reinvesting in the FedExCup in order to raise the stakes, so to speak, for their benefit,” said Monahan. “We are able to grow and diversify our fan base because we have the best athletes on the planet competing on the PGA TOUR. Now is the time to make these changes, and thanks to significant input in the process by our players, partners and fans, I believe we’re making exactly the right moves. “To that end, these changes wouldn’t have been possible without the full support of the TOUR Championship’s outstanding Proud Partners – Coca-Cola and Southern Company – as well as longtime partner FedEx and an enhanced partnership with Wyndham Rewards,” he added. “They shared our vision for how we can challenge ourselves to raise level of excitement and fan engagement throughout the season up until the moment our FedExCup Champion is determined.”<doc-sep>

ATLANTA — The biggest payday in golf is getting bigger. The PGA Tour and FedEx announced major changes Tuesday to the season-long race to the FedExCup starting next season, including the grand prize for the champion being bumped to $15 million from $10 million. The playoffs also will be reduced from four events to three, and the postseason finale at The Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club will have a simplified scoring system to determine the overall champion. Further, there will be a new Wyndham Rewards Top 10 race doling out $10 million to the best players during the regular season, with the leader in the standings heading into the playoffs getting $2 million and the 10th-place finisher getting $500,000. In addition to the Wyndham Rewards, the FedExCup bonus pool will increase by $25 million to $60 million. “We're thrilled with these changes put forth today. In fact, it's been a long time coming, and we've really looked forward to this day,” PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said Tuesday during his state of the union address at East Lake Golf Club. “But you take these changes and you combine them with the new and improved schedule, and we think this is a significant step forward for the PGA Tour.” More:Here's what U.S. Ryder Cup players will be wearing in France More:Angela Stanford wins at Evian for 1st career major title More:PGA to bring Ryder Cup, other top events to Congressional The adjustments coincide with the Tour’s significant changes to the schedule, which now will see the season conclude before Labor Day to escape the looming shadows of the NFL, MLB and college football. The schedule adjustments include the playoffs being reduced to three events – the Northern Trust, BMW Championship and The Tour Championship. The first playoff event at the Northern Trust will feature 125 players with a cut down to the top 70 for the BMW Championship. Both events will award quadruple points compared to regular-season events. As has been the case since the FedExCup Playoffs’ inception in 2007, the postseason’s last event, The Tour Championship, will feature 30 players. But starting next year, points will not be reset. Instead, the FedExCup points leader after the first two playoff events will begin The Tour Championship at 10-under par. The next four players in the standings will start at 8 under through 5 under, respectively. The next five will begin at 4 under, regressing by one stroke per five players until those ranked Nos. 26-30 start at even par. There will no longer be a need for high-tech calculators as head-scratching scenarios explaining what a player would have to do to win the FedExCup are eliminated. Instead, the player with the lowest score at the end of the week will win The Tour Championship, the FedExCup and $15 million. Monahan, who said the Tour considered many format changes, said he loves the beauty of the simplicity of the scoring at the playoff final. “Win The Tour Championship and you are the FedExCup Cup champion. It's that simple,” Monahan said. “And we have no doubt it will create a compelling, dramatic conclusion for the Tour’s ultimate prize.” But it will be weird, said defending FedExCup champion Justin Thomas. He said the strokes-based system will take some getting used to, especially if you start 8 to 10 shots back and shoot over par and you’re basically eliminated after the first round. Or you could have the best 72-hole score and not win the tournament. “It's never going to be perfect,” said Thomas, who last year won the FedExCup while Xander Schauffele won The Tour Championship. “No system in any sport is ever going to be perfect, and the Tour has done such a great job of talking to us and trying to get it as good as possible. For how much pride we take in our wins, I think that that's something that's going to be a little different. “We're just going to kind of see how it unfolds, and hopefully it turns out well. I liked the way that it is now, but like anything, you're just going to have to get used to it and we're just going to have to become comfortable with it because that's the way it is. Hopefully, and I’m sure it will, it will produce a lot of great drama and a very deserving winner.”

Round 3 - Pick 1 (65) Miles Boykin WR Notre Dame • Jr • 6'4" / 220 lbs Projected Team Arizona PROSPECT RNK 119th POSITION RNK 15th REC 59 REYDS 872 YDS/REC 14.8 TDS 8 Boykin has had an excellent predraft process, and I expect someone to fall in love with his athleticism and take him on Day 2. The Cardinals passed on a receiver at the top of Round 2 so they could be a Boykin landing spot. From From Oakland Raiders Round 3 - Pick 2 (66) Hakeem Butler WR Iowa State • Soph • 6'5" / 227 lbs Projected Team Pittsburgh PROSPECT RNK 52nd POSITION RNK 9th REC 60 REYDS 1318 YDS/REC 22 TDS 9 Some see Butler as a first-round talent, and he fits the mold as a good value pick at the position for the Steelers who winds up being better than many of the players taken ahead of him. Round 3 - Pick 3 (67) Deionte Thompson S Alabama • Jr • 6'1" / 195 lbs Projected Team San Francisco PROSPECT RNK 57th POSITION RNK 6th Thompson was considered a shoo-in for the first round before struggling at the end of last season, and he wasn't particularly impressive during the predraft process. That just means someone is going to get a good value later than they should. Round 3 - Pick 4 (68) Yodny Cajuste OL West Virginia • Soph • 6'5" / 310 lbs Projected Team N.Y. Jets PROSPECT RNK 65th POSITION RNK 12th The Jets were unable to trade down from No. 3, so they're finally back on the clock 64 picks later. And they use the pick on offensive line help to protect their young franchise QB. Round 3 - Pick 5 (69) Terry McLaurin WR Ohio State • Jr • 6'0" / 210 lbs Projected Team Jacksonville PROSPECT RNK 37th POSITION RNK 5th REC 35 REYDS 701 YDS/REC 20 TDS 11 McLaurin could go 30 picks higher than this and I wouldn't bat an eye. He'd be a great find for a Jacksonville team that needs to improve its passing game weapons for Nick Foles. Round 3 - Pick 6 (70) Oshane Ximines EDGE Old Dominion • Jr • 6'4" / 254 lbs Projected Team Tampa Bay PROSPECT RNK 72nd POSITION RNK 8th Ximines is a small-schooler with big talent, and he'd be a great fit for Todd Bowles' 3-4 after the team decided to pass on Josh Allen in Round 1. Round 3 - Pick 7 (71) Dre'Mont Jones DL Ohio State • Jr • 6'3" / 281 lbs Projected Team Denver PROSPECT RNK 42nd POSITION RNK 8th Jones hasn't created much buzz in the run up to the draft, but he's a talented player who could go in the top 50 picks. He'd be a steal for the Broncos if he makes it this far. Round 3 - Pick 8 (72) Ryan Finley QB NC State • Jr • 6'4" / 207 lbs Projected Team Cincinnati PROSPECT RNK 107th POSITION RNK 5th PAYDS 3928 RUYDS 21 INTS 11 TDS 26 I like the Bengals as a sleeper team for Josh Rosen, but if they pass on the Cardinals QB I can see them using this pick to add a guy like Finley that Zac Taylor can develop before the team reassesses the position next offseason. From From Detroit Lions Round 3 - Pick 9 (73) Trayvon Mullen CB Clemson • Jr • 6'2" / 200 lbs Projected Team New England PROSPECT RNK 69th POSITION RNK 9th The Patriots will likely do plenty of moving around on Day 2 and could target other corners earlier than this, but if they're still looking for one Mullen is a great value at this point. Round 3 - Pick 10 (74) Charles Omenihu DL Texas • Jr • 6'5" / 280 lbs Projected Team Buffalo PROSPECT RNK 82nd POSITION RNK 13th Omenihu is a massive force off the edge, and he seems like a great fit for Sean McDermott's defense. Pairing him with Ed Oliver is the boost the Bills' D-line needs. Round 3 - Pick 11 (75) Vosean Joseph LB Florida • Soph • 6'1" / 230 lbs Projected Team Green Bay PROSPECT RNK 81st POSITION RNK 4th The Packers weren't able to land one of the top inside linebackers at No. 12, so I think they're a candidate for one here in the third. Round 3 - Pick 12 (76) Nate Davis OL Charlotte • Jr • 6'3" / 316 lbs Projected Team Washington PROSPECT RNK 113th POSITION RNK 20th The Redskins need to beef up the interior of their offensive line, and Davis is a small-schooler a lot of teams like as a guard. Round 3 - Pick 13 (77) Greg Little OL Ole Miss • Jr • 6'5" / 310 lbs Projected Team Carolina PROSPECT RNK 45th POSITION RNK 10th Some think Little is a first-round talent, and it would be a little surprising to see him fall out of Round 2. But the Panthers should be looking for offensive line help after going with Brian Burns instead at No. 16, so he's a fit here. Round 3 - Pick 14 (78) Riley Ridley WR Georgia • Jr • 6'1" / 192 lbs Projected Team Miami PROSPECT RNK 70th POSITION RNK 11th REC 44 REYDS 570 YDS/REC 13 TDS 9 The Dolphins should just keep accumulating talent at any position, and while receiver isn't a huge need at this point, Ridley is someone they've shown interest in. From From Atlanta Falcons Round 3 - Pick 15 (79) Darrell Henderson RB Memphis • Jr • 5'8" / 208 lbs Projected Team L.A. Rams PROSPECT RNK 83rd POSITION RNK 5th RUYDS 1909 YDS/ATT 8.9 REYDS 295 TDS 25 With Todd Gurley's disappearance during the playoffs and the health concerns surrounding him, the Rams should be in a good spot to land a talented running back in the third round after trading for an extra Day 2 pick. Round 3 - Pick 16 (80) Trysten Hill DL UCF • Jr • 6'3" / 305 lbs Projected Team Cleveland PROSPECT RNK 182nd POSITION RNK 22nd The Browns were rumored to be chasing Jeffery Simmons in a trade up, so even though they added to the defensive tackle position in free agency I think they're still in place for a talent like Hill on Day 2. Round 3 - Pick 17 (81) Amani Hooker S Iowa • Jr • 5'11" / 210 lbs Projected Team Minnesota PROSPECT RNK 87th POSITION RNK 8th The Vikings lost Andrew Sendejo this offseason, and once they're done improving the offensive line, I can see them going after a quality safety like Hooker. Round 3 - Pick 18 (82) J.J. Arcega-Whiteside WR Stanford • Jr • 6'2" / 225 lbs Projected Team Tennessee PROSPECT RNK 60th POSITION RNK 10th REC 63 REYDS 1059 YDS/REC 16.8 TDS 14 Arcega-Whiteside is talented enough to go in Round 2, but the depth at the position is going to cause some players to slip. He'd be a nice option for the Titans after they focused on defense earlier. Round 3 - Pick 19 (83) D'Andre Walker EDGE Georgia • Jr • 6'2" / 251 lbs Projected Team Pittsburgh PROSPECT RNK 75th POSITION RNK 9th The Steelers jumped to get their inside linebacker in Round 1, and Round 3 is a good spot to add more talent on the edge with a 3-4 fit like Walker. From From Seattle Seahawks Round 3 - Pick 20 (84) Connor McGovern OL Penn State • Jr • 6'5" / 315 lbs Projected Team Kansas City PROSPECT RNK 90th POSITION RNK 15th After moving up eight spots in the round thanks to the Frank Clark trade, the Chiefs pick up an option to replace Mitch Morse at center or provide depth at guard.<doc-sep>The Dallas Cowboys look to defend their NFC East title and add plenty of talent in this 7-round 2019 NFL Mock Draft as they pursue that goal It’s never fun having to sit and watch all the action unfold in the first round of the draft while your team is without a pick. That’s exactly what the Dallas Cowboys will have to endure when the 2019 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday night in Nashville, Tennessee. Barring a trade back into the opening round, the Cowboys will be spectators Day 1 as their first pick will come at No. 58 overall on Friday night. While the team’s shot-callers have discussed how painful this will be, they surely are happy with the player they obtained for their surrendered pick. Following a 3-4 start to the 2018 season, Dallas realized their offense needed a shot in the arm. Their passing game wasn’t striking fear into anyone and it was having a negative impact on the entire team. The running game struggled as defenses stacked the box, Dak Prescott was having issues finding his receivers, and even the defense was tiring as the chains weren’t being moved on offense. Dallas alleviated much of the problem by picking up Amari Cooper from the Oakland Raiders in exchange for what wound up being the No. 27 overall pick — although many thought it would be a top-10 selection when the deal was made. The result was an NFC East title and a win in the first round of the playoffs, which made it worth the investment. Even without the pick they gave up for Cooper, Dallas is looking to add more talent and take their next step. Here we predict how things will unfold and attempt to help them stay on top with this 7-round 2019 NFL Mock Draft. Note: This mock was compiled using The Draft Network’s Mock Draft Machine.<doc-sep>Day 2 of the 2019 NFL draft is here and the Dallas Cowboys will finally get to start picking players. The Cowboys hold the 58th pick and the 90th pick in the draft. Follow along and join the discussion as we start adding players to the roster. Cowboys Needs: Safety: Xavier Woods is one piece of the puzzle but the Cowboys are looking to upgrade from Jeff Heath. Based on their pre-draft visits, they certainly are making the position a priority. Keep an eye on how many safeties go in the first round, especially the names Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Johnathan Abram, Juan Thornhill and Taylor Rapp. Defensive Tackle: David Irving is no longer here, and the Cowboys were soft at times up the middle last year, especially when the Rams ran all over them in the playoff game. With Maliek Collins and others in the final year of their contract, solidifying the position is important. Running Back: The Cowboys need a backup for Ezekiel Elliott. They will pick one at some point in the draft. Tight end: Jason Witten is back on a one-year deal, and Blake Jarwin and Dalton Schultz have potential. But getting a true receiving weapon at the position would add a new dimension to the offense. Defensive end/cornerback: You can’t have enough of either. Cowboys draft picks: Second round #58 - Third round #90 - Fourth round #128 Fourth round #136 Fifth round #165 Seventh round #241<doc-sep>

With only six total picks, the Cowboys do not have much work to do in the 2019 NFL Draft. They will need to compensate for that limited quantity with great quality in their selections. Dallas essentially made Amari Cooper its first-round selection when it traded for the wide receiver last season. That move addressed the Cowboys' biggest potential need in the draft, and they also are coming off a year in which they nailed their first-round pick, linebacker Leighton Vander Esch. So what might Jerry Jones, Stephen Jones and Jason Garrett do starting in the middle of Day 2 of the 2019 NFL Draft? Here we lay out the Cowboys' draft blueprint in more detail. SN's NFL DRAFT HQ: Iyer's mock draft | Live pick tracker | TV schedule Cowboys NFL Draft picks Round Pick Second No. 58 Third No. 90 Fourth No. 128 Fourth No. 136 (compensatory) Fifth No. 165 Seventh No. 241 Cowboys’ NFL Draft team needs Defensive line: Tackle is the biggest hole. Tyrone Crawford has been productive, but he is entering his age-30 season and is in line for a suspension after an off-field incident. Antwaun Woods and Maliek Collins leave the position rather weak in the wake of David Irving's retirement. At end, the team locked up Demarcus Lawrence, still has 2017 first-rounder Taco Charlton on the other side and traded for Robert Quinn. But there's not much depth and limited pass-rush punch after Lawrence. Tackle is the biggest hole. Tyrone Crawford has been productive, but he is entering his age-30 season and is in line for a suspension after an off-field incident. Antwaun Woods and Maliek Collins leave the position rather weak in the wake of David Irving's retirement. At end, the team locked up Demarcus Lawrence, still has 2017 first-rounder Taco Charlton on the other side and traded for Robert Quinn. But there's not much depth and limited pass-rush punch after Lawrence. Defensive back: The Cowboys didn't do much to tap into the free-agent safety market, with only the more backup-level signing of George Iloka. They might think safety first, but they also need to find some subpackage help in the secondary. The Cowboys didn't do much to tap into the free-agent safety market, with only the more backup-level signing of George Iloka. They might think safety first, but they also need to find some subpackage help in the secondary. Outside linebacker: Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith will be together for a while as second-level studs, but Sean Lee is 32 and will see a fading role on a one-year restructured deal. With Damien Wilson gone, they need someone who can play the pass on the strong side. Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith will be together for a while as second-level studs, but Sean Lee is 32 and will see a fading role on a one-year restructured deal. With Damien Wilson gone, they need someone who can play the pass on the strong side. Wide receiver: Cooper and second-year man Michael Gallup will start outside, with free-agent addition Randall Cobb replacing free-agent departure Cole Beasley in the slot. But the Cowboys could add depth in the form of a speedy deep threat for the outside. Cooper and second-year man Michael Gallup will start outside, with free-agent addition Randall Cobb replacing free-agent departure Cole Beasley in the slot. But the Cowboys could add depth in the form of a speedy deep threat for the outside. Tight end: Jason Witten is back, but he essentially replaces Geoff Swaim, with neither Blake Jarwin nor Dalton Schultz looking like a long-term answer at the position. Jason Witten is back, but he essentially replaces Geoff Swaim, with neither Blake Jarwin nor Dalton Schultz looking like a long-term answer at the position. Running back: The Cowboys need a capable backup behind Ezekiel Elliott after not re-signing Rod Smith. Cowboys mock draft 2019 Second-round plan: No. 58: Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, S, Florida This would be a great pick for Dallas in the second round, when several safeties should be coming off the board. The pick would be much like Houston getting Justin Reid in the third round last year — an immediate steal of a starter. Gardner-Johnson, at 5-11, 210 pounds, has ideal size for the position and is athletic enough to cause problems for both tight ends and slot receivers in coverage. He also is a good help defender downfield. He closes on the ball well, and his natural ball skills will fill a void for the Cowboys.

The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Get our daily Echo newsletter for the biggest stories and breaking news Invalid Email Something went wrong, please try again later. Subscribe for free Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice The first explosive Love Island recoupling will take place tonight and one islander will be dramatically dumped - and fans think they know who it'll be. Hundreds of fans took to social media following last night's recoupling announcement and Scouse model Hayley is right in the firing line. The 22-year-old has failed to hit it off with model Eyal, brutally friend zoning him in last night's episode, with the pair arguing around the fire pit. The blonde bombshell even forgot his name in the beach hut, as she spoke about how they had failed to connect. But with a recoupling on the horizon tonight, fans think Hayley's rejection of Eyal will come back and bite her. As things stand viewers think Jack will pair with Dani, Niall will pair with Georgia and Laura will pair with Wes. Adam looks likely to ditch Kendall for Rosie, with Eyal most likely to partner up with Kendall after the pair shared a smooch during a game of truth or dare. Samira and Alex have failed to form a romantic connection, but Alex said yesterday he'd still pair up with her, so they could stay in the villa and try and find their perfect partner. Which leaves Hayley firmly out in the cold. Lots of fans shared their theories on Twitter. In the preview of tonight's episode viewers saw Adam kiss Rosie, looking like he's firmly moved on from insecure Kendall. The recoupling will take place tonight, and there's bound to be fireworks. *Love Island continues on ITV2 at 9pm.<doc-sep>IT looks like the contestants for the 2018 series of Love Island will be wasting no time in getting to know each other. The girls and boys have arrived on Majorca where the hit ITV2 reality romance show is filmed ready to give it their all in the summer's most addictive series. 21 Samira Mighty looks like she can't wait to get into to the Love Island villa Credit: ITV Love Islanders are put to the test when asked to name things that ’squirt’ Five stunning beauties and six hunky lads are hoping to finding love – and fame. Laura Anderson, Dani Dyer, Hayley Hughes, Samira Mighty and Kendall Rae-Knight will be seen arriving at the Love Island villa via jeep as the 2018 kicks off. The ladies – each dressed in eye-grabbing swimwear, will feel the tropical island breeze whipping through their hair as they speed towards the villa in search of love. Laura, 29, dressed in a pink bikini top and denim hotpants has already revealed she is hoping to find a serious romance on the island. 21 Dani Dyer has already revealed she has her father's permission to have sex on TV Credit: ITV 21 Hayley Hughes wears a shocking pink bikini in the first episode Credit: ITV 21 Kendall Rae-Knight and the other ladies arrive via jeeps in the season opener Credit: ITV 21 Laura Anderson is one of the 11 contestants to feature from the start of season 4 Credit: ITV “I’ve had loads of boyfriends – nine. Two of my ex-boyfriends were in the public eye. I’m a relationship person I guess,” she said ahead of her arrival. Dani – the daughter of EastEnders legend Danny Dyer – arrives in a strappy white bikini and glittering pink heels. Much has been made of the fact Dani has sought her father’s permission to have sex on the show if she finds herself falling for one of her male co-stars. 21 Laura says she dated people in the spotlight in the past - and is hoping to find love that lasts Credit: ITV 21 Dani says she is looking for 'someone really genuine' as she endeavours to find love in the sun Credit: ITV 21 Hayley fears rejection on the show and says she would be mortified if no one wanted to couple with her Credit: ITV But the 21-year-old is looking for love, declaring: “I’m looking for someone really genuine. In past relationships I have had so many mind games going on and I want someone who bigs me up as much as I big them up. I like paying compliments and I would like the same in return.” 21 Blonde beauty Hayley arrives in her jeep dressed in a hot pink bikini – but has revealed she fears rejection on the show. “Imagine if no one stepped forward for me. I would die. I would be booking the next taxi. That’s all I think about,” the 21-year-old said. Watch the teaser trailer for brand new opening credit​ sequence of Love Island 2018 Meanwhile 22-year-old Samira – standing out in a leopard-print swimsuit – thinks some of her friends back home will be surprised to see her taking part in the show. “I was in Mamma Mia and Dreamgirls [in London’s West End]. Everyone in the West End knows everybody. So it will be a big shock when they see me on this show,” the acting beauty declared. Arriving in a shimmering sequin bikini, 26-year-old Kendall is hoping to find a lasting relationship via the show. 21 Samira is used to life in the spotlight - having already carved out a career in the West End Credit: ITV 21 Kendall isn't looking for fast love on the ITV2 show - she wants 'something long term' Credit: ITV “I’m looking for something long term. I have seen previous series when people have got together and stayed together and I do genuinely want to find someone,” she said. The first episode will see six hunky men arrive in the hopes of attracting one of the ladies. Caroline Flack will be presiding over ceremonies as the first official coupling of the series begins. 21 Caroline Flack will join the ladies in the opening episode to help calm their nerves Credit: ITV 21 Flackers will brief the ladies as they prepare to meet the lads Credit: ITV 21 The first coupling ceremony will commence in the opening episode 21 Caroline will appear sporadically over the series to deliver good news - and bad The lads will be showing off their own figures as they arrive in shorts and open shirts. One of the gents might end up left on the shelf, however, as there are more men than woman during the initial arrivals of the series. However a sixth mystery female contestant has been tipped to arrive meaning there could be happy connections for all on the show. 21 Nial Aslam has branded himself 'immature' and an 'attention seeker' Credit: ITV The lads may be experiencing excitement and anxiety as the first set of match making commences. Niall Aslam has hinted that he might end up annoying whoever he gets paired with. “I was with my ex-girlfriend for just over three years from the age of 17 to 20. She would probably say that I’m immature and a bit of an attention seeker – and she wouldn’t be wrong,” the 23-year-old said. 21 Eyal Booker has been boasting about his pop-star past - despite his band EverYoung being complete chart failures Credit: ITV “I do feel sorry for my ex because this is her favourite programme,” he boasted. Former pop star Eyal Booker risks being the "Marcel from Blazing Squad" of the 2018 series as he has been banging on about his chart glory days already. “I was in a pop band once called EverYoung. We had small-time success and toured the country, built up a little fan base and there was fan girl hysteria. They’d follow us around and come to our gigs and stuff so that was a little taste,” the 22-year-old declared. 21 Adam Collard says he is really competitive and will strive to beat his dates at sporting challenges Credit: ITV Fellow male contestant Adam Collard has hinted he will be willing to fight for whichever lady catches his eye – and might even throw her under the bus if they end up on a competitive date. “I am super competitive and I hate losing. Even if I take a girl on a date to play Crazy Golf for example, I’m in the zone,” the 22-year-old said. Adam almost had a claim to fame in the past having been scouted to appear on trashy MTV reality series Geordie Shore. 21 Jack Fincham is a surprisingly self-aware Love Island hopeful and says he fears he will look 'like an idiot on the telly' Credit: ITV However the muscled hunk rejected the offer of a role on the long-running show - and has slammed it as 'brainless' by saying her couldn't bare to feature on the party-heavy show because: "I've got something between my ears". Meanwhile, Jack Fincham, 26, has revealed a rare trait for Love Island contestants – self awareness. “I’m just a bit worried about looking like an idiot on the telly, really. I don’t want to embarrass myself. And I hope I find someone who I genuinely like,” he said ahead of heading to the villa. 21 Dr Alex George has put saving lives to one side to try and find himself a girlfriend Credit: ITV Dr Alex George sounds like he is willing to walk away from his career as he looks for love on the island. “I think some people would think I’m crazy coming on Love Island, it’s completely different to working as an A&E doctor. But at the end of the day, it’s a great opportunity and I think ‘why not, let’s just go for it! '” the 27-year-old said. And Wes Nelson, 20, is hoping his fame on social media might be enough to entice one of the prospective fates. 21 Wes Nelson has a modern way to impress prospective dates saying 'my claim to fame would be my Instagram' Credit: ITV “My claim to fame would be my Instagram. A few of my videos went viral when I was kickboxing and I’ve got a large Instagram following,” the hunk boasted. The lads and ladies will be joined by new arrivals and see their romances tested and destroyed over the coming weeks as Love Island 2018 will stretch to be the longest series to date. The show will run for eight weeks over the summer - taking up two months of scheduling on ITV2. MOST READ IN TV & SHOWBIZ KIM'S NEW KRUSH The men lining up to be Kim K's next partner as Kanye ‘dates Irina Shayk’ JOSS PERFECT Jac Jossa shows off her tiny waist after weight loss in pretty summer dresses 'WE'LL SEE' Louise Redknapp revealed Jamie wanted another baby when she was on Strictly GRANDE AFFAIR Ariana dazzles in white gown as she shares private pics from secret wedding a wright treat! Mark Wright gives fans tour of new £2,400 a night home with Michelle Keegan Exclusive ARG-AIN James ‘Arg’ Argent's set to reunite with 'love of his life' ex Lydia Bright Caroline Flack will be on hand to offer occasional support and to reveal which contetants will be dumped from the island as well as hosting spin-off show Aftersun. Some fans of the show have already singled out Dani Dyer as a favourite for the 2018 - as they want her to make it to the finals so her father, Danny, will be sent in to mingle with the contestants. Love Island 2018 starts tonight on ITV2 at 9pm. Got a story? email digishowbiz@the-sun.co.uk or call us direct on 02077824220. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.<doc-sep>

Love Island is almost upon us and we're already envisioning sunshine, ripped muscles, this year's version of Muggy Mike getting pied, and infinity pools with a background chorus of "100% my type on paper". Unsexy stuff such as hand sanitisers and pouring rain don't spring to mind - but both are very real issues behind the scenes of the hit ITV2 show. We went to Mallorca to check out the villa, get some backstage gossip, meet the new contestants, and chat to the show's very bronzed host Caroline Flack. Unfortunately, it rained quite viciously from the moment we landed and continued most of the day, although the sun eventually did come out when we finally got to the famous villa. We're putting that down to another Love Island miracle. Here's everything we learned ahead of the new series - including a solution to bad weather and a condom count. You're welcome. 1. Everyone who arrives at the villa must use hand sanitiser Giphy Passing round a communal hand sanitiser in the coach enforced by security immediately brought us back down to earth as we arrived for our tour of the sprawling villa. We're told it's a precautionary measure to kill all viruses so that the cast and crew don't get ill. 2. Some lucky cleaner gets to change the bed sheets... Giphy Keeping it as sexy as the show, the producers informed us that the cleaners come once a week, during which they also change the sheets. Bruto. 3. There isn’t a limit to alchohol ITV2 There's been lots of conflicting reports of how much booze is actually permitted in the villa, with Kady telling us last year that they were usually allowed two glasses a night. However, producers told us that there is no limit, although they do keep an eye on booze intake. "We monitor things," a producer explained. "They can have a drink but we're really careful that they don't have too much. There's no limit... We judge on a case by case basis but we're responsible about it." 4. Makeup and clothes are available for the Islanders Giphy Missguided clothes and Rimmel makeup products will be available in the villa for the Islanders to help themselves to if they so fancy. 5. This is how many condoms are available to the Islanders Giphy 200. And the branded kind, of course. 6. It never rains on Love Island Giphy Or so producers joked. If it does pour down, it's likely they'll edit around the weather and we'll probably see more footage of the Islanders inside the villa. 7. The Islanders make their own breakfast and lunch ITV But their dinner - like the crew's - is prepared by caterers. 8. A dumped Islander could return a la Muggy Mike ITV We could see a rejected Islander come back to the show after the sheer brilliance of Mike's unforeseen resurrection. "We only felt comfortable doing that off the back of a public vote," a producer explained. "So we knew that the viewers were happy to endorse it." 9. Danny Dyer could be making a cameo Islander and former Survival Of The Fittest star Dani Dyer said her famous EastEnders dad Danny Dyer could end up making an appearance on the show during the family reunion segment. 10. Chris Pine most definitely won't be turning up, mind you... Imeh Akpanudosen Getty Images Islander Samira Mighty revealed she went on a date with Chris a couple of years ago and that they're still in touch. So much so the Hollywood actor even asked the West End performer if she was around to hangout this summer. Sadly, Chris got pied for Love Island. "He texts me now and then, just to let me know he's there," she said. "He was like, 'oh my gosh, I'm here over summer, let's hangout.' But I'm on the show! He would never go on the show! He was like, ahh, 'Ok. I was like, cool'. End of friendship end of convo!" Lol 11. Some of the contestants auditioned, and some were scouted on Instagram ITV A couple of the Islanders applied the usual way by sending a video in, but others were contacted by producers or casting agents to take part via social media. Model Hayley Hughes told us: "[Producers] had contacted me previous years, but I’ve had boyfriends. They contacted me on social media on Instagram.

When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they'll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time. Sign up fornow for the biggest moments from morning TV Robert wowed the judges and viewers alike with his fast-paced comedy routine on Britain’s Got Talent. His efforts saw him get through to tonight’s final with a shot at taking home the title of the ITV variety competition. He was even pegged as a bookies favourite, however, it’s all changed at the last minute. While he was comfortably sitting at the top spot, he’s now been overtaken by fellow funnyman Lost Voice Guy. Support has surged for the comic, who lost his ability to speak as a result of cerebral palsy, meaning Robert’s got a big rival.<doc-sep>ROBERT White is the runner-up of Britain's Got Talent 2018! Here's the lowdown on the musical comedian who came second in the grand final and notably had a run-in with Big Narstie on the show... 1 Robert White has graced the Edinburgh Fringe Festival Credit: PA:Press Association Who is Robert White? Robert White, 41, is a stand-up from West Sussex. On his website he describes himself as "the only gay, Aspergic, quarter-Welsh comic on the British comedy circuit". He may sound like a niche act, but the musical comedian has managed to garner a wide appeal with his chaotic style and improvised musical skills. At the Edinburgh Fringe he has gained rave reviews with The Scotsman describing him as a "brilliant, confusing and strange" talent. And his one-liners aren't bad either, with one effort earning him a top-10 place in 2010's funniest jokes at the Fringe. That year, he was also recognised at the Festival with the Malcolm Hardee Award for Comedy Originality. In an exclusive, The Sun revealed that White served jail time after one of his pranks went wrong. The comedian "got three months in Wandsworth prison" after dressing in a ball gown to surprise his ex-boyfriend at work, while brandishing a music stand. Though he changed his mind about the joke and headed home, he walked out in front of a police car and was questioned. White said: “In the police interview, I called it [the music stand] a gun because — for the joke — I was a comedy armed robber." Robert was initially set to be charged with armed robbery, but they reduced the charges to attempt to threaten with an imitation firearm. When did Robert appear on Britain's Got Talent and what happened with Big Narstie? Robert came second in the Britain's Got Talent grand final, missing out only to fellow comedian Lost Voice Guy (Lee Ridley) who took home the grand prize. After his semi-final win Robert was shoved on Britain's Got Talent by Grime star Big Narstie live on air. He was seen pushing the comedian after he tried to dance with him. However Big Narstie later apologised saying it was just his "natural reaction" to having his personal space invaded. LATEST BGT NEWS AND GOSSIP MAGIC MAN How old is Saturday Night Takeaway's Stephen Mulhern and does he have a wife? FUNNY GUY All about BGT winner Lost Voice Guy and whether he made The Champions final ANT MAN How tall is Ant McPartlin and how many children does the BGT host have? APPLY YOURSELF You can apply for Britain’s Got Talent 2020 now - here's how Lots of Laughs Britain's Got Talent's funniest comedians from Jack Carroll to Robert White LITTLE STAR How old is Connie Talbot now and is she taking part in BGT: The Champions? HOLDING ON Amanda Holden cleared for shouting 'F***' live on Britain's Got Talent SHOW US A SPEL, MANN Who Marc Spelmann? Britain's Got Talent 2019 finalist shocked judges SPEECHLESS COMEDY Get to know Lost Voice Guy, the winner of Britain's Got Talent 2018 BRITAIN'S GOT TICKETS We reveal how you can get tickets to the live finals of ITV's BGT Who is on the BGT judging panel? Simon Cowell leads the judging panel once again. Last year's fellow judges - David Walliams, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon - are all back too. These judges have been in place for the past six series, with Amanda and Simon remaining constant throughout the entire eleven-series run. For the first four series, there were only three judges, with Piers Morgan in the third chair. Michael McIntyre and David Hasselhoff then joined the team for 2011, but they only lasted one series.<doc-sep>When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they'll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time. Sign up fornow for the biggest moments from morning TV The 11 Britain's Got Talent finalists were whittled down to just three as Declan Donnelly read out the results It was Donchez Dacres, Lost Voice Guy and Robert White who were voted into the top three. Dec announced Donchez as the third place contestant, so it was down to just Robert and Lost Voice Guy. But after a pregnant pause, it Lost Voice Guy, real name Lee Ridley, was who was announced as the winner. Lee was pegged as the favourite to win by bookies before the live final as he overtook Robert in the stakes.<doc-sep>Sorry, this video isn't available any more. Lost Voice Guy has taken out the title of Britain’s Got Talent in a hotly contested finale on Sunday evening. The 37-year-old, aka comedian Lee Ridley beat out 10 other acts to claim the top spot at the Hammersmith Apollo on 3 June, with the viewers captivated by him and his hilarious performance. All four judges, Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams were all floored by their finale performance. Declan Donnelly first announced the top three acts which were Lost Voice Guy, Donchez Dacres and Robert White. Donchez Dacres came in third place, as he said he felt ‘marvellous’. He added: ‘It’s out of this world. Thank you so much for voting for me.’ Donchez was the underdog that came through in the end, with odds of 50/1 going into the finale. Donchez came in third place (Picture: ITV) David Walliams’ Golden Buzzer act was crowned the winner of Tuesday night’s semi-final and was thoroughly entertaining to the crowds as he danced with and got the audience and judges into his tunes. Musical comedian Robert White clapped when his fellow competitor was announced as the winner, while the judges applauded. Robert White was runner up (Picture: ITV) Robert gave the thumbs up to the audience. He said: ‘It’s amazing, this whole year was about giving up comedy and starting teaching so this will be a lovely thing to remember when i become a full-time teacher in September.’ Judges gathered around Lee (Picture: ITV) Lost Voice Guy will now be performing for the Queen at the Royal Variety Show, as well as £250,000. Dec said: ‘You’ve done it!’ He said of performing for the Royal Family: ‘I’m very excited to perform for the Queen…I’ve loved her since she sang Bohemian Rhapsody.’ As he lapped up the audience’s whoops and cheers, he added: ‘I have been blown away by the support of the judges and the general public. ‘I’ve got so much love from everyone and I’m really grateful for it all.’ Congratulations to Lee! (Picture: Rex Features) Lost Voice Guy, Lee – who is unable to speak due to complications from cerebral palsy and delivers his material through a voice synthesiser – secured his place in the final after delivering brilliantly self-deprecating humour in the first live show and throughout. Simon Cowell said: ‘To you, you so deserve this. I’m so happy.’ It was an exciting final, with Lost Voice Guy even managing to crack a joke about the new facial injuries he was sporting, after confessing he fell over whilst drunk when celebrating his semi-final win. In his routine, he quipped: ‘I felt like a rock star after last week’s show. But because it takes me so long to communicate with people through my computer, I couldn’t decline drinks fast enough. ‘So by the time I said no, they’d already bought me one. And, by the end of the night, I fell over!’ Robert, Lee and Donchez (Picture: Rex Features) In another part of the routine, Lee joked about he had ‘joined a disabled Steps tribute act’ called ‘ramps’, which had the judges in stitches. Lee’s chances in the final appeared to be derailed last week, after suffering a fall on his way back to his hotel last Monday night (28 May). However, he was sure to joke about the accident, as he appeared on This Morning. He said: ‘Yes I normally walk very funny so after the semi-final I decided to get very drunk to see if it would correct the issue, thinking if I drank enough I would walk straight. ‘As you can see it didn’t go to plan. But now I have recovered and am feeling fine thanks.’ Got a showbiz story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page - we'd love to hear from you. MORE : Who is Britain’s Got Talent 2018 winner Lost Voice Guy – aka comedian Lee Ridley? MORE : BGT viewers fawn over Amanda Holden’s ‘stunning’ dress while others are left divided<doc-sep>

BRITAIN'S Got Talent didn't disappoint with its big finale. So who was in the final and who won? And more to the point, what do they win? Here is the FULL lowdown... 2 Lost Voice Guy was the first act to go through to the final and he won the whole show! Credit: Rex Features Who was in the final Britain's Got Talent line-up? The following acts made it through to the finals on June 3: Lost Voice Guy - comedian Lee Ridley who has no voice due to cerebral palsy and uses a taped recording in his act D-Day Darlings - wartime themed group who performed Vera Lynn's We'll Meet Again Donchez Dacres - The 60-year-old singer from Wolverhampton made it through to the final with his catchy Wiggle Wine song Calum Courtney - The 10-year-old who sang Michael Jackson's Who's Lovin You in his audition impressed the judges and the public with his sweet tribute to his mum in the semi-finals Gruffydd Wyn Roberts, 22, is a singer from Amlwch, North Wales Robert White - musical comedian who has sang amusing songs about the judges Tim and Jack Goodacre - a father and son singing duo DVJ - young dance troupe managed by Ashley Banjo from Diversity Giang Brothers - circus performing brothers from Vietnam Micky P Kerr - comedy musician who sang the Bag For Life song and baffled Simon Cowell 2 Robert White was a favourite to win the show and finished as runner up Credit: Rex Features What happened in the Britain’s Got Talent 2018 final? Lee Ridley aka Lost Voice Guy was crowned the winner of Britain’s Got Talent 2018 after wowing fans with his comedy routines. He beat 10 other acts to scoop the top prize of £250,000 and will perform at this year’s Royal Variety Performance in front of royalty. Runner-up Robert White was gracious in defeat as he explained he was giving up comedy to take up teaching full time. Donchez Dacres came in third place and thanked the viewers for voting for him before giving us another little wiggle wine. Following his crowning moment, Lee Ridley took to the stage for a final time saying he had been blown away by the support and that he was looking forward to performing for the Queen. More on BGT MAGIC MAN How old is Saturday Night Takeaway's Stephen Mulhern and does he have a wife? FUNNY GUY All about BGT winner Lost Voice Guy and whether he made The Champions final ANT MAN How tall is Ant McPartlin and how many children does the BGT host have? APPLY YOURSELF You can apply for Britain’s Got Talent 2020 now - here's how Lots of Laughs Britain's Got Talent's funniest comedians from Jack Carroll to Robert White LITTLE STAR How old is Connie Talbot now and is she taking part in BGT: The Champions? HOLDING ON Amanda Holden cleared for shouting 'F***' live on Britain's Got Talent SHOW US A SPEL, MANN Who Marc Spelmann? Britain's Got Talent 2019 finalist shocked judges SPEECHLESS COMEDY Get to know Lost Voice Guy, the winner of Britain's Got Talent 2018 BRITAIN'S GOT TICKETS We reveal how you can get tickets to the live finals of ITV's BGT What do you get for winning Britain's Got Talent 2018? There are a number of prizes on offer for triumphing on Britain's Got Talent. Winners have always received a cash prize which has varied in amounts since the show launched back in 2007. Initially the prize was £100,000 but that went up to a cool £500k in 2012. But, sadly for this year's winner, the cash for winning the 2018 edition is "only" £250,000. As well as a tidy bit of cash Lee will also be given the honour of performing at the annual Royal Variety Performance. While it was traditionally attended by Her Majesty the Queen, she has not made it to a show since 2012. Although major figures from the Royal Family still attend with Prince William and Kate Middleton in the audience at the 2017 show.

Head Coach Freddie Kitchens Status: Official Kitchens, a Gadsden, Alabama, native who played quarterback at the University of Alabama, broke into the NFL in 2006 as a tight ends coach with the Cowboys under Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Bill Parcells. He held the same position with the Cardinals from 2007-12, working under Ken Whisenhunt, before transitioning to quarterbacks coach from 2013-16 when he worked under Bruce Arians. He was running backs coach in his final year in Arizona before making the move to Cleveland. Kitchens worked closely with Carson Palmer in Arizona during some of his most productive seasons. Palmer set the Cardinals record for passing yards (4,671), touchdown passes (35) and passer rating (104.6) during Kitchens’ stretch as quarterbacks coach from 2013-16. In 2015, the Cardinals had the top-ranked offense in the NFL for the first time in team history and set numerous single-season team records including points (489), touchdowns (59), touchdown passes (35), total net yards (6,533) and first downs (373). Before he came to the NFL, Kitchens spent seven years coaching on the college level with stops at Mississippi State (2004-05), North Texas (2001-03), Louisiana State (2000) and Glenville State (1999). Kitchens was a star quarterback during his high school days, winning Alabama’s “Mr. Football” award after his senior season, and went on to start for three seasons at the University of Alabama. He finished his collegiate career ranked third in school history in career attempts, fourth in career passing yards and fifth in career completions.<doc-sep>TUSCALOOSA, AL - SEPTEMBER 13: Head coach Todd Monken of the Southern Miss Golden Eagles looks on during the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 13, 2014 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) For the past 20 years, the Cleveland Browns have lacked talent at two big positions: quarterback, and coaching. With the quarterback and a new staff now in place, Freddie Kitchens and Co. look to have hit an absolute home run. The world of football is, by and large, an art rather than a science. Sure, recent years have brought a hefty amount of analytics into the sport, but more often than not, they are not the centerpiece of a football operation. The NFL Draft, free agency, and coaching hires can often be a roll of the dice. Even if a coach might seem like an awful hire at the time, he might pan out. The opposite is true, and you can look up “Hue Jackson Cleveland Browns” if you want an example. The point is, coaching hires can be pretty risky business. Too often, a team doesn’t really know what they’re getting when they hire the men who will lead their players (hopefully) to a Super Bowl championship. But luckily for the Cleveland Browns and new head coach Freddie Kitchens, it looks like they’ve absolutely nailed it. Let’s take a look first at new special teams coordinator, Mike Priefer. Priefer’s time in Minnesota from 2011 to 2018 was met with mixed reviews, but he’s been largely seen as a good coach for about the past half decade. According to Pro Football Focus, Minnesota’s special teams unit has been third-best in the league over Priefer’s time with the Vikings. This is a vast improvement over the Browns who, throughout the season, looked totally inept on special teams. Pair Priefer up with one of the league’s best punters in Britton Colquitt, a promising young kicker in Greg Joseph,and a special teams unit that on the whole could use some help, and you’ve got a recipe for a good hire. Of course, anything would be better than former Browns special teams coach Amos Jones. Moving on, we’ll look at new offensive line coach and associate head coach James Campen. Honestly, it’s a wonder how the Browns even stole Campen away from the Green Bay Packers in the first place. As Green Bay’s offensive line coach, he has been their longest-tenured assistant, and would likely be a great deal of help to rookie head coach Matt LaFleur. It’s often been said that a new head coach’s most important hire is the offensive line coach, and the Browns really got a good one here. Campen gets to work with two of the best guards in the league in Joel Bitonio and Kevin Zeitler, a young inside lineman in Austin Corbett, and a left guard in Greg Robinson who looks to be in the midst of turning his career around. Bob Wylie was a fan favorite, but it was time to bring in a fresh face to coach the bulldozers up front. Flipping over to the defensive side of the ball, the Browns went with Steve Wilks as their new defensive coordinator. Don’t let the year-long disaster with the Arizona Cardinals define Wilks in your mind. Despite being a bit in over his head, and a bit underwhelmed due to the roster, Wilks is a great defensive-minded coach. During his time with the Carolina Panthers, Wilks coached up one of the most dynamic front sevens in the league. With a top-15 run defense and total defense by yards in 2017, Wilks was able to stuff his opponents’ run games as defensive coordinator. Now, he’ll get to go coach Myles Garrett, Emmanuel Ogbah, Larry Ogunjobi, and Joe Schobert in his front seven. This could very well be the first step for Steve Wilks to get another head coaching job. Finally, let’s examine what will likely be the crown jewel of this group of hires. Late Sunday evening, the Browns hired former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Todd Monken as their OC. While he may not call plays in Cleveland, he’ll have the chance to coach one of the league’s most talented young offensive groups, and develop Baker Mayfield even further. Monken loves explosive plays, and is a bit of a savant in the passing game. He turned Jameis Winston and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers into the league’s premier offensive unit last season. Imagine what he could do with an accurate arm like Baker Mayfield’s. Sure, coaching hires might be a gamble, but it looks like the Browns hit the jackpot with their four coaching picks.<doc-sep>CLEVELAND, Ohio — Freddie Kitchens dipped back into his past to find one of his defensive assistants. He hired Chris Jones, former coach of the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League, as a Senior Defensive Specialist. Jones, 51, was a graduate assistant at Alabama in 1997 when Kitchens was a quarterback there under Gene Stallings. Jones has won Grey Cups with four different teams, including with Edmonton in 2015 when he was head coach. Jones took over as head coach of the Roughriders in 2016, and guided the team to a 5-13 mark in a rebuilding season. They improved to 10-8 in 2017 and made the playoffs for the first time since 2014. Kitchens is also interviewing former Cardinals defensive coordinator Al Holcomb on Wednesday, according to Joe Person of The Athletic. Holcomb spent a year as coordinator there under head coach Steve Wilks, now Browns' defensive coordinator. Kitchens has hired most of the key members of his staff, including offensive coordinator Todd Monken, defensive coordinator Steve Wilks and special teams coordinator Mike Priefer. He’s also hired associate head coach/offensive line coach James Campen, a former NFL center who played with Browns GM John Dorsey in Green Bay.<doc-sep>

Butch Dill/Associated Press The Cleveland Browns are reportedly hiring Alabama defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi as their defensive line coach, according to Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports. As Feldman noted, Lupoi was "a huge recruiting force" for Alabama "as primary recruiter for Tua [Tagovailoa], Jonah Williams, Raekwon Davis, Najee Harris, Alex Leatherwood, Trevon Diggs and Dylan Moses." Lupoi has been with Alabama since 2014, replacing Jeremy Pruitt at defensive coordinator for the 2018 season and serving as the outside linebackers coach from 2015-17. As Matt Zenitz of AL.com noted, Nick Saban's Alabama staff has been picked clean this offseason: "Since the loss [to Clemson in the national championship game], offensive coordinator Mike Locksley (Maryland), co-offensive coordinator Josh Gattis (Michigan), quarterbacks coach Dan Enos (Miami) and offensive line coach Brent Key (Georgia Tech) have all left for different jobs." New Cleveland Browns head coach Freddie Kitchens, meanwhile, is putting together a solid coaching staff, adding Todd Monken as his offensive coordinator, Steve Wilks as his defensive coordinator, Al Holcomb as linebackers coach, Ryan Lindley as quarterbacks coach and James Campen as offensive line coach, among other hires. For the 7-8-1 Browns, the task now will be to take the next step in the rebuild and become a contender and playoff mainstay. And Lupoi will have the opportunity to work with one of the most talented young players in the NFL, defensive end Myles Garrett, who registered 44 tackles (16 for loss), 13.5 sacks and three forced fumbles in his second year in the NFL. Garrett earned a grade of 87.0 from Pro Football Focus, 13th amongst edge-rushers. Lupoi will be tasked with further developing Garrett and helping him become the superstar he appears poised to become.

Dr. Ford did not attend one of those schools. She attended an independent private school named Holton-Arms and she was a year behind me. She and I did not travel in the same social circles. It’s possible we met at some point at some events, although I do not recall that. To repeat, all of the people identified by Dr. Ford as being present at the party have said they do not remember any such party ever happening. Importantly, her friend, Ms. Keyser, has not only denied knowledge of the party, Ms. Keyser said under penalty of felony, she does not know me. Does not recall ever being at a party with me ever. And my two male friends who were allegedly there, who knew me well, have told this committee under penalty of felony that they don’t recall any such party and I never did or never would do anything like this. Dr. Ford’s allegation is not merely uncorroborated, it is refuted by the very people she says were there, including by a longtime friend of hers. Refuted. Third, Dr. Ford has said that this event occurred at a house near Columbia Country Club, which is at the corner of Connecticut Avenue and East West highway in Chevy Chase, Md. In her letter to Senator Feinstein, she said there were four other people at the house. But none of those people, nor I, lived near Columbia Country Club. As of the summer of 1982, Dr. Ford was 15 and could not drive yet. And she did not live near Columbia Country Club. She says confidently that she had one beer at the party. But she does not say how she got to the house in question or how she got home or whose house it was. Fourth, I have submitted to this committee detailed calendars recording my activities in the summer of 1982. Why did I keep calendars? My dad started keeping detailed calendars of his life in 1978. He did so as both a calendar and a diary. He’s a very organized guy, to put it mildly. Christmastime, we sat around and he would tell old stories. Old milestones, old weddings, old events from his calendars. In ninth grade — in ninth grade in 1980, I started keeping calendars of my own. For me also, it’s both a calendar and a diary. I’ve kept such calendar diaries for the last 38 years. Mine are not as good as my dad’s, in some years, and when I was a kid, the calendars are about what you would expect from a kid. Some goofy parts, some embarrassing parts. But I did have the summer of 1982 documented pretty well. The event described by Dr. Ford presumably happened on a weekend because I believe everyone worked and had jobs in the summers. In any event, a drunken early evening event of the kind she describes presumably happened on a weekend. If it was a weekend, my calendars show that I was out of town almost every weekend night before football training camp started in late August. The only weekend nights that I was in D.C. were Friday, June 4, when I was with my dad at a pro-golf tournament and had my high school achievement test at 8:30 the next morning. I also was in D.C. on Saturday night, Aug. 7, but I was at a small gathering at Becky’s house in Rockville with Matt, Denise, Lori and Jenny. Their names are all listed on my calendar. I won’t use their last names here. And then on the weekend of Aug. 20 to 22, I was staying at the Garretts’ with Pat and Chris as we did final preparations for football training camp that began on Sunday the 22nd. As the calendars confirm, that weekend before a brutal football training camp schedule was no time for parties. So let me emphasize this point: If the party described by Dr. Ford happened in the summer of 1982 on a weekend night, my calendar shows all but definitively I was not there. During the weekdays in the summer of 1982, as you can see, I was out of town for two weeks of the summer for a trip to the beach with friends and at the legendary five-star basketball camp in Honesdale, Pa. When I was in town, I spent much of my time working, working out, lifting weights, playing basketball or hanging out and having some beers with friends as we talked about life and football and school and girls. Some have noticed I didn’t have church on Sundays on my calendars. I also didn’t list brushing my teeth and for me, going to church on Sundays was like brushing my teeth. Automatic. Still is.<doc-sep>“I categorically and unequivocally deny the allegation against me by Dr. Ford,” Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh wrote. I never had any sexual or physical encounter of any kind with Dr. Ford.“ | Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images kavanaugh confirmation Full transcript: Brett Kavanaugh's opening statement to the Senate Judiciary Committee Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh's opening statement for a scheduled hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee, as prepared for delivery: Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Feinstein, and Members of the Committee: Eleven days ago, Dr. Ford publicly accused me of committing a serious wrong more than 36 years ago when we were both in high school. I denied the allegation immediately, unequivocally, and categorically. The next day, I told this Committee that I wanted to testify as soon as possible, under oath, to clear my name. Over the past few days, other false and uncorroborated accusations have been aired. There has been a frenzy to come up with something—anything, no matter how far-fetched or odious—that will block a vote on my nomination. These are lastminute smears, pure and simple. They debase our public discourse. And the consequences extend beyond any one nomination. Such grotesque and obvious character assassination—if allowed to succeed—will dissuade competent and good people of all political persuasions from serving our country. As I told this Committee the last time I appeared before you, a federal judge must be independent, not swayed by public or political pressure. That is the kind of judge I am and will always be. I will not be intimidated into withdrawing from this process. This effort to destroy my good name will not drive me out. The vile threats of violence against my family will not drive me out. I am here this morning to answer these allegations and to tell the truth. And the truth is that I have never sexually assaulted anyone—not in high school, not in college, not ever. Sexual assault is horrific. It is morally wrong. It is illegal. It is contrary to my religious faith. And it contradicts the core promise of this Nation that all people are created equal and entitled to be treated with dignity and respect. Allegations of sexual assault must be taken seriously. Those who make allegations deserve to be heard. The subject of allegations also deserves to be heard. Due process is a foundation of the American rule of law. Dr. Ford’s allegation dates back more than 36 years, to a party that she says occurred dring our time in high school. I spent most of my time in high school focused on academics, sports, church, and service. But I was not perfect in those days, just as I am not perfect today. I drank beer with my friends, usually on weekends. Sometimes I had too many. In retrospect, I said and did things in high school that make me cringe now. But that’s not why we are here today. What I’ve been accused of is far more serious than juvenile misbehavior. I never did anything remotely resembling what Dr. Ford describes. The allegation of misconduct is completely inconsistent with the rest of my life. The record of my life, from my days in grade school through the present day, shows that I have always promoted the equality and dignity of women. I categorically and unequivocally deny the allegation against me by Dr. Ford. I never had any sexual or physical encounter of any kind with Dr. Ford. I am not questioning that Dr. Ford may have been sexually assaulted by some person in some place at some time. But I have never done that to her or to anyone. I am innocent of this charge.<doc-sep>Brett Kavanaugh, the Supreme Court nominee, delivered emotionally charged opening remarks as he testified on an allegation of sexual assault before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday. Kavanaugh maintained his innocence and said his nomination proceedings had become "a national disgrace." The judge accused Democrats of ruining his reputation, becoming emotional as he discussed the effect of the allegations on his daughters. Brett Kavanaugh, the Supreme Court nominee, was forceful and emotional in denying an allegation of sexual assault in a highly charged hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday. Kavanaugh vehemently maintained his innocence and said his nomination proceedings had become "a national disgrace" and "a circus." He said that he'd never sexually assaulted anyone and that the multiple allegations of sexual misconduct that have arisen during the confirmation process had "totally and permanently destroyed" him and his family. He choked up at points, especially as he discussed the effects of the allegations on his young daughters. The Supreme Court nominee lambasted Senate Democrats, accusing them of supporting his accusers for political reasons. He also faulted the media for coverage of the allegations. "This whole two-week effort has been a calculated and orchestrated political hit, fueled with apparent pent-up anger about President Trump and the 2016 election, fear that has been unfairly stoked about my judicial record, revenge on behalf of the Clintons," Kavanaugh said. —CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) September 27, 2018 "What goes around comes around," Kavanaugh said during his testimony, adding, "I fear for the future." Kavanaugh said he would not be intimated from withdrawing from the process. "You have tried hard. You've given it your all. No one can question your effort," he said. "But your coordinated and well-funded effort to destroy my good name and destroy my family will not drive me out. "You may defeat me in the final vote, but you'll never get me to quit. Never." Kavanaugh's tone marked a stark contrast from the more measured testimony of his accuser, Christine Blasey Ford, who appeared before the committee earlier in the day. Kavanaugh has been accused of sexual misconduct by three women, though only Ford has been called on to testify. During her testimony, Ford said she was "100%" certain that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her. Read the full transcript of Kavanaugh's opening remarks below: Mr. Chairman, ranking member Feinstein, members of the committee, thank you for allowing me to make my statement. I wrote it myself yesterday afternoon and evening, no one has seen a draft or it except for one of my former law clerks. This is my statement. Less than two weeks ago Dr. Ford publicly accused me of committing wrongdoing at an event more than 36 years ago when we were both in high I denied the allegation immediately, categorically and unequivocally. All four people allegedly at the event including Dr. Ford's longtime friend Ms. Keyser have said they recalled no such event. Her longtime friend Ms. Keyser said under penalty of felony that she does not know me, and does not believe she ever saw me at a party ever. Here is the quote from Ms. Keyser's attorney's letter. Quote, "simply put, Ms. Keyser does not know Mr. Kavanaugh. She has no recollection of ever being at a party or gathering where he was present with or without Dr. Ford.” End quote. Think about that fact. The day after the allegation occurred I told this committee that I wanted a hearing as soon as possible to clear my name. I demanded the hearing for the very next day. Unfortunately, it took the committee ten days to get to this hearing and those ten long days as was predictable and as I predicted my family and my name have been totally and permanently destroyed by vicious and false additional accusations. The ten-day delay has been harmful to me and my family, to the Supreme Court. When this allegation first arose I welcomed any kind of investigation, Senate, FBI or otherwise. The committee now has conducted a thorough investigation and I've cooperated fully. I know that any kind of investigation, Senate, FBI, Montgomery county police, whatever will clear me. Listen to the people I know. Listen to the people who have known me my whole life. Listen to the people I've grown up with and worked with and played with and coached with and dated and taught and gone to games with and had beers with and listen to the witnesses who allegedly were at this event 36 years ago. Listen to Ms. Keyser. She does not know me. I was not at the party described by Dr. Ford. This confirmation process has become a national disgrace. The constitution gives the Senate an important role in the confirmation process, but you have replaced advice and consent with search and destroy. Since my nomination in July there's been a frenzy on the left to come up with something, anything to block my confirmation. Shortly after I was nominated, the Democratic Senate leader said he would, quote, "oppose me with everything he's got.” A Democratic Senator on this committee publicly referred to me as "evil.” Evil. Think about that word, and said that those who supported me were, quote, "complicit in evil.” Another Democratic senator on this committee said, quote, "Judge Kavanaugh is your worst nightmare.” A former head of the National Democratic Committee said, quote, "Judge Kavanaugh will threaten the lives of millions of Americans for decades to come.” I understand the passions of the moment, but I would say to those senators, your words have millions of Americans listen carefully to you given comments like those, is it any surprise that people have been willing to do anything to make any physical threat against my family, to send any violent e-mail to my wife, to make any kind of allegations against me and against my friends, to blow me up and take me down. For decades to come I fear the country will reap the whirlwind.<doc-sep>Chairman Grassley, Ranking Member Feinstein, Members of the Committee. My name is Christine Blasey Ford. I am a Professor of Psychology at Palo Alto University and a Research Psychologist at the Stanford University School of Medicine. I was an undergraduate at the University of North Carolina and earned my degree in Experimental Psychology in 1988. I received a Master’s degree in 1991 in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. In 1996, I received a PhD in Educational Psychology from the University of Southern California. I earned a Master’s degree in Epidemiology from the Stanford University School of Medicine in 2009. I have been married to Russell Ford since 2002 and we have two children. I am here today not because I want to be. I am terrified. I am here because I believe it is my civic duty to tell you what happened to me while Brett Kavanaugh and I were in high school. I have described the events publicly before. I summarized them in my letter to Ranking Member Feinstein, and again in my letter to Chairman Grassley. I understand and appreciate the importance of your hearing from me directly about what happened to me and the impact it has had on my life and on my family. I grew up in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. I attended the Holton-Arms School in Bethesda, Maryland, from 1980 to 1984. Holton-Arms is an all-girls school that opened in 1901. During my time at the school, girls at Holton-Arms frequently met and became friendly with boys from all-boys schools in the area, including Landon School, Georgetown Prep, Gonzaga High School, country clubs, and other places where kids and their families socialized. This is how I met Brett Kavanaugh, the boy who sexually assaulted me. In my freshman and sophomore school years, when I was 14 and 15 years old, my group of friends intersected with Brett and his friends for a short period of time. I had been friendly with a classmate of Brett’s for a short time during my freshman year, and it was through that connection that I attended a number of parties that Brett also attended. We did not know each other well, but I knew him and he knew me. In the summer of 1982, like most summers, I spent almost every day at the Columbia Country Club in Chevy Chase, Maryland swimming and practicing diving. One evening that summer, after a day of swimming at the club, I attended a small gathering at a house in the Chevy Chase/Bethesda area. There were four boys I remember being there: Brett Kavanaugh, Mark Judge, P.J. Smyth, and one other boy whose name I cannot recall. I remember my friend Leland Ingham attending. I do not remember all of the details of how that gathering came together, but like many that summer, it was almost surely a spur of the moment gathering. I truly wish I could provide detailed answers to all of the questions that have been and will be asked about how I got to the party, where it took place, and so forth. I don’t have all the answers, and I don’t remember as much as I would like to. But the details about that night that bring me here today are ones I will never forget. They have been seared into my memory and have haunted me episodically as an adult. When I got to the small gathering, people were drinking beer in a small living room on the first floor of the house. I drank one beer that evening. Brett and Mark were visibly drunk. Early in the evening, I went up a narrow set of stairs leading from the living room to a second floor to use the bathroom. When I got to the top of the stairs, I was pushed from behind into a bedroom. I couldn’t see who pushed me. Brett and Mark came into the bedroom and locked the door behind them. There was music already playing in the bedroom. It was turned up louder by either Brett or Mark once we were in the room. I was pushed onto the bed and Brett got on top of me. He began running his hands over my body and grinding his hips into me. I yelled, hoping someone downstairs might hear me, and tried to get away from him, but his weight was heavy. Brett groped me and tried to take off my clothes. He had a hard time because he was so drunk, and because I was wearing a one-piece bathing suit under my clothes. I believed he was going to rape me. I tried to yell for help. When I did, Brett put his hand over my mouth to stop me from screaming. This was what terrified me the most, and has had the most lasting impact on my life. It was hard for me to breathe, and I thought that Brett was accidentally going to kill me. Both Brett and Mark were drunkenly laughing during the attack. They both seemed to be having a good time. Mark was urging Brett on, although at times he told Brett to stop. A couple of times I made eye contact with Mark and thought he might try to help me, but he did not. During this assault, Mark came over and jumped on the bed twice while Brett was on top of me. The last time he did this, we toppled over and Brett was no longer on top of me. I was able to get up and run out of the room. Directly across from the bedroom was a small bathroom. I ran inside the bathroom and locked the door. I heard Brett and Mark leave the bedroom laughing and loudly walk down the narrow stairs, pin-balling off the walls on the way down. I waited and when I did not hear them come back up the stairs, I left the bathroom, ran down the stairs, through the living room, and left the house.<doc-sep>

On Thursday, Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh and Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, who has accused Kavanaugh of sexual assault, are being questioned by the Senate Judiciary Committee during a public hearing. Both were allowed to give opening remarks, with Ford's being made available on Wednesday. In Dr. Ford's remarks, she said: "I am here today not because I want to be. I am terrified. I am here because I believe it is my civic duty to tell you what happened to me while Brett Kavanaugh and I were in high school." She also went on to say that while she does not remember every detail from the day Kavanaugh assaulted her, she does remember the details of the actual assault. She went on to describe the same incident she told the Washington Post when she first came forward: Kavanaugh and his friend Mark Judge pushed her into a room at a party, where Kavanaugh got on top of her, groped her, and put his hand over her mouth to keep her from screaming. She was eventually able to escape and ran out of the house. She also talked about the lasting impact the assault had on her life: "Brett’s assault on me drastically altered my life. For a very long time, I was too afraid and ashamed to tell anyone the details. I did not want to tell my parents that I, at age 15, was in a house without any parents present, drinking beer with boys. I tried to convince myself that because Brett did not rape me, I should be able to move on and just pretend that it had never happened... I had never told the details to anyone until May 2012, during a couples counseling session. The reason this came up in counseling is that my husband and I had completed an extensive remodel of our home, and I insisted on a second front door, an idea that he and others disagreed with and could not understand. In explaining why I wanted to have a second front door, I described the assault in detail." Ford also described how she struggled to decide whether she should share her assault with the Senate: "As the hearing date got closer, I struggled with a terrible choice: Do I share the facts with the Senate and put myself and my family in the public spotlight? Or do I preserve our privacy and allow the Senate to make its decision on Mr. Kavanaugh’s nomination without knowing the full truth about his past behavior?" She reiterated that after her name was made public, her family was the target of death threats and harassment. You can read her full remarks here. In Kavanaugh's opening remarks, which he claims were not made public prior to the hearing, he unequivocally denies the accusation, as well as other accusations that have come to light in the last few days, including those from Deborah Ramirez and Julie Swetnick: "I'm not questioning that Dr. Ford may have been sexually assaulted by some person in some place at some time, but I have never done this to her or to anyone. That's not who I am. It is not who I was. I am innocent of this charge. I intend no ill will to Dr. Ford and her family." He also attacked the procedures themselves, saying, "This confirmation process has become a national disgrace. The constitution gives the Senate an important role in the confirmation process, but you have replaced advice and consent with search and destroy. Since my nomination in July, there's been a frenzy on the left to come up with something, anything to block my confirmation." His remarks were lengthly and covered a number of subjects from church to beer to basketball, but his underlining message was that he is not the type of man who would assault a woman, describing positive relationships he has with women and his previous work as a judge and professor. He also became visibly upset, cried, and occasionally had to stop and take a drink of water in order to keep talking. During the remarks, he reiterated that he will not withdraw from the nomination, seemingly blaming Democratic senators for trying to find a way to get him to do so: "I will not be intimidated into withdrawing from this process. You've tried hard. You've given it your all... you may defeat me in the final vote, but you'll never get me to quit. Never."

Updated, Feb. 27, 2019: Toledo voters on Tuesday approved a ballot question asking whether Lake Erie should be given rights normally associated with a person. The measure got 61 percent of the votes. On Wednesday, a federal lawsuit was filed by a farmer challenging the measure’s constitutionality. The failing health of Lake Erie, the world’s 11th largest lake, is at the heart of one of the most unusual questions to appear on an American ballot: Should a body of water be given rights normally associated with those granted to a person? Voters in Toledo, Ohio, will be asked this month to decide whether Lake Erie, which supports the economies of four states, one Canadian province and the cities of Toledo, Cleveland and Buffalo, has the legal right “to exist, flourish, and naturally evolve.” The peculiar ballot question comes amid a string of environmental calamities at the lake — poisonous algal blooms in summer, runoff containing fertilizer and animal manure, and a constant threat from invasive fish. But this special election is not merely symbolic. It is legal strategy: If the lake gets legal rights, the theory goes, people can sue polluters on its behalf.<doc-sep>Tired of receiving notices warning that their drinking water may have been compromised and having little recourse to fight corporate polluters, voters in Toledo, Ohio on Tuesday approved a measure granting Lake Erie some of the same legal rights as a human being. Sixty-one percent of voters in Tuesday's special election voted in favor of Lake Erie's Bill of Rights, which allows residents to take legal action against entities that violate the lake's rights to "flourish and naturally evolve" without interference. "People need to start relying on our democracy to hold polluters accountable...We're still going to try to get [regulators] to do what they're supposed to do. But there's no reason to be limited just to that if there are creative approaches out there such as the Lake Erie Bill of Rights." —Mike Ferner, Advocates for a Clean Lake Erie Toledoans for Safe Water led a years-long campaign to convince voters that their city's charter must be amended to ensure that the "environmental burden" carried by the lake, which provides drinking water to 12 million Americans and Canadians, must be reduced. "Beginning today, with this historic vote, the people of Toledo and our allies are ushering in a new era of environmental rights by securing the rights of the Great Lake Erie," said Markie Miller of Toledoans for Safe Water in a statement. Under the Bill of Rights, residents will now have legal standing in court to sue corporate polluters on behalf of Lake Erie and to seek damages which would be used to rid the lake of pollution. SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT Never Miss a Beat. Get our best delivered to your inbox. The initiative was modeled on "rights to nature" laws which have passed in Lafayette, Colorado; by the Ponca Nation of Oklahoma and the Chippewa Nation in Minnesota; and countries including India and Nepal. Toledoans for Safe Water began their campaign in 2016 in response to a drinking water crisis in the area two years earlier. Five hundred thousand residents of the Toledo area were advised not to drink or use their tap water for three days due to a toxic algae bloom that had been detected in the water system. "People need to start relying on our democracy to hold polluters accountable," Mike Ferner of another local group, Advocates for a Clean Lake Erie (ACLE), told the Toledo Blade. "Regulatory agencies have not been doing their jobs for a long time. We're still going to try to get them to do what they're supposed to do. But there's no reason to be limited just to that if there are creative approaches out there such as the Lake Erie Bill of Rights." The groups were up against the Toledo Chamber of Commerce and the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, which argued that businesses and farmers may now face high costs of complying with the new law and legal bills if they pollute Lake Erie. "What Toledo voters and other places working on rights of nature are hoping is to not only change laws but to change culture," Tish O'Dell, an organizer with the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund, which assisted the local campaigners, told The Progressive. "So much of our way of thinking about our relationship with nature has to change. We are not separate from nature but part of nature. Nature is living and that right to thrive, flourish and be healthy needs to be recognized. Nature doesn't need us to survive but we need nature to survive."<doc-sep>Residents on the shores of Lake Erie, the 11th largest lake in the world, have voted in favour of handing the body of water the same legal rights as a human being in potentially revolutionary legislation. The measure - which passed with nearly two thirds of the vote in the lakeside city of Toledo, Ohio - guarantees the right of Lake Erie to “exist, flourish, and naturally evolve” free from pollution, and affords the local community the power to sue anyone who should breach those rights on the lake’s behalf. Lake Erie, the fourth largest of the Great Lakes, joins a host of other natural habitats in the likes of New Zealand, Colombia and India, to have their rights recognised in law, but represents the first instance in the US. The Lake Erie Bill of Rights states that Lake Erie, which provides drinking water to 12 million people in the US and Canada, and is responsible for feeding Niagara Falls, “has suffered for more than a century under continuous assault and ruin due to industrialisation”. The bill warns that the lake, which has Detroit, Cleveland and Buffalo on its shores, is in “imminent danger of irreversible devastation”.<doc-sep>

Voters in Toledo, Ohio, approved the Lake Erie Bill of Rights on Tuesday, granting the body of water the same legal rights as a human being. The measure was approved during a special election and passed with 61 percent approval, according to the Sandusky Register. ADVERTISEMENT Under the measure, residents are granted the right to take legal action on behalf of the lake when its right to "flourish and naturally evolve" has been violated. Supporters of the measure say the law is the first of its kind in the U.S. and will guarantee the body of water protection from significant environmental harm. Crystal Jankowski, an organizer with Toledoans for Safe Water, said it took years for the grass-roots group to establish the lake's bill of rights and get the measure on the ballot. "It was definitely a long, hard struggle to get to this day, but all the hard work and countless volunteer hours by everyone in our local community group has paid off,” she told the Register. “We started this more than two years ago and had to overcome election board decisions and protests in court just to get on the ballot,” she continued. The legislation was met with its first lawsuit Wednesday morning, according to a local ABC station. Drewes Farms in Custar, Ohio, reportedly filed a lawsuit challenging the voter-approved measure in U.S. District Court, claiming that the measure is unconstitutional and puts the farm at risk of liability if any fertilizer enters the lake’s watershed. The push to obtain such rights for the lake comes on the heels of the 2014 Toledo water crisis, United Press International reported. Toxic algae blooms in the lake, which were caused by chemical fertilizer runoff from local farms, reportedly became so thick that drinking water from the lake was unsafe.

I nstagram has been going full throttle on updating Stories recently, adding gifs, polls and music to the format in recent months. The latest addition is Instagram poll questions. A new interactive sticker, like the poll sticker and emoji slider, it lets your friends submit questions for you to answer. Instagram is positioning the new feature as a fun way for people to start conversations with your friends. How to ask questions on Instagram Story Select the question sticker for the sticker tray after taking a photo or video Type out your question then place it anywhere in the story and share it When friends see the sticker, they can tap it to reply – and they can reply as many times as they want right from the sticker. Alternatively, you can use it as an “ask me anything” tool, allowing your friends and followers to ask your questions. To see how people responded, you can swipe up on the post to look at the viewers. You can tap a friend’s reply to share it in a new Story – though the identity and photo of the friend will remain hidden, only the answer will be shown. Instagram The new feature is available to use on Instagram now. What the new Instagram Stories Question feature looks like / Luke Abrahams This new Instagram questions feature is definitely going to be taken advantage of We’re calling it now: Instagram Story questions is the new way to slide into someone’s DMs. By posting a question or asking your followers to ask you questions, it is opening up another method of communication on Instagram, one that will probably be soon full of aubergine and peach emojis. Though this may lead to fewer messages in your Direct inbox, you might want to be careful in how you approach sending messages this way. Due to the fact your response can be openly shared in another Stories post, you might want to keep the lewd chat to a minimum, or face seeing your response posted in another Story. Instagram Stories Shopping demo It’s interesting that Instagram has incorporated these new features. For background, last year Instagram’s parent company Facebook bought a new teen social network named tbh (to be honest), which was focused on US teens polling one another and asking questions. Facebook snapped up the app pretty sharpish after it had over 2.5 million daily users in a small space of time, despite being only available in a few US states.<doc-sep>A new feature on Instagram that lets people ask questions about other people's Stories is getting some users in trouble, after they mistakenly believed it to be anonymous. Instagram users have taken to social media to report their blunders, with some revealing that the presumed secrecy had emboldened them to say things they never normally would. The Facebook-owned app launched the question-asking feature with little fanfare earlier this month, adding it to existing yes/no polls and emoji sliders. 11 useful Instagram features you didn't know existed Show all 11 1 /11 11 useful Instagram features you didn't know existed 11 useful Instagram features you didn't know existed Hide and reorder filters Filters are a core part of Instagram, but there are so many available it can be easy to get lost. You can change the order in which they appear, and even hide the ones you never use, to speed up your photo-sharing process. On the filters page, scroll to the end, tap Manage, then drag and drop the ones you want to reorder, and un-check the ones you want to hide. 11 useful Instagram features you didn't know existed Never miss a post Instagram controversially ditched its reverse-chronological order feed for a new order determined by an algorithm, making it easy to completely miss some posts. To make sure you never miss a certain somebody’s updates, you can set up notification for them by visiting their profile, tapping the three dots in the top right-hand corner and selecting Turn On Post Notifications. 11 useful Instagram features you didn't know existed Eat less data If you’re worried about how much of your mobile data Instagram saps, you can limit it by sacrificing the speed at which the photos and videos in your feed load. Go to your profile, tap the three dots in the top right corner, open Cellular Data Use and choose Use Less Data. 11 useful Instagram features you didn't know existed See your Likes It’s easy to lose track of your friends’ old posts on Instagram, but if you know you Liked it, you’ll be able to track it down easily. Just go to your profile, hit the three dots at the top and select Posts You’ve Liked. You can also save posts in a folder only you can see by tapping the bookmark icon underneath it. Take a look at everything you’ve bookmarked by tapping the same icon that sits near the top of your profile. 11 useful Instagram features you didn't know existed Find relevant hashtags Everyone knows you can expand the reach of your posts by using a number of relevant hashtags, but what those are aren’t always glaringly obvious. You can easily find the right ones for you by typing a keyword into Instagram’s search bar, selecting a hashtag from the list and swiping along the Related row that appears at the top of the screen. 11 useful Instagram features you didn't know existed Clear your search history Whatever your reasons are, you can clear your recent searches by going to your profile, hitting the three dots in the top right and selecting Clear Search History. To go a step further and hide your Suggested searches too, go to the search page, tap and hold the account you want to hide, and choose Hide from the pop-up window. 11 useful Instagram features you didn't know existed Hide photos you’re tagged in Tagged photos on Instagram aren’t as prominent as they are on Facebook, but anyone can still browse through other people’s pictures of you by visiting your profile and tapping the photo of you icon. If you’re tagged in a picture you don’t want other people to see, go to your profile, hit the photos of you icon, tap the three dots at the top of the screen and choose Hide Photos. 11 useful Instagram features you didn't know existed Secure your account Make your Instagram account much harder to hack by enabling two-factor authentication, a security feature that protects you even if your login details are stolen. Go to your profile, tap the three dots, open Two-Factor Authentication and toggle it on. 11 useful Instagram features you didn't know existed Share lots at once If you want to upload a bunch of related pictures and videos without flooding everyone else’s feed, you can shared them all as one post. Hit the + icon, select Gallery, choose Select Multiple, pick out up to 10 of the pictures and clips you want, tap Next and reorder them by dragging and dropping. 11 useful Instagram features you didn't know existed Record hands-free Instagram Stories has been a massive hit since it came out last year, but you might not know that you can record Stories clips without having to hold one of your digits on the record key. On the Stores screen, just swipe through the options at the bottom until you get to Hands-Free. 11 useful Instagram features you didn't know existed Edit posts after publishing Most people know you can delete any of the images you’ve already posted, but not everyone is aware that you can also edit them. Instagram unfortunately doesn’t let you tinker with filters and effects, but you can change your original caption, tag people and update the location. The aim of the feature was to encourage people to interact more with each others' stories, however it has led to some unintentional instances of over sharing. A lack of any major announcement may have helped contribute to the confusion about whether other users can see who is asking questions. Some Instagram users said they had used the guise of apparent anonymity to tell people on the platform that they thought they were ugly. Others said they had taken the opportunity to let people know they like them. Instagram is yet to comment on the confusion.<doc-sep>INSTAGRAM'S new questions sticker is causing hilarious gaffes from unwitting users who didn't realise it's not anonymous. The update lets you put out a call for questions on your Instagram Stories, which your followers type into a box that you can then respond to. 1 Instagram Stories now has twice the number of users compared to Snapchat Stories, and six times the growth. Credit: Instagram There's just one big problem: it seems no one realised they'd be outed every time they asked something. Like it's done with its polls and sliders, Instagram doesn't show someone's name when you reply to their question. Instead it sneakily notifies you as to who exactly it is. The feature initially drew comparisons with controversial sites like Ask.fm and Formspring where users could anonymously send each other queries and answers – again illustrating how little people knew about the truth behind the update. And that's led to some gut-busting blunders and plenty of rage from users, according to Mashable. Tell me why i thought the instagram “ask me a question” was anonymous and here i am asking people why they are ugly...... — wendy (@calixR4kids) July 11, 2018 So apparently when you ask people questions on Instagram it’s not anonymous x pic.twitter.com/a0PNfkl9rH — Beth 🌸 (@BethColthorpe) July 11, 2018 The 'ask me the question' in instagram is messed up. I post a question to my crush only to realise it wasn't anonymous anymore. — aishuuuuuu (@aishhhhhhhuuuuu) July 11, 2018 absolutely thought the instagram “ask me a question” thing was anonymous. so if you get a question from me asking if pee is stored in the balls, that wasn’t intended for you. my bad — kj (@kennethjrager) July 11, 2018 The instagram ask thing is NOT anonymous lol. Doh fall in the trap. — Adrian (@Wingaz_) July 11, 2018 One Instagrammer said she'd been asking people "why they're ugly" before realising that Instagram was exposing her identity. Another admitted that she'd been trolling users by asking if "pee is stored in the balls". And of course someone got a bit too honest with their crush without realising the Facebook-owned app was snitching on them. Meanwhile, some people are now preparing to delete their account after the embarrassing slip-ups. So I learned the new Instagram “ask me something” isn’t anonymous so I’m just going to delete my account now — Dominic ツ (@Domasaur_) July 11, 2018 I thought the “ask me a question” thing on instagram was anonymous... I need to delete Instagram asap 😂#fml — A R (@12amber123) July 11, 2018 I wish that instagram ask thing was anonymous because i would acting up lmao — g-na (@zaGAZA_) July 11, 2018 Others are urging Instagram to backtrack and make the feature anonymous so they can go about expressing their deepest, darkest desires. For its part, the company did actually inform users that the feature reveals your identity in its blog post – which no one probably read. "Though you’re able to see who submitted each response in your viewers list where it’s private, when you share that response in your story, your friend’s photo and username will not be shown," writes the firm. Most read in tech BOUNCE BACK Dogecoin founder thanks Elon Musk for tweet as crypto market stages comeback Live Blog LOOK UP Lunar eclipse 2021 LIVE: Blood Moon and total eclipse happening NOW PHENOMENON Lunar eclipse 2021: Why the Super Blood Moon isn't visible in the UK LOST & FOUND New Google Maps feature means you'll NEVER get lost again OPEN WINDOW Microsoft boss reveals NEW 'next-gen' Windows coming six years after Windows 10 BLOOMING Super Flower Moon will fill skies tonight – how to see stunning lunar spectacle So let this be a warning, albeit a belated one – always read the small print. Did you get caught out by Instagram's update? Share your funniest questions and responses in the comments section, if you're brave enough. We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368 . We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.<doc-sep>

If you've been on Instagram lately, you've probably noticed your friends asking questions in their Stories — or answering questions from people they follow. Instagram rolled out the questions sticker for Stories on Tuesday, July 10, but not everyone has access to the newest feature just yet. If you are one of those users, you may be wondering, "Why don't I have Instagram's questions sticker?" There are a few reasons why you might not have the inquisitive function just yet. It is the year of Instagram. The app is rolling out new features on a fairly regular basis. While it is great for users (and the overall functionality of the app), it can be difficult to keep track of the never-ending changes. So, if you don't have Instagram's questions sticker yet (and aren't sure why), I'm here to help. First, make sure you have the right device. Instagram is only available on iOS and Android devices, so you need to make sure your phone is compatible in order to partake in the questionnaires. If you have an iOS or Android mobile phone, and still can't manage to find the questions sticker, make sure your app is up to date. The latest feature is part of Instagram version 52. Check out the app store on your phone to see if you are running the latest rendition of Instagram. If not, update your app. This could do the trick. Going forward, you may want to consider turning on automatic app updates for your phone. This way, you won't ever have to wonder if your Instagram app is current or not. Let your phone do the work for you. Instagram Now that you have taken care of that, make sure you know where to find the questions sticker. Open the Instagram app on your phone. The questions sticker is only available for use in Instagram Stories, so you will need to create one to access the feature. The app should open to your photo and video feed screen. Tap the camera icon in the upper lefthand corner. This will open up the camera screen where you can snap a picture or record a video to upload to your Instagram Story. Once you are done, you should see three icons appear in the top righthand corner. The first one should resemble a smiley face. That is where you will find the questions sticker. It is in the same spot as the @mentions sticker and location sticker. Tap the questions sticker and type in a question, or let your friends and followers ask you questions. To make your story live, click the "Send To" button in the lower lefthand corner of your phone screen. Sit back and let the responses roll in. Instagram This is a great way to get to know your friends (or those random followers you are still in the beginning stages with). You can ask them who they think will win the World Cup on Sunday, July 15, or what you should eat for dinner tonight. You might even consider adding the emoji slider poll for a little something extra. If you have tried these three steps, and still do not have Instagram's questions sticker, just sit tight. I know that can be hard to do when all of your friends are asking away with the latest feature, but sometimes patience is key. Sometimes, the integration to all user accounts tends to take a little time. It doesn't always happen overnight. So, rest assured that (hopefully) sooner rather than later, you will have the ability to ask questions in your Instagram Story.

Richard Drew/Associated Press The draw for the 2018 U.S. Open is set. The final major tennis tournament of the year announced its seedings and draw Thursday, with a pile of familiar faces at the top. Rafael Nadal will look to repeat as champion at Flushing Meadows as the top seed. He'll open the event against a familiar foe in David Ferrer, his countryman who has twice reached the semifinals in the event. "We were in the Davis Cup team a lot of times, here too. He's a good friend," Nadal told reporters of Ferrer. "He has been an amazing player for such a long, long time. This year he's going through tougher times but he's still a player with a very high level of tennis. I'm looking forward to playing that match so we'll see. "I don't go crazy about the draw," he added. "I really don't care. I understand it's luck. At the end of the day, you will face your opponent." Roger Federer's attempt at capturing his first U.S. Open in a decade begins on the opposite side of the bracket as the No. 2 seed. Juan Martin del Potro and Alexander Zverev round out the top four seeds for the men. Federer lost out in the draw by landing in the same quarter as Novak Djokovic, who looks poised to make a run at returning to No. 1. Djokovic is back up to No. 6 in the world after winning his fourth Wimbledon and this month's Western & Southern Open. He said learning from Federer in terms of scheduling has helped keep him healthy. Video Play Button Videos you might like "Federer has always had a great way of dealing with the schedule," Djokovic told Business Insider's Scott Davis. "I think in terms of scheduling, I've learned a lot from him, in terms of how to pick certain tournaments and peak at the right time so you can perform your best when it's most needed, the most important events." Simona Halep will enter the U.S. Open as the top seed for the women. She'll be joined in the top four by No. 2 Caroline Wozniacki, No. 3 Sloane Stephens and No. 4 Angelique Kerber. Stephens is the reigning U.S. Open champion and would be the first woman to repeat at Flushing Meadows since Serena Williams won three straight from 2012-14. "Last year I wasn't supposed to win the U.S. Open," Stephens said, per Marc Berman of the New York Post. "I was not supposed to do anything. To be here defending is like the cherry on top. It's fun, exciting. I'll be nervous. My pits will be sweating, but it's so much fun. It was something incredible that happened in my life." Everyone will be looking at the No. 17 spot, with Williams looking to capture her first major since returning from the birth of her child. Williams reached the Wimbledon final and is ranked No. 26 in the world, with her 17th seed coming from the U.S. Open considering her pregnancy absence in seeding. Williams and Stephens would face off in the semifinals if both women made it that far. 2018 U.S. Open Women's Singles Seeds 1. Simona Halep, Romania 2. Caroline Wozniacki, Denmark 3. Sloane Stephens, United States 4. Angelique Kerber, Germany 5. Petra Kvitova, Czech Republic 6. Caroline Garcia, France 7. Elina Svitolina, Ukraine 8. Karolina Pliskova, Czech Republic 9. Julia Goerges, Germany 10. Jelena Ostapenko, Latvia 11. Daria Kasatkina, Russia 12. Garbine Muguruza, Spain 13. Kiki Bertens, Netherlands 14. Madison Keys, United States 15. Elise Mertens, Belgium 16. Venus Williams, United States 17. Serena Williams, United States 18. Ashleigh Barty, Australia 19. Anastasija Sevastova, Latvia 20. Naomi Osaka, Japan 21. Mihaela Buzarnescu, Romania 22. Maria Sharapova, Russia 23. Barbora Strycova, Czech Republic 24. CoCo Vandeweghe, United States 25. Daria Gavrilova, Australia 26. Aryna Sabalenka, Belarus 27. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, Russia 28. Anett Kontaveit, Estonia 29. Dominika Cibulkova, Slovakia 30. Carla Suarez Navarro, Spain 31. Magdalena Rybarikova, Slovakia 32. Maria Sakkari, Greece 2018 U.S. Open Men's Singles Seeds 1. Rafael Nadal, Spain 2. Roger Federer, Switzerland 3. Juan Martin del Potro, Argentina 4. Alexander Zverev, Germany 5. Kevin Anderson, South Africa 6. Novak Djokovic, Serbia 7. Marin Cilic, Croatia 8. Grigor Dimitrov, Bulgaria 9. Dominic Thiem, Austria 10. David Goffin, Belgium 11. John Isner, United States 12. Pablo Carreno Busta, Spain 13. Diego Schwartzman, Argentina 14. Fabio Fognini, Italy 15. Stefanos Tsitsipas, Greece 16. Kyle Edmund, Great Britain 17. Lucas Pouille, France 18. Jack Sock, United States 19. Roberto Bautista Agut, Spain 20. Borna Coric, Croatia 21. Kei Nishikori, Japan 22. Marco Cecchinato, Italy 23. Hyeon Chung, South Korea 24. Damir Dzumhur, Bosnia and Herzegovina 25. Milos Raonic, Canada 26. Richard Gasquet, France 27. Karen Khachanov, Russia 28. Denis Shapovalov, Canada 29. Adrian Mannarino, France 30. Nick Kyrgios, Australia 31. Fernando Verdasco, Spain 32. Filip Krajinovic, Serbia Full U.S. Open bracket available on the tournament's official website<doc-sep>Naomi Osaka beat Serena Williams in the final of the US Open, winning her first ever Grand Slam title and becoming the first Japanese woman ever to do so. Sloane Stephens is hoping to defend her title at the US Open, the final Grand Slam of the year and the 138th edition of the tournament. Stephens is the third seed, but has a relatively full field of competitors ready to try and unseat her, including 17th seed Serena Williams. It’s an odd place for Williams, being seeded so low, but it was actually bumped up as sort of a maternity leave grace period, so she’s seeded higher than she’s ranked. Not to mention she’s got a spot that won’t be around next year, as all Grand Slams are switching from 32 to 16 seeds in 2019. Williams has played well at times since her return from the birth of her first child (and the health complications that came with it). She made it all the way to her tenth Wimbledon final, but lost in straight sets to Angelique Kerber, the fourth seed in New York. Her sister, Venus Williams, is seeded 16th, one spot above her sister. The two played in the third round, their 30th career matchup, this one captured by Serena Williams in straight sets. The three Grand Slams this season have been won by Caroline Wozniacki, Simona Halep and Kerber. Many think Serena will be able to take the final one to end the season on a high note, but there are so many top players right now, it’s difficult to predict. Halep also won the Rogers Cup at the beginning of August, in preparation for the US Open. She then played in the Cincinnati Masters, where she made it to the final, but lost to Kiki Bertens. In an unexpected upset she was then ousted from the U.S. Open in straight sets in her first-round match by Kaia Kanepi. Below is a bracket, viewing information, schedules and results for the tournament, updated multiple times per day throughout play in New York. You can find the men’s draw, results and more right here. Bracket Bracket courtesy of the official US Open website. Viewing information ESPN has the coverage of the US Open in the United States, as usual. Matches will air most days on ESPN and ESPN2, with live streaming of the television coverage and a select number of courts available on WatchESPN. Many outer courts will be behind the subscription service ESPN+ this time around, a departure given the service didn’t exist a year ago and all outer courts had been available via WatchESPN. Most days, play will begin around noon ET and will wrap up around 11 p.m. How to watch the US Open All Times Eastern 2018 US Open Schedule Date Round Start End Channel Date Round Start End Channel Mon, Aug. 27 First Noon 11 p.m. ESPN, ESPN2 Tue, Aug. 28 First Noon 11 p.m. ESPN Wed, Aug. 29 Second Noon 11 p.m. ESPN Thu, Aug. 30 Second Noon 11 p.m. ESPN, ESPN2 Fri, Aug. 31 Third Noon 11 p.m. ESPN, ESPN2 Sat, Sep. 1 Third Noon 11 p.m. ESPN2 Sun, Sep. 2 Round of 16 Noon 11 p.m. ESPN, ESPN2 Mon, Sep. 3 Round of 16 Noon 11 p.m. ESPN2 Tue, Sep. 4 Quarterfinals Noon 11 p.m. ESPN Wed, Sep. 5 Quarterfinals Noon 11 p.m. ESPN Thu, Sep. 6 Women's Semifinals Noon 11 p.m. ESPN Fri, Sep, 7 Men's Semifinals Noon 11 p.m. ESPN Sat, Sep. 8 Women's Final Noon 11 p.m. ESPN Sun, Sep. 9 Men's Final Noon 11 p.m. ESPN Schedule Day 1, Monday, Aug. 27 Kaia Kanepi def. No. 1 Simona Halep, 6-2, 6-4 No. 3 Sloane Stephens def. Evgeniya Rodina, 6-1, 7-5 No. 7 Elina Svitolina def. Sachia Vickery, 6-3, 1-6, 6-1 No. 8 Karolina Pliskova def. Zarina Diyas, 6-4, 7-6(4) No. 9 Julia Goerges def. Anna Kalinskaya, 6-2, 6-7(5), 6-2 No. 12 Garbine Muguruza def. Shuai Zhang, 6-3, 6-0 No. 15 Elise Mertens def. Kurumi Nara, 6-2, 6-7(5), 7-5 No. 16 Venus Williams def. Svetlana Kuznetsova, 6-3, 7-5, 6-3 No. 17 Serena Williams def. Magda Linette, 6-4, 6-0 No. 18 Ashleigh Barty def. Ons Jabeur, 6-1, 6-3 No. 19 Anastasija Sevastova def. Donna Vekic, 6-2, 2-6, 6-3 No. 23 Barbora Strycova def. Danielle Lao, 6-3, 6-4 No. 25 Daria Gavrilova def. Sara Sorribes Tormo, 6-0, 6-0 Rebecca Peterson def. No. 27 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, 1-6, 6-4, 6-3 Qiang Wang def. No. 31 Magdalena Rybarikova, 6-2, 6-2 No. 32 Maria Sakkari def. Asia Muhammad, 6-3, 6-3 Victoria Azarenka def. Viktoria Kuzmova, 6-3, 7-5 Vera Lapko def. Kateryna Bondarenko, 6-3, 6-3 Ekaterina Makarova def. Heather Watson, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 Anhelina Kalinina def. Kathinka Von Deichmann, 1-6, 7-6(0), 5-2 (ret.) Sofia Kenin def. Madison Brengle, 6-0, 4-6, 7-6(4) Ana Bogdan def. Marie Bouzkova, 6-4, 6-2 Lucie Safarova def. Petra Martic, 6-4, 6-4 Vania King def. Natalia Vikhlyantseva, 7-6(4), 6-3 Camila Giorgi def. Whitney Osuigwe, 6-4, 6-1 Claire Liu def. Polona Hercog, 7-6(4), 1-6, 6-4 Tatjana Maria def. Agnieszka Radwanska, 6-3, 6-3 Carina Witthoeft def. Caroline Dolehide, 6-3, 7-6(6) Jil Teichmann def. Dalila Jakupovic, 6-3, 6-0 Karolina Muchova def. Dayana Yastremska, 6-4, 6-2 Lara Arruabarrena def. Kateryna Kozlova, 6-0, 6-3 Day 2, Tuesday, Aug. 28 No. 2 Caroline Wozniacki def. Samantha Stosur, 6-3, 6-2 No. 3 Angelique Kerber def. Margarita Gasparyan, 7-6(5), 6-3 No. 5 Petra Kvitova def. Yanina Wickmayer, 6-1, 6-4 No. 6 Caroline Garcia def. Johanna Konta, 6-2, 6-2 No. 10 Jelena Ostapenko def. Andrea Petkovic, 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 No. 11 Daria Kasatkina def. Timea Babos, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 No. 13 Kiki Bertens def. Kristyna Pliskova, 6-0, 7-5 No. 14 Madison Keys def. Pauline Parmentier, 6-4, 6-4 No. 20 Naomi Osaka def. Laura Siegemund, 6-3, 6-2 No. 22 Maria Sharapova def. Patty Schnyder, 6-2, 7-6(6) Kirsten Flipkens def. No. 24 CoCo Vandeweghe, 6-3, 7-6(3) No. 26 Aryna Sabalenka def. Danielle Collins, 6-0, 4-6, 6-4 Katerina Siniakova def. No. 28 Anett Kontaveit, 6-7(3), 6-3, 7-5 No. 29 Dominika Cibulkova def. Arantxa Rus, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 No. 30 Carla Suarez Navarro def. Nicole Gibbs, 5-7, 6-3, 6-4 Yafan Wang def. Anna Karolina Schmiedlova, 6-1, 3-6, 6-4<doc-sep>Jason DeCrow/Associated Press The third-seeded players in both the men's and women's draws of the 2018 U.S. Open take center stage under the lights Sunday. Defending women's champion Sloane Stephens can clinch a quarterfinal berth in Sunday night's first match against No. 15 Elise Mertens. Juan Martin del Potro follows Stephens on the schedule at Arthur Ashe Stadium, as he looks to advance to his third Grand Slam quarterfinal of the season. Both No. 3 seeds enter Sunday night as favorites, per OddsShark, but they could face more difficult matches than expected against up-and-coming opposition. U.S. Open Sunday Night Schedule Matches start at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2 No. 3 Sloane Stephens vs. No. 15 Elise Mertens No. 3 Juan Martin del Potro vs. No. 20 Borna Coric Video Play Button Videos you might like Stephens Looking to Avenge Cincinnati Loss Against Mertens Mertens won the first and only meeting between herself and Stephens in the round of 16 at the Western and Southern Open. The 15th-seeded Belgian knocked off Stephens in straight sets, with the second set featuring a more convincing win than the first-set tiebreak triumph. Since losing the second set of her first-round clash with Kurumi Nara, Mertens won five straight sets to secure her position in the round of 16. The round of 16 at the U.S. Open is new territory for the 22-year-old, who lost in the first round in New York in each of the last two years. However, Mertens has been better at the other three majors, and she reached the semifinals of the 2018 Australian Open before falling to Caroline Wozniacki. Although she's not as familiar with the second week of majors as Stephens, Mertens carries confidence into the match thanks to the win in Cincinnati. From Stephens' perspective, all the pressure is on her to dazzle under the lights in front of a crowd that will have her back on every point. Jason DeCrow/Associated Press Stephens navigated through what could've been a tricky third-round clash with Victoria Azarenka by taking the match in straight sets after struggling through a three-set second-round win over Anhelina Kalinina. The 25-year-old American started her road to the 2017 championship in similar fashion, as she lost one set in the second round before reaching the round of 16. Stephens is hoping she faces an easier path from the round of 16 on than she did a year ago, as she was forced into three straight three-set matches to reach the final. If she learns from the mistakes she made against Mertens a few weeks ago, Stephens should be in good position to take Sunday night's opener in straight sets. Del Potro, Coric Square Off for 1st Time Del Potro, who won the 2009 U.S. Open, faces a new opponent in No. 20 Borna Coric in Sunday's final match at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Del Potro sits in a favorable part of the men's draw compared to other top seeds, as he won't have to face No. 1 Rafael Nadal until the semifinals. The Argentine's recent form suggests he has a good chance of reaching the final four, as he's advanced to the quarterfinals in three of the last four majors, with two of those ending up in semifinal appearances. Adam Hunger/Associated Press The third-seeded Del Potro is in good form, as he hasn't lost a set yet in New York, and he's eyeing up another shot at Nadal, who bounced him from the French Open and Wimbledon. The 21-year-old Coric is undoubtedly the underdog against Del Potro, but he has the potential to pull off an upset. In his final tuneup before Wimbledon, the 20th-seeded Croatian knocked off Roger Federer in the final of the Gerry Weber Open. However, Coric struggled to find his form since defeating the 20-time Grand Slam champion, as he's 5-4 in his last five tournaments. Sunday marks the first time Coric is playing in a fourth-round match at a major, and he'll attempt to make up for his lack of Grand Slam experience by banking on the confidence gained from beating Federer. Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90. Statistics obtained from ATPWorldTour.com and WTATennis.com.<doc-sep>TPN/Getty Images Second seed Roger Federer cruised into the fourth round of the 2018 U.S. Open on Saturday with a straight-sets win over Australia's Nick Kyrgios at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York. The first set was a hard-fought and exciting affair which the Swiss star took 6-4. Federer then cruised through the second for the loss of just one game. Kyrgios managed to refocus for the third set, but it was too late, as Federer had clicked into top gear to set up a fourth-round clash with John Millman. The women's draw saw more seeds tumble out of the tournament. Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber was the most high-profile casualty, as Slovakia's Dominika Cibulkova knocked her out in three sets. Sixth seed Caroline Garcia's hopes are also over. Carla Suarez Navarro beat her in a third-set tiebreak after two hours and 24 minutes. Here's a look at the selected results from Saturday's early play. Video Play Button Videos you might like Women's Singles Results (14) Madison Keys bt. Aleksandra Krunic 4-6, 6-1, 6-2 Marketa Vondrousova bt. (13) Kiki Bertens 7-6 (4), 2-6, 7-6 (1) Lesia Tsurenko bt. Katerina Siniakova 6-4, 6-0 (30) Carla Suarez Navarro bt. (6) Caroline Garcia 5-7, 6-4, 7-6 (4) (29) Dominika Cibulkova bt. (4) Angelique Kerber 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 (20) Naomi Osaka bt. Aliaksandra Sasnovich 6-0, 6-0 (22) Maria Sharapova bt. (10) Jelena Ostapenko 6-3, 6-2 (26) Aryna Sabalenka bt. (5) Petra Kvitova 7-5, 6-1 Men's Singles Results (7) Marin Cilic bt. Alex de Minaur 4-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-5 John Millman bt. Mikhail Kukushkin 6-4, 4-6, 6-1, 6-3 (2) Roger Federer bt. (30) Nick Kyrgios 6-4, 6-1, 7-5 Joao Sousa bt. (17) Lucas Pouille 7-6 (5), 4-6, 7-6 (4), 7-6 (5) Philipp Kohlschreiber bt. (4) Alexander Zverev 6-7 (1), 6-4, 6-1, 6-3 (21) Kei Nishikori bt. (13) Diego Schwartzman 6-4, 6-4, 5-7, 6-1 (10) David Goffin bt. Jan-Lennard Struff 6-4, 6-1, 7-6 (4) (6) Novak Djokovic bt. (26) Richard Gasquet 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 Saturday Recap Federer underlined his class with a near flawless performance to end Kyrgios' U.S. Open dreams on Arthur Ashe Stadium. The Australian has already attracted controversy at Flushing Meadows after umpire Mohamed Lahyani left his chair to speak with the 23-year-old during his match against Pierre-Hugues Herbert. There was more drama on Saturday, as he copied his opponent's service action at the start of the first set, as noted by tennis coach Daniel Vallverdu: His actions appeared to have little effect on Federer in a competitive and engaging opening to the match. Both men were dominant on serve as they raced through the early games. Federer saved four break points at 3-3 but otherwise offered his opponent few opportunities. The Swiss star then broke at 5-4 to clinch the opener. Federer completely dominated the second set, racing into a 4-0 lead. Adam Zagoria at the New York Times shared the Australian's reaction: Kygrios did manage to hold and make it 5-1, but he simply delayed the inevitable as Federer breezed through the second to take complete control of the match. The third set was more competitive and was lit up at 3-3 by a piece of magic from the 37-year-old. Federer chased down what looked a winner from Kyrgios and then sent the ball around the net post to the disbelief of his opponent. Jason DeCrow/Associated Press U.S. Open Tennis shared the moment: Two costly errors from Kygios gave Federer the crucial break at 6-5. He then served out the match nervelessly to secure a deserved win. Metro's George Bellshaw shared Federer's reaction after the match: It was another impressive performance from Federer, who is into the last 16 and remains on track to meet Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals. The women's draw continues to throw up surprises with Kerber the latest big name to depart. The German got off to a strong start and broke three times to clinch the first set and move ahead. However, Cibulkova hit back and dished out the same treatment in the second to level the match and force the decider. Kerber, who won the U.S. Open in 2016, was broken twice in the third, as Cibulkova progressed to face Madison Keys in the fourth round. KENA BETANCUR/Getty Images Meanwhile, Garcia was beaten in a marathon encounter with Suarez Navarro. The Spaniard is into the fourth round in New York for the fifth time in her career. The two players swapped breaks of serve in the first set, which looked to be headed for a tiebreak. However, Garcia made the crucial breakthrough at 6-5 with a fine backhand crosscourt winner. Suarez Navarro hit straight back by breaking in the first game of the second set. Garcia had no reply and could not force a single break point as the Spaniard levelled the match. The deciding set was a tight affair with both players looking strong on serve. It was little surprise to see it progress to a tiebreak with Suarez Navarro sealing victory with a backhand winner.<doc-sep>

John Minchillo/Associated Press The U.S. Open has had a knack for producing unexpected results over the past decade. During a time in which men's tennis is controlled by a few stars, a handful of first-time major winners starred on the hard courts of New York. Since Serena Williams' most recent triumph at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in 2015, three different women's champions were crowned. More of the same is expected to occur during 2018's final major, as a wide array of title contenders are looking to make their marks under the bright lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium. TV Schedule ESPN will broadcast the entire tournament, starting Monday at noon ET. Daily coverage from Monday-September 4 runs from noon to 11 p.m. ET, with the finishing time sometimes pushed back a bit because of long matches. Video Play Button Videos you might like The women's semifinals will be played under the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium on September 6, with the men's semifinals to follow September 7, starting at 4 p.m. ET. The women's singles final starts at 4 p.m. ET on September 8, while the men's singles final begins at the same time September 9. In addition to the coverage on ESPN and ESPN2, matches will be streamed on ESPN3 and ESPN+. Brackets Men's Singles Although it's not saying much given the dominance by a small group of players, the U.S. Open has had the most diverse number of men's champions of any Grand Slam tournament over the past decade. Rafael Nadal has the most victories in New York during that period, with three. Novak Djokovic took home the crown in 2011, and 2015 and five others have won once, including Roger Federer. Federer, who is seeded second, is in search of his first U.S. Open since 2008, when he reeled off his fifth consecutive title in New York. If Federer comes out on top, he will sit behind only Bill Tilden, Richard Sears and William Larned on the all-time U.S. Open victory chart, while Nadal can join John McEnroe with four U.S. Open victories if he prevails. John Minchillo/Associated Press Over the course of the past two years, a younger crop of stars has emerged on the men's tennis scene, but it's hard to take their title credentials seriously until they unseat the old guard. Alexander Zverev, who is the No. 4 seed, is the leader of the youth movement, and he enters the final major with three victories on the ATP Tour. However, Zverev has advanced to just one Grand Slam quarterfinal in his career, with his latest early exit coming in the third round at Wimbledon. No. 8 Grigor Dimitrov and No. 9 Dominic Thiem are two of the leading contenders to win their first major, with Thiem carrying a bit more experience because of his French Open final defeat to Nadal in June. The good news for the burgeoning group of stars is six players advanced to the final in the season's first three majors, but the winners were familiar faces in Federer, Nadal and Djokovic. For the hierarchy of men's tennis to be threatened, one of the younger stars must establish his dominance from the start and stay as fresh as possible for the big tests that await in the second week of the tournament. Women's Singles Seven previous U.S. Open champions reside in the women's draw, with three of them featuring in the top part of the bracket in Venus Williams, Serena Williams and Svetlana Kuznetsova. The number seven carries significance in a few other ways entering the U.S. Open, as there have been seven winners in the past seven majors, and Serena Williams is in search of her seventh U.S. Open title. If Williams captures her first Grand Slam since the 2017 Australian Open, she will tie Margaret Court for the most major wins in the Open Era (24). Matthew Stockman/Getty Images While most of the focus will be centered on the Williams sisters and their potential third-round meeting, there are plenty of other names to keep an eye on in the women's draw. No. 1 seed Simona Halep reached the final in her two August tune-ups for the U.S. Open, winning the Rogers Cup and taking second at the Western and Southern Open. Kiki Bertens defeated Halep in the Cincinnati final after advancing to the quarterfinals in Toronto, but in order to replicate the same form in New York, the No.

Google just announced new features for Google Maps on Android and iOS. The update is rolling out this week and features a bunch of new features focused on commuting, music and getting more personal data from you. While Google Maps is particularly useful for road trips and vacation, the app also can be useful for stressful commutes. Google is resurfacing some of those features with a new “Commute” tab. After setting up your home and work address, the app will help you know what to expect in the morning and the evening. If you drive to work, Google Maps now tells you how long it’s going to take and if there are any alternative routes. It works pretty much like Waze’s ETA screen and tells you if it’s going to be faster or slower in 30 minutes or an hour. If you take the bus or train to work, Google Maps can help you find out when you should leave. The app takes into account the walk or drive to the station. Those public transit features compete directly with Citymapper and most likely relies on a lot of open data. Talking about public transit, you’ll be able to see your bus or train on the map, slowly moving closer to you. The app also tells you how long you have to wait. This feature will be available in 80 regions around the world. In Sydney, the app tells you how full the next bus is going to be. Unfortunately, this update comes with a privacy drawback. Until very recently, you could associate your home and work address with your Google account in Google Maps. Now, you need to activate “web & app activity,” the infamous all-encompassing privacy destroyer — I used to store my home and work address and I can no longer change those addresses without enabling that. If you activate that setting, Google will collect your search history, your Chrome browsing history, your location, your credit card purchases and more. And Google nudges you to activate that “feature” all the time. You need to turn on “web & app activity” to use Google Assistant on an Android device for instance. It’s becoming quite clear that Google is monetizing its newest features with your data. Lame: if you want to save a home or work address in Google Maps, you now have to allow activity tracking throughout Google services. pic.twitter.com/OhFkXsUOmc — Jonathan Mayer (@jonathanmayer) September 24, 2018 In other news, Google also is adding music controls in Google Maps. You’ll be able to control Spotify, Apple Music and Google Play Music. It looks like the company is taking advantage of taller screens to add a banner near the bottom of the screen with the current song and the ability to skip a song or pause the music. There will be a new button on the right to open your music app, as well. Spotify users on Android also will be able to browse the Spotify library from Google Maps directly.<doc-sep>Image : Google Depending on whom you ask (and where you live), the average American spends between 17 and 33 minutes each way commuting to work, which adds up to a nearly a day (or more) of wasted time every month. So to help take a little stress out of your daily work route, Google is building a handful of new features into Google Maps. Advertisement The first big change is the addition of a new Commute tab within Google maps, which will provide you with real-time alerts regarding any accidents, traffic, or other delays that could affect your trip. And when applicable, Google Maps will even provide you with alternate routes to best avoid any potential disruptions. Gif : Google Next, because Google Maps will also feature enhanced support for all sorts of commutes (walk, drive, or mass transit), Maps will be able to better account for mixed-mode commutes. But potentially the most exciting thing for me as a city-dweller is the inclusion of precise bus or train locations across 80 different regions, so that you can better time when you actually need to be at the station. No more getting to the stop and realizing the subway is running off- schedule for the 10th time this month. In Sydney, Australia, Google has even partnered with Transport New South Wales to display info inside Maps showing how many people are in each bus or train , with plans to bring this feature to more cities around the world “soon.” Image : Google Finally, to help making passing the time during your commute a little more enjoyable, Google is building music controls for Spotify, Apple Music, and Google Play Music right into Maps itself, so you won’t need to switch apps just to skip to the next track. While Google didn’t mention if this integration would extend to YouTube Music, which got a big revamp earlier this spring, one would assume this would be part of the company’s ongoing process to create feature parity between Google’s two streaming music platforms before Play Music gets fully absorbed by YouTube Music sometime in the future. Advertisement The updates to Google Maps will starting rolling out this week on both Android and iOS.<doc-sep>Google Maps is getting a big update that should make your commute a little less awful. You know what’s worse than Monday? A Monday where you sit in traffic for an hour on your way to work. No one wants to crawl along behind a sea of other cars and trucks, or have their train stopped with no sense of when it will move again. But that could soon change thanks to a new update for Google Maps. That’s because the navigation app is getting a Commute tab that will give you information about your route to and from work, including real-time traffic updates, alternate routes and more. Google’s transit features are certainly welcome, but they’re not entirely new. New York City’s Metropolitan Transit Authority already offers real-time subway arrival times and the ability to track the exact location of your bus on its route via the MyMTA app. Apple Maps, for its part, also gives you a view of subway stations’ footprints, and tells you what exit is best to use to get to your final destination. Get me to work on time With the Commute tab, Maps will give you information about your daily drive or ride including how long it will take based on the available route and time of day. Of course, you’ll also have to save your commute information in the app first via Commute settings in the app’s Settings menu. Android users will also get notifications about traffic and slowdowns along their usual route, which means you won’t have to look it up on your own every morning. Better still, the update will bring real-time transit information to 80 cities around the world. Want to know which stop your bus or subway is at before you leave the house? No problem, Maps can do it. You’ll be able to open the app and immediately locate your bus or train. Google Maps will now show you real-time locations of your bus or train. Maps’ transit information for New South Wales will even include the number of people in a vehicle, so you’ll be able to see if you can fit on the next bus, or will have to wait for another. Google (GOOG, GOOGL) says that feature will be available in other cities soon. On top of that, Maps will now support multimodal transportation. That means the app will tell you how long it will take you to get to work or home, and break the trip into the amount of time it will take to drive to the bus stop, how long the bus ride will take and how long it will take to walk from the bus stop to your office. Story continues Maps does this for public transit directions already by telling you how long it will take to walk to the bus or train. However, it only tells you how long it takes by walking to the station, not if you drive there. Blasting tunes behind the wheel In what seems like an odd move, Google has also added Apple (AAPL) Music, Google Music and Spotify (SPOT) compatibility to Maps. This way you’ll be able to control your music from within Maps. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been driving with my wife and we’ve changed the music in Spotify only to have to quickly switch back to Maps to make sure we didn’t miss a turn. It’s a great idea, and ensures that you spend more time using Google Maps instead of jumping between others, which is sure to benefit Google. The new version of Maps is rolling out globally this week. More from Dan: Email Daniel Howley at dhowley@oath.com; follow him on Twitter at @DanielHowley. Follow Yahoo Finance on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn<doc-sep>

Google Maps is probably one of the company’s most-used and more-adored products, and it’s always getting updated to try and improve things for the better. Today, Google is announcing a slew of new features for Maps users including a new “Commute” tab. The Commute tab for Maps first popped up in a limited rollout in early September, but starting today it’s rolling out to users on Android and iOS. Google says that this new feature is designed to help you “take control over your commute.” It built the feature with the fact that, in many cities across North America, rush hour traffic can result in a commute that takes up to 60% longer than expected. With the new Commute tab, Google Maps can provide live data on traffic to help you best manage your daily trip to work. It automatically accounts for accidents or heavy traffic and can help you better budget your time to account for that or provide alternate routes. Android users will have notifications on these updates sent to their device before getting caught in the delay. This new tab also better accounts for users who use mixed transportation. If you both drive in a personal vehicle and take public transit, Google Maps can display information for each leg of the trip include departure times for buses and trains. You can see helpful information about when to leave, and for each leg of your trip: you’ll know if there’s traffic on your drive, when the next train departs, and how long it’ll take to walk from the train station to the office. We do the work for you and automatically factor this into your ETA so you can anticipate exactly when you’ll get to work. Google has also worked with public transit in 80 regions around the globe to start providing real-time location data on subways, trains, and buses. Better yet, Google Maps users in Sydney will be able to see just how full their bus or train is, and this feature is promised for more cities around the world. Now, transit riders in 80 regions worldwide will be able to see exactly where their bus or train is in real time on the map. This will help you plan your day more efficiently—you’ll know if you can spend an extra few minutes grabbing coffee, or if you really do need to make a run for it to catch your bus. Finally, Google Maps is also adding direct integration with popular music services. Spotify, Apple Music, and Google Play Music will all be available directly within Google Maps’ navigation screen. With Spotify on Android, users will also be able to browse through their songs and playlists too. All of these new features start rolling out to users starting this week on both Android and iOS. More on Google Maps: Check out 9to5Google on YouTube for more news: FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More. Check out 9to5Google on YouTube for more news:

Nicole Kidman strips away every trace of star glamour to play Erin Bell, an LAPD detective and boozy burnout trying to close the books on the cold case that ruined her life 17 years ago. The star and director Karyn Kusama (Girlfight, Jennifer’s Body) take no shortcuts to the dark night of this woman’s soul. Eyes red-rimmed and skin fried by the sun, this cop looks beaten. It’s easy to see why. We first meet Erin in the present as she staggers out of her car and into a crime scene. None of the cops want to talk to this ragged loser even when she announces she knows the victim and who might have killed him. She also notices the three red-circle welts on the back of man’s neck — marks that indicate membership in the gang that she has been tracking. Cue the flashbacks to Erin as a rookie, looking younger and less shut-down as she works undercover alongside FBI agent Chris (a stellar Sebastian Stan). The two are tasked with a dangerous sting operation, infiltrating a violent gang of bank robbers and then taking them down. Posing as experienced thieves linked by sex and drugs, Erin and Chris meet in private to work out the details of their supposed relationship. Kusama plays these scenes as a near parody of the ill-fated love stories inherent in pulp fiction. But then the duo begin to feel things for real, with Kidman and Stan creating a bond that is almost palpable. During a bank robbery gone wrong, with purple dye exploding on the paper money to make it unusable, Chris is killed. Vowing vengeance, Erin hunts down the psychotic, sadistic leader of the gang, Silas (Toby Kebbell, skin-crawling creepiness personified), who might be back in town after all these years. The search takes the detective to the mansion of a sleazy criminal lawyer (Bradley Whitford) that ends in a brutal confrontation in the presence of his son. You’ve probably never seen a soap dish used so horrifically as a bludgeon. Later, during another robbery, Erin spots Silas’s female partner, Petra (Tatiana Maslany), and uses her to nail the master criminal. The scene in which the two women lie in wait for the monster who’s done them both wrong is a startling centerpiece. There are times when Destroyer seems as confused as its protagonist about where it’s heading. The jumping back and forth in time can make a muddle of the script by Phil Hay and Matt Manfredi. And though cinematographer Julie Kirkwood (The Blackcoat’s Daughter) drenches the movie in a neo-noir aura, heightened by Theodore Shapiro’s jangly score, atmosphere is no substitute for coherence. What ties it all together is the acting, which goes beyond the call of bang-bang duty to find the vestiges of humanity in its life-blasted characters — Maslany, an Emmy winner for Orphan Black, is particularly haunting. But this is Kidman’s show. She neatly negotiates every twist the script throws at her, even when the plot slams into too many dead ends. This is a movie star who knows how to stay the course, mo matter how twisty, tangled or down and dirty it gets. She’s dynamite.<doc-sep>The marketing for Karyn Kusama’s sun-dried Californian cop thriller Destroyer has leaned heavily on the supposedly drastic change of pace – and face – it represents for its very famous leading lady. “Nothing Nicole Kidman has done in her career can prepare you for Destroyer,” blares the leading pull-quote on the film’s posters, while variations of “transformative” appear below, over a straight-on image of Kidman’s admittedly dramatically altered visage: all hellishly mottled, perma-dirtied skin and ravine-deep eyebags, under a mangy, unconditioned bison pelt of a wig. It looks just enough like Kidman’s own to draw in the devoted, but removed from the poster, anyone else might take for a particularly egregious DUI mugshot. “See [X actor] as you’ve never seen them before” is, of course, a time-honoured promotional strategy, particularly when it comes to campaigning for acting awards, where elaborate makeup work or severe weight changes will never count against you. Kidman has been down this road before, to Oscar-winning effect. In 2002, the media attention on her dowdy deglam job as Virginia Woolf in The Hours rather overwhelmed the discussion of her finely wrought, emotionally piercing performance – jokes about her prosthetic hooter extended all the way to the Oscar presentation itself, as Denzel Washington opened the envelope and rather snidely announced her victory “by a nose”. That was in the flush of Kidman’s post-divorce career rejuvenation: freed from the demeaning celebrity status of being Mrs Tom Cruise, she took a varied, adventurous jumble range of projects to fully spotlight the serious solo acting intent that To Die For, Portrait of a Lady and Eyes Wide Shut had already promised. The Hours wasn’t even the best of them, but it was the one that announced that plan most literally, with literary biopic cred, uglifying makeup and all. She was never going to win an Oscar for truly on-the-edge work like Birth or Dogville – with characters whose interiority was more unnerving than their appearance – but Woolfing it up proved the point on Academy-friendly terms. Sixteen years on, the point no longer needs to be proved. We have since seen Kidman excelling in every register from brittle acid comedy (Margot at the Wedding) to sexed-up southern gothic derangement (The Paperboy) to quiet-storm trauma release (her astonishing, Emmy-winning turn on TV’s Big Little Lies), with enough bizarre missteps and undeserved misfires in between to give her career a jaggedly complicated arc. All of which is to say that pretty much everything Kidman has done in her career has prepared us – and more importantly, her – for the role of raggedly bent Los Angeles cop Erin Bell in Kusama’s film, if only because it’s hard these days to think of what a typical Kidman role might be. On the outside, at least. For it’s what emerges from beneath that disorientingly scorched, ruined exterior that feels more familiar to Kidman, as Bell proves another expert study in her gallery of smart women who lie to themselves — the film’s niftily two-pronged narrative finds her chasing a fortune in the past, leading to a curdled blend of redemption and revenge in the present, kidding herself all the way about how easy or successful the pursuit might be. And she suffers for it, perhaps more physically and viscerally than in any Kidman vehicle since Lars von Trier put her through the wringer in Dogville. The beatings she takes here, filmed by Kusama with the kind of blunt, unfetishised frankness that male action directors rarely direct at female protagonists, are entirely startling. Photograph: AP Genre films like Destroyer are rarely framed around female characters; when they are, the heroine tends to be portrayed as dully indestructible, her feminine attributes either pushed aside in favour of “one of the boys” toughness or flattened into a one-dimensional form of girl power. In this regard, Destroyer makes an interesting companion piece to Steve McQueen and Gillian Flynn’s sharp, angry update of Lynda La Plante’s Widows – another bleak, hard-boiled genre piece to unusually place a fiftysomething woman at the active centre of its copious action. Erin Bell and Viola Davis’s Veronica Rawlings certainly share enough flawed, disappointment-fuelled determination to power a fiercely driven underworld mission; squint a little, and it’s not too hard to imagine how their narratives might intersect. Both films make the case for women who have been around the block a little as persuasive action heroes. Kidman’s Bell is resilient, certainly, but her damage is foregrounded to prove it, in her scarred, choked voice (deftly lowered from the flashbacks) and her jarring makeover: that face isn’t a mere attention-grabbing stunt, but the required external manifestation of all the repeated effort and failure she’s expended and endured as a cop, as a lover and, we come to learn, as a mother too. The overriding spirit of Kidman’s performance is one of a distinctly feminine exhaustion, the impact of having to work harder than the dismissive men surrounding her just to keep her head above water – and not always excelling in the process. However might a 51-year-old woman with three decades’ experience of working in pre-#TimesUp Hollywood channel such feeling? Perhaps Destroyer isn’t such a leap for the star after all.<doc-sep>Nicole Kidman is revealing how her husband, Keith Urban, responded when he saw her disheveled character in her latest big screen film, “Destroyer.” “I think he was shocked,” Kidman told Entertainment Tonight on Sunday. “Audiences as well, which is fantastic. I mean, obviously, that’s something that we were hoping we would create, a different person, and that’s what I’m always looking to do, is to become a different person.” NICOLE KIDMAN REVEALED THE BOLD MOVE KEITH URBAN MADE THAT CONVINCED HER TO MARRY HIM The 51-year-old actress also praised the country crooner for his ability to understand how seriously she takes her craft and fully supporting her through all of her commitments. “I think I’m just very lucky to have a husband that just gets it,” she said. “He’s a musician. He’s very, very artistic. He understands what it is being married to an actor. We’ve been married now for 12 years, so we’ve been through a lot together.” RAMI MALEK RESPONDS TO THAT AWKWARD STAGE MOMENT WITH NICOLE KIDMAN AT THE GOLDEN GLOBES In the action-filled drama, Kidman portrays Erin Bell, a Los Angeles detective who violently takes down members of a vicious gang whom she has a deep history with. The role earned Kidman a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress. In December, Kidman spoke to ET about her fierce role in the violent flick, which included an intense makeup test at her home — something she said was a huge adjustment for her. "When it becomes in your home and you're just kind of there, it's very gritty," Kidman said at the time. "What happens is it becomes authentic, so then it just becomes, like, ‘Oh, this is very real to me. I'm in this skin. I'm in this person. I'm not standing on the outside trying to make this happen.’”<doc-sep>

DESTROYER: Trailer starring Nicole Kidman Destroyer follows the moral and existential odyssey of LAPD detective Erin Bell. As a young cop, Bell was placed undercover with a gang in the California desert with tragic results. When the leader of that gang re-emerges many years later, she must work her way back through the remaining members and into her own history with them to finally reckon with the demons that destroyed her past. What do critics say about Destroyer? The neo-noir thriller directed by Karyn Kusama has received a respectable 71 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes. The critics' consensus reads: Destroyer's gruelling narrative is as uncompromising as Nicole Kidman's central performance, which adds extra layers to a challenging film that leaves a lingering impact. Jake Coyle for Associated Press: While "Destroyer" can be overwrought and mechanical, it's an often gripping, well-crafted crime drama with a distinction of its own in the genre, an almost always male-dominated one. Rafer Guzman for Newsday: "Destroyer" is a worthwhile film, especially for moviegoers who love film noir in all its phases: The hard-boiled Bogart era, the nihilist takes of the 1960s and '70s, the neon-lit productions of the '80s. VICE REVIEWS: WHAT DO CRITICS SAY ABOUT DICK CHENEY MOVIE? Destroyer: The Nicole Kidman thriller has a positive 71 percent on Rotten Tomatoes Gary M. Kramer for Salon.com: Despite the film's uneven qualities, "Destroyer" is compelling because of Kidman's unflinching performance. The actress appears in every scene, and it's impossible to take one's eye off her. She exudes a fierce determination that is alluring. Peter Travers for Rolling Stone: Nicole Kidman, playing a burned-out LAPD cop, proves she's as an actress who knows how to stay the course, no matter how twisty, tangled or down and dirty it gets. She's dynamite. BUMBLEBEE REVIEWS: WHAT DO CRITICS SAY ABOUT THE TRANSFORMERS PREQUEL? Manohla Dargis for the New York Times: Kusama is still figuring out how to balance form and pulp, but she has a singular unapologetic idea about what women can and cannot do onscreen, one she lets rip with verve and her superbly unbound star. Mark Kennedy for Associated Press: It's been a while since we've had a Los Angeles on the screen like this one. Rachel Leishman for The Mary Sue: Destroyer is hands down the best work Kidman has done yet, unafraid of inhabiting this incredibly raw character-one who is trying to understand pain in a new way, and it's definitely a movie you don't want to miss. IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK REVIEWS: WHAT DO CRITICS HAVE TO SAY? Destroyer: Critics were over-all pleased with the movie by Karyn Kusama Sara Stewart the New York Post: The particulars of the story are typical for the genre - a heist gone wrong, a slippery crime boss - but they're elevated to visceral levels by Kidman's hard-core performance... Bilge Ebiri for New York Magazine/Vulture: Kidman's performance as this broken, obsessed woman is powerful. Breathless, rasping through her teeth, she conveys both vulnerability and intractability. April Wolfe for TheWrap: Despite the film's needlessly fractured structure and a relentlessly grim story, Kidman and Kusama seem to be speaking the same language, illuminating the faults of the protagonist and of every tragic hard-boiled detective in cinematic history. Linda Holmes for NPR: Rarely are women cast in these roles of screwed-up, hard-boiled antiheroes with a lifetime of regrets to make up for, and even if this is your basic LA noir, it's well-executed and satisfying in all the ways it should be. Destroyer: Nicole Kidman (L) with director Karyn Kusama (R) have been praised for their work

‘Want priests punished, I have proof’: Kerala church sex-for-silence survivor's husband *Eby recalls why he filed a complaint with the church against 5 priests, who allegedly sexually abused his wife. news Crime Two weeks ago, Eby Varghese (name changed) had not imagined that he would be at the center of a controversy that would make national headlines. A phone conversation he had with a friend, in which he unburdened his worries that his wife had been sexually harassed and exploited by five priests at the Malankara Orthodox church in Kerala, was leaked by his friend. The pressure on Eby, he says, has been unprecedented over the last two months. His family, his wife's family, people from the church and even friends have been telling him to not go to the police. But Eby says he will fight for justice until the five priests are expelled. 'They no longer deserve to be priests' Sitting in his home near Mallappally in Pathanamthitta district, Eby tells TNM that the priests continue to lead prayers even today, paying no heed to the church that has reportedly asked them to go on long leave. On Thursday, Eby gave a statement before the Commission appointed by the church for the second time. The Commission consists of two counsels and a priest. "My contention is that they no longer deserve to be priests,” he says. He argues, "Some people even ask me what evidence I have to complain that my wife was sexually abused by the priests. My evidence is the statement of my wife, what she has given in writing to me. I have given the complaint along with her statement." How the abuse was revealed It was on February 2 that Eby found a bank statement in his wife's email, that mentioned a payment of over Rs 9000 to the Le Meridian hotel in Kochi. Later, he checked her mobile phone, where he says he found evidence that she had been meeting a few priests. After a confrontation, Eby says his wife told him the sordid story of how a priest had sexually harassed her when she was young. Later, when she confessed this to another priest, he used the information to blackmail her. The priest who took the confession, and other priests, then started asking her for sexual favours in order to keep their silence, alleges Eby. "I informed her parents and spoke to them in the presence of a nun. I wanted her to be with her parents for some days,” Eby adds. TNM has been unable to speak to the survivor, who is not in touch with her husband currently. When Eby approached the church “In the beginning, I was undecided about what I should do. I had composed a complaint to give the Superintendent of Police. But my parents suggested that I should first file a complaint with the church, or it will bring disgrace to all,” Eby says. He then met the head of the Niranam diocese of Malankara Orthodox Syrian church in Thiruvalla on May 7. In the days that followed, he met the Thumbamon head of the church and Baselios Mar Thomas Paulose 11, the supreme head of the orthodox church in Kerala, at its headquarters in Kottayam. He also met the head of the Catholicate Church in Kottayam, since one of the accused priests is from that church. He attached his wife’s statement and a record of her messages along with the complaint. "The three metropolitans and the Catholicate head were convinced that my complaint was genuine but they were not able to take a decision. First, I was told by the Niranam diocese head that action will be taken in ten days as the church needs to examine the issue. Then, an extension of ten more days was sought. Again, I was asked to give the church time till May 30. On May 30, my father called up a priest and he told us that the church has appointed a commission and will take three months to complete the enquiry.” The phone conversation Eby says he had no clue that the church commission would take three months and felt that this was just a delaying tactic. In his frustration, he spoke to a friend over phone in June. "The mental pressure I have been going through is huge. I still can't believe that I am alive. My friend, who is also part of the church and with whom I shared everything, recorded the conversation and shared it on social media, which was then widely circulated,” he says. 'Not against the church' He adds many times during the conversation that he is not against the church or confessions to priests. "I am a believer, a pious man, who is a part of the church. I am against the priests and not the church," he says. Days after his wife went back to her home in May, Eby was stopped on the road by someone he had least expected. It was the priest who had allegedly first sexually harassed his wife. “He said that he had visited my wife’s house and spoken to her mother. He said my wife gave a list of other priests. He used a derogatory word against my wife. What upset me most is that my wife’s parents were aware that this priest had sexually harassed her. How did they allow him again into their house?" he asks. But Eby refutes reports that he is under pressure from the church to withdraw his complaint. "Nobody threatened me either; but there is advice, big, big advice,” he shares. His ‘well wishers’ have been advising him over consequences. “Sometimes they tell me that I may meet with an accident, or that there will be mental tension or problems in the family. Some say I will get trapped in cases,” Eby says. Where is his wife now? As per his latest information, she was at a retreat centre and he assumes that she must be back with her parents now. Kerala Crime branch has been asked by the state’s Director General of Police to investigate the allegation.<doc-sep>Man alleges misuse of ‘confession’ by priests to sexually exploit his wife The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, which has been enjoying a comfortable public positioning in recent times, especially after the recent Supreme Court verdict in the more-than-a-century-old legal battle with the Syrian Jacobite Church, now finds itself in the vortex of a storm following a sex scandal in which five of its priests have been named and ‘confession’, one of the seven sacraments of the Church, brought under a cloud. The issue had come up before the Church authorities in mid-May when one of the members of the Niranam diocese, in central Travancore, complained to the diocesan head that at least five priests of the Church were sexually exploiting his wife, a mother of two kids, by blackmailing her making use of the secret confession she had made to them on separate occasions. He came to know about it when he checked his wife’s mails for a different purpose and found copies of hotel bills mailed to her. On being questioned, his wife told him that she was blackmailed and forced to offer sexual favours by a priest before who she had confessed to a premarital relationship with a priest of the Church, who was also her relative and neighbour. According to the husband, she had named five priests in all, four of them connected with same diocese and another from the neighbouring diocese of Thumpamon. He also alleged that his wife had confessed to her relationship with two others, both outside the religion. The husband also produced a ‘statement’ by the wife which he had elicited from her. The issue remained at the diocesan level and the diocesan authorities had put the five priests under suspension and denied them the right to discharge their ecclesiastical duties. However, with the issue getting widely discussed in the social and visual media, and the National Women’s Commission taking up the matter, the Church authorities were forced come up with a response on Wednesday. Church Priest Trusty M.O. John told The Hindu that the Church had appointed a Commission consisting of priests and legal personalities to look into the issue. If true, the misuse of confessional information, whether for sexual or other favours, was a grave issue . The Church would like the whole truth to come out, he said. On Thursday, the woman’s husband appeared before the panel at the Niranam diocesan headquarters and gave evidence before the panel. One of his key demands is that ‘confession’ as a sacrament should be put an end to as it was being misused by priests.<doc-sep>Kerala Orthodox church 'sex-for-silence' row: Crime Branch books 4 priests for rape Four priests viz. Fr Abraham Varghese, Fr Job Mathew, Fr Johnson Mathew and Fr Jaise George have been booked. news Crime The Crime Branch (CB) in Kerala on Monday booked four priests of the Malankara Orthodox church on charges of rape and molesting a woman. A man from Thiruvalla had alleged that five priests of the church had been sexually abusing his wife for several years, after one of them threatened her using her confession secret. Four priests viz. Fr Abraham Varghese, Fr Job Mathew, Fr Johnson Mathew and Fr Jaise George have been booked on charges of rape and molestation. The case was registered against the priests after the investigating team recorded the survivor's statement. According to CB sources, Fr Job Mathew is accused of blackmailing the survivor using her confession secret way back in 2009. While the survivor's husband has accused five priests, sources in the department say that the survivor has named only four priests. The survivor had reportedly confessed about her relationship prior to her marriage to Fr Job, after which, he allegedly threatened that he would disclose it to the survivor's husband. Subsequently, more priests began to threaten her and demand sexual favours. On Friday, days after the case came to light, state DGP Loknath Behera directed the CB to initiate a probe into the issue. This development comes in the wake of mounting pressure on the state police for not having registered a suo motu case, despite the survivor's husband revealing to the media that his wife was sexually abused. The survivor's husband had also alleged that despite him complaining to the Church months ago, it took no action against the accused priests. Meanwhile, the Church relieved the accused priests from their official duties and sent them on leave, instead of proceeding with disciplinary action or reporting the crime to the police. Police finally intervened after criticism arose even from National Commission for Women (NCW) and Communist leader VS Achuthanandan writing to the state DGP to initiate a probe into the allegations.<doc-sep>A woman has accused 5 priests of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church of sexually abusing, blackmailing her. Five priests in Kerala are being investigated over allegations that they sexually assaulted a woman for almost 20 years in a cycle of abuse and blackmail. Two of the priests today approached a court for protection from arrest. The woman's story was exposed when an audio clip of her husband complaining to a church official was posted and circulated online. The 36-year-old man has alleged that the priests, who are based at the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church in Kottayam, sexually abused and blackmailed his wife for years. It started when, as a teenager in the 1990s, the woman was allegedly forced into sex by a priest. She confessed to a second priest, who allegedly blackmailed her into sex. Speaking to NDTV, her husband said when she reached out to the priests for help, they threatened and assaulted her. "The main culprit, the Father, promised to marry her and continued to manipulate her. The Father was a student at that time. Even after finishing his seminary and becoming a priest, he continued the same pattern. Even after we got married in 2006, the priest continued to sexually abuse my wife, blackmail her, saying that he would tell me everything. I got to know all this only in February," the husband said. Then two more priests threatened her and forced her into sex, the woman has reportedly told the police. The woman has recorded her statement with the police and provided horrifying details about the role of priests who allegedly used her confessions to blackmail her. The police have filed a rape case against the four priests. No arrests have been made yet. "We have filed cases of rape against the priests because though this may appear consensual, there is blackmailing involved. And this amounts to rape. There are several procedures involved before the arrest, which includes the statement to the court. Arrests will follow," a senior crime branch official told NDTV. The woman's husband alleges that he is under immense pressure from the church and its followers. The woman is currently with her parents. While the police has recorded her statement, the church has not heard her yet, according to the husband. In another case, a nun has filed a complaint against a Roman Catholic Bishop Father Mullakal in Jalandhar, alleging that he sexually abused her several times between 2014 and 2016. However, it was the bishop who filed a first complaint saying that he was being threatened after he took disciplinary action against the Sister. The police have filed a case of rape against the bishop. Christianity is the country's third-biggest religion according to the 2011 census, with approximately 28 million followers or 2.3 percent of the population.<doc-sep>

Kerala church sex-for-silence case: Survivor tells cops how her story unfolded from 1999 Police officers told TNM that her declaration to the Church will not stand in a court of law. news Crime The controversy surrounding sexual abuse allegations against five priests of Malankara Orthodox Church in Kerala has turned murkier. On Monday, Mathrubhumi News aired portions of a declaration said to be hand-written by the survivor, in which she mentions five priests of the Orthodox church. This document was reportedly given to the Church by her husband along with his complaint two months ago. However, a senior police officer with the Kerala Crime Branch who is part of the investigation told TNM that the statement will not stand in a court of law. He added that the ‘declaration’ that hinted at consensual relationships was only half the truth as there are clear signs of abuse in each of these ‘relationships’. "This declaration cannot be considered as proof, it is only one that was given to the Church. We have recorded the survivor's detailed statement, in which she has said that one of the priests threatened her using her confession statement, based on which, we have booked them," the officer said. The survivor had on Sunday given a statement to the Crime Branch, that is investigating the case. A senior officer in the Crime Branch, part of the investigation team that has now booked four priests for rape and molestation, however said that the declaration given to the Church does not hold any legal importance. According to sources in the Crime Branch, the survivor's relationship (prior to her wedding) with Fr Abraham Varghese began in 1999. She was a minor then and Abraham was studying to be a priest. Though the priest got married, he wanted her to continue the relationship, according to her statement. It went on after her wedding too. In 2009, during her child's baptism, she reportedly confessed to another priest about her relationship with Fr Abraham Varghese. He in turn, is alleged to have threatened her and demanded sexual favours. Following this, she confided in another priest Fr Job Mathew who was also her friend. TNM does not have details of the nature of her complaint against him. The fourth priest that she has mentioned in her complaint is a counsellor who works with the church. During the course of counseling, this priest is also alleged to have sexually abused her. From December 2016 onwards, the counsellor had asked the woman to book themselves in five star hotels. The survivor told the police that unable to afford the hotel bills, she was even forced to borrow or steal money from her family. The Crime Branch has booked four priests Fr Abraham Varghese, Fr Job Mathew, Fr Johnson Mathew and Fr Jaise George on charges of rape and molestation.

Relatives react at the scene where the Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 Max 8 crashed shortly after takeoff on Sunday killing all 157 on board, near Bishoftu, south of Addis Ababa, in Ethiopia, March 13, 2019. (Photo: Mulugeta Ayene/AP) Flight recorders from a doomed Ethiopian Airlines flight arrived in France for analysis Thursday as frustrated relatives of the 157 people killed stormed out of a meeting with airline officials in Addis Ababa. Sunday's crash was the second fatal flight for a Boeing 737 Max 8 in less than six months. More than 40 countries, including the U.S., have now grounded the planes or refused to let them into their airspace. After holding out for several days, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration issued an emergency order grounding the planes Wednesday, saying they had new satellite data and evidence that showed the movements of the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 were similar to those of Lion Air Flight 610. That flight crashed into the Java Sea off Indonesia in October, killing 189 people. Officials at Lion Air have said sensors on their plane produced erroneous information on its last four flights, triggering an automatic nose-down command that the pilots were unable to overcome on its final voyage. Ethiopian Airlines CEO Tewolde Gebremariam said its pilots had received special training on how to deal with that problem. "In addition to the basic trainings given for 737 aircraft types, an additional training was given for the Max version," Tewolde said. "After the Lion Air crash, questions were raised, so Boeing sent further instructions that it said pilots should know." Two men carry suitcases containing the flight recorders from the Ethiopian jet, into the French air accident investigation authority, March 14, 2019 Le Bourget, north of Paris. (Photo: Christophe Ena/AP) Tewolde said he is confident the investigation will reveal that the crash is not related to the safety record of Ethiopian Airlines, widely seen as the best-managed in Africa. Firm answers about what caused the crash could take months. The French air accident investigation authority, known by its French acronym BEA, said Thursday it will handle the analysis of the flight recorders, often referred to as a plane's black boxes, retrieved from the crash site. The BEA has experience with global air crashes, and its expertise is often sought whenever an Airbus plane crashes because the manufacturer is based in France. A BEA official told The Associated Press that the recorders have already arrived in France but gave no time frame on how long the analysis could take. Story continues In Addis Ababa, about 200 angry family members of crash victims left a briefing with Ethiopian Airlines officials, saying that the carrier has not given them adequate information. Officials said they have opened a call-in center that is open 18 hours a day to respond to questions, but family members said they are not getting the answers they need. People from 35 countries died. At the crash scene in Hejere, about 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Addis Ababa, growing numbers of family members arrived, some wailing or beating their chests as a bulldozer navigated piles of debris. Blue plastic sheeting covered the wreckage of the plane. (AP) Wreckage lies at the scene where the Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 Max 8 crashed shortly after takeoff on Sunday killing all 157 on board, near Bishoftu, or Debre Zeit, south of Addis Ababa, in Ethiopia, March 12, 2019. (Photo: Mulugeta Ayene/AP) See more news-related photo galleries and follow us on Yahoo News Photo Twitter and Tumblr. See more photos below: A family member reacts at the scene where the Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 Max 8 plane crashed shortly after takeoff on Sunday killing all 157 on board, near Bishoftu, south of Addis Ababa, in Ethiopia, March 13, 2019. (Photo: Mulugeta Ayene/AP) Ethiopian relatives of crash victims mourn and grieve at the scene where the Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 Max 8 crashed shortly after takeoff on Sunday killing all 157 on board, near Bishoftu, south-east of Addis Ababa, in Ethiopia Thursday, March 14, 2019. (Photo: Mulugeta Ayene/AP) Ethiopian relatives of crash victims mourn at the scene where the Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 Max 8 crashed shortly after takeoff on Sunday killing all 157 on board, near Bishoftu, south-east of Addis Ababa, in Ethiopia, March 14, 2019. (Photo: Mulugeta Ayene/AP) An Ethiopian relative of a crash victim throws dirt in her own face after realising that there is nothing physical left of her loved one, as she mourns at the scene where the Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 Max 8 crashed shortly after takeoff on Sunday killing all 157 on board, near Bishoftu, south-east of Addis Ababa, in Ethiopia, March 14, 2019. (Photo: Mulugeta Ayene/AP) Foreign investigators examine wreckage at the scene where the Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 Max 8 crashed shortly after takeoff on Sunday killing all 157 on board, near Bishoftu, or Debre Zeit, south of Addis Ababa, in Ethiopia March 12, 2019. (Photo: Mulugeta Ayene/AP) Rescuers work at the scene of an Ethiopian Airlines flight crash near Bishoftu, or Debre Zeit, south of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, March 11, 2019. (Photo: Mulugeta Ayene/AP) A boarding pass is seen at the scene of the Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET 302 plane crash, near the town of Bishoftu, southeast of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia March 11, 2019. (Photo: Tiksa Negeri/Reuters) Rescuers work at the scene of an Ethiopian Airlines flight crash near Bishoftu, or Debre Zeit, south of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, March 11, 2019. (Photo: Mulugeta Ayene/AP) Flowers are seen at the scene of the Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET 302 plane crash, near the town of Bishoftu, southeast of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia March 11, 2019. (Photo: Tiksa Negeri/Reuters) Clothing lies on the ground at the crash scene of an Ethiopian Airlines flight crash near Bishoftu, or Debre Zeit, south of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Monday, March 11, 2019. (Photo: Mulugeta Ayene/AP) Ethiopian Airlines flight ET 302 to Nairobi crashed early on Sunday near the town of Bishoftu, 62 kilometers southeast of the capital Addis Ababa, killing all 157 people aboard. (Graphic: Reuters) Search workers carry a tyre at the scene of the Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET 302 plane crash, near the town of Bishoftu, southeast of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia March 11, 2019. (Photo: Tiksa Negeri/Reuters) Wreckage is seen at the scene of the Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET 302 plane crash, near the town of Bishoftu, southeast of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia March 11, 2019. (Photo: Tiksa Negeri/Reuters) A component from a computer is seen behind a police cordon at the scene of the Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET 302 plane crash, near the town of Bishoftu, southeast of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia March 11, 2019. (Photo: Tiksa Negeri/Reuters) Relatives of the victims involved in a plane crash wait for information at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi, Kenya, March 10, 2019. (Photo: Khalil Senosi/AP) In this image taken from video, rescuers search through wreckage at the scene of an Ethiopian Airlines flight that crashed shortly after takeoff at Hejere near Bishoftu, or Debre Zeit, some 50 kilometers (31 miles) south of Addis Ababa, in Ethiopia, March 10, 2019. (Photo: Yidnek Kirubel/AP) Rescuers remove body bags from the scene of an Ethiopian Airlines flight that crashed shortly after takeoff at Hejere near Bishoftu, or Debre Zeit, some 50 kilometers (31 miles) south of Addis Ababa, in Ethiopia, March 10, 2019. (Photo: AP) Family members of the victims involved in a plane crash react at Addis Ababa international airport, March 10, 2019. (Photo: Mulugeta Ayene/AP) Wreckage lies at the scene of an Ethiopian Airlines flight that crashed shortly after takeoff at Hejere near Bishoftu, or Debre Zeit, some 50 kilometers (31 miles) south of Addis Ababa, in Ethiopia, March 10, 2019. (Photo: AP) A family member of a victim involved in a plane crash talks on a mobile phone at Addis Ababa international airport, March 10, 2019. (Photo: Mulugeta Ayene/AP) Workers gather at the scene of an Ethiopian Airlines flight crash near Bishoftu, or Debre Zeit, south of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, March 11, 2019. (Photo: Mulugeta Ayene/AP) Relatives of the victims involved in a plane crash board a bus at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi, Kenya, March 10, 2019, to travel to a hotel to receive more information. (Photo: Khalil Senosi/AP) A piece of the wreckage of an Ethiopian Airlines flight that crashed shortly after takeoff lies at the scene at Hejere near Bishoftu, or Debre Zeit, some 50 kilometers (31 miles) south of Addis Ababa, in Ethiopia, March 10, 2019. (Photo: Yidnek Kirubel/AP) Rescuers search at the scene of an Ethiopian Airlines flight that crashed shortly after takeoff at the scene at Hejere near Bishoftu, or Debre Zeit, some 50 kilometers (31 miles) south of Addis Ababa, in Ethiopia, March 10, 2019. (Photo: Yidnek Kirubel/AP) Airplane parts lie on the ground at the scene of an Ethiopian Airlines flight crash near Bishoftu, or Debre Zeit, south of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, March 11, 2019. (Photo: Mulugeta Ayene/AP) Members of the Ethiopian community take part in a special prayer for the victims of the Ethiopian Airlines flight ET302 crash, at the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church of Canada Saint Mary Cathedral in Toronto, March 10, 2019. (Photo: Christopher Katsarov/The Canadian Press via AP) A passenger passport lies on the ground at the scene of an Ethiopian Airlines flight crash near Bishoftu, or Debre Zeit, south of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, March 11, 2019. (Photo: Mulugeta Ayene/AP) _____ Read more from Yahoo News:<doc-sep>The UN environment assembly opened in Nairobi with many of the participants in mourning for friends and colleagues who were on the Ethiopian Airlines plane that crashed on its way to the Kenyan capital. At least 22 UN staff were among the 157 killed in the crash, along with an as-yet-unknown number of scientists, activists and humanitarian campaigners who were heading to the international organisation’s African hub. The UN flag flew at half-mast as participants arrived for work at UN agencies in Nairobi as well as the first plenary session of the environment assembly. Following a minute’s silence, speaker after speaker expressed sympathies. “We have lost fellow delegates, interpreters and UN staff,” said the president of the assembly, Siim Kiisler, the Estonian environment minister. “I express my condolences to those who lost loved ones in the crash.” “The environmental community is in mourning today,” said Joyce Msuya, the acting executive director of UN Environment. “Many of those that lost their lives were en route to provide support and participate in the UN environment assembly. We lost UN staff, youth delegates travelling to the assembly, seasoned scientists, members of academia and other partners.” Michael Møller, the director general of the UN European headquarters in Geneva, told about 150 personnel who had gathered to observe a minute’s silence: “It is one of the biggest catastrophes we have had in years.” The names of all of the victims were not immediately released while authorities notified the families, prompting delegations to desperately check the travel itineraries of their members. Some people present knew several of the dead. Ethiopian Airlines flight ET302 crashed minutes after takeoff from Addis Ababa on Sunday morning. The control tower lost contact shortly after the pilot reported technical problems. Wreckage was later discovered near the town of Bishoftu, 39 miles (62km) south-east of the Ethiopian capital. Aviation authorities were investigating how a new plane with an experienced pilot suddenly fell from the sky. One focus will be the design of the Boeing 737 Max 8, a model that has been in commercial operation for less than three years and was involved in a similar crash soon after takeoff in Indonesia last year. China and Ethiopia have grounded these planes until the cause of the accident is clear. The accident has sent shockwaves through the UN community. “As soon as people started hearing of the accident, they began to wonder whether anyone they knew was onboard. The uncertainty affects everyone,” said Peder Jensen, the head of the secretariat for the UNEP international resource panel. “People we worked with are no longer with us. It’s very emotional.” The victims were of various ages, nationalities and backgrounds. Thirty-two were Kenyan. Among them was the Catholic missionary George Mukua Kageche and the journalist Tony Ngare. One family in Nakuru lost five family members, according to local TV. Canada suffered 18 fatalities, several of whom were part of a youth delegation to the UN assembly. Among them was 24-year-old Danielle Moore, a biology graduate who volunteered for the Canada Parks and Wilderness Society and the Ocean Wise marine environment group. On her last Facebook post, she wrote about her excitement at being selected to attend the UN assembly. “Over the next week I’ll have the opportunity to discuss global environmental issues, share stories, and connect with other youth and leaders from all over the world,” she wrote. “I feel beyond privileged to be receiving this opportunity, and want to share as much with folks back home.” The seven British victims included Joanna Toole from Exmouth, who worked for the fisheries and aquaculture department of the Food and Agriculture Organisation. On Twitter, she described herself as an ocean protectionist, lover of yoga and vegan foodie who was passionate about the planet. Her boss, Manuel Barange, said he was profoundly sad. “A wonderful human being, who loved her work with a passion,” he tweeted. Another of those on the plane was Sarah Auffret, a French-British polar tourism expert and University of Plymouth graduate who was planning to participate in panels about plastic pollution in the oceans. She had led the Clean Sea project of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators, which aimed to cut use of single-use plastics on cruise ships and to involve passengers in beach clean-ups. Her employers said they were shocked and heartbroken: “Words cannot describe the sorrow and despair we feel. We have lost a true friend and beloved colleague.”<doc-sep>

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) — In a story March 11 about the crash of an Ethiopian Airlines jet, The Associated Press reported erroneously that China grounded its models of the same plane for nine hours. China's aviation authority ordered its airlines to ground their Boeing 737 8 MAX jets within nine hours. A corrected version of the story is below: Ethiopian Airlines crash kills 157, spreads global grief An Ethiopian Airlines jet has crashed after takeoff, carving a gash in the earth and spreading global grief for the 157 people who were killed By ELIAS MESERET and YIDNEK KIRUBEL Associated Press ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) — An Ethiopian Airlines jet faltered and crashed Sunday shortly after takeoff, carving a gash in the earth and spreading global grief to 35 countries that had someone among the 157 people who were killed. There was no immediate indication why the plane went down in clear weather while on a flight to Nairobi, the capital of neighboring Kenya. The crash was strikingly similar to that of a Lion Air jet in Indonesian seas last year, killing 189 people. Both accidents involved the Boeing 737 Max 8, and China ordered a temporarily grounding of those planes for Chinese airlines Monday. The crash shattered more than two years of relative calm in African skies, where travel had long been chaotic. It also was a serious blow to state-owned Ethiopian Airlines, which has expanded to become the continent's largest and best-managed carrier and turned Addis Ababa into the gateway to Africa. "Ethiopian Airlines is one of the safest airlines in the world. At this stage we cannot rule out anything," CEO Tewolde Gebremariam told reporters. He visited the crash site, standing in the gaping crater flecked with debris. Black body bags were spread out nearby while Red Cross and other workers looked for remains. As the sun set, the airline's chief operating officer said the plane's flight data recorder had not yet been found. Story continues Around the world, families were gripped by grief. At the Addis Ababa airport, a woman called a mobile number in vain. "Where are you, my son?" she said, in tears. Others cried as they approached the terminal. Henom Esayas, whose sister's Nigerian husband was killed, told The Associated Press they were startled when a stranger picked up their frantic calls to his mobile phone, told them he had found it in the debris and promptly switched it off. Shocked leaders of the United Nations, the U.N. refugee agency and the World Food Program announced that colleagues had been on the plane. The U.N. migration agency estimated some 19 U.N.-affiliated employees were killed. Both Addis Ababa and Nairobi are major hubs for humanitarian workers, and many people were on their way to a large U.N. environmental conference set to begin Monday in Nairobi. The Addis Ababa-Nairobi route links East Africa's two largest economic powers. Sunburned travelers and tour groups crowd the Addis Ababa airport's waiting areas, along with businessmen from China, Gulf nations and elsewhere. A list of the dead released by Ethiopian Airlines included passengers from China, the United States, Saudi Arabia, Nepal, Israel, India and Somalia. Kenya lost 32 citizens. Canada, 18. Several countries including the United States lost four or more people. Ethiopian officials declared Monday a day of mourning. At the Nairobi airport, hopes quickly dimmed for loved ones. "I just pray that he is safe or he was not on it," said Agnes Muilu, who had come to pick up her brother. The crash is likely to renew questions about the 737 Max, the newest version of Boeing's popular single-aisle airliner, which was first introduced in 1967 and has become the world's most common passenger jet. China's civil aviation authority on Monday ordered Chinese airlines to ground their 737 Max 8 aircraft for safety reasons and said it would consult with Boeing and others further. Indonesian investigators have not determined a cause for the October crash, but days after the accident Boeing sent a notice to airlines that faulty information from a sensor could cause the plane to automatically point the nose down. The Lion Air cockpit data recorder showed that the jet's airspeed indicator had malfunctioned on its last four flights, though the airline initially said problems had been fixed. Safety experts cautioned against drawing too many comparisons between the two crashes until more is known about Sunday's disaster.

Photo : Asus What started as an experiment to bring gaming features to the mobile world has now become a full-on trend. Last year, Razer introduced a phone with flagship specs and a high refresh rate display. Then, Nubia upped the ante by adding RGB lighting to its Red Magic handset. And now Asus has topped them all with the wildly ambitious but simply named ROG Phone. Advertisement Sporting a 6-inch 90Hz AMOLED screen and a glowing ROG logo with customizable lighting in the back, this upcoming phone has the highlight features from its predecessors covered, and Asus didn’t stop there. The company crammed in vapor-chamber cooling (a feature normally reserved for gaming laptops), three USB-C ports (more on those later), and special touch-sensitive sides that can function as shoulder buttons while in landscape mode, or used to turn on the phone’s gaming mode by simply squeezing the device. On the inside, Asus blew out the device’s specs with 8GB of RAM, up to 512GB of storage, a big ‘ole 4,000 mAH battery, and an overclocked Snapdragon 845 chip that can hit 2.96Ghz instead of Qualcomm’s usual 2.8Ghz max. The ROG Phone even supports 802.11 WiGig connectivity, so you can stream gameplay wirelessly to a nearby TV or monitor using Asus’ companion WiGig Dock. In short, the ROG Phone might just be the most powerful Android phone on the planet. Now back to those extra USB-C ports. When looking at the phone in portrait mode, there’s one USB-C port (and a handy headphone jack) down at the bottom for typical stuff like charging and data transfer. But then on the sides of the device, there are two more USB-C ports so that when you’re gaming, you can hold the phone in landscape mode and still have somewhere to plug in a power cable without messing up your grip. I’m a big fan of the idea, because in a world where a lot of mainstream phone makers are ditching the headphone jack, putting two or more USB-C ports on the device is a simple and also utilitarian way of letting people connect multiple accessories so you can do things like recharge your device and use headphones at the same time. And for the ROG Phone, Asus has even more ambitious things in mind for use with USB-C. Here’s the back of Asus’ AeroActiveCooler, which has an extra USB-C port and a headphone jack. Image : Asus Another shot of the AeroActive Cooler Image : Asus If you don’t look close, you might think this is a Nintendo Switch, but it’s not. Image : Asus Here’s a better view of the ROG Phone’s gamepad attachments. Image : Asus Advertisement You can skip ad after 1 second You can go to the next slide after 1 second Continue The ROG Phone’s dock lets you use the phone like a desktop. Image : Asus This could be the future of home gaming setups. Image : Asus Look at all those ports Image : Asus The TwinView might be the ROG Phone’s most interesting accessory, but also the hardest to get right. Image : Asus 1 / 8 Advertisement In addition to Asus’ WiGig Dock mentioned above, which features a boatload of ports and lets you turn the phone into a desktop of sorts similar to a Samsung Dex, Asus has created three more gaming add-ons for the ROG Phone. The first is a cooling dock with a built-in fan that attaches to the bottom and back of the phone to help keep your hands dry and temps down even during the most intense mobile gaming sessions. Then there’s a pair of gamepads that slip onto either side of the phone and turn the device into something like a mini Nintendo Switch. But the thing I want to try the most is Asus’ TwinView Dock, which adds extra battery capacity and an entire second screen to the ROG Phone. Advertisement I’m not even sure what games or titles are supposed to take advantage of that second screen (and judging by its call to developers, I don’t think Asus knows either), but it seems like Asus took a look at the most popular Nintendo handhelds of the last decade and said, “We can do that, too.” So despite not having an official price or release date (Asus says it’s hoping for a release sometime in the third quarter of this year), the ROG Phone is exciting, ambitious, and the best example of why I’ve been pumped about how gaming phones could change the mobile world as a whole. Asus, don’t let me down.<doc-sep>Asus is starting off Computex 2018 on a high-spec note with the announcement of its ROG Phone. Bearing the Republic of Gamers branding and an unmistakably gamer-oriented design, the ROG Phone is Asus’ answer to the Razer Phone. This is the second phone after Razer’s to offer a 90Hz display — meaning its screen refreshes 90 times per second, delivering smoother animations — and Asus throws in the added bit of gamer pride by powering each ROG Phone with a specially selected 2.96GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chip. Yes, these will definitely be the fastest Snapdragons around. I got to see engineering samples of the ROG Phone for myself here at Computex, and I walked away feeling more impressed by the actual hardware than I expected, though the premise of an Android smartphone for hardcore gamers still feels like it’s off the mark. Android doesn’t have any games demanding enough to tax the regular Snapdragon 845, never mind an overclocked variant with vapor cooling and a special attachable fan accessory, which is what the ROG Phone offers. What I see in this device is a bizarre transplantation of the traditional PC gamer’s aesthetic and performance priorities into the mobile realm. Even as I question who this device might be for, I am also deeply intrigued by its design, customizations, and deluge of gaming-centric attachments. Asus ROG Phone specs Processor: speed-binned 2.96GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 GPU: Qualcomm Adreno 630 Display: 6-inch, 18:9 (2160 x 1080) OLED panel with 90Hz refresh rate and 1ms pixel response time; includes HDR support and 108.6 percent DCI-P3 color gamut coverage Dimensions: 158.8mm x 76.2mm x 8.6mm Weight: 200g Battery: 4,000mAh Memory: 8GB RAM Storage: 128GB or 512GB Wireless: 802.11ad Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5 Headphone jack: Yes Audio: Dual front-facing stereo speakers; 24-bit/192kHz DAC; DTS Headphone:X 7.1-channel virtual surround sound; AptX support You’ll find the full set of ROG Phone specs in the sidebar, and they’re predictably maxed out. Nobody has offered a phone with more than 8GB of RAM, no one has a faster Snapdragon inside their phone, and other than the Porsche Design variant of the Huawei P20 Pro, I know of no other phone with a 512GB storage option. Asus ticks the “best-specced Android phone ever” box. To activate the maximum performance of its speed-binned chips, Asus lets you switch into “X Mode” by squeezing the sides of the phone. The squeeze works exactly as it does in HTC’s Edge Sense system, with a red glow showing up at the sides where you apply pressure. Once you give it a strong squeeze, the phone’s entire UI skin transforms from a cool blue to a deep and ominous red. X Mode is more than mere cosmetics, though, as it automatically optimizes performance for gaming by shutting down background processes and prioritizing whatever you’re playing for both RAM allocation and data transfer precedence. X Mode also controls the AeroActive Cooler, which is what Asus calls the additional fan accessory it offers for this phone. Asus goes an extra step with its phone-edge interactions by giving players two so-called AirTriggers, residing in the spots of the usual shoulder buttons on game controllers. These are user-programmable and should help keep the screen clear of controls while gaming. The accessories are a big part of the story with the ROG Phone, as Asus offers a whole bunch of them right off the bat. There’s the classic gamepad setup, which puts a couple of analog sticks, two sets of physical shoulder buttons, and some gaming keys on either side of the phone’s landscape display. This Gamevice controller works in tandem with a WiGig Dock to wirelessly stream — using 60GHz 802.11ad Wi-Fi — your game to a connected nearby TV. I tried it with a racing game, and I didn’t notice any tangible lag between my actions with the controller and response on the screen. The gamepad isn’t bad, but I’ve yet to see any of these pad attachments become truly popular, so I remain skeptical about how much use it would get. Then there’s also the clamshell accessory with a second screen that turns the ROG Phone into a dual-screen device. It’s called the TwinView Dock, and it’s huge and chunky, owing primarily to its 6,000mAh battery within. It has a matching 6-inch, 1080p screen, just like the ROG Phone, and it adds shoulder buttons, enhanced force feedback, a front-facing quad-speaker system, and extra cooling. Asus’ idea is that you might use this setup for marathon gaming sessions, with the second screen display chat related to the game on the main one. My experience with this accessory was very awkward, as the software was unintuitive and the construction was way too early to judge in terms of quality or durability. Asus also has a dock with a ton of cable ports on the back, allowing you to use the ROG Phone as either a pseudo-PC connected to a monitor, keyboard and mouse, or as an auxiliary display to your regular PC. This, like all the other accessories, attaches via a special side port on the ROG Phone (which is at the bottom of the device when it’s turned to landscape). This extra-wide port contains a regular USB-C connector and a proprietary Asus one right next to it. Aside from all of the peripheral possibilities, I very much like the idea of being able to charge my phone with the cable plugged in at the bottom while I’m watching something or gaming on it. Grid View It’s impossible not to be impressed by the sheer amount of thought and engineering that Asus poured into the ROG Phone. This device and its mini ecosystem of gamer-friendly accessories have clearly been in the works for a while. It’s one of the most sincere and ambitious efforts to make Android gaming phones a legitimate category in its own right. I still think the task is an uphill one, but Asus deserves credit for putting its best foot forward. The price of the ROG Phone and its suite of accessories isn’t being announced at Computex, but Asus tells me it expects to have this phone on sale in the third quarter of this year. Given the ludicrous specs, we should probably brace ourselves for an uncompromising price to go along with the uncompromising performance. Photography by Vlad Savov / The Verge<doc-sep>

After terrorizing desktop computers for years, the gamer-centric branding is now making its way to mobile. Following Razer's footsteps, ASUS has announced the ROG Phone, it's first "gaming phone". It may be a phone noone asked for but it sure looks different than anything else we've seen. For what it's worth, ASUS has gone many more steps ahead of Razer to really sell you this phone. Starting with the phone itself, it features the gamery aesthetic that plagues every gaming-centric computer out there. The front is all glass with cutouts at the top and bottom for a pair of stereo speakers. On the back is what looks like cooling vents with a dual camera system and a sideways ASUS ROG logo. The logo features RGB illumination (because why not?) and can be programmed to display any color in different patterns and also use as a notification light. The back is also covered in Corning Gorilla Glass, just like the front. The phone is also water-resistant although no official rating is provided. ASUS ROG Phone Apart from having a USB-C port and a headphone jack at the bottom, the phone also has an accessory port on the left in the center. The side port can be used for charging while gaming so the cable doesn't interfere with your hand. The headphone jack supports 24-bit/192Khz Hi-Res Audio playback and DTS Headphone:X. The phone has three ultrasonic pressure sensitive zones. One is on the side like on HTC phones, which can be squeezed to activate the "X MODE", which optimizes performance by shutting down background tasks and turning the theme red. It also activates the fan on the optional AeroActive Cooler accessory, which also includes a USB-C port and a headphone jack that comes out the left side of the phone so they don't interfere with your hands on the bottom edge. The other two are on the two corners in landscape mode. These are called "AirTrigger" and work as virtual trigger buttons in games. You can map them to any function within the game as long as it is supported. Internally, the phone packs a special, binned version of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845, which clocks up to 2.96GHz instead of the usual 2.8GHz. It is paired with 8GB of RAM and a choice of either 128GB or 512GB of storage. A "GameCool" vapor-chamber is included to pull the heat away from the chipset and distribute it along the phone. The phone also includes 802.11ad Wi-Fi, which is still quite rare. The battery is a sizable 4000mAh with ASUS "HyperCharge" 20W fast charging. The display is likely the star attraction. It's a 6-inch, 18:9 AMOLED panel with a resolution of 2160x1080. Most importantly, the panel refreshes at 90Hz and has a response time of 1ms. ASUS also claims HDR support and 108.6% DCI-P3 coverage. The accessory support is quite extensive. Apart from the aforementioned AeroActive Cooler, there is the Gamevice controller, which attaches to either side of the phone. It includes a WiGig Dock for streaming the game on to a big screen over the fast 802.11ad connection. There's also a dock for connecting the phone to accessories like a keyboard, mouse and monitor. Lastly, there is the TwinView Dock, which has a clamshell design. The phone goes into the top part and the bottom part has a second 6-inch, 1080p display. The accessory also has its own 6000mAh battery. The price hasn't been announced yet but the device will go on sale some time in the third quarter. Now, there's no doubt the phone is impressively specced, even if you don't plan on playing any game. However, the whole gamer aesthetic and silly brandings are as kitsch as they get. Secondly, the gaming scene on Android isn't exactly exploding, with most of the games on the store being of the casual kind that won't benefit from the various controller accessories in anyway. The more challenging titles are few and far between and also don't need a powerhouse device to run. Most of the titles also don't run above 60Hz as we saw with the Razer Phone, so the 90Hz refresh rate will only really be useful while navigating the phone's menus. Lastly, it's likely none of this is going to be cheap, so the whole value proposition is already out the window. And having a whole ecosystem of accessories around one phone has never really worked well.

While fans are waiting for Drake to respond to Pusha T after he dropped a diss track calling out Drizzy's alleged love child last week, Ice Cube argued that the Toronto rapper's career had already peaked and he's on the decline. Cube made the assertion when he was asked about the beef between Drake and Pusha. He said he didn't know much about it, but noted that Drake's notoriety would likely drop. "He had a good run. You've only got a three-year run in the rap game baby," Cube said on KMEL-FM Friday. "You've only got three years at the tip-top of the rap game before you have to find your place in this thing. That's just the pattern. Everybody, Wayne when he was hot, three years on top and you were looking for somebody else." It's unlikely that Drake will respond to Pusha's track, "The Story of Adidon," after Rap-a-Lot Records CEO James "J" Prince told the rapper to ignore Pusha. "I made an OG call to Drake this morning to tell him 'I don't want you to respond to this,'" he said on Maryland's DTLR Radio Saturday. "I call it a pigpen mentality. We gonna put this to bed because we can't get in the pigpen with pigs, because pigs turn into hogs, and then hogs get slaughtered. That's not his character. We ain't worked this hard to cheat ourselves over nothing." Drake did, however, respond to the art Pusha used for the track, which shows him in blackface. "This was not from a clothing brand shoot or my music career," Drake explained. "This picture is from 2007, a time in my life where I was an actor and I was working on a project that was about young black actors struggling to get roles, being stereotyped and typecast. The photos represented how African Americans were once wrongfully portrayed in entertainment." Drake stayed clear from responding to his alleged love child, who he apparently fathered with Sophie Brussaux, a former porn actress. She named the 7-month-old child Adonis. "Adidon" is reportedly the name of Drake's rumored sneaker collaboration with Adidas—a mix of his son's name and the sneaker conglomerate. "Adonis is your son / and he deserves more than an Adidas press run, that's real," Pusha raps.<doc-sep>The Drake and Pusha T beef seems to have cooled after “Story of Adidon” and, according to J Prince, this is down to a phone call from him to the Canadian rapper. The news comes a few days after Kanye said the beef was “dead” on Twitter. J Prince is the CEO of Rap-A-Lot records and during an interview with DTLR Radio, he revealed that he made the call to Drake about the situation. The two have an extended history together, with his son Jas Prince credited with finding the artist on MySpace and introducing him to Lil Wayne. During the interview he said “I spoke with Drake. I made an OG call to Drake this morning, telling him, ‘I don’t want you to respond to this. We’re going to put this to bed.’ We’re going to put this to bed because we can’t get into the pigpen with pigs. Because pigs turn into hogs and hogs get slaughtered.” Listen to the audio below. In related news, Pusha T performed “Infrared” at the Governors Ball, which led to a rowdy crowd response.<doc-sep>Look, we're absolutely here for this Drake and Pusha T beef to last all summer. And since Pusha released his absolutely vicious diss track "The Story of Adidon," there hasn't been a response from Drake other than to explain that blackface photo. But according to J. Prince, Drake is sitting on a career ending diss track that he's promised never to release. “After speaking with Kanye, I spoke with the brother, and he didn’t want this. I saw this going to a place that I feel would have ended his career if Drake would’ve put out this song that he had on him,” Prince said on Sway In The Morning this weekend. “And definitely would’ve hurt families and we’re not in it for that. That’s not Drake’s character to tear a man down to that extent.” This content is imported from YouTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Certainly, this is a move that really fits with Drake's whole good guy persona—a persona that Pusha absolutely tore down in his diss track, which accused Drake of using his alleged child with a former porn star to sell a sneaker line. According to Prince, though, this track Drake has is even more destructive than Pusha's. “The ingredients was overwhelming. I know for a fact that it would have been bad for Kanye and my man,” he said of the track. “It just wouldn’t be good. It’s beyond music at that point. It’s going to affect the livelihood. It’s going to interfere with his whole lifestyle from that moment.” It's a very convenient Trumpian move: To say you have this thing that would have been really bad, and you're the good guy for keeping everything safe from this thing you can't prove is real. Unfortunately for Drake, Prince insists the rapper won't release the track. “I don’t think it would leak, because he gave his word,” he concluded. “And me knowing Drake like I know him, he has a word.” The only problem is, not releasing it looks worse than releasing it. Release the track, Drake. Release the track. This content is imported from {embed-name}. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Matt Miller Culture Editor Matt is the Culture Editor at Esquire where he covers music, movies, books, and TV—with an emphasis on all things Star Wars, Marvel, and Game of Thrones. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io<doc-sep>

The Drake and Pusha T beef seems to be over. Last weekend, J Prince — who is the CEO of Rap-A-Lot Records — shared during an interview with DTLR Radio that he called Drizzy after Pusha T’s “Story of Adidon” was released and told the Toronto native to not respond. In a new interview with Sway in the Morning, J Prince revealed he spoke to Kanye about the situation. He shares that Drake made a response to “Story of Adidon” but doesn’t want the song to be released because the rap beef will get too personal. “After speaking with Kanye, I spoke with the brother…and he didn’t want this,” Prince shared. “I saw this going to a place that I feel would have ended his career if Drake would’ve put out this song that he had on him. It definitely would’ve hurt families and we’re not in it for that. That’s not Drake’s character to tear a man down to that extent.” The hip-hop mogul says he enjoys a good rap battle but lines were crossed when family was name-dropped on diss songs. Pusha T sent shots at Drake’s family and the megastar’s alleged son in “The Story Adidon,” while Drake brought up Pusha T’s fiancee’s name in “Duppy Freestyle.” “Oh no doubt about it… the ingredients were overwhelming. I know for a fact that it would’ve been bad for Kanye and my man [Pusha T],” said J Prince. “It wouldn’t have been good, it’s beyond music at that point. It’s gonna affect the livelihood, it’s gonna interfere with his entire lifestyle from that day forward.” A few days ago Kanye declared that the beef was “dead” on Twitter. Pusha T performed “Infrared” at the Governors Ball this past weekend.

Only the best deals on Verge-approved gadgets get the Verge Deals stamp of approval, so if you're looking for a deal on your next gadget or gift from major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Target, and more, this is the place to be. B&H has a MacBook Air deal that is about as good (and cheap) as you can find for a new macOS computer. Until the discount ends at midnight eastern on June 28th, you can snag a 13.3-inch MacBook Air with 128GB of storage for $799. A savings of $200 off its original price, your money will get you the latest model in the Air family since Apple has yet to unveil a refreshed version for 2018. The MacBook Air lags behind what you’ll find in the MacBook Pro in terms of its low-resolution screen, processor, and RAM speed, but there are some advantages to be had here. It’s more affordable. Its keyboard likely won’t send you to the Apple Store for repairs, as newer models with “butterfly” key switches are evidently wont to do. But what’s even better is it will let you continue living your best life, also known as a dongle-free life. What extra power and panache the newer MacBook models may bring, they seriously lack in ports next to the Air’s I/O offering that contains two USB Type-A ports, mini DisplayPort, MagSafe charging, and a full-size SD card slot. Update June 26th 2:45PM ET: The Verge reached out to B&H after several readers reported that the sale price wasn’t being honored. B&H has since addressed the error and will run the sale through its originally planned June 28th end date.<doc-sep>AppleInsider has affiliate partnerships and may earn commission on products purchased through affiliate links. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content. Back by popular demand, B&H is knocking $200 off Apple's current 13-inch MacBook Air for one day only, with prices starting at just $799. The Apple authorized reseller also has Mid 2017 13-inch MacBook Pros for $1,099, the lowest price anywhere, with no tax collected in most states. $799 2017 MacBook Air 13" MacBook Air (1.8GHz 8GB 128GB) | PN: MQD32LL/A ($200 off + no tax outside NY & NJ*) * B&H will not collect sales tax on orders shipped outside NY & NJ*. Those looking for the lowest entry price into a MacBook can take advantage of a $200 instant discount on Apple's current 13-inch MacBook Air today only. This Mid 2017 model is now on sale for $799.00 with free shipping to the contiguous U.S. for easy delivery to your doorstep. According to our 13-inch MacBook Air Price Guide, this deal provides shoppers with the lowest price available from an Apple authorized reseller by at least $80. What's more, B&H will not collect sales tax on orders shipped outside New York and New Jersey*, saving many shoppers another $65. Looking for an upgraded config? B&H is also taking $200 off the 256GB model linked below. Update: This deal has been extended through 11:59 p.m. Eastern on June 28. Additional MacBook Air deals 13" MacBook Air (1.8GHz 8GB 256GB) | PN: MQD42LL/A ($200 off + no tax outside NY & NJ*) *B&H will not collect sales tax on orders shipped outside NY & NJ*. Add AppleCare You can easily add an AppleCare+ extended protection plan to these Mid 2017 13-inch MacBook Airs for $249 by selecting the AppleCare option immediately after you press the "Add to Cart" button on the respective reseller's website. 13" MacBook Pro on sale for $1,099 13" MacBook Pro (2.3GHz 8GB 128GB) in Space Gray | PN: MPXQ2LL/A ($200 off + no tax outside NY & NJ*) - Limited supply at special price! * B&H will not collect sales tax on orders shipped outside NY & NJ*. B&H is also knocking $200 off Apple's current 13-inch MacBook Pro in Space Gray for less than 12 hours. This model, priced at $1,099.00 after the discount, is equipped with a 2.3GHz processor, 8GB of memory and a 128GB SSD (making it a great option for students and travelers alike). In addition to the instant savings, Apple authorized reseller B&H Photo will not collect sales tax on orders shipped outside New York and New Jersey*, making this deal $75 to $200 cheaper compared to other Apple authorized resellers — and $300 cheaper on average for many shoppers compared to buying from the Apple Store. Expedited shipping is also free to the contiguous U.S. for speedy delivery to your doorstep. Looking for deals on Apple's 15-inch MacBook Pro? Save up to $400 on Mid 2017 models or up to $1,600 on closeout configs! 13" MacBook Pro with function keys 13" (2.3GHz 16GB 128GB) in Space Gray | P/N: Z0UH-MPXQ21 On sale for $1,349.00 | B&H ($150 off + no tax outside NY & NJ*) | B&H 13" (2.3GHz 16GB 256GB) in Space Gray | P/N: Z0UK-MPXT21 On sale for $1,549.00 | B&H ($150 off + no tax outside NY & NJ*) | B&H 13" (2.5GHz 16GB 1TB) in Space Gray | P/N: Z0UK-MPXT31 On sale for $2,399.00 with coupon code APINSIDER | Adorama ($200 off + no tax outside NY & NJ**) - Hot deal! **Price with promo code APINSIDER. Adorama will not collect sales tax on orders shipped outside NY & NJ. *B&H will not collect sales tax on orders shipped outside NY & NJ. CO and VT residents, see here. 13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar Add AppleCare You can easily tack on an AppleCare+ extended protection plan to these Mid 2017 13-inch MacBook Pros for $269 by selecting the AppleCare option immediately after you press the "Add to Cart" button on the respective reseller's website. Additional Apple Deals<doc-sep>

B&H Photo this week launched a sale on a collection of Apple's MacBooks, with savings that reach up to $200 off the Mid 2017 refreshes of the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. The 13-inch MacBook Air (1.8 GHz, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD) has the lowest price in the sale, running for $799.00, down from $999.00. If you want to beef up the hard drive you can opt for the 256GB SSD that's priced at $999.00, down from $1,199.00, and both computers are in Silver. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. For the higher-end 13-inch MacBook Pro from Mid 2017 (2.3 GHz, 8GB RAM, 128GB PCIe SSD), B&H Photo offers the computer for $1,099.00, down from $1,299.00. Only the Space Gray model is marked down to $1,099.00, however, with the Silver option priced slightly higher in the sale at $1,149.99. For both the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, B&H Photo's prices today are the best available online for the models, coming in $50-$200 under rivals like Best Buy, Adorama, and Walmart. B&H Photo notes that these discounts will expire later tonight at 11:59 p.m. ET, so be sure to place your orders before that time if you're interested. In other sales, Pad & Quill continues to celebrate its 8-year anniversary with a sale that encompasses many of its product lines, from duffle and messenger bags to wallets, iPad cases, iPhone cases, and the company's leather HomePod coaster. Check out some of the items on sale below, and then head over to Pad & Quill to place your order before the anniversary event ends. Over at StackSocial there are a few discounts on Mac apps that aim to help improve your workflow and protect your computer. Readdle's PDF Expert is priced at $24.99, down from $59.99, and helps streamline PDF document editing and sharing on Mac. If you're looking to clean up your Mac, MacPaw's CleanMyMac 3 is on sale for $27.99, down from $39.95, and optimizes your computer by scanning and deleting gigabytes of old junk files in a few steps. Lastly, a 2-year subscription to NordVPN is down $10 in a sale, priced at $69 so you can safely and anonymously browse online. As usual, Anker also has a long list of useful Apple-related accessories on sale, a few of which we've rounded up below: If you're on the hunt for more savings, be sure to check out our full Deals Roundup.

BERLIN -- Flights across Germany are facing disruption after security staff at eight airports went on strike over pay. The ver.di union on Tuesday called on staff at airports including Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hannover and Bremen to walk off the job between 2 a.m. and 8 p.m. local time. German news agency dpa is reporting that in Frankfurt alone 570 flights will be cancelled and that up to 220,000 passengers may be affected. Ver.di said it is still waiting for employers to increase the pay for the 23,000 security staff conducting checks and is demanding that they rise to 20 euros ($23.10) an hour. Strikes last week across Germany resulted in the cancellation of hundreds of flights.<doc-sep>Hundreds of flights have been cancelled at eight German airports due to strikes initiated by the German trade union Ver.di. The walkouts are taking place at Hamburg, Munich, Hannover, Bremen, Leipzig, Dresden and Erfurt airports. The coordinated industrial action follows walkouts last Monday at Berlin airports, as well as similar protests in Stuttgart, Cologne/Bonn and Dusseldorf last Thursday. Around 220,000 passengers are expected to be affected by the industrial action. Germany's busiest airport, Frankfurt, will be most affected, with no passengers able to board flights unless they arrive in transit. Fraport, operator of Frankfurt airport, warned that severe disruption is likely. Recommended Chaos for passengers to and from Germany as security staff strike When are the strikes taking place? The strike began at 2am local time today and will continue until 8pm local time (1am – 7pm GMT). Which airports are affected? Frankfurt will be most impacted by the strike, but other affected airports include Hamburg, Munich, Hannover, Bremen, Leipzig, Dresden and Erfurt. Why is the strike happening? Members of the Ver.di union, which represents almost 23,000 aviation security staff, are striking over pay, following four unsuccessful rounds of negotiations with the security provider BDLS. Workers are seeking a minimum hourly wage of €20. “Because employers have shown no willingness to make a better offer, the extension of warning strikes has become necessary,” Ver.di board member, Ute Kittel, said in a statement. “We are ready to negotiate and conclude with a good offer,” she said. How do I know if my flight has been affected? Travellers are advised to contact their airline directly for confirmation and further details regarding cancellations and delays to services and rebookings. British Airways has offered affected customers the option of rebooking or claiming a refund. A spokesperson for the airport operator Fraport has advised travellers not to come to Frankfurt airport during the strike. A special care team of staff will be onsite to assist travellers who do arrive at Frankfurt airport. When will the matter be resolved? Negotiations are due to begin again on 23 January in Berlin.<doc-sep>Slideshow ( 10 images ) FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Security staff at eight German airports went on strike on Tuesday in an escalating pay dispute that means up to 220,000 passengers could be affected by delays or cancellations, airport association ADV said. Security workers at the smaller Hamburg, Hanover and Bremen airports downed tools from midnight while those at main hub Frankfurt joined them two hours later, with a view to striking until 2000 local time (1900 GMT). Strike action is also expected in Munich, Leipzig, Dresden and Erfurt, meaning hundreds of flights will be canceled. The latest walkouts follow strikes at five airports last week and were denounced by ADV as excessive. Fraport, operator of Frankfurt airport, expects 470 of around 1,200 connections to be hit. Lufthansa said it would cancel around 500 flights, 28 of which are intercontinental. Lufthansa subsidiary Eurowings said 120 out of 700 flights would be affected. Munich airport said that although Verdi called for action there as well, passenger security checks are carried out by a public-sector contractor whose workers would not strike. But some flights to and from airports affected by the walkout would be canceled, it said. Verdi is in wage negotiations on behalf of 23,000 security workers in Germany. Talks with employers are due to resume on Jan. 23.<doc-sep>German airport association ADV warned that the strike action would "paralyze" the German flight network all day Tuesday. Frankfurt operator Fraport axed 617 out of around 1,200 scheduled flights at Germany's largest airport. At Germany's second largest airport, Munich, a spokeswoman said around 100, mainly domestic flights were cancelled. The coordinated industrial action marked a major escalation in the dispute between unions and employers. There had been walkouts at Berlin's airports last Monday and in Stuttgart, Cologne-Bonn and Duesseldorf last Thursday. The DBB and Verdi trade unions began their walkout at 2 a.m. local time (0100 UTC) on Tuesday. The action was in support of a pay claim seeking to increase the hourly rate for staff to €20 ($23): "Because employers have shown no willingness to make a better offer, the extension of warning strikes has become necessary," Verdi board member Ute Kittel said. Stranded passengers sought information from airline desks Nationwide disruption Other German airports impacted by the labor action included: Berlin, Munich, Stuttgart, Hannover, Bremen, Hamburg, Dresden, Leipzig , Erfurt and Dortmund . The cancelled flights on a display board in Frankfurt Officials at Munich airport said that although Verdi called for action there as well, passenger security checks were carried out by a public-sector contractor whose workers would not strike. Talks between unions and employers over the dispute are due to start again on January 23. There has been a series of strikes in the German air transport industry in recent years. jm/se (AFP, Reuters, dpa) Each evening at 1830 UTC, DW's editors send out a selection of the day's hard news and quality feature journalism. You can sign up to receive it directly here.<doc-sep>

Associated Press BERLIN (AP) — A strike by security staff at eight German airports on Tuesday is causing travel chaos for tens of thousands of travelers. The ver.di union called on staff at airports including Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hannover and Bremen to walk off the job between 2 a.m. and 8 p.m. local time (0100 and 1900 GMT). In Frankfurt alone where more than 1,000 security staff were participating in the strike, 570 flights were canceled and that across Germany up to 220,000 passengers may be affected. "Air traffic is severely affected," ver.di's Benjamin Roscher in Frankfurt told the German news agency dpa. "We hope that the employers will finally be responsive to our demands." Frankfurt is the main hub for Germany's biggest airline, Lufthansa. The airline said earlier that passengers with a flight from Frankfurt can rebook for free onto another flight until Jan. 20. Ver.di said it is still waiting for employers to increase the pay of 23,000 security staff conducting checks and is demanding that their hourly rates rises to 20 euros ($23.10). Employers association BDLS says this could amount to a 30-percent increase in some cases. "Again, the trade dispute is being carried out on the backs of hundreds of thousands of passengers, the airlines and many other companies belonging to the German tourism industry," said Michael Rabe, the general secretary of the Federal Association of the German Tourism Industry. Last week, strikes across Germany resulted in the cancellation of hundreds of flights. IN PICTURES: 31 cool aviation photos

Don't miss out on the biggest soaps gossip! Get a daily email direct to your inbox with our newsletter Invalid Email Something went wrong, please try again later. Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice With this year's British Soap Awards going out live, the stars had to be on their very best behaviour. But once the ceremony at London's Hackney Empire wrapped, the real fun started with Jennifer Metcalfe, Catherine Tyldesley, Lucy Fallon and Gillian Kearney getting stuck right in. Hollyoaks' Jen and Chelsee Healey headed to the pub next door, with Jen getting in the roses. At one point she looked unsteady on her feet as she negotiated her way around the furniture with the happiest of smiles on her face. And once she got back to her waiting car, it was clear that somebody had had a good night. (Image: MAGICMOMENTS) (Image: MAGICMOMENTS) (Image: MAGICMOMENTS) (Image: MAGICMOMENTS) (Image: MAGICMOMENTS) Emmerdale's Emma Atkins did her best to avoid the cameras as she stumbled back to her hotel. And her co-star Gillian Kearney (Emma Barton) had definitely seen fresher days as she climbed into a taxi with her shoes off. (Image: JAMES CURLEY) (Image: JAMES CURLEY) Celebrating their win for best soap, best actress winner Lucy shared a behind-the-scenes shot of the Coronation Street cast hitting the dance floor, with actor Ryan Clayton - who plays rapist Josh Tucker - showing off his moves to Bruno Mars' 24k Magic. Heading back to the hotel, a clearly tipsy Lucy filmed herself legging it through the corridor of her hotel apologising to no-one in particular before stumbling across the after-party once more. Katie McGlynn (Sinead Tinker) put on a wobbly display as she headed into the fray. (Image: JAMES CURLEY) (Image: JAMES CURLEY) (Image: JAMES CURLEY) Catherine Tyldesley (Eva Price) looked to be in desperate need of some shut eye as she hid sheepishly in the back of a taxi, covering her face with her coat. (Image: JAMES CURLEY) (Image: JAMES CURLEY) Faye (Kate Connor) has everyone rapt with her Kate Bush-esq dance to Gala's Freed From Desire while Shane Ward (Aidan Connor) showed off his vocal skills singing Steve Earle's The Galway Girl at Lucy's request. (Image: Instagram) (Image: JAMES CURLEY) (Image: Instagram) And Faye did her best Bambi impression as she left the bash in the early hours, desperately holding on to her friend for support. Sally Ann Matthews (Jenny Bradley) got her photobomb on while Julia Golding (Shona Ramsey) looked a little worse for wear as she posed for a selfie. Corrie star Bhavana Limbachia, who plays Faye's on-screen girlfriend Rana Nazir, captured even more of the action on her phone, with Faye, Lucy and Shane really going for it on the D-floor. (Image: Instagram) (Image: JAMES CURLEY) Lucy and Faye showed off their inner badass as they mimed an expletive-laden rap to Cardi B's Bodak Yellow. Hollyoaks' Anna Massey (Sienna Blake) was somewhat less energetic, and looked like she was struggling to keep her eyes open as she gripped her belongings.<doc-sep>LUCY Fallon was spotted busting out the dance moves while Shayne Ward sang on the karaoke at a raucous British Soap Awards afterparty with the Corrie cast. The actress, who plays Bethany Platt, was celebrating after winning the coveted Best Actress gong. 15 Lucy Fallon danced the night away at the British Soap Awards afterparty Credit: Blitz 15 She was joined by co-star Shayne Ward who went on to sing on the karaoke Credit: Blitz The 22-year-old looked in good spirits as she danced the night away, as her former co-star, and X Factor winner, Shayne entertained the party. The crowd seem to be enjoying whatever he was singing, with Lucy looking particularly excited. She could be seen gyrating up against the window, and also throwing her arms in the air. The actress must have loved the song he was performing, as she could be seen singing along to it. 15 The actress was seen gyrating up against the window Credit: Blitz 15 Shayne, who previously won X Factor, sang to his former Corrie co-stars Credit: Blitz 15 Lucy could be seen singing along to his song Credit: Blitz 15 Lucy was celebrating after winning the Best Actress gong Credit: Blitz 15 The star was in good spirits as she sang along with Shayne Credit: Blitz Lucy and Shayne were joined at the afterparty by their Corrie friends, including Nicola Thorpe who plays Nicola Rubinstein. Later the stars looked like they were all partied out as they left the bash. They were joined by other soap stars including Jennifer Metcalf, who was in good spirits after Hollyoaks scooped four awards. Meanwhile, Lucy's former co-star Catherine Tyldsley, who has just left Corrie, looked tired as she sunk into the backseat of a cab. 15 Shayne, who left Corrie last month, was seen having a great time at the afterparty Credit: Blitz Other stars in good spirits included Connor McIntyre, who plays evil Pat Phelan. He was seen in a mustard coloured jacket with a cigarette dangling from his lips Connor was joined by his co-star and on-screen daughter Nicola Thorpe. The stunning actress was seen smooching her Corrie co-star and boyfriend Charlie De Melo. The pair were seen packing on the PDA in front of their fellow soap stars. Meanwhile, it was the first British Soap Awards broadcast live on ITV with host Phillip Schofield celebrating the awards' 20th anniversary. Despite mainly going without a hitch, viewers were left outraged when the show came to a very abrupt end. 15 Catherine Tyldsley looked all partied out as she left the British Soap Awards Credit: James Curley 15 The Corrie star looked like she needed her bed Credit: James Curley 15 Later, Lucy was still in good spirits as she left the aftershow party Credit: James Curley 15 Hollyoaks star Jennifer Metcalf also looked like she'd had a good time Credit: MagicmomentsUK 15 Earlier she had been seen sipping from a glass of wine outside Credit: MagicmomentsUK 15 Nicole Thorpe was spotted smooching her co-star and boyfriend Charlie De Melo Credit: MagicmomentsUK 15 Connor McIntyre, who plays Pat Phelan was spotted enjoying a cigarette Credit: MagicmomentsUK What are the winners of the British Soap Awards 2018? THE BRITISH Soap Awards are always a big night for the stars of your favourite shows. Here are the winners... Best Actor - Jack P Shepherd, (David Platt) Coronation Street Best Actress - Lucy Fallon, (Bethany Platt) Coronation Street Best British Soap - Coronation Street Villain of the Year - Connor McIntyre, (Pat Phelan) Coronation Street Best Single Episode - Three Mothers, Three Daughters, Hollyoaks Best Male Dramatic Performance - Ross Adams, (Scott Drinkwell) Hollyoaks Best Female Dramatic Performance - Lucy Fallon, (Bethany Platt) Coronation Street Best Comedy Performance - Ian Midlane, (Dr Al Haskey) Doctors Best Young Actor - Isobel Steele, (Liv Flaherty) Emmerdale Scene of the Year - joint winners Bollywood Proposal, Doctors and Lauren and Abi Brannings' rooftop fall, EastEnders Best On-Screen Partnership - Malique Thompson Dwyer and Theo Graham, Hollyoaks Best Newcomer - Lorraine Stanley, (Karen Taylor) EastEnders Best Storyline - Lily's self harm, Hollyoaks The winner of the Outstanding Achievement was Rudolph Walker from EastEnders- See our guide for a full list of the nominations. British Soap Awards 2018 red carpet has soap stars boiling hot More on TV and Showbiz 'VICTIM BLAMER' Fans slam Teresa as 'ignorant for insisting sexual harassment is a choice' 'THANK YOU' What to know about The Five's Juan Williams NO-NO, JOJO! Masked Singer fans furious Nick Lachey as The Piglet beat out frontrunner JoJo FEELING BLUE? Molly-Mae Hague looks subdued as she celebrates birthday with Maura Higgins Exclusive NEW DAYTIME QUEEN Kelly Clarkson is 'fresh face of NBC', taking over Ellen DeGeneres' slot FIT FOR A KING Katie Price treats son Harvey to a massive new bed in mucky mansion makeover YELLOW TEAM David and Victoria Beckham caught in rare PDA as they hold hands in New York TAMARA WILL BE LOVELY Ed Westwick’s girlfriend Tamara Francesconi shows off endless legs WANNA P.P.E Victoria Beckham hides trademark pout with face mask as she leaves NY hotel Exclusive FAME GAME Kim Kardashian ‘set up pap shots & owes fame to turning up to envelope openings’ Coronation Street's Helen Worth announced she had just 30 seconds to make her speech on behalf of the cast and crew after winning Best Soap because the two-hour show had overrun. Host Phillip Schofield edged closer to wrap up Helen's speech after being told the show had overrun. But while making his closing speech, the credits started rolling while Phil was talking. You can see the full list of winner here. Got a story? email digishowbiz@the-sun.co.uk or call us direct on 02077824220. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.<doc-sep>

Coronation Street was the big winner at the British Soap Awards with Lucy Fallon picking up two goings for the show’s grooming storyline. And the actress let her hair down at the after party – with some nifty moves on the dance floor. Fallon, who was seen planting a kiss on her boyfriend Tom Leech, took home the best actress and best female dramatic performance prizes. Another Coronation Street win went to Fallon’s on-screen uncle Jack P. Shepherd, whose character David Platt has been at the centre of a male rape storyline. He collected the best actor prize. (Image: blitz) (Image: Flynet - SplashNews) In total Corrie hauled in six prizes at the ceremony at the Hackney Empire in east London, including the coveted best soap award, as its decision to take on harrowing storylines was recognised. Fallon’s character, Bethany Platt, was groomed by the evil Nathan Curtis who forced her and a number of other girls to have sex with his friends during a series of sordid episodes. (Image: Sourced) McIntyre beat EastEnders Jake Wood who lost in five of the six categories he was nominated for. Channel 4’s Hollyoaks collected four prizes, including best male dramatic performance for Ross Adams category and the best storyline for Lily’s self harm. And its stars – including Kirsty-Leigh Porter, Nicola Thorp and Jessica Ellis – partied into the night to celebrate their victory. (Image: Magicmoments) (Image: JAMES CURLEY) (Image: JAMES CURLEY) (Image: JAMES CURLEY) (Image: Nikki Houghton) Joining them at the frontline of the after-party was Emmerdale's Gillian Kearney, who abandoned her high heels midway through the night. Both Loose Women's Sherrie Hewson and Hollyoaks' Jessica Ellis were the victims of unflattering paparazzi snaps as they shuffled between venues. And Shayne Ward showed off his impressive vocal skills, which won him The X Factor in 2005, on the dancefloor too.

Get the latest SAFC updates & transfer news straight to your inbox by signing up to our FREE newsletter Invalid Email Something went wrong, please try again later. Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Sunderland are through to the Football League Trophy quarter-finals after a professional 4-0 win over Newcastle United’s under-21s. The Black Cats were heavy favourites to win the game over the Magpies’ development team and although it took until the second half before they could kick away from the visitors, nobody could argue they deserve to be in Thursday evening’s draw. On the face of it, it might have looked like a no-win situation for the Wearsiders, but there were positives to be gained from the night, and not just from the fact that they are three games away from silverware. Here we look at some of the talking points they will reflect on from a very strange derby, played in front of a pulsating atmosphere at the Stadium of Light. The higher Sunderland go, the better Dylan McGeouch should be Strangely, although the Black Cats dominated the first half, it was played more on Newcastle United’s terms. League One football can be pretty harem-scarem at times – particularly in the pumped-up atmospheres the Wearsiders usually play in away from home – but the first 45 minutes was more the style Premier League academy players are reared on – pass, press and be patient. Sunderland adapted well to that way of playing – albeit they showed in the second half the value of mixing it up just a touch to bring greater cutting edge to their football – and it suited midfielder McGoeuch particularly well. (Image: Newcastle United) The holding midfielder is an elegant player, as he showcased especially well in the less intensive surroundings of pre-season, and he brought his class to the first half. We are yet to really see the best of the Scotland international so far this season, but his performance at the Stadium of Light adds to the confidence that as the Wearsiders – hopefully – rise up the footballing pyramid, so the quality of his performances should improve. Charlie Wyke’s cutting edge makes a difference again Big summer signing Charlie Wayke has started all three Sunderland matches of 2019 and the Black Cats look better for it. The reason is that the Black Cats have not fallen into the trap of just lumping the ball towards the burly targetman, as some sides are apt to do when they have a centre-forward of Wyke’s combative qualities. His first two appearances came away from home, where the need for a player of that type is even more obvious, but he showed there is a value to it at home too. (Image: Sunderland AFC via Getty Images) After being a bit too careful in their play in the first half, the Black Cats were able to twice slice through their opponents in the opening minutes of the second period by playing off Wyke. The second half was not a minute old when he chested the ball down for Jerome Sinclair to smack against the post. Newcastle got the ball away for a corner, and Sunderland scored from it. Their second goal also came from a corner, where they have not carried enough threat this season. It was won when Wyke was able to pick Chris Maguire out in space, and he headed in from the corner. Having contributed well to the build-up but missed his chances in front of goal at The Valley on Saturday, it was good for the former Bradford City man to get his second goal of the season, and his first since returning from a second knee injury. Bumper crowd dreaming of Wembley Without the slightest trace of irony, Newcastle fans who had paid good money to travel in their thousands, crowed at Sunderland for taking the Football League Trophy last-16 tie, and in the next breath mocked the empty seats. But even if there had not been a Sunderland supporter in the Stadium of Light, it would still have been the Magpies’ biggest crowd of the season in this much-derided competition, and the gate was nearly twice as big as any at the ground in this season’s competition. The Black Cats’ support has been consistently remarkable this season, but taking on their neighbours’ under-21s, it always had the potential to be an awkward night for them, so for nearly 17,000 to stump up to go so soon after Christmas was more than respectable. As with pretty much every competition nowadays, what can often feel like an inconvenience at the start gathers excitement as the latter stages come into view and now Sunderland’s supporters are starting to get the smell of cheesy chips on Wembley Way in their nostrils. For the incredible loyalty they have shown this season in particular, they deserve the two more wins needed. Duncan Watmore shows why Sunderland are still on the lookout for a striker After so long out with two cruciate knee ligament injuries, it was always going to be the case that Sunderland had to be careful not to expect too much of Duncan Watmore in the first half of 2019, and Tuesday underlined that. Left out at Blackpool on New Year’s Day as a precaution, Watmore was substituted 45 minutes into a subdued performance with a groin strain. Since he made his return, the lightning fast Watmore has already shown what a threat he can be, but the Wearsiders have to be resolute in treating anything they get from him this season as a bonus, not something they should rely on – hence the search for another striker this month, even if Josh Maja stays. Benji Kimpioka continues to excite (Image: Sunderland AFC via Getty Images) From the minute he took to the field on his debut in the competition – well, actually, from the moment he started running at Hartlepool United defenders in pre-season, 18-year-old Benji Kimpioka has shown what a talent he has. The open goal he failed to convert from a 67th-minute Sinclair cross shows the Swedish youth international is still too raw to be banked on, but whether on the left wing, where he started the game, or down the middle, where he finished it, he is an exciting maverick talent who at least must be worth a place on the bench at home. Kimpioka’s brave headed goal, to add to the one he scored three minutes into his senior bow against Carlisle United, was a fitting reward for his performance after coming on as a half-time replacement for Watmore. Bali Mumba gets better as games go on As against Notts County in the last round, Bali Mumba was better in the second half than the first. While Newcastle’s youngsters tired in the final 20 minutes, worn down by the amount of defending they were made to do, Mumba combined his footballing intelligence and fitness to have a greater impact as time went on. It was a very good sign from a player who looks to have a big future.<doc-sep>THERE's a Tyne-Wear derby on the bill as the Checkatrade Trophy enters the knockout stages. A spot in the quarter-finals is up for grabs as League One promotion chasers Sunderland welcome Newcastle U21 to the Stadium of Light. 1 Sunderland recently beat Bradford with 46,039 present in the stadium Credit: Rex Features Is Sunderland vs Newcastle U21 on TV and can I live stream it? SADLY this clash isn't going to be broadcast live in the UK. But UK residents can live stream the match on NUFC TV for £10, with fans overseas having access for £5. What time does Sunderland vs Newcastle U21 kick off? THIS EFL Trophy match is set for Tuesday, January 8 at the Stadium of Light. Kick-off is at 7.45pm. Newcastle's young guns have been impressive so far in the competition, winning all four of their games. What is the team news?<doc-sep>

Newcastle United did not miss an opportunity to take aim at their Tyne-Wear rivals following the release of the Netflix documentary 'Sunderland 'Til I Die'. The show shines a light on the Black Cats' plight as they were relegated from the Championship last season. And on Tuesday evening at the Stadium of Light, as Sunderland hosted Newcastle for a Checkatrade Trophy fixture, the 2,8000 travelling fans were in full voice as they sang: 'We saw you cry on Netflix.' Scroll down for video Newcastle fans taunted Sunderland on Tuesday over their recent documentary on Netflix Sunderland and Newcastle played out a Checkatrade Trophy clash at the Stadium of Light The 'Sunderland 'Til I Die' show is on Netflix The Black Cats eventually won the battle in the North East 4-0, having fielded a strong team against an inexperienced Newcastle Under-21 outfit. But the one-sided affair didn't dampen the spirits of the Magpies fans – indeed it spurred them on to take further aim at their opponents. They reminded them of the 4-1 demolition at the Stadium of Light in Alan Shearer's last game in April 2006 and also sang 'We'll meet again' in a pointed effort to highlight the two divisions which currently separate the clubs. Following back-to-back relegations, the Sunderland faithful finally have cause for some optimism. Jack Ross's side are third in the League One standings, just one point behind Luton with a game in hand, and have their sights set on promotion back to the second tier.

The 2018 Atlantic hurricane season’s first named storm, Subtropical Storm Alberto, a sprawling and somewhat disorganized system that made landfall in the Florida Panhandle on Monday, May 28, Memorial Day. Alberto wasn’t a strong windstorm but it did bring heavy rain to much of Florida and the Southeast, triggering flood warnings and playing a role in several deaths in the United States and Cuba.<doc-sep>At a Glance Tropical moisture is pushing into the Texas and southwestern Louisiana coasts from an area of disturbed weather in the Gulf of Mexico. This moisture will cause showers and thunderstorms to increase on the western Gulf Coast. The weather system is unlikely to develop into a tropical depression or tropical storm. An area of disturbed weather in the western Gulf of Mexico is sending tropical moisture into coastal Texas and southwestern Louisiana early this week, producing numerous showers and thunderstorms that will provide some drought relief but could also cause flooding. Enhanced satellite imagery currently shows the unsettled weather over the Gulf of Mexico, associated with a surface trough of low pressure and an area of low pressure in the upper atmosphere. This area of disorganized shower and thunderstorm activity has been given a low chance for development as it moves toward Texas early this week, as environmental conditions are not favorable for the formation of a tropical depression or tropical storm. What's most likely to occur along the western Gulf Coast is that a surge of moisture from this weather system will lead to numerous showers and thunderstorms during the first half of this week, particularly on the Texas and southwestern Louisiana coasts. Widespread rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are expected through Wednesday, with some locations in coastal Texas possibly receiving 5 to 10 inches. Advertisement (MAPS: Weekly Planner) While the rain is bad news for vacationers along the coast, the incoming downpours are beneficial to this region of the country, where abnormally dry or drought conditions have developed, according to the latest Drought Monitor. Drought conditions have increased in areas of coastal Texas and Louisiana over the past few weeks, and an area of extreme drought emerged in the latest update. The good news is that the ground will be able to absorb much of the rainfall given the recent dry conditions, especially if the rain comes in waves with breaks in between. However, even with drought conditions, areas that see repetitive bouts of showers and thunderstorms could experience localized flooding. Some forecast guidance is also indicating that the area of low pressure in the upper atmosphere could linger through late-week over northern Mexico and southern Texas. If this were to happen, then heavier amounts of rain could threaten parts of south Texas, leading to increasingly saturated soils and a higher risk of flooding in that part of the state. We'll continue to monitor the latest forecast trends and provide updates and additional details on weather.com through early this week.<doc-sep>Type at least three characters to start auto complete. Recently searched locations will be displayed if there is no search query. The first option will be automatically selected. Use up and down arrows to change selection. Use escape to clear. Search City or Zip Code<doc-sep>Story highlights Forecast models are more in agreement on where the expected storm will go It will continue to bring tropical moisture into the South from Louisiana to North Carolina (CNN) — Sorry to rain on your beach barbecue: There is a 90% chance of tropical development in the Gulf of Mexico over Memorial Day weekend and an even better chance of soaking rains across the eastern Gulf Coast. Hurricane season doesn’t begin until June 1, but that doesn’t mean we won’t see some action Saturday or Sunday. Forecast models were not in agreement on where the storm might go until Thursday. The two main models now suggest that the small cluster of thunderstorms near Cancun will move into the Gulf of Mexico by late Saturday. By Monday, the potential storm could be threatening southern Louisiana and Mississippi. The American forecast model has been very wishy-washy on the location. Most of its runs showed the storm moving across the Florida peninsula. Thursday’s shift aligns it more with a track similar to the European model, which has been a little more consistent, showing a tropical or subtropical storm drifting ashore near New Orleans. This forecast agreement is probably one reason the National Hurricane Center is predicting a 90% chance that a subtropical or tropical depression could form in the Gulf of Mexico over the next five days. Because the atmosphere is starting to become more favorable for development, there is a 70% chance it could develop within the next 48 hours. No matter where this storm moves or how strong it becomes, it will continue to bring tropical moisture into the South from Louisiana to North Carolina. The heaviest rain will fall near the Gulf, with Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama seeing seven-day rainfall totals of 4 to 7 inches. If it gets strong enough to become a subtropical or tropical storm, with sustained winds of 39 miles per hour (63 kilometers per hour) or greater, it will be named Alberto. As we have seen in years past, environmental conditions sometimes allow for development before the hurricane season begins. The last time a tropical cyclone was named Alberto was in 2012; it also formed before the season began, on May 19. It became a tropical storm that meandered off the cast coast of Georgia and South Carolina. Just last year, we had a named storm – Tropical Storm Arlene – east of Bermuda in April. Join the conversation Track the latest weather story and share your comments with CNN Weather on Facebook and Twitter. This early development doesn’t necessarily mean we are in for a busy hurricane season. The official National Hurricane Center forecast released Thursday says the season is likely to be near or above normal.<doc-sep>

The unofficial kickoff to summer could have an unwelcome visitor this weekend. For folks along the Gulf Coast and in the Southeast, a damp and dreary Memorial Day weekend is forecast, thanks to a slow-moving weather system. There's a 60% chance the system will become a tropical depression this weekend over the eastern or central Gulf of Mexico, the National Hurricane Center said Wednesday. If the depression's wind speeds reach 39 mph, it would become the season's first named storm: Alberto. The hurricane center expects the system, east of the Yucatan Peninsula in the Caribbean Sea, to slowly move north into the Gulf of Mexico and approach land by late Saturday. The projected paths of the system range from Louisiana to the west coast of Florida. Heavy rainfall is possible in western Cuba, the Cayman Islands and much of Florida during the next several days. AccuWeather meteorologist Dan Kottlowski said, "Regardless of tropical or non-tropical development, this system will continue to produce heavy rainfall that will lead to flooding over parts of Florida and the Deep South and southeastern U.S. during the next several days." Weather.us meteorologist Ryan Maue said to "prepare for a lot of rainfall all along the Gulf Coast beaches this weekend. Friday to Monday will be very wet. All four days will see substantial amounts." He warned that "a disorganized, slow-moving weak tropical low, depression or low-end storm can cause catastrophic flooding." As much as 7 inches of rain is possible in south Florida, where some areas had more than 17 inches of rain last weekend, the National Weather Service said. This month, many locations in the Florida peninsula have had one of their top 10 wettest Mays on record, according to the Southeast Regional Climate Center. The Florida governor's office said it is monitoring the system and encouraged Floridians to prepare "for significant rain and possible flooding." The office said the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission is pre-positioning the agency's high-water vehicles for rapid deployment if needed. Rain from the system will invade the mid-Atlantic and Northeast through the weekend, and Monday, Memorial Day, looks to be the wettest day, AccuWeather said. Some showers and thunderstorms from a separate weather system are possible in the Northwest and northern Rockies through the weekend. Most of the central USA will enjoy warm, dry weather, AccuWeather said. Contributing: Melissa Nelson Gabriel, the Pensacola News-Journal

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said he was due to meet Home Secretary Sajid Javid on Monday to "discuss how we address the scourge of serious violence across Britain" following a fatal stabbing in north London on Saturday.<doc-sep>A 17-year-old boy is in a critical condition after becoming one of three people stabbed in under two hours in London. The teenager was attacked shortly after 8pm on Sunday in Coles Crescent, Harrow, and taken to hospital by the London Air Ambulance. No one has been arrested and Metropolitan Police detectives are investigating. An hour before, a 20-year-old man was stabbed around two miles away in Wilsmere Drive, Northolt. He was taken to hospital and his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing. A suspect has been arrested and remains in custody while enquiries continue to establish the circumstances of the attack. At 6.20pm on Sunday, a man in his 20s was stabbed in Southwell Road, Brixton. He remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital as police hunt for the perpetrator. The knife attacks came a day after a man was stabbed to death near a busy Tube station. Edmond Jonuzi, a 35-year-old Albanian national, died at the scene of the attack by Turnpike Lane station at around 9.45pm on Saturday. The man was found near Turnpike Lane station in north London (stock image) (PA) Police said the murder – the 74th in London so far this year – came after a fight between two groups of men nearby, and appealed for witnesses to come forward. Following the weekend of violence, London’s mayor Sadiq Khan called on the home secretary to immediately make good on his pledge to secure extra funding for the police. Sajid Javid told officers he would prioritise increased resources for forces struggling to cope with the demand of a national increase in violence, cyber crime and terrorism in a government spending review next year. But Mr Khan said any cash injection would come too late to help Scotland Yard’s current battle with escalating gun and knife crime that could make 2018 the bloodiest year in the capital for more than a decade. According to the mayor’s office, the Conservatives have cut the Met’s funding by more than £1bn since coming to power in 2010 – £730m to date, with a further £335m to be saved between now and 2021. There are now fewer than 30,000 officers on the streets for the first time since 2003. Mr Khan said: “It’s about time the government woke up to the stark reality of the cuts they have imposed, but waiting to the spending review next year is far too late. “We have seen police officer numbers drop below 30,000 in London for the first time in 15 years and it’s not sustainable. “The new home secretary must show he really understands the issues facing the police by giving them proper funding and powers now before it’s too late.” The mayor has used his powers as London’s police and crime commissioner to invest an extra £110m into the Metropolitan Police to recruit 1,000 new officers. A further £45m has also been allocated to the the mayor’s Young Londoners Fund, which aims to help people away from crime by working with community groups to give them skills and opportunities. The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Show all 21 1 /21 The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Oluwadamilolda Odeyingbo Oluwadamilolda Odeyingbo, 18, was killed in a fight in Chislehurst on 10 January 2018 Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Hasan Ozcan Hasan Ozcan, 19, was stabbed to death on the Gascoigne Estate in Barking on 3 February 2018 Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Sabri Chibani Sabri Chibani, 19, was stabbed fatally in the chest in Streatham on 11 February 2018 Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Promise Nkenda Lord Promise Nkenda, 17, was stabbed to death in Canning Town on 14 February 2018 Facebook The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Lewis Blackman Lewis Blackman, a 19-year-old rapper from Kentish Town, was stabbed to death in Kensington on 18 February 2018 Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Abdikarim Hassan Abdikarim Hassan, 17, was stabbed to death near his home in Camden's Peckwater estate on 20 March - less tahan two hours before another man was stabbed to death nearby Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Kelvin Odunuyi Kelvin Odunuyi, a 19-year-old rapper known as DipDat and Lampz, was shot dead in Wood Green on 8 March Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Lyndon Davis Lyndon Davis, 18, was chased down and stabbed to death in Chadwell Heath on 14 March Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Tanesha Melbourne-Blake Tanesha Melbourne, 17, was killed in a drive-by shooting in Tottenham on 2 April PA The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Amaan Shakoor Amaan Shakoor, 16, was shot dead in Walthamstow on 2 April Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Israel Ogunsola Israel Ogunsola, 18, was stabbed to death in Hackney on 4 April Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Rhyhiem Ainsworth Barton Rhyhiem Ainsworth Barton, a 17-year-old rapper and aspiring architect, was shot dead in a Kennington Street on 5 May Handout The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Jordan Douherty Aspiring rapper Jordan Douherty died of his injuries outside a birthday party in Romford on 23 June Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Katrina Makunova Katrina Makunova, 17, was stabbed to death in Camberwell on 12 July 2018 Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Latwaan Griffiths 18-year-old Latwaan Griffiths was fatally stabbed on 25 July and died in hospital after being thrown off the back of a moped in Camberwell Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Guled Farah Guled Farah, 19, was shot in Walthamstow on 22 September Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Ethan Nedd-Bruce Ethan Nedd-Bruce, 18, died after he was shot outside a party at a flat in Greenwich, south-east London, on 22 October. He had also been stabbed, but the gunshot wound was the cause of death. Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Jay Hughes Jay Hughes, 15, died was fatally stabbed outside a chicken shop in Bellingham, south-east London, on 1 November Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Malcolm Mide-Madariola Malcolm Mide-Madariola, 17, was found suffering from a stab wound outside Clapham South Tube station on 2 November Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 John Ogunjobi John Ogunjobi, 16, died in front of his parents after he was stabbed in Greenleaf Close, Tulse Hill, on 5 November Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Aron Warren Aron Warren, 18, was found stabbed in a flat block in Greenwich on 8 December and died at the scene Metropolitan Police The government is also funding youth charities and projects as part of its first ever Serious Violence Strategy, which identified drivers such as the changing drugs market and antagonism between rival groups on social media. But it was heavily criticised for omitting home office research that suggested police cuts had “likely contributed” to rising violence and “encouraged” offenders. There has been fresh alarm over the use of mopeds to launch violent robberies after statistics showed there have been an average of 60 scooter-enabled crimes a day in London this year. A 24-year-old woman remains in a critical condition a week after she suffered a serious head injury when a moped robber punched her to the ground for her phone and bag in Edgware. Two suspects aged 17 and 18 have been arrested on suspicion of robbery. Recommended Graduates to become detectives in 12 weeks to tackle major shortage On Friday, two other robbers riding a silver moped threatened a family of four – including three pensioners – as they sat in their car in Coulsdon. One of the men brandished a large knife and demanded they hand over their jewellery, cutting a 30-year-old woman’s hand as he took her bracelet. The suspects are described as two white males, aged in their late teens or early 20s.<doc-sep>The youngest stabbing victim on yet another night of bloodshed in London was slashed repeatedly by a moped gang wielding a machete, it was revealed today. The 17-year-old, named locally as Reon Barrow, was heard screaming 'he is going to stab me' before he was knifed in the chest and side in Harrow at 8.11pm yesterday evening. Scotland Yard is also investigating if the attack, which left the 17-year-old critically ill, is linked to another stabbing in nearby Northolt at 7pm. The 111 minutes of carnage on London's streets started with a knife attack in Brixton, south London, at 6,20pm, where a man in his twenties was rushed to hospital in a serious condition. An witness to the attack in Harrow said today: 'I just heard "they are going to stab me" and went over to my window. 'There were two guys on a black moped, all in black with helmets on. A machete - I saw one of them wield it downwards. 'The victim fell to the floor and slumped and was holding himself where he was stabbed. It was in his chest and on his side. I called the ambulance which took about eight to ten minutes.' On Saturday night Edmond Jonuzi was stabbed to death at 10pm on Ducketts Common, near Turnpike Lane Station - the 74th murder in London in 2018. Police were called to three stabbings in less than two hours last night as the bloodshed continues unabated in London A forensics officer walks past blood-stained bandages in Harrow today where a 17-year-old boy was stabbed at 8.11pm last night - the third attack in London in two hours Police close off a park in Northolt where a 20-year-old was stabbed at around 7pm last night The bloodshed began in the centre of Brixton at around 6.20pm last night where a man in his 20s was knifed Masked moped thugs slash woman in terrifying raid on car A woman was slashed across the hand as masked moped robbers tried to steal her bracelet as she drove through south London with elderly relatives. A family of four were stationary in a car on Keats Way in Coulsdon when two males rode towards them on a silver moped at 5.45pm. One of the robbers threatened the occupants of the car with a large knife and demanded that they hand over jewellery. It is believed that the second suspect also had a knife. A 30-year-old woman sustained a cut to her hand as one of the suspects attempted to take her bracelet. The other occupants of the car, all of whom are related, were a 66-year-old man and two women aged in their 70s. The suspects made off with a small quantity of jewellery. The suspects are described as two white males, aged in their late teens or early 20s. Both were of slim build and wore dark coloured tracksuits, black crash helmets and facemasks. Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to call Croydon CID via 101 quoting reference 6135/8jun. To give information anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org Advertisement On Saturday, a 35-year-old man was stabbed to death in north London, bringing the number of murders in the capital to a staggering 74 this year. He was found by police at about 10pm with multiple stab wounds. Locals have claimed the victim was 'executed over a drug debt'. Mr Jonuzi is believed to have been stabbed during an altercation between two groups of males in the area of Ducketts Common, Scotland Yard said. The force has launched a murder investigation and a post-mortem examination is due to take place. No arrests have yet been made. London Mayor Sadiq Khan said yesterday morning: 'My thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim of the fatal stabbing in Haringey last night. 'I am in touch with the local MP and local authority leaders and remain in close contact with the Met Police. 'Tomorrow morning I will meet with the Home Secretary to discuss how we address the scourge of serious violence across Britain. 'Here in London, the Met's Violent Crime Task Force, set up with City Hall funding, is arresting criminals and taking knives off our streets every day. 'The police must be properly funded now to prevent more lives being lost.' A local, who saw the crime, said seven local drug dealers surrounded a white 35-year-old victim with his back to the wall and shouted 'let's go to the park then' in a row over money. He also likened the scale of drug dealing in the area to American crime drama The Wire. He said two cars were parked at the scene and the main aggressor was pulled away by the group, which started 'excitedly' making plans and left in the vehicles. On Saturday night Edmond Jonuzi was stabbed to death at 10pm on Ducketts Common, near Turnpike Lane Station - the 74th murder in London in 2018. A forensics tent was put up where he lay fatally injured A Met Police officer stands outside Turnpike Lane tube station after a fatal stabbing last night The witness, who is in his 30s and asked not to be named, said he next heard a 'loud belt' sound and a group of men surround the area where the victim was stabbed up to 15 minutes later. He said: 'They were the usual group of local drug dealers having an argument with someone about money just after 9pm. 'I heard more than the usual commotion outside and saw that group of people. 'The only person I couldn't see was the target of their aggression, who was backed up against a building. 'They were just surrounding him. There were about six or seven men, all over 18. 'There was an argument over money - they were shouting 'no more money'. 'The main guy was shouting, two others were circling around on bicycles. 'Then the one doing most of the shouting gets dragged away by the others and he kicked at a passing car in rage. 'Then two other vehicles come and that same group were in heated discussions and I would say planning - everything was being said very urgently. 'Then, within 10 minutes of that, the guy had been stabbed. We were on the street and my attention was drawn to that corner of the park. 'It sounded like it was a slapping noise. I don't mean a slap to the face, it sounded like a belt slapping something. It was loud. 'I turned towards it and saw a huddled group increasing in size every second. 'First there was just a couple of people and then there were 30 people and then the police arrived 15 to 20 minutes later. 'After the first police car they all came very quickly. It was a sea of blue lights. Police cordoned off the street in Harrow, where last month a 13-year-old boy was shot in a botched drive by Officers have not made any arrests and were inspecting a car next to where the teenage was knifed The boy was stabbed on the street in Harrow and flown by air ambulance to a north London hospital This is the scene in Harrow last night where a 17-year-old was stabbed - the third knife attack in just two hours last night Last night's stabbing victim, 17, of the stabbing was flown to hospital in a critical condition by London Air Ambulance medics The local resident added: 'Just for a single group of people to ruin it for everybody, it's irritating. 'If it was generally a disaster area, I would not complain but it's literally this one group that causes all the trouble around here. Otherwise, it's very pleasant. 'The police do their best and they have had a very good record recently of displacing the problem so the group has changed their strategy. 'The police put up CCTV cameras on the road lately so they can't stay there. 'They know that so the drug deals take place in the shops. 'It's completely based on the The Wire.<doc-sep>

VIOLENCE continued to grip Lawless London overnight after three people were stabbed, including a 17-year-old boy. The teen is now fighting for his life after being knifed in Harrow, North West London, one in a string of violent stabbings that unfolded just hours apart last night. 4 London was last night gripped by bloodshed after three separate stabbings. One attack involved a 17-year-old boy, who is now fighting for his life Credit: BackGrid Police have now launched investigations into each of the horror attacks - with the night of bloodshed just another in the crime gripping the capital in recent weeks. Last night's violence started when a man, believed to be in his 20s, was found badly injured in Lambeth just after 6pm. But as officers scrambled to the scene, a 20-year-old man was knifed just three miles away in Northolt, West London, barely an hour later. A man has been arrested over the knifing. 4 Police scrambled to scenes across London that saw three people stabbed in separate attacks last night A 17-year-old man was also left critical after being stabbed in Harrow last night - still recovering in hospital. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has admitted he was responsible for the surge in violent crime in the capital but refused to say sorry - instead pointing the finger at the Government for cutting police numbers. He is due to meet Home Secretary Sajid Javid today. But the capital's violence was not just confined to Sunday night, with a man stabbed to death near a Tube station on Saturday night. The 35-year-old victim has been named as Edmond Jonuzi - with the Albanian national was found fatally injured on Greens Lane near Turnpike Lane station, North London. Sadiq Khan admits violent crime spiral is his responsibility WHAT'S BEING DONE? Mayor Saqid Khan has vowed to tackle the scourge of violence on London's streets - but how? MAYOR Sadiq Khan has vowed to tackle on the violent crime unfolding on London's streets. But just what has he promised to do? - A new violent crime taskforce will focus exclusively on violent crime - Extra stop and search powers have been rolled out for officers - An additional £110m has been invested in the Met Police - The Young Londonders Fund was launched, aimed at helping to steer young people away from violent crime - Knife wands are available for every school in London - The London Needs You Alive campaign has also been rolled out - £7m has been funnelled into projects to combat youth violence - More Safer Schools Officers will be rolled out - £2m will be invested in the London Gang Exit services 4 The stabbing took place in Harrow, North West London, at around 8.11pm on Sunday Credit: BackGrid 4 A man was also seriously injured in a stabbing in Brixton, South London Credit: Google Maps Mr Jonuzi is believed to have been stabbed during an altercation between two groups of males, Scotland Yard said. The force has launched a murder investigation and a post-mortem examination is due to take place. No arrests have been made. Detective Inspector Garry Moncrieff, of the Metropolitan Police's Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: "This was a busy area, very near to Turnpike Lane Tube station. "There will be people who saw or heard something suspicious that could help us find whoever killed Edmond. "I am appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information to call the incident room at Hendon and share their accounts and that information with police." It comes after London's murder toll overtook New York's for the first time ever in 2018, with the capital is plagued by moped robberies, knife crime and gang attacks. Emergency services gather at scene where man was fatally stabbed near Turnpike Lane station in north London Lawless London - the shocking rise in violent crime LAWLESS London has seen a terrifying rise in violent crime with sixty moped gang attacks a day and a higher murder rate than New York. Shocking statistics show how the police have lost control of large parts of the capital, with ultra-violent youths running riot. The easy availability of knives and acid, and the speed and manoeuvrability of scooters, has combined to see London gang warfare reach terrifying new levels. The most recent official figures recorded 19,385 moped crimes in just nine months - a rate of around sixty a day. This is a 1,000 per cent rise in just three years.

Democrat Ned Lamont will face Republican Bob Stefanowski to become the next governor of Connecticut in November. Jahanna Hayes also won a decisive victory in her primary race against Mary Glassman, the party’s endorsed candidate, for the 5th Congressional District seat. Update 11:50 p.m.: In the last statewide result of the night, Miller officially was declared winner of the Republican nomination for comptroller just before midnight. Update 11:45 p.m.: Kurt Miller has declared victory in the Republican primary race for state comptroller over Mark Greenberg, although the Associated Press has not officially called the race. Greenberg has not conceded yet, and trails by five points with almost 87 percent of precincts reporting. Miller called it a “hard fought victory.” “This election proves that it is not always about the money,” he said. “It’s about having the right message people want to hear,” Miller said. “I think the Republican voters understood I am the best candidate to take on (incumbent Democrat) Kevin Lembo in November.” He said the margin was what he expected and his “grassroots style” campaign worked. Update 11:15 p.m.: Thad Gray has won the Republican nomination for state treasurer. He will face Democrat Shawn Wooden in the November general election. “It feels absolutely fantastic,” he said. “We worked very hard every day. We stayed on message. We won spending exactly half the money my opponent spent.” “I was delighted with” the margin,” he continued. “We thought it would be pretty close. We won by more than we expected to.” Gray will be taking a few days off and probably doing chores at home, he said. “We’re going to take a deep breath for a few days at least,” he said. “We have a challenging race ahead. We’re confident that we will prevail with the right team.” Update 11:05 p.m.: Shawn Wooden won the Democratic nominee for state treasurer over Dita Bhargava, according to the Associated Press. “I’m proud to be the only candidate in this race with experience protecting pensions for working people — and the only candidate with a record of public service who has spent his career fighting for working families,” he said. “I believe in economic justice, in fairness and in equality. I am a proud Democrat who knows that Democratic values and priorities reflected up and down the ballot are the best way forward. “I thank Democrat voters for believing me in me today, and for everything we will do together in the months ahead.” Update 11 p.m.: Bob Stefanowski has officially won the Republican nomination for governor, according to the Associated Press. He is addresseing supporters now. Update 11 p.m.: Tim Herbst, always an underdog in the state GOP gubernatorial primary race, conceded to Bob Stefanowski shortly before the race was called Tuesday night. He thanked his supporters — about 110 were with him on the top floor of the Omni Hotel — and said that he would back apparent GOP front runner Bob Stefanowski in November. “Nineteen months ago I decided that the issues were too important to stay on the sidelines,” Herbst said. “I’ve been inspired by the perseverance and spirit of the thousands of people that I met on the campaign trail.” He said that while he won’t be the Republican nominee this fall, he said that he succeeded in “changing the conversation.” His supporters said the Herbst was outmanned and out spent by Stefanowski. He also had a small staff — only four in the core group. When Herbst emerged from the elevator at about 10:16 p.m., it was clear that he was going to have bad news to tell his people, many of whom were still saying that the race was still too close to call. He hugged several of his friends, his face looked red. “Those words of encouragement kept me going,” he said. “Our campaign shined a bright light on the culture of Hartford,” he said. Update 10:50 p.m.: Boughton descended the stairs to enter his reception for the first time just before his concession speech to Stefanowski at about 10:45 p.m. He quietly shook hands and waved on his walk in. “We would have liked a better outcome, but unfortunately the cards weren’t with us tonight,” he said. “We have worked so hard over the last 18 months. “When I started this campaign, everybody said ‘you’ll never going to raise the money,” he continued. “Then about a year or so ago I got sick and everybody said, ‘Oh, you can’t come back from that.’ “Then we had a re-election campaign in Danbury to win. ‘No, you’ll never win that. You’ll never raise the money.’ And this — ‘you’ll never win the convention.’ Yeah!” “It’s not an easy thing to stand here and lose an election but it’s also important for us to recognize how much we have accomplished.,” he said. On his “near death experience” a year ago tonight: “All of this doesn’t really matter - it’s important - but it doesn’t really matter,” he said. “I’ve got a great city to lead.” Update 10:45 p.m.: Joe Markley has won the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor over Erin Stewart and Jayme Stevenson, according to the Associated Press. Markely and Stefanowski will face Democrats Lamont and Bysiewicz in the November general election. Update 10:40 p.m.: Bob Stefanowski will win the GOP nomination for governor after Boughton, his closest opponent, and three other Republican hopefuls conceded the race. Update 10:35 p.m.: Stemerman and Obsitnik both said they will support Stefanowski in the November election for govenor against Democrat Ned Lamont. “This has been an incredible journey with a number of great Republican candidates going back a year and a half,” Obsitnik said. “And this last group of five, I think I’d say that any of them are better than Ned Lamont or Dan Malloy. I’m going to stand up tall, should to shoulder with Bob Stefanowski and encourage all of you to do that as well.” Stemerman said he spent $6 million of his own money on the race. He said he would be a “financial supporter” of Stefanowski in the general election.<doc-sep>“It says that obviously we want change from what we’ve had,’’ Sharkey said. “There’s also a sentiment that we want an outsider. You’ve seen that on the Republican side as well. But somebody who is going to be sincere and smart and gets it and will listen to people and who has a solid track record that people can really get behind. Ganim has a lot of charisma, and he’s got a compelling comeback story, but I just think most people could not get over his past.’’<doc-sep>David Stemerman loaned his campaign $10 million in his quest to become the Republican nominee for governor, and he outspent his nearest competitor by more than 2-to-1, with a heavy TV ad presence. Despite the largesse, he ended up in third place in a five-way race. On the other hand, that competitor he outspent 2-to-1 — Bob Stefanowski — outspent the remainder of the pack by roughly 2-to-1. And he’ll be on the ballot in November.<doc-sep>In most cases, you do not need a photo ID to vote in Connecticut, according to guidance provided to the state’s registrars of voters by the secretary of the state’s office. Valid forms of ID include a Social Security card or any preprinted form of identification that shows a name and address or includes a name and signature or a name and photograph. The identification card does not need to be issued by the government to be deemed valid: a student ID, an employee ID or any other form of identification that includes any one set of the requirements listed above is acceptable. Voters also can sign a sworn statement attesting to their identity.<doc-sep>

Connecticut may be historically blue, but Republicans have set their sights on flipping both the governor’s mansion and the state’s open Fifth Congressional District in the 2018 midterm elections. The GOP is hoping to capitalize on current Democratic Gov. Dannel Malloy’s overwhelming unpopularity — and the state’s struggling economy — to win the 2018 governor’s race. They’re also mounting a vigorous challenge for retiring Democratic Rep. Elizabeth Esty’s seat, one she’s vacating in the wake of blowback she faced over how she handled sexual harassment allegations against a staffer. But first, both parties have to get through Tuesday’s primary elections. Polls close at 8 pm ET. Live results, powered by Decision Desk, are below. Connecticut governor: open seat could flip from blue to red Current Democratic Gov. Dannel Malloy has opted not to pursue reelection, prompting a large pool of Republicans and Democrats to jump into the race. His dismal approval ratings as the state grapples with a sputtering economy aren’t expected to help any potential Democratic successors. Two business leaders — Bob Stefanowski and David Stemerman — established early leads on the Republican side, but the field has become more level in recent months. A July poll gave Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton, who also secured the Republican state party endorsement, the edge. Boughton has run for governor before and is leaning into his bipartisan bona fides: He’s currently the Republican leader of a Democratic city. Businessman Ned Lamont, the winner of the Democratic state party endorsement, is trying to make the case that voters should keep a Democrat in the governor’s mansion. Voters may recognize Lamont’s name from his successful progressive challenge of then-Sen. Joe Lieberman in the state’s 2006 Democratic Senate primary. Lieberman ultimately ran as an independent in the general election, however, and ended up winning that race. While Democratic candidates have dominated statewide offices in Connecticut as well as several recent presidential elections, historical patterns concerning the governor’s mansion don’t bode well for the party: It tends to switch hands when one party has been in control for a while. Cook Political Report considers this race a toss-up. Connecticut’s Fifth Congressional District: Esty’s open seat is up for grabs Rep. Elizabeth Esty is one of few Democrats leaving the House, with retirements less common on the left in 2018. She announced in April that she would not seek reelection after she faced enormous heat for allegedly mishandling accusations of sexual harassment against one of her staffers. The district — which Clinton won by roughly 4 percentage points in 2016 — is being targeted by Republicans in the wake of Esty’s departure. Manny Santos, a former mayor of Meriden, has snagged the state Republican Party endorsement. He’s argued that Democratic opposition to President Trump’s policies has contributed to Connecticut’s economic woes. Business executive Rich DuPont and former college professor Ruby Corby O’Neill are also in the running. Former Simsbury official Mary Glassman earned the state Democratic Party’s endorsement in May. Glassman has also previously run for lieutenant governor and is emphasizing her government experience as a selling point. Educator Jahana Hayes is on the ballot too.

DENVER – Police are investigating an apparent, accidental shooting involving an off-duty FBI agent that happened on the dance floor of a night club in Denver's Lower Downtown neighborhood early Saturday morning. The shooting happened just before 12:45 a.m. at the Mile High Spirits club. Video obtained by Denver7 shows the alleged off-duty FBI agent dancing around a group of onlookers before he executes a backflip. As the off-duty FBI agent flips, the gun is seen falling off from the man's holster onto the floor. The man is then seen jumping quickly to pick up the gun, but as he picks it up, he appears to fire the gun by accident. Some people in the crowd scatter for safety as others look in disbelief. The man then appears to put the gun in the back of his pants and is seen holding his hands up before walking away from the shot. A man was hit by the bullet in the lower leg and was taken to the hospital, where he was listed as having non-life threatening injuries. The agent was taken to Denver Police Headquarters and later released to a FBI supervisor. The incident is being investigated by the Denver Police Homicide Unit and charges will be determined by the Denver District Attorney’s Office, the police spokesperson said.<doc-sep>DENVER -- An off-duty FBI agent dancing at a Denver nightclub accidentally discharged a firearm, wounding another patron in the leg, police said Saturday. The victim, an adult male, was rushed to a local hospital in good condition, said Denver police spokesman Sonny Jackson. Police have refused to identify the hospital. Jackson said the agent, whose identity wasn't released, was dancing at the downtown club around 12:45 a.m. Saturday when the firearm fell from the agent's waistband holster onto the floor. It discharged when the agent picked it up. Police investigators interviewed the agent before releasing the agent to an FBI supervisor. The police investigation was continuing, and any charges would be determined by the Denver District Attorney's Office, said Officer Marika Putnam. Video posted on social media shows the FBI agent dancing and doing a back flip at which point the firearm hits the ground and the agent picking it up and a gunshot goes off. In a statement, an FBI spokesperson said "the investigation is active, ongoing, and a personnel matter so we cannot provide comment at this time." The spokesperson did not provide answers to a request for information on what firearms protocol may be in place for off-duty agents. It's unclear if the FBI agent was drinking and authorities are awaiting blood tests to determine if alcohol was a factor in the incident, CBS Denver reports. Surveillance footage is also being reviewed. Tamara Oswald, who just moved in to the apartments nearby, told CBS Denver the shooting was not the warm welcome she was hoping for. "It's kind of crazy because it's almost like I'm back in (Philadelphia) again. And I thought I was getting away from it," Oswald said. Witnesses at the bar said they heard the victim shout for help. Paramedics rushed the victim to a hospital.<doc-sep>An off-duty F.B.I. agent whose gun went off after he did a back handspring at a nightclub this month turned himself in on Tuesday to face an assault charge, the Denver district attorney’s office said. The agent, Chase Bishop, 29, who faces one count of second-degree assault, had been dancing at a club in the early morning hours of June 2 when he performed the back handspring, according to video of the episode that was broadcast by Denver7, a local news station, and has circulated widely. A firearm that had been in a holster fell on the floor, and when Mr. Bishop reached for the gun it discharged, injuring another patron in the lower leg, according to the district attorney’s statement. Beth McCann, the district attorney, said in the release that more charges could follow depending on the results of a blood alcohol content analysis. “We are filing this charge now rather than waiting until the B.A.C. report is received, which we understand could take another week, because sufficient evidence has been presented to file it,” Ms. McCann said.<doc-sep>Allison Sylte KUSA-TV, Denver DENVER – An FBI agent who is accused of accidentally shooting a man while dancing at a club earlier this month has turned himself in and was formally charged Tuesday with second-degree assault, authorities say. Chase Bishop, 29, is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday and has been booked into the Downtown Denver Detention Center, according to jail records. The Denver District Attorney's Office said Bishop could face additional charges pending the results of a blood alcohol content analysis. “We are filing this charge now rather than waiting until the BAC report is received, which we understand could take another week, because sufficient evidence has been presented to file it,” Discrict Attorney Beth McCann said in a news release. More:Man shot by dancing FBI agent: 'I thought some idiot set off a firecracker' Bishop is under investigation following an incident that occurred during the early morning hours of June 1 at Mile High Spirits in Denver. In a video, Bishop is seen dancing and then doing a backflip — during which his pistol dropped from his waistband and landed on the floor. The video shows the off-duty agent reaching for the gun, which went off, hitting another patron in the leg. The victim was treated and released from a hospital, according to The Associated Press.<doc-sep>

DENVER (CBS4)– The FBI agent whose gun went off in a LoDo bar has been arrested and booked on assault charges. The Denver DA’s Office officially charged him Tuesday afternoon. Video shows the off-duty agent, Chase Bishop, doing a backflip at Mile High Spirits earlier this month and his gun falls out of his waistband. He tries to pick it up and it fires. “His gun fell out and it hit the ground, and it shot off,” Cara Chancellor, a witness, told CBS4’s Melissa Garcia. A man was shot in the leg by that bullet and survived, but the victim’s lawyer says he was seriously injured. Police finished their criminal investigation on the shooting Monday, at which point investigators obtained an arrest warrant. Bishop, 29, was not arrested when the shooting happened. Instead, he was released to an FBI supervisor. He appeared in court in person on Tuesday morning on second-degree assault charges in connection to the shooting. The Denver DA says he turned himself in. In addition to the charges filed by the Denver DA, the FBI could also suspend or fire him. Bishop was off-duty and on vacation when the shooting happened. While it’s unclear if the agent had been drinking, Colorado law prohibits anyone from carrying a gun under the influence of alcohol. The D.A.’s office is still waiting on the results of a blood alcohol content report. Depending on what the results are, the office could file additional charges. The Denver Police Department will now take a look at its own actions to see if officers should have arrested Bishop at the scene, which is customarily done in shooting cases. “The department has made the commitment to go back and review the investigative process to see how it was handled,” said Doug Schepman, a spokesperson for the Denver Police Department. Bishop is scheduled to appear in court on Monday morning at the Denver Detention Center for his first and second advisements.

Massachusetts saw its first shark attack fatality in more than 80 years on Saturday when a male swimmer died in Cape Cod Shark Attack Kills Cape Cod Swimmer in His 20s: 'It Was Like Right Out of Jaws,' Says Witness Massachusetts saw its first shark attack fatality in more than 80 years on Saturday when a male swimmer died in Cape Cod. In a Facebook post shared Saturday afternoon, the Wellfleet Police Department announced that a male swimmer in his mid-20s “was bitten by what is believed to be a shark” around 12 p.m. at Newcomb Hollow Beach. Get push notifications with news, features and more. “I was that guy on the beach screaming, ‘Shark, shark!’ It was like right out of that movie Jaws,” Joe Booth, a local fisherman who was on the shore when the attack happened, told the Associated Press. “This has turned into Amity Island real quick out here.” The victim — whose identity is being withheld until his next of kin has been notified — “was pulled from the water” and “provided emergency first aid,” including CPR, authorities said. He “was transported to Cape Cod Hospital by the Wellfleet Fire Department” and later died at the hospital from injuries, Wellfleet police said. Sources on the scene told CapeCod.com that the victim was surfing on his boogie board at the time of the attack. Unconscious with serious leg injuries, he was pulled from the water by his friend, the outlet reported. According to the AP, the beach has since been closed. RELATED VIDEO: Man Dead After a Shark Attack in Cape Cod, Police Say Though the summer season is over, and lifeguards were not on duty, “sunny skies and warm temperatures” on Saturday attracted beachgoers, the AP reported. “We’ve been surfing all morning right here,” Hayley Williamson, a Cape Cod resident and former lifeguard who was on the beach at the time, told the AP. “They were just further down. Right spot, wrong time, I guess.” “Wellfleet PD is working with the National Park Service and the MA State Police on this investigation,” authorities said in the Facebook post. “Further information will be released by the District Attorney’s Office.” Saturday’s attack comes less than a month after a New York man, 61, fought off a shark in Truro on Aug. 15, the AP reported. He was severely injured and is currently recovering in a Boston hospital.<doc-sep>The last fatal shark attack in Massachusetts occurred in 1936 The man killed by a shark attack in Cape Cod on Saturday has been identified as 26-year-old Arthur Medici, according to multiple reports. Friends described Medici as sweet and humble, ABC affiliate WCVB reported, adding that he enjoyed surfing and had come to the beach with his girlfriend’s brother. Medici was boogie boarding when the shark attacked, according to MassLive, leading to the first shark attack fatality in Massachusetts in eight decades. Get push notifications with news, features and more. Medici grew up in Brazil and moved to the U.S. for college two years ago, according to WCVB. His Facebook page listed him as an employee of The Capital Grille in Burlington, Massachusetts, a student at Bunker Hill Community College and a resident of Revere, Massachusetts. The Facebook page said that he had been in a relationship since December 2016. Cape and Islands Assistant District Attorney Tara Miltimore confirmed Medici’s identity, the Associated Press reported. The attack occurred around noon near Newcomb Hollow Beach in Wellfleet, according to the Wellfleet Police Department’s Facebook post. Medici was given CPR after he was pulled out of the water and the Wellfleet Fire Department then took him to Cape Cod Hospital, where he died. shark-attack Credit: Susan Haigh/AP/REX/Shutterstock People stand on the beach after the shark attack “The Town of Wellfleet is heartbroken by this tragedy,” town administrator Dan Hoort and Wellfleet Selectboard chair Janet Reinhart said in a statement. “We send our sympathies to his family and the friends of this young man,” the statement continued. “We share the grief and pain you feel. We are grateful to the family, friends, beach staff, public and first responders who worked so valiantly to save his life. Everyone who lives in and visits Wellfleet is part of the Wellfleet community. Today we lost a member of our community and we grieve his passing.” Rep. Bill Keating tweeted, “First and foremost, Tevis and I send our condolences to the family of Arthur Medici, the victim of yesterday’s shark attack. Going forward, I will be convening meetings w/the National Park Service and coordinating w/state and local officials on how best to address this issue.” RELATED VIDEO: Three People Allegedly Stole a Shark From Texas Aquarium By Disguising It as a Baby in a Stroller Joe Booth, a local fisherman who witnessed the attack, described it as reminiscent of the shark attack thriller Jaws to the AP. “I was that guy on the beach screaming, ‘Shark, shark! '” Booth recalled. “It was like right out of that movie Jaws. This has turned into Amity Island real quick out here.” In August, a 61-year-old New York man fought off a shark in Truro, Massachusetts, the AP reported. He is recovering from serious injuries in a Boston hospital.<doc-sep>The death came after increasing numbers of shark sightings and warnings about the danger of the predators off Cape Cod waters this summer, and followed an attack on Aug. 15 that severely injured a 61-year-old New York man . WELLFLEET — A 26-year-old man from Revere died from a shark attack Saturday in the waters off Wellfleet, the first fatal shark attack in Massachusetts in more than 80 years and only the fourth recorded in state history. The man, identified Saturday night as Arthur Medici, was boogie boarding about 300 yards south of Newcomb Hollow Beach in Wellfleet when a shark attacked him around 12:15 p.m., according to authorities. Advertisement The warm day had attracted hundreds of people to the beach. Joe Booth, a local fisherman and surfer, said he was on shore when he saw the man and a friend boogie boarding as the attack happened. He said he saw the man aggressively kick something behind him and a flicker of a tail from the water. He realized what was happening when the friend came ashore dragging the injured man. “I was that guy on the beach screaming, ‘Shark, shark!’ ” Booth said. “It was like right out of that movie ‘Jaws.’ ” A California man, who asked not to be identified, said he saw two men in their 20s not far from shore. Later, he noticed a commotion down the beach — someone was screaming and pointing toward the water, where one of the men was trying to pull the other to shore. The California man began running toward the victim, who was unconscious and bleeding heavily from his right leg, he said in a phone interview. Though he had no experience tying a tourniquet, the California man pulled a cord from a nearby boogie board and attempted to use it to stanch the bleeding. Advertisement “I saw that he was bleeding and reached around the back of his leg, and there was nothing there,” he said. “And there were bone-deep lacerations down by his calf.” Someone realized that the victim was not breathing, and a woman tried to perform CPR, the California man said. A group of about a dozen people formed around the man. Another witness said someone had cut the victim out of his wetsuit and there were tourniquets on both legs made from boogie board cords. “He was pale white,” the man said. Videos posted online by a witness show a large group of police and swimsuit-clad beachgoers carrying a motionless figure on a stretcher across the sand after the attack. Speaking hours after the attack, the California man said he was shaken by the experience. “I’m still thinking it through,” he said. The victim was taken to Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis, where he was pronounced dead, according to State Police spokesman David Procopio. Police and paramedics responded to Newcomb Hollow Beach in Wellfleet on Saturday after the attack. Eric Williams/The Cape Cod Times/AP/The Cape Cod Times via AP Lifeguards are posted at the beach during the summer, but they are no longer present after Labor Day, according to Lieutenant Michael P. Hurley, a Wellfleet police spokesman. Sharks are drawn to the waters off the Cape by hundreds of seals. State Senator Julian Cyr said Cape residents have seen the number of shark sightings increase as the local seal population has rebounded in recent decades, after the sea mammals were given federal protections. Advertisement As concerns have mounted, officials have placed signs at the popular beaches warning beachgoers to be cautious. Massachusetts last logged a fatal shark attack on July 25, 1936, when 16-year-old Joseph C. Troy, was attacked off Hollywood Beach in Mattapoisett by a 6-foot shark that seized his left leg and dragged him underwater, according to contemporary accounts. Earlier this summer, a New York man swimming off Longnook Beach in Truro was attacked by a great white. Dr. William Lytton, 61, was swimming in about 8 to 10 feet of water off the Truro beach when the shark struck on Aug. 15, clamping down on his leg for about 20 seconds. Lytton has undergone at least a half-dozen surgeries and is healing at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Charlestown. In 2012, Chris Myers was bodysurfing about 400 feet off the shores of Ballston Beach in Truro when a great white attacked him. The bite left four deep puncture wounds on each of his legs that required 47 stitches, and Myers sustained severed tendons in his left leg. Cyr, a Truro Democrat who represents Cape Cod and the Islands, said by phone from the Cape that he and State Representative Sarah K. Peake, a Provincetown Democrat, would work to see that local authorities have “whatever resources” the state can provide in the wake of the tragedy. He said officials should examine preventative measures, communication with beachgoers, and emergency response times going forward, but already beaches on the outer Cape have highly visible warnings and information about the presence of sharks. Advertisement Signs at the top of the dune at Newcomb Hollow Beach alerted visitors that the beach was closed to swimming Saturday. MERRILY CASSIDY/THE CAPE COD TIMES/AP “I think information around the risk is really important,” Cyr said. “This has already changed behavior. I grew up in Truro. I grew up on the beach, and how my family recreates on the beach has changed.” Cyr said Saturday’s weather was perfect for visiting the beach. “It’s a beautiful day down here,” Cyr said. “It’s probably one of the last perfect September beach days that we’ll have. . . . It’s marred by a real tragedy.” Wayne Davis, a longtime fisherman and a spotter pilot for shark researchers, said in an interview before Saturday’s tragedy that the current practice of thinking that sharks are present only when seals are nearby does not match what he has seen from the air. “There is this little slogan going around, be ‘shark smart,’ and one of the big highlights to being shark smart is do not swim where there are seals,” said Davis, who emphasized that he is not a scientist.<doc-sep>Isaac Rocha says he did all he could to save his friend, Arthur Medici, after the 26-year-old was pulled under water in a fatal shark attack Arthur Medici snapped a smiling selfie with his friend Isaac Rocha on Saturday before the pair headed into the water at Cape Cod. Rocha never could have imagined it would be the last moment he would share with his friend. Just moments later, Medici was killed in a violent shark attack. Medici, 26, was enjoying the waves on his boogie board with Rocha just a few yards away when he was pulled under the water by a shark around noon. Get push notifications with news, features and more. “I already heard him screaming and I saw a lot of blood in the water,” Rocha told Today. “I had saw, like, the shark’s tail.” Witnesses said Medici suffered severe bites to his legs, according to Today. And Rocha said he rushed to his friend and pulled him from the water. “I got him onto shore and he wasn’t moving anymore,” he told Today of Medici. Medici was given CPR and taken to Cape Cod Hospital where he died, according to a statement on the Wellfleet Police Department’s Facebook page. The attack occurred near Newcomb Hollow Beach. The death marked Massachusetts’ first fatal shark attack in more than 80 years. The last fatal shark attack in Massachusetts killed 16-year-old Joseph Troy Jr. on July 25, 1936, according to the Associated Press. Rocha told WCVB that Medici was the more experienced swimmer of the two, noting that Medici has taught him how to “catch some waves” over the weekend. Still, Rocha swam as fast as he could to Medici when he saw that his friend was in danger. AM2 Arthur Medici “I saw him go down and then I saw him go back up and saw a lot of blood and he was screaming,” he told the station. “I dragged him out of the water about 35 yards. I got him to the beach and, I was exhausted I couldn’t pull him back anymore. After that, I got the boogie board strap, his boogie board strap, and tried to tie it around his leg to stop the bleeding.” Rocha said the death has been especially hard for his sister, who Medici was dating. “They were thinking about marriage and all that,” he told WCVB. “It’s horrible.” Family and friends have set up a GoFundMe page to cover transportation and funeral costs. Relatives noted on the page that Medici was “happily engaged.”<doc-sep>

Hide Transcript Show Transcript WEBVTT THE BEACH WAS PACKED ON THIS AFTERNOON WHEN THE SHARK ATTACKED. AS A CROWD OF PEOPLE CARRIED THE SHARK ATTACK VICTIM OFF NEWCOMB HOLLOW BEACH IN WELLFLEET HE WAS STILL ALIVE BUT BLEEDING BADLY FROM ONE OF HIS LEGS WHERE HE HAD BEEN BITTEN. >> I HAVE A REPORT OF AN UNKNOWN SHARK BITE. >> I NEVER WANTED TO BE THAT GUY SCREAMING SHARK AT THE TOP OF MY LUNGS. >> JOE BOOTH SAYS HE WAS ON THE BEACH LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO GO SURFING WHEN HE NOTICED A MAN JUST OFF SHORE ON A BOOGIE BOARD KICKING FURIOUSLY. >> FOR SOMETHING TO MAKE THAT KIND OF COMMOTION IN THE WATER, THEY ARE BIG. >> BOOTH SAYS ANOTHER MAN IN THE WATER PULLED THE VICTIM TO SHORE. AS THE MAN WAS CARRIED TO A WAITING AMBULANCE OFF-DUTY LIFEGUARDS RUSHED IN TO PROVIDE FIRST AID. >> AS THEY ARE AMAZING. THEY DID CPR. THEY PUT ON PROFESSIONAL TOURNIQUETS. >> VIDEO FROM SKY 5 SHOT SHORTLY AFTER THE ATTACK SHOWED TWO LARGE SHARKS SWIMMING IN THE AREA. THERE WERE ALSO SEVERAL SEALS NEARBY, A FAVORITE PREY OF SHARKS. OFFICIALS ORDERED NEWCOMB HOLLOW BEACH CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. AFTER A SUMMER FULL OF SHARK SIGHTINGS ON CAPE COLD AND ONE -- COD AND ONE PREVIOUS NON-FATAL ATTACK IT’S GETTING HARDER AND HARDER TO DOWNPLAY THE DANGER. >> JUST WAVE IT OFF. NOW IT IS A STARTLING REALITY WE ARE FACING HERE. >> THE AMBULANCE TOOK THE MAN TO CAPE COD HOSPITAL IN HYANNIS WHERE HE DIED FROM HIS INJUR Advertisement Authorities ID 26-year-old Mass. man killed in Cape Cod shark attack Share Shares Copy Link Copy A 26-year-old man from Revere died after being attacked by a shark in the waters off Cape Cod on Saturday afternoon, Massachusetts State Police said. The man succumbed to his injuries following the attack in the waters about 300 yards south of Newcomb Hollow Beach in Wellfleet just after noon Saturday.Authorities identified the victim as Arthur Medici of Revere. Friends say Medici was born and raised in Brazil and came to the United States two years ago to go to college. They describe the 26-year-old as sweet and humble. His friends say Medici loved to surf and was at the beach with his girlfriend's brother Saturday afternoon when the shark attack happened.First responders performed CPR on Medici on the beach after the bite before he was transported to Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis, where he was pronounced dead. State police and the Cape Cod District Attorney's office are handling the investigation.The Truro Police Department said all ocean side beaches in Truro will be closed to swimming until further notice. "Today is just keeping everyone out of water," Wellfleet Police Lt. Michael Hurley said. "There'll be a determination later about what the town wants to do with the beaches going forward. "This was the second shark attack on Cape Cod this summer and the first fatal shark attack in Massachusetts since 1936.Video from the scene immediately after the attack showed dozens of people working to help Medici, carrying him from the beach to the parking lot where an ambulance was waiting. Sky 5 spotted a number of sharks in the water off the beach about two hours after the attack was first reported. Seals were also spotted swimming very close to shore. The Wellfleet beach is popular with surfers, and with sunny skies and warm temperatures Saturday it was busy, even though the summer season was over and lifeguards were no longer on watch.Joe Booth, a local fisherman and surfer, said he was on shore and saw Medici and his friend boogie boarding when the attack happened.He said he saw Medici aggressively kick something behind him and a flicker of a tail from the water. Booth realized what was happening when the friend came ashore dragging his injured friend. "I was that guy on the beach screaming, 'Shark, shark!" Booth said. "It was like right out of that movie Jaws. This has turned into Amity Island real quick out here. "Booth said others on the beach attempted to make a tourniquet while others frantically called 911.Hayley Williamson, a Cape Cod resident and former lifeguard who was on the beach at the time, was in disbelief after Medici was rushed into an ambulance. "We've been surfing all morning right here and they were just further down," she said of the two boogie boarders. "They were in the wrong place at the wrong time."

CLEVELAND, Ohio — A California comedian is using social media attention over her unpleasant experience sharing an airplane with Republican former Ohio Gov. John Kasich to, ironically, raise money for Planned Parenthood in Ohio. Klausner wrote on Twitter that she began receiving random criticism and insults on social media on Wednesday after Fox News picked up her airplane story, which has been reported on by cleveland.com and other media outlets. She responded by turning the tables on her conservative critics, saying she would donate $1 to Planned Parenthood of Ohio for each comment she received on Twitter and Instagram. She also launched a GoFundMe page, which she named “Trolls for Planned Parenthood.” I can’t believe you didn’t donate any money to women’s reproductive freedom this morning, Susan! NOT! Thanks for the contribution. https://t.co/4GXXgv3B0P — Julie Klausner (@julieklausner) January 30, 2019 Kaisch is opposed to abortion, and has signed a number of laws restricting abortion access in Ohio (although shortly before leaving office in January, he vetoed a bill that would outlaw abortions when a fetal heartbeat is detected) while Klausner, a political liberal, says she supports women’s right to choose to have an abortion. Klausner subsequently posted PayPal receipts showing donations she’d sent to Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio. Thanks to all of your mentions-- from trolls and supporters alike-- I've raised and donated just under 3K this morning for Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio. I'll continue to donate one dollar for each hateful tweet I get going forward. Thank you, and John Kasich sucks. pic.twitter.com/NxGqD1atrC — Julie Klausner (@julieklausner) January 30, 2019 In total, Planned Parenthood spokeswoman Sarah Inskeep said, the organization believes Klausner and her story have resulted in almost $5,000 being donated to Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio, as of Wednesday afternoon. The organization is having a difficult time tracking the exact amount because some is going to the national Planned Parenthood organization while some has been sent to the Ohio affiliate, Inskeep said. “The active Go Fund Me page has been live only a few hours and is trending positively, raising thousands of dollars for our health centers,” she said in an email. To recap, Klausner first wrote of her interaction with Kasich on Jan. 16, when she posted on social media about Kasich getting her seat on an Alaska Airlines flight. As she told it, Kasich’s seat had been taken by a co-pilot at the last minute, and rather than moving out of first class, Kasich took her seat. Klausner said she then agreed to take a different flight rather than prolong the confrontation. Kasich has said through a spokesman that there was “confusion” after the airline assigned a pilot to his seat, and that he’s sorry that someone lost a seat. Klausner described the story in greater detail on Friday, using colorful and sometimes profane terms to describe Kasich’s behavior, in her personal podcast. Cleveland.com summarized the Kasich story, as told on her podcast, in a story on Monday. Since that story published, it has been the second-most popular article on cleveland.com, as of Wednesday afternoon. Much of that traffic has been driven by shares on social media. Republicans and Democrats alike seem to be enjoying the negative attention Kasich has received. Among those who have shared the story is Bob Paduchik, an Ohio political operative and Kasich critic who left a top position with the Republican National Committee in January to join President Donald Trump’s 2020 re-election campaign.<doc-sep>A comedian on Friday told the full story of her recent encounter with former Ohio Gov. John Kasich, whom she says stole her seat aboard an Alaska Airlines flight from New York to San Francisco when he was bumped. Julie Klausner, known for the Hulu sitcom "Difficult People," said the Republican was an “obnoxious” flight companion on her podcast, “How Was Your Week?” She said a pilot needed to fly last-minute aboard the plane and bumped Kasich out of his seat, according to Cleveland.com. But instead of taking the downgraded seat he was assigned, the former presidential candidate took the comedian’s, the outlet reported. Klausner, who identifies as a liberal, said once she read up on Kasich — and his political views — she decided to post about the incident on Twitter. OHIO'S NEW GOVERNOR SAYS HE'LL SIGN 'HEARTBEAT' ABORTION BILL THAT KASICH VETOED “The funny thing about it is when I tweeted about it, I realized people on both sides hate him,” Klausner says. “Because I guess Republicans hate him because he’s like, you know, not fascist enough, and then obviously people on our side hate him because he’s just a bad person. “Just having interacted with him or interacted near him, I never met anyone so d-----y and obnoxious and just dripping with disdain for people who in his mind aren’t as important as he is. I hope he – I don’t know. I hope he goes away forever. He sucks.” When details of the incident first emerged, a spokesman for Kasich told the paper that “confusion” had led to the seating mishap. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP “There was confusion about seating, the airline had given a pilot the Governor’s seat and then chaos ensued,” Chris Schrimpf said. “He’s sorry someone lost a seat.” An Alaska Airlines spokesman released a statement to the paper thanking Klausner for “helping diffuse an awkward situation” by giving up her seat and taking another flight with the airline.<doc-sep>COLUMBUS - Former Ohio Gov. John Kasich wanted to have a voice after leaving office. With several television appearances as a commentator, two speeches at colleges and a Boston Globe column, Kasich's voice has been anything but silenced. One day after handing over the reins to Gov. Mike DeWine, Kasich started his job as a senior political commentator on CNN's Cuomo Prime Time, telling the host Chris that he would act "like an umpire calling balls and strikes." They talked about U.S. attorney general nominee William Barr – will he be independent? – and the partial federal government shutdown – will it end without money for Trump's border wall? "You want me to try to figure out how (Trump)'s thinking?" Kasich asked Cuomo. "Yes. That's what you're getting paid for," Cuomo replied. "Well, listen, they're not paying me enough to go down there and get inside that head to try to figure that out," Kasich said. The next morning, Kasich was opining on CNN's New Day. That night, he was telling viewers of HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher that America's political parties were broken, but that's fine, real people make the difference anyway. "People wring their hands and say 'oh my God, we've got Trump' and somebody else says, 'oh my God, we've got (Democratic Speaker Nancy) Pelosi.' Do they really affect you? I mean, they affect the mood, but we need to get our spirit back and have the mojo to believe that we make a difference," Kasich said. The former governor used news of his CNN gig to fundraise, telling supporters from his failed 2016 presidential bid that "we are excited about what this means for Gov. Kasich and his growing ability to weigh-in on the issues that Americans care about." Since then, Kasich has appeared on PBS' Open Mind and CNN's Newsroom. The former governor penned an opinion piece in the Boston Globe honoring Martin Luther King Jr. (That led the conservative Washington Examiner to opine that Kasich was running for president. Why else would he print the column in a newspaper 770 miles from Ohio?) Kasich has been using his voice to talk with young people. Kasich received $60,000 to speak to University of Florida students. (Kasich shared his oft-used anecdote about meeting former President Richard Nixon – and wheedling more time for the conversation – as a college student.) He also plans to speak with students at DePauw University outside Indianapolis on Thursday. Meanwhile, Kasich is setting up an office at Otterbein University near his Westerville-area home. The private university doesn't disclose Kasich's income but a similar deal with Ohio State University paid $50,000 a year, according to a Dayton Daily News report. The ex-governor even had an apparent dust-up with comedienne Julie Klausner, who tweeted that Kasich had stolen her seat on an Alaska Airlines flight. (The airline reimbursed hermargherita flatbread for the inconvenience.) So what's next for Kasich? Unlike other Ohioans (hem, Sen. Sherrod Brown), Kasich has no immediate plans to visit early voting states such as Iowa or New Hampshire. He's keeping his 2020 options open – or at least close to his chest – for now. “I have not given up or closed the door on anything. We just need to see how things develop here,” Kasich told his CNN colleagues. MORE: Is there a path to the presidency for Ohio Gov. John Kasich in 2020? MORE: How Ohio Gov. John Kasich transformed from a Tea Party governor to an anti-Trump symbol<doc-sep>Republican John Kasich is joining CNN as a senior political contributor after eight years as Ohio's governor – and as he thinks about making another run at the White House. Kasich, one of the most outspoken GOP critics of President Donald Trump, had been signalling to advisors and donors that he'd like to join either CNN or MSNBC, as CNBC first reported Monday. His team and sources close to him insisted that even though he's joining a TV network, he's still considering running for president in 2020. In fact, Kasich is planning to go on a West Coast swing this week to meet with donors and business leaders, including traveling to Los Angeles and parts of Silicon Valley, according to a person with direct knowledge of the matter. CNN announced Tuesday morning that Kasich would be joining the network as a contributor. Kasich's chief political strategist, John Weaver, commented on the development to CNBC. "This is a strong platform for the governor to continue to offer his positive vision to the country and engage on the vital issues facing America," Weaver said. Weaver himself appears as an analyst on NBC News and MSNBC. Kasich will be appear across most of CNN's platforms and will make his debut on Chris Cuomo's show Tuesday night. Kasich also signed with talent management firm United Talent Agency on Monday. The decision to sign with the group comes after The Daily Beast reported in October that Kasich met with CNN President Jeff Zucker and MSNBC President Phil Griffin. During the meeting with Zucker, he was reportedly accompanied by Jay Sures, UTA's president. Kasich has been a staunch critic of Trump's administration. The former Ohio governor and has made several appearances on CNN in the past, often criticizing the president for his tariffs and hard-line trade policy, as well as his border wall proposal, among other issues.<doc-sep>

A spokesman for Kasich, one of the most vocal Republican critics of President Donald Trump, did not deny he's signing with either CNN or MSNBC. The spokesman also noted that any decision he makes about going on cable will have no impact on whether he runs for president. These people added that Kasich could announce his plans as early as Tuesday, a person close to Kasich said. These people would not say the role Kasich will play at a network, only to say that he's ruled out joining Fox News Channel. Kasich hosted his own show on Fox News for several years in the 2000s. Kasich has signaled to close advisors and some donors that he is looking to sign with either CNN or MSNBC as he finishes his two-term tenure as Ohio's governor, according to three people with knowledge of the conversations, including two who have been close to the governor since his 2016 presidential run. Republican John Kasich, who is thinking about running for president in 2020, is likely to announce as soon as this week that he will join a major cable news network, CNBC has learned. "Any announcement about a TV contract would have no bearing on his 2020 intentions," chief political spokesman Chris Schrimpf told CNBC in an email. "All options are still on the table." Kasich has often appeared on CNN and MSNBC, where he has criticized the president for the implementation of tariffs and his border wall proposal, among other issues. MSNBC declined to comment, and a CNN representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment. One of the people who spoke to CNBC on the condition of anonymity has been a top donor for Kasich since his last run for president. This person insisted that he has still not ruled out running for the White House in 2020, even as he prepares to get involved with cable news. "Of course it doesn't mean that he's not running. All options remain on the table," this person said. Charlie Black, a former advisor to Kasich's 2016 presidential campaign, told CNBC in an email that he believes Kasich could still run for president, but he'd have to distance himself from a career in television if he jumped into the race. "In the past, people who run give up their network gig. It has to to do with Federal Communications Commission fairness rules. Look at Mike Huckabee and Newt Gingrich cases," Black said. Kasich hinted in a recent interview with BuzzFeed that he hasn't finalized any plans and that an announcement could come on Monday. "It's got to wait till Monday," he said when asked about his plans. "Nothing yet I really have finalized. There's a few things that are firm. But it's very complicated what you can do while you're in [office]. There will be a flurry of activity next week. Bread's in the oven." The Daily Beast reported in October that Kasich has met with CNN President Jeff Zucker and MSNBC President Phil Griffin. During the meeting with Zucker, he was reportedly accompanied by Jay Sures, the president of top talent management firm, United Talent Agency. UTA announced Monday that it had signed Kasich as a client. "I'm excited to work with UTA to keep my voice active across the world and share my experiences and observations to help improve the lives of others," Kasich said in a UTA press release.

Victoria Will/AP In this Feb. 14, 2018 photo, actor Chadwick Boseman poses for a portrait in New York to promote his film, "Black Panther." Boseman, who played Black icons Jackie Robinson and James Brown before finding fame as the regal Black Panther in the Marvel cinematic universe, has died of cancer. His representative says Boseman died Friday, Aug. 28, 2020 in Los Angeles after a four-year battle with colon cancer. He was 43.<doc-sep>Former professional wrestler Matt Cappotelli has died after a long battle with cancer. He was 38. On Friday, the WWE star's wife, Lindsay, shared a heartbreaking message on Instagram confirming the news. “Today my love — my strong, sweet, beautiful love — took his last breath at 3:30 a.m. and went Home to be with Jesus…exactly one year after his brain surgery,” she wrote in the caption of a photo of herself and her husband. "You think you can be prepared for this when you know it’s coming, but you just can’t. The only person whose comfort I want right now is the one who can’t give it to me," she continued. "I miss him so much already. I know where he is now is so much better, but it doesn’t change how much I miss him. It's so much harder than I even thought it would be." Cappotelli first gained fame when he earned a WWE contract after winning the third season of the reality competition series Tough Enough in 2003, alongside fellow winner and wrestler John Hennigan. Cappotelli, who wrestled under his own name and the pseudonym The Flava, made several appearances on multiple WWE shows including WWE Sunday Night Heat, Raw and Vengeance. He was later sent down to Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) to continue to develop his promotional skills and stage presence. However, his promising career was cut short in 2007 when he revealed to fans that he had been diagnosed with an astrocytoma, a form of malignant brain cancer, and that he had to undergo surgery. The initial treatment was successful and most of the tumor was removed. However, in 2017, Cappotelli revealed that he'd been diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme, the most aggressive form of brain cancer. He underwent another surgery to remove a large tumor in June 27, but was hospitalized again in December. In May 2018, following a series of consultations with his neuro-oncologist, his wife announced that he had decided to stop medical treatments for the tumors. After his retirement from wrestling, Cappotelli returned to OVW in 2013 to serve as a trainer for the organization's beginners program. His death was mourned by those he mentored and his many fans on Facebook, and both WWE and OVW paid tribute to the late star on Twitter. WWE is saddened to learn that Matt Cappotelli, a promising Superstar who was a co-winner of WWE Tough Enough III, passed away Friday at age 38. https://t.co/MCuoAHBkt6 — WWE (@WWE) June 30, 2018 It is with deep sadness that we share news of the passing of former @WWE superstar & #OVW trainer Matt Cappotelli. https://t.co/qfKEbzZpknpic.twitter.com/KfdYvjorgW — OVW Wrestling (@ovwrestling) June 30, 2018 Stars We've Lost in 2018 This video is unavailable because we were unable to load a message from our sponsors. If you are using ad-blocking software, please disable it and reload the page. RELATED CONTENT: WWE Hall of Famer George 'The Animal' Steele Dies at 79 WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair in ICU, Rep Asks for 'Prayers' Dallas McCarver, Bodybuilder and Boyfriend of WWE Star Dana Brooke, Dead at 26 Related Gallery<doc-sep>

WWE star and winner of “Tough Enough III” Matt Cappotelli has died after a yearlong battle with a malignant brain tumor. He was 38. Cappotelli’s wife Lindsay shared the news in a Facebook post to a group dedicated to Cappotelli. “Today my love — my strong, sweet, beautiful love — took his last breath at 3:30 a.m. and went Home to be with Jesus…exactly one year after his brain surgery,” she wrote. “You think you can be prepared for this when you know it’s coming, but you just can’t. The only person whose comfort I want right now is the one who can’t give it to me.” Cappotelli was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2005, ending his promising wrestling career. Though that brain tumor was removed, he continued to undergo yearly screenings, and in June 2017, he began to experience headaches and “seizure activity,” according to Lindsay. After further testing, his doctor advised that he undergo surgery to remove a tumor that had grown significantly since a February screening. Cappotelli underwent the surgery on June 29, 2017, and though his surgeon was able to remove 90% of the tumor, results confirmed he had grade 4 glioblastoma. He was hospitalized again in December 2017 and in May 2018, after consultations with his neuro-oncologist, Cappotelli ceased medical interventions for the tumor. He won “Tough Enough III” alongside John Hennigan. After the win, he went on to train at Ohio Valley Wrestling and achieved the OVW Heavyweight Championship. Cappotelli had attended college at the Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Mich., where he was also a football player. He resided in Louisville, Ky. with his wife.

12 of 12 Credit: WWE.com For the first time since SummerSlam 1992, the Intercontinental Championship was up for grabs in a singles main event of a WWE pay-per-view, as Dolph Ziggler defended against Seth Rollins in a 30-minute Iron Man match. Rollins scored the first fall 4:35 into the match when he followed up a buckle bomb with a roll-up that pinned Ziggler's shoulders to the mat. The Architect took a 2-0 lead after seven-plus minutes, delivering his stomp finisher to pin The Showoff and put the champion in a significant hole. Just as Rollins was tuning up the band, McIntyre entered and unloaded on him, drawing a disqualification and handing him a 3-0 lead. The Scot assaulted Rollins, leaving him lying in a battered heap. McIntyre was sent packing by the referee but not before destroying The Architect with the Claymore Kick. Ziggler followed up the beatdown with a pinfall, earning his first fall of the match. A superkick allowed Ziggler to move within a fall, the scoreboard sitting at 3-2. The Zig Zag earned Ziggler his third fall in less than two minutes, as the score evened. Ziggler gained his first lead of the match, catching a charging Rollins with a hard right hand and rolling him up, his feet on the ropes, for the win. Score 4-3 for the champion. The pace of the match slowed as Ziggler worked a sleeper hold, keeping the challenger grounded and unable to score a quick fall to tie the score. Rollins would recover and take the fight to Ziggler, desperately attempting to even the score. Ziggler, showing resilience not typically reserved for lead heels in WWE, was able to fend off the challenge of The Architect. With under four minutes to go, Rollins found himself down a fall. After surviving a cradle attempt, he delivered a slingshot into the corner and pinned Ziggler off a sunset flip to tie the score at four falls apiece with 2:30 left. With just over two minutes left, Rollins applied the Sharpshooter. Ziggler fought through the pain. Rollins applied a cross-face but Ziggler, again, resisted the urge to tap out. A frustrated Rollins tried for the stomp, but Ziggler rolled out of the ring. Back inside, the champion delivered a last-gasp Fameasser for a near-fall. Time ticked off the clock as the commentary team asked if we were heading to a tie. Rollins delivered his stomp finisher but time ran out on the challenger as the commentators teased heartbreak for the challenger. Just as it appeared as though Ziggler would retain his title via tie, Kurt Angle appeared and demanded the match head to sudden death overtime. McIntyre appeared from out of nowhere, provided the distraction and allowed Ziggler to score the win in the restarted match. Result Ziggler defeated Rollins, 5-4 Grade B Analysis The pacing of this one was all over the place, with the competitors showing exhaustion way too early and then sprinting through high spots and near-falls late as if they had suddenly guzzled three large cans of the awful Mountain Dew Kickstart shilled during the Kickoff Show. Add to that a crowd that was intolerable as the fans in attendance took it upon themselves to mock the clock, thus stealing the attention from the Superstars and placing it on themselves, and you have issues that definitely kept the match from achieving a higher grade. With that said, this was set up to infuriate fans and create heat for Ziggler and McIntyre. While the true effectiveness of it will be seen Monday night on Raw, it is difficult to argue that it did not accomplish that, particularly in the closing seconds. Ziggler and McIntyre are an act gaining steam and getting stronger with every passing week. Spotlighting them in the main event of this pay-per-view is as great a sign as any that WWE is behind them. That should mean big things for both Ziggler and McIntyre in the weeks and months to come.<doc-sep>0 of 8 Credit: WWE.com Much like recent creative output, WWE's Extreme Rules was a show that ran both hot and cold Sunday night, and as a result it produced obvious winners and losers. There were the Superstars who scored enormous victories by beating their opponents in the squared circle and those who acquired them morally, thanks to strong performances in losing efforts. There were also those who never really had a shot at leaving Pittsburgh unscathed, the victims of questionable booking or a crowd that decided to steal the spotlight and selfishly put it on itself late in the night. In which category did your favorite competitors find themselves in the wake of Sunday's pay-per-view extravaganza? Find out now with this recap of a show that was spectacular at times and dissatisfying at others.<doc-sep>Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt, aka the Deleter of Worlds, kicked off the show with their trademark double entrance. The RAW Tag Team Championship match was about to take place. Ronda Rousey was ringside in the audience although she was under suspension. Sportskeeda is the one-stop destination for latest WWE rumors and wrestling news The pre-show saw Andrade Cien Almas beat Sin Cara while SAnitY beat The New Day in a Six-Man Tag Team match. #1 Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt (c) vs. The B Team - RAW Tag Team Championship match Matt and Bo kicked us off and Hardy took control right off the bat. Hardy hit a leg drop and Bo rolled out of the ring to recuperate. Matt made the tag and Bo said he wasn't scared but tagged in Curtis anyway. Wyatt took Axle to the corner and hit him with some big kicks and then a headbutt. Axle took a huge clothesline and Hardy was tagged in. Matt hit an elbow drop from the top rope and it resulted in a near fall. Axle reversed a big move and tagged in Bo. The B team gained some momentum and Bo had Matt in a headlock. Curtis was tagged in and he had things in control but Matt changed things with a Side Effect. Hardy made the tag and Wyatt took out both his opponents with ease before Bo pushed Matt into Wyatt sending him out of the ring. Bo hit a snake-eyes DDT on Matt and got the three count; The B Team are the new RAW Tag Team Champions! Result: The B Team def. Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt and are the new RAW Tag Team Champions Kurt Angle was backstage and said he contacted Paul Heyman but had failed to get through to Brock Lesnar to settle his next title match. Angle gave Brock an ultimatum: Brock has to show up on RAW the next day or settle his next title defence or Angle would strip him of the Universal title. 1 / 10 NEXT<doc-sep>

The feud between Carmella and Asuka had been brewing for the past few weeks and it took a new turn when James Ellsworth made his return to WWE and started helping the SmackDown Live Women's champion get the upper hand over The Empress of Tomorrow. Follow Sportskeeda for the latest WWE news, rumors and all other wrestling news. But tonight, Ellsworth was locked up and suspended from a shark tank above the ring so that he wouldn't be involved in the match or so we thought. Asuka started off the blocks quickly and unleashed her offence on Carmella as Ellsworth was a mere spectator from up top. But he soon made his presence felt in the match as he started providing weapons to the champion. First, he threw in a steel chain which was quickly spotted by Asuka and the referee. He continued his antics as he threw in the spray he used against Asuka to Carmella, which was again thwarted by the 'Empress Of Tomorrow'. As the action spilt outside the ring, Ellsworth picked the lock of the cage and got out of the cage. But, he got stuck in the cage and was suspended upside down. Asuka couldn't resist herself and started attacking him. She even attacked the officials who tried to free him and continued the assault. But this provided the best opportunity for Carmella and the champion capitalised on it. She threw Asuka on to the lowered cage as the referee was distracted and covered her up for the win and retained her title. Carmella defeated Asuka to retain the Smackdown Live Women's championship But the night was not done for Asuka or Ellsworth. The Empress Of Tomorrow unleashed her fury on Ellsworth and ended the night by applying the Asuka lock on him. Send us news tips at fightclub@sportskeeda.com.

“I have been thinking about this, I have been dreading this and I am now going to do this,” the 63-year-old South Carolina Republican said on the Senate floor Tuesday. Get push notifications with news, features and more. Graham, who was standing just a few feet away from McCain’s former desk, struggled to fight back tears as he told a number of stories, memories and jokes he shared with the late war hero. “The more he humiliated you, the more he liked you. In that regard, I was well served,” Graham continued after revealing McCain had given him the nickname, “Lil’ jerk.” He later explained the many lessons McCain taught him, recalling, “He taught me that honor and imperfection are always in competition.” “I do not cry for a perfect man. I cry for a man who had honor and always was willing to admit his imperfection,” Graham continued. “If you’re thinking about getting in politics, the one thing I would ask you to look at when it comes to the life of John McCain is that it’s okay to tell people, I screwed up.” Graham added, “I got this wrong, I want to make it right. Honor is in my view, doing the right thing at your own expense, and he did that time and time again.” McCain-Graham-1 Sen. John McCain and Sen. Lindsey Graham | Credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty “He taught me that life without passion and love is a sad life. He lived life to its fullest. He was often disappointed, but he was never deterred from getting back up and going at it again,” Graham said. “Love– not a word often associated with Sen. McCain, but it should be. … My name is Graham not McCain, but I feel like a McCain. I don’t know if I’ve earned that honor, but I feel like it.” NUP_176792_0048.JPG Sen. John McCain and Sen. Lindsey Graham | Credit: William B. Plowman/NBC/NBC NewsWire via Getty As for McCain’s legacy, Graham believes he will be influential for years to come. “John will inspire courage, he will reinforce the idea that nothing is inevitable as long as a few people are willing to fight for what they believe is right. It is going to be a lonely journey for a while,” Graham said. “I am going to need your help, and the void to be filled by John’s passing is more than I can do. Don’t look to me to replace this man. Look to me to remember what he was all about and try to follow in his footsteps.” “If you want to help the country, be more like John McCain. I believe there is a little John McCain in all of us, and the little John McCain practice by a lot of people can make this a really great nation,” Graham concluded. RELATED VIDEO: Senator John McCain Dies at Age 81 McCain died on Aug. 25 after battling stage-four brain cancer. He was 81. News of his death came one day after the McCain family announced that the six-time Arizona senator, “with his usual strength of will,” decided to stop treatment for the stage-four brain cancer he had been battling since its diagnosis last summer.<doc-sep>MOSCOW — He was long reviled by Russia’s state-controlled media as a deranged warmonger. President Vladimir V. Putin said he had “lost his roof” — in other words, gone crazy — during his time in captivity in Vietnam. Despite, or rather because of, all the abuse, however, Senator John McCain will be sorely missed in Moscow. The Arizona senator’s death last Saturday from a brain tumor has deprived the Kremlin and its propaganda machine of not only a cherished punching bag but the central protagonist in their favorite conspiracy theory — the view that Western sanctions against Russia and President Trump’s inability to lift them have nothing to do with anything Russia has done but are the result of “Russophobia.” In a report on Mr. McCain’s death, Rossiya 1, a state television channel, called him “the chief symbol of Russophobia” and as such the main reason Moscow’s relations with the West are so bad. Life News, an outlet close to the Russian security services, declared him the West’s “chief Russophobe.” The beauty of “Russophobia” from Russia’s perspective is that it absolves Moscow of any responsibility for the consequences of its own actions — the annexation of Crimea, its military incursions into Georgia and eastern Ukraine, the shooting down of a Malaysian passenger jet and its repeated meddling in Western elections — and has turned the country into an innocent victim of, well, John McCain.<doc-sep>The funeral cortege, or procession, is often one of the most-watched parts of any televised memorial service, and Sen. John McCain appears to have chosen his pallbearers with that in mind. | Carolyn Kaster/AP Photo John McCain McCain's choice of Russian dissident as pallbearer is final dig at Putin, Trump Even in death, John McCain has one final burn planned for two of his biggest foes — Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump — at a moment when much of the world will be watching. The Republican senator from Arizona, who planned his own funeral, chose Russian dissident Vladimir Kara-Murza as one of the dignitaries to carry his coffin to the front of the Washington National Cathedral at Saturday’s memorial service. The funeral cortege, or procession, is often one of the most-watched parts of any televised memorial service, and McCain appears to have chosen his pallbearers with that in mind. He picked some, such as former Democratic Vice President Joe Biden and former Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wis.), to represent his time as an Arizona congressman, senator and presidential contender. Others, such as former Defense Secretary William Cohen, honor his service as a naval aviator and prisoner of war, and some are friends, such as the actor Warren Beatty. The choice of Kara-Murza, who twice suffered organ failure from poisoning, appears aimed at sending a last message to Putin and Trump, who McCain had criticized for sounding too cozy with the Russian leader, amid an investigation into whether the U.S. president’s allies cooperated with Moscow’s efforts to intervene in the 2016 election. For more than seven years, McCain and Kara-Murza had each other’s backs as each criticized Putin and what they saw as his autocratic tendencies in Russia. Last April, a mutual friend brought Kara-Murza a personal message from McCain. The senator had been diagnosed nine months earlier with an aggressive form of brain tumor known as a glioblastoma and wanted the young Russian to be a pallbearer at his funeral. Would he agree? “I was speechless and heartbroken, close to tears at that moment,” Kara-Murza told POLITICO on Tuesday. “I said yes, of course, and that it would be the most heartbreaking honor that anyone could think of.” McCain didn’t believe his death was imminent at the time, Kara-Murza recalls. “But he knew how it was going to end, and he was planning everything.” On Monday, Kara-Murza wrote of McCain’s death in The Washington Post. “We all knew this day was coming, but hoped against hope that it would not be coming so soon,” he said. “He was a true leader and a dear friend, and it will always be among the greatest blessings of my life to know him.” POLITICO Playbook newsletter Sign up today to receive the #1-rated newsletter in politics Email Sign Up By signing up you agree to receive email newsletters or updates from POLITICO and you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service. You can unsubscribe at any time and you can contact us here. This sign-up form is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Officially, Kara-Murza, 36, who divides his time between Washington and Moscow, is the vice chairman of the Open Russia movement. He is also the chairman of the Boris Nemtsov Foundation for Freedom, established in honor of the dissident political leader who, critics say, was assassinated in 2015 for his anti-corruption investigations into Putin. Unofficially, with help from McCain, Kara-Murza has positioned himself as perhaps the biggest full-time thorn in Putin’s side. The relationship between McCain and Kara-Murza dates to 2010, the year Nemtsov was arrested for helping lead a massive protest in defense of the freedom of assembly and against then-Prime Minister Putin in Moscow’s Triumfalnaya Square. In Washington, McCain and a few fellow senators spearheaded a strong U.S. response, publicly insisting that any U.S.-Russia reset in relations should not come at the expense of Russia’s dissidents and its nascent democratic institutions. In Russia, Kara-Murza also railed against Putin’s treatment of the dissidents, saying it “may have been intended to frighten opponents, but instead showed a frightened and desperate regime.” Over the next seven years, McCain and Kara-Murza often cited each other’s words and actions as ammunition in their opposition to Putin. In September 2015, McCain and Kara-Murza met in Washington to honor Nemtsov with the International Republican Institute's 2015 Freedom Award, seven months after Nemtsov was gunned down while walking across a bridge near the Kremlin. Kara-Murza wasn’t just Nemtsov’s partner in founding and leading the People’s Freedom Party in Russia and the Open Russia democracy campaign, McCain told the assembled crowd. Four months earlier, the younger man had fallen so gravely ill from a mysterious ailment that he suffered multiple organ failure, lapsed into a coma and nearly died. "Vladimir is a brave, outspoken, and relentless advocate for freedom and democracy in Russia. And [as] has happened to other Putin critics, Vladimir was poisoned in order to intimidate him or worse,” McCain said, after introducing Kara-Murza as “a personal hero whose courage, selflessness and idealism I find awe-inspiring.” Kara-Murza recuperated in the United States but returned to Moscow several months later, long before he could walk without use of a cane. He and McCain worked closely together on pushing anti-Putin measures through Congress, including enforcing the Magnitsky Act of 2012, which imposed crippling sanctions on Russia for human rights abuses. In 2017, Kara-Murza also helped McCain and other lawmakers push legislation to designate the stretch of Wisconsin Avenue in front of the Russian Embassy in Washington as Boris Nemtsov Plaza. That February, Kara-Murza —married and by then a father of three —was in Moscow helping lead his “democratic opposition” efforts against the Putin regime. Suddenly, he fell gravely ill again, slipped into another coma and would have died had he not been staying with relatives, he told reporters at the time. “If I was alone, I would not be speaking now,” he said. "The doctors say, if there is a third time, that'll be it. I will not survive this again.” Doctors officially diagnosed him as having been poisoned, but could never find the exact culprit, he said Tuesday. The political emergence of Trump and his coziness with Putin brought the two even closer together. A month into his presidency, Trump was asked by a TV interviewer about Putin’s penchant for murdering political adversaries. "We've got a lot of killers,” he retorted. “What, you think our country's so innocent?" That outraged McCain, who said in an angry speech that his friend Kara-Murza "knew that there was no moral equivalence between the United States and Putin's Russia. I repeat, there is no moral equivalence between that butcher and thug and KGB colonel and the United States of America, the country that Ronald Reagan used to call a shining city on a hill." Kara-Murza wrote in the Washington Post that McCain saw the dangers Putin posed to the U.S. as far back as 2000. “On the Magnitsky Act, on public advocacy for Russian political prisoners, and on speaking the truth about Putin's regime, McCain was indispensable,” he said. Knowing the senator as well as he does, Kara-Murza said, he believes McCain had some higher purpose in mind than embarrassing Putin or Trump. “For me, this has nothing to do with politics, it is very personal,” he told POLITICO. “He wasn’t a politician. He was a statesmen, all his life.”<doc-sep>

(CNN) — Sen. Lindsey Graham took to the Senate floor Tuesday to give an emotional farewell to his friend and colleague, Sen. John McCain. “I have been dreading this,” the South Carolina Republican said, wiping away tears. “And now I am going to do this.” “My name is Graham, not McCain,” he said. “But I feel like a McCain. I don’t know if I have earned that honor, but I feel like it.” Surrounded by a dozen members of the Senate from both sides of the aisle, Graham shared “a few dumb jokes told over and over” and talked of his trip to Vietnam when McCain returned to the Hanoi Hilton, his prison for five-and-a-half years. “I remember being in front of his cell, and you can see the wheels turning and the memories coming back,” he said. “I saw a bunch of photos on the wall of the prisoners playing volleyball, sitting in the sun with sunglasses on. I said, ‘John, must not have been that bad after all,’ and he said with a smile, ‘I don’t remember it this way.’” And, in a moment that got chuckles from the room, Graham, as others before him, noted the late Arizona senator’s dry sense of humor. “The more he humiliated you, the more he liked you. In that regard, I was well served,” Graham said. Graham, standing next to the black velvet draped desk that was once McCain’s, appealed to his colleagues for help in the coming days. “It is going to be a lonely journey for me for a while. I am going to need your help, and the void to be filled by John’s passing is more than I can fill,” he said. When he left the floor, Graham was greeted by hugs from Democratic Sens. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Kirsten Gillibrand of New York. Graham’s remarks were the first of what will be many times he will speak honoring his friend this week. Graham is scheduled to read scripture at McCain’s service Saturday at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC, and will give a tribute Sunday in Annapolis, Maryland, at the Naval Academy service.

Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.) on Wednesday tried to refute Michael Cohen's claim that President Trump is a racist by pointing to the fact that a black woman works in his administration. Cohen had said in his opening statement on Wednesday that Trump is a "racist" who once privately said black people wouldn't vote for him because they're "too stupid." Meadows, a Trump ally, brought as a guest to the hearing Lynne Patton, who has worked for the Trump Organization and is now an official for the Department of Housing and Urban Development. "You made some very demeaning comments about the president that Ms. Patton doesn't agree with," Meadows said while Patton stood next to him. "She says that as the daughter of a man born in Birmingham, Alabama, that there is no way that she would work for an individual who is racist. How do you reconcile the two of those?" Cohen responded, "Neither should I, as the son of a Holocaust survivor." Meadows went on to say that he has spoken with Trump over 300 times and has not heard him say anything racist, after Cohen said that Trump called all countries run by black people "s--tholes." Cohen asked how many black people work as executives at the Trump Organization. "The answer is zero," Cohen said. Watch the moment below. Brendan Morrow<doc-sep>If Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez demonstrated masterful directness in her questioning during the Cohen hearing, Rep. Mark Meadows was the opposite, doubling down on the congressional tradition of narcissistic grandstanding and weird distractions. The North Carolina Congressman responded to comments Cohen had made during his opening statement calling Trump racist by presenting a Black woman who worked for Trump as proof that he could not possibly be racist. Meadows invited Lynne Patton, a longtime Trump supporter and HUD official, to stand silently behind him while he spoke. “I asked Lynne to come today in her personal capacity to actually shed some light,” said Meadows. “[Cohen] made some very demeaning comments about the president that Ms. Patton doesn’t agree with. In fact, it has to do with your claim of racism. She says as a daughter of a man born in Birmingham, Alabama, that there is no way that she would work for an individual who was a racist.” Yeah, that’s pretty gross. And Meadows was called out for his grossness. Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D-MI) to Rep. Mark Meadows (R-NC): To prop up one member of our entire race of black people to say that nullifies Trump’s history of racism is totally insulting. – Michael Cohen hearing pic.twitter.com/mbx2yCCuil — Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) February 27, 2019 Michigan Rep. Brenda Lawrence addressed the incident, saying, “I want to put on the record as being a Black American and having endured the public comments of racism from the sitting president, as being a Black person, I can only imagine what’s being said in private.” “To prop up one member of our entire race of Black people and say that nullifies that is totally insulting,” she continued. “To look at his administration speaks volumes.” Just doing my job 💅🏾 https://t.co/5o872fg2n5 — Brenda Lawrence (@BrendaLLawrence) February 27, 2019 She wasn’t the only Congresswoman to call out Meadows’ stunt, either. After AOC’s questioning, Rep. Ayanna Pressley asked Cohen, “Would you agree that someone could deny rental units to African-Americans, lead the birther movement, refer to the diaspora as ‘shithole countries,’ and refer to white supremacists as ‘fine people,’ have a black friend, and still be racist?” Cohen answered yes. “I agree,” she said. Next up was Rep. Rashida Tlaib, and that’s when things really spiraled. “Just because someone has a person of color, a black person working for them does not mean they aren’t racist,” Tlaib said. “And it is insensitive, and some would even say that the fact that someone would actually use a prop, a black woman, in this chamber, in this committee is alone racist in itself.” At this point, Meadows interrupted and demanded that her comments be removed from the official record of the hearing. Tlaib insisted that she wasn’t calling Meadows a racist, but was simply expressing how she felt as a person of color. But Meadows was not going to let it go until everyone knew just how un-racist he is. Meadows, near tears, addressed Chairman of the committee, Elijah Cummings, saying “If anyone knows my record as it relates,” he said, apparently hesitant to say the world race, “it should be you.” He said that his nieces and nephews are people of color. He reminded Cummings of their close personal friendship, something Cummings echoed, confirming that Meadows is one of his “best friends.” “I don’t think Ms. Tlaib intended to cause you that kind of pain and that kind of frustration,” Cummings said. “Excuse me, woman of color, could you please rephrase your comment about racism as a compliment to the loudest white man in the room?” — Louis Virtel (@louisvirtel) February 27, 2019 “To my colleague, Mr. Meadows, that was not my intention,” Tlaib said. “And I do apologize if that’s what it sounded like. But I said ‘someone’ in general.” “As everybody knows in this chamber, I’m pretty direct,” she continued. “So if I wanted to say that I would have, but that’s not what I said.” She added, “I was not referring to you, at all, as a racist.” So to recap: two (2) people of color had to spend ten (10) minutes comforting one (1) white guy after he was called out for doing something that was racist, after he was about to start crying for doing said racist thing. Brought to you by America, 2019. — Julia Ioffe (@juliaioffe) February 27, 2019 if only white people were as upset about racism as being called racist. — Liz Plank (@feministabulous) February 27, 2019 It seemed pretty clear that she was referring to Meadows’ stunt as being racist, so it makes sense that some people online weren’t buying her denial. But it was also pretty clear that she had nothing to apologize for, and others were quick to provide the receipts to support that argument. For one thing, Meadows wouldn’t even be in office if not for racist gerrymandering, and that’s not just an opinion—that was the ruling decided by a federal court. Reminder: Republican Congressman Mark Meadows owes his career to gerrymandering. He wouldn’t have first won his seat in 2012 without it https://t.co/bjwahIZyEZ pic.twitter.com/w4V2VXmsRq — Stephen Wolf (@PoliticsWolf) February 27, 2019 And here he is 2012, saying Republicans were going to “send Mr. Obama home to Kenya or wherever it is.” Here’s Mark Meadows, who just sidetracked the entire House Oversight Committee to assure him he’s not racist, saying that “2012 is the time we are going to send Mr. Obama home to Kenya or wherever it is” pic.twitter.com/90L1xnWf6v — Steve Morris (@stevemorris__) February 27, 2019 But he says that if you knew him—like really knew him or maybe asked his nieces and nephews—you’d know he isn’t really racist. Don’t let his words or actions fool you, he swears he’s not. Mark Meadows, asked about his 2012 comments about sending Obama back to Kenya, says he “certainly didn’t indicate any personal malice” and says, “anyone who knows me knows that there is not a racial bone in my body,” per @SunlenSerfaty — Manu Raju (@mkraju) February 28, 2019 (image: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Want more stories like this? Become a subscriber and support the site!<doc-sep>Michael Cohen’s testimony before the House Committee on Oversight and Reform this morning started with a whimper— albeit a very loud one— from Republican Rep. Mark Meadows, chair of the House Freedom Caucus. Advertisement Meadows jumped in with a point of order right after Chairman Elijah Cummings opened the hearing and immediately tried to derail the entire process, moving to postpone Cohen’s testimony on the grounds that it and some of the evidence was not submitted to Committee members with enough lead time. The congressman ’s baby-headed outburst was a pretty naked attempt to run interference for Trump, who, after hearing about the lengths Cohen was going to in his testimony, likely doesn’t want a side-by-side of this shitfest next to his second summit with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. The ranking Republican on the Committee, Rep. Jim Jordan, also jumped in to whine at Cummings for not following the rules. The whole thing eventually came down to a vote to table Meadows’ motion to postpone the hearing, which the Ayes clearly won verbally (despite Meadows shouting NooOOOo), but that Meadows forced into a counted verbal vote just to waste more time. After around 20 minutes of squabbling and opening statements from Cummings and Jordan, Cohen is finally giving his testimony. Meadows, shockingly, has yet to interrupt him.<doc-sep>Towards the end of the Michael Cohen's Oversight Committee hearing yesterday, Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.) was highly insulted when Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) suggested he had committed a racist act by bringing in one of his black employees "as a prop." "And it is insensitive…" Tlaib said, "the fact that someone would actually use a prop, a black woman in this chamber, in this committee, is alone racist in itself." Meadows immediately reacted, insisting with high emotion that he was not a racist, and that somehow having nieces and nephews of color proved his point. He and Tlaib went back and forth in a heated exchange, with Meadows saying she called him a racist, and with Tlaib saying no, she only pointed out that he had committed a racist act. The scene was was pretty much smoothed over within about five minutes or so. However, just hours later, videos of Meadows resurfaced that show that yes, sir, you ARE a racist. The Washington Post put together the video above, where we can hear Meadows saying about President Barack Obama (while he was in office), "We don't have to worry about it. We'll send him back home to Kenya, or where it is. We'll send him back home." And, in another location on a different day, "2012 is the time we are going to send Mr. Obama home to Kenya or wherever it is."<doc-sep>

He blew up only when Ms. Tlaib said his use of Ms. Patton was a racist act: “Just because a person has a person of color, a black person, working for them does not mean they aren’t racist,” she said, referring to Mr. Trump. “And it is insensitive, and some would even say the fact that someone would actually use a prop, a black woman, in this chamber, in this committee, is alone racist in itself, ” Ms. Tlaib concluded, meaning Mr. Meadows. That’s when Mr. Meadows lost it, insisting that Ms. Tlaib’s comments about him be stricken from the record and whipping out the “some of my best friends are black” defense. “You and I,” he said to Representative Elijah Cummings, the Oversight Committee chairman, who is black, “have a personal relationship that isn’t based on color.” He insisted that he couldn’t be racist because he had nieces and nephews of color. It was a performance that he’s clearly hoping will win him one of next year’s Oscars. He defended his record on race, so we should cast aside that time in 2012 when he embraced the racist birtherism theory to his supporters by saying that “2012 is the time we’re going to send Mr. Obama back home to Kenya or wherever it is.” Mr. Meadows threw a fit during a hearing where Mr. Cohen claimed the president had said black people were too stupid to vote for him and had called African nations “shithole” countries. There was actual proof of Mr. Trump’s racism on offer, and Mr. Meadows chose to flip out about an accusation instead. It appears that to him, accusations of racism are more dangerous than racist acts themselves.

With the Delta Fire exploding in size, fires in California are attracting national attention again. Read on to learn all the details about the current fires in California as of September 6, with a roundup of maps of the larger fires around the state, their containment levels, evacuation details, and where the fires are located. News is constantly changing, so call your local officials if you are concerned about evacuations near you. Interactive Maps of California Fires This map below is an interactive map of the more significant fires in California, consistently updated and provided by CAL FIRE and Google. Fires in red are active and fires in black are contained. Read the next section for details about the fires listed on the map. You may need to zoom into this map to see California up close. The California Governor’s office has another active fire map for comparison, which is embedded below. This map periodically is made available only to those with a login, so if it’s not available when you’re reading this story, it might be released to the public again later. This map includes a major incident summary for the day. Below is another active fire map from Google’s Crisis Map. Zoom in to see areas of interest. This map also includes fires in other states. Next are more specific details on the fires for September 6. The details are extensive, so if you are looking for a specific fire, search for the name so you can find it faster, or just scroll down and look at the fires, listed in alphabetical order. List of Active Fires in California as of September 6 Here are the active fires and updates about them, per CAL FIRE. Most of these are in alphabetical order, but newer fires not yet listed on the CAL FIRE map may be included in a separate section at the end. Alhambra Fire The Alhambra Fire is still listed on CAL FIRE’s map although it’s not technically a CAL FIRE incident. On August 17, Contra Costa County Fire’s public information office noted that forward progress of the fire had been stopped at 30 acres. No further updates have been posted since. Boot Fire The #BootFire is at 4,620 acres and 0% containment. Evacuations and road closures grew as today’s fire behavior was extreme. Structure protection is taking place throughout the night. https://t.co/JUTaFPH0lk pic.twitter.com/8q9k7dGfNu — Humboldt Toiyabe NF (@HumboldtToiyabe) September 6, 2018 CAL FIRE is helping Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest with this fire, which is off Highway 395 and Highway 108 in Sonora Junction (Mono County.) According to Inciweb (https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6190/), the fire is 4,620 acres and 3 percent contained as of September 6, and the cause is unknown. The #BootFire kicked up just to the SE of the 395/108 intersection earlier this afternoon in California’s Eastern Sierra. pic.twitter.com/Yt1EYBDKCn — Tracy Barbutes (@tracybarbutes) September 6, 2018 It’s nine miles southwest of Walker, California and 15 miles northwest of Bridgeport, California. Extreme fire behavior is still expected to the north, northwest, south, and east. Single family homes, campgrounds, a military training facility, utilities and power lines, and endangered species could be at risk, according to Inciweb. The following evacuations are in place as of September 6, according to Inciweb: Residents and campers have been evacuated by the Mono County Sheriff’s office and the California Highway Patrol from the following areas: Leavitt Meadows Campground Leavitt Meadows Pack Station Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center Devil’s Gate Pass Swauger Creek Fales Hot Springs Ranchers are being asked to be ready to move livestock away from U.S. Highway 395 and California State Route 108 if necessary. “The structures in Devil’s Gate Pass, Swauger Creek and Fales Hot Springs, four miles south of US 395 and CA SR 108 (Sonora Junction) are under a mandatory evacuation.” Because of the fire’s strong activity, evacuation details could change at any time. The fire information line, open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., is 775-720-9606. Other sites updating details about the fire include Visit Bishop (https://www.facebook.com/visitBishop) and Caltrans District 9 (https://www.facebook.com/Caltrans-District-9-178603062220478/) Delta Fire The Delta Fire has exploded in size in just a day. It’s now 15,294 acres after first being reported on September 5 at 12:51 p.m. local time near the Vollmers exit on I-5 north of Lakehead, California. The fire is 0 percent contained. It was initially three fires that merged into one fire. The fire continues to burn on both sides of I-5. It looks like there’s a chance that the Delta Fire and the Hirz Fire might ultimately merge, according to the interactive map below. Thursday 9/6 Latest VIIRS satellite hotspot data (orange squares) shows #Deltafire (left) and HirzFire (right) might merge. See "Legend" and "Map tips" links to get the most benefit from the map. Open interactive map: https://t.co/b0J0egrwRZ #GeoSpatial pic.twitter.com/aOFCzZFO61 — Joseph Elfelt (@MappingSupport) September 6, 2018 Here’s another Delta Fire map: Thursday 9/6 #DeltaFire. 15,294 acres per 10pm infrared flight last night + analysis by fire staff. See "Legend" and "Map tips" links to get the most benefit from the map. Open interactive map: https://t.co/hzQ679Pq88 #GeoSpatial pic.twitter.com/Nhl17kWX1w — Joseph Elfelt (@MappingSupport) September 6, 2018 And another, which shows its location in conjunction with the Hirz Fire: Mandatory evacuations have been issued by the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office “residents along the I-5 corridor between Lamoine north to the Shasta/Siskiyou County line,” Inciweb noted. Numerous structures are threatened by the fire. According to Inciweb, the following evacuations and closures are in place: “Northbound Interstate 5 is closed at the Fawndale exit approximately 10 miles north of Redding. Southbound Interstate 5 is closed 3.6 miles south of Mt. Shasta at Mott Rd. Motorists are advised to use an alternate route and avoid the area. “Shasta County Evacuations: Numerous structures are threatened, and the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office has issued mandatory evacuations for residents along the Interstate 5 corridor from exit 707 at Vollmers north to exit 714 at Gibson.. Follow the Shasta County Sheriff’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Shasta-County-Sheriffs-Office-1527637610823075/ “Siskiyou County Evacuations: The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office has issued an evacuation warning for all residents of Dunsmuir.<doc-sep>California’s Delta Fire has continued to spread, shutting down 50 miles of I-5 as passengers were forced to abandon their cars and flee to safety. The wildfire, which started near Lake Shasta last Wednesday, has already burned through 25 square miles. On Wednesday the fire spread more rapidly, burning through 15,000 acres in California’s Shasta County in just one day. As of Thursday morning, the Shasta County Sheriffs Office issued a mandatory evacuation order for residents living along Interstate 5 from exit 707 to 714. Residents of nearby Dunsmuir, Calif., have been told to be ready to evacuate as the wildfire shows no sign of slowing down due to weather conditions. The California wildfire map below shows how far the Delta fire has spread. Dry bush and low humidity has challenged firefighters as they attempt to tame the blaze. The cause of the fire is not yet known, but was listed as “human”- meaning it could have been accidental or purposely started. Fire officials say they expect the fire to spread further north towards Gibson, east towards Green Mountains and west towards Damnation Peak. Fire officials added that by Friday the wildfire could reach the area recently ravaged by the Hirz Fire, which is currently 75% contained. The California Interagency Incident Management Team assumed command over the Delta wildfire as of Wednesday. They posted an update on their website on Thursday afternoon and said it continued to grow aggressively with flame reaching 300 feet high. “Firefighters are working quickly to protect communities and structures immediately threatened by the fire. Dozers are being mobilized to construct fuel breaks and control lines north of the fire front to assist with protecting life and property. Aircraft will be used extensively for water and retardant drops in order to assist with protecting values at risk and slowing the fire’s progression.” Get The Brief. Sign up to receive the top stories you need to know right now. Please enter a valid email address. * The request timed out and you did not successfully sign up. Please attempt to sign up again. Sign Up Now An unexpected error has occurred with your sign up. Please try again later. Check the box if you do not wish to receive promotional offers via email from TIME. You can unsubscribe at any time. By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Thank you! For your security, we've sent a confirmation email to the address you entered. Click the link to confirm your subscription and begin receiving our newsletters. If you don't get the confirmation within 10 minutes, please check your spam folder. Write to Gina Martinez at gina.martinez@time.com.<doc-sep>NEW A vastly improved search engine helps you find the latest on companies, business leaders, and news more easily.<doc-sep>Interstate 5 will remain closed near Lake Shasta through the weekend because of an uncontained wildfire, a California Department of Transportation official said. On Sunday, the closure will be reevaluated, said agency spokeswoman Denise Yergenson. The closure covers 45 miles of I-5, between Fawndale Road, just south of Lake Shasta, and Mott Road, north of Dunsmuir. The Delta Fire, which began on Wednesday afternoon, had burned 36,970 acres (58 square miles) as of 6 a.m. Saturday, CalFire reported. The map above shows the perimeter of the Delta Fire as of Friday morning in red; its approximate perimeter early Saturday in yellow; and the perimeter of the older Hirz Fire in orange. The gray shade indicates the burn area of the Carr Fire, which was contained last week. (Click here if you can’t see the map on your mobile device.) The Delta Fire now abuts about two miles of the Hirz Fire’s perimeter, partly because of small fires that crews deliberately set in attempt to tie the two together. The strategy was intended to halt the Delta Fire’s spread north along the populated I-5 corridor. The Hirz Fire, a month old, has burned 46,150 acres (72 square miles) and is 89 percent contained. CalFire’s estimate of a full containment date for the Delta Fire is Sept. 22. Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued in Shasta County for the I-5 corridor from Vollmers to Gibson and in Trinity County for East Fork Road. Residents of Dunsmuir, 12 miles north of the fire, have been warned to be ready to leave. Related Articles Letters: No foresight | Critical look | Ban assault weapons | Overstating footprint | Witch hunts Concerns grow about potential wildfires in East Bay Livermore: Flynn Fire extinguished in Altamont Pass Northern California winemakers embrace fire fighting in early wildfire season Editorial: Congress must act on California wildfire prevention funding The Interstate 5 detour, which adds 70 miles and at least 90 minutes of driving time, is Highway 299 between Redding and Johnson Park, and Highway 89 between Johnson Park and Mount Shasta. Amtrak’s Coast Starlight service, on tracks that parallel I-5, has been disrupted at least through Saturday. Buses will carry passengers between Sacramento and Klamath Falls. Because of the Delta and Hirz fires, the Pacific Crest Trail is closed for 55 miles, between Ash Camp near Lake McCloud and Gumboot Trailhead, 12 miles west of Dunsmuir.<doc-sep>

The Delta Fire was just reported on September 5 at nearly 1 p.m. near the Vollmers exit on I-5 north of Lakehead, California. And in less than 24 hours, the fire’s size had exploded to more than 15,000 acres. This is partially because three fires merged into one fire, but also because the fire is extremely active at the moment. Read on to see interactive maps of the fire along with the latest details on the fire’s size, containment, and evacuations. Delta Fire Maps First, take a look at several general interactive maps of fires in California. For these, you can zoom in closer to see the Delta Fire specifically. Lakehead, where the fire is located, is near Redding, California. It will be in the northern part of a map of California wildfires. On the first map below, maintained by CAL FIRE, the Delta Fire is not one of the top three fires, but it’s just below the top two, located nearly on top of the Hirz Fire. The California Governor’s office has another active fire map for comparison, which is embedded below. Below is another active fire map from Google’s Crisis Map. Zoom in to see the Delta Fire. These aren’t your only interactive map options for the Delta Fire. Mapping Support is tracking the fire closely. Here is the latest interactive Delta Fire map from Mapping Support. Click on the link in the tweet below to see the map: Thursday 9/6 Latest VIIRS satellite hotspot data (orange squares) shows #Deltafire (left) and HirzFire (right) might merge. See "Legend" and "Map tips" links to get the most benefit from the map. Open interactive map: https://t.co/b0J0egrwRZ #GeoSpatial pic.twitter.com/aOFCzZFO61 — Joseph Elfelt (@MappingSupport) September 6, 2018 Thursday 9/6 #DeltaFire. 15,294 acres per 10pm infrared flight last night + analysis by fire staff. See "Legend" and "Map tips" links to get the most benefit from the map. Open interactive map: https://t.co/hzQ679Pq88 #GeoSpatial pic.twitter.com/Nhl17kWX1w — Joseph Elfelt (@MappingSupport) September 6, 2018 And here are some additional maps of the fire that are not interactive: Delta Fire Size & Containment The Delta Fire has exploded in size in just a day. It’s now 15,294 acres after first being reported on September 5 at 12:51 p.m., with 0 percent containment. The fire continues to burn on both sides of I-5. It looks like there’s a chance that the Delta Fire and the Hirz Fire might ultimately merge. The fire is located two miles north of Lakehead, California. The fire was caused by human activity, but no additional details are currently known. Delta Fire Evacuations According to Inciweb, the following evacuations and closures are in place: “Northbound Interstate 5 is closed at the Fawndale exit approximately 10 miles north of Redding. Southbound Interstate 5 is closed 3.6 miles south of Mt. Shasta at Mott Rd. Motorists are advised to use an alternate route and avoid the area. “Shasta County Evacuations: Numerous structures are threatened, and the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office has issued mandatory evacuations for residents along the Interstate 5 corridor from exit 707 at Vollmers north to exit 714 at Gibson.. Follow the Shasta County Sheriff’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Shasta-County-Sheriffs-Office-1527637610823075/ “Siskiyou County Evacuations: The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office has issued an evacuation warning for all residents of Dunsmuir. Call the 24-Hour Dispatch Center at (530) 841-2900 or the Dunsmuir Substation at (530) 235-2320 or 235-2232 with questions. Follow the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page: www.facebook.com/SiskiyouCountySheriff. An evacuation shelter is available at Mount Shasta Community Center at 629 Alder Street in Mount Shasta. A small animal shelter is available at the Mount Shasta Humane Society at 1208 North Mount Shasta Blvd. (530-926-4052.) The Delta Fire information line is 530-498-0953. There’s a high call volume to this line, so leave a message if someone doesn’t answer. READ NEXT: Containment & Maps for All the Fires in California Right Now

French defender Benjamin Pavard’s stunning volley against Argentina in the teams’ World Cup last 16 encounter has been voted goal of the tournament by football fans. More than 3 million people cast their vote on FIFA.com to choose the best strike at Russia 2018 from among 18 contenders. READ MORE: Russia's Cherchesov among Best FIFA Men’s Coach 2018 nominees There was tough competition as this summer’s World Cup saw some jaw-dropping strikes, including Cristiano Ronaldo’s glorious late free-kick against Spain, sublime efforts from Uruguay’s Edinson Cavani in his team’s last 16 win over Portugal, and some Denis Cheryshev wonder goals for hosts Russia in their run to the quarter-final stage. In the end, fans picked Pavard’s outside-of-the-foot pearler from the edge of the box against Argentina as the best of a brilliant bunch. With the French finding themselves 2-1 down to the Argentines in the 57th minute in Kazan, the ball fell to 22-year-old right-back Pavard on the edge of the box. He angled his body to unleash a curling, spinning volley through the Argentinian defense and into the top left-hand corner of the goal, leaving ‘keeper Franco Armani no chance despite being at full stretch. It was Pavard’s first goal at international level and helped Les Bleus go on to win 4-3 in a thrilling game thanks to a double from teenage star Kylian Mbappe. Describing the goal to FIFA.com after that game, Stuttgart defender Pavard said: “The ball bounced up as it came to me. I didn’t even think about it. I just tried to get over it and keep it down. “I was trying to hit it in the direction it came from, which is what the strikers always tell me. I didn’t think it over, and when it went in I just felt so happy.” He certainly succeeded, with fans voting the strike the best of all 169 goals at Russia 2018. The player himself tweeted his joy after the award was announced on Wednesday, writing: "Proud, honored, and always a little hard to believe. Thank you all for your posts." Fier, honoré, et toujours un peu de mal à y croire. Merci à tous pour vos messages 🙏🏻☄ #FiersdetreBleus 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/3QRMAJwaEV — Benjamin Pavard 21 (@BenPavard28) July 25, 2018 France went on to win the tournament, beating Croatia 4-2 in the final to seal their second World Cup title after their first on home soil in 1998. READ MORE: France 4-2 Croatia - Les Bleus ease past courageous Croatia to World Cup victory in Moscow Pavard becomes the first European player to claim the Goal of the Tournament award since its creation in 2006. Last time round in Brazil 2014 the accolade went to Colombia’s James Rodriguez for his stunning volley against Uruguay, while 2010 and 2006 also saw South American winners in Argentina’s Maxi Rodriguez and Uruguay’s Diego Forlan respectively.<doc-sep>Benjamin Pavard's impressive strike for France against Argentina has been voted as the top goal of the World Cup. More than three million votes from fans logged on FIFA's website gave the nod to Pavard over Juan Quintero's free kick against Japan. Pavard levelled the round-of-16 game for France against Argentina by striking the ball with the outside of his foot from distance, and the ball curled into the net. France went on to beat Argentina 4-3. France went on to win the tournament, beating Croatia in the final. "Proud, honoured, and always a little hard to believe," Pavard wrote on Twitter after the vote was announced on Wednesday. "Thank you all for your posts." Quintero's goal, voted in second place. came from a slow-rolling free kick under a jumping Japanese wall of defenders in the group stage. Luka Modric's long-range goal for Croatia against Argentina in the group stage was voted into third place.<doc-sep>FIFA have today announced their top ten goals of the World Cup, and for the most part the list is acceptable, but are a few questionable calls. FIFA left it to the fans to decide the ten best strikes in the tournament, with supporters voting Benjamin Pavard's goal against Argentina as the best goal of the World Cup. Juan Quintero's free kick against Japan surprisingly came in at number two, Luka Modric's long range strike against Argentina is the third most popular goal, with Ronaldo and Messi making up the rest of the top five. But there is no room on the top ten for Nacho's stunning strike against Portugal on the second day of the tournament: Advertisement Astonishing, the Spaniard's strike is miles better than Quintero's goal. The swerve, the precision, it even took a nick of both posts for Christ's sake! There is no justice in the world. Here is the top 10 in full: 10) Toni Kroos V Sweden 9) Ricardo Quaresma V Iran 8) Ahmed Musa V Iceland 7) Nacer Chadli V Japan Advertisement 6) Denis Cheryshev V Croatia 5) Lionel Messi V Nigeria 4) Cristiano Ronaldo V Spain 3) Luka Modric V Argentina 2) Juan Quintero V Japan 1) Benjamin Pavard Over 3 million people voted in the poll, and that Nacho's goal didn't even register in the top 10 is worrying indictment of democracy. You can watch all ten goals on FIFA's official Youtube channel here.<doc-sep>

Benjamin Pavard has won the official World Cup goal of the tournament. Pavard's stunning volley helped France past Argentina in the round of 16. The effort, played off the outside of his foot, levelled the game at 2-2, before his side went on to claim a 4-3 win. It helped propel France all the way to the final, where they lifted the World Cup with a 4-2 win over Croatia. Pavard racked up the most votes in an online FIFA poll which had over three million participants. (Image: REUTERS) (Image: REUTERS) (Image: FIFA via Getty) “The ball bounced up as it came to me. I didn’t even think about it. I just tried to get over it and keep it down," Pavard told FIFA.com. "I was trying to hit it in the direction it came from, which is what the strikers always tell me. "I didn’t think it over, and when it went in I just felt so happy.” Pavard won the goal of the tournament ahead of Juan Quientero's low free-kick for Colombia in the group stage against Japan, which was voted in second place. (Image: Clive Brunskill) (Image: AFP) (Image: Adam Pretty - FIFA) (Image: Getty) Luka Modric's strike for Croatia against Argentina in the group stages was voted the third best goal of the tournament. Pavard has become the first player in history from outside of South America to win the goal of the tournament. Created in 2006, Maxi Rodriguez of Argentina, Diego Forlan of Uruguay and James Rodriguez of Colombia have previously taken home the prize. Rodriguez went on to claim the prestigious FIFA Puskas Award for goal of the year in 2014.

Last week, we accepted the news that Kylie Jenner will knock Mark Zuckerberg from the top seat to become the youngest ever self-made billionaire. This despite the fact that the "self-made" title is a stretch for a woman who wouldn't be anywhere without her family's fame. This week, we accept the news that Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, just became the richest man in modern history. Champagne all around. Bloomberg reports that Bezos' net worth briefly broke the $150 billion mark Monday, right on the eve of Amazon Prime Day. No single human has been that rich since 1982, when Forbes started tracking rich people's wealth. Bill Gates came close during the dot com boom in the late '90s, but his wealth peaked at a mere $100 billion—that's about $149 billion now, with inflation. By the end of the day, Forbes reports that Bezos' wealth dipped back down to $149.7 billion when Amazon's shares fell. Still, Bezos is worth about $56 billion more than Gates. Much of Bezos' wealth comes from Amazon, which is why it fluctuates when Amazon's market shares fluctuate; he owns 16 percent of the company. He spends a lot of money on Blue Origin, which competes directly with SpaceX in space travel. He also owns The Washington Post. Nice work if you can get it. Bezos is less generous with his billions than Gates and Gates' foundation. However, he funded scholarships for DACA students this year, and he tweeted in April that he's planning to do more philanthropic work. Hey, that's a start, right? Sarah Rense Sarah Rense is the Lifestyle Editor at Esquire, where she covers tech, food, drinks, home, and more. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io<doc-sep>Jeff Bezos is now the world’s richest person in modern history, 5 things to know The Amazon founder also owns aerospace company Blue Origin, Washington Post and has invested in companies such as Twitter and Google. Atom Wealth As Amazon kicked off its biggest global sale – Prime Day, the company’s stock rose making its founder and CEO Jeff Bezos the richest man on the planet in modern history. He has overtaken the likes of Bill Gates and Warren Buffet in the process. Bezos was already the richest man in the world according to Bloomberg Billionaires Index, but Amazon’s rally on Monday made his net worth cross a whopping $150 billion. Thanks to the rapid expansion of Amazon across categories and continents, Jeff Bezos went from being a millionaire to a billionaire in just two years. But not all of Bezos’ wealth comes from Amazon. The tech entrepreneur has built himself an empire over the years. Here are five things to know: Who is Jeff Bezos? Born in 1964 in New Mexico, Bezos grew up in Houston, Texas. He graduated in computer science and electrical engineering from Princeton. Bezos always scored an A through high school, was the class valedictorian and got accepted to Princeton via early admission. The 54-year old lives in Seattle suburb of Medina. Bezos has three sons and one daughter they adopted from China. He worked at a hedge fund, which he quit in 1994 to sell books online, and that has grown today to become Amazon. How much is $150 billion? Jeff Bezos is followed by Microsoft founder Bill Gates, who is a distant second with a net worth of $93.5 billion, followed by Warren Buffet at $83 billion. To put it in perspective, Jeff Bezos is now three times richer than Mukesh Ambani, whose estimated net worth is $42.3 billion. Bezos’ net worth is more than the entire GDP of Croatia. Bezos and Amazon The inspiration for Amazon came to Bezos while he was on a road trip from New York to Seattle. It started as a portal that sold books online. In the last five years, Amazon’s market capitalisation has soared from $130 billion to roughly $890 billion, multiplying over six times. Its revenue hit $178 billion in 2017. In February, Amazon’s market value surpassed Microsoft, making it the third most valuable company in the world behind Apple and Google. Today, Amazon has over 310 million accounts online and sells everything from books, electronics to fashion and food. It also has a streaming business through Prime video and Prime Music and has an offline presence across the globe. Amazon has also made several large-scale acquisitions. In June 2016, it bought grocery chain Whole Foods for $13.7 billion, thus foraying into offline retail. Amazon also acquired live-streaming website Twitch as also IMDB, Zappos, Kiva Systems, Alexa, Fabric.com, Goodreads among others. The Bezos empire Apart from Amazon, Bezos also founded aerospace company Blue Origin in 2000. The company even successfully sent a test flight into space in 2015. Blue Origin is set to launch its second test mission of 2018 on Wednesday. In August 2013, Jeff Bezos bought The Washington Post' for $250 million through his company Nash Holdings. He also manages a venture capital fund called Bezos Expeditions, which invests in ventures across the world. Bezos is also reportedly building a $42 million clock inside a mountain in Texas, which will chime only once every 10,000 years. Bezos’ investments Through Bezos Expeditions, Jeff Bezos has invested in several companies. He invested $100 million in Grail, a company that is working on early cancer detection in 2016. He also invested $15 million in Twitter in 2008. He also reportedly invested $112 million in Airbnb in 2011 in his personal capacity. Bezos Expeditions’ has also invested in Business Insider and Stack Overflow besides being an angel investor in Google in 1998.<doc-sep>Three months after he bested Bill Gates on Forbes annual ranking of the world's billionaires, Jeff Bezos has increased his wealth — and the gap between the two tech leaders Jeff Bezos Is the Richest Man in the World with a Net Worth of $141 Billion (Sorry, Bill Gates!) Three months after he bested Bill Gates on Forbes annual ranking of the world’s billionaires, Jeff Bezos has increased his wealth — and the gap between the two tech leaders. According to Forbes, Bezos’ net worth is now $141 billion. When the list was published in March, his worth was listed as $112 billion. Gates currently has a net worth of $92.5 billion, a small increase from March, when it was at $90 billion. Get push notifications with news, features and more. Bezos, the Amazon CEO and founder, moved to the top of the list after Gates held the title of world’s richest man for four years in a row. In 2017, Gates had been in the first spot 18 out of the 23 years the list was printed. bill-gates Credit: Axel Schmidt/Pool/Getty; John Shearer/Getty This year, Bezos is the first and only person to ever grace the list with a 12-figure fortune to his name. And, as Forbes reported back in March, the gap was the biggest between the first and second spot since 2001 — even before this week’s new reported net worth numbers. RELATED VIDEO: Bill & Melinda Gates Reveal That They Unwind From Saving the World by Watching ‘This Is Us’ The top 5 of the world’s richest billionaires are rounded out by some other usual suspects, including, Warren Buffett at number 3, Bernard Arnault at number 4 and Mark Zuckerberg at 5.<doc-sep>

Click HERE if you’re having trouble viewing the gallery on your mobile device. With his net worth topping $150 billion, Jeff Bezos is now the wealthiest person in modern history. That’s according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which as of Tuesday showed that the Seattle-based Amazon CEO is more than $55 billion ahead of the world’s second-richest person, the Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, whose net worth stands at $95.3 billion. Bezos founded Amazon in 1994. The company has grown from an online bookseller to the world’s most valuable retailer and is also a massive cloud-computing company. Among Silicon Valley’s elite, Mark Zuckerberg is No. 4 on the list of wealthiest people. The CEO of Menlo Park-based Facebook was No. 3 just over a week ago, passing Omaha, Nebraska-based investor Warren Buffett. But because of the ups and downs of the stock market, Zuckerberg’s $82.8 billion net worth trailed Buffett’s $83 billion Tuesday. Larry Page and Sergey Brin, the co-founders of Mountain View-based Google, are Nos. 8 and 9 on the Bloomberg index, with net worths of $57.7 billion and $56.2 billion, respectively. Larry Ellison, Redwood City-based Oracle’s co-founder, is No. 10 with $54.8 billion. Bezos reached the $150 billion mark Monday, making him richer than anybody else since 1982, when Forbes first published its annual wealth ranking, according to Bloomberg. The Bloomberg index is a daily wealth tracker. Bezos reached his wealth milestone as Amazon on Prime Day — the company’s annual shopping holiday, when it slashes prices for Prime subscribers — resorted Monday to showing cute dogs to soothe those who encountered error messages on its site. Amazon tweeted that U.S. customers ordered more items in the first hour of Prime Day this year compared to the same hour of last year’s shopping holiday. In addition, the milestone coincided with thousands of Amazon warehouse employees in Europe going on strike, demanding better wages and working conditions. Amazon has long faced such protests. An Amazon spokeswoman said the company “provides a safe and positive workplace with competitive pay and benefits from day one.” As for Bill Gates, he would be worth about $150 billion today if it weren’t for his philanthropy, Bloomberg notes. Gates has donated almost 700 million Microsoft shares, $2.9 billion of cash and other assets since 1996, according to Bloomberg analysis. With Amazon’s stock up more than 55 percent so far this year, the net worth of Bezos — who also founded rocket company Blue Origin — has skyrocketed by $52 billion. That gain is worth more than the total wealth of Asia’s richest person, Alibaba Chairman Jack Ma. Bloomberg also noted that Bezos’s individual wealth almost equals the $151.5 billion controlled by the Waltons of Walmart fame, the world’s richest family. Get tech news in your inbox weekday mornings. Sign up for the free Good Morning Silicon Valley newsletter. Other names familiar to Silicon Valley also round out the list of the world’s wealthiest people. Elon Musk, founder of Palo Alto-based Tesla and Hawthorne-based SpaceX, is No. 42 with $20.5 billion. Dustin Moskovitz, Facebook co-founder, is No. 44 with $20.1 billion. And Laurene Powell Jobs comes in at No. 49 with $19.7 billion. Powell Jobs, founder of the Emerson Collective, businesswoman and philanthropist, is the widow of Steve Jobs, co-founder of Cupertino-based Apple.

SAN FRANCISCO — The City by the Bay could make history by electing its first African-American woman, Asian-American woman or openly gay man for mayor in a contest added to Tuesday's ballot after the unexpected death of Mayor Ed Lee in December. The leading candidates are London Breed, the African-American president of the Board of Supervisors who briefly served as interim mayor after Lee's death; Jane Kim, a San Francisco supervisor and daughter of Korean immigrants; and former state Sen. Mark Leno, who entered the mayor's race long before Lee's death, and who championed gay marriage statewide. It is the city's first competitive mayoral race in 15 years, and one without an incumbent. All three are Democrats, but Breed is backed by the establishment business community while Leno and Kim are favored by more liberal elements of the Democratic Party, including tenants and critics of tech companies such as Airbnb and Uber. The city has enormous wealth thanks to a flourishing economy led by the tech industry, but it's also plagued by rampant homelessness and deep pockets of poverty. A fourth candidate, Angela Alioto, served as a supervisor in the late 1980s and 1990s and her father, Joe, was mayor from 1968 to 1976. San Francisco uses a ranked-choice voting system. Voters rank their top-three candidates in order of preference. The candidates with the least votes are eliminated in rounds until there's a winner. How Ranked-Choice Voting Works Roque Ruiz John Artnz, the director of the Department of Elections in San Francisco, says a winner might not be known until Friday, which is also the state deadline for counties to receive ballots postmarked by June 5. "If it's very, very, very tight it might come down to every single ballot card," Artnz said. In 2010, Jean Quan became the mayor of nearby Oakland when she scored enough second- and third-place votes to beat the candidate with the most first-place votes. In this race, Kim and Leno are deploying a similar tactic and have asked supporters to vote for the other as their No. 2 choice on the ballot. The other candidates are Michelle Bravo, a massage therapist; Amy Farah Weiss, a homelessness activist; Republican businessman Richie Greenberg; and Ellen Lee Zhou, a public health worker who opposed recreational marijuana legalization.<doc-sep>Shortly before a tightly contested election for mayor, a new urban transit fad hit San Francisco. Three tech companies dropped electric scooters all over the city, calling them a sleek alternative to gas-powered automobiles. The two-wheelers careened down bike lanes and cluttered sidewalks. Complaints flooded in, the city confiscated hundreds of scooters and officials scrambled to figure out how to regulate the newcomers. “It’s like they’ve declared war,” said Mission resident Chantelle Davis, parking a scooter against a lamppost on Market Street on Thursday evening. Within minutes, someone else picked it up and rode off. In San Francisco, the war between transit companies and the city is nothing new. For the past decade City Hall has battled bike shares, ride-hail services, tech shuttles, electric skateboards and even delivery robots — all managed by private companies that swooped in before politicians could set rules for them. Transportation often gets overlooked in city political contests, but it’s become a fault line in the race among the four leading candidates: Supervisors London Breed and Jane Kim, and former Supervisors Mark Leno and Angela Alioto. Whoever wins the mayor’s seat will lead a city that’s constantly reacting to new forms of mobility — with a population that keeps growing, even if the width of the streets stays the same. “The mayor of San Francisco has a lot of influence over transportation,” said Jason Henderson, a professor at San Francisco State University who specializes in urban transportation and lives in Hayes Valley. He noted that the mayor appoints the entire board of directors of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. That board sets the budget and policy agenda, and has the power to make big, transformative decisions — like whether to add late-night bus service, or spend money on fleet repairs, or crisscross the city with new bike lanes. Yet few city officials invest their political capital to achieve these things. “Our city needs to increase bicycling and the capacity of Muni,” Henderson said. “We’ve got a climate plan that explicitly says, ‘Get cars out of this city.’ It’s easy to just throw your hands up and do nothing — and that’s when these private companies come in.” The four candidates all have ideas about how to make San Francisco less car-dependent in the future. And they all seem to agree that traffic congestion, fast-paced innovation and overburdened public transit are the most pressing transportation problems in San Francisco. The question is how much they’re willing to intervene. Breed urges a cautious approach to regulation. Jana Asenbrennerova / Special to The Chronicle “I gotta tell you, I like having access to Uber and Lyft, and delivery services like Postmates and Caviar,” Breed said. “But we don’t know how many of these things are operating in the city simultaneously.” She said the city should gather data on how many ride-hail and delivery vehicles are operating at any one time, and then consider a cap. Kim represents the downtown district, which seems to suffer the heaviest traffic, owing to explosive job growth and a subset of the population that commutes along Highway 101 to Silicon Valley every day. Last year she traveled to Europe to study congestion pricing models — charging tolls to unclog busy streets and roadways and then spending the money on public transit. Kim said she would support such methods in San Francisco. Leno favors taxing ride-hail companies such as Uber and Lyft. Alioto has the most radical idea: Turn a big swath of downtown into a giant, car-free piazza. “I think the area from Market and Battery streets all the way to Sutter and Mason streets should be car-free,” she said. “I’d stick by that.” All those proposals would probably cause controversy in a city that’s already deeply divided over how to share street space. To Susan Shaheen, co-director of the Transportation Sustainability Research Center at UC Berkeley, the divide is generational. Older people who didn’t grow up with smartphones and apps have been slower to adopt Uber, Lyft, bike shares and other app-based services. Younger urbanists are more likely to embrace them. “When we look at the users, they tend to be Millennials,” Shaheen said of newer transportation options, noting that younger people “are much more comfortable getting in a car with a stranger and using a rating system.” But transit innovations have also caused an ideological split in San Francisco. While some call them a useful and necessary alternative to cars, others say they are parasites, dumped onto the city by companies that don’t pay to use the public infrastructure. Leno has scathing words for the new e-scooters. “They have clearly bought into the philosophy of ‘break things,’ including the law,” he said, referring to Facebook’s famous “Move fast and break things” motto. Crowded streets aren’t the only bad side effect of San Francisco’s population boom in the past few years. More people means busier streets and a higher number of accidents. Traffic deaths jumped from 24 in 2010 to 30 in 2016. Last year marked the first significant dip, to 20 deaths, which officials attribute to the city’s Vision Zero prevention program started by Kim and other supervisors in 2014. City officials want to eliminate traffic fatalities altogether using the Vision Zero program, which combines public outreach with engineering: new crosswalk signals, protected bike lanes, training for drivers of large vehicles, and curb extensions to make pedestrians more visible. Jessica Christian / The Chronicle That’s a huge deal for groups like the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, which endorsed both Leno and Kim. “We want to make sure the next mayor is committed to Vision Zero,” said Brian Wiedenmeier, the coalition’s executive director. Yet even a seemingly innocuous public safety effort has caused discord in City Hall. The firefighters union — a prominent labor group that endorsed Breed — says that some of the widened curbs and bike lanes impede fire engines and ambulances. Union members want the fire marshal to have discretionary power to either modify or reject these safety improvements. Kim said no, she wouldn’t allow the Fire Department to override pedestrian safety. Alioto said yes, so long as the firefighters’ concerns “are real.” Breed and Leno played the middle, saying the fire marshal should be allowed to make recommendations, and that everyone should compromise. In addition to safety concerns, many residents are anxious about the social inequalities of San Francisco’s transportation system. Devices such as the motorized scooters — which get parked all over the city’s sidewalks — can obstruct people in wheelchairs or with mobility problems. And many of the private services are out of reach for people who don’t have smartphones and credit cards. All four candidates stressed the importance of giving every San Franciscan access to the roadways. And one way to do that is to pour more money into old-fashioned mass transit. Breed focused on Muni as a supervisor, carrying legislation to expand and replace Muni’s light-rail fleet, changing the seat configuration to fit more passengers on the N-Judah line and speeding up service along the 5-Fulton bus route. She also added trains to loop from Cole Valley to the Embarcadero during morning commute hours. “People loved it,” Breed said. “If you make Muni more reliable, people will use it.” Kim said that if elected mayor, she would add cars to the N-Judah and the J-Church Muni Metro lines, where riders pack shoulder-to-shoulder during rush hour. She also wants to expand ferry service, potentially connecting Fisherman’s Wharf to the San Francisco Shipyard project. Ferries “may be expensive,” she said, but they’re easier to build than other mass transit systems, because “you don’t have to build a new tunnel or track.” Leno has designs on a new subway, which he said could replace the proposed Bus Rapid Transit line along Geary Boulevard. He encouraged the city to consider going underground instead of continuing a bus project that interferes with the businesses along Geary. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle Alioto called for the most drastic changes. She wants to fire San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency Director Ed Reiskin and do a top-to-bottom audit of the agency. “My top transportation priority is to make Muni more efficient — add cars, get them to speed up repairs, and get the buses to the point where they’re really on time,” she said. “Muni needs a lot of tools, and that’s why I’m so upset with Reiskin.” SFMTA spokesman Paul Rose said the agency works with residents every two years “to identify what is important to them, and make the tough decisions to include what we can.” This year’s budget includes new Muni light-rail cars, a bus maintenance facility and anticipates the opening of the Central Subway, he said. But having a more functional Muni system is just one step in the long, tortuous process to get people out of their cars. There are many projects that may still be decades away, including the downtown extension of Caltrain, a northern extension of the Central Subway to North Beach and perhaps Fisherman’s Wharf, and a second transbay BART tube. All of them will cost billions of dollars. The candidates have proposed various funding mechanisms. Leno, who spent 14 years in the state Legislature, said he would probably take a “regional approach” to transportation planning, seeking funds from the state and federal governments. He and Breed have also floated the idea of a city vehicle license fee. Kim said she would support some kind of local revenue measure, though she was vague on details. She opposed Proposition K, a 2016 sales tax initiative that would have raised funding for public transit — Breed supported it. Alioto is mostly fixated on cutting waste from the SFMTA’s $1.2 billion annual budget. While the big mass transit projects plod along, residents brace for more innovations on the sidewalks and streets. The pace of technology is accelerating, and there’s lots of demand for small, light vehicles to move quickly across town. “Age of convenience, right?” joked Davis, the Mission District resident riding the e-scooter Thursday. She nodded toward Market Street — the spine of the city’s transportation network — where the downtown stretch is closed off to private cars. It’s now packed with bicycles, electric skateboards, overstuffed streetcars and motorized scooters. Meanwhile, on all the adjacent streets, traffic still inches along. Rachel Swan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rswan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rachelswan<doc-sep>

With San Francisco’s mayoral campaign clock ticking down, tracking polls show Board of Supervisors President London Breed remains the top choice for the most voters, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. Given San Francisco’s ranked-choice voting system, there’s still room for either Supervisor Jane Kim or former state Sen. Mark Leno to overtake Breed with second- or third-choice votes and come out the winner. “And that is why you have seen Kim and Leno campaigning together on TV, in the mail and on the street,” said longtime San Francisco political consultant John Whitehurst, who is not working with a candidate in Tuesday’s election. Kim and Leno’s “one-two strategy” is to ask their supporters to cast their first vote for their favored candidate and their second-choice vote for the other half of the team. The hope is that whoever places second behind Breed in the first-round count will get the needed boost to overtake her in the ranked-choice phase. “It’s unclear if it will work, but that is the plan they are executing,” Whitehurst said. “By far, Breed has the biggest field operation and the largest campaign out there — but the idea is that combined Kim and Leno campaigns could be even bigger.” The one-two strategy was first used in the 2010 Oakland mayoral election, when front-runner Don Perata, the former state Senate president pro tem, scored 35 percent of the first-place votes — only to be bested by Councilwoman Jean Quan in the subsequent ranked-choice count. Quan had encouraged supporters of Councilwoman Rebecca Kaplan and others to list her second, as part of an “Anybody but Don” campaign. When the second-choice votes were added in, Quan overtook Perata, 51 to 49 percent. The Oakland race, however, is different from the current San Francisco mayoral sweepstakes in one key aspect. Perata, while popular with a good portion of the voters, was disliked by even more voters — setting up that anyone-but-Perata dynamic. Eric Risberg / Associated Press Breed, on the other hand, has consistently polled favorably with voters, by a 2-1 margin. Polls also show Breed picking up a healthy portion of No. 2 votes from other candidates. Most insiders agree that, at this point, the result of Tuesday’s contest will depend on who actually votes. According to Whitehurst, vote-by-mail returns from the city’s Department of Elections show that 80 percent of the people who have cast ballots early are older than 40 — a demographic that would probably favor Leno, who has been in politics the longest, and Breed, who has the most active operation on the city’s more moderate West side. A big turnout of techies and other younger voters would probably favor Kim. “So far, however, the ‘new’ San Francisco has yet to turn out,” Whitehurst said. Either way — no one is ready to call the race. Revolving door: Psychiatrist Aaron Chapman got an unusual call from San Francisco probation officials the other day, alerting him that the man who had burglarized his Eureka Valley home 3½ years ago was about to be sentenced. “It really hit me out of the blue,” Chapman said. After all, Chapman hadn’t heard a word about burglar Phillip Benard since his arrest the day after the December 2014 break-in. It wasn’t the hardest case to crack. Benard had left behind a backpack containing his hospital release form and vials of medicine with his name printed on them. But then Benard isn’t the brightest of burglars. He has a lengthy sheet of burglary arrests and just as many releases from custody. The most notable case was in 2012 when, after being given a break by Community Court Judge Lillian Sing, Benard walked out of the courtroom and promptly broke into the judge’s car with two cops standing nearby. Gabrielle Lurie / The Chronicle Fast-forward to last week, when, after pleading guilty to felony burglary for a string of four break-ins in 2014 that included Chapman’s home, Benard was sentenced to six years in state prison. But with credit for time served, Benard will be eligible for release as soon as a bed is available for him to take part in a year-long, anti-recidivism residential treatment program. “If he violates the terms, he goes back to jail,” says district attorney spokesman Max Szabo. “And if he picks up another case, he would face three strikes, with the potential for 25 years to life in state prison.” Which would certainly put an end to the revolving door.

— Authorities said a body believed to be that of a missing 6-year-old Gastonia boy was found Thursday afternoon following an extensive search. Maddox Ritch was with his father, Ian Ritch, and another adult at Rankin Lake Park on Saturday when he ran ahead and vanished, police said. Crews discovered the body partially underwater at about 1 p.m. off Marietta Street/Old Dallas Highway, a little over one mile outside of the park, authorities said. During a news conference on Thursday afternoon, Gastonia Fire Chief Phil Welch said the area where the body was found had been searched numerous times by drone, ATV and foot patrol. "There is not a sense of accomplishment here today. There is grieving," Welch said. Maddox's parents have been notified of the discovery by law enforcement. During a news conference on Wednesday, Ian Ritch said that Maddox initially took off a little ways ahead, maybe "25 to 30 feet" before he went into a "major sprint." "I started worrying once I could not see him anyone," Ritch said. Ritch said he felt guilty for letting his son get so far ahead of him, but said Maddox loves to run. "It's torture. I just want my little boy back home. I want to give him a big hug as soon as I see him," Ritch said. Ritch, who has diabetes, said he has some trouble running but took off after his son. "He looked back at me and laughed like he normally does ... he slowed down a little then he paced himself back up," he said. Carrie Ritch, Maddox's mother, gave a brief statement during a news conference on Tuesday. "Maddox is my whole world and my reason for living," Carrie Ritch said. "His smile is so contagious, and his laughter is so precious." Authorities said everyone in Maddox's family was cooperating with the investigation, but that a lot of unanswered questions remain. "It is too early to suspect foul play," FBI Supervisor Jason Kaplan said. Kaplan said they still want to know where Maddox entered the water, but he would not say if there was trauma to his body, or if he was wearing the clothes he was last seen in. Maddox was autistic and nonverbal, which made the search for him even more difficult, authorities said. The FBI is offering a $10,000 reward for information in his disappearance. Authorities are urging anyone who was at the park to call 704-869-1075.<doc-sep>Federal officials say they believe remains found in a Gastonia highway are that of 6-year-old Maddox Ritch The days-long search for a missing 6-year-old boy in North Carolina ended in tragedy on Thursday when officials found what they believed to be the child’s body in a creek just one mile from the park where he disappeared. Gastonia police confirmed the news to PEOPLE in a statement, revealing that a body believed to be that of the 6-year-old was found around 1 p.m. near a highway in Gastonia. The body will be identified by the medical examiner’s office. Maddox’s parents, Ian and Carrie Ritch, have been notified of the discovery. Get push notifications with news, features and more. “The chief and I saw Maddox and it is absolutely amazing that he was found,” FBI agent Jason Kaplan said during a Thursday press conference of “how camouflaged” the body was. “It was extremely difficult to see him even when we were standing right next to him. He was in the creek, in water. Partially underwater.” Kaplan said it is “too early” to say whether foul play is suspected. Although a medical examiner will confirm the identity of the remains, Kaplan said it is “reasonable to say that it’s [Maddox]. maddox-ritch-2 Credit: Gastonia Police Department Maddox, who has autism and limited verbal skills, was walking with his father and another adult at the park around 1:30 p.m. local time on Saturday when he took off running. More than a dozen agencies participated in the search, even enlisting the help of divers to search the lake. The remains were found in about two or three feet of water in Long Creek, just one mile east of Gastonia’s Rankin Lake Park. Gastonia fire chief Phillip Welch said Maddox could not have been swept into the creek from the lake due to a screen in the discharge area. Welch added that it is possible Maddox walked under fencing around the park to get to the creek. It is unclear how he got into the creek. “You would not believe the number of times we’d been over and over the same areas,” Welch said, noting that the area Maddox was found had been searched “numerous” timed. “We were searching on the presumption that he could have moved around. We had new eyes every day in the same areas.” IR1 Ian (left) and Maddox Ritch | Credit: Courtesy Ian Ritch Maddox’ s father Ian Ritch previously told PEOPLE that he and his friend were walking with Maddox near the lake that afternoon when the playful boy took off running behind a jogger. It was common for Maddox to run around, so Ian allowed the boy to jog ahead for fun, he said. But when Maddox began running faster, Ian said he took off after him and wasn’t able to catch up with his son before losing sight of the boy. He told PEOPLE that he began to lose hope that search teams would find the boy okay. “I was thinking he was lost in the woods, now I’m not so sure,” Ian told PEOPLE on Tuesday. “They’ve been looking for days and haven’t found anything. I’m starting to worry. It’s been too long. They had so many search and rescue [teams] that they should have found him by now.” maddox-ritch-1 Credit: FBI Kaplan said the investigation is not over and authorities are looking to speak with everyone who was at the park that day. They are working to determine how Maddox got into the lake and how he died. Authorities offered a $10,000 reward for Maddox’s recovery. City officials confirmed to PEOPLE that both Carrie and Ian were cooperating with police in the investigation. As the search continued, some questioned Ian’s account of the fateful day. But the grieving father said he did all he could to find his son. “I was terrified. I didn’t know which direction he went, so I looked as hard as I could, I went different ways and everything,” Ian said in the day’s before the tragic discovery. “I tried to find him. People are making it out like I did something to him. I would never hurt my little boy. I love him to death and I just want him back.” On Tuesday, Maddox’s mother, Carrie Ritch, spoke through tears at a press conference as she pleaded for help to find her son.<doc-sep>

EMBED >More News Videos Maddox Ritch, a 6-year-old with special needs, has been missing since Sept. 22. His father Ian spoke to ''Good Morning America'' about his guilt and the day his son went missing. GASTONIA, N.C. -- Search crews discovered Thursday a body believed to be missing 6-year-old Maddox Ritch, a little more than one mile from where his father had last seen him.In an emotional news conference after the discovery, Gastonia Police Chief Robert Helton tearfully told reporters, "this is not the end that we had hoped for. "Rankin Lake Park will remain closed until police can answer questions about what exactly happened after Maddox, who is autistic and nonverbal, went missing.FBI supervisor Special Agent Jason Kaplan said at the news conference that the investigation is not over. "You should not take away anything from that except to understand that, in law enforcement, we will not take anything for granted," he said. "So there is a lot of work and a lot of people who have lost a lot of sleep committed to continuing to making sure we answer every question that we can about where Maddox was, how his movement occurred and how it was that he ended up where he did. "He added that it was amazing that Maddox was found. "It was extremely difficult to see him even when we were standing right next to him," Special Agent Kaplan said.Authorities said the depth of water was about 2-3 feet where the body was found, but there are various depths in the creek. He was partially submerged in the water.FBI officials said it is too early to say whether foul play was a factor.Police still want to talk to witnesses who were in the park on Saturday, the day Maddox disappeared. Specifically, authorities said they want to talk to a man who was loading a silver kayak into a white truck. The man was reportedly wearing a camouflage hat.Maddox went missing on Saturday, Sept. 22, at Rankin Lake Park in Gastonia. The city released a 911 call made by a park employee.According to the boy's father, Ian Ritch, Maddox was about 25 feet to 30 feet away before he broke into a sprint just as a jogger passed them. The father said he is a diabetic and, because he has neuropathy in his feet, he has trouble running. "He likes running," Ritch said. "I couldn't catch up with him. I feel guilty for letting him get so far ahead of me before I started running after him. "Formal identification of the body will be done by the medical examiner's office.

This is the page to watch for results from the August 2018 Minnesota primary election. HERE ARE NOVEMBER 2018 MINNESOTA GENERAL ELECTION RESULTS MINNESOTA PRIMARY ELECTION NEWS It’s Walz vs. Johnson for MN governor after stunning upset of Pawlenty Former Republican Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty has conceded the gubernatorial primary to Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson. Among Democrats, the state party called the primary victory for U.S. Rep. Tim Walz over state Rep. Erin Murphy and Attorney General Lori Swanson. Trailblazer Ilhan Omar wins DFL race for 5th Congressional District; McCollum set for rematch with Ryan in 4th Ilhan Omar, a Somali immigrant who drew national attention two years ago by becoming the first Somali-American elected to a state Legislature, won the DFL primary for Minnesota’s 5th District by drawing 48 percent of the vote. Keith Ellison secures DFL attorney general nomination; Wardlow wins Republican nod Democratic attorney general candidate Keith Ellison dominated the race for his party’s nomination Tuesday, despite eleventh-hour domestic abuse allegations that threatened to derail his campaign. Endorsed candidates Housley, Newberger, Klobuchar and Smith win U.S. Senate nominations The candidates who were endorsed by the Republican and Democratic-Farmer-Labor parties in June cruised through Tuesday’s primary election. Renter-rights candidate Mitra Jalali Nelson wins St. Paul City Council seat as Ramsey County votes even bluer than usual In St. Paul, a candidate who ran for office on the rare platform of renters’ rights won a seat on the St. Paul City Council, outpacing a longstanding homeowner in the city’s northwestern neighborhoods. Incumbents hold off challengers in Minnesota House primaries Minnesota House incumbents had a good primary election night Tuesday. She alleged sexism on West St. Paul council; now she’s on ballot. And here’s who advanced in Washington County Voters narrowed the field for two seats on the Washington County board and voted in four municipal elections in Dakota County. Turnout was high — and nearly twice as many vote Democratic than Republicans in governor’s race “The last relatively high turnout we had in a primary was in 2010, and I have no doubt we’re going to blow by that,” said Ramsey County Elections Manager Joe Mansky. South St. Paul election judge removed, accused of telling voters to avoid a candidate An election judge in Dakota County was removed from his duties Tuesday afternoon after a voter in South St. Paul reported that the judge was telling voters not to vote for a certain city council candidate.<doc-sep>MINNESOTA — Come November, eyes across the nation will be watching the Land of 10,000 Lakes and a number of high-profile political battles for governor and two Senate seats. In an election-night stunner, Republican candidate for governor Jeff Johnson soundly defeated former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlent y. Johnson currently serves as a Hennepin County commissioner. Both Johnson and Pawlenty ran staunchly conservative campaigns and vowed to support policies set forth by the Trump administration. Walz and Johnson will face off in November. Walz's running mate, Peggy Flanagan, would become the first Native American to serve as lieutenant governor in Minnesota if elected. Within an hour of Minnesota polls closing Tuesday, the four Senate races were called. Incumbent Senator Amy Klobuchar and appointed Senator Tina Smith won the Democratic nomination in their respective races. Sign Up For Patch's Daily Newsletter and Breaking News Alerts in Your Neighborhood Quickly following Senate results were the races called for U.S. House. Klobuchar will run for her third term in the U.S. Senate. Smith will run in the special election held to replace Al Franken, who resigned from the Senate in January amid sexual misconduct allegations. Republican Jim Hagedorn won the nomination for U.S. House in the First District. He will face Democrat Dan Feehan . won the nomination for U.S. House in the First District. He will face . Republican Rep. Jason Lewis will face Democrat Angie Craig in the Second District. will face in the Second District. Democrat Dean Phillips won the nomination for U.S. House in the Third District. He will face Republican Rep. Erik Paulsen. won the nomination for U.S. House in the Third District. He will face Democrat Rep. Betty McCollum won the nomination for U.S. House in Fourth District. She will face Republican Greg Ryan . won the nomination for U.S. House in Fourth District. She will face . Democrat Ilhan Omar won the nomination and will seek to replace outgoing Fifth District Rep. Keith Ellison in Congress. Omar will face Republican Jennifer Zielinski . won the nomination and will seek to replace outgoing Fifth District Rep. Keith Ellison in Congress. Omar will face . Republican Rep. Tom Emmer won the nomination for U.S. House in the Sixth District. He will face Democrat Ian Todd . won the nomination for U.S. House in the Sixth District. He will face . Democratic Rep. Collin Peterson will face Republican Dave Hughes in the Seventh District. will face in the Seventh District. Donald Trump-endorsed candidate Pete Stauber won the Republican nomination for U.S. House in Minnesota's Eight District. He will face Democrat Joe Radinovich. Attorney General Typically a low-profile race, the contest for Minnesota's attorney general became the subject of national news just days before the primary. Democratic congressman and candidate for attorney general Keith Ellison denied an allegation that he physically abused his ex-girlfriend. A man claiming to be the son of Karen Monahan, who was in a relationship with Ellison for years, posted the allegation on Facebook Saturday. Despite the allegation, Ellison won the Democratic primary for attorney general Tuesday. He will face Republican Doug Wardlow. Primary voting at a historic high in Minneapolis With the final tally in the primary completed, Minneapolis served a total of 93,534 voters. That's the city's highest turnout in a midterm primary since 1970. Early turnout during the 46-day absentee balloting period remained steady, resulting in a total of 14,994 ballots. Absentee ballots accounted for nearly 16 percent of total turnout this year, a sizable increase compared to prior midterm election years: 6.5 percent in 2010 and 13.5 percent in 2014. Absentee balloting accounted for just 13.2 percent of total turnout in the 2016 primary presidential election. Despite growth in early voting, the majority of voters continued to cast ballots on the day of the primary. A total of 78,540 ballots were cast at the polls Tuesday, accounting for 84 percent of the final tally. MINNESOTA — Voters across the Land of 10,000 Lakes will head to the polls Tuesday in a primary that's expected to feature close results and high turnout. Early absentee voting is up more than 150 percent from the same time in 2016, election officials announced last week. Voters will see a jam-packed ballot featuring a governor's race, two Senate races, races for the U.S. House, and more. The winners in the August primary will represent their parties in the general election on Nov. 6. Polls are open statewide until 8 p.m. Tuesday. Few hiccups at the polls: A poll worker at Saint Paul's Summit Church told Patch just after 8 a.m. things there were fairly slow, but it's expected to pickup later. By 8:20 a.m. a small line had already begun to form. Subscribe to free News Alerts for election results. Voters across the metro are so far reporting few, if any lines at the polls. "No wait at [Centennial] Methodist, but I got to vote for a woman for Governor!" Shannon Cunningham, of Roseville, told Patch on Facebook. "No - breezed right through," said Erin Murray Brumm. "Walked right in.. in and out in less than 5 minutes. Precinct 16 at SLPMiddle School," wrote Sue Carmany Mack. "Precinct 9 - Prince [of] Peace. No lines and very friendly election judges!" said Kari Pfeiffer. Are there lines at your polling location? How long did you have to wait to vote? Let us know in the comments! Residents in the Twin Cities should expect mostly clear conditions when they head to the polls Tuesday. It will be partly sunny with a high near 82, according to the National Weather Service. There will be a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. For voting information and help, call state officials at: Metro Area: (651) 215-1440 Greater MN: 1-877-600-VOTE (8683) MN Relay Service: 711 Trump's late push Looking to influence the outcome in Minnesota's Eighth Congressional District, President Donald Trump gave his full support to Republican House primary candidate Pete Stauber. "Pete Stauber is running for Congress in Minnesota. He will make for a great Congressman," Trump tweeted Monday afternoon. "Pete is strong on crime and borders, loves our Military, Vets and Second Amendment. Vote for Pete tomorrow. He has my full and total Endorsement!" Stauber faces off against fellow Republican Soren Sorensen Tuesday. Voting in the primary Minnesota Patch readers sounded off on Facebook about why they're motivated to vote in this year's primary. "The realization that too many years of not paying enough attention have brought us to the current situation," wrote Padruig Maclennan. "Blue wave," said Jackie Lucy Speich. "Keeping [Trump's] agenda," wrote Steven Jones. "Because freedom is too precious to leave to chance," writes Wesley Brian. "Already voted on an absentee ballot, I want to make sure my voice is heard," says Madelyn Lewis. "So I can have my say, albeit a very small one, in how things are run," notes Erik Unstad. "I am a true believer that if you don't vote, you have no reason to complain when you don't like the results," wrote Melinda Nygaard-Adams. Two Senate races In a highly unusual wrinkle this election cycle, Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Sen. Tina Smith are both running. After Al Franken resigned from the Senate in January amid a slew of sexual misconduct allegations, Gov. Mark Dayton appointed Smith, then the lieutenant governor, to Franken's seat. Franken said it was ironic he was forced out of the Senate while Trump remained in office. "There is some irony that I am leaving while a man who bragged on tape about his history of sexual assault sits in the Oval Office, and a man who preyed on young girls runs for Senate with the full support of his party," he said on the Senate floor back in December. Read more: Franken Resigns: 'Ironic' I'm Leaving While Trump Is In Office Minnesota law requires Smith to run in a special election this year. The winner in November will serve out the remainder of Franken's term. Candidates for U.S. Senator (Special election for Al Franken's seat) Republicans Nikolay Nikolayevich Bey Bob Anderson Karin Housley Democrats Christopher Lovell Seymore Sr. Gregg A. Iverson Tina Smith (appointed incumbent) Nick Leonard<doc-sep>article The numbers are in for the primary races for elected offices across Minnesota. DFL Governor Primary: Congressman Tim Walz is the projected winner in the DFL primary race for governor. Both Representative Erin Murphy and Attorney General Lori Swanson conceded in the race. In the DFL race for governor the candidates are Representative Erin Murphy, Congressman Tim Walz and Attorney General Lori Swanson. Murphy is the DFL-endorsed candidate and former Majority Leader of the Minnesota House of Representatives. Walz was first elected to the House in 2006. Swanson, the state's first woman attorney general, is in her third term. Swanson is also facing allegations that she misused employees in her office to help with her political work. GOP Governor Primary: In the GOP primary race for governor, Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson defeated former two-term Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty. Johnson was the GOP-endorsed candidate. Attorney General Primary: Congressman Keith Ellison is the projected winner in the DFL race for attorney general. In the GOP primary, Representative Doug Wardlow won the race. He was the GOP-endorsed candidate. After not getting the DFL endorsement, Attorney General Lori Swanson dropped out of the attorney general race and instead is running for governor. For the attorney general primary, Minneapolis attorney and DFL activist Matt Pelikan received the DFL endorsement. The other DFL candidates included Congressman Keith Ellison, former Minnesota Commissioner of Commerce Mike Rothman, Representative Debra Hilstrom, and Ramsey County attorney Tom Foley. Earlier this week, Ellison responded to allegations of domestic abuse. Fifth Congressional District Primary: Representative Ilhan Omar is the projected winner in the DFL race for the Fifth Congressional District. In 2016, Omar became the first elected Somali-American Muslim legislator elected to U.S. office. On the GOP side, Jennifer Zielinski won the race. She was the GOP-endorsed candidate. She is a former candidate for the District 6 representative for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. Congressman Keith Ellison is vacating his seat in the Fifth Congressional District as he is running for Attorney General. Among those running in the DFL primary include Representative Ilhan Omar, former Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives Margaret Kelliher and State Senator Patricia Torres Ray. Kelliher ran for governor against Mark Dayton in 2010, but lost in the primary by less than one percent. Torres Ray was first elected in 2006 and is the former Majority Whip. First Congressional District Primary: Iraq War vet Dan Feehan won the DFL primary, while Jim Hagedorn won in the GOP race for the First Congressional District. Both were the endorsed candidates for their respective parties. Hagedorn ran for this seat against Walz in 2016 and lost by a narrow margin. With a run for governor, Congressman Walz vacated his seat in the First Congressional District. Eighth Congressional District Primary: Pete Stauber is the projected winner in the GOP race for the Eighth Congressional District. Stauber, the St. Louis County Commissioner, was the GOP-endorsed candidate. Vice President Mike Pence visited Duluth to campaign for Stauber. In the DFL primary, former Representative Joe Radinovich beat former Duluth news anchor Michelle Lee. Congressman Rick Nolan announced he would not run again for his seat in the Eighth Congressional District, and then joined Attorney General Swanson in the gubernatorial race, running as her lieutenant governor. U.S. Senate Special Primary: Incumbent Senator Tina Smith won the DFL, while State Senator Karin Housley won the GOP race in the special primary for U.S. Senate. Senator Tina Smith was sworn in after Al Franken resigned due to allegations of sexual misconduct. In the Senate race, Smith was the DFL-endorsed candidate. Smith beat out longtime Republican turned Democrat Richard Painter, who worked in the George W. Bush administration.. Advertisement State Senator Karin Housley was the GOP-endorsed candidate and was first elected to State Senate in 2012.<doc-sep>

Voters are heading to the polls on Tuesday for unusually dramatic Minnesota primary elections. Two major Democratic candidates in statewide campaigns — Lori Swanson for governor and Keith Ellison for attorney general — have serious allegations hanging over their races. Swanson, the current state attorney general, has been accused of using employees in her office for political work, while Ellison, the current representative for Minnesota’s Fifth Congressional District, has been accused of abuse by an ex-girlfriend. (He denies the abuse and the claims haven’t been independently substantiated.) Beyond the governor’s and attorney general’s race, there are competitive fields in the primaries for US Senate and House. Newly appointed Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) is running her first race, but also is facing a primary challenge. With a handful of competitive congressional seats, the state could also be critical in the battle for control of the House in the 2018 midterm elections. Two longtime Democratic Congress members in more conservative districts are running for governor and lieutenant governor, leaving open seats that give Republicans a few of their only chances to win House districts from Democrats. But Democrats also have openings to pick up a few seats, in their quest for a House majority. Polls close at 9 pm ET. Vox has live results below, powered by Decision Desk. Minnesota governor: Democrat Mark Dayton is retiring, leaving an open seat Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton is retiring, and there’s a sizable field of candidates lining up to replace him. On the Democratic side, there’s a competitive three-way race between US Rep. Tim Walz, state Rep. Erin Murphy, and state Attorney General Lori Swanson. Walz and Swanson look like the frontrunners in this race: a July NBC News/Marist poll found 28 percent of Minnesota primary voters favored Swanson, 24 percent supported Walz, and 11 percent backed Murphy — a progressive candidate running on Medicare-for-All. Walz represents a more conservative part of the state in Congress, and is being forced to reckon with his past stance on guns — one that had earned him an A rating from the National Rifle Association. Swanson is also facing allegations she had staff in the attorney general’s office do political work for her. On the Republican side, the race is on between former Gov. Tim Pawlenty and former state Rep. Jeff Johnson, who ran for governor unsuccessfully in 2014. On the Republican side, Pawlenty has more name recognition and campaign cash than Johnson, reflected in his 19-point polling lead in the NBC News/Marist poll. But the former govenror also has some vulnerabilities; notably, his establishment ties (he’s worked as a lobbyist after leaving the governor’s mansion in 2011) and his disavowal of President Trump, which could hurt him with Trump voters in the state. As for the general election — the nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates this a toss-up, but the NBC poll found Pawlenty trailing all three Democratic contenders. Minnesota Senate: new Sen. Tina Smith vies for first re-election Sen. Tina Smith, Minnesota’s the former lieutenant governor whom Dayton appointed to Senate in wake of Al Franken’s resignation after a sexual misconduct scandal, is running again. She’s got some primary competition from former Bush administration official Richard Painter. There are two Republicans vying for the spot to challenge Smith: State Sen. Karin Housley faces dental technician and first-time candidate Bob Anderson. The polling so far looks good for Smith and Housley. As for the general election, this race looks to be comfortably in Democratic territory. Cook rates it Likely Democratic. Smith has kept her head down and voted with the Democratic caucus as a freshman senator, and she was already popular in the state before being appointed. Smith has a 9-point lead in a hypothetical matchup with Housley, according to the latest polling average from RealClearPolitics. Minnesota attorney general: Keith Ellison allegations hang over primary Update: Keith Ellison has been declared the winner of the Minnesota Attorney General Democratic primary. There’s a crowded, five-person race for attorney general on the Democratic side. The attorney general race is usually sleepy, but this one has been shaken up by allegations that Democratic candidate and US Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) abused his ex-girlfriend. On the Republican side, former state Rep. Doug Wardlow and former state Sen. Robert Lessard are running. There aren’t many available polls for this race, but the state has only elected a single Republican attorney general since 1955 ... so it seems safe to say the eventual Democratic candidate is favored to win.

IPL 2019 | I’ll be First One to Hang My Boots When Time Comes: Yuvraj At 37 years of age, very few people expected Yuvraj Singh to draw the interest of teams at the IPL-12 auctions before Mumbai Indians gave him a much-needed lifeline by bringing him on board for INR 1 crore. The faith that Mumbai showed in the swashbuckling Punjab batsman was partially redeemed when the veteran blazed a 35-balls 53 in their opening IPL-12 tie against Delhi Capitals. Although Yuvraj’s knock failed to lift his side to a win, his debut performance for Mumbai Indians showed that the fire to perform still burns bright. “The last two years, have been up and down (for me). And I could not decide on what to do,” Yuvraj, who was the top-scorer in Mumbai’s 37-run loss, told the media on Sunday night. “I have been speaking to Sachin (Tendulkar) as well and he has gone through that time when he was 37-38-39 (and how he felt). Talking to him makes things easier for me. And I am just playing because I enjoy playing cricket pretty much,” he added. Yuvraj was released by the Kings XI Punjab last year after scoring just 65 runs in six innings in 2018. This was also his first IPL fifty since scoring 70 not out against the Delhi franchise in the 2017 season. The Punjab southpaw is not prepared to take a call on his cricketing career yet. “When the time comes, I will be the first one to hang my boots,” the 37-year-old said. “The main thing for me was why I played the game when I started off. I played the game because I enjoyed playing cricket. When I enjoyed playing cricket, I was not playing for India. I was playing for U-14s and U-16s. So till the time, I enjoy playing cricket, I am going to play,” he added. Mumbai is Yuvraj’s sixth IPL team after Kings XI Punjab, Pune Warriors, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Delhi Daredevils and Sunrisers Hyderabad. He was pleased to start the new journey with a fifty under her belt. “I decided to take my time out there, wickets were falling around me. If I took a chance early we were going to end up wrapping up early. I am happy with the way I was hitting the ball. The most important is winning the game, we’ll learn from the mistakes,” Yuvraj said about his knock on Sunday. Yuvraj, who has played in 129 IPL games so far for 2705 runs with 13 fifties and strike-rate of 130, was pleased to bat at the crucial No. 4 position for MI. “I have been batting No. 4 in last 6-7 years of my career. I have been playing for a long time, so they (MI) know what responsibility to give me. It went well today, hopefully runs will look good if I can win the game for the team,” he said. The MI batsman felt that it was a ‘180-190’ track at Wankhede and Delhi Capitals’ 213 was a match-winning total. “Losing Rohit (Sharma) early and the way (Quinton) De Kock was going but got out and then Pollard also was dismissed early, we couldn’t get any partnerships going. It was a 180-190 sort of a wicket. 213 was a match-winning score, Delhi has got a good bowling attack,” he said. Yuvraj was also full of praise for fellow southpaw Rishabh Pant, who blazed 78 off just 27 balls with seven sixes and seven fours. “I can’t comment on (World Cup) selection but Rishabh was outstanding. He had an outstanding season last year as well. He has been playing well in the Test matches, scored two hundreds overseas which shows his talent. It’s important that we groom him well, hopefully he’ll be next big thing for us,” he said about Pant. Finally on the young Jammu & Kashmir paceman Rasikh Salam, who made his debut for MI on Sunday at the age of just 17, Yuvraj said, “Rasikh the day he came in the nets, everybody was really impressed by him, the way he swung the ball. The confidence that he showed, that’s the reason why guys decided to play him. He swings the ball and got hit for 6 and 4 in the last two balls but apart from that if you see he bowled really well for his first game. He is going to be really special in the next 2-3 years.”<doc-sep>On Sunday evening, India’s 2011 World Cup victory hero, Yuvraj Singh began his IPL 2019 season with a blistering knock. Yuvraj was purchased by the Mumbai Indians franchise for INR 1 crore at the auctions last year. Though Mumbai Indians ended up on the losing side, cricket fans were delighted to see the southpaw back in action. Chasing a target of 214 runs, Mumbai Indians team failed to build good partnerships. Yuvi was the only batsman from the MI side to score a half-century. He scored 53 runs off 35 balls, hitting 5 fours and 3 towering sixes. In the end, Mumbai Indians fell short of 37 runs, registering their first defeat of the season. For his fantastic knock, Yuvraj was awarded the ‘FBB Stylish Player of the Match’. “I took my time there. The wickets were falling and I thought if I take chance early, we want to end getting close to the game, so I just took my time. I am happy with the way I was hitting the ball”, said Yuvraj during the post-match conference. “We really couldn’t get partnerships going. Had we got 20-30 partnerships, we could have got more close to the game.”, he added. Yuvraj also told reporters that last 2 years has been up and down for him and talking to Sachin Tendulkar has been a big help. “When the time comes, I will be the first one to hang up my boots. I spoke to Sachin as well and he has gone through such a time at 38-39. Talking to him makes things easier for me”, Yuvi further added. Earlier, Rishab Pant with his power hitting (78 runs off 27 balls) helped Delhi Capitals to set a score of 213 runs. Mumbai Indians will play their next game against Virat Kohli led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on March 28.<doc-sep>IPL 2019: Yuvraj Singh lauds Harbhajan Singh for a scintillating show in the season-opener Bhajji returned with the figures of 3/20 and deservedly won the Man of the Match. The first match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 saw Chennai Super Kings (CSK) rout rivals Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by 7 wickets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. This all happened as RCB were demolished for 70 runs while batting first on a rank turner. MS Dhoni was smart enough to play with three spinners on a dry pitch and it helped that he won the toss and chose to bowl first. The decision proved to be a good one when Harbhajan Singh spun a web around the RCB batting and picked 3/20 in powerplay overs. Imran Tahir then returned with the figures of 3/19 and with Jadeja picking 2/15, RCB had no chance to make a comeback in the game. Singh is King The 38-year-old veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh awed many by his guile and loop imparted on the ball on a slow pitch that saw only Parthiv Patel reaching double figures. Bhajji picked up the all-important wickets of Virat Kohli, Moeen Ali and AB de Villiers on Sunday as RCB suffered a massive collapse. His Punjab and India teammate Yuvraj Singh, who will turn out for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2019, took to Twitter and wished his mate with a message which read, “Form is temporary class is forever! Singh is king @harbhajan_singh.” Form is temporary class is forever ! Singh is king @harbhajan_singh — yuvraj singh (@YUVSTRONG12) March 23, 2019 “It is nice to be on the winning side and contributing, especially taking the wickets of Virat (Kohli), AB (de Villiers) and Moeen (Ali)…top-order batters. This is the kind of performance that is expected from me, being the senior bowler in the side,” Harbhajan Singh was quoted as saying while receiving the Man of the Match award. Yuzvendra Chahal bowled a dream spell of four overs, giving away 6 runs and picking the wicket of Shane Watson while defending a meagre total. But the Royal Challengers Bangalore, who opted for two spinners, just didn’t have enough of them to make any difference on this pitch and the runs their bowlers were defending were paltry. [interaction id=”5c94cb23ffabcf4ae015b4e1″]<doc-sep>Impressed with his composure and control over his swing, former India batsman Yuvraj Singh said J&K young fast bowler Rasikh Salam is going to emerge as a special player in the next two to three years. “Rasikh swung the ball in the nets, that is why the boys wanted to play him. He got hit for a six and four in the last two balls. Other than that, he bowled well.” Yuvraj, who scored a half-century on his debut match for the Mumbai Indians against Delhi Capitals, said, “I think he did fantastic for his first match in terms of handling the pressure. Pretty much like an international game. I feel he is going to be special in the next 2-3 years,” he said in an interview with MITV. Salam started off with a no-ball against Delhi Captains but responded with a brave bouncer on the free-hit that was pulled towards deep midwicket straight into the palms of a fielder. On another day, he would have had a wicket on his debut. ALSO READ: Rasikh Salaam - Meet the 17-year-old from Kashmir who made his debut for Mumbai Indians Mumbai Indians bowling coach Shane Bond also praised Salam, saying he was one of better bowlers for the team during its IPL opener against Delhi. “It was a challenging start but as I said in the pre-camp, things are going to go wrong at times. You are going to bowl a no-ball but the easy thing for Rasikh to do would have been to go to pieces but he certainly didn’t. I thought he showed great composure and was one of our better bowlers,” said the coach. Bond also said Salam has the hunger to learn. Zaheer Khan, who is Mumbai’s Director of Cricket Operations, said Salam is an exciting young prospect who has great temperament. “Even Rohit Sharma is impressed with Rasikh. He was thinking of giving him an opportunity as early in the season as possible, so exciting times ahead,” said Zaheer.<doc-sep>

Yuvraj Singh is in the twilight of his cricketing career. The 37-year-old World Cup winner nearly went unsold in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 auction before being snapped up by Mumbai Indians at his base price. Over the years, Yuvraj Singh has struggled to get going in the IPL. Even as doubts remained over his batting form at the highest level, Yuvraj played only eight matches in IPL 2018 and was released by Kings XI Punjab at the end of the season. Yuvraj, who is not in the national team's scheme of things, had played very little domestic cricket in the lead up to IPL 2019. However, all eyes were on the all-rounder ahead of Mumbai Indians' opening match against Delhi Capitals on Sunday at the Wankhede Stadium. Known for making remarkable comebacks, Yuvraj was at it once again as he shone with the bat in his debut for Mumbai Indians, his seventh IPL franchise since the league's inception in 2008. Mumbai Indians fell short of a steep 214-run target against the Delhi Capitals but Yuvraj's flamboyant cameo should have given the Mumbai camp both relief and joy. Yuvraj, who walked into bat at No. 4 for Mumbai on Sunday, kept the team's hopes alive in the steep chase even as the likes of captain Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav failed to get going. Yuvraj smashed 53 runs, including five boundaries and three sixes, from just 35 balls. Yuvraj showed glimpses of his vintage self when he took Delhi left-arm spinner Axar Patel to the cleaners. Talking up the contribution of Sachin Tendulkar, Mumbai Indians' icon, Yuvraj said: "I have been speaking to Sachin as well and he has gone through that time when he was 37-38-39 (and how he felt). Talking to him makes things easier for me. And I am just playing because I enjoy playing cricket pretty much." Till the time I enjoy the game, I am going to play: Yuvraj Meanwhile, Yuvraj also insisted that he wishes to continue playing the sport for the love of it and that he would hang up his boots when he feels the time is right. "When the time comes, I will be the first one to hang my boots. The last two years, have been up and down (for me). And I could not decide on what to do," Yuvraj added. "The main thing for me was why I played the game when I started off. I played the game because I enjoyed playing cricket. When I enjoyed playing cricket, I was not playing for India. I was playing for U-14s and U-16s. So till the time, I enjoy playing cricket, I am going to play." Yuvraj also lauded Delhi Capitals' young wicketkeeper-batsman who decimated the Mumbai Indians' bowling attack on Sunday. "He (Pant) had an outstanding season last year as well. He is playing well in Test matches as well. To score two hundreds overseas at such an age (21 years) shows his character. It is important that we groom him well and hopefully, he is the next big thing for us," Yuvraj said. Also See:

COLUMBUS – As an Ohio State fan, we know you're not going to miss a snap of the Buckeyes this season. But we'll be with you along the way to follow along with updates and analysis. On Saturday, the second-ranked Scarlet and Gray (1-0) welcome Rutgers (1-0) to Ohio Stadium. It is the Big Ten opener for both teams after wins on the opening weekend of college football. For the second consecutive game, Ohio State will not have Urban Meyer on the sideline as the head coach serves his second of a three-game suspension. Ryan Day will step in as acting head coach after guiding the Buckeyes to a 77-31 win over Oregon State last week. We will provide live updates, analysis, news, notes and much through the matchup of the Scarlet and Gray and the Scarlet Knights, which will kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET on the Big Ten Network. Fourth quarter TOUCHDOWN (8:18) Ohio State 52 Rutgers 0 Martell with a ridiculous 47-yard run. He had some good blocks but that was good vision from the QB. Martell now back in. Chris Chugunov now in the game at quarterback. Martell jogged across the field. Shaun Wade intercepts Rescigno. That's the first career interception. Following the play, Chase Young ran out on to the field to celebrate and gets his second personal foul penalty. He is ejected. We've reached the point where the teams are just running out the clock. Rutgers will likely try and throw but Ohio State is not looking to put up 60 in this game, despite my score prediction. Third quarter Credit to Ohio State's defense today after struggling last week. The tackling has been better and coverage has been good. As we enter the fourth quarter, the Scarlet Knights have just 103 yards of total offense. FIELD GOAL (3:19) Ohio State 45 Rutgers 3 With the backup offense in, Ohio State drives down the field nicely but gets bogged down in the red zone. Rutgers is able to contain Martell on third down. Good practice for Sean Nuernberger as he connects from 21 yards out. Looks like Haskins' day is over. Martell back in for OSU. — Dave Biddle (@davebiddle) September 8, 2018 Rutgers gets it's points and now has to deal with Martell again. He has the longest play from scrimmage of the day. The rest of the second-team Ohio State offense is also in the game. FIELD GOAL (8:02) Ohio State 42 Rutgers 3 And Rutgers finally gets on the board against the Buckeyes. It's the first time in 11 quarters between these two teams that the Scarlet Knights have scored. This comes on a 41-yard field goal. Rescigno is putting together a decent drive here for Rutgers. For the second straight week, the Buckeye defense looks a little too relaxed coming out of the locker room. Giovanni Rescigno in for Rutgers at quarterback. Sitowski is on the sideline in street clothes. TOUCHDOWN (12:49) Ohio State 42 Rutgers 0 Dixon with another play as he burns another defensive back and streaks into the end zone. A great throw of 44 yards right on the money by Haskins. This kids has changed Ohio State's offense. Dixon with the kick return to open the second. He returns it 16 yards. He also landed on his head and walked off the field slowly. Halftime: Ohio State 35 Rutgers 0 Halftime stats for Ohio State and Rutgers. pic.twitter.com/JiphJLTrUq — Patrick Murphy (@_Pat_Murphy) September 8, 2018 Second quarter Bosa destroys Sitkowski to end the half. The quarter back was slow getting up and then stayed on the bench for a while before walking off with trainers. I would be surprised to see him the second half. Chase Young absolutely destroyed Sitkowski. He comes up with the ball but it's called down. He spikes the ball and gets an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Kendall Sheffield with the interception. Ball as tipped by the receiver and Sheffield had to reach behind him to make the catch. TOUCHDOWN (5:00) Ohio State 35 Rutgers 0 Dobbins carries into the end zone from two yards out for his first touchdown of the 2018 season. Haskins just threw a pass into the defender's back and, it looked like, he knew he would get the pass interference call. He did. The Buckeyes force another three and out and Haskins is back in the game. Martell's touchdown pass wasn't enough to win him the starting job (sarcasm). TOUCHDOWN (11:05) Ohio State 28 Rutgers 0 Martell has plenty of time and goes deep. Terry McLaurin's stutter move loses his defender and leaves him open to make the catch and walk into the end zone. That's the first career passing touchdown by Martell, who showed off his arm on that one. Tate Martell in at quarterback on the fifth offensive possession. TOUCHDOWN (13:28) Ohio State 21 Rutgers 0 The Buckeyes are just toying with Rutgers. Haskins finds Luke Farrell on the outside for a nine-yard touchdown. It's a rare tight end score at Ohio State! First quarter The Buckeyes run a running back draw play. Interesting. We haven't see that in a long time. The Buckeyes are moving at a slower pace this week for sure. Ohio State went really fast for the first half last weekend. I wonder if it has to do with the weather conditions. TOUCHDOWN (3:22) Ohio State 14 Rutgers 0 A good job from Parris Campbell to sit down in the open space and Haskins sees it. Hits him for a 16-yard touchdown. Tuf Borland in at middle linebacker on the third defensive series of the game. He will likely play more than the 10 snaps last week, although Greg Schiano said he would still be on a snap count. Ohio State waits until he first quarter of the second game of the second game to give up their first sack. Thayer Munford got beat by an inside move but still impressive from a young offensive line. Notes: Isaiah Pryor starting at safety and wearing 12 this week....Tyreke Smith in for Rushmen package — Alex Gleitman (@alexgleitman) September 8, 2018 C.J. Saunders now back as the punt returner after McCall fumbled on the first return attempt. You would think with Meyer back in practice this week, the Buckeyes would have the special teams more figured out. But they don't. Shaun Wade coming into the game on the obvious throwing situation. Last week, that was Jeffrey Okudah. Fuller already making a difference. Recognized the toss play to the running back and got to the outside to make sure there was no big play. TOUCHDOWN (10:57) Ohio State 7 Rutgers 0 Johnnie Dixon runs right by the defensive back and is open for the 38-yard scoring reception. Dixon didn't have a catch last week but got one quickly today. Mike Weber starts at running back. He had a huge day last week and has been reportedly doing very well in practice. Nice of the Buckeyes to reward the redshirt sophomore. After not starting last week, Demario McCall is the punt returner today. He muffs the punt. First play from scrimmage and Robert Landers makes a three-yard tackle for a loss. That kid may not be big but he is very good. Pregame Today’s Ohio State game captains are Nick Bosa, Jordan Fuller, Terry McLaurin and Parris Campbell. Buckeyes win the toss and defers to the second half. Rutgers will receive the opening kickoff. The Buckeyes take the field and we're five minutes from kickoff. Rain continues to fall pretty steadily. If you weren't paying attention, Purdue just lost to Eastern Michigan. The Big Ten has not had the best start to the year. Well, there you go. Isaiah Pryor is wearing No. 12 (not No. 14). Pryor is starting at safety alongside Fuller. — Dave Biddle (@davebiddle) September 8, 2018 Fuller and Isaiah Pryor take first-team reps in warmups. Looks like the #Buckeyes will have all their starters today. — Patrick Murphy (@_Pat_Murphy) September 8, 2018 Safety Jordan Fuller was out warming up early. No indication yet if he will play after missing last week with a hamstring injury. It has been constant rain all morning in Columbus.<doc-sep>No. 4 Ohio State (2-0, 10 Big Ten) defeated Rutgers (1-1, 0-1 Big Ten) 52-3 on Saturday afternoon at Ohio Stadium. It was an all-around solid performance from the Buckeyes, who 579 yards of total offense, held the Scarlet Knights to 134 yards and got the starters out of the game before the third quarter was complete. Following the game, Ohio State coaches and players spoke to the media. Here are our videos from the postgame media availability. Acting head coach Ryan Day on what he saw from his team in their second blowout win. Quarterback Dwayne Haskins on his second start and the number of weapons he has available. Backup quarterback Tate Martell on his development and play in his first real action. Defensive tackle Dre'Mont Jones on the play of the front four and next week's matchup with TCU. Jordan Fuller on the safety play and his return from his hamstring injury<doc-sep>There is not a prolonged history between No. 4 Ohio State and Rutgers, and when these two teams have squared off, let's just say it has not been especially pretty. The Buckeyes and Scarlet Knights have played four times in their history, all since Rutgers joined the Big Ten. Ohio State has won all four contests ... by an average of 48.8 points per game. In the last two years alone, the Buckeyes have outscored the Scarlet Knights 114-0. It has not been pretty. At all. Viewing information Date: Saturday, Sept. 8 | Time: 3:30 p.m. ET Location: Ohio Stadium -- Columbus, Ohio TV: Big Ten Network | Live stream: fuboTV (Try for free) Storylines Ohio State: Urban Meyer is back at practice with the Buckeyes this week, but his suspension will keep him off the sideline for this week's game, just like it did last week. Also like last week, odds are it won't have much of an impact on the outcome of the game. Ohio State put up 77 points against Oregon State last week with Dwayne Haskins throwing for 313 yards and five touchdowns. Now, some of those touchdowns came on fly sweeps that were really elaborate handoffs, but still, the Buckeyes offense looked explosive. Rutgers: If anything, Rutgers should just be hoping to keep this game respectable. Ohio State has dominated it since it joined the Big Ten, and even with a 35-7 win over Texas State last weekend, Rutgers is still a ways away from being in Ohio State's class. Still, there are reasons to be encouraged after rushing for over 200 yards against the Bobcats and holding them to 169 yards of offense. Game prediction, picks It seems insane to pick Rutgers to cover here given the history between these two teams, but with a huge game against TCU coming up for the Buckeyes next week, I could see a situation where Ohio State keeps things simple and gets some key players out of the game during the second half. Pick: Rutgers +35.5 So which teams should you back in Week 2 of the college football season? Visit SportsLine now to see the projected final score for every FBS matchup, all from the model that nailed its final seven picks of the 2017-18 season and has returned over $4,000 in profit to $100 bettors over the last three seasons.<doc-sep>

We are now through two weeks of the college football season and No. 4 Ohio State is 2-0 with two blowout wins following Saturday's home game against Rutgers. The Buckeyes cruised to a 52-3 victory over the Scarlet Knights that saw the offense put up 579 total yards while the defense had a rebound performance after last week, holding Rutgers to just 134 total yards. Following the game and the postgame press conference and interviews, our team writers Dave Biddle and Patrick Murphy went on Facebook Live at Ohio Stadium to discuss their thoughts on the game. Topics of the Facebook Live included: How loaded is this offense? Two quarterbacks played very well, receivers caught passes, four running backs had at least four carries. Dwayne Haskins is showing things that we think will carry over against any opponent. Yes, it's been against Oregon State and Rutgers but quarterbackis showing things that we think will carry over against any opponent. Jordan Fuller returned for Ohio State at safety. That had a big impact on the Buckeye defense. returned for Ohio State at safety. That had a big impact on the Buckeye defense. The Buckeyes are starting to use redshirt freshman cornerback Shaun Wade more, which adds another talented player to the secondary. more, which adds another talented player to the secondary. The Scarlet and Gray's pass rush, led by defensive end Nick Bosa , has now knocked three quarterbacks from the game in two contests. , has now knocked three quarterbacks from the game in two contests. Ohio State finally has a quality opponent on the schedule next week. Are Buckeye fans selling TCU short? Gary Patterson is one of the best coaches in the country as he always has his players ready to go. is one of the best coaches in the country as he always has his players ready to go. This game is very important for the Horned Frogs if they want to establish themselves as a potential College Football Playoff team. The Scarlet and Gray have several guys playing their first game on the road. Defeating TCU is a chance for Ohio State to cement itself as a top-four team in the early portion of the season. What's next for the Buckeyes? Make sure you're in the loop -- take five seconds to sign up for our FREE Buckeyes newsletter now! Want the latest scoops and news on the Buckeyes? Try our 7-DAY FREE TRIAL AND BECOME A BUCKNUTS SUBSCRIBER! To make sure you don't miss these live videos and your chance to ask us questions about the Buckeyes as the season goes on, make sure to Like our Facebook page. We also post all of our free content there, so you will be able to see all of that.

On social media, some guests said they had been served tainted food at the hotel or were afraid to eat at its restaurants. Others put forth the theory that the Coopers had died from carbon monoxide poisoning, possibly caused by a faulty air-conditioning unit in their room. Thomas Cook denied the carbon monoxide theory but admitted it had little idea what actually had caused the deaths. “As a family, we are devastated,” the couple’s daughter, Kelly Ormerod, who had come to the resort with her three children, said in a statement. Ms. Ormerod told Sky News her parents were in “perfect health” when they went to bed on Monday, with no signs of food poisoning. But when she found them in their room at 11 a.m. the following morning, they were “extremely ill and needed help.” Her father, who was especially sick, died soon after the arrival of emergency responders. Five hours later her mother was taken to a hospital, Ms. Ormerod told Sky News. Egyptian officials described Susan Cooper as having been “in a state of fainting.” After she was pronounced dead an hour later, officials determined that she had died from “a drop in blood circulation and respiratory functions with no criminal suspicions.” Ms. Ormerod said that her parents had no known health problems. “I watched them die before my very eyes and they had exactly the same symptoms,” she said. “I believe something suspicious has gone on. I don’t believe anyone has entered the room, but something has happened in that room and caused them to be taken away from us.” The family, she added, was “in utter shock.” The prosecutor’s office has taken a statement from Ms. Ormerod and ordered autopsies.<doc-sep>Three days after the deaths of two British holidaymakers in Egypt, Thomas Cook is moving all its customers from the hotel where they apparently fell fatally ill. The firm will start to evacuate 301 guests from the Steigenberger Aqua Magic Hotel in Hurghada, on the Red Sea coast, early on Friday morning. In a statement, Thomas Cook called it “a precautionary measure”. “While we understand this is upsetting for those on holiday, we believe this is the right thing to do,” Susan Cooper, 64, and her husband John Cooper, 69, died in Hurghada on Tuesday. They are believed to have been on holiday with their daughter, Kelly Ormerod, and their grandchildren. Reports say that Mr Cooper died first and that a few hours later his wife suffered a heart attack. The tour operator said: “The circumstances of their deaths are still unclear.” But the statement added: “We have also received further reports of a raised level of illness among guests.” The implication is that Mr Cooper may have succumbed to a virulent illness. It is highly unusual for a tour operator to evacuate a complete hotel. Carol MacKenzie, Thomas Cook’s group head of customer welfare, has flown to Hurghada to support the family. Thomas Cook said: “We continue to work closely with the hotel and are supporting the authorities with their investigations. “The Steigenberger Aqua Magic Hotel was last audited by Thomas Cook in late July 2018 and received an overall score of 96 per cent.” Mr and Mrs Cooper were from Burnley in Lancashire. Susan Cooper was a long-serving employee of Thomas Cook at a branch in Burnley. The travel agency was closed all day on Thursday. A note in the window reads: “Due to unforeseen circumstances this store will be closed today.” Thomas Cook is the UK’s leading tour operator to Egypt, and is believed to have between 1,000 and 2,000 British customers in Hurghada at present. Around 400 are due to return on flights to Gatwick and Manchester on Friday evening, but Thomas Cook is also offering customers who are booked to stay longer the option to return early. A larger aircraft will be deployed to and from Manchester in order to carry the extra passengers. It is due to leave Manchester at 1.55pm this afternoon, returning at 2.30am on Saturday. Thomas Cook customers with advance bookings in the next four weeks to stay at the Steigenberger Aqua Magic have been offered alternative accommodation at no extra charge. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 26 May 2021 Boats are seen at Southsea Moorings in Portsmouth REUTERS UK news in pictures 25 May 2021 York Glaziers Trust employees Kieran Muir (left) and Emily Price (right) remove a stained glass window panel at the start of a new five year, £5m project to conserve York Minster’s South East Transept and its medieval St Cuthbert Window PA UK news in pictures 24 May 2021 Dark rain clouds above an oast house at Bewl Water reservoir near Lamberhurst in Kent during one of the rainiest Mays on record, with the UK seeing 131 per cent of the usual month’s rainfall already PA UK news in pictures 23 May 2021 The Premier League trophy with the Manchester City club colour ribbons on, at Etihad Stadium, prior to the last Premier League match of the season. City will finally pick up the trophy after they won the league on 11 May Getty UK news in pictures 22 May 2021 Gary Kenny lifts the Buildbase FA Vase Trophy after Warrington Rylands won the FA Vase Final against Binfield at Wembley Stadium Getty UK news in pictures 21 May 2021 A family buffeted by the wind whilst crossing the the Millennium Bridge in London, with wind and rain forecast to ravage the UK on the first Friday that people have been allowed to meet in large groups outside in England PA UK news in pictures 20 May 2021 Devon And Cornwall Police Demonstrate Their Skills For Policing The G7 Summit Getty Images UK news in pictures 18 May 2021 An employee stands before a costume for the Queen of Hearts by Bob Crowley on display at the Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London PA UK news in pictures 17 May 2021 Passengers prepare to board an easyJet flight to Faro, Portugal, at Gatwick Airport after the ban on international leisure travel for people in England was lifted following the further easing of lockdown restrictions in England PA UK news in pictures 16 May 2021 Emergency workers at the scene of a suspected gas explosion, in which a young child was killed and two people were seriously injured, on Mallowdale Ave Heysham which caused 2 houses to collapse and badly damaged another PA UK news in pictures 15 May 2021 Pro-Palestinian activists and supporters let off smoke flares, wave flags and carry placards during a demonstration in support of the Palestinian cause as violence escalates in the ongoing conflict with Israel, in central London AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 14 May 2021 Member of staffs tighten screws and paint a Marlin skeleton, before it goes on display at the Natural History Museum in London, as the museum prepares to reopen to the public on 17 May, following the further easing of lockdown restrictions in England PA UK news in pictures 13 May 2021 A worshipper at the Baitul Futuh Mosque in Mordon, south London, ahead of Eid al-Fitr. The celebration marks the end of the Muslim month of fasting, called Ramadan. PA UK news in pictures 12 May 2021 A couple have wedding photos taken in Westminster, London Getty UK news in pictures 11 May 2021 The sun rises on Coquet Island, off Amble on the Northumberland coast, where as many as 35000 seabirds cram onto this tiny island to breed PA UK news in pictures 10 May 2021 Newly elected for a second term Mayor of London Sadiq Khan during his signing in ceremony at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre on London’s Southbank PA UK news in pictures 9 May 2021 People mill around St. Michael's tower on top of Glastonbury Tor as it is seen through blooming yellow rapeseed on a day of mixed weather in Glastonbury, Somerset PA UK news in pictures 8 May 2021 Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford elbow bumps newly elected MS Labour candidates Elizabeth Buffy Williams, Rhondda, left, and Sarah Murphy, Bridgend & Porthcawl Labour, right, as they meet in Porthcawl, Wales PA UK news in pictures 6 May 2021 A group of five Sisters from Carmelite Monastery in Dysart cast their vote in the Scottish Parliamentary election at Dysart Community Hall, West Port, Dysart PA UK news in pictures 5 May 2021 Leader of the Labour Party Sir Keir Starmer (centre) with West Midlands Metro Mayor candidate Liam Byrne (far right) and Labour Deputy Leader, Angela Rayner (far left) during a visit to Birmingham, whilst on the election campaign trail PA UK news in pictures 4 May 2021 Artists Heather Ackroyd and Dan Harvey stand within 100 oak saplings which form part of a living art installation entitled Beuys' Acorns by the UK-based artist duo, outside the Tate Modern in London PA UK news in pictures 3 May 2021 Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie feeds the Gentoo penguins during a visit to Edinburgh Zoo on the campaign trail for the forthcoming Scottish Parliamentary Election on May 6 PA UK news in pictures 2 May 2021 Chelsea players celebrate their fourth goal during the Women’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Bayern Munich, at Kingsmeadow Stadium in south west London.<doc-sep>One of the passengers told the BBC: "When you find out at 10:00-10:30 at night that two people have died two days ago, and nobody knows why... If they'd been open and transparent, I wouldn't have got on that plane."<doc-sep>

FILE PHOTO: The Thomas Cook logo is seen in this illustration photo January 22, 2018. REUTERS/Thomas White/Illustration/File Photo CAIRO (Reuters) - The air conditioning system at a hotel where a British couple died in unknown circumstances while on holiday in Egypt is sound, the public prosecutor said on Saturday, citing a report by engineering experts. The prosecutor’s office said it was still waiting for a medical report to determine what caused the death of John and Susan Cooper who passed away hours apart on Tuesday while staying at the Steigenberger Aqua Magic Hotel in Egypt’s popular Red Sea resort of Hurghada. Britain’s Thomas Cook, which organized the trip, said on Friday it had received further reports of illness among guests at the hotel, without elaborating. The hotel said on Friday that there had not been a rise in cases of illness. In a statement, the Egyptian public prosecutor said that engineers assigned to check the room where the deceased couple had been staying concluded that “all equipment was sound and that there was no leakage or emission of any poisonous or harmful gases”. “All equipment was working properly and had no faults,” it added. But the statement said the prosecution was still awaiting the results of a forensic analysis of samples taken from the couple, and promised to issue a detailed report. Egyptian officials said on Friday that both deaths were from heart failure, but the public prosecutor said the cause was still not yet clear. The deaths come as Egypt is trying to revive tourism, a crucial source of income, while the economy is still struggling from the years of turmoil that followed a 2011 popular uprising.

One month after firing Dwane Casey for again failing to get past LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Playoffs, the Toronto Raptors have promoted assistant coach Nick Nurse to Head Coach, according to ESPN. Nurse has six seasons of head-coaching experience in the NBA G League, where he won two championships and a coach of the year award, and has been an assistant with the Raptors for the last five seasons. In February, Nurse spoke with Sportsnet about what he learned from Casey: “I’ve learned a lot about preparation from [Casey], the seriousness of attention to detail. He’s been around the league a long time, and he’s seen it all. That’s the biggest thing. We have to prepare the players and can’t leave any stone unturned. We have to know everything the other team is doing and really work hard and grind it out.” Nurse is a two-time D-League Championship winning coach (2011, 2013) and was named D-League Coach of the Year in 2011, all with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.<doc-sep>Carlos Osorio/Associated Press The Toronto Raptors are reportedly hiring assistant Nick Nurse to become their new head coach, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Tuesday. On Wednesday, Wojnarowski reported the sides have agreed to a three-year contract worth almost $10 million. Nurse's coaching career spans nearly three decades, starting when he joined the University of Northern Iowa staff after his playing days with the Panthers ended in 1989. The 50-year-old Iowa native has served as a head coach in college, the D-League and overseas, but this will be his first opportunity in that capacity for an NBA team. He has been a Raptors assistant since 2013. Most of his coaching success to date came in the British Basketball League and the D-League. He led the Birmingham Bullets to a championship in 1996 and won another BBL title with the Manchester Giants in 2000. He won D-League titles with the Iowa Energy (2011) and Rio Grande Valley Vipers (2013). Nurse told Brandon Hurley of the Daily Times Herald there's nothing like the NBA, though. Video Play Button Videos you might like "It's been really awesome. There's nothing like the pace," Nurse said of the NBA lifestyle. "The grind is like nothing else. Once it starts, it just comes at you and at you. The thrill of watching players like this, up close every night, you have to thank your lucky stars. I love basketball." That pace is likely to increase tenfold as an NBA head coach. Staying with the Raptors, where he established himself as a valuable assistant under Dwane Casey, will make for an easier transition, but there will still be immediate pressure. Toronto's roster, led by Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan, is built to contend in the Eastern Conference. Anything less than a deep playoff run in his first season will be a disappointment.<doc-sep>After serving as an assistant on Dwane Casey’s staff since 2013, Nick Nurse (right) will reportedly become the Toronto Raptors’ new head coach. (Getty) One month and one day after firing Dwane Casey, the Toronto Raptors have found his successor … and they didn’t have to look very far. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Tuesday morning that the Raptors will elevate Nick Nurse, a longtime assistant on Casey’s staff, to fill the vacant head coaching position. It will be the first crack at a top job at the NBA level for Nurse, but the 50-year-old has previously served as a head coach in the British Basketball League (where the former Northern Iowa guard briefly served as a player-coach) and in the D-League, earning Coach of the Year honors at both stops before moving up to the NBA ranks under Casey in Toronto. Wojnarowski reported Wednesday that Nurse will receive a three-year deal worth nearly $10 million to take the Raptors’ reins. Who is Nick Nurse? Nurse has been regarded as a hot candidate to move to the head of an NBA bench for years. He has earned praise for the breadth of his experience in Europe, the D-League (where he won championships with the Iowa Energy and Rio Grande Valley Vipers) and at the Olympic level (he served as an assistant on the Great Britain national team during the 2012 London Games, running the defense for now-Pelicans assistant coach Chris Finch), and for his work as the ostensible offensive coordinator for a Raptors team that finished in the top 10 in offensive efficiency in each of the last five years. Nurse was widely credited for “the overhaul of Toronto’s offense this season,” which saw the Raptors shift from an isolation-heavy attack dominated by All-Star guards DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry — at team president Masai Ujiri’s urging — into a more free-flowing and democratic system featuring increased ball and player movement. The Raptors made that change about as seamlessly as you could ask. They threw about 27 more passes per game as a team to rise from 27th among 30 NBA teams in that category in 2016-17 to 16th this past season, while going from sixth in the league in how often they went iso on offense to 22nd, according to NBA.com’s stat tracking … and they did it without skipping a beat offensively, finishing third in the league in points scored per possession behind only the eventual NBA champion Golden State Warriors and their Western Conference final quarries, the Houston Rockets. Story continues Time for a change in Toronto Fueled by that offensive overhaul, and by how Casey and his staff weaponized the youth and depth at their disposal to develop the NBA’s best bench, the Raptors stormed through the regular season, winning a franchise-record 59 games and locking up the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. For the third straight year, though, things fell apart when Toronto met LeBron James in the playoffs. The Raptors gagged away Game 1 of their second-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers at home, setting the stage for a second consecutive four-game sweep that left Ujiri searching for new answers for a team that seemed to have stalled out on the precipice of taking the difficult step from competing to legitimately contending. That led, fairly or not, to the firing of Casey … and now, after a monthlong process that included interviews with San Antonio Spurs assistant coaches Ettore Messina and Ime Udoka, former Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer, former NBA guard and rising Euroleague coach Sarunas Jasikevicius, fellow Raptors assistant Rex Kalamian and Raptors 905 G-League coach Jerry Stackhouse — and one day after Casey agreed to become the new head coach of the Detroit Pistons — to Nurse’s promotion. A great opportunity … and a great challenge Viewed through one prism, Nurse could be stepping into the best situation of any first-year head coach. He inherits a team fresh off three straight 50-win seasons, led by two bona fide All-Stars and featuring a slew of intriguing young two-way pieces — forwards OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam, guards Fred VanVleet and Delon Wright, center Jakob Poeltl — who could provide the bridge to a new, still competitive version of the Raptors as DeRozan, Lowry and Serge Ibaka begin to cline. On the other hand, perhaps no new coach will be expected to immediately produce as much as Nurse will. Ujiri fired Casey because, after five straight playoff appearances and the longest sustained run of success in franchise history, simply being good was not longer good enough for the Raptors. Nurse’s task will be to figure out how to make them great, right now, without giving back any of those hard-earned gains. It’s the opportunity he’s been waiting for ever since he first stepped on a sideline two decades ago. It’s also going to be one hell of a challenge. More from Yahoo Sports: – – – – – – – Dan Devine is a writer and editor for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at devine@yahoosports.com or follow him on Twitter! More from Yahoo Sports: • Tragic accident kills Olympian Bode Miller’s child • Team USA hoops took an insane lead in 92-point win • Kobe takes hard line in evaluating LeBron’s legacy • Pat Forde: Justify’s win is legitimate despite suspicion<doc-sep>

The Toronto Raptors have promoted assistant coach Nick Nurse as its new head coach going forward, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. It is reportedly a three-year deal worth about $10 million. Nurse will replace Dwane Casey, who was fired after the Raptors posted a franchise-best 59-win season, only to be swept out of the second round by LeBron James and the Cavaliers. Nick Nurse has agreed to a three-year, nearly $10M deal to become head coach of the Toronto Raptors, league sources tell ESPN. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 13, 2018 Nurse has over two decades worth of coaching experience, including several stints as head coach in the NBA D-League. He was named D-League Coach of the Year in 2011 and Iowa Energy (2011) the Rio Grande Valley Vipers (2013) to D-League championships in a three-year span. Nurse also coached in the British Basketball League where he won two BBL championships in 1996 and 2000. Toronto had been tied to several head coaching candidates, including Spurs assistant Ettoire Messina and G-League Coach of the Year Jerry Stackhouse. But Nurse is familiar with the Raptors’ roster makeup, having been on staff since 2013. He inherits a roster littered with talent from top to bottom, including an all-star back court in DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry, and a bench mob widely considered the best second unit in the NBA. Nurse’s job, now, is to extract even more production out of this team than Casey did — a tall order to fill after the success Toronto enjoyed in the regular season.

The oil that has been in the news recently due to its use by those with epilepsy is cannabis oil, which has a higher THC content, and so, unlike CBD oil, is not usually allowed in the UK.<doc-sep>This Morning guest reveals how cannabis oil is curing her cancer FREE health tips to live a long and happy life SUBSCRIBE Invalid email Sign up forhealth tips to live a long and happy life When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they'll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time. CBD oil, or cannabidiol, is extracted from the resin glands on cannabis buds and flowers. It’s a type of cannabinoid which are the chemicals naturally found in marijuana plants, and it’s usually mixed with a carrier oil, like MCT (a form of coconut oil). While it comes from the cannabis plant, CBD does not create any form of intoxication. Another cannabinoid, THC, causes this, but this substance is illegal in the UK. Since the beginning of the year, CBD oil has been available on high streets in Britain. Some Britons have claimed the oil has cured or helped treat their health conditions, in particular cancer. But can it actually be used to help fight the disease? Anyone considering using cannabis oil as a treatment for cancer or other health conditions should first consult their GP Cancer charity Macmillan said it is still unclear whether using cannabis has any anti-cancer effects. But there is some evidence that the chemicals in cannabis might help with symptoms such as nausea and pain. It adds: “For example, some drugs that have been developed using the chemicals in cannabis have been effective in treating sickness caused by chemotherapy, or improving a person’s appetite. “But these studies have had mixed results when used in clinical trials. Because of the mixed results, the general feeling of experts is that there needs to be more research into the chemicals found in cannabis and their possible benefit.” Anyone considering using cannabis oil as a treatment for cancer or other health conditions should first consult their GP. The charity also lists three important things to keep in mind if you’re thinking about using it: Buying it online can be risky. One reason for this is because you don’t know what your are getting, for example how pure it is. CBD oil UK: Can it treat cancer? Early warning signs of cancer you shouldn't ignore Fri, November 10, 2017 Cancer symptoms: Early warning signs of the most common types of cancer. Play slideshow Getty 1 of 10 Early warning signs of cancer you shouldn't ignore CBD oil UK: Many have claimed the oil has cured or helped their health conditions Cannabinoid THC can increase your heart rate, cause dizziness, hallucinations, paranoia and make you feel ‘stoned’. They may also interact with other drugs. The cannabinoid delta-9-tetrahydrocannabidiol (THC) and products that contain THC are illegal in the UK. Dr Andrew Thornber, Chief Medical Officer at Now Patient, advised to take CBD oil with caution. He said: “This isn’t prescribed by a GP or Pharmacist at present, as we still don’t know the full side-effects, so I would not personally recommend this as a medical practitioner. “I would always recommend anyone wanting to take any medicine that isn’t registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council to do so with caution and almost always have a chat with your Pharmacist or GP at your next visit to take their advice.” CBD oil UK: Dr Andrew Thornber has advised people take it with caution<doc-sep>What is cannabis oil? Cannabis oils are extracts from cannabis plants. Unprocessed, they contain the same 100 or so active ingredients as the plants, but the balance of compounds depends on the specific plants the oil comes from. The two main active substances in cannabis plants are cannabidiol, or CBD, and delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. Oil extracted from hemp plants can contain a lot of CBD, while oil from skunk plants will contain far more THC. THC produces the high that recreational cannabis users seek, while oils for medical use contain mostly CBD. How is it different to cannabis? Other forms of cannabis are solid and are usually sold either as resin or dried plant material. In commercially-produced medical cannabis oils, the concentrations of CBD and THC tend to be well-controlled, which makes it easy to calculate doses. Does it work as a medicine? CBD is an anticonvulsant, and some other compounds in the plant, including THC and cannabidivarin, may be too. There is good evidence from clinical trials in the US and Europe that pharmaceutical preparations of CBD can treat two severe forms of childhood epilepsy known as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Both forms of epilepsy often fail to improve with existing epilepsy drugs. CBD is generally considered safe, but some trials have reported side effects including dry mouth, lightheadedness and altered liver enzyme activity. Don’t we already have cannabis-based drugs? Four drugs based on cannabis compounds are already on the market in Europe. Among them are Nabilone, a synthetic compound that mimics THC, is prescribed for nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, and Sativex, an oil that contains equal parts THC and CBD, is used to treat muscle spasms in multiple sclerosis. Both contain too much THC to administer to children. “The only medicines that are approved in the UK would get children stoned,” said David Nutt, professor of neuropsychopharmacology at Imperial College, London. Is cannabis oil illegal? Cannabis oil can only be sold legally in Britain if it contains less than 0.05% THC. But the nation’s medicines regulator, the MHRA, announced recently that even pure CBD could not be sold as a medicine without first going through the usual clinical testing and safety checks required for all new medicines. This month, the US Food and Drug Administration will consider the approval of Epidiolex, a CBD-based medicine from GW Pharmaceuticals, which has completed such clinical trials. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) will rule on the drug early next year. If the EMA approves Epidiolex, it could be available to prescribe to named patients in Britain next year, Brexit notwithstanding. Is it legal in other countries? Europe is a patchwork of cannabis legislation. In the Netherlands, doctors can prescribe cannabis and cannabis preparations for symptoms caused by multiple sclerosis, HIV/AIDS, cancer, long-term pain and the tics associated with Tourette’s syndrome. Other European nations are following suit. In the US, at least 29 states allow medical uses of cannabis, and earlier this year, California became the eighth state to permit recreational use of the drug, too.<doc-sep>MEDICAL marijuana is used in several countries to treat a number of complaints - but its use has been mired in controversy for decades. It remains largely illegal in the UK, although some forms do exist and can be prescribed by doctors or bought over the counter. Here's what you need to know. 2 Cannabis oil is thought to help a number of ailments Credit: Corbis - Getty Is medical marijuana legal in the UK and what can it treat? Marijuana, or cannabis, is the most consumed illegal drug in the UK. It is commonly ingested by smoking but for medical purposes it can also be taken in oil or pill form. Low concentration versions of cannabis oil are widely available in British pharmacies. Makers say it can be used to help promote sleep, boost appetite and reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Higher concentration forms of cannabis oil have been hailed for treating the symptoms of epilepsy, HIV and cancer. But cannabis oil with more than 0.05 per cent THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) - the psychoactive element - is banned in the UK despite high-profile cases like Billy Caldwell. The 12-year-old was given a 20-day exemption to take higher strength cannabis oil to treat his severe epilepsy. In July 2018 the government's Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs said the rules should be changed so doctors have the option of prescribing cannabis-derived products for certain ailments. It also recommended clinical trials to assess the safety and effectiveness of such products. 2 The cannabis plant contains THC and CBD (Cannabidiol) Credit: SWNS:South West News Service Is medicinal cannabis available on prescription yet? It will be soon, yes. Medicinal marijuana will become available on prescription within the coming weeks after Home Office Secretary Sajid Javid agreed to relax drug laws. Medicinal cannabis will be available on prescription from next month, the Home Secretary announced today. Doctors will be able to prescribe cannabis products to patients from November 1. The new rules apply to England, Wales and Scotland, Sajid Javid said in a written statement. It follows several high-profile cases, including young epilepsy sufferers Alfie Dingley and Billy Caldwell, whose conditions appeared to be helped by cannabis oil. In order for a cannabis product to be considered medicinal it must meet three requirements: it "needs to be a preparation or product which contains cannabis, cannabis resin, cannabinol or a cannabinol derivative; it is produced for medicinal use in humans and; is a medicinal product, or a substance or preparation for use as an ingredient of, or in the production of an ingredient of, a medicinal product", according to Mr Javid's statement. MORE IN HEALTH GET IN LINE Covid vaccine calculator reveals when YOU will get your jab - as under 30s next SPOT THE SIGNS The 13 signs of stroke you need to know after first cases linked to AZ jab 'NOT CONVINCED' What Dr Fauci said about Covid-19 ROYAL PAIN What is Prince Harry's EMDR therapy and how does the treatment work? BINARY BREAKDOWN What is a preferred pronoun and what does being non-binary mean? TENDING THE HERD What you need to know about herd immunity and the fight against Covid-19 What is Sativex and how much does it cost? Sativex is one of a very few drugs containing cannabis-derived THC and CBD (Cannabidiol) - another less potent ingredient - that can be prescribed on the NHS. It is used to relieve the pain of muscle spasms for sufferers of multiple sclerosis. Use of Sativex is currently limited to those people who respond to the first four weeks of treatment. However NICE, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, does not recommend its prescription. In a 2014 clinical guideline update, NICE said: "The guidance does not recommend the use of the cannabinoid drug Sativex or fampridine as they provide only a modest benefit at a significant cost to the NHS. "Sativex costs £50,000 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY), while fampridine costs in the region of £160,000 per QALY. "Both are well above NICE’s threshold of £30,000 per QALY." Charlotte Caldwell ​and her son Billy sen​d​ ​a​ video message ​thanking​ supporters​ ​after her son got back the medicinal cannabis oil she says have saved his life We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368. You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.<doc-sep>

SOME forms of cannabis oil are available to buy for medical purposes in British pharmacies — but there are various legal and health arguments surrounding its use and benefits. The oil has been claimed to be beneficial for treating a number of ailments and is at the centre of high-profile legal rows in Britain. Here's the lowdown on it... 2 Cannabis oil is thought to help a number of ailments Credit: EPA Is cannabis oil legal in the UK? Cannabis oil is a substance extracted from the cannabis plant by steam distillation. A low-concentrate version of the oil is available to buy in the UK and is not illegal — but products are required to contain less than 0.05 per cent THC. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the psychoactive component in cannabis that makes users feel "high". Cannabis oil is usually consumed orally, and has a very distinct taste. There have been high profile calls for higher concentration oil to be made legal. The family of epilepsy sufferer Billy Caldwell, 12, were granted an exemption by the Home Secretary Sajid Javid to take concentrated CBD cannabis oil after insisting it was a lifeline. And Alfie Dingley's parents say the six-year-old should be allowed the same treatment after describing its impact on his seizures as "nothing short of a miracle". 2 Legal low-concentrate oil is sold in high street stores throughout the UK Credit: Alamy Today it was announced by the Home Secretary that medicinal cannabis will be available on prescription from next month. Doctors will be able to prescribe cannabis products to patients from November 1. The new rules apply to England, Wales and Scotland, Sajid Javid said in a written statement. It follows several high-profile cases, including young epilepsy sufferers Alfie Dingley and Billy Caldwell, whose conditions appeared to be helped by cannabis oil. In order for a cannabis product to be considered medicinal it must meet three requirements: it "needs to be a preparation or product which contains cannabis, cannabis resin, cannabinol or a cannabinol derivative; it is produced for medicinal use in humans and; is a medicinal product, or a substance or preparation for use as an ingredient of, or in the production of an ingredient of, a medicinal product", according to Mr Javid's statement. How is higher concentrated cannabis oil different from normal CBD oil? One type of oil is CBD (cannabidiol) which has been promoted as a possible treatment method for those living with addiction or anxiety. However CBD products - while legal - have not been approved for use in the United States. It is also claimed that there are possible side effects including irritability and nausea. Low concentrate CBD cannabis oil has less than 0.05 per cent of the psychoactive substance THC. However higher concentrated cannabis oil contains a higher level of THC - the component in cannabis that makes users feel "high". MOST READ IN HEALTH GONE WITH THE WIND Remedies to get rid of trapped wind - from avoiding foods to exercise GET TO THE BOTTOM OF IT How to get rid of piles - from getting exercise to avoiding codeine CANCER SCARE Most deadly skin cancers DON'T start in existing moles - here's how to spot the signs OUT OF BREATH What is bronchitis, what are the signs and symptoms and how dangerous is it? WARNING LINE Warning over black line on nails after 'beautician spotted it on client now diagnosed with cancer' CHANGE IS BETTER THAN A REST This is how often you should change your pillow cases - to avoid blackheads and breakouts

2 of 3 Falls Match for the Vacant NXT Title: Adam Cole vs. Johnny Gargano We go to the ring for tonight’s main event and out first comes Johnny Gargano, wearing Iron Man-inspired ring gear. Adam Cole is out next with The Undisputed Era’s Kyle O’Reilly, Bobby Fish and Roderick Strong. Cole heads to the ring by himself. We get formal ring introductions from Kayla. Fans do dueling chants as we get ready to go. It sounds like the Cole chants are the loudest as fans continue. They finally lock up and Gargano takes Cole down first. They tangle and trade holds on the mat. They break and lock up again. More action on the mat now with Gargano in control. Gargano with a pin attempt. Cole fights up as the dueling chants start back up. Cole takes Gargano to the mat and grounds him now. They run the ropes and trade counters. Gargano with a 1 count and a Gargano Escape attempt. Cole misses a shot as the back & forth continues for a pop. Gargano keeps Cole down by his arm. Gargano with a clothesline off the ropes. Gargano goes for the Gargano Escape again but Cole grabs the bottom rope. They trade strikes in the middle of the ring now. Cole beats Gargano into the corner. Gargano ends up dropping Cole off the apron to the floor. Gargano goes to leap off the apron but Cole moves. Gargano dropkicks Cole through the ropes instead. Gargano brings Cole back into the ring but Cole rolls right back to the floor on the other side. Cole with an enziguri to the jaw from the floor to the ropes where Gargano was. Cole returns to the ring and goes to work on Gargano, dropping him in the corner. Cole keeps Gargano grounded now. Cole rocks Gargano and covers for barely a 1 count after wasting some time. More back and forth action as they trade strikes on their feet. Gargano with a big overhead belly-to-belly suplex for a pop. Gargano and Cole trade roll-ups in the middle of the ring. Gargano ends up launching himself in with a slingshot Spear for another 2 count. Gargano with another big DDT for a 2 count. Cole goes on and drops Gargano with a Backstabber in the corner for another pin attempt. They trade more pin attempts on the mat now but can’t get the win. Cole and Gargano with more back & forth in the middle of the ring. Cole nails the sliding knee out of nowhere to the back of the head for the pin. Cole gets the first fall. Winner of the First Fall: Adam Cole Cole keeps control and sends Gargano into the corner. Cole with more offense and The Last Shot for a close 2 count. Cole can’t believe someone kicked out of the move. Gargano nails a big Spear to knock Cole off the apron. More back and forth and another close 2 count by Cole in the middle of the ring. They end up in the corner up top. Gargano launches Cole from the top to the mat for a close pin attempt. Gargano ends up hitting a big enziguri on the apron. Gargano hits a slingshot DDT from the apron and they land hard on the floor. The referee counts while they’re both down on the outside. It looks like there will be a double count out but they bring it back in. Cole looks to expose the knee but Gargano tries for the Gargano Escape. Gargano blocks it. They trade more counters on the mat. Cole immediately taps to the Gargano Escape. Winner of the Second Fall: Johnny Gargano Kayla confirms the winner of this final fall will be the new NXT Champion. Fans chant for NXT as Cole and Gargano get up. They unload on each other in the middle of the ring. Cole with big kicks. Gargano levels Cole. Cole blocks a kick and misses a big kick of his own. Cole counters a move and drops Gargano’s head over his knee for a very close 2 count. Gargano with more big offense and close pin attempts. They trade strikes from their knees in the middle of the ring now as fans go along with them. Cole gets the upperhand for a second but they keep nailing each other at the same time. They both go down and fans pop, then start the NXT chant. The referee checks on both of them. Cole ends up superkicking Gargano in the back of the head. Cole with a straitjacket German suplex for a very close 2 count. Cole with more offense and a big backdrop driver. Gargano with a superkick and a big reverse spiked hurricanrana for a pop. Gargano superkicks Cole and looks to put him away but Cole rolls to the floor to avoid the pin. Gargano can’t believe it. Cole with a big wheel-barrow suplex onto the edge of the apron. Gargano is dazed. Cole rolls Gargano back into the ring but Gargano jumps up and nails a DDT out of nowhere. Gargano goes on and hits a slingshot DDT for a 2 count. Cole rolls to the floor but Gargano runs the ropes for a suicide dive. Cole with more offense in the ring now as the fans go wild. Cole with a big springboard Canadian Destroyer. Gargano manages to kick out again as the crowd pops. Gargano rolls to the floor and Cole follows, talking some trash. Cole gets in Gargano’s face and pushes him over, taunting and talking trash to him. Gargano rocks Cole with a forearm to the face. Gargano launches Cole over the Spanish announce table. Gargano takes apart the announce table as fans cheer. Gargano brings Cole on top of the Spanish announce table but it’s countered as Cole drives Gargano face-first into the table with a Fairy Tale Ending. Gargano falls off the table. Cole returns to the ring as the referee counts. Fans boo at the cheap way to win. Gargano rushes back and makes it back in at the 9 count.<doc-sep>Johnny Gargano vs. Adam Cole for the NXT Championship capped off one of the greatest NXT TakeOver events of all-time. Cole won the first fall after nailing Gargano with a running kick to the back of the head. Gargano won the second fall via submission with the Gargano lock. Gargano had the match won with the Gargano Escape but Kyle O’Reilly, Roderick Strong and Bobby Fish ran down to interfere while the referee was out. Cole almost won the match but Gargano kicked out. Gargano eventually wiped everyone out at ringside. Gargano forced Cole to tap out to the Gargano Escape. Wow, what a match. What a show. That may have been the match of the year so far for 2019. Click here for complete NXT TakeOver: New York results.<doc-sep>WrestleMania 35 weekend got off to a strong start on Friday with NXT TakeOver: New York. The Barclays Center in Brooklyn hosted the memorable 24th TakeOver event. Serving as an appetizer for Sunday’s WrestleMania 35 showcase, TakeOver: New York will be a hard act to follow. Below are grades for each of the five matches along with an overall grade for the event: The War Raiders defeated Aleister Black and Ricochet to retain the NXT Tag Team Championships Thoughts: This was a strong opener. While it wasn’t an instant classic, it did provide plenty of thrills for the NXT audience. In what was probably their NXT swan song, Ricochet and Black displayed their best tag-team performance of their recent odd-ball run. The War Raiders were equally game, exchanging blows with the rag-tag duo in Brooklyn. The story telling in the match was pretty cut and dry, as the War Raiders’ power and ability to isolate individual opponents paid off in the end. Following the match, Black and Ricochet received a standing ovation from the crowd. The makeshift tag team will perform double duty during the weekend, as they are set to take part in the Fatal 4-Way Smackdown Tag Team Championship match on Sunday at WrestleMania 35. Grade: B Velveteen Dream (c) defeated Matt Riddle to retain the NXT North American Championship Thoughts: This one lasted a lot longer than expected and for good reason. Riddle and Dream put on a big move showcase, going blow for blow in a close battle. Riddle displayed his technical acumen, performing big spots like a German suplex from the outside apron. Riddle came into the match undefeated but was shockingly upset by Dream, who reversed a submission hold into a pinning attempt in 17:35. Dream is developing into a special talent. He is able to pull off moves of the past and make maneuvers look like his own. In a match with two special athletes, both shined in a major way. Hopefully, these two meet at a future NXT TakeOver for the NXT Championship down the road. Grade: B+ WALTER defeated Pete Dunne to win the WWE UK Championship Thoughts: NXT UK’s top stars put on a memorable slugfest. The 25-minute brawl featured loud strikes, finger splits and painful submission holds. WALTER outweighed the defending champion by roughly 100 pounds but Dunne showed off his trademark grit. Unfortunately for Dunne, grit wasn’t enough to keep his historic title reign intact. WALTER won the match after a massive top-rope powerbomb and a huge splash from the top rope. Dunne is now probably set to make a jump to the main NXT brand or the main roster on Smackdown Live or Raw. Grade: A- Shayna Baszler defeated Io Shirai, Bianca Belair and Kairi Sane to retain the NXT Women’s Championship Thoughts: This was probably the most forgettable match on the card. The entire bout felt rushed but still had its moments. Belair in particular came off well, especially after her double power slam on Shirai and Sane. The pair of Japanese stars also offered their own drama by playing off a potential rift in their friendship. In the end, Baszler won with the Kirifuda Clutch, forcing Belair to tap out in 15:45. Baszler is one of the most dominant female performers in recent memory and she is probably the best female heel worker in the company at the moment. Grade: B Johnny Gargano defeated Adam Cole in a 2-Out-Of-3 Falls match to win the NXT Championship Thoughts: The match started off with quick exchanges between the two competitors. The pair consistently countered each others’ signature moves. The two exchanged kicks, punches and quick moves until Cole hit the “Last Shot” for the first fall of the match. Following the first fall, Cole continued his attack, hitting the “Last Shot” for a second time but Gargano was able to kick out of a pinning attempt on a nearfall. Cole then abused Gargano on the outside, throwing his opponent into the ring apron and posts. However, Gargano was somehow able to lock in “The Gargano Escape” for a quick submission victory. Sudden death was needed to decide the match. Cole and Gargano squared off for the final fall, exchanging mirroring blows in a sequence that compared to a pair of bumper cars smashing into each other at high speed. The two opponents ended up on the outside and Cole hit the “Fairytale Ending” on top of the Spanish announcers table but the structure didn’t break. Gargano was still able to make it back into the ring before the 10 count. Following a surge from Gargano, Cole’s Undisputed Era buddies Roderick Strong, Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reilly interfered and attacked Gargano. The underdog was still able to kick out of Cole’s pin attempt after being double-teamed by Fish and O’Reilly. Then Gargano took out the Undisputed Era trio before being beaten down by Cole. Still, Gargano kicked out. After taking an incredible amount of abuse, Gargano was able to reverse a Cole kick into the “Gargano Escape." Cole was forced to tap out. Gargano became the first NXT Triple Crown Champion with the victory. Following the match, fellow NXT superstar and Gargano’s wife Candice LaRae joined him in the ring. After celebrating around the ring, former NXT Champion and Gargano’s former tag team partner Tomasso Ciampa joined the couple. The trio embraced as the show went off the air. Grade: A OVERALL GRADE: B+ Final Thoughts: This was a strong card that had a solid build up. While the singles matches were all really fun bouts, the tag team and women’s title matches could have been more memorable. That said, all of the matches were worthy of a TakeOver with the main event sending the crowd home happy. The NXT North American Championship match was a very, very nice surprise that will hopefully lead to a rematch down the road. Cole and Gargano will probably meet again down the road as well. Mike Kaye may be reached at mkaye@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@Mike_E_Kaye. Find NJ.com on Facebook.<doc-sep>0 of 6 Credit: WWE.com For the fifth time, NXT has taken over Brooklyn and made Barclays Center the home for the next generation of WWE Superstars with TakeOver: New York. The NXT roster has an impressive track record of putting on amazing events during WrestleMania weekend, and this year, the card for TakeOver certainly had more than enough potential to match or even top that. With all four titles on the line, as well as the United Kingdom Championship from NXT UK, the lineup on paper seemed guaranteed for success. Now that it's over and the dust has settled, how did everything turn out? Did everything fulfill its promise, or did some parts of the night fall short of the hype?<doc-sep>

Photo credit: WWE.com. Johnny Gargano defeated Adam Cole in a 2-out-of-3 Falls match at NXT TakeOver: New York on Friday night to fulfill his destiny and become NXT champion for the first time. Cole won the first fall with the Last Shot, and Gargano evened the score by making Cole tap out in the Gargano Escape. Cole's fellow members of The Undisputed Era remained bystanders for most of the match. When it looked like Gargano was on the verge of victory, though, they arrived ringside to tip the scales in Cole's favor. Even facing a massive disadvantage, Gargano somehow fought off Roderick Strong, Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly. He even kicked out of a second Last Shot by Cole. When Cole went to put on the finishing touches, Gargano ducked and countered into the Gargano Escape. Cole was inches away from the bottom rope before Gargano rolled the move back into the middle of the ring. Cole held on for a few more moments before tapping out. It initially looked as though Gargano was set to face longtime rival Tommaso Ciampa for the NXT title, but that changed when a neck injury requiring surgery forced Ciampa to relinquish the championship after 238 days. To determine Gargano's new opponent, a Fatal 5-Way match was held. Video Play Button Videos you might like Cole outlasted a star-studded field that included Matt Riddle, Velveteen Dream, Ricochet and Aleister Black to win the match and take one step closer to his goal of Undisputed Era taking over NXT by winning the NXT Championship. While Cole has long coveted the NXT title, this tweet from Gargano in 2017 suggests becoming NXT champion was the one thing missing from his remarkable resume: Before Ciampa's injury, Johnny Wrestling had masterfully put all the pieces in place for a decisive match against Ciampa in New York after their memorable series of matches last year. That included Gargano beating Ciampa in an unsanctioned match at last year's pre-WrestleMania TakeOver. Gargano and Ciampa had reformed a loose alliance that saw them help each other at times with Ciampa holding the NXT Championship and Gargano holding the North American Championship. After Gargano dropped the North American title to Velveteen Dream, he and Ciampa even reformed their DIY tag team. Ciampa called for DIY to get back together and take part in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, which Gargano agreed to, much to the chagrin of his wife, Candice LeRae. DIY fell to Black and Ricochet in the semis of the Dusty Classic when Gargano seemingly suffered a knee injury. Ciampa and LeRae helped Gargano walk to the top of the ramp, but Ciampa attempted to throw Gargano into the video board, which is how DIY broke up in the first place. Johnny Wrestling stopped on a dime, though, and revealed that he wasn't really injured before throwing Ciampa into the video board and then laying him out with a superkick. That seemed to be the perfect setup for a match between them at TakeOver: New York, but the conclusion of their rivalry will have to come at a later date. Instead, Gargano and Cole clashed in a classic match, and Gargano finally secured his place atop the black and gold brand. Considering Cole's strength in numbers with Undisputed Era, however, it seems likely that their feud is just beginning. Listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot wrestling topics. Catch the latest episode in the player below (warning: some language NSFW).

Millions of Muslims take part in Hajj pilgrimage FREE health tips to live a long and happy life SUBSCRIBE Invalid email Sign up forhealth tips to live a long and happy life When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they'll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time. The first celebration, Eid al-Fitr, began on Thursday, June 14 this year, the date determined by the Islamic calendar. The date of Eid al-Adha, said to be the holier of the two Eids, is also dependant on the lunar calendar each year. Eid al-Adha falls on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th and final month in the Islamic calendar. In the international solar Gregorian calendar, the dates drift about 11 days earlier each year. The dates of the upcoming Eid al-Adha are determined by the moon sighting, applied on the 29th day of the 11th month of the lunar calendar. However, the sighting of the new moon will vary between countries, so the exact date depends on local religious authorities. In Saudi Arabia, the date of Eid al-Adha determines the date of Hajj. This year, local news has reported that the crescent was sighted, making Sunday, August 12 the first day of the 12th month and August 21 the first day of Eid al-Adha. Eid 2018: Hajj is an annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia What is Hajj? Hajj is an annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, the holiest city for Muslims. It is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims, that must be carried out one in their lifetimes by all adults who can physically and financially undertake the journey. It is one of the five pillars of Islam, along with Shahadah (belief in the oneness of God and acceptance of Muhammad as prophet), Salat (prayer), Zakat (charity) and Sawm (fasting). The Hajj is a demonstration of the solidarity of the Muslim people, and their submission to Allah. Hajj: Muslims gather atop the mountain during the Day of Arafat What date is Hajj 2018? Hajj begins on the eighth day of the Dhu al-Hijjah, so is also dependant on the moon sighting. This year, it is due to commence on August 19, and will continue until August 24. On the tenth day then, Eid al-Adha will commence and those on the pilgrimage will observe the festival. This is the day when an animal will be slaughtered in honour of the prophet Ibrahim. Eid 2018: Last year, about two million Muslims travelled to Mecca for Hajj.<doc-sep>Millions of Muslims take part in Hajj pilgrimage top stories direct to your inbox SUBSCRIBE Invalid email Sign up to receive our rundown of the day'sdirect to your inbox When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they'll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time. Eid al-Adha is set to see one of the largest gatherings of Muslim worshippers in the UK and abroad this year, as celebrations of the holiest Muslim festival take place. Every year there are two Eid’s; Eid al Fitr and Eid al Adha, one celebrating fasting and the other feasting. The former took place earlier in May, and saw Muslims fast for a period of 40 days, celebrating the prophet Muhammad. Now Muslims will celebrate the teachings of Abraham and his obedience to god with a pilgrimage and feast. What is the Hajj? Eid al-Adha is regarded as a much more important celebration in Islam, as it follows Hajj, the pilgrimage expected of every practicing Muslim. Every able-bodied Muslim is expected to take part in Hajj at least once in their lifetime, resulting in millions of people taking part at the same time. During their pilgrimage, Muslims will feast, dress in their finest clothes, and pray together in unison. Eid al Adha 2018: What is the Hajj Pilgrimage? Each participant is expected to journey to Saudi Arabia, where the single most important relic in Muslim culture resides. On entering Saudi Arabia, Muslims will journey to the Kaaba in Mecca, the focal point of the Islamic religion. The Mecca site is thought to be the original place of worship built by Ibrahim and Ishmael, and the Kaaba was supposedly built on the instruction of God himself. Muslims are expected to perform a number of rituals while in the holy city, including walking counter-clockwise seven times around the Kaaba, and spending a night in the plain of Muzdalifah. Muslims will also throw stones at the pillars of Islam in a symbolic banishing of the Devil. The Muslim relic, Kaaba When is Hajj this year? Hajj takes place over the final month in the Islamic calendar, Dhu al-Hijjah, when from the eighth to the thirteenth day, Muslims will journey to Saudi Arabia. Due to the lunar cycle the Islamic calendar runs on, the times in the West vary, as the Gregorian calendar runs on the solar cycle. This means that the dates differ by roughly 11 days each year, and this year it will run from Sunday August 19 to Friday August 24. Mecca's core mosque which houses the Kaaba is seen from above Hajj 2017: The most stunning pictures from Mecca Wed, August 30, 2017 Here are the most stunning pictures of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in the Muslim holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia Play slideshow AFP/Getty Images 1 of 7 This long exposure photograph shows Muslim pilgrims circumambulating the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia's holy city of Mecca<doc-sep>Millions of Muslims take part in Hajj pilgrimage top stories direct to your inbox SUBSCRIBE Invalid email Sign up to receive our rundown of the day'sdirect to your inbox When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they'll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time. Hajj begins on Sunday, August 19 and ends in the evening of Friday, August 24. The pilgrimage is mandatory for all Muslims to complete at least once in their life if they can afford to go and are able bodied. The Hajj pilgrimage is performed in the last month of the Islamic calendar - Dhul-Hijjah. The purpose of the pilgrimage is to get closer to Allah and Muslims from all over the world have the opportunity to interact with each other. Muslims flood to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia for the five-day pilgrimage. Mecca is where Muhammad, the prophet who founded Islam, was born and where he received the first revelation of the Koran. Pilgrims visit the Grand Mosque to praise Allah before the Ka’aba - Islam’s most sacred building. Hajj is one of the fifth and final pillar of Islam. Hajj 2018: Around two million Muslims will flock to Mecca for the annual pilgrimage During the pilgrimage, pilgrims wear simple white clothes called Ihram. One aspect of Hajj is that it removes all markers of class, wealth and materialism, which is why everyone dresses in simple cloth for the duration of the pilgrimage. Hajj begins on the 8th day of Dhul-Hijjah, this is followed by the Day of Arafah and Eid al-Adha on the 10th day - Islam’s holiest festival and the day of Tashriq. Muslims on Hajj are forbidden from having sex, proposing marriage, cutting their hair or nails and killing animals. Hajj 2018: Hajj is one of the fifth and final pillar of Islam They believe that the Prophet Abraham built the Ka’aba with his son Ismael, which is at the centre of the Al-Masjid al-Haram mosque in Mecca. Muslims walk around the Kaaba seven times as part of the Hajj pilgrimage. Muslims face to pray in the direction of the Ka’aba no matter where they are in the world. To be completed, the Hajj requires a minimum of five days during which pilgrims travel across Saudi Arabia to complete various rituals. Hajj 2018: Muslims walk around the Kaaba seven times as part of the Hajj pilgrimage<doc-sep>Millions of Muslims take part in Hajj pilgrimage top stories direct to your inbox SUBSCRIBE Invalid email Sign up to receive our rundown of the day'sdirect to your inbox When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they'll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time. Hajj takes place from August 19 to 24, the pilgrimage begins on the 8th day of the month of Dhul-Hijjah - the 12th month in the Islamic calendar. The dates are continent on the sighting of the moon in Dhul Hijah, according to the Islamic calendar, which is based on the lunar cycle, and so the dates change by 11 days a year. Hajj is the fifth and final pillar of Islam, the other pillars are faith, prayer, charity and fasting. How long does Hajj last? Hajj takes place over a five-day period, the 9th day is known as the Day of Arafat and this day is called the day of Hajj. The Hajjis or pilgrims wear simple white clothes called Ihram. During the Hajj the Pilgrims perform acts of worship and they renew their sense of purpose in the world. The ritual is designed to promote the bonds of Islamic brotherhood and sisterhood by showing that everyone is equal in the eyes of Allah. What do you during Hajj? The Hajj pilgrimage begins at a place just outside Mecca called the Miqat or entry station to the Hajj. Hajj 2018: Millions will flood to Mecca for the start of Hajj on Sunday Pilgrims bathe and put on special white clothes - ihram - men wear two white, unstitched pieces of cloth for men and any loose-fitting clothing for women before crossing the outer boundaries of the city of Mecca, called Miqat. When in ihram, pilgrims must not cut their hair, hunt or engage in sexual activity. Millions of pilgrims gather in Mecca and set out on an 8km journey for Mina and remain their until Fajr (dawn) the next morning. Mount Arafat is located in the city of Mina and pilgrims stand in the open valley, praising Allah - the mountain was the location of the Prophet Mohammad’s final sermon. Hajj 2018: Pilgrims throw pebbles at pillars which represent Satan At sunset, pilgrims head to Muzdalifah, about 9km away where they will spend the night. Muslims gather together 49 or 70 small stones together to use the next day. Eid ul-Adha is celebrated on the 10th day of Hajj, and on this day pilgrims travel back to Mina before dawn. They converge at the Jamarat bridge to perform the Ramy - a symbolic rite in which pebbles are thrown at pillars that represent the temptations of Satan. Hajj 2018: Pilgrims on Mount Arafat located in the city of Mina<doc-sep>

Millions of Muslims take part in Hajj pilgrimage Hajj is a special pilgrimage every Muslim should make in their lifetime. Mecca is a holy place in Saudi Arabia where Muslims travel to during the month of Hajj - Dhul Hijjah - the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. During Hajj, pilgrims perform acts of worship and they renew their sense of purpose in the world. For Muslims, it is the fifth and final pillar of Islam. A man who has completed the Hajj is called a Hajji, a woman who has completed it is called a Hajjah. What is Hajj? Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia - it is a pilgrimage every Muslim should make at least once in their lifetime. Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam - the others are shahadah (declaration of faith), salat (daily prayer), zakat (giving of alms) and sawn (fasting in Ramadan). Hajj begins on Sunday, August 19 and continues until Friday, August 24, although the dates are contingent on the sighting of the moon. There are many rituals in the performance of Hajj and these may be completed over the course of the five days. Hajj 2018 pilgrimage: What is Hajj? What does the pilgrimage mark in the Muslim calendar? Hajj 2018 pilgrimage: Hajj is a special pilgrimage every Muslim should make in their lifetime The pilgrimage begins on the 8th day of Dhul-Hijjah and ends on the 13th day of the same Islamic month. Every year, Muslims the world over flock to the holy city for the pilgrimage. In Arabic, the word ‘Hajj’ means ‘to intend a journey’. What does the pilgrimage mark in the Muslim calendar? The pilgrimage to Hajj takes place in the Dhal Hijjah - the month of Hajj - and is the 12th month of the Islamic lunar year. Hajj 2018 pilgrimage: Hajj is the fifth and final pillar of Islam

Click here for American League recap. Below is a collection of notes on each National League team’s draft class. We’ve tried to touch briefly on the players each club selected through the first five rounds or so, with observations on players selected after that at our discretion. Generally, these are the prospects we think both (a) have a chance to appear on a team prospect list sometime in the near future and also (b) are likely to sign. The number in parentheses after each player’s name is the round in which he was drafted. For more details on many of these players, consult THE BOARD, which has tool grades, links to video, and various information about the players. Arizona Diamondbacks Link to Draft Selections SoCal prep 2B Matt McLain (1) is a smaller guy with a plus hit tool and the speed/hands to play somewhere up the middle… Virginia CF Jake McCarthy (CBA) missed most of the spring with a broken wrist but has average raw power, plus speed, and feel to hit, though he’ll need a swing adjustment in pro ball… Illinois prep CF Alek Thomas (2) has a long track record of hitting and has good feel for the game but slipped because of concerns about a lack of physicality. That won’t matter if he hits like proponents think he will… Kansas RHP Jackson Goddard (3) is a power arm who flashes electric stuff and likely lands in relief… Wright State RHP Ryan Weiss (4) shows solid-average stuff, has a back-end-starter profile… Oregon RHP Matt Mercer (5) is a Driveline guy who throws with high effort up to 97 mph. He has four pitches, but the changeup is way ahead of the breaking balls and he may end up in relief… Florida prep RHP Levi Kelly (8) is maxed out and is a fringe athlete, but he’s up to 96 mph and flashes a plus slider at times… Florida State LHP Tyler Holton (9) had Tommy John surgery this spring but flashed solid-average stuff and feel when healthy… Florida prep SS Blaze Alexander (11) has power, a 70 arm, and a chance to play shortstop but has had swing-and-miss issues against good pitching… Kentucky RHP Justin Lewis (12) is ultra lanky, sitting 89-93 mph with an above-average changeup and enough breaking ball to stick as a starter. Atlanta Braves Link to Draft Selections Florida prep RHP Carter Stewart (1) has a chance for two 70 pitches in his fastball and curve, along with the starter traits, projection, and athleticism to project to the front of a rotation… Wichita State RF/1B Greyson Jenista (2) has sneaky athleticism and 65-grade raw power from the left side that could produce 30 bombs a year. He’ll need a swing adjustment, though, and there’s some risk that changing him hurts his ability to make contact… Stanford RHP Tristan Beck (4) was a first-round talent in high school but has been injured a lot since his senior year. He now has four pitches, the best of which is his curveball, and inconsistent command. He has third- or fourth-starter upside if things bounce back… Junior college RHP Trey Riley (5) transferred from Oklahoma State and his stuff ticked up, hitting 97. He’ll flash an above-average slider and has a chance to start… UNC Greensboro CF Andrew Moritz (6) has fringe physical tools but a great feel to hit… Stetson closer Brooks Wilson (7) is a senior sign with three solid-average pitches and comes right at hitters… Washington SS A.J. Graffanino (8) is the son of Tony Graffanino and is super lanky and smooth at short. He has limited power and was injured much of this year but has some feel to hit… Texas RHP Nolan Kingham (12) looked like a first-round pick as a freshman and has been up to 97 mph but has been very inconsistent… California prep RHP Victor Vodnik (14) is just 6-foot even and looked like a young Trevor Bauer last fall, up to 97 mph with a 55 breaking ball and a quick, efficient arm action. He sat closer to 90 mph this spring, though… 1B C.J. Alexander (20) is the older brother of D-backs 11th-rounder Blaze Alexander. He has plus raw power and posted big numbers this spring. Chicago Cubs Link to Draft Selections Stanford 2B Nico Hoerner (1) has plus-plus speed, great bat-to-ball ability, and sneaky power, but it’s unclear what up-the-middle position he plays and he doesn’t lift the ball much… Arizona prep CF Brennen Davis (2) is a classic power/speed lottery ticket with lots of risk on the contact… SoCal prep CF Cole Roederer (comp 2) had a late injury that dried up his market a bit, but he has great feel to hit and a shot to stay in center… San Diego RHP Paul Richan (comp 2) was likely an underslot play to sign the prep outfielders, has solid-average stuff and some moxie as a back-end/up-and-down type… Duke CF Jimmy Herron (3) has a football background and plus speed but a very flat swing path with little power… Virginia 2B Andy Weber (5) has an advanced feel to hit and is decent at second base, lacks power… Liberty CF D.J. Artis (7) has a very patient approach and is a plus runner who can play center but not a whole lot else. The Cubs draft someone like this every year… Virginia RHP Derek Casey (9) is a favorite senior sign of ours, with a good frame and good delivery. He also throws strikes and has average stuff… Southern Miss 3B Luke Reynolds (9) put up big numbers this year and could turn into a corner utility type… Louisville RHP Riley Thompson (11) has a truly electric arm, running his heater up to 99 mph, but the command and consistency have never been there. Mitchell Parker (28) is a prep lefty from New Mexico with upper-80s stuff, which plays better due to deception, and a good curveball. Cincinnati Reds Link to Draft Selections Florida 3B Jonathan India (1) was a third- to fourth-rounder entering the year, but remade his body and dominated the SEC this spring with improved tools… Florida prep RHP Lyon Richardson (2) is maxed-out physically and some don’t love his arm action, but he’s got a really live arm and has been up to 96 mph this spring with a 55 slider and other starter traits… Le Moyne RHP Josiah Gray (2) is a D2 conversion guy who pounds the zone with a plus fastball. His secondaries are raw … Illinois RF Bren Spillane (3) put up monster numbers and has plus, all-fields raw power along with enough athleticism to try the outfield… Virginia prep CF Mike Siani (4) will sign for well over slot as a fringe first-round talent with four above-average tools… UC Santa Barbara RHP Noah Davis (11) looked like a second-rounder this fall, hitting 97 mph with his sinker and showing starter traits, but had Tommy John last month… Florida RHP Michael Byrne (14) will be a tough sign, as there’s talk of him shifting from the Gators closer role into their rotation next year, where his solid-average stuff may play better than it did in one-inning stints. He may make himself some money… UCF 1B Rylan Thomas (26) is squatty with explosive hands that create 65 or 70 raw power. He has a 60 arm but his feet limits him to first, and his power-based approach gives him some trouble with good breaking stuff. Colorado Rockies Link to Draft Selections Ole Miss LHP Ryan Rolison (1) looked like a top-10 pick after a few outings this spring, but then he struggled with fastball command (which might be fixable if it’s just a stride-direction issue) and coaches didn’t encourage him to use his changeup… New Hampshire prep 1B Grant Lavigne (CBA) has easy plus raw power and a really good swing, and they need to bear serious fruit because he’s likely first-base-only… Texas A&M RHP Mitchell Kilkenny (2) doesn’t have a sexy profile, but he’s an effective back-end-starter type with solid-average stuff who’ll hit 95 mph every now and then… Minnesota 3B Terrin Vavra (3) performs when healthy and has about average tools across the board… Ohio State RHP Ryan Feltner (4) has been up to 98 mph this spring but works more 91-94 mph with sink and 55 a changeup. He probably fits in relief… UCLA RHP Jake Bird (5) has solid-average stuff and some moxie… Loyola Marymount RF Niko Decolati (6) has been an inconsistent performer and has no clear position, but he has sizable strength-driven power for an infielder… Fullerton RHP Andrew Quezada is a smallish righty who works in the low 90s with a back-end or swing-guy profile… Washington C Willie MacIver (9) broke his hamate this spring and didn’t catch, but he hit on the Cape and has a chance to catch once he’s physically able to do it again… Oklahoma LF Cade Harris (10) was in a loaded OU outfield with Kyler Murray and Steele Walker but has more average tools across the board, a reserve type… North Carolina 3B Kyle Datres (12) showed some big-league potential in flashes at UNC with average-type tools but nothing loud. Los Angeles Dodgers Link to Draft Selections Mississippi prep RHP J.T. Ginn (1) has arguably the best two-pitch combo in the draft with his fastball/curveball, but he’s maxed-out physically and is likely a reliever… West Virginia RHP Michael Grove (2) missed the year rehabbing TJ but was electric and lightly scouted last spring. There’s shades of Mitchell White here… Hofstra LHP John Rooney (3) is a tall, pitchability lefty with average stuff and advanced command… Texas prep RHP Braydon Fisher (4) is very young for the class and runs his heater into the mid-90s along with a slider that flashes 55… Louisville 2B Devin Mann (5) is just okay defensively but has average hit/power/run tools that are useful anywhere… Florida 2B Deacon Liput (10) had an up-and-down career with the Gators but can stick in the dirt, has average raw power, and has hit at times… Junior college RHP Trey Dillard (16) has been up to 99 mph with an average slider, but command/consistency issues… Morehead State RF Niko Hulsizer (18) broke his hamate bone this year but has been productive and has big raw power. Miami Marlins Link to Draft Selections Florida prep CF Connor Scott (1) is a 6-foot-4 athlete who’s a 70 runner and has a smooth lefty cut but was hurt a lot this spring… NorCal prep CF Osiris Johnson (2) is super young for the class and has top-of-the-scale bat speed and athletic actions but didn’t perform last summer when he faced good pitching… Georgia prep C Will Banfield (2) has a chance to be a plus receiver with a plus arm and 55 raw power, but his swing has changed more times than most scouts can count… Kentucky LF Tristan Pompey (3) has plus raw power and some speed but poor defensive instincts, so that bat will need to play… Ole Miss C Nick Fortes (4) has a 45 arm but is a good receiver with a very patient approach and some offensive ability to fit as a modern catcher… Texas A&M RHP Cason Sherrod (7) is a senior who sits 92-95 with a 55 slider but had a down spring… Arkansas State RHP Peyton Culbertson (8) is a smaller relief type who’s been into the high 90s this spring… Purdue righty Tanner Andrews (10) is a senior sign who’s been up to 96 mph this spring and fits best in relief Milwaukee Brewers Link to Draft Selections SoCal prep SS Brice Turang (1) was the top prep bat in the class a year ago but had just an okay spring that dimmed him in the view of many… Mississippi prep RF Joe Gray (2) has given scouts good and bad looks at dozens of events over the years but finished with a strong spring.<doc-sep>We have come to day three of the 2018 MLB Draft which is the high pace version where names are just rattled off left and right and after several hours, 30 rounds of names will eventually be called. This is the portion of the draft where you will see draft and track picks where signing a player is never really considered realistic and many will sign for $125K and see if they can exceed expectations. Before we go on, here are a couple of links to get you caught up on what went on yesterday. Talking Chop Podcast - Draft Breakdown Summary of the Braves’ Day Two Draft Picks This thread will serve as the tracker for the Braves’ picks today, although fair warning as it will be updated intermittently due to the pace of the picks and the fact that we have been neck depth in the draft over the last....well, a while and may have to attend to other things like day jobs, eating, etc. However, it will be updated so make sure to check back as well as to discuss the picks as they come out in the comments. Round 11 - Jake Higginbotham, LHP, Clemson Round 12 - Nolan Kingham - RHP, Texas Round 13 - Brendan Venter - 1B, Auburn Round 14 - Victor Vodnik - RHP, Rialto HS Round 15 - Greg Cullen - 2B, Niagara U Round 16 - Ty Harpenau - RHP, Texas Tech Round 17 - Justin Dean - CF, Lenoir-Rhyne Round 18 - Cameron Kurz - RHP, UC San Diego Round 19 - Zach Daniels - RHP, Iowa Round 20 - CJ Alexander - 3B, State College of Florida Manatee Round 21 - Tanner Lawson - LHP, St Edwards Round 22 - Ray Soderman - C, Oregon Round 23 - William Woods - RHP, Dyersburg State CC Round 24 - Rusber Estrada - C, Faulkner University Round 25 - Michael Mateja - 3B, North Central College Round 26 - Zach Guth - LHP, Harford CC Round 27 - Zach Seipel - RHP, Univ. of Minnesota - Crookston Round 28 - Derek West - RHP, Pittsburgh Round 29 - Ray Hernandez - 3B, Alabama State Round 30 - Mitch Stallings - LHP, Duke Round 31 - Gabriel Rodriguez - OF, Miami Dade CC South Round 32 - Tre Harris - OF, Missouri Columbia Round 33 - Mason Berne - 1B, UNC Wilmington Round 34 - Zack Hess - RHP, LSU Round 35 - Logan Brown - C, Southern Indiana Round 36 - Victor Cavalieri - LHP, Houghton College Round 37 - Alex Camacho - RHP, Vanguard University Round 38 - Franco Aleman - RHP, Alonso HS (Florida) Round 39 - Jack Perkins - RHP, Kokomo HS (Indiana) Round 40 - Micky Mangan - C, Pinecrest Academy<doc-sep>

Edwardsville High grad Trey Riley finally made it. After waiting through the first day of the Major League Baseball Draft on Monday, Riley was drafted by the Atlanta Braves Tuesday in the fifth round with the 142nd pick. And Riley, a 2016 EHS grad, left no doubt about his intentions after being selected. He’s turning pro. Riley has decided he will not transfer to Missouri State University and will instead take the Braves’ offer. He had signed to transfer to MSU during November’s early signing period but is not bound by that decision. The approximate value for the No. 142 pick is $371,900. Riley will report soon to Danville, Va., to join Atlanta’s short-season Class A baseball organization. “It’s crazy. It’s a dream come true,” Riley said Tuesday. “I had the whole family around and everybody went crazy. It is a lifetime memory.” “We were streaming it on TV from MLB.com,” he said. “We got the call (from an area scout) beforehand, and then it popped up on TV. It was pretty neat. 3 1 of 3 John A. Logan Athletics Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Show More Show Less 3 of 3 “Looking back at the moment, it’s hectic and it’s crazy. You’re having to make a decision. In the end, I’m ready to get to work.” The 6-foot-2, 175-pounder pitched the past season for John A. Logan Community College in Carterville. He spent his freshman season at Oklahoma State. Riley, considered one of the top pitchers out of Illinois in the draft, was also ranked 76th overall by MLB.com. As a freshman at Oklahoma State, Riley was 2-3 with a 3.59 ERA in 28 innings pitched. Riley was the No. 5 right-handed pitcher in Illinois coming out of high school in 2016, according to Perfect Game. Riley is coming off a strong season at John A. Logan, where he went 6-2 with 117 strikeouts and 32 walks in 77.2 innings pitched. He finished with three complete games. At Logan, Riley ranked ninth in the country in strikeouts among NJCAA Division I pitchers and 11th in both strikeouts per nine innings (13.56) and ERA. “John A. Logan was amazing. It’s a big part with where I am now,” Riley said earlier this week. “It was a place where I could be me and show my stuff. Being comfortable was the biggest thing. It’s amazing what they’re doing down there.” Riley throws a fastball in the mid-90s that can touch 97, along with a wipeout slider, change up and curveball. He recently added the curve back to the arsenal. Riley’s father, P.J. Riley, is an SIUE Hall of Famer. He was drafted in the 15th round of the 1989 draft as an outfielder by the Houston Astros. Riley is the first Edwardsville player to be taken in the draft since Dane Opel was drafted by the Washington Nationals in the 41st round in 2009. The last Edwardsville player selected in the fifth round or better was Nathan Culp. He was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the fourth round in 2006. - Matthew Kamp also contributed to this story.

The entire Buffalo Bills’ roster did a complete 180 on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. The Bills picked up their first win of the season and it came in dominating fashion, 27-6. The Bills’ secondary played a big role in the game. Minnesota quarterback Kirk Cousins threw for 296 yards on 40-for-55 passing, but most of his production came in garbage time. Of all the members of Buffalo’s secondary, cornerback Tre’Davious White, who’s actually played at a decent level this season despite his team’s struggles, was the happiest of them all. During his time in Washington, Cousins had one defining moment. His “You like that?” rant following a game. After Sunday’s Bills win, it was White’s turn. The corner did a bit of a troll of Cousins following the game: Tre White trolling Kirk Cousins after the W in Minnesota 😂 (via @thadbrown7) pic.twitter.com/DtQClu4moD — Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 23, 2018 But White didn’t even stop there, he took to social media to continue the celebration, even posting a photo of his head coach in one of his posts. Nobody Eats Off This TRE 🤷🏾‍♂️ https://t.co/gGw6fyU1t8 — Tre'Davious White (@TreWhite16) September 23, 2018 Y’all Like Dat or No … 🤷🏾‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/s4guaoENGg — Tre'Davious White (@TreWhite16) September 23, 2018 Safe to say, Tre’s one happy guy after Buffalo’s first win of 2018.<doc-sep>The Bills dominated Kirk Cousins and the Vikings on Sunday, forcing three turnovers en route to a shocking 27-6 blowout victory. Minnesota's signal caller struggled throughout, throwing for just 5.38 yards per attempt along with an interception. Minnesota's running game was little help, adding just 14 yards on six carries. The Bills added some insult to injury postgame. Bills cornerback Tre White took some camera time in the tunnel to shout Cousins' famed 'You like that! ', mocking the former Redskins QB's catchphrase. Cousins may be regretting his excitement in Washington when he returns home on Sunday evening. Check out White's postgame excitement below. White's Bills now sit at 1–2 on the season, earning the first win of rookie Josh Allen's career on Sunday. Cousins and the Vikings are now 1–1–1 on the year, facing the Rams in Los Angeles on Thursday night.<doc-sep>The Buffalo Bills stunned the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday in one of the biggest regular-season upsets in recent history. After looking like easily the worst team in the NFL through two weeks, Josh Allen and the Bills flipped the script against the NFC contenders. Tre’Davious White was pumped after the 27-6 win. He channeled Kirk Cousins’ “you like that” celebration as he ran through the tunnel at U.S. Bank Stadium. Tre White sums up the day for #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/0kIe727ZXg — Thad Brown (@thadbrown7) September 23, 2018 It was a solid effort compared to the original. Cousins was actually asked about Davis’ postgame celebration after the fact, and the Vikings quarterback wasn’t impressed. He said that he has been hearing that from opposing players for years.<doc-sep>The Telegraph Two of the surprise packages of this clay-court season have been British – initially Dan Evans, who made a deep run in Monte Carlo, and more lately Cameron Norrie, who played his second final in three weeks on Sunday. Unfortunately, Norrie wasn’t able to land a maiden ATP title in Lyon. But then he was up against Stefanos Tsitsipas, who has been the dominant force of 2021 outside the slams, and now stands at No 1 in the table of most rankings points gained since January 1. Nevertheless, it had been a hugely creditable effort for Norrie to go this far, especially when you consider that he took out top seed Dominic Thiem on Thursday, and then trounced big-hitting Russian Karen Khachanov in Saturday’s semi-final, losing only two games in the process. Norrie has come to clay late in his career, but it feels like this is developing into his favourite surface. He has one of the heaviest left-handed forehands in the game, loaded with top-spin, and uses it like a miniature version of Rafael Nadal. The result has been a tally of 14 wins and only four losses since he began his European clay-court swing in Barcelona. So while the French Open, which starts next Sunday, has traditionally been a graveyard of British hopes, there are reasons to hope that this year’s event could deliver some more positive results. Norrie’s previous final in Estoril had been a nervewracking affair which he eventually lost on a deciding-set tie-break to the more experienced Spaniard Albert Ramos-Vinolas. Sunday was more straightforward for Tsitsipas, who needed only 69 minutes to hammer home a 6-3, 6-3 victory. It was Tsitsipas’ second title of the clay-court sequence, after he won Monte Carlo in mid-April, taking out Evans in the semi-final along the way. He has become a serious contender to upset the establishment – specifically Nadal and Novak Djokovic – at Roland Garros over the next few weeks. “I felt in good shape from the beginning of the tournament,” said Tsitsipas afterwards. “I am proud of today’s match, I knew it would be a difficult one against Cameron, who has been showing great tennis this week. He has been winning against good players and showing what the left hand can do on clay. “It was not an easy match today. I had to handle the nerves and I am proud of my performance and the way I stayed focused towards my goal.” On this year’s results, meanwhile, both Evans and Norrie stand among the world’s 20 most successful men. Evans is at No 16 and Norrie No 14. The next challenge for them both is to convert that ATP Tour form into a deep run at a major.<doc-sep>

Bills cornerback Tre'Davious White was flying high after the Bills' 27-6 win over the Vikings on Sunday. As he jogged his way towards a group of reporters after the game, White couldn't help but imitate Kirk Cousins' notorious "You Like That!" celebration. Cousins famously shouted the phrase at reporters in October 2015 after he led the Washington Redskins on a 24-point rally to beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the biggest rally in franchise history. He was asked about White using the taunt after Sunday's game and said he wasn't impressed given how he hears other teams yell it all the time. Despite being heavily favored, the Vikings couldn't put points on the board on Sunday until the final three minutes, when Cousins connected with tight end Kyle Rudolph on a four-yard touchdown pass. Cousins finished throwing 40-55 for 296 yards and a touchdown, but was picked off once, sacked four times and coughed up back-to-back fumbles in Minnesota's first two drives of the day. White finished his outing with four solo tackles and one pass deflection. Linebacker Matt Milano gave Cousins the most trouble with two pass deflections, a sack and an interception. Josh Allen, fresh off his crushing 31-20 loss against the Chargers in his first NFL start last week, bounced back in a major way by throwing 15-22 for 196 yards and a passing touchdown while running 10 times for 39 yards and two scores. The Bills will travel to Green Bay in Week 4, while the Vikings will open up the week with a Thursday Night Football road game against the Rams.

Sen. Ron Johnson Ronald (Ron) Harold JohnsonThe Memo: Media face hard questions on Trump, Wuhan lab NRSC chair presses Trump to support incumbents in 2022 Republicans try but can't escape Jan. 6 MORE (R-Wis.) said that he doesn’t believe the United States's current sanctions against Russia are very effective after his recent trip to the country, adding officials should consider reworking the penalties to target Russian oligarchs. “I think you'd be hard-pressed to say that sanctions against Russia are really working all that well,” Johnson told the Washington Examiner after his trip to country earlier this week. Johnson was one of several GOP senators who met with Russian officials in the country while traveling there over the July 4 recess. ADVERTISEMENT He said that while the economic sanctions “don’t seem to be having a real horrible economic effect,” the measures targeting oligarchs close to Russian President Vladimir Putin appear to be more effective. “My sense is that the targeted sanctions to the oligarchs, to the members of government, are the ones that really sting and probably [offer] the best chance of affecting their behavior," Johnson told the Examiner. "The Russian people, they don't care if an oligarch can't buy a $10 million mansion in London.” In March, the Trump administration slapped sanctions against five Russian organizations and 19 individuals for interference in the 2016 election and cyberattacks in the U.S. Some of those figures were also indicted for election meddling by special counsel Robert Mueller Robert (Bob) MuellerSenate Democrats urge Garland not to fight court order to release Trump obstruction memo Why a special counsel is guaranteed if Biden chooses Yates, Cuomo or Jones as AG Barr taps attorney investigating Russia probe origins as special counsel MORE. The administration also imposed sanctions in April against seven Russian oligarchs and their businesses. The sanctions were added under a law passed through Congress last year in response to election interference.<doc-sep>President Trump and U.S. lawmakers should consider revising sanctions targeting Russia so they focus more on Russian oligarchs, a senior Republican lawmaker suggested after participating in a congressional delegation visit to Moscow. “You do something and nobody ever sits back and analyzes, 'Well, is it working?’” Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., told the Washington Examiner. “And I think you'd be hard-pressed to say that sanctions against Russia are really working all that well.” [Byron York: What really happened when GOP senators visited Moscow] Johnson was a member of a congressional delegation that met last week with Russian diplomats and lawmakers, although the Russian government initially resisted allowing him to enter the country. He returned to the U.S. skeptical of the efficacy of the sanctions, which were designed to punish Russian interference in the 2016 elections and other aggressive foreign policy moves. “I've always been concerned about the double-edged sword of economic sanctions can be used by [Russian President Vladimir] Putin to blame America for any lack of economic progress — but again, on the ground, they don't seem to be having a real horrible economic effect, not in Moscow anyway,” said Johnson, who also chairs the Foreign Relations subcommittee for Europe. Other U.S. punishments have had a more pointed effect, like the sanctions imposed on Putin’s political allies and his oligarch favorites. Johnson said that's an approach the U.S. should employ more often. “They would love individuals who are sanctioned to have those sanctions released so they can start traveling around again,” Johnson said. “They do sting.” Johnson said targeting Putin's inner circle would not only be more effective, but it would allow the U.S. to avoid alienating the Russian people. “My sense is that the targeted sanctions to the oligarchs, to the members of government, are the ones that really sting and probably [offer] the best chance of affecting their behavior," he said. "The Russian people, they don't care if an oligarch can't buy a $10 million mansion in London.” Johnson said after his trip that he's looking for ways to build trust between the two sides. But he also acknowledged the need to avoid any move that might inadvertently signal weakness to Russia. “When ruthless, strong people perceive weakness, they pounce,” said Johnson, who chairs the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee. “Russia wants to reconstitute, basically, its sphere of influence that they had in the Soviet Union. So, you understand that, and if you don’t want to let that happen, you’ve got to push back with strength and resolve … but that doesn’t mean that we have to be enemies.” U.S. leaders have used a series of sanctions to counter Putin’s aggression. Then-President Barack Obama and European leaders imposed sanctions on Russia's banking and energy sectors in response to the 2014 annexation of Crimea and invasion of eastern Ukraine. Obama also expelled dozens of Russian diplomats and intelligence officials as part of individual sanctions designations after the 2016 elections. Months later, lawmakers passed a broad package to codify those sanctions in law and mandate additional punishment for the Ukraine and election controversies, as well as Putin’s support for Syrian President Bashar Assad. Johnson said he's worried that Congress over-reacted to Russia's election interference, which resulted in legislation that tied Trump’s hands with mandatory sanctions. “I've been pretty upfront that the election interference — as serious as that was, and unacceptable — is not the greatest threat to our democracy,” he said. “We've blown it way out of proportion — [as if it's] the greatest threat to democracy ... We need to really honestly assess what actually happened, what effect did it have, and what effect are our sanctions actually having, positively and negatively.” That sentiment might trouble Russia hawks who are looking for signs that the Trump-led Republican party will go easy on Putin. But Johnson argued that the Moscow trip produced a valuable debate between the two sides about political interference. Johnson said that during the trip, the Republican lawmakers decried the release of emails stolen from Democratic National Committee and Hillary Clinton’s campaign chairman, John Podesta. The Russians denied the charges, and then accused the Americans of interfering in Russian politics and elections in neighboring countries. “We would bring it up, and they would push back with all the ways we interfere with their politics in terms of funding of NGOs, and Radio Free Europe and Voice of America," Johnson said. "We pushed back hard. I think they're certainly on notice that there should be no meddling in 2018.” That debate dominated the roughly five hours of meetings scheduled during the trip. “Nobody yielded,” he said.<doc-sep>Republican Sen. Steve Daines was part of a congressional delegation to Russia, but departed earlier than his colleagues on the trip. Some Twitter users spread erroneous theories that he was lying about being in Washington for Independence Day. WASHINGTON — Republican Sen. Steve Daines was part of a congressional delegation to Moscow, Russia, over the past week and scheduled to come to an end on Thursday. Daines joined several Republican senators looking to discuss policy and hash out key differences with the United States adversary ahead of President Donald Trump's planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on July 16 in Helsinki, Finland. But Daines departed Russia earlier than his colleagues and returned to Washington before trekking back to his home state of Montana, where Trump is holding a campaign rally Tuesday night. An aide to Daines confirmed the trip details to Business Insider. When Daines arrived back in Washington to celebrate Independence Day on Wednesday, he tweeted about it. But because there was no announcement that he had returned to the US from Russia, conspiracy theorists swarmed about his actual whereabouts or if he was trying to mislead the public. Ben Wexler, a television writer and producer, tweeted to his more than Twitter 26,000 followers that "In a normal year, a U.S. Senator lying about where he was on the 4th of July (he was in Moscow) would be a major scandal." Wexler's false tweet was hardly the only one. A Twitter user by the name of "Schooley," a verified account with more than 41,000 followers, posted about Daines' travel through much of the day, even after being notified that he had returned to Washington. "How is it that Daines is on the Moscow roster according to news sources but he’s tweeting about being in Washington?," he wrote in a tweet with accompanying screenshots of Daines' past tweets. The congressional delegation to Russia has received mild coverage, with the GOP lawmakers attempting to establish a dialogue in an otherwise rocky political climate. "I’m not here today to accuse Russia of this or that or so forth," Sen. Richard Shelby told Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin during their meeting on Tuesday. "I’m saying that we should all strive for a better relationship." The Washington Post reported that one Democrat, New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, was denied a visa to Moscow.<doc-sep>

Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) came back from his June 30-July 5 trip to Russia with some new perspectives on the sanctions the U.S. imposed on Moscow after its annexation of Crimea and interference in the 2016 presidential election. "We need to take a look at sanctions — are they actually changing Russia's behavior?" he told Sirius XM Washington correspondent Olivier Knox on Friday. "And right now, unfortunately, I don't think they're particularly working from that standpoint." The eight-Republican delegation to St. Petersburg and Moscow — led by Sen. Richard Shelby (Ala.) and including Johnson, Rep. Kay Granger (Texas) and Sens. Steve Daines (Mont. ), John Hoeven (N.D.), John Kennedy (La. ), Jerry Moran (Kan.), and John Thune (S.D.) — met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Russian lawmakers, though not President Vladimir Putin. "Members of the delegation set off on their trip late last week promising to be tough with Russian officials ahead of the president's visit, especially on matters of election interference," The Washington Post reported. "But they struck a conciliatory tone once there," which "played well in Moscow, but not on the home front." Johnson told The Washington Examiner that the GOP delegation did hammer the Russians on Moscow's meddling in the 2016 election, but the Russians "would push back with all the ways we interfere in their politics in terms of funding NGOs, and Radio Free Europe and Voice of America," and "nobody yielded." At the same time, he added, "I've been pretty upfront that the election interference — as serious as that was, and unacceptable — is not the greatest threat to our democracy. ... We've blown it way out of proportion." Johnson also said some sanctions did have promise: "My sense is that the targeted sanctions to the oligarchs, to the members of government, are the ones that really sting and probably [offer] the best chance of affecting their behavior."

Olivia Jade Giannulli could face expulsion from the University of Southern California (USC) following news that her parents, “Full House” alum Lori Loughlin and fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli, are allegedly ensnared in a bombshell college admissions scandal that involved wealthy families paying hundreds of thousands of dollars to secure a place for their children at prestigious universities across the country. In a statement to Fox News on Thursday, a spokesperson for USC said school officials plan to “conduct a case-by-case review for current students and graduates that may be connected to the scheme alleged by the government.” LORI LOUGHLIN RELEASED ON $1 MILLION BOND FOLLOWING ARREST IN ALLEGED COLLEGE ADMISSIONS BRIBERY SCAM “We will make informed, appropriate decisions once those reviews have been completed,” the spokesperson said, noting some of the students under review “may have been minors at the time of their application process.” Olivia's parents are accused of agreeing to pay $500,000 in bribes to have their two daughters designated as recruits for the USC crew team despite the fact that neither participated in the sport. The 19-year-old USC freshman is a famous YouTube star who goes by "Olivia Jade" on the video sharing platform as well as Instagram and Twitter, where she boasts more than 1 million and nearly 200,000 followers, respectively. A spokesperson for USC confirmed to Fox News Thursday night that Loughlin and Giannulli’s other daughter, Isabella, 20, is currently enrolled at the university. A video Olivia posted to her YouTube channel in August of 2018 has resurfaced as a result of the scandal, as the teen said at the time that she doesn’t “really care about school.” “I don’t know how much of school I’m gonna attend,” she previously told her nearly 2 million subscribers in the video, which has been viewed more than 1.5 million times. “But I’m gonna go in and talk to my deans and everyone, and hope that I can try and balance it all. But I do want the experience of like game days, partying… I don’t really care about school, as you guys all know.” Days later, she released a follow-up video apologizing for her remarks. “I said something super ignorant and stupid, basically,” Olivia admitted in the video. “And it totally came across that I’m ungrateful for college — I’m going to a really nice school. And it just kind of made it seem like I don’t care, I just want to brush it off. I’m just gonna be successful at YouTube and not have to worry about school. I’m really disappointed in myself.” “A lot of people like to attack me for the way I’ve grown up because it’s really different from a lot of people,” she added. Olivia has not been charged with a crime as a result of the scandal, nor have any of the other children whose parents were charged Tuesday. She was reportedly with friends on a USC official's yacht in the Bahamas when she became aware of the scandal. In addition to the resurfacing of her video, the teen has been facing backlash in other areas. It appears Olivia has disabled the comments section on her Instagram profile due to hateful remarks, while Variety reports she could possibly lose brand deals as a result of the scheme. The social media star has partnerships with Amazon, Dolce & Gabbana, Lulus, Marc Jacobs Beauty, Sephora, and Smashbox Beauty Cosmetic, among other big name brands, according to Variety. Already, HP has cut ties with Olivia, telling the publication in a statement that it has “removed the content from its properties” regarding its one-time product campaign with both Olivia and her mother, who was released on a $1 million bond Wednesday following her arrest. Sephora, too, is facing pressure to drop its partnership with her but has not yet said whether or not it plans to do so. Olivia is both a collaborator and paid influencer with the makeup giant, releasing an eponymous bronzing powder palette with the superstore in December 2018, according to InStyle. The USC spokesperson also told Fox News that applicants in the university’s current admission cycle “who are connected to the scheme alleged by the government will be denied admission to USC.” There are six students in the current admission cycle who are allegedly connected to the scheme, USC confirmed. “USC is still working to identify any donations potentially connected to the scheme, but there was $1.3 million noted in the indictment,” the spokesperson added. USC, in a separate statement following the initial news of the scandal, said it is "aware of the ongoing wide-ranging criminal investigation involving universities nationwide, including USC." School officials in the statement added the university has "not been accused of any wrongdoing" and noted it "will continue to cooperate fully with the government’s investigation." "We understand that the government believes that illegal activity was carried out by individuals who went to great lengths to conceal their actions from the university. USC is conducting an internal investigation," the school continued, announcing both Donna Heinel and Jovan Vavic — the school's senior associate athletic director and water polo coach, respectively — had been terminated as a result of their alleged involvement in the scheme. LORI LOUGHLIN'S YOUTUBE STAR DAUGHTER OLIVIA JADE SAID PARENTS ADVISED 'HARD WORK PAYS OFF' BEFORE SCANDAL The school emphasized it would take any additional "employment actions" that it deems appropriate. "USC is in the process of identifying any funds received by the university in connection with this alleged scheme. Additionally, the university is reviewing its admissions processes broadly to ensure that such actions do not occur going forward," USC added. Fox News’ Sasha Savitsky, Mariah Haas and Janine Puhak contributed to this report.<doc-sep>Where was Lori Loughlin's daughter Olivia Jade Giannulli when news broke that her parents were indicted for allegedly paying $500,o00 to make it appear that she had been a rower to guarantee her admission to the University of Southern California? Apparently on a billionaire's yacht who also happens to be the chairman of USC's Board of Trustees, TMZ is reporting. TMZ found out that Olivia was on Rick Caruso's yacht in the Bahamas with the chairman's daughter Gianna and several friends for their spring break. Olivia and Gianna, per TMZ, have been friends for a while now and have posted photos of each other on their Instagrams. This content is imported from Instagram. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Rick confirmed the news to TMZ himself and told the outlet that Olivia Jade did return to California after the scandal became public. "My daughter and a group of students left for spring break prior to the government's announcement yesterday," he said. "Once we became aware of the investigation, the young woman decided it would be in her best interests to return home." Rick does not have control over whether or not Olivia Jade will get to remain a student at USC or any of the other students involved. The university president will make that decision, TMZ reports. USC officials told Buzzfeed that they're going to look at each student's case individually before deciding whether to revoke their admission to the university or let them remain there. They will conduct a "case-by-case review of current students and graduates that may be connected to the scheme alleged by the government." "We will make informed, appropriate decisions once those reviews have been completed," Leigh Hopper, a USC spokesperson, told the outlet. "Some of these individuals may have been minors at the time of their application process." Alyssa Bailey News and Strategy Editor Alyssa Bailey is the news and strategy editor at ELLE.com, where she oversees coverage of celebrities and royals (particularly Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton). This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io<doc-sep>“I don’t know how much of school I’m going to attend, but I’m going to go in and talk to my deans and everyone and hope that I can try to balance it all,” she said in the video. “But I do want the experience of game days, partying — I don’t really care about school, as you guys all know."<doc-sep>As the massive college admissions cheating scandal unfolds, speculation is mounting as to whether or not the University of Southern California will take action against Lori Loughlin's daughters, Isabella Rose, 20, and Olivia Jade, 19. The "Fuller House" actress' daughters are students at the prestigious school, but the way in which they got in is the subject of bombshell new charges brought on by the Department of Justice against 50 people, including Loughlin and Huffman, allegedly involved in a years-long scheme in which wealthy parents paid fixer William Singer to get their children into elite universities. SEE ALSO: Who is Olivia Jade? Lori Loughlin's YouTube star daughter who goes to USC Isabella and Olivia's future at USC will depend upon if the school determines that they were or weren't aware of their parents' bribery to get them into the university, TMZ reports. According to official documents, Loughlin and her husband, Mossimo Giannulli, "agreed to pay bribes totaling $500,000 in exchange for having their two daughters designated as recruits to the USC crew team -- despite the fact that they did not participate in crew -- thereby facilitating their admission to USC." But did their daughters know that they got into their top choice school on false pretenses? TMZ cited sources who said that "students will not all be evaluated the same way" because of varying levels of awareness of the bribery that went on behind-the-scenes. "If the students knew they were admitted because of bribes, they will be expelled," TMZ reports. "If they were in the dark, the University will evaluate all of the circumstances and the decisions will be student-specific." Though the affidavit doesn't explicitly state whether or not the young women knew that their parents were allegedly bribing their way into the school, it does show that the scheme involved Loughlin and Giannulli submitting staged photos of both Olivia and Isabella posing on rowing machines in an effort to make it look like they actively participated in crew. SEE ALSO: Stars react to the bombshell college admissions cheating scandal As part of the scheme, Olivia and Isabella were made to seem like they were crew coxswains, despite the fact they neither of them had ever rowed or participated in crew in high school. In another section of the affidavit, Loughlin asked for direction on submitting Olivia's college applications because she was "confused on how to do so," with Loughlin adding that "I don't want to call any attention to [her] with out little friend at [her high school]." Singer replied to Loughlin's inquiry by directing one of his employees to submit Olivia's applications for her. TMZ also reported that USC officials "are furious at the parents who engaged in bribery," saying that the scandal "has tarnished the school, the students and the athletic programs." In the wake of the bombshell admissions scandal, Olivia's past comments about her father having "faked his way through" college and her own mixed feelings about going to school resurfaced online. "I don’t know how much of school I’m gonna attend," she shared with her nearly 2 million subscribers last summer. "But I’m gonna go in and talk to my deans and everyone, and hope that I can try and balance it all. But I do want the experience of like game days, partying…I don’t really care about school, as you guys all know." She later apologized for her "super ignorant and stupid" comments. SEE ALSO: Lori Loughlin deactivates social media profiles following scandal Giannulli was arrested on Tuesday morning and released on bail later that afternoon. Loughlin was shooting a project in Vancouver at the time of the mass arrests and was expected to turn herself in to authorities on Wednesday morning after landing back in Los Angeles.<doc-sep>

Bad timing. While Lori Loughlin and her husband, Mossimo Giannulli, were being taken into custody for their alleged involvement in the largest college admissions scam in history, their daughter Olivia Jade was enjoying a Bahamian getaway. TMZ reports that on Tuesday, March 12 — as news of the scam broke — the 19-year-old influencer was aboard USC’s Board of Trustees Chairman Rick Caruso’s private yacht. The outlet reports that Olivia was spending time with Caruso’s daughter, Gianna, and other friends. The YouTuber and Gianna have since left the yacht, with Caruso telling TMZ, “My daughter and a group of students left for spring break prior to the government’s announcement yesterday. Once we became aware of the investigation, the young woman decided it would be in her best interests to return home.” ABC News reported on Tuesday that Lori, 54, and Mossimo, 55, allegedly “agreed to pay bribes totaling $500,000 in exchange for having their two daughters designated as recruits to the USC crew team — despite the fact that they did not participate in crew — thereby facilitating their admission to USC.” The fashion designer was arrested on Tuesday, while the Full House alum was taken into custody on Wednesday after flying home as she was “out of the country” for work. Both are currently out on $1 million bonds each, using their Brentwood, California, home as collateral. Prior to returning home, Caruso reacted to the controversy in a statement to the Los Angeles Times. “The charges filed today against employees of USC are disturbing and the alleged activity is absolutely wrong,” he said on Tuesday. “I am saddened for any innocent students that may be impacted. There is no option other than zero tolerance for this type of behavior, and everyone involved will be held accountable.” As for how Olivia and her sister, Bella, 20, who both attend the University of Southern California, will be affected, the USC Media Relations department tells Us Weekly the school will “conduct a case-by-case review for current students and graduates that may be connected to the scheme alleged by the government.” The statement noted: “We will make informed, appropriate decisions once those reviews have been completed. Some of these individuals may have been minors at the time of their application process.” Dozens, including actress Felicity Huffman, supposedly bribed prestigious universities to get their children accepted, and have since been named and charged. The Desperate Housewives alum shares daughters Sofia, 18, and Georgia, 16, with husband William H. Macy. Huffman was arrested on Tuesday and released on a $250,000 bond.

Mercedes pair Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton have already built up a commanding championship lead and on Saturday, they finished one-two in qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. "It was a nice feeling getting it done on the last lap,” said Bottas, after the eighth pole position of his career and second in a row. "I managed to hit the sweet spot," added the 29-year-old Finn. Frenchman Charles Leclerc looked to be Ferrari's best hope for pole, but crashed out in the second round of qualifying, meaning he will start Sunday's race in ninth. The 21-year-old didn't hide his frustration. "I am stupid, I am stupid, I am stupid," he said over team radio, later adding on Twitter: "No excuses. I've been useless." Despite starting so far back, the Ferrari driver could still compete for a podium position, a point not overlooked by Lewis Hamilton. "It has been close this weekend. Ferrari looked good and Valtteri did an exceptional job," the reigning champion said. The qualifying session took far longer than normal due to a number of drivers struggling with the challenging Baku street circuit. Robert Kubica crashed into the same wall as Leclerc.<doc-sep>BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - APRIL 27: Pole position qualifier Valtteri Bottas of Finland and Mercedes GP celebrates in parc ferme during qualifying for the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit on April 27, 2019 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) Valtteri Bottas took the pole position for the fourth race on the 2019 Formula 1 schedule, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, at Baku City Circuit. Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport’s Valtteri Bottas took his second pole position of the 21-race 2019 Formula 1 season by taking the pole position for the season’s fourth race, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, at Baku City Circuit. As a result, the 29-year-old Finn became the first driver to take two pole positions so far this season, as he also took the pole position for the season’s third race, the Chinese Grand Prix. Bottas took the pole position for the 51-lap race around the 20-turn, 3.73-mile (6.003-kilometer) Baku City Circuit temporary street circuit in Azadliq Square, Baku, Azerbaijan by recording a top lap time of 100.495 seconds (133.619 miles per hour) in the third and final round of qualifying for the race. Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton qualified in second place alongside his teammate. He recorded a top lap time of 100.544 seconds (133.540 miles per hour) in the third and final round of qualifying, a lap time that was just 0.059 seconds (0.079 miles per hour) slower than the top lap time of Bottas. Scuderia Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel qualified in third place alongside Aston Martin Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen, who qualified in fourth. SportPesa Racing Point’s Sergio Perez is set to round out the top five on the starting grid after qualifying in fifth place. Scuderia Toro Rosso’s Daniil Kvyat, McLaren rookie Lando Norris and Alfa Romeo Racing teammates Antonio Giovinazzi, a rookie, and Kimi Raikkonen are set to round out the top nine on the starting grid after qualifying in sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth place, respectively. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc qualified in 10th place for the race, but he did not participate in the third and final round of qualifying for it. He finished in sixth in the second round of qualifying to advance to the third and final round, but he crashed during the second round, resulting in heavy damage to his car that prevented him from going back out on the track. His crash caused a lengthy delay. McLaren’s Carlos Sainz Jr., Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo, Toro Rosso rookie Alexander Albon, Rich Energy Haas’ Kevin Magnussen and Red Bull Racing’s Pierre Gasly were eliminated following the second round of qualifying for the race and are set to start in 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th place, respectively. Racing Point’s Lance Stroll, Haas’ Romain Grosjean, Renault’s Nico Hulkenberg and ROKiT Williams Racing teammates George Russell, a rookie, and Robert Kubica were eliminated following the first round of qualifying for the race and are set to start in 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th place, respectively. Kubica crashed during this opening round of qualifying, causing a lengthy delay. Here are the full qualifying results for the 2019 Azerbaijan Grand Prix at Baku City Circuit. Qualifying Results 1st – Valtteri Bottas 2nd – Lewis Hamilton 3rd – Sebastian Vettel 4th – Max Verstappen 5th – Sergio Perez 6th – Daniil Kvyat 7th – Lando Norris 8th – Antonio Giovinazzi 9th – Kimi Raikkonen 10th – Charles Leclerc 11th – Carlos Sainz Jr. 12th – Daniel Ricciardo 13th – Alexander Albon 14th – Kevin Magnussen 15th – Pierre Gasly 16th – Lance Stroll 17th – Romain Grosjean 18th – Nico Hulkenberg 19th – George Russell 20th – Robert Kubica Want your voice heard? Join the Beyond The Flag team! Write for us! The live broadcast of tomorrow’s Formula 1 race, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, is set to begin at 8:10 a.m. ET. on ESPN2. Be sure not to miss the action from the 2019 season’s fourth race at Baku City Circuit.<doc-sep>Valtteri Bottas brilliantly denied Lewis Hamilton pole position in a dramatic Azerbaijan GP qualifying as Mercedes again upstaged Ferrari, who saw Charles Leclerc crash out. ​​​​​​Ferrari had comfortably appeared favourites for the front row before the session but, not for the first time this year, their promise evaporated when it mattered most. Practice pacesetter Leclerc crashed out in Q2, while Sebastian Vettel was outpaced by both Bottas and Hamilton as the trio vied for the leading position on the final lap. Bottas' lap of 1:40.495 - a track record - won pole by a margin of 0.059s. "Another day in this 2019 season that coulda, shoulda, woulda been Ferrari's day turned out to be Mercedes'," said Sky Sports F1's David Croft. 1:40 Charles Leclerc hits the barriers in the same place Robert Kubica crashed during Q2 of the Azerbaijan GP Charles Leclerc hits the barriers in the same place Robert Kubica crashed during Q2 of the Azerbaijan GP Leclerc will start down in ninth after the 21-year-old got caught out at the narrow castle chicane of Turn Eight and slammed into the barriers. "I am stupid, I am stupid," raged Leclerc on team radio as he rebuked himself. He stood by his harsh self-criticism when speaking to Sky F1 afterwards, while added on social media that his performance had been "useless". "For the next three or four hours I will be beating myself up," added Leclerc. That incident, plus a near-identical shunt for Williams' Robert Kubica in Q1, meant qualifying was twice suspended and ultimately ran for nearly two hours as temperatures dropped sharply around Baku's city streets. Max Verstappen qualified a very competitive fourth for Red Bull after setting the pace in Q2, while Baku expert Sergio Perez secured a brilliant, season-best fifth for Racing Point. 2:04 Robert Kubica hits the barriers at turn eight during Q1 of the Azerbaijan GP Robert Kubica hits the barriers at turn eight during Q1 of the Azerbaijan GP Daniil Kvyat for Toro Rosso and McLaren's Lando Norris, making Q3 for the third time in four attempts, completed the top seven ahead of the Alfa Romeo drivers, Antonio Giovinazzi and Kimi Raikkonen. Giovnazzi joined Raikkonen in the top 10 for the first this year, outqualifying the more experienced Finn, but will drop down the grid owing to a 10-place penalty for engine changes. Red Bull's Pierre Gasly, who was quickest in Q1, sat out Q2 ahead of his pit-lane demotion for missing the weighbridge in practice. Renault, meanwhile, endured a horrid session as neither of their cars made the top 10. Daniel Ricciardo finished 12th, while Nico Hulkenberg dropped out in Q1. Today was a great example of never giving up even if the numbers show you may not have what it takes to be number 1. We kept our cool, delivered in tough conditions and managed to out perform a faster car. Great job from the team collectively 💪🏾 @MercedesAMGF1 pic.twitter.com/aMk9AYcooY — Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) April 27, 2019 Mercedes make a mockery of own prediction Whether or not playing mind games, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said before qualifying that Ferrari were "almost untouchable" for pole position given the Scuderia had dominated practice. Yet during the course the incident-filled, marathon qualifying session that followed the performance pendulum swung away from Ferrari and towards their biggest rivals and the championship leaders. "I don't know if they stole it, I think they were a bit quicker than us today," conceded Vettel, who finished 0.3s adrift of pole. 1:23 Charles Leclerc blamed himself for crashing out during qualifying and missing out on a potential pole position. Charles Leclerc blamed himself for crashing out during qualifying and missing out on a potential pole position. "For me it started a bit slow, towards the end it was getting better but it was quite tricky, the session was very long, the sun was going down. It was difficult to find the right balance of pushing in the out lap and playing with tow." Bottas said: "It's all about small margins and I got a good tow on the last lap. The corners I had to drive as well but it's fine details and I hit the sweet spot." That makes it two poles in a row for Bottas this year but Hamilton, who beat his team-mate off the line a fortnight ago in China, was more than satisfied to play his part in the unexpected Silver Arrows lockout. "Honestly I did not think I would be on the front row today," the world champion told Sky F1. "I'm always hopeful but the Ferraris were showing pace we couldn't really truly match. I don't know what happened to Seb, I think he didn't get a tow which was where he was missing out as that's worth four or five tenths. "We'll definitely take it, should have been on pole but Valtteri did a great job. I fluffed Turn One and Two, I came out of Turn Two three tenths down to my previous lap." Azerbaijan GP Qualifying Timesheet Driver Team Time 1) Valtteri Bottas Mercedes 1:40.495 2) Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 1:40.554 3) Sebastian Vettel Ferrari 1:40.797 4) Max Verstappen Red Bull 1:41.069 5) Sergio Perez Racing Point 1:41.593 6) Daniil Kvyat Toro Rosso 1:41.681 7) Lando Norris McLaren 1:41.886 8) Antonio Giovinazzi* Alfa Romeo 1:42.424 9) Kimi Raikkonen Alfa Romeo 1:43.068 10) Charles Leclerc Ferrari No time Out in Q2 11) Carlos Sainz McLaren 1:42.398 12) Daniel Ricciardo Renault 1:42.477 13) Alexander Albon Toro Rosso 1:42.494 14) Kevin Magnussen Haas 1:42.699 15) Pierre Gasly** Red Bull No time Out in Q1 16) Lance Stroll Racing Point 1:42.630 17) Romain Grosjean Haas 1:43.407 18) Nico Hulkenberg Renault 1:43.427 19) George Russell Williams 1:45.062 20) Robert Kubica Williams 1:45.455 *10 place grid penalty **Pit-lane start Watch the Azerbaijan GP live on Sky Sports F1 on Sunday at 1pm. Sky Sports is the home of live and exclusive F1. Find out more here to watch the 2019 season live<doc-sep>

Mark Thompson/Getty Images Valtteri Bottas will start the 2019 Azerbaijan Formula One Grand Prix from pole position on Sunday after beating Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton to top spot in a dramatic qualifying session. Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel took third place behind the two Silver Arrows, but team-mate Charles Leclerc will start down in 10th place after crashing in Q2. Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen will start alongside Vettel in fourth, while Racing Point's Sergio Perez will start from an impressive fifth place on the grid. Here are the results from qualifying: Ferrari dominated the practice sessions and did the same early during the first qualifying session, as Leclerc became the first driver to duck underneath the one-minute, 42-second mark. Mercedes took some time finding their footing but eventually improved, bridging the gap there had been during practice. Red Bull also found some pace late in the session, with Pierre Gasly knocking the Monegasque out of the top spot. The Frenchman knew his eventual finishing position in qualifying wouldn't mean much, as he'll start from the pit lane: Video Play Button Videos you might like Renault struggled in FP2 and didn't have a great outing in FP3, either, and their start to qualifying was hardly ideal. Minutes into the first session, Daniel Ricciardo was told the team had no data, leaving him without crucial info on a busy track: The Australian eventually worked himself out of the drop zone after a difficult session, shortly before Williams' Robert Kubica shunted, bringing out the red flag. Nico Hulkenberg and Romain Grosjean were among the drivers to miss out on Q2. The shunt was a big one: Drivers were forced to wait while the track was cleared, adding an extra element of strategy. As the temperature dropped, Ferrari took a risk by opting for medium tyres, while everyone else ventured out on the soft compound. Leclerc's first time was reasonably close to that of the Silver Arrows, but Vettel was well off the pace. Once Perez went faster than the younger Ferrari driver, it became clear the Scuderia had made a tactical error. But things got much worse for the team shortly after. Leclerc, who had been the fastest man on track for most of the weekend, hit the wall in the same spot Kubica did, ending his session. The 21-year-old was furious with himself: The crash brought out another red flag and another delay. Liquid coming from the car made things more difficult for the marshals, and the lengthy break meant the end of the session would take place in the fading light. The session eventually restarted with Carlos Sainz, Ricciardo, Alexander Albon, Kevin Magnussen and Gasly all missing out on Q3. Ricciardo will start down in 12th place in the Renault: The final session saw Verstappen, Hamilton, Bottas and Vettel all vying for pole position in a dramatic finish. Bottas was the man to come up with the goods, setting a new track record of 1:40.495 to secure top spot ahead of Hamilton and secure an all Mercedes front row.

A former Russian spy and his daughter were reportedly under surveillance by the Russian authorities months before they were poisoned in Salisbury. Sergei Skripal and his daughter, Yulia, were exposed to the novichok nerve agent in March. Britain accused Russia of poisoning the Skripals in the first known offensive use of such a chemical weapon on European soil since the Second World War. Russia has denied any involvement in the poisoning. Both the former spy and his daughter were under surveillance by the Russian authorities for some time before the attack, BBC Newsnight reports. The broadcaster said Ms Skripal’s phone has been investigated for signs of malware which could have enabled it to be used to track her movements. Skripal attack aftermath – in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Skripal attack aftermath – in pictures Skripal attack aftermath – in pictures Scene of attack Members of the emergency services in hazard suits fix the tent over the bench where Sergei and Yulia Skripal were found unconscious on a park bench in Salisbury in March 2018. Getty Skripal attack aftermath – in pictures Victim - Sergei Skripal The retired Russian colonel and former double agent for MI6 was in a critical condition in hospital for more than two months after being exposed to novichok in Salisbury. He was given refuge in the UK after being jailed in Moscow for treason. Mr Skripal came to Britain as part of a high-profile “spy swap” in 2010 in which four men were exchanged for ten Russian "sleeper agents" in the US. In this image he is speaking to his lawyer from behind bars in Moscow in 2006. AP Skripal attack aftermath – in pictures Victim - Yulia Skripal Yulia Skripal was struck down by a novichok poison alongside her father Sergei. Facebook Skripal attack aftermath – in pictures Scene of attack A police officer stands guard outside a branch of the Italian chain restaurant Zizzi where the pair dined at before falling ill. It was boarded off whilst investigators worked on the building and later found traces of the chemical weapon within it. AFP/Getty Skripal attack aftermath – in pictures Scene of attack Large areas of central Salisbury were cordoned off by police following the discovery of the Skripals. Traces of nerve agent were also found in The Mill pub. PA Skripal attack aftermath – in pictures Victim - Nick Bailey Detective Sergeant Nick Bailey, rushed to the aid of the Russian ex-spy and his daughter who were targeted with a nerve agent. He was hospitalized after aiding them and didn't leave until three weeks after the attack. Wiltshire Police/Rex Skripal attack aftermath – in pictures Police investigation - Skripal’s home Police believe they were poisoned at home, and detectives found the highest concentration of novichok on the front door of Mr Skripal’s house. Getty Skripal attack aftermath – in pictures Theresa May visits scene of attack Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May spokes with Wiltshire Police's Chief Constable Kier Pritchard near where the Skripal's were found. Britain expelled 23 Russian diplomats over the nerve agent poisoning and suspended high-level contacts, including for the World Cup on March 14. Theresa May told parliament that Russia had failed to respond to her demand for an explanation on how a Soviet-designed chemical, Novichok, was used in Salisbury. AFP/Getty Skripal attack aftermath – in pictures Skripal days before attack Sergei Skripal days before he was exposed to Novichok, that has left him fighting for life. ITV News Skripal attack aftermath – in pictures Police investigation - military involvement British soldiers were deployed soon after the attack to help a counter-terrorism investigation into the nerve agent attack. One of the places they were asked to help out with was Skripal's home and it's surrounding. They were asked to remove a vehicle connected to the agent attack in Salisbury, from a residential street in Gillingham. AFP/Getty Skripal attack aftermath – in pictures Police investigation Personnel in protective coveralls and breathing equipment cover an ambulance with a tarpaulin at the Salisbury District Hospital. AFP/Getty Skripal attack aftermath – in pictures Police investigation The investigation extended to the grave of Sergei Skripal's son Alexander in London Road cemetery. Getty Skripal attack aftermath – in pictures Police investigation The Counter Terrorism Policing Network requested assistance from the military to remove a number of vehicles and objects from Salisbury. EPA Skripal attack aftermath – in pictures Home Secretary visits scene of attack Home Secretary Amber Rudd visited the scene of the nerve agent attack at the Maltings shopping centre on 9 March. Getty Skripal attack aftermath – in pictures Yulia Skripal speaks for the first time Yulia Skripal, speaking for the first time, said she felt lucky to have survived the nerve agent attack in Salisbury which left her fighting for life. Ms Skripal said her life had been “turned upside down” by the assassination attempt. But the Russian national added she hoped to return to her homeland one day, despite the Kremlin being blamed for the attack. Reuters The British government previously said Russia had been spying on the Skripals for at least five years. In a letter to Nato, the national security adviser, Sir Mark Sedwill, said the pair were the subject of “interest” from the Kremlin’s security services since 2013. He said Ms Skripal’s email accounts had been targeted by Russia’s GRU intelligence agency, where her father served as a colonel while passing secrets to Britain as a double agent. Mr Skripal may still have been seen as a target even after he was convicted of espionage and handed over to Britain in a high-profile spy swap, Mr Sedwill added. Yulia Skripal's email account was targeted by Russia's intelligence agency, the British government said (PA) It comes as counter-terrorism police said a couple left in a critical condition in Wiltshire were exposed to the same nerve agent. Dawn Sturgess and Charlie Rowley were taken ill on Saturday in Amesbury, around eight miles away from where the Skripals were attacked with novichok in Salisbury. Speaking to reporters from New Scotland Yard, the Metropolitan Police assistant commissioner, Neil Basu, said police were investigating links between the two poisonings. “I appreciate that there will be a great deal of speculation as to whether this incident is linked to the events in Salisbury in March,” he said. “I would add that the complex investigation into the attempted murders of Yulia and Sergei remains ongoing and detectives continue to sift through and assess all the available evidence and are following every possible lead to identify those responsible, for what remains a reckless and barbaric criminal act. “I must say that we are not in a position to say whether the nerve agent was from the same batch that the Skripals were exposed to. The possibility that these two investigations might be linked is clearly a line of enquiry for us.” Military personnel investigating the poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal (PA) Professor Dame Sally Davies, chief medical officer for England, said the Skripal episode meant officials had a “well-established response” in place. She said: “I understand that those in Salisbury and in surrounding areas will be concerned at this news, particularly those who recently visited areas now cordoned off by police.” She said the risk to the public remains low, but issued “highly precautionary” advice to those with concerns. Personnel in hazmat suits investigate the poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal (PA) Around 100 counter-terrorism officers are working on the case and police have cordoned off at least five different areas, including a park and a property in Salisbury, as well as a pharmacy and a Baptist church community centre in Amesbury. Mr Basu said: “This is a precautionary measure while we continue to investigate how they came into contact with the substance.” The attack on the Skripals prompted the biggest Western expulsion of Russian diplomats since the Cold War, as British allies in Europe and the United States sided with the view of the prime minister, Theresa May, that Moscow was either responsible or had lost control of the nerve agent. Mystery surrounds the attack and the motive behind it remains unclear, as is the logic of using such an exotic nerve agent, which has overt links to the Soviet military during the Cold War.<doc-sep>The British Home Office accused Russia of "reckless and callous" behavior and demanded that Moscow provide details about the nerve-agent attack on a Russian former double agent and his daughter in March after two British citizens were poisoned with the same substance last week. "The eyes of the world are currently on Russia," Home Secretary Sajid Javid told lawmakers on July 5, while urging Russia to explain "exactly what has gone on" in Salisbury. "It is completely unacceptable for our people to be either deliberate or accidental targets, or for our streets, our parks, our towns, to be dumping grounds for poison," he said. The comments ramping up pressure on Moscow came as a man and a woman were hospitalized in critical condition after falling ill at a house in the English town of Amesbury on June 30. The town is just 11 kilometers away from Salisbury, where ex-Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter, Yulia, were poisoned in March. Britain blames Russia for the assassination attempt, but Moscow denies any involvement. Javid told parliament after chairing a meeting of the government's Cobra emergency committee that a link between the Skripal case in Salisbury and the June 30 poisonings was the "main line of inquiry" for police in the case. Earlier on July 5, Security Minister Ben Wallace told the BBC that "the Russian state could put this 'wrong' right. They could tell us what happened, what they did, and fill in some of the significant gaps that we are trying to pursue." "They are the ones who could fill in all the clues to keep people safe," he added. Calling the new incident "very worrying," the Kremlin later said it was unaware of any official British requests to Russia for help in relation to the investigation. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also said that Moscow had offered Britain its assistance in probing the Salisbury attack long ago but had been rebuffed. The Russian Foreign Ministry on July 5 said the British government should end "dirty political games" and "intrigues" over the two poisoning incidents and agree to work with Moscow on the probe. "Right now, it is important to launch a full-scale investigation," spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said. "Our law enforcement agencies are ready for this job. We inform the British side about this regularly, several times a month, via diplomatic channels," she added. Late on July 4, Britain's top counterterrorism officer, Neil Basu, said tests had found that the two Amesbury residents had been exposed to Novichok, the same nerve agent that sickened the Skripals. Basu said they could not confirm whether the nerve agent came from the same batch but that the possibility was "clearly a line of inquiry." It was unclear how the 45-year-old man and the 44-year-old woman came into contact with the nerve agent, and there was "nothing in their background" to suggest the pair were targeted, the official said. With reporting by Reuters, dpa, and the BBC<doc-sep>

LONDON — Tests on two Britons found unconscious in their home determined that they were poisoned by the same nerve agent used against a former Russian spy and his daughter earlier this year, British police said Wednesday. The discovery triggered new security precautions in the area of Amesbury, England, where the couple were sickened. The town is seven miles from Salisbury, where former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter were poisoned with the military-grade nerve agent Novichok in March. The British government blamed Russia for the attack. Moscow has repeatedly denied any involvement. Friends and investigators identified the victims as Dawn Sturgess, 44, and Charlie Rowley, 45, who remained in critical condition early Thursday. Counterterrorism police have taken over the investigation, and authorities acknowledged that the test results would fuel speculation about whether the two poisoning incidents were linked. "However, I must say that we are not in a position to say whether the nerve agent was from the same batch that the Skripals were exposed to," Neil Basu, assistant commissioner of specialist operations for London Metropolitan Police, said in a statement. "The possibility that these two investigations might be linked is clearly a line of inquiry for us." Home Secretary Sajid Javid — Britain's interior minister — said in an address to Parliament on Thursday that the incident would "obviously... invoke memories of the reckless murder attempts of Sergei and Yulia Skripal earlier this year." Javid continued: "The eyes of the world are currently on Russia, not least because of the World Cup. It is now time that the Russian state comes forward and explains exactly what has gone on." "We do not have a quarrel with the Russian people. Rather it is the actions of the Russian government that continue to undermine our security and that of the international community." "We will stand up to the actions that threaten our security, and the security of our partners. It is completely unacceptable for our people to be deliberate or accidental targets, or for our streets, our parks, our towns to be dumping grounds for poison," he said. Sturgess and Rowley were found unconscious at separate times in the same home on Saturday. Investigators initially suspected that they had overdosed on heroin or cocaine, but after observing their symptoms ─ police didn't describe them ─ authorities took samples for lab testing. Those tests came back positive for Novichok, Basu said. He added that no one else had reported falling ill with similar symptoms. Investigators are now focusing on how and where Burgess and Rowley came into contact with Novichok, Basu said. As a "precautionary measure," police cordoned off sites in the Amesbury and Salisbury areas that they believe the two visited just before they were sickened, Basu said. "I do want to reassure the public, however, that there is no evidence that either the man or woman recently visited any of the sites that were decontaminated following the attempted murders of Sergei and Yulia Skripal," Basu said. In Salisbury, a supported housing complex for the homeless was cordoned off 840 feet from Zizzi's, the restaurant the Skripals dined at the evening they were poisoned. So, too, was Queen Elizabeth Gardens — a park just 1,300 feet from where the Skripals were found. Mike Wade, the director of health protection at the southwest branch of the government agency Public Health England, said in a statement Thursday that the risk to the public continued to be low. Amesbury is about five miles from Stonehenge, the prehistoric monument visited by more than a million people annually. Francis Whittaker reported from London, and Jon Schuppe from New York.

Credit: Epic Games It would be easy to be confused about the name, but take note: this is not Friday Fortnite, the Keemstar-hosted Fortnite tournament that served as the first major professional Fortnite event. Keemstar's Friday Fortnite was eventually cancelled after Epic kept scheduling Fall/Summer Skirmish events on Friday night, and as a sort of nail in the coffin the developer has apparently decided to start holding its own in-game weekly tournament and naming it Friday Night Fortnite. The first one starts tonight, so read on for rules, timing, scoring and more. Start/End Times: The first Friday Night Fortnite starts tonight, October 19. It runs from 7:00-11:00 p.m. local time and once it's done, it's done. The tournament system is still very much in the early phases, so there may well be technical problems during that time. Rules/Scoring: Friday Night Fortnite is a squad mode, and it does not appear that it will have matchmaking for your own team: you'll need to bring along three friends if you want to compete. Scoring is similar to what we saw in the first Alpha tournament: points are awarded for both placement and elimination, with up to a total of six points from a given match. As some people have been figuring out, it sometimes pays to just drop into Tilted, rack up some kills and then die rather than try to tough it out to the end. You enter through mode selection, and you can see details under the "events" tab in the lobby. credit: epic Games Prizes: Just like with the previous solo tournament, the prize is a shiny pin. You'll need to get 25 points to earn your pin, and you're restricted not by the number of matches played but by the 7:00-11:00-time range. Matchmaking: A regular Fortnite match has platform-based rather than skill-based matchmaking. Touchscreen players play against each other, controller players play against each other, etc. Not so here: things are meant to be more difficult as the tournament goes on, so you'll be matched with other people that have a similar point total as you regardless of platform. It's a bold idea, and it's not without its problems: touchscreen players will always be destroyed by PC players, for example. This is one of those systems that are very much still in progress. Expectations: Things have been a little rough with these tournaments so far between queuing, matchmaking and other problems. That's why Epic is billing these as practice runs, with the full tournaments yet to come. Just don't go in expecting something totally smooth, and know that you might not get all the points you're after due to technicalorf other problems. It's a work in progress.<doc-sep>If you play exceptionally well, you can get a pin. Fortnite’s new Events tab, which was added in the 6.10 update yesterday, brought in-game tournaments for players in every region. If you have Fortnite, regardless of your platform, you can play matches in this new system. The goals players must achieve to earn points are similar to the ones in the Fortnite competitions. The more opponents you kill and the better you place in the match, the more points you earn. There will be several in-game tournaments for players. Right now the daily Alpha Tournament and the weekly Friday Night Fortnite are the main tournaments taking place this week. If you have a great overall performance during a session of any event, you will be awarded with an exclusive pin. What is a pin? A pin is a symbol players earn for having a great performance in a Fortnite in-game event. Players earn different pins for different tournaments, and how hard it will be to earn each pin might vary too. Epic Games has mentioned that these pins will be used to qualify players for future, more competitive in-game tournaments. How to get a pin A player can earn a tournament pin if they reach a certain number of points in a single event session. A session is the group of matches someone plays in a single day of an event. For the daily Alpha Tournament, for example, every day is a different three-hour session and will award players with a new pin. Players can earn points every match by achieving goals. All goals are worth one point each, and so far there are six of them per match. The points are carried over after the match and added to the points of the next one in a single session, but they reset after that session is over. At this moment, it seems that the goals of every tournament vary if they are Solo, Duos, or Squads tournaments. The number of points needed to unlock a pin varies as well. Solo Pin unlocked at 20 points. Three Eliminations Five Eliminations Seven Eliminations Reach Top 10 Reach Top 3 Victory Royale Duos Pin unlocked at 25 points. Four Eliminations Six Eliminations Eight Eliminations Reach Top 5 Reach Top 3 Victory Royale Squads Pin unlocked at 20 points. Six Eliminations Nine Eliminations Twelve Eliminations Reach Top 3 Reach Top 2 Victory Royale We will continue to update this article whenever Epic releases more information about pins and in-game events.<doc-sep>

Epic Games has always said that Fortnite players would have a way to take on the pros, and with the newly announced in-game tournament system, it looks like that’s finally here. The in-game tournaments, which were announced this afternoon, will be added to the game in patch v6.10 and open to every single Fortnite player, regardless of platform or control scheme. That means players using a mouse and keyboard or controller or even touch device will all be pit against one another during the events. Each tournament will task players with reaching a certain score threshold, which can be done either through placing high in matches or eliminations. Any player that manages to reach the point goal during the tournament will get a special pin in their profile to note their accomplishment. Later on, these pins will likely grant access to higher-level tournaments or even larger events, but for now, they are just about recognition. The majority of these tournaments will last a few days, which should give plenty of players time to earn the highest score possible. During play, the game’s matchmaking system will only match competitors with other participants, and Epic Games is even making sure that each lobby is fairly close together in their total points in order to help make each game fair. This year, the tournament is mostly going to be an experiment focused on getting everything with the system right and working out all the small issues. Later on, however, the in-game tournament system is what will be used to help qualify players for the 2019 World Cup, through an event called Showdown Royale. The first of these in-game tournaments is going to be the Alpha Tournament, a solo event that kicks off Oct. 16 and runs through Oct. 21. For a full look at the upcoming Fortnite tournaments, you can take a look at the schedule. Schedule Alpha Tournament (Solo) Dates: Oct. 16 - Oct. 21 Description: Participate in the first in-game tournament, spanning across several days of daily competition! Beta Tournament (Duo) Dates: Oct 23 - Oct. 25 Description: Grab a friend and take on the world - until you are the last two left. Friday Night Fortnite (Squad) Oct. 19 - Nov. 30 Description: Join your friends every Friday and kick off your weekend with some exciting Squad action. Salty Springs Cup (Solo) Dates: Oct. 27 - Oct. 31 Description: One week and three attempts to prove you’re the saltiest that Salty Springs has to offer. Tomato Temple Cup (Duo)

Ketamine was approved as an anesthetic nearly 50 years ago, and it gained popularity as a club drug in the 1990s, as part of the dance floor/rave culture, possibly because of its psychedelic effects. It blocks sensory perception, which can lead to the distortion of sights, colors, sounds, self, and one's environment by separating perception from sensation.<doc-sep>The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday said it approved Johnson & Johnson's nasal spray antidepressant that is chemically similar to often-abused ketamine, marking the first advance in treating depression in more than 30 years. The treatment comes with a boxed warning — FDA's harshest — flagging the risk for sedation and difficulty with attention, judgment and thinking, abuse and misuse, and suicidal thoughts after administration of the drug. Spravato nasal spray will be used along with a newly prescribed oral antidepressant, under supervision of health care professionals, the agency said. Citing the risk of serious adverse outcomes and the potential for abuse and misuse, the FDA said the drug will be available through a restricted distribution system. Spravato is a chemical mirror image of anesthetic ketamine, which is abused as a recreational party drug that goes by the street name Special K. The decision comes after an FDA advisory panel recommended approval of the drug, Spravato, which is designed to treat depression in patients who have not benefited from two or more antidepressants. "There has been a long-standing need for additional effective treatments for treatment-resistant depression, a serious and life-threatening condition," said Tiffany Farchione of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Spravato has been touted as an asset with blockbuster potential and is expected to improve investor sentiment toward the growth prospects of J&J's pharma unit Janssen, as its top-selling rheumatoid arthritis drug Remicade faces increased competition from cheaper biosimilars. The drug is also being tested in patients with depression who are at a high risk of committing suicide.<doc-sep>The Food and Drug Administration in March approved a big pharma variant on the hallucinogenic club drug Special K for the treatment of depression. Yes, you read that right. Ketamine, which has long been used as an anesthetic, has increasingly been tried off-label by psychiatrists as a last-ditch effort to treat the 12 to 20 percent of patients with depression who don’t respond to other antidepressant medications or treatments. Building on years of preliminary research about ketamine’s potential benefits for depression, Johnson & Johnson developed a drug called esketamine, sold under the brand name Spravato. The nasal spray is designed to alleviate depressive symptoms within hours — much faster than the other antidepressants on the market, such as Prozac, which can take weeks or months to act. In February, an FDA panel determined, in a 14-2 vote, that esketamine’s benefits outweigh its risks and recommended that the agency approve the drug. The approval came on March 5, the first new antidepressant type to be greenlit by the agency in decades. ”There has been a long-standing need for additional effective treatments for treatment-resistant depression, a serious and life-threatening condition,” said Tiffany Farchione, acting director of the Division of Psychiatry Products in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, in a press release. And to date, there have been frustratingly few options available to patients. For now, esketamine is only approved for adults with “treatment-resistant depression,” who are supposed to take esketamine in conjunction with another oral antidepressant. And because it can sedate patients and bring on out-of-body experiences, the FDA is only making it available through certified clinics, where patients are to be monitored for at least two hours after taking the drug. As Megan Thielking points out in Stat, this requirement may raise logistical challenges for clinics. “Many health care facilities aren’t set up to have patients wait in the office for several hours under observation. A health care facility also might not have enough staff to properly monitor them.” The impact of ketamine, and esketamine, on depression isn’t clear Before the approval, more and more people with major depression seemed to be trying ketamine. Anecdotes like this one from a Vox contributor, who felt relief from the drug, had begun to surface. But while some patient and doctor groups are hailing the approval, others aren’t so sure there’s enough evidence to justify it. Smartest people can say dumbest things. NIMH Head all wrong on #ketamine: 1)Patients dont "resist" treatments-meds fail them 2)No really novel antidepressants since first ones 60 yrs ago 3)#FDA rushed approval after 4 small studies 4)Little efficacy vs placebo 5)Safety ignored https://t.co/sOMEy0Jv69 — Allen Frances (@AllenFrancesMD) March 6, 2019 That’s because the benefits of ketamine and esketamine aren’t yet well understood. According to the FDA, the drug has only been studied in four clinical trials, three of them lasting just four weeks. And the results were pretty mixed. Per the agency: In one of the short-term studies, Spravato nasal spray demonstrated statistically significant effect compared to placebo on the severity of depression, and some effect was seen within two days. The two other short-term trials did not meet the pre-specified statistical tests for demonstrating effectiveness. In the longer-term maintenance-of-effect trial, patients in stable remission or with stable response who continued treatment with Spravato plus an oral antidepressant experienced a statistically significantly longer time to relapse of depressive symptoms than patients on placebo nasal spray plus an oral antidepressant. Though some of the patients who took esketamine experienced relief of their depressive symptoms, side effects — including dissociation, dizziness, nausea, sedation, anxiety, a lack of energy, increased blood pressure, vomiting, and feeling drunk — were also common. “The clinical benefit of esketamine appears to be comparable to that of ketamine,” UpToDate, the physicians’ resource, warned. “The demonstrated benefit of ketamine is only short lived, the drug is associated with bladder toxicity and is potentially neurotoxic, and ketamine is liable to abuse [or] diversion.” A recent perspective in JAMA, about evolving treatments for depression, noted, “Potential long-term risks include tolerance, abuse, and misuse.” It’s also not yet clear whether ketamine is a real antidepressant or just triggers a feeling of euphoria. But the FDA said the medical need for another option for patients with depression justified the approval. We’re sure to learn more now that patients will have the opportunity to try it.<doc-sep>A new medication related to the iconic party drug "Special K" that can rapidly treat depression could revolutionize the treatment of the condition affecting more than 16 million Americans, experts say. A subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson has won fast-track approval from the Food and Drug Administration for use of the drug esketamine combined with an oral antidepressant for adults who have tried at least two other treatment options without success. Esketamine, administered as a nasal spray, is a cousin of the anesthetic ketamine, which was once a popular recreational drug. Studies have shown ketamine's effectiveness against depression, and ketamine clinics already operate across the nation. Psychiatrist Steven Levine operates nine ketamine clinics nationwide to treat major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and other conditions with intravenous "infusions." He said the FDA approval will mean more patients will be willing to try the drugs – and that the new drug will be covered by insurance. "This is an enormous deal in terms of access to care," Levine said. "And the degree of advancement can't be overstated. This is truly the best new option in over 60 years. And more will be coming down the pike." Levine said he has treated more than 3,000 patients with ketamine at his Actify Neurotherapies clinics. But he said he expects to stock esketamine within months "happily coexisting" with the older drug. Jonathan Herbst, 42, says he has been battling depression for more than 20 years. A financial services manager in Philadelphia, he began ketamine treatments in August – five or six treatments in the first two weeks, then one maintenance treatment every three or four weeks. "It's been a lifesaver – literally I feel like it saved my life," Herbst said. "I lived my life carrying around a ton of bricks and suddenly that bag of bricks isn't there anymore." The drug is not a panacea. The FDA warned that esketamine distribution will be tightly controlled due to the potential for abuse, suicidal thoughts and sedation along with possible problems with attention, judgment and thinking. Demitri Papolos, associate professor of clinical psychiatry at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, says the new drug might not work as well as the old one. Papolos, who said he has been successfully treating patients with ketamine for a decade, said esketamine could also end up costing more than the generic ketamine. "I am also afraid that if these drugs are hyped too much they will be overused," he said. "Ketamine is valuable for a specific form of mood disorder, not run-of-the-mill depression, in my experience." Esketamine is for patients with "treatment-resistant depression," a major depressive disorder that at least two alternative antidepressant treatments failed to adequately address. Levine estimated that about half of the 16 million or more people who are treated for depression are treatment-resistant. Tiffany Farchione is acting director of the Division of Psychiatry Products in the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. "There has been a long-standing need for additional, effective treatments for treatment-resistant depression, a serious and life-threatening condition," she said. Farchione said the agency reviewed controlled clinical trials of the drug before approving it. The spray may not be taken home; the patient self-administers Spravato nasal spray in a doctor’s office or clinic. Patients must be monitored by a health care provider for at least two hours after receiving their Spravato dose. In a four-week clinical trial, the Spravato nasal spray demonstrated a "statistically significant effect" compared to a placebo, the FDA said, and some effect was seen within two days. A longer-term trial showed treatment with Spravato plus an oral antidepressant provided "significantly longer time to relapse of depressive symptoms" than patients on a placebo. The most common side effects in the clinical trials were disassociation, dizziness, nausea, sedation, vertigo, decreased feeling or sensitivity, anxiety, lethargy, increased blood pressure, vomiting and feeling drunk. The FDA approved ketamine as a general anesthetic in 1970. “Special K" emerged on the party scene years later, and ketamine became a controlled substance in 1999. "Esketamine isn't really much different for our purposes," Levine said. "But the impact will be tremendous."<doc-sep>

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new nasal spray for the treatment of severe depression. On Tuesday, the government agency announced Spravato nasal spray, also known as esketamine, can now be used "for the treatment of depression in adults who have tried other antidepressant medicines but have not benefited from them." "There has been a long-standing need for additional effective treatments for treatment-resistant depression, a serious and life-threatening condition," said Dr. Tiffany Farchione, acting director of the Division of Psychiatry Products in the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, in a statement. The FDA said patients with major depressive disorder who have tried at least two antidepressants are considered to have treatment-resistant depression. It is estimated that approximately one-third of U.S. adults with a major depressive disorder have treatment-resistant depression, according to Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, which developed Spravato. FDA surprise:Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, aggressive regulator against vaping, resigns Food safety:FDA unveils new plan to ensure safety of food imported to U.S. Spravato should be used in conjunction with an oral antidepressant, according to both the FDA and Janssen. The FDA said this is the first time esketamine was approved for any use. The agency approved ketamine, a related drug and an anesthetic, in 1970. Ketamine, also known as “Special K,” a party and date-rape drug, became a controlled substance in 1999. According to the FDA, Spravato's label will contain a boxed warning cautioning "patients are at risk for sedation and difficulty with attention, judgment and thinking (dissociation), abuse and misuse, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors after administration of the drug." The most common side effects from the clinical trials were disassociation, dizziness, nausea, sedation, vertigo, decreased feeling or sensitivity (hypoesthesia), anxiety, lethargy, increased blood pressure, vomiting and feeling drunk. The spray cannot be taken home and only can be administered in a certified doctor's office or clinic, according to the FDA. Patients have to be monitored for "at least two hours" after receiving a dose and can't drive for the rest of the day. "Spravato has the potential to change the treatment paradigm and offer new hope to the estimated one-third of people with major depressive disorder who have not responded to existing therapies,” said Dr. Mathai Mammen, global head, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, in a statement. In the company statement, Janssen said it would work quickly to educate and certify treatment centers, so health care providers could start offering Spravato. Later this month, a locator tool will be posted at www.spravato.com, the drug's future website, where patients will be able to sign up to receive alerts when new treatment centers are available. The website was not live as of Tuesday night. Follow Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko

Concern about his mental health and the lack of enjoyment from competing in the Overwatch League have forced Hyeon "EFFECT" Hwang to retire, he announced Saturday on his Facebook page. He was a DPS player for the Dallas Fuel. The post, written in Korean, was translated by Twitter user @swingchip930 and posted on the social media site. In a lengthy and emotional message that mentioned thoughts of suicide, EFFECT explained how he turned to gaming to find his sense of self-worth in a life he felt was unfulfilled even as a child. "The best escape was video games, of course. If I played games I couldn't think of anything else because I had to focus on what was at hand, and whenever I carried a match, or advanced in rankings, I felt like I had become the main character of the game. That's why I played video games," he said. "I would feel satisfied once I reached high rankings." He continued: "Overwatch got released, and I played Overwatch. Because I wanted to become a star in the game, I made strategy posts. I made a YouTube channel. I started streaming. And I tried my best. There was no space to think of negative thoughts because I had my hands full. I kept working hard and I kept pushing forward. "Because of that, I ended up getting here, but too much time has passed. Overwatch hasn't changed at all. The game itself couldn't tug at my interest anymore and I couldn't become the star. The same comps, the same maps, the same strategies. And when I took my break, my physical form got to the worst possible state, so I should have practiced like my life depended on it but it wasn't fun. I couldn't even feel the allure of becoming a star anymore." EFFECT previously has spoken out about the pressures of the league. In the first season of the Overwatch League, he left during Stage 3 for mental health reasons and returned to South Korea. "I returned to the league with such energy, but I regret that I couldn't really show people anything before leaving," EFFECT said. "But Overwatch is seriously no fun anymore, and I don't want to keep stressfully practicing. I also felt rough receiving a salary that was more than what I was worth, and felt so sorry and ashamed of it. So I am going to retire as a pro gamer." Mike "hastr0" Rufail, the owner of the Dallas Fuel, issued a statement regarding EFFECT's retirement on Twitter. "He has given our organization and fans thrilling memories, insane plays, multiple championships and has been a true pleasure to watch. We wish you the best and brightest future @EFFECT." -- Field Level Media<doc-sep>Just one stage after returning to the Overwatch League, Dallas Fuel DPS player, Hyeon "EFFECT" Hwang has announced his retirement from the League due to mental health. Warning: the following article contains mentions of both self-harm and suicidal thoughts. The decision was announced on EFFECT’s personal Facebook page early Saturday morning and has been translated from Korean by Twitter user Swingchip930. Heartfelt and honest, the post reveals just how far the DPS player’s depression had progressed. “I don't want to foolishly act upon it and commit something like suicide. But no matter how I think about it, I think I need healing. I think I need to consult with doctors,” EFFECT said. “I feel like if I can't stop this, my emotions will become like that of a landslide, and bury me and swallow me up.” (Photo Credit: Robert Paul via Blizzard Entertainment) In their post, EFFECT opened up about a life-long battle with depression, recalling a time from their early teenage years where they attended a film with their family. “When my family exited the theater amazed at the CG, I was thinking about suicide.” Video games soon became their escape from such feelings. The amount of attention and focus required took away the opportunity for negative thoughts to creep in, along with giving EFFECT a platform to shine from. It was no surprise when their amazing DPS skills landed them on the star-studded Dallas Fuel. However, it wasn’t long before the pressures of the League became too much for EFFECT, forcing them to take several leaves of absence during the inaugural season to travel back to Korea in an attempt to recoup. It was during these times that EFFECT began to identify his depression. “I couldn't even feel the allure of becoming a star anymore,” said EFFECT. “When I thought to myself, ‘The depression inside of me has become this big,’ I felt afraid. Because I felt like if I continued on like this, I might eventually kill myself in a heated moment.” Photo Credit: Robert Paul via Blizzard Entertainment) After announcing his retirement, EFFECT stated they hope to return to making YouTube videos and streaming, activities where they had found joy in the past. Their retirement marks the second in the past two weeks, with Atlanta Reign’s Daniel “Dafran” Francesca stepping down from the League just before Stage Two. While EFFECT’s top-tier Tracer plays will be missed on the Overwatch League stage, it should be mentioned that this sort of honesty is nothing short of heroic. Not an easy decision to make, EFFECT’s bravery to share their challenges throughout the years will resonate with many fighting their own battles. If you find yourself experiencing thoughts of self-harm, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255. (Featured Photo Credit: Robert Paul via Blizzard Entertainment)<doc-sep>

This article is brought to you by StatBanana, the best Overwatch strategy tool. In an emotional post on his Facebook page, Dallas Fuel’s Hyeon “EFFECT” Hwang announced that he’s retiring from professional Overwatch due to his mental health. EFFECT has been a DPS player for the Dallas Fuel since the team’s inception and has spoken at length about his trials dealing with the league’s pressures. EFFECT’s Facebook post has been translated into English by community member Swingchip—the post may contain content that’s triggering for some and includes descriptions of self-harm and suicidal thoughts. In his post, EFFECT talked about his battle with depression from his teenage years to today. He discussed how, at one point, video games like Overwatch were an escape. “There was no space to think of negative thoughts because I had my hands full,” EFFECT said. He explained that the idea of being “a star” in the game didn’t even motivate him anymore. In the Overwatch League’s inaugural season, EFFECT left during the end of stage three to return to his homeland of South Korea due to mental health issues. He didn’t return for the remainder of the season, but indicated over the summer that he’d be back for the second season. EFFECT played multiple games in stage one of the 2019 season. “I returned to the league with such energy, but I regret that I couldn’t really show people anything before leaving,” EFFECT said. “But Overwatch is seriously no fun anymore, and I don’t want to keep stressfully practicing.” Over the summer break from Overwatch League seasons, EFFECT also publicly came out as bisexual and indicated the trials he’s had to face since that announcement. EFFECT goes on in his Facebook post to explain that he will likely be streaming and producing YouTube content to support himself. He thanked his fans for cheering him on during his career. Dallas Fuel team owner Mike “hastr0” Rufail commented on EFFECT’s retirement by saying that he gave the “organization and fans thrilling memories, insane plays, multiple championships and has been a true pleasure to watch.” If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 1-800-273-8255 and offers crisis help in multiple languages.

Advertisement The premiere episode of Love Island's new season quickly became dramatic as show bosses added a huge twist by throwing muscle-bound hunk Adam Collard into the mix, moments after contestants had been coupled up. On Monday night, viewers of the popular ITV2 show watched as one stunning bikini-clad contestant after another was paired with a potential love match, before they suddenly learned that a new man would be able to poach their partner in under 24 hours. As 22-year-old personal trainer Adam — who stands at an imposing 6'5" — strode his way into the Majorca villa, he immediately shook things up by declaring that he had his eye on Dani Dyer. Scroll down for video Shocking twist: Muscle-bound hunk Adam Collard was thrown into the Love Island villa as a wild card during the season premiere episode on Monday night, as he was introduced as the ninth contestant — after the girls had all been coupled up Upbeat: When some of the contestants found themselves reluctantly paired up, Adam instantly threw a spanner in the works Though captivating, the twist had viewers at home begging for more, when the episode ended before Adam had made his choice in a particularly juicy cliff-hanger. 'Are you kidding?' One viewer wrote. 'Who did he chose? ', with another adding: 'How dare they leave the end like that.' A viewer echoed this with: 'This cliff-hanger is going to be worse than the end of The Walking Dead season 6 man. I mean we all know he about to chose Dani.' Others said: 'Why would they cut it out there? Is that a joke? Playing with my head already,' as well as 'What even was that ending? You can't do that! Literally been waiting since Christmas for this season and you drop that cliff-hanger.' Catching the eye: Adam shook things up by revealing that he had his eye on Dani Dyer, already coupled with Jack Fincham Another: After everybody was paired up, Love Island host Caroline Flack intoruced strapping hunk Adam to the contestants Happy: Dani appeared to be content with pen merchant Jack Fincham until Adam became the proverbial spanner in the works '[Caroline Flack] is that some sort of joke? Week 1 and you're leaving us on a cliff-hanger like that already?' More enthusiasts said: 'You're making us wait until tomorrow? Are you having my life?' and 'why stop there?' while one fan said: 'I am seeing [the theatre show] Hamilton tomorrow, but looks like I’ll have to cancel.' During Monday night's debut, Dr Alex George was the most talked-about contestant on Twitter, closely followed by Eyal Booker and Dani Dyer. Of the 565k tweets generated, 41k were about Alex, while 35k and 32k were sent out about Eyal anmd Dani respectively. Surprise 11th contestant Adam initially found himself drawn to Danny Dyer's daughter Dani alongside blonde beauty Laura and petite brunette Kendall, declared there is 'so much choice'. Of course, Dani had already been coupled up with pen merchant Jack Fincham, with whom she seemed relatively content until personal trainer Adam entered. Bikini-clad: The contestants showed off their enviably toned bikini bodes as they met with their potential summer soulmates Boys' chat: As they got to know each other, the boys of the house got together to discuss their feelings on the developments Get it out of the way! Dani shamelessly name dropped EastEnders actor dad Danny Dyer as she grew close to hunk Jack The Geordie lad's presence immediately put the other male contestants on edge, however Dani appeared conscious about rocking the boat so early into her tenure on the racy reality show. Adam remained undeterred, pulling each girl away from their guys for private chats — and reiterating his instant attraction to Dani when it was their turn to talk. Staring into the 21-year-old Essex beauty's eyes, Adam confidently told her: 'Obviously, you caught my eye when I first came in,' before reiterating in the Hideaway that he had a 'first look instant attraction to Dani'. Twitter reaction: Love Island enthusiasts were eager to find out just who the hunk would pick yet were left disappointed when the show's ending failed to deliver Angry fans: One fan said: 'I am seeing Hamilton tomorrow, but looks like I’ll have to cancel' But Dani restrained herself from being as enthusiastic in reaction to the idea of being stolen away from Jack, as she nonchalantly told Adam with a smile: 'If I got picked I got picked. I can't sit there and cry about it.' She then turned the tables on Adam after awkwardly facing a series of probing questions as she asked him what he was thinking about who he would choose, before advising: 'Go with who you want to get to know.' The barmaid and aspiring then raised a laugh from a pensive Adam as she complained that she's 'always the forbidden fruit', before quipping: 'Maybe I'm the banana.' Viewers at home were significantly hotter under the collar when they caught a glimpse of Adam stepping into the shower. It's all off: Adam Collard lived up to his hunky ways as he stripped naked during a steamy shower session on Love Island's opening episode on Monday All eyes on him: Taking to Twitter, fans swooned over his appearance, with one stating: 'Adam can steal me any day any time wutttttttt #LoveIsland' LOVE ISLAND 2018: MEET THE CONTESTANTS At it again: Dani has already tried to become a reality star this year Name: Dani Dyer Age: 21 Occupation: Barmaid Location: East London Claim To Fame: Aside from the fact that she made a 24-hour appearance on Survival Of The Fittest in February [she was sent home after the first challenge due to an injury], her father is EastEnders actor Danny Dyer. Rumours have swirled since her failed attempt at becoming a reality star that she was going to give Love Island a stab. Her dad is said to have been 'livid' that she had to leave Survival Of The Fittest, despite Dani admitting that he was 'very protective' about her going on the show in the first place. Past Relationships: Two serious exes and single for the last two years. 'I’ve never used a dating app,' she admits. Biggest Turn Off: Dani admits that 'when a boy is far too full on' it sends her running for the hills. 'I hate when a boy asks you direct "do you fancy me?" You don’t say that. I don’t like cringe-worthy quotes or chat up lines. Don’t chat me up!' Best Feature: Dani thinks her hair and her eyes are the best things about her. Worst Quality: 'Sometimes I'm a bit too much,' she admits. Doctor Dreamy: Alex admits being filmed 24 hours is 'worrying' Name: Dr Alex George Age: 27 Occupation: A&E Doctor Location: Carmarthen, West Wales Biggest Turn Off: Alex admits that he doesn't like 'high maintenance girls'. Elaborating on this, the hunky doctor says: 'I think it’s brilliant to look good but spending three hours to get ready to go and walk on the beach is too much for me.' Past Relationships: A four year relationship. It ended three years ago. Alex is looking for love [but also fancies himself as a new TV doctor]. New to dating: Hayley is a self-professed inexperienced dater Name: Hayley Hughes Age: 21 Occupation: Model Location: Liverpool Claim To Fame: Hayley was once in an ITV advert [not for Love Island]. Past Relationships: One relationship and a self-professed inexperienced dater. She says: 'I’ve only slept with one guy. I was with him for five years. We got together at such a young age, when I was 16. You just grow up, and grow apart. I knew the relationship was over before it was over. I don’t think he’ll like seeing me on the show.' He's booked: Eyal is a model and has had 'quite a few' relationships Name: Eyal Booker Age: 22 Occupation: Model Location: London Claim To Fame: Eyal was once in a pop band called EverYoung. 'We had small time success and toured the country, built up a little fan base and there was fan girl hysteria,' he says. Biggest Worry: 'I’m a bit nervous but I think anyone would be! My parents, my sister and my Gran might see something that they don’t necessarily want to see. Besides that, I’m excited,' he admits. Fasten Your Seat-belts: Laura is an air stewardess Name: Laura Anderson Age: 29 Occupation: Cabin Crew Location: Stirling, Scotland Looking For: Laura says she wants 'a rugged, real man' and 'someone that knows what they want'. Past Relationships: She admits to having had 'loads of boyfriends - nine' and that 'two have been in the public eye'. Thoughts On Cheating: 'I think it’s the lowest of the low. It’s very selfish and arrogant. I have been cheated on, and I have cheated once,' she admits. Squeaky: Kendall worries her voice will annoy people Name: Kendall Rae-Knight Age: 26 Occupation: Retail Manager Location: Blackpool Worst Attribute: Kendall doesn't like her own voice, branding it 'high and squeaky'. Claim To Fame: She once won Miss North West and represented the whole of the North West in the Miss England final, which was in 2015. 'I stopped most of the pageants and modelling when I met my ex. I’d probably do more modelling in the future,' she adds. Wind up: Niall isn't fussed about loyalty to other guys Name: Niall Aslam Age: 23 Occupation: Student and Construction Worker Location: Coventry Biggest Worry: 'Being the first one voted out. I’ve also got a worry that I’m going to get pied constantly,' Niall says. Thoughts On Loyalty: Niall doesn't seem too worried about swooping in on another guy's turf. He says: 'I don’t care who a lad is if he is big, better looking, I’m still going in there and I’ll still rock up and try and chat up his missus. I wouldn’t say I’m a wind up, I just don’t really think about consequences.' Good dater: Wes has 'never had a bad date' Name: Wes Nelson Age: 20 Occupation: Electrical and Nuclear Systems Design Engineer Location: Staffordshire Dating History: Wes declares that he has 'never had a bad date' and that 'they've all been pretty good'. Best Feature: His cheekbones apparently win him many a-compliment. Worst Quality: He's always late. Chequered past: Adam admits he has a history of cheating Name: Adam Collard Age: 22 Occupation: Personal Trainer and Gym Director Location: Newcastle Dating [And Cheating] History: Adam admits he's cheated before and that although he felt guilty about it he was young. He claims he 'gets a lot of attention' when he is dating someone and that he once walked out on a first date. Looking For: 'I like meeting people and talking to everybody so I think even if I do or I don’t find Mrs Right, it’ll be fine,' Adam says. Loves the limelight: Samira has appeared on stage in Mamma Mia Name: Samira Mighty Age: 22 Occupation: West End Performer Location: London Claim To Fame: Samira says her experience on stage has given her a taste of stardom having appeared in Mamma Mia and Dreamgirls. 'Everyone in the West End knows everybody. So it will be a big shock when they see me on this show,' she says. Clumsy: Jack says he's a total klutz Name: Jack Fincham Age: 26 Occupation: Stationery Sales Manager Location: Kent Wosrt Date: 'I took a girl out to a lovely pub next to the Thames and I was trying to be cool, ordered some drinks for us and then as I put my hand up to pay for them, I knocked the drinks back on to the barman and they poured down him and smashed on the floor. He was fuming,' recalls Jack. Advertisement Taking to Twitter, fans swooned over his appearance, with one stating: 'Adam can steal me any day any time wutttttttt #LoveIsland.' Another echoed: 'Adam in the shower.... help me #LoveIsland.' Intimated by his dashing persona, a third user - this time a male - penned: 'Even I am rattled by Adam. Just told my gf to close her eyes when he was in the shower.'<doc-sep>‘Love Island’ returned with a bang on Monday (4 June) night, and no sooner had we been introduced to the new Islanders than they were forced to couple up. The first recoupling ceremony of the series has resulted in five brand new pairings being formed - but it seems the contestants shouldn’t get too comfortable just yet, as one of them faces being left single in the next 24 hours. Viewers of the ITV2 reality show saw host Caroline Flack unveil five fresh female Islanders as the new series kicked off, before the boys were introduced one-by-one, with the girls being asked who they wished to couple up with. ITV Kendall and Niall Construction worker Niall Aslam was the first boy in, with Kendal Rae-Knight stepping forward, thus becoming the first official ‘Love Island’ couple of 2018. Second in was A&E medic Doctor Alex George, who had a heartbreaking moment when no-one stepping forward for him. This meant he was able to choose who he wanted to couple up with, picking air steward Laura Anderson. However, no sooner than they had gotten together than Laura ditched him for the next boy who walked into the villa, 20-year-old Wes Nelson. ITV Laura and Wes Model Eyal Brooker was the fourth boy to enter, with Danny Dyer’s daughter Dani, West End star Samira Mighty and model Hayley Hughes stepping forward to be in a couple with him. ITV Hayley and Eyal He plumped for Hayley, with Dani going on to couple up with the fifth boy, Jack Fincham. By default, Alex and Samira then ended up as a couple, having not managed to entice anyone else into a partnership. ITV Samira and Alex However, there was a twist in store as a sixth lad was then unveiled - Geordie personal trainer Adam Collard. While he remains currently single, he has 24 hours to decide which girl he wants to steal, which will then leave one of the other lads uncoupled. ITV Adam is able to steal one of the girls With the ‘Love Island’ rules stating that contestants must be in an official couple to remain on the Island, the solo guy will then face being axed. But who should Adam choose to couple up with? Vote in our poll below...<doc-sep>

Love Island 2018: Viewers in fury as first episode ends with Adam Collard cliffhanger Love Island leaves viewers questioning who Adam will choose Love Island host Caroline Flack kicked off the new series by assisting the islanders with their first coupling. One boy at a time was partnered up with one of the five girls in the villa, before Caroline put a spanner in the works and introduced Adam Collard. The 22-year-old personal trainer was told he had 24 hours to choose which girl he would like to couple up with. Caroline began: “Guys if you’re a bit worried I don’t blame you because in 24 hours Adam will be coupling up with one of your girls. “Leaving one of you single and vulnerable.” Love Island 2018: Viewers in fury as first episode ends with Adam Collard cliffhanger When the 24 hours had past the islanders gathered in the garden to find out which girl Adam had chosen to pair up with. Speaking directly to his fellow contestants, Adam said: “So obviously it is not easy coming in here as the sixth boy. “Especially being the last islander coming in and having to potentially take one of the girls off one of you boys. “But I’m sure you boys would all have to do the same if you were in my position.” He added: “The decision that I have made is sort of based on the chats that I’ve had, I’ve tried to get to know all of you one by one. Love Island 2018: Meet the contestants Tue, May 29, 2018 Love Island 2018: Meet the contestants in this year's show. Play slideshow ITV 1 of 12 Love Island 2018 The girl that I’ve decided to couple up with, I was attracted to her from when I first saw her Adam Collard, Love Island contestant “The girl that I’ve decided to couple up with, I was attracted to her from when I first saw her, she fits what I would be looking for when I’m looking at someone. “She’s a good person and she’d definitely ticks a lot of boxes for me as a person, so the girl I want to couple up with is…” But just when Adam was about to reveal who he had chosen the credits were rolled out leaving fans shocked and furious. One person wrote on Twitter: “You’re making us wait until tomorrow? Are you having my life? #Loveisland.” Another asked: “Are you kidding? Who did he chose?” while a third fumed: “How dare they leave the end like that.” Adam Collard was told he has 24 hours to chose which girl he would like to couple up with Adam Collard is a 22-year-old personal trainer

The Lightning now have 62 wins for the season. The Tampa Bay Lightning made history on Saturday afternoon by winning their 62nd game of the season, tying an NHL record. The Lightning defeated the Bruins, 6–3, in their final regular-season game to tie the 1995-96 Detroit Red Wings for the all-time record for single-season wins. Tampa Bay won ten straight outings in February and went 10–3 throughout March. The team has already clinched a playoff spot and won the Presidents' Trophy and finishes with 128 points on the season. Right wing Nikita Kucherov also broke the NHL record for the most points scored in a single season by a Russian-born player (128). It was previously held by Alexander Mogilny, who scored 127 in 1992-93. The Lightning will return to the playoffs this year for the 11th time in franchise history. They won the Stanley Cup once in 2004 over the Calgary Flames and returned to the Final in 2015 but fell to the Chicago Blackhawks. Tampa Bay put together an impressive 54–23–5 campaign last year to make the playoffs and reach the conference finals before falling to the Washington Capitals, who went on to win the franchise's first Stanley Cup.<doc-sep>The numbers tell the story for the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2018-19: The wins and points in the standings that place them in the conversation for best regular-season team in the history of the National Hockey League. The offensive team statistics that reveal them to be a juggernaut. The individual accomplishments of their top players that will net them some hardware at the NHL Awards this summer. But perhaps the most stunning number related to the Lightning's accomplishments? That would $79.5 million. That's the upper limit of the salary cap, and Tampa Bay's payroll was meticulously constructed to be underneath it over the past few seasons. Keep that in mind while examining these facts and figures about the 2018-19 Presidents' Trophy winner. Other dominant regular-season teams in NHL history -- the 1995-96 Detroit Red Wings, the 1976-77 Montreal Canadiens -- had no such constraints. What the Lightning have done over the past several months, then, is unprecedented. Here are 25 stunning numbers about the 2018-19 Tampa Bay Lightning: Note: Additional research by Vince Masi, ESPN Stats & Information. Stats via Hockey Reference and NHL.com. The standings With 62 wins, the Tampa Bay Lightning tied the 1995-96 Red Wings for the most by a team in the regular season in NHL history. Their 30 road wins are second all-time in the NHL, behind the 2005-06 Detroit Red Wings (31). With a points percentage of .780, the Lightning have the second-highest rate in NHL history for an 82-game season behind the 1995-95 Detroit Red Wings (.799). It's the fifth-best in NHL history for a team with at least 80 games played. The Lightning are 21 points ahead of the second-place Calgary Flames and Boston Bruins, the widest gap between first- and second-place overall teams since the 1995-96 Red Wings finished 27 points ahead of the Colorado Avalanche. Tampa Bay is only the second team in NHL history to post four different winning streaks of seven games or more in a single season. The other team? The 1983-84 Wayne Gretzky-led Edmonton Oilers. The team The Lightning were adept at both scoring goals and suppressing opposing goals this season. AP Photo/Chris O'Meara The Lightning finished with a goal differential of plus-103, the second-highest mark in the past 20 years. The only team with a higher rate was the 2005-06 Senators (+107). Their 3.96 goals per game is the highest in the NHL since 1996. There have been 37 games this season in which they have scored five or more goals, the most by a team since the 1995-96 Pittsburgh Penguins had 41. There have been 19 games this season in which they have scored six or more goals, the most by a team since 1995-96, when the Penguins did it 26 times. The Lightning have trailed going into the third period 21 times this season, the fewest in the NHL and the fewest times since the 2008-09 Boston Bruins (17). The special teams The Lightning have a power-play percentage of 28.1 this season, which is the highest in NHL history for an 82-game season. It's the highest overall since the 1987-88 Calgary Flames were at 28.5 percent in an 80-game season. The Lightning have a 33.0 percent power-play percentage on the road, the highest since the NHL began tracking the stat in 1977. Nikita Kucherov's 48 power-play points are the most for a player in the past 11 seasons. They also set a new franchise record for a single season for the Lightning. The rallies The Lightning could never be counted out. They had 29 come-from-behind wins this season, which set a new record previously held by the 2015-16 Washington Capitals, who had 28 such victories. The NHL on ESPN+ Catch NHL games streaming live every night (and on replay) this season on ESPN+. Click here for the upcoming schedule and to learn how to subscribe. They had a .600 points percentage when trailing after one period (15-10-0), which led the league, and were the only team over .500 in that situation this season. That's the highest percentage in 20 years. They had a .429 points percentage when trailing after two periods this season (9-12-0). That's the best in the history of the NHL for an 82-game season. The next-best points percentage this season were the Flames, at .250. The players Nothing is certain, but it would qualify as a surprise if Andrei Vasilevskiy and Nikita Kucherov don't earn themselves some hardware at the NHL Awards this summer. Scott Audette/NHLI via Getty Images Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy has a career high in save percentage (.925) and goals-against average (2.40) this season in 53 games. He's in a near-statistical tie with Carey Price of the Montreal Canadiens in goalie point shares, or the amount of points the goalie has added to his team's record, at 12.4. In Steven Stamkos (45), Nikita Kucherov (41) and Brayden Point (41), the Lightning are the first team since the 1995-96 Pittsburgh Penguins (Mario Lemieux, Jaromir Jagr, Petr Nedved) to have three 40-goal scorers. Among the players who set new career highs in points this season in Tampa: Kucherov (128), Point (92) and Ryan McDonagh (46 points). In Stamkos (98), Kucherov (128) and Point (92), the Lightning are the first team to have three 90-point scorers since the 2005-06 season. Kucherov's 128 points shattered the franchise record, previously set by Vincent Lecavalier (108 points) in 2006-07. Kucherov's total is the best of any player in the past 20 years. Stamkos (393 goals) passed Lecavalier (383) this season for most goals by Lightning player in their career in Tampa. Lecavalier needed 1,037 games; Stamkos did it in 746. Kucherov was the first player in 20 years to hit 120 points in just 75 games and just the fifth player since 1993-94 to do so. Kucherov is averaging 3.3 points per 60 minutes of 5-on-5 play, the highest average since 2012. Kucherov leads the NHL in point shares with 14.3.<doc-sep>The Tampa Bay Lightning were dominant for the entirety of the 2018-19 NHL season, so it's no surprise their final game before the Stanley Cup playoffs cemented their place in history. With a 6-3 rout of the rival Boston Bruins on Saturday, the Lightning not only wrapped up a Presidents' Trophy-winning campaign with momentum for the postseason, but also with their NHL-record tying 62nd regular-season victory -- a feat accomplished only one other time, by the Detroit Red Wings, in 1995-96. Tampa's 128 standings points also rank fourth among all teams in NHL history. And that's not all. By beating the Bruins in Boston to close their 2018-19 season, Tampa also becomes just the second NHL team to ever log 30 road wins in a single season -- second only to the 2005-06 Detroit Red Wings' 31 road victories. All season long, the Lightning showcased historic production. Behind 126 points from likely Hart Trophy favorite Nikita Kucherov, one of three different Tampa players with at least 40 goals on the year, the team ran away with the Atlantic Division, finishing 19 points ahead of the second-place Bruins and blowing away the rest of the NHL in goal differential with a plus-100 mark. Fueled by a combined 165 goals between Kucherov, Steven Stamkos and Brayden Point, they enter the Stanley Cup playoffs as the clear-cut favorite to win it all following a 62-16-4 record.<doc-sep>

BOSTON — Sixty-two wins was not the goal Saturday afternoon. That much was clear as soon as the Lightning emerged for warmups without Andrei Vasilevskiy in the lead. Not that it mattered. Players repeatedly said the NHL wins record would come in the course of play. That’s what happened as the Lightning earned win No. 62. Nikita Kucherov and Steven Stamkos capped their own record-setting regular seasons with two more milestones and were among six Lightning players to score goals in a 6-3 win over Boston. Tampa Bay rallied from a 2-0 first period deficit to match the 1995-96 Detroit Red Wings’ NHL record of 62 wins. “We didn’t sit there are circle 62 as our number to hit,” Lightning coach Jon Cooper said. “But it is kinda cool that we actually got to that number.” The Lightning scored four unanswered goals, the first coming on Erik Černák’s beautiful wrist shot from the slot to put the Lightning on the board early in the second period. Stamkos won another faceoff on a penalty kill, igniting a shorthanded breakaway goal that he backhanded past Tuukka Rask to tie it and tally his 98th point, a new single-season career high. Anthony Cirelli gave the Lightning the lead late in the second, with a shot from the top of the left circle that deflected off Bruins forward Danton Heinen’s stick to beat Rask. The goal was reviewed but officials determined Alex Killorn’s brief contact with Rask didn’t constitute goaltender interference. Kucherov capped his NHL scoring title with a goal and an assist, finishing with 126 points and surpassing Alexander Mogilny’s mark for most points in an NHL season by a Russian player. A minute into the third period, Kucherov scored what would be the decisive goal when he slid a casual-looking backhand past Rask for a beautiful finish that set off a wild celebration on the Lightning bench. Kucherov assisted on Tyler Johnson’s empty-netter in the game’s final minute, something he called “a special moment.” The Lightning sat four players (including Brayden Point) and rested Vasilevskiy. But not much has been able to slow down this team. In the end, the Stanley Cup matters most, but the Lightning has been on a truly historic road to get to the playoffs. Montreal of the 1970s dominates the conversation when it comes to the NHL’s best team ever. The 1976-77 Canadiens had 60 wins and would have had even more with the benefit of overtime. The Canadiens also didn’t have a salary cap. Those differences are what makes sports fun and GOATs debates. There’s no argument that the Lightning is the best team in the last 20 years. Or that Kucherov had the most impressive season of last 20 years. In just about every category Tampa Bay is the best or has the most since (fill in the blank). Those blanks are more than 20 years ago and many of them feature a team with Mario Lemieux or Wayne Gretzky. They can add them to the ones they’ve already set this year, highlighted by Kucherov’s franchise single-season points record and Stamkos’ franchise career goal record. At one point, Stamkos commented every game seemed to mark the Lightning being the fastest to this or the first to that. It’s been just that kind of season. It’s over now, though. Cooper called the step between games 82 and 83 a leap. Now it’s time for the Lightning to go after that ultimate goal: the Stanley Cup.

Aston Villa welcome Brentford to Villa Park in the Championship tonight. Aston Villa starting line-up and substitutes: This content could not be loaded Team news: One change from Saturday’s draw… Glenn Whelan starts in central midfield. Otherwise, it’s the same matchday 18 forming tonight’s squad.#PartOfThePride #AVFC pic.twitter.com/3t0uHu0nr5 — Aston Villa FC (@AVFCOfficial) 22 August 2018 Brentford starting line-up and substitutes: This content could not be loaded Dean names an unchanged XI for a fourth straight game #AVLBRE pic.twitter.com/hzuKX9gvHJ — Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) 22 August 2018 Aston Villa play host to Brentford in the Championship tonight, and both sides will be confident in their chances of taking all three points away from the game, having started their respective campaigns with two wins and a draw from their opening three league games. Steve Bruce’s Villa side seem to have been given a new lease of life since the club’s recent takeover, and they are being heavily tipped for promotion to the Premier League this season. Dean Smith’s Brentford, meanwhile, have flown in more under the radar than their more illustrious counterparts, but they arguably play some of the best football in the entire division. The Bees can actually go top tonight if they win by two clear goals, whilst Villa would have to win my a margin of four to reach the Championship’s summit. Eddie Howe's Celtic due diligence: A major breakthrough? Aston Villa are the 6/4 favourites, according to SkyBET, whilst Brentford can be backed at 9/5. The game kicks off tonight at 19:45, and fans of both clubs will be expecting a good game of football on display at Villa Park. In other news, Dennis Adeniran confirms he's leaving Everton for absolutely nothing<doc-sep>Two sides who've started the new season well meet at Villa Park - and you can hear it live here on talkSPORT Brentford visit Aston Villa looking to continue their excellent start to the season. Both sides have won two of their opening three games and Steve Bruce will be hoping to make Villa Park a fortress as they look for a return to the top-flight. Getty 1 Steve Bruce’s side are unbeaten so far this season What time is kick-off? This Championship clash will be held on Wednesday, August 22. Kick-off at Villa Park is at 7.45pm. Last season Villa failed to beat Brentford in either of their two meetings, with a 0-0 stalemate the score here. Can I listen on talkSPORT? You can – the match is being broadcast live on talkSPORT2. Tune in from 7.30pm for coverage using either your DAB radio or our web player. FOOTBALL LATEST GLORY Now Capoue and Foyth have shown Kane what can happen if you leave Tottenham NEWS Woeful De Gea stat, Solskjaer 'not at Man United's level', Rashford abused after final LIVE Transfer news: Poch Tottenham talks, £18m Leicester deal, Bayern sign English defender shameful Marcus Rashford receives 'over 70 racial slurs' and reveals teacher among abusers Finished Solskjaer ‘not Man United standard’ with Conte ideal replacement after final loss INQUIRY Questions will be asked of Solskjaer after 'master' Emery nullified Man United What are the confirmed teams? Aston Villa: Nyland, Tuanzebe, Chester, Jedinak, Hutton, Elmohamady, Whelan, McGinn, Adomah, Grealish, Kodjia Brentford: Bentley, Macleod, Mepham, Canos, Maupay, McEachran, Watkins, Sawyers, Dalsgaard, Konsa, Barbet<doc-sep>Jonathan Kodjia's 95th-minute header saved a point for Aston Villa as they drew 2-2 with Brentford at Villa Park on Wednesday. Kodjia pounced to score in the last minute of stoppage time from Ahmed Elmohamady's cross, as both sides upheld their unbeaten records in the Sky Bet Championship. Neal Maupay was at the centre of attention earlier in the game, escaping a sending-off in the first half for a stamp on John McGinn, before giving Brentford the lead with a fierce shot from 12 yards (23). Image: Neal Maupay gives Brentford the lead at Villa Park Player ratings Aston Villa: Nyland (6), Tuanzebe (5), Chester (5), Jedinak (5), Hutton (6), Elmohamady (6), McGinn (7), Whelan (7), Adomah (7), Grealish (6), Kodjia (8). Subs: Green (5), Hourihane (NA), Hepburn-Murphy (NA) Brentford: Bentley (6), Dalsgaard (6), Konsa (5), Mepham (5), Barbet (6), Macleod (6), McEachran (6), Sawyers (6), Canos (7), Maupay (7), Watkins (8). Subs: Mokotjo (6), Yennaris (6), Benrahma (5) Man of the match: Ollie Watkins Kodjia equalised with a superb turn and finish having had his back to goal (39), before Frenchman Maupay struck again (81), bravely finishing from close range after Villa goalkeeper Orjan Nyland had spilled Ollie Watkins' strong effort. Villa had the better of the opening period as McGinn poked over from 12 yards following a one-two with Albert Adomah, while Jack Grealish was denied by Daniel Bentley at a tight angle after Brentford failed to clear a cross. But Brentford were ahead midway through the half through Maupay, who blasted home on the half volley inside the area from Watkins' fine header down following some loose marking from Axel Tuanzebe. Kodjia equalised for the hosts six minutes before the break, however, rolling Ezri Ngoyo brilliantly at the byline before smashing past Bentley from eight yards. Team news Aston Villa made one change from the side that drew at Ipswich on Saturday as Glenn Whelan came in for Birkir Bjarnason, while Brentford were unchanged for the fourth straight game this season. Image: Kodjia equalised for Villa with a superb turn and finish Goalscorer Maupay could have easily seen red before the break for a stamp on McGinn in midfield, but referee Jon Moss failed to spot the incident. Villa's summer signing Nyland did well twice to deny Brentford, first bravely blocking Maupay at his feet before beating away Nico Yennaris' low, long-range drive, while Kodjia saw a hooked volley from 10 yards saved gratefully by Bentley. But he could have done better to deny Brentford going ahead again, spilling Watkins' well-struck shot from an angle into Maupay's path, as he threw himself at the ball ahead of Alan Hutton on the line. Nyland then kept the score at 2-1 with a fine late save from close range to deny Maupay his hat-trick, before Kodjia snuck in with a well-directed looping header after Brentford's Chris Mepham glanced on Elmohamady's right-wing cross. Image: Axel Tuanzebe battles for possession with Neal Maupay Man of the match - Ollie Watkins Plenty had been said about the 22-year-old in the build-up to Wednesday's game, and Watkins showed he can have a huge impact in the final third without scoring, having hit three in three this season. He made as many key passes as any of his team-mates, and constantly linked up with Maupay as the experienced James Chester and Mile Jedinak endured a difficult evening. The managers Steve Bruce: "It (losing) would have been unjust. The disappointing thing for me was [Maupay] stamped on John and he scored two. "It's disappointing when he scored twice but I am sure they (the FA) will look at it. The last thing I want to see is red cards but what you don't want to see is the boy stamping on anyone." Dean Smith: "If you remember the incident, Mile Jedinak fell over, got up and then smashed Neal in the back of the head so if they are looking at retrospective for Neal then we'll do so for Jedinak. "I would have taken a point at half-time, we weren't very good in the first half but we looked the more likely as the game went on. We missed big chances at 2-1 to put the game to bed. The start has been very good, it could have been excellent." What's next? Aston Villa now face Reading at Villa Park on Saturday, while Brentford are at Blackburn Rovers.<doc-sep>

Dean Smith’s Bees have looked the real deal in the Championship and our tipster fancies the Londoners to defeat Steve Bruce’s Villans at Villa Park Aston Villa host Brentford in the Championship on Wednesday night with both sides looking to remain unbeaten after good starts to the season. The Bees are a shorter price for promotion, with Dean Smith’s side available at 5/2 (3.5) with SportPesa to be a Premier League club in 12 months, while their hosts are 16/5 (4.2) in the same market. Both teams currently sit on seven points after three league games, but this match represents the toughest test either have faced so far. Latest odds Villa are 6/4 (2.5) favourites here to attain a 26th win from Steve Bruce’s 44th home game in charge. Brentford, who dominated in their 2-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday last time out, are 37/20 (2.85) to gain another three points here. The last two Villa Park meetings between these sides have ended in draws and a repeat is 47/20 (3.35) . Team News Of Villa’s two new goalkeepers, Andre Moreira has thus far looked the more impressive and could replace Orjan Nyland, while Conor Hourihane might start in midfield. Strikers Keinan Davis and Scott Hogan are injured. Ryan Woods has been unable to reclaim his place in Brentford’s side due to the form of Josh McEachran and Lewis MacLeod, but left-back Rico Henry and forward Emiliano Marcondes are both injured. Maupay to strike? An impressive 71 per cent of Neal Maupay’s shots have been on target, a higher ratio than any striker in the Championship who has scored more than two goals, and the Frenchman is a tempting 7/4 (2.75) to bag anytime. Alternatively, wide forward Sergi Canos has taken 11 shots this season – only four Championship players have taken more – and might be due to add to his tally of one goal, which he is 13/5 (3.6) to do here. Preview and predictions Our best bet though is the 23/4 (6.75) on a Brentford win with over 1.5 goals, which has paid out in all three of their wins in all competitions this season. After going ahead, the west Londoners tend to continue to probe for more goals and could get them against a Villa side that has thus far looked defensively unstable.

West York's Brett Kinneman will begin his professional baseball career with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The junior outfielder said he expects to bypass his senior year at N.C. State and sign with the Pirates after they made him a seventh round draft choice on Tuesday (204th overall pick). "This is something I wanted to do since I was a little kid," said Kinneman, who got the call in Raleigh, North Carolina with his parents. "It's an opportunity I don't think I can pass up. There's not much of a decision for me to make now." Kinneman is the highest Major League Baseball draft pick from the YAIAA since Littlestown pitcher Robert Rohrbaugh also went in the seventh round in 2005. Only one other local player (Hanover's Mark Phillips) was picked in a higher round in the past 32 years. On Wednesday, Kinneman's former West York teammate Cash Gladfelter, a junior shortstop at Shippensburg University, was selected by the Seattle Mariners in the 27th round (808th overall pick). They join catcher Trent Kline as the only West York players ever drafted. Kline was picked in the 39th round by the Montreal Expos in 2003 and again by the San Francisco Giants in the 49th round after playing for the University of South Carolina in 2007. Kinneman's blazing hitting early this season certainly got the attention of pro scouts. At one point he led the nation in home runs and was ranked highly in most offensive categories. The corner outfielder finished strong at the plate after a dry spell in midseason. "I think it's a whole body of work. You get off to hot start like that and people start to pitch you differently. Not as many strikes, more off-speed stuff," he said. "There was a little adjustment period to get back to what I did best." The N.C. State junior was ranked as the 148th-best draft prospect by MLB Pipeline. Despite that awful midseason slump, Kinneman hit .274 with team-high 17 home runs and 61 RBI. He was named the Collegiate Baseball National Player of the Week twice and the National Player of the Month for February. More:MLB draft: Multiple York County natives could get selected More:York County's Brett Kinneman is the hottest thing in college baseball, could go pro More:PIAA playoffs: Red Lion baseball advances, but other York County teams fall in states He recently was named a third-team All-American. In 2016, Kinneman was named a Freshman All-American by Collegiate Baseball and made the All-ACC Freshman Team. He finished this regular season ranked first in the Atlantic Coast Conference in RBI, second in home runs and total bases, third in slugging percentage and second with four triples. His Wolfpack team (42-18), though, struggled late and closed the season with Sunday's 15-7 loss to Auburn in an NCAA Tournament Regional. Now, Kinneman expects to report to one of the Pirates' minor league affiliates as soon as possible. The left-handed hitter did see his college home run total improve from six as a freshman to 10 last year and now 17. His father, Greg Kinneman, grabbed an early flight to Raleigh on Tuesday after coaching his Dallastown High baseball team to a tough PIAA Playoff loss near Pittsburgh the night before. "It's pretty hard to believe in a lot of ways. I'm kind of speechless," Greg Kinneman said of his son's draft choice. "A lot of little kids say they want to be a professional baseball player and (most) don't get that opportunity. "For him to make that dream come true is pretty amazing."<doc-sep>Big congrats to right-handed pitcher for the California Golden Bears Aaron Shortridge for being selected in the fourth round of the 2018 MLB Draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates, 114th overall! Unfortunately, Pittsburgh still has to learn how to spell “Berkeley”. Or that we really prefer to omit that for athletics. With our fourth round selection (114 overall) the Pirates select California RHP Aaron Shortridge pic.twitter.com/1qkVXXFse3 — Pirates (@Pirates) June 5, 2018 As a sophomore in 2017, Shortridge had the team’s best ERA at 1.99 (players with a minimum of 10 appearances). That year, he had 16 strikeouts, 8 walks, and left opposing batters with a 0.235 batting average. Beyond excited for this journey! @Pirates #LetsGoBucs — Aaron Shortridge (@Shortridge35) June 5, 2018 This season, Shortridge was named Pac-12 Pitcher of the Week for a season-ending shutout against the Arizona State Sun Devils. The honor comes on the heels of a tremendous complete game shutout performance in Cal’s season-ending victory at Arizona State. Shortridge allowed just six hits, walked only one and struck out five to help Cal conclude the year with a 3–0 win over the Sun Devils. ... After starting the year as one of Cal’s top options in the bullpen, Shortridge moved into the rotation in early March and never looked back. He took the role of Sunday starter and turned in a consistent effort nearly every week to give the Bears’ a chance at a win on the back end of every series. That consistency resulted in some impressive final numbers as Shortridge finished with a 5–3 record and 2.77 ERA. He struck out 74 and walked only 14 in 91 innings of work and also recorded two saves. Shortridge joins his teammate, fellow pitcher, and Cal roommate Tanner Dodson as Bears who were selected in this year’s draft. Good luck and go Bears!<doc-sep>The Pittsburgh Pirates have (again) selected Oregon State third baseman, Michael Gretler, this time with the 294th pick in the 2018 MLB draft. For the second consecutive year, Michael Gretler has been selected in the #MLB Draft by the @Pirates! He went from the 39th round in 2017 to 10th this year!#GoBeavs pic.twitter.com/sO5FT9Src3 — Oregon State Baseball (@BeaverBaseball) June 5, 2018 Michael Gretler has been a mainstay at third base for the Beavers, making tons of highlight-worthy plays in the hot-corner. His defense has never been in question and he has shown flashes of being extremely dangerous on offense during his time in Corvallis. Gretler has been a fantastic ballplayer and teammate during his 4-year career in Corvallis. And Pittsburgh is obviously interested in getting his services. Gretler is talented enough to play almost any position defensively and will benefit from spending time in the minor leagues honing his skills at the plate against elite pitchers on a daily basis.<doc-sep>

The Pittsburgh Pirates finished up the second day of their 2018 MLB Draft a little while ago. They made three more selections in rounds 8, 9, and 10. For day two of the draft, the Pittsburgh Pirates have focused mainly on college players. That did not change with their selections over the last three rounds of day two. Of course, day two of the MLB draft covers rounds 3-10. Let’s take a look at what the Pittsburgh Pirates picked up with their 8th, 9th, and 10th round picks. 8th Round With their 8th round pick the Pittsburgh Pirates selected left-handed pitcher Zachary Spears. Spears has pitched the last three seasons at the collegiate level for Miami University (Ohio). The thing that sticks out the most about Spears is his size. He stands at 6’7” and weighs around 235 pounds. In his first two seasons at Miami, he posted earned run averages north of five. However, he is coming off his best season this past year pitching to a 3.84 ERA in 12 starts. According to MLB.com, Spears throws his fastball in the low 90s. He also has a changeup that cuts away from lefties and a curveball. 9th Round The Pittsburgh Pirates continued their trend of taking college pitchers by selecting Logan Stoelke. Stoelke has pitched at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and just finished up his senior season. The righty stands at a prototypical 6’3” and weighs about 195 pounds. He was used primarily as a reliever and closed out games also. He threw in 21 games this past season, racking up 10 saves. Also, he had an ERA of 2.97 and struck out 36 across 33 innings. According to Baseball America, Stoelke’s fastball sits 92-93 miles per hour and reaches up to 95 with a lot of cut to it. 10th Round With their last pick, the Pittsburgh Pirates took a familiar name to them in Oregon State third baseman Mike Gretler. The Bucs took Gretler in the 2017 MLB Draft in the 39th round. Obviously, he did not sign with them last year. The Pittsburgh Pirates must have liked what they saw from him over the last year to take him 29 rounds higher this year. There was a lot to like from the 6’2” and 180-pound righty. In his senior season, he batted .311 with a .380 on-base percentage, and .505 slugging percentage. He hit a career-high 7 home runs and only struck out 34 times in 55 games. Being he is a senior he will be an easy sign for the Pittsburgh Pirates. All of the players the Pittsburgh Pirates drafted today were college players from rounds 8-10. All three should be easy signs and not cost the Pittsburgh Pirates any money over slot. In fact, the team will likely be able to save a little bit of bonus money on all three of them. That is part of the reason they take college seniors in the top 10 rounds so that they can save money and use it on highly rated players who have slid down the board due to signing concerns. The draft picks up tomorrow at noon.

Nicki Minaj & her rumored new beau Kenneth ‘Zoo’ Petty cuddled up for one of the rapper’s latest Instagram pics. See their new pic here! Nicki Minaj and her new man (with a criminal past) Kenneth “Zoo” Petty appear to be still going strong. In addition to their pic together, where Kenenth can be seen holding her lower back and thigh, Nicki shared some lyrics from Adele‘s “Hello” in the caption, writing, “Did you ever make it out of that town where nothing ever happens?… it’s no secret… that the both of us… are running out of time…” Check out the full picture below. Considering Kenneth’s criminal history, her fans have not been too keen on her association with Kenneth. Taking to Twitter, one fan @libralounge wrote, “Ooh chile this 👏🏿 right 👏🏿 here!!! Sources are saying that #nickiminaj new boo is #kennethzoopetty who is not only the father of 5… but he’s also a registered sex offender in the state of #newyork Looks like one of his baby mama’s.” Meanwhile, justinhulon responded on her Instagram pic, writing, “She may be a ‘Queen’ but that ain’t no king.” However, some of her fans have come to her support. We reported earlier how Kenneth was convicted in 1995 of attempted rape of a 16-year-old girl when he was around 20 years old and was arrested by NYCPD’s Sex Offender Unit. Currently, he’s a registered sex offender. In addition to be a father of five children, he also lives in Queens. Kenneth was previously seen in a photo together with Nicki where she was rocking a huge diamond ring. Meanwhile, he can also briefly be seen in Nicki’s video thanking her fans for all their birthday wishes: She is stunning 😍😍 I hope you had an amazing birthday baby @NICKIMINAJ I love you forever pic.twitter.com/J1hdHzZmen — Melanie 🌺 (@MelanieXTM) December 9, 2018 We’ll keep you posted on all of the latest news about Nicki. In the meantime, check out her hottest looks of all-time in our gallery above.<doc-sep>Products in this story are independently selected and featured editorially. If you make a purchase using these links we may earn commission. Nicki Minaj announced that she had officially tied the knot with Kenneth Petty on Monday Everything to Know About Nicki Minaj's New Husband Kenneth 'Zoo' Petty Nicki Minaj is officially a married woman! The rapper, 36, announced on Monday that she had tied the knot with Kenneth Petty after almost a year of dating, sharing a video of matching “Mr. and Mrs.” mugs and “Bride and Groom” baseball caps on Instagram. Get push notifications with news, features and more. It was just last December that Minaj became Instagram official with Petty, 41. The pair first sparked romance rumors after Minaj posted photos with him in Nov. 2018. Since then, the pair haven’t shied away from showing their affection for each other in photos on social media. But while Minaj appears to be very much in love, her fans have been quick to point out her man’s problematic backstory, which includes jail time for manslaughter and his status as a registered sex offender. Here’s all the chatter about Kenneth “Zoo” Petty. Nicki Minaj Instagram Kenneth Petty and Nicki Minaj | Credit: Nicki Minaj Instagram 1. Kenneth Petty is from Minaj’s past. Minaj confirmed that the pair met years ago in her verse on Chance the Rapper’s reggae-tinged song “Zanies and Fools.” “I met my husband when I was 17 out in Queens / If you love it, let it go, now I know what that means / While he was up North for a body / I bodied everybody and got known for my body,” she raps. The couple first dated when Minaj was 16 years old and living in Queens, New York City, according to TMZ, which also reported that the rapper has referred to him as “one of her first loves” and is “confident he’s matured” over the years. nicki-minaj Nicki Minaj and Kenneth “Zoo” Petty | Credit: Nicki Minaj/Instagram 2. He’s a registered sex offender and was convicted of manslaughter. Petty is a level two registered sex offender in New York, which means he’s considered a “moderate risk of repeat offense” and will be required to register as a sex offender for life. According to online records from the New York Division of Criminal Justice Services, Petty was convicted in April 1995 of attempted rape in the first degree for an incident that occurred in September 1994 involving a 16-year-old girl. He was sentenced to 18 to 54 months in prison, but it is unclear how much time he actually served. Petty also pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter in the shooting death of a man named Lamont Robinson in 2002, according to a criminal complaint obtained by The Blast. According to the outlet, Petty pleaded guilty to the manslaughter charge in March 2006 and served seven years in prison after being sentenced to 10. Petty was released in May 2013, and had been on supervised release for five years until May of this year, records accessed by PEOPLE show. Nicki Minaj Instagram Nicki Minaj and Kenneth Petty | Credit: Nicki Minaj Instagram In response to Instagram comment criticisms about the relationship, the “Barbie Dreams” artist wrote, “He was 15, she was 16 … in a relationship. But go awf Internet. Y’all can’t run my life. Y’all can’t even run y’all own life. Thank you boo.” This past July, Minaj clapped back at critics of her relationship again during an episode of her Queen Radio podcast. “When a person is with a n— that loved them before they had a dime in their pocket? How do you not understand that? How do you not understand happiness vs clout?” Minaj said on the episode, according to E! News. “How f—ing dare you talk about lowering standards,” she added, before telling haters to “wake up” and realize that love should not be based on materialistic desires and circumstances. “It’s the truth, money cannot buy me happiness and good sex,” Minaj said. Nicki Minaj And Phil Nicki Minaj and Kenneth Petty | Credit: Johnny Nunez/Getty Images 3. Petty spent his 2018 birthday weekend with her. While celebrating in Turks and Caicos, Minaj shared two photos — one that features her posing with her leg wrapped around Petty while he looks at her lovingly and another shot of him looking off into the distance — along with a caption quoting lyrics from Adele’s 2015 hit, “Hello.” “Did you ever make it out of that town where nothing ever happens?…it’s no secret…that the both of us…are running out of time,” Minaj wrote. Another collection of photos features a nearly-naked Minaj posing on a bed with Petty, who snaps their picture in a mirror. “Oh they wanna talk? Let’s give’m smthn to talk about,” she captioned the image. 4. The couple got a marriage license in June — and revealed they would be married within 80 days in August. “We did get our marriage license,” Minaj said on her Apple Beats 1 show in June. “I think I have what I was striving for, just happiness. It was so hard to get to a happy place. Now that I’m there, I don’t want to compromise that for anyone or anything.” Then on the Aug. 12 episode of her Queen Radio show, Minaj revealed that she had filed for a marriage license and would be married in “about 80 days.” “We still had to pick it up and I was traveling, by the time I came back, we had to renew it again,” she explained. “From that time, you have 90 days to get married. That was about a week ago, so now I have about 80 days.” Even though she made it official, Minaj still had music priorities to attend to. “I have to work on my album and I have a lot to focus on that I don’t want to do the big wedding now,” she said at the time. “We’ll do the big wedding later.” Nicki Minaj Instagram Kenneth Petty and Nicki Minaj | Credit: Nicki Minaj Instagram 5.<doc-sep>Products in this story are independently selected and featured editorially. If you make a purchase using these links we may earn commission. The rapper appeared to make her romance with Kenneth "Zoo" Petty, who is a registered sex offender in New York, Instagram official over the weekend Fans are not impressed with Nicki Minaj’s new beau. The “Barbie Dreams” rapper appeared to make her reported romance with Kenneth “Zoo” Petty — who is a registered sex offender in New York — Instagram official over the weekend after posting photos of him from her 36th birthday celebration in Turks and Caicos. Get push notifications with news, features and more. On Sunday, Minaj shared two photos — one that features her posing with her leg wrapped around Petty while he looks at her lovingly another shot of him looking off into the distance — along with a caption quoting lyrics from Adele’s 2015 hit, “Hello.” “Did you ever make it out of that town where nothing ever happens?…it’s no secret…that the both of us…are running out of time,” Minaj wrote. Minaj — who turned 36 on Saturday — posted numerous photos and videos from her trip over the weekend. In one since-deleted clip, Minaj stumbles while posing for pictures with two of her girlfriends and a man, who presumably is Petty, can be heard in the background laughing and saying, “Baby, get your ass up!” A more recent collection of photos features a nearly-naked Minaj posing on a bed with Petty, who snaps their picture in a mirror. “Oh they wanna talk? Let’s give’m smthn to talk about,” she captioned the image. Minaj disabled the comments on the post debuting her new relationship after fans started slamming her for being with Petty given his questionable past. Petty, 40, is a level two registered sex offender in New York, which means he’s considered a “moderate risk of repeat offense” and will be required to register as a sex offender for life. According to online records from the New York Division of Criminal Justice Services, Petty was convicted in April 1995 of attempted rape in the first degree for an incident that occurred in September 1994 involving a 16-year-old girl. He was sentenced to 18 to 54 months in prison, but it is unclear how much time he actually served. Minaj responded to a fan in the comments, writing, “He was 15, she was 16 … in a relationship. But go awf Internet. Y’all can’t run my life. Y’all can’t even run y’all own life. Thank you boo.” TMZ reports Minaj has known Petty since they were teenagers and is “confident he’s matured.” The site reports sources close to Minaj claim the mother of Petty’s girlfriend at the time filed the charges because she did not approve of him. Neither a manager nor a rep for Minaj returned PEOPLE’s request for comment. Petty also pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter in the shooting death of a man named Lamont Robinson in 2002, according to a criminal complaint obtained by The Blast. According to The Blast, Petty plead guilty to the manslaughter charge in March 2006 and served seven years in prison after being sentenced to 10. Petty was released in May 2013, and had been on supervised release for five years until May of this year, records accessed by PEOPLE show. One Twitter user posted a meme that says “Oh no baby, what is you doing?? ?” in reaction to the news with the caption, “It has come to my attention that Nicki Minaj‘s new boyfriend not only a convicted rapist, but also a murderer. 🙊🙊🙊 Not that I meddle into her personal life but I did cos [sic], Girl…” Another joked that Petty’s name is a sign that Minaj shouldn’t be with him, “Nicki Minaj’s new man’s name is Kenneth Petty….That name is a sign… DUMP 👏🏾 HIM 👏🏾 SIS 👏🏾.” Some fans expressed concern for Minaj while noting that her 40-year-old brother, Jelani Maraj, was found guilty in November 2017 of sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl. Minaj has also openly supported rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine, who she collaborated with on their track “Fefe” and who was sentenced to four years of probation in October for his involvement in a sexually explicit video depicting a 13-year-old girl. “I hate to say it, but after #NickiMinaj defended her brother (sex offender) and 6ix9ine (sex offender), I can’t honestly say I’m surprised to hear she’s now defending her new boyfriend- another sex offender,” one Twitter user wrote. “It’s really, really sad.” Another said, “I’m very concerned about Nicki Minaj’s new hometown boyfriend! Ruined my weekend. No good will come of it, Barbs!” Minaj first sparked the romance rumors after she posted photos of her hanging out with Petty last month. Last Thursday, she took to Twitter to call out commenters on social media but did not directly say what prompted her to do so: “No one on social media has ever sinned. They are all perfect. They piss champagne & walk on streets of gold,” she wrote.<doc-sep>The rapper debuted the new ink of Kenneth "Zoo" Petty's neck on Instagram Friday Nicki Minaj's New Boyfriend Kenneth Petty Gets Large Tattoo of Her First Name Kenneth “Zoo” Petty has made his love for Nicki Minaj permanent. Only a few weeks after their relationship was deemed Instagram official, Minaj showed off their newest level of commitment to each other with a new tattoo on her boyfriend’s neck. Get push notifications with news, features and more. Sharing the video to Instagram on Friday, the rapper, 36, checks herself out before turning the camera on Petty to debut the large, pink and black inking of her birth name, “Onika.” Written in a cursive font, the tattoo covers the entire right side of his neck. “Did ya tat hurt zaddy? 😝 his first tat- frontin like it didn’t sting 😩 #Onika #HeavyOnIt 😋👅 #SuperSleezy 〽️🐝💤” she captioned the video. This isn’t the first time that Minaj has taken her new relationship to social media and showed off some PDA. Most recently, the “Barbie Dreams” rapper celebrated her 36th birthday at a New York City restaurant alongside her closest friends and new beau. Sharing videos from the event to her Instagram later on, Minaj and Petty — who is a registered sex offender in New York and was convicted of manslaughter in 2002 — heavily danced on each other at the party. “I WANT ALL DA 💨 @brookebaileyinc 😂😂😂 LOW LOW LOW LOW!!!!!!! !” Minaj captioned one video recording the new pair dancing together. In the second video shared by the rapper, the rest of the party joined in on their intimate dancing as the music played loudly in the background. “When you wit gang & you hear TING-A-LING-A-LING!” #BasementPARTYvybez” she wrote. nicki-minaj-1 Nicki Minaj and Kenneth “Zoo” Petty | Credit: Nicki Minaj/Instagram Minaj initially shocked fans when it became known that Petty served time in prison after being convicted of manslaughter for fatally shooting a man. According to a criminal complaint from the Queens County District Attorney and obtained by The Blast, Petty pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter in the shooting death of a man named Lamont Robinson in 2002. “The defendant, Kenneth Petty, shot the deceased, Lamont Robinson, with a loaded handgun multiple times thereby causing his death,” the complaint read. Originally charged with murder in the second degree, a plea bargain reduced the charge to manslaughter, The Blast reported. Petty pleaded guilty to the manslaughter charge in March 2006 and served seven years in prison after being sentenced to 10. According to records accessed by PEOPLE, he was released in May 2013 and had been on supervised release for five years until May of this year. nicki-minaj Nicki Minaj and Kenneth “Zoo” Petty | Credit: Nicki Minaj/Instagram In addition to the manslaughter charge, Petty is a level two registered sex offender in New York, which means he’s considered a “moderate risk of repeat offense” and will be required to register as a sex offender for life.<doc-sep>

Nicki Minaj shocked fans this week when it became known that her new beau served time in prison after being convicted of manslaughter for shooting a man to death Nicki Minaj shocked fans this week when it became known that her new beau served time in prison after being convicted of manslaughter for shooting a man to death. According to a criminal complaint from the Queens County District Attorney and obtained by The Blast, Kenneth ‘Zoo’ Petty pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter in the shooting death of a man named Lamont Robinson in 2002. “The defendant, Kenneth Petty, shot the deceased, Lamont Robinson, with a loaded handgin [sic] multiple times thereby causing his death,” the complaint read. Originally charged with murder in the second degree, a plea bargain reduced the charge to manslaughter, The Blast reports. Petty pleaded guilty to the manslaughter charge in March 2006 and served seven years in prison after being sentenced to 10. According to records accessed by PEOPLE, he was released in May 2013 and had been on supervised release for five years until May of this year. nicki-minaj Nicki Minaj and Kenneth Petty. | Credit: Nicki Minaj/Instagram In addition to the manslaughter charge, Petty, 40, is a level two registered sex offender in New York, which means he’s considered a “moderate risk of repeat offense” and will be required to register as a sex offender for life. According to online records from the New York Division of Criminal Justice Services, Petty was convicted in April 1995 of attempted rape in the first degree for an incident that occurred in September 1994 involving a 16-year-old girl. He was sentenced to 18 to 54 months in prison, but it is unclear how much time he actually served. nicki-minaj Nicki Minaj and Kenneth Petty. | Credit: Nicki Minaj/Instagram In response to Instagram comment criticisms about the relationship, the “Barbie Dreams” artist wrote, “He was 15, she was 16 … in a relationship. But go awf Internet. Y’all can’t run my life. Y’all can’t even run y’all own life. Thank you boo.” TMZ reports Minaj has known Petty since they were teenagers and is “confident he’s matured.” The site reports sources close to Minaj claim the mother of Petty’s girlfriend at the time filed the charges because she did not approve of him.

Hedi Slimane revealed his first collection for Celine in Paris on Friday in what was arguably the most anticipated show on the Fashion Week calendar. As many predicted, the French fashion designer’s debut quickly became the talk of the sartorial town, but not for the reasons Slimane may have wanted it to. You see, instead of winning accolade for his takeover of the LVMH brand, Slimane was engulfed by a flock of angry fashion fans who labelled his inaugural collection “narcissistic”, “tone-deaf” and a “big f*** you to women.” But, why? Phoebe Philo For ten years, Celine was a brand that embodied the female gaze in fashion. Under the helm of British fashion designer Phoebe Philo, it became synonymous with minimalism, clean lines and creating clothes that were designed for a woman who didn’t want to dress for anyone but herself. Philo's designs were created with the wearer in mind. But, as Slimane attempted to fill her Stan Smiths, the designer’s gender-bending take on the brand became lost in translation – something which began when he decided to drop the “é” from the brand’s name, just as he did with the Yves from Yves Saint Laurent. A stark contrast from the Celine fashion fans had come to know and love, many took to social media to share their contempt before the show had even ended, and in the days that ensued. A number of disgruntled followers highlighted the significance of the Celine show taking place on the same day as the Kavanaugh hearings in Washington. “I'm sorry to tweet about fashion right now, but it's just too perfect that Hedi Slimane's first collection for Céline is, predictably, a giant f***-you to women who love Céline,” one person wrote on Twitter. Someone else said: “I am taking a break from my outrage at the racist/sexist men of the Kavanaugh hearing to indulge in some outrage over Hedi Slimane's entirely predictable, heinous Céline debut (Saint Laurent 2.0 on primarily emaciated white models). F*** power-hungry white men.” Same same, but different For some the problem was that Slimane had so drastically changed the aesthetic of Celine while others explained that the 96-piece collection – which consisted of sexed-up, rock-and-roll mini skirts and skin-tight, skimpy dresses - bore a striking resemblance to his previous work at Saint Laurent. “Hedi does Hedi (at Dior) does Hedi (at Saint Laurent) does Hedi (at Celine) does Hedi,” one person wrote on Twitter. (AFP/Getty Images (AFP/Getty Images) Another added: “New Celine, Old Saint Laurent.” Among those to deride the collection for its narcissism was fashion writer, curator and contributing editor of British GQ, Lou Stoppard. “Celine was f***ing horrible. A big f*** you to women who just wanted something non-demeaning to wear,” she said on Twitter. Later, she expanded on her thoughts on the collection with an Instagram post writing: “This idea that his singular vision is so essential, so vital, that it should be projected again and again is so offensive especially under the name of a brand that was known for a sense of dialogue with the women who bought it.” Diet Prada – the infamous Instagram account that calls out injustices in the fashion industry – agreed adding: “Hedi Slimane picks right back up where he left off at @ysl . TBH, did we expect anything else? “LVMH is banking on the $limane dollars, but apparently not the creativity.” The models The clothes weren’t the only thing that infuriated fashion fans; then there was the casting. Numerous people were quick to point out that there were only a handful of non-white models who hit the runway, and almost all of them were super-slim. In fact, 87 of the 96 models were white, and it was a third of the way through the show before viewers even saw the first model of colour. “The casting was upsettingly pale,” one person wrote. Another added: “That Hedi at Celine (sans accent, ofc) was mainly predictable but also an absolute mess in terms of casting. “It's increasingly clear his vision is becoming hugely out of step with what more innovative designers are doing and actively representing." But just as new Celine arrived, fans of Philo’s version attempted to repair their wounds by following a new Instagram account called @oldceline. The account, which launched shortly after Slimane announced that he would be dropping the line’s “é”, acts as an “archive and tribute” to Philo’s work and has already amassed more than 42,000 followers. Similarly, others have rushed out to buy a final piece of Philo’s Celine legacy before it leaves stores for good. Ahead of his debut at the fashion house, Slimane opened up about his new direction for the brand. “We don’t enter a fashion house to imitate our predecessor, much less to take over the essence of their work, their codes and elements of language,” he told Le Figaro. “The goal is not to go the opposite way of their work either. It would be a misinterpretation. Respect means preserving the integrity of each individual, recognising the things that belong to another person with honesty and discernment. He continued: “It also means starting a new chapter. We arrive then with our own stories, our own culture, a personal semantic that is different from the ones of houses in which we create. We have to be ourselves, without any stance, against all odds.”<doc-sep>Photo: ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/AFP/Getty Images When Hedi Slimane was appointed creative director of French fashion label Celine back in January, fans of the brand worried the designer would bring his very specific type of emaciated rocker-glam along with him — just as he did when he gave Saint Laurent a complete aesthetic overhaul (and dropped the Yves) in 2012. As it turns out, those people were 100 percent correct. Setting up camp in a custom-built, cavernous room outside Paris's Invalides, Slimane's Celine kicked off with a pair of drummers and mirrored partitions that made way to reveal his opening model: a muse he referred to as a "girl" in an interview published in Business of Fashion. And girls — the extremely slim, size-00 types — were indeed the stars of the evening, alongside "boys" in equally slim measures, the kind that Slimane has borderline fetishized since launching his career with Dior Homme. (It is perhaps also worth mentioning in today's fashion and political climate that Slimane's vision is also largely white, with very few models of color coming into play at any point over the years.) Of course, his preference for the thinnest of models wasn't the only default Slimane-ism he brought to Celine. No amount of free champagne could disguise the fact that the collection bears more than a passing resemblance to Slimane's rebranded Saint Laurent: It was packed with slim silhouettes for both women and men (this marked Celine's menswear debut) and more than enough black to attend a year's worth of both parties and fashionable funerals (which the Spring 2019 runway almost certainly represented for devoted Celine shoppers). One wondered whether this was just a redux version of Wednesday's strong Anthony Vaccarello-led collection, though to be fair, Saint Laurent's current designer has adapted to the aesthetic blueprint that his predecessor laid out for him. There was not much new or innovative in Slimane's offerings. Babydoll dresses with short tulle skirts? Check. Rock'n'roll tuxedo suiting for both men and women? You've got it, in several different silhouettes. Daywear? Perhaps not much, but if you like leather jackets, rainbow sequined jackets or baggy leather trousers, those are available in high numbers. As for accessories, aside from the sleek top-handle bag debuted by Lady Gaga (who sat front row) there were quilted, ladylike flap bags with "C" closures that probably looked quite familiar to front-row guest and Chanel impresario Karl Lagerfeld. This is all outstanding news for Slimane's own pack of followers, who will no doubt rush to snap up his black studded boots and sequined party dresses — perhaps abandoning any loyalty they had for Slimane's recent rebrand of Saint Laurent in doing so. But what of the women who looked to Celine — particularly, to its former designer Phoebe Philo — for the kind of sophisticated, subtle, artful clothes that made them feel their very best? Those customers will be forced to look elsewhere, as the fashion industry has once again relied upon a man with proven marketing prowess and some exhausted-yet-profitable ideas to help bring in higher sales numbers. Interesting and thoughtful designs are simply not enough to keep even the most beloved business afloat. And if that means there's one less luxury brand carrying beautifully designed clothing for women by a woman, so be it. Céline is dead. Long live Celine? 70 Gallery 70 Images Stay current on the latest trends, news and people shaping the fashion industry. Sign up for our daily newsletter.<doc-sep>The biggest problem with the new Celine, though, is this: At a time when the industry feels as divided as the world around it, and designers forget that doing the next indicated thing (increasing size runs, putting editors back in the front row, producing their clothes ethically and sustainably) will eventually lead them to the answers of life's bigger questions, the quench for newness is ever pertinent. And yes, Slimane's beginning at Celine was new for the house and those loyal fans who feel so emotionally connected to it — but arguably, it couldn't have been a head-scratcher for the man himself to pull off. Though we were gunning to be proved otherwise, Slimane's first collection for Celine was just too steeped in the past. The '90s are alive and well, but even if a qualified governing body can fail to vote on doing the right thing, it may, too, be time to put nostalgia to rest and move on.<doc-sep>

At the most anticipated show of Paris fashion week, with Lady Gaga, Karl Lagerfeld and Catherine Deneuve watching from the front row, Hedi Slimane launched a blitzkrieg on Celine, which for a decade under Phoebe Philo embodied the female gaze in fashion. In the shadow of Les Invalides, the site of Napoleon’s tomb, Slimane jettisoned elegant trousers, silk blouses, understated knitwear and unstructured trenchcoats for dolly-sized sequin micro shifts and tiny leather skirts. The day of the Kavanaugh hearings in Washington arguably not being the patriarchy’s finest hour, it was an uncomfortable moment for Slimane to raze to the ground the female design philosophy of a house which, for a decade under Philo, was notable for not equating a woman’s power with her sexuality. Lady Gaga at the Celine show in Paris. Photograph: WWD/REX/Shutterstock But razing to the ground is the modus operandi which has made Slimane one of the most polarising figures in fashion – and one of the most successful. This show was entitled Celine 01, and Slimane was clear that Philo’s work had no bearing on his. “You don’t enter a fashion house to imitate the work of your predecessor,” he told Le Figaro. The show began and ended with drummers from France’s republican guard accompanying the first look: a black and white polka dot silk mini cocktail dress dominated by an outsized bow. It has been 17 years since Slimane transformed the wardrobes of men all over the world with the groundbreaking slender tailoring he introduced at Dior Homme. Mainstream male sex appeal, hitherto centred on muscles and beefcake, pivoted to the skinny black jean under Slimane’s direction. Precious few designers can claim to have opened the door of the world’s wardrobe with such force. With Slimane’s appointment, Celine has expanded to include menswear as well as womenswear, and the beating heart of this collection was in Slimane’s signature slim men’s tailoring. “The line is the basis of everything,” he said this week, and that line remained unchanged: brutally slender, polished to perfection, a fastidious kind of after-dark decadence. Slimane has installed a new tailoring atelier at Celine. All the suiting worn by men on the catwalk will also be available in women’s sizing, and there is no doubt that the designer, who increased sales by 150% during his four year tenure at Saint Laurent between 2012-2016, knows how to cut a good blazer. Quilted gold-chained handbags also looked to be sales floor gold. Philo’s Celine punched above its weight in the fashion conversation, but was a relative minnow in commercial terms, with only 140 boutiques. LVMH have been banking on Slimane to grow the business. A model presents a creation by the designer Hedi Slimane for Celine in Paris. Photograph: Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters “You have to be yourself, against all odds,” he told Le Figaro. In his passion for skinny androgyny he is being himself, which history suggests would be a huge success. Fashion reflects the world we live in, as Coco Chanel observed. The female point of view appears to have fallen out of style.

UFC 235 is coming up and Zuffa has released their trademark Countdown show to preview the pay-per-view and go in-depth on the two biggest bouts on the card. Headlining the event is a light heavyweight title fight between Jon Jones and Anthony Smith. In the co-main, Tyron Woodley will defend his welterweight title against Kamaru Usman. Check out the clip above for the full episode, along with the complete fight card below. Main Card (10 PM ET, PPV) Jon Jones vs. Anthony Smith Tyron Woodley vs. Kamaru Usman Robbie Lawler vs. Ben Askren Tecia Torres vs. Weili Zhang Cody Garbrandt vs. Pedro Munhoz Preliminary Card (8 PM ET, ESPN) Zabit Magomedsharipov vs. Jeremy Stephens Misha Cirkunov vs. Johnny Walker Cody Stamann vs. Alejandro Perez Diego Sanchez vs. Mickey Gall Preliminary Card (6:15 PM ET, UFC Fight Pass) Edmen Shahbazyan vs. Charles Byrd Macy Chiasson vs. Gina Mazany Frankie Saenz vs. Marlon Vera Polyana Viana vs. Hannah Cifers<doc-sep>Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns to the hurt business this Saturday night (March 2, 2019) with UFC 235: “Jones vs Smith,” which takes place inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event will see current Light Heavyweight champion Jon Jones defend his title against Anthony Smith. It’s one of the quickest turnarounds for “Bones,” who just reclaimed his title by knocking out Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 232 last December (see it again here). For Smith, it’s his first shot at UFC gold after racking up three straight wins at 205 pounds in less than eight months. “Lionheart” is confident he can be the first man to hand “Bones” his first true defeat, though Jones is determined to keep his winning streak going on his way to adding to his already-impressive resume. From the official YouTube description: On Episode 2 of UFC 235 Embedded, welterweight title challenger Kamaru Usman puts his endurance on display during a New York City media tour and takes a call from lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. Light heavyweight title challenger Anthony Smith sneaks in some Big Apple sightseeing between interviews. On the opposite coast, welterweight champion Tyron Woodley and debuting welterweight Ben Askren talk about their history as teammates and friends. Light heavyweight champion Jon Jones puts in a hard workout, then clears his mind with some high-altitude outdoor time. In the co-main event, Tyron Woodley will defend his Welterweight title against Kamaru Usman, while Ben Robbie Lawler welcomes Ben Askren to the Octagon for the first time. To see the first episode of Embedded click here. And to see who else is fighting at UFC 235 click here.<doc-sep>A short turnaround from light heavyweight champion and pound-for-pound king Jon "Bones" Jones headlines an incredibly deep UFC 235 card on Saturday from Las Vegas. Jones (23-1, 1 NC), who returned in late December from a 15-month drug suspension, regained his 205-pound title by stopping Alexander Gustafsson in their rematch at UFC 232. Just over two months later, Jones will seek his ninth title defense overall when he faces Anthony "Lionheart" Smith. The card, which also brings the return of welterweight champion Tyron Woodley (19-3-1) against Kamaru Usman, carries with it a number of intriguing storylines. Let's take a closer look at the biggest ones entering Saturday. Can't get enough UFC? Subscribe to my podcast In This Corner with Brian Campbell where I break down everything you need to know in the Octagon, and be sure to listen to our audio preview of UFC 235 below. 1. Is "Lionheart" a legitimate threat to the 205-pound title? : As history has consistently shown, there is no such thing in UFC as a stay-busy fight or soft touch. Just ask Brock Lesnar in his promotional debut or even Cain Velasquez just a few weeks ago. But it's hard to ignore how much Jones is benefitting right now from an alarming lack of depth within the division. It's also hard to act as if Smith (31-13) is necessarily deserving of such an opportunity. To his credit, Smith has both the size at 6-foot-4 and an aggressive style to make him a somewhat attractive opponent from a style matchup for Jones, and he's also riding a fairly dominant three-fight win streak. His victories, however, came against a pair of has beens via knockout (Rashad Evans and Mauricio Rua) and a submission win over a potential never-will-be (Volkan Oezdemir). One only has to go back 13 months to have seen Smith get stopped by fellow division upstart Thiago Santos. While Smith's story of overcoming a 5-6 start to his career and a pair of three-fight losing skids is uplifting, his 13 career defeats are hard to look past. This one has "Jon Jones squash match" potentially written all over it; just ask the oddsmakers. 2. Jones might be closer to leaving light heavyweight than we realize: Although the idea has been kicked around for years of Jones taking his 6-foot-4 inch frame to heavyweight, a glaring lack of quality competition might bring him there sooner than later. Outside of a trilogy fight against Daniel Cormier -- which just as easily could come at heavyweight considering DC is the reigning champion -- who else is there after Smith for Jones (or fans, for that matter) to get excited about? While Dominick Reyes and Johnny Walker (who returns on Saturday's undercard following a 28-day turnaround) have shown potential as future title contenders, neither are quite there yet. The majority of the remaining names in the top 15 at 205 pounds are either retreads Jones has already defeated or fighters coming off of defeat. While Jones has proven he can produce an honest level of buys against almost anyone, he would have a shot at easily becoming the promotion's biggest pay-per-view star not named Conor McGregor by challenging himself at heavyweight. 3. Tyron Woodley in for a real fight against Kamaru Usman: If there has been a pattern in the underrated brilliance of Woodley's welterweight title reign, it has been how efficiently he has disarmed opponents of their greatest weapon and then defeated them by using it. Need a refresher? Woodley outslugged Robbie Lawler, outpointed the karate stylings of Stephen Thompson in a chess match and outgrappled jiu-jitsu legend Demian Maia. Against Usman, however, Woodley may not have an opportunity to focus on one particular strategy and he very well could find himself facing the toughest challenge of his reign. Whatever Usman (14-1) may be lacking in terms of name gravitas or spectacular finishes inside the Octagon, the native of Nigeria makes up for in well-rounded brute force. He's 9-0 since making his UFC debut in 2015 and shown a workmanlike ability to grind opponents out either on the ground with his wrestling or by wearing them down with strikes. While Woodley certainly brings advantages in speed, power and experience, his 36-year-old body could be tested the full 25 minutes in this one from a workhorse who won't back down nor be easily dissuaded. Kamaru Usman presents a dangerous challenge for Tyron Woodley at UFC 235. Getty Images 4. Finally, Ben Askren gets an opportunity at his Ultimate close-up: For the better part of the last 10 years, Askren's name has always held an asterisk of sorts around it when talking about who the best welterweight was in all of mixed martial arts. A master wrestler, Askren (18-0, 1 NC) won titles in Bellator MMA and ONE Championship but was sternly denied an opportunity to prove his greatness against the very best in the world in UFC. It didn't help, of course, that he engaged in a few Twitter battles with Dana White along the way (and was even called everything from boring to an "absolute moron" by White). Yet, it took a retirement from Askren and a previously inconceivable trade of sorts between UFC and ONE involving former flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson that opened the door for Askren to prove his years of big claims. True to history, UFC has thrown Askren directly into the deep end against former champion Robbie Lawler. It's a fight Askren can surely win with his wrestling considering it's far from Lawler's strength (Not to mention, Lawler is also entering the twilight of his career). But if Askren has not improved his striking game above remedial levels, Lawler is the exact fighter who can spoil his dreams. Either way, if Askren's social media game of late has proven anything, it's that he can be an unlikely marketable force for UFC should he prove able to stay undefeated. 5. An undercard worth settling in early for: While UFC doesn't officially have "majors" akin to tennis or golf, there's an understanding from fans which PPV cards are annually the most important. There's, of course, International Fight Week in July and New Year's Eve weekend, both in Las Vegas. The last three years have also brought standout events to New York's Madison Square Garden in November. The first weekend in March has also grown to become an expectantly large show, only this one brings an old-school feel to the undercard due to how stacked it is between sneaky-good fights, names you need to see and creative matchmaking. From the aforementioned Walker making his return against Misha Cirkunov to a tough test for Tecia Torres at women's strawweight against Weili Zhang, there is certainly plenty to see. How about Cody Garbrandt returning from two knockout defeats to face Pedro Munhoz? Or a hot-fire action bout at featherweight between Jeremy Stephens and Zabit Magomedsharipov? When it's all said and done, the best undercard fight may end up being a crossroads bout at welterweight where TUF Season 1 veteran Diego Sanchez returns at 37 to face former rising stud Mickey Gall. However you slice it, UFC did its best to make up for what should be a lopsided main event by packing in something for everyone throughout the night.<doc-sep>

Jon Jones makes the first defense of his second reign as light heavyweight champion on Saturday night when he takes on Anthony Smith in the main event of UFC 235 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card is on PPV, beginning at 10 p.m. ET, with prelims on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 8 p.m. and early prelims on UFC Fight Pass beginning at 6:30. Fans will be able to purchase the PPV through ESPN.com. The co-main event is also a title bout, as Tyron Woodley defends his welterweight crowd against Kamaru Usman. Woodley is unbeaten in his last seven fights, while Usman has won 13 in a row. Watch the UFC 235 prelims on ESPN: Download the ESPN App | WatchESPN | TV Jones regained his title in December in his first fight back from a PED suspension. Before the belt was stripped in 2017, he had made eight defenses since becoming the youngest champion in UFC history (at age 23) back in 2011. Jones is considered by many to be the greatest mixed martial artist of all time. Also on the card, in addition to the championship doubleheader: Former welterweight titleholder Robbie Lawler welcomes to the Octagon undefeated Ben Askren, who reigned in Bellator and One Championships; ex-bantamweight champ Cody Garbrandt attempts to bounce back from two straight knockout losses, and 16-1 prospect Zabit Magomedsharipov tries to continue his rise in the featherweight division. Don't have ESPN? Get instant access. Fans can check out FightCenter for live coverage of the event. Top stories • Who is Anthony Smith, the man challenging Jon Jones at UFC 235? • Key UFC 235 stats to know about Jones-Smith and Woodley-Usman • How the bond between Woodley and Askren changed Missouri wrestling • Video: Askren wins back-to-back NCAA titles • Video: Get to know Zabit • Video: Walker has made a name for himself so far in UFC • Zabit Magomedsharipov is ready for the spotlight • Nevada licenses Jon Jones to fight at UFC 235 • Even after UFC 232 win, Jon Jones still fighting off the asterisk

On Wednesday (June 13), the US Department of Health and Human Services showed the public a gigantic facility where child immigrants separated from their parents are living. The 1,469 boys, aged 10 to 17, at Casa Padre in Brownsville, Texas, are among those affected by the Trump administration’s new “zero tolerance policy” of prosecuting every person who crosses the US-Mexico border without a proper visa, and of separating families being held. A sprawling former Walmart outlet has been transformed into the largest child immigrant detention center in the US. With the store’s glass windows covered, the 250,000-square-meter facility has 313 bedrooms, a cafeteria, a recreation room with billiards and foosball tables, a clinic, a barber and dirt soccer fields. Impressions of the facility vary widely, from journalists, the Trump administration, the nonprofit that runs it, a photographer who visited recent, and a teenage former resident. “These kids are incarcerated” Journalists who attended Wednesday’s no-cameras-allowed tour painted a dire picture. “It’s not as if we just want to see if we can be mean to children” In answer to questions about the policy of holding children separately from their parents, attorney general Jeff Sessions said the government is making sure to “care for the children in a good and decent and proper way” and he blamed immigrant parents for subjecting them to “such a treacherous journey.” “It’s not as if we just want to see if we can be mean to children,” Sessions added. Sessions quoted scripture, saying that we must “obey the laws of the government because God has ordained them for the purpose of order.” White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders later supported Sessions’ defense, saying it is “very biblical to enforce the law.” On the walls are murals featuring US presidents face with a motivational quotes. President Donald Trump’s quote, “Sometimes losing a battle you find a new way to win the war,” was from his book The Art of the Deal. In its original context, Trump was writing as a New York City real estate baron, and the line referenced his efforts to evict tenants from rent-controlled and rent-protected apartments, Quartz’s Annalisa Merelli reports. Administration for Children and Families at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services “We’re not a detention center” The government didn’t dictate the décor at Casa Padre. It was designed by Southwest Key Programs, the nonprofit group that runs the facility, along with other immigrant youth facilities across the US, under a federal contract. Martin Hinojosa, director Southwest Key Programs, insists that Casa Padre isn’t a prison, or even a detention center. ”We’re trying to do the best that we can taking care of these children. Our goal ultimately is to reunite kids with their families…We’re not a detention center,” he tells the Washington Post. “What we operate are shelters that take care of kids. It’s a big, big difference.” Administration for Children and Families at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services “The mood, to me, was almost ‘summer camp’ like” Cliff Ranson, the photographer hired by HHS to accompany journalists, also argued that the center is a pleasant place for children. In an email to Quartz, he likens the mood at Casa Padre to a summer camp: The center is amazing, it is not a Holiday Inn, but it is not like a prison as described. It is a rather plain holding, or detention facility that was a former Wal-mart. The kids appeared happy, they were smiling, they said good morning, they fist bumped me as I walked by. I am 6’5” and they didn’t appear to be the least bit intimidated by my presence. I smiled and briefly spoke with many of them. I did not witness a single child in visible distress. Of the close to 1,500 kids there, I saw more than half of them. I saw where a reporter said it was like “organized chaos”, it was nothing like that. The kids were well behaved, were participating in activities, and were kept busy. It was reported that they were ‘locked up’ all but 2 hours out of the day. It is 105 degrees here, kids in the nicest houses don’t spend that much time outside! So, the mood, to me, was almost ‘summer camp’ like. I was very impressed with all the workers and how they engaged the kids in the activities. Ranson, who specializes in portraiture and events coverage, says he was at the facility for three hours and was accompanied by an escort. He had free reign to shoot images as long as he cropped out faces to protect the identity of the minors. “It’s too bad I couldn’t show the smiling faces and how well they were getting along with each other,” he writes. “This is what I witnessed, no bias, no agenda, plain truth.” “Everyone complained about the food.” The Washington Post interviewed Jairom, a 17-year old who’s been living at Casa Padre for a month. He says the basic accommodations are better than surviving outdoors, but complained that the food is terrible. “They gave us a bit of bread, a nasty egg and some beans and an apple and some milk,” he said. “Everyone complained about the food.” Here are some of Ranson’s images of the center: Administration for Children and Families at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services U.S. Department of Health and Human ServicesAdministration for Children and Families at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services<doc-sep>The shelters were intended for children under the age of 12, referred to as “tender age” detainees, who are entering the detention system in ever-larger numbers under the Trump administration’s practice of separating children from parents who enter the country illegally. Many are toddlers and babies and require special care, and their numbers have been rising since last month, when the government enforced a “zero tolerance” policy on people crossing the border. Estimates suggest that more than 2,400 children under the age of 12 are now in federal custody, including many who have been separated from their parents. But on Wednesday, faced with the intense criticism over the shelters and the separation of families, President Trump retreated, signing an executive order that would detain parents and children together. For now, it seems the separations will stop, but it remains unclear what will happen going forward. A Health and Human Services official said that children already separated will not be immediately reunited with their parents while the adults remain in custody during their immigration proceedings. The executive order came just hours after reports that three centers in southern Texas — in Brownsville, Combes and Raymondville — were being outfitted to accommodate younger children.<doc-sep>(CNN) — The undocumented immigrant from Honduras sobbed as she told an attorney Tuesday how federal authorities took her daughter while she breastfed the child in a detention center, where she was awaiting prosecution for entering the country illegally. When the woman resisted, she was handcuffed, Natalia Cornelio, the attorney with the Texas Civil Rights Project, recalled from her interview with the woman, who had been detained under the Trump administration’s zero-tolerance policy to refer anyone caught crossing the border illegally for federal prosecution. CNN Miguel Nogueras, a federal public defender, handles immigration cases. Since the policy was announced in May, some 500 children have been separated from their parents within the last month, according to Miguel A. Nogueras, an assistant federal public defender for the Southern District of Texas in McAllen, citing an unofficial count by an attorney in his office. Some parents who are under arrest tell public defenders they don’t know what happened to their children, Nogueras said. Some parents also claim they have been told their children are being taken to be bathed or cleaned up, then the adults don’t see them again. “The government is essentially torturing people by doing this,” Cornelio said. In an interview outside the federal courthouse in McAllen, Nogueras said: “It depends on who the agent is on that day. They’ll be told, ‘We’re going to separate your kids so they can bathe.’ And that’s not true.” He added: “It’s really hard to look in the eye of a mother or father who would plead for you – help me get my child back.” ’My daughter is here’ Inside the crowded federal courtroom, another undocumented Honduran immigrant stood in shackles Tuesday pleading with a judge preparing to sentence him for illegally entering the United States. Authorities had separated Oman Rodriguez-Avila from his 8-year-old daughter when they caught him and other immigrants crossing the border a day earlier. “I would ask that you give me a short sentence because my daughter is here,” he told a judge in Spanish, speaking through a translator. The federal judge sentenced Rodriguez-Avila to 15 days in jail because Rodriguez-Avila was previously convicted for the same misdemeanor offense in 2012 and deported. Jason Morris/CNN The scene Monday in a federal courthouse in McAllen, Texas, where defendants are facing a federal misdemeanor charge of illegally entering the United States. In a statement released Wednesday, Carlos Diaz, a US Customs and Border Protection spokesman, disputed the claims against immigration officials. “Nothing could be further from the truth and these allegations are unsubstantiated,” he said in an email. In Texas, Cornelio recalled how quickly the tears flowed when the Civil Rights Project interviewed immigrants, whose children had been taken from them, after their arrest for illegally entering the country. “All the women would start crying and would need to take a couple of minutes before being able to continue talking about it,” Cornelio said. This week, a spokeswoman for the Justice Department’s Southern District of Texas said her office could not comment on the number of parents who had been separated from their children or how families were separated because of the zero-tolerance policy. ’It should never happen’ Children generally are separated from parents who are awaiting prosecution for crossing illegally, so prosecuting more parents will result in the separation of far more children from their parents at the border than before the policy took effect. Those children become the charges of the Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families (specifically, the Office of Refugee Resettlement). In an interview with NPR last month, when asked what he would say to people who say it would be “cruel and heartless” to separate a mother from her children, White House chief of staff John Kelly said: “I wouldn’t put it quite that way. The children will be taken care of – put into foster care or whatever. But the big point is they elected to come illegally into the United States, and this is a technique that no one hopes will be used extensively or for very long.” The administration said it seeks to reunite the families as much as possible after court proceedings, but it puts the onus largely on the parents to locate their children within government custody and seek their return. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the administration’s policy last month. “So, if you cross the border unlawfully, even a first offense, we’re going to prosecute you,” Sessions told a gathering of the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies. “If you’re smuggling a child, we’re going to prosecute you, and that child will be separated from you, probably, as required by law. If you don’t want your child to be separated, then don’t bring them across the border illegally.” The new policy does not apply to asylum seekers who enter the United States through an official port of entry without paperwork; those people would only be placed into immigration proceedings. It has long been a misdemeanor federal offense to be caught illegally entering the country, punishable by up to six months in prison and a $5,000 fine. But previous US administrations generally didn’t refer everyone caught for prosecution. Those who were apprehended were put into immigration proceedings and faced deportation from the country, unless they qualified to pursue an asylum claim. Supporters of the new program credited it with reducing the number of crossings and repeat offenders, while critics said it overwhelmed the courts and US attorneys’ offices with low-level crimes that made it difficult to use resources to go after serious and dangerous crime, like drug smuggling and cartels. Nogueras said he has seen a shift in the caseload. During the George W. Bush and Barack Obama administrations, public defenders in the federal courthouse in McAllen handled about 20 to 30 cases a day involving defendants facing charges for minor crimes, he said. On Monday, public defenders handled 170 cases of undocumented immigrants who were charged with illegally entering the country and about 120 on Tuesday. At least 60 children have been separated from their parents over the past two days, according to the federal public defenders in McAllen. “I’m outraged about it. I’m angry. It should never happen,” Nogueras said. “I don’t think that this represents the values of the American people.” CNN’s Tal Kopan and Jason Hanna contributed to this report.<doc-sep>

An MSNBC reporter said migrant children are effectively being "incarcerated" in a Texas facility where more than 1,400 migrant children are being held. Jacob Soboroff was one of a number of reporters who toured the Brownsville facility on Wednesday. Soboroff said the center, which is a former Walmart, reminded him of a prison. “This place is called a 'shelter' but effectively these kids are incarcerated,” Soboroff said. .@jacobsoboroff on Texas immigrant child detention center: "Effectively, these kids are incarcerated" #inners pic.twitter.com/ou7dT6hLU9 — All In w/Chris Hayes (@allinwithchris) June 14, 2018 ADVERTISEMENT Soboroff said on “All In With Chris Hayes” that the facility houses roughly 1,400 boys between ages 10 and 17. He compared the setup to a “dormitory structure,” noting that the building has a cafeteria area and rooms with four beds each. The reporter posted a photo of a mural painted near an entrance that depicts President Trump Donald TrumpTrump lashes out after grand jury seated for New York criminal probe Schumer tees up vote on Jan. 6 commission bill Senators struggle to save Jan. 6 commission MORE in front of an American flag and the White House. Starting to get some handout photos from our tour with @HHSGov. Here’s the Trump mural I mentioned to @chrislhayes inside the shelter for incarcerated child migrants. Also their beds and the towels they shower with. pic.twitter.com/EPEQ1VGAAF — Jacob Soboroff (@jacobsoboroff) June 14, 2018 Licensed professionals with the Office of Refugee Resettlement run the facility. Soboroff explained that kids are free to move around and are allotted two hours of outdoor time each day. “It’s organized chaos in there. It’s hectic, but it is organized,” he said. Reporters were allowed inside the facility less than two weeks after Sen. Jeff Merkley Jeff MerkleyDemocrats to introduce bill to prevent default recurring political donations Democrats: Roe v. Wade blow would fuel expanding Supreme Court Democrats, GOP face crowded primaries as party leaders lose control MORE (D-Ore.) shared a video showing him being barred from entering the same building. Democrats and immigration advocates have expressed concern about the treatment of migrant children in the wake of the Trump administration's recently implemented "zero tolerance" for those who illegally cross the border. The policy has faced intense scrutiny from critics, who call it cruel and blame it for overwhelming courts and U.S. attorneys' offices. “This practice is antithetical not only to American values but to basic decency and humanity,” Democratic lawmakers wrote in a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and Attorney General Jeff Sessions last Friday. Sessions announced last month that the Justice Department would aggressively prosecute adults attempting to cross the U.S.–Mexico border illegally — a process that often leads to children being separated from their parents upon being apprehended. Authorities have separated families who cross illegally in some cases, placing children in separate holding facilities. The practice occurs before a parent is convicted and is carried out regardless of whether a migrant is seeking asylum. Trump has blamed Democrats for enacting poor immigration laws amid outcry over the policy. Other Trump administration officials, including Sessions and White House chief of staff John Kelly John Francis KellyMORE, have defended the policy as a deterrent against illegal immigration.

Shawn Mendes bared almost everything in a new ad campaign. The In My Blood singer showed off his chiseled abs in two new images for Calvin Klein underwear. The 20-year-old songwriter also hinted that more photos would be released in the coming week. Shawn Mendes, 20, showed off his chiseled abs in two new images for his Calvin Klein underwear campaign Shawn showed alternated between his light and dark sides for the two images, which featured white and black pairs of boxer briefs. The Stitches performer was featured leaning provocatively against a kitchen countertop in one of the images as sunlight streamed through the windows. In another, he lounged in a small chair that barely seemed to fit him. A guitar and keyboard were appropriately located next to him. Getting personal: Shawn showed alternated between his light and dark sides for the two images, which featured white and black pairs of boxer briefs The Canadian songwriter stayed relatively mum about his new ads. He wrote, 'Campaign coming this week,' suggesting he'll have more poses ariving soon. Though songwriting and performing remain his main talents, Shawn has branched out into modeling in the last few years. New talents: Though songwriting and performing remain his main talents, Shawn has branched out into modeling in the last few years; pictured February 10 at the Grammy Awards The pop star was signed by the prestigious agency Wilhelmina Models in 2016. Since then, he's walked the runway for Emporio Armani's Spring 2018 show in Milan. He was also announced as an ambassador for the brand's Fall-Winter 2018-2019 collection. Solo set: Shawn was featured at Sunday's Grammy Awards ceremony, where he performed a powerful rendition of his Top 20 hit In My Blood; pictured February 10 Famous friend: Miley Cyrus made a surprise appearance for the song's second half, turning it into a high-powered duet; pictured February 10 Shawn was featured at Sunday's Grammy Awards ceremony, where he performed a powerful rendition of his Top 20 hit In My Blood. The singer began his short set seated at a cracked baby grand piano that radiated light and somke. Miley Cyrus made a surprise appearance for the song's second half, turning it into a high-powered duet.<doc-sep>Click to share this via email Click to share this on Twitter Click to share this on Facebook Shawn Mendes fans will be gushing over this Calvin Klein shoot. The “Treat You Better” singer broke the Internet on Saturday when a photo of him modelling CK underwear made the rounds online. It is no secret Mendes, 20, has been hitting the gym and his stellar physique was on full display in the CK campaign. RELATED: Grammys 2019: Shawn Mendes And Miley Cyrus Perform Duet The photo is already being used publicly in CK marketing and storefronts. Mendes shared two separate photos from the shoot on Twitter. So excited about this campaign. Thank you @CalvinKlein and Glen Luchford. Our Now. #MyCalvins pic.twitter.com/vEZN2IqJ6M — Shawn Mendes (@ShawnMendes) February 19, 2019 A video campaign has also been launched featuring both Mendes and Kendall Jenner, 23. Fans have already started uploading snippets from the video. RELATED: Dolly Parton Is Serenaded By Miley Cyrus And Shawn Mendes Miley Cyrus, who took the stage with Mendes at this year’s Grammys, even got in on the action, joking: Don’t leave your children with Miley pic.twitter.com/zv7N8hDB12 — Miley Ray Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) February 19, 2019 See more online comments about Mendes’ CK underwear campaign below. I literally can’t…. — Selena is cold in la:) (@SelSeavey) February 16, 2019 I’ve waited FOREVER for this Shawn Mendes x Calvin Klein shoot — drea ⚡️ (@flexicangirl) February 16, 2019 Shawn Mendes Is The New Face Of Calvin Klein And Everyone Is Thirsty AF https://t.co/RRgef8g7ED — BuzzFeed (@BuzzFeed) February 16, 2019<doc-sep>

Shawn Mendes’ Calvin Klein Shoot Has Celebs Warning: 'Delete This Before My Girlfriend Sees' Shawn Mendes' Calvin Klein shoot left fans and celebrities hot and bothered. Picture: Getty Shawn Mendes posted a very saucy picture from his Calvin Klein campaign on Instagram, and it wasn’t just his fans who were left hot under the collar. Shawn Mendes showed off his rippling six pack over the weekend as he shared a sneak-peek at his saucy Calvin Klein campaign. The 'Treat You Better' hitmaker took to Instagram to flaunt some photos from the steamy shoot with his 41 million followers. Are Shawn Mendes And Camila Cabello Dating? 'In My Blood' Hitmaker Hints At Romance As He Reveals Nickname For 'Havana' Singer. Posing in just a pair of white boxers, Shawn smouldered for the camera as he leaned casually on a kitchen worktop in one sexy snap. In the other shot the 20-year-old hunk sat back in an armchair, letting his six pack do all the talking as he stared steely into the camera. The photos certainly sent fans into a frenzy, but his fellow A-listers were equally flustered. Singer Charlie Puth commented: “Haha! Oooh s**t!” Even R&B icon Jennifer Lopez was impressed, writing: “Killin’ it” alongside a series of flame emojis. Ru Paul’s Drag Race star Courtney Act also joked: “I was just found dead.” And Olympian Tom Daley was left hot under the collar as he responded: “Damn,” with a heart-eyes emoji. Meanwhile, rapper Hoodie Allen told Shawn to take the snap down: “Delete this before my gf sees this.” Shawn's Calvin Klein campaign launches later this week, so keep your eyes peeled for more raunchy pics. > Download Our App For All The Latest Shawn Mendes News.

Heading into college football's final month, this week's bowl projections feature major changes following another wild weekend for nationally-ranked teams — 11 total going down in Week 9. Projecting postseason matchups after nine weeks is not an exact science and it's one of the more subjective content pieces we handle at 247Sports. They're more or less a reflection of where we think teams will finish in their respective conferences, then placed in matchups based on the bowl selection process with regards to 2018-19 specific tie-ins and league guidelines. There are specific rules to follow in every league. We update our bowl projections weekly on Sunday nights throughout the season, something we've done since 2015. As teams jockey for position nearing the end of the regular season, we have an educated and accurate approach to our projections using insight and what we're hearing from sources close to several different bowl committees. It's important to note not every bowl game is included in our weekly glance, only matchups we expect to include at least one Top 25 team or involve programs on the cusp of being nationally-ranked. Here's a look at college football bowl projections after Week 9:<doc-sep>5 of 7 Young Kwak/Associated Press Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl (Dec. 29): UCF vs. LSU Playing without star QB McKenzie Milton—who tweaked his ankle late against Memphis but probably could have played if necessary—UCF didn't look great against East Carolina. The Knights covered the 22-point spread, but they allowed nearly 500 yards of total offense and needed to force five turnovers to get the job done. As long as they keep winning, though, they'll be the Group of Five's NY6 representative. Meanwhile, LSU's defense was dominant in a 19-3 win over Mississippi State. The Tigers picked off Nick Fitzgerald four times while holding the Bulldogs to just three points. But that defense had one major misstep, as star LB Devin White was ejected for targeting in the fourth quarter, meaning he'll miss the first half of LSU's big battle with Alabama on Nov. 3. We'll see if that proves to be the difference in that SEC West clash. Allstate Sugar Bowl (Jan. 1): Oklahoma vs. Georgia In Oklahoma's first game since the tough loss to Texas, the Sooners showed something new: Defense. They limited TCU to 275 yards of offense in a 52-27 rout and had their fewest yards allowed thus far this season. Part of that was TCU's own doing. The Horned Frogs hadn't scored more than 17 points in any of their previous three games and didn't even move the ball well against Texas Tech one week ago. But as long as Oklahoma occasionally puts forth some effort on defense, this offense is good enough to beat anyone. Rose Bowl (Jan. 1): Michigan vs. Washington State Spoiler alert for the upcoming playoff pairings, but the only major change from last week's New Year's Six projections is that Washington State replaced Oregon in the Rose Bowl after the Cougars' head-to-head win over the Ducks. It's ironic that while Ohio State's offense was being exposed as too one-dimensional, Washington State and its pass-first (pass-only?) approach became the team to beat in the Pac-12. The Cougars have one of the worst ground attacks in the country, averaging just 72.6 rushing yards per game. Were it not for this absurd 24-yard TD run by James Williams, they wouldn't have had a single rush for 10 or more yards against Oregon. But the Cougs are 6-1 and have the best record in the Pac-12. If this ends up being the Rose Bowl matchup, though, Michigan would probably win by 35. The Wolverines have the best secondary in the nation, and it's not even close. They don't get many interceptions—seven through eight games—but opponents have been helpless when trying to move the ball through the air against them. In Big Ten play, Michigan has allowed a 43.9 completion percentage and 103.8 yards per game. PlayStation Fiesta Bowl (Jan. 1): Florida vs. Texas Both of these teams had Week 8 off, so there's nothing new to report on either one. Each could take a big step into the playoff conversation this coming Saturday, though. Texas plays at Oklahoma State and Florida has a neutral-site game against Georgia in Jacksonville. In each case, it's arguably the toughest remaining regular-season game. Wins would be massive, of course. But even if they lose, both the Gators and Longhorns should remain in good shape for a New Year's Six bowl.<doc-sep>We’re past the halfway point of the college football season. The bowl picture keeps changing based on weekly results. As of right now, Alabama, Clemson, LSU and Notre Dame would be in the College Football Playoff if it started today. However, that will likely all change next week after ‘Bama and LSU play each other. Sports Illustrated has put out its most recent projections for the College Football Playoff as well as every other bowl game. Here’s a look at SI’s picks for the major bowls heading into Week 9: CFB Playoff at the Orange Bowl – Clemson vs. Notre Dame CFB Playoff at the Cotton Bowl – Alabama vs. Oklahoma Texas Bowl – TCU vs. Houston Camping World Bowl – West Virginia vs. Miami Gator Bowl – Auburn vs. Wisconsin Fiesta Bowl – Georgia vs. UCF Peach Bowl – Ohio State vs. Florida Outback Bowl – Michigan State vs. Kentucky Rose Bowl – Michigan vs. Washington Sugar Bowl – LSU vs. Texas Citrus Bowl – Texas A&M vs. Penn State You can see all of SI’s bowl projections here.<doc-sep>Mountain West Football Bowl Projections After Week 9 How many teams are projected to go bowling? Contact/Follow @JeremyMauss & @MWCwire A new week means new bowl guesses Now that Week 9 is in the books there will be some shakeups in the bowl projections this week. There are now four official bowl-eligible teams after Boise State earned its first-ever victory at the Air Force Academy. Hawaii has been stuck at six wins for the past three games and things do not look any easier as they host Utah State next week so it may not be until they host the struggling UNLV Rebels on Nov. 17. Nevada stole a win against San Diego State to drastically improve its bowl chances. The Wolf Pack are 5-4 and still have winnable games to end the season against Colorado State, San Jose State, and UNLV. Wyoming needed to win its final four games to be bowl eligible, and they got the first win of that stretch against Colorado State. According to ESPN’s FPI, the Cowboys are favored against San Jose State and New Mexico with the Air Force game being a virtual toss-up at 49.9 percent change for Wyoming to get the win. Air Force is in the same boat as Wyoming but has four games left. They are in a toss-up with the Cowboys and favored in two other games against New Mexico and Colorado State. The lone underdog game for the Falcons is the rivalry game at Army. Also to consider for the Falcons is that they are the first choice to be taken as a 5-7 team due to APR (Northwestern is No. 1 in APR but they already bowl eligible). In the meantime, we will add Air Force to go along with Fresno State, Nevada, Boise State, Hawaii, Utah State and San Diego State as the bowl teams this week for the Mountain West. Previous projections: | Week 0 | Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8<doc-sep>

College football bowl projections after Week 9. Find out who is projected to play in the College Football Playoff and who makes a New Year’s Six bowl. Three of the top five and five of the top 11 teams in the nation were idle this week so there wasn’t a great deal of movement to disrupt this week’s college football bowl projections as far as the College Football Playoff is concerned. However, there is some movement when it comes to the New Year’s Six bowl games after Georgia and Florida battled in their annual SEC rivalry game, Penn State and Iowa engaged in a Big Ten slugfest and the Pac-12 after dark special that saw Washington State comeback and beat Stanford in Palo Alto. But the biggest shake-up came in Stillwater where Oklahoma State upset Texas to end their hopes of getting into the Playoff or New Year’s Six mix. College Football Playoff It’s the same four teams and the same two matchups as last week. I have Alabama meeting Michigan Cotton Bowl and Clemson meeting Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl. Cotton Bowl (Dec. 29): No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 4 Michigan Orange Bowl (Dec. 29): No. 2 Clemson vs. No. 3 Notre Dame New Year’s Six Peach Bowl (Dec. 29): UCF vs. Georgia Fiesta Bowl (Dec. 29): Oklahoma vs. Kentucky Rose Bowl (Dec. 29): Ohio State vs. Washington State Sugar Bowl (Dec. 29): West Virginia vs. LSU If these projections hold true, I’m very excited to see how the Peach Bowl shakes out as it would be the second year in a row for UCF to play in that after being snubbed by the Playoff committee. I don’t think they get in the four-team field, even if they go undefeated for the second year in a row. They could look to take it out on Georgia, just like they did vs. Auburn a year ago. I’m not sure how excited Ohio State fans would be about making the Rose Bowl because it’s a consolation prize after missing out on the Playoff and winning the Big Ten. That said, a game against Washington State would make for a fun watch with the first one to 42 being named the winner. A Sugar Bowl with LSU is always a good time and I’d like to see Will Grier and the West Virginia offense go head-to-head with the Tigers defense. Kentucky has been the biggest surprise this year but they’d get rewarded with a game against Kyler Murray and Oklahoma who would be fuming after being left out of the Playoff. This could be a lopsided affair, but we should know not to count out this Kentucky team.

However, the foundation of the structure was so strong that the authorities had struggled to bring it down using heavy machinery, which would have taken months. (Photo: ANI | Twitter) Mumbai: Fugitive billionaire Nirav Modi’s sea-facing bungalow in Maharashtra’s Alibaug, estimated Rs 100 crore was demolished with huge quantity of explosives on Friday. The 33,000 square foot luxurious bungalow was illegally build, violated coastal regulation zone (CRZ) norms and the state's regulations as well, said authorities. However, the foundation of the structure was so strong that the authorities had struggled to bring it down using heavy machinery, which would have taken months. To speed up the process, they decided to demolish the building through a controlled explosion, using dynamite. #WATCH Maharashtra: PNB Scam accused Nirav Modi's bungalow in Alibag, Raigad district demolished by authorities. pic.twitter.com/ngrJstNjoa — ANI (@ANI) March 8, 2019 The demolition was done following a Bombay High Court order on a PIL filed by non-profit Shamburaje Kranti in 2009. The PIL demanded action against illegal bungalows, hotels and resorts violating the laws.<doc-sep>30 kg explosives fixed in the pillars of Roopanya in Alibaug before it was razed through controlled blasting Diamantaire Nirav Modi’s seaside bungalow, Roopanya, at Kihim in Alibaug of Raigad district was demolished through controlled blasting at 11.15 a.m. on Friday. At least 110 holes were drilled into the pillars using excavators, and around 30 kg gelatine explosives had been fixed in the holes over the past two days. “Technical experts were working on a war footing to make the holes and fix the explosives. We finished by 6 a.m. on Friday after which we rested for a while. At 11.15 a.m., the structure was demolished,” Bharat Shitole, Additional Collector, Raigad district, said. Mr. Shitole, who is known as ‘demolition man’ in his circle, had conducted around 40 such controlled blasting at Mira-Bhayander when he was posted there in 2001. Due to his experience, he was assigned to oversee the demolition by Raigad Collector Vijay Suryawanshi. The explosion was controlled by a wired button and was operated by officers who were standing 200 feet away from the structure. Spread across 33,000 square feet, the bungalow was built partly as a ground-plus-one structure. “It had close to 35 pillars of which 28 were in the front. The bungalow was constructed in different phases. It had a driveway, high-metal fencing, a huge security gate, a swimming pool, and resort-like slides on the first floor,” Mr. Shitole said. A Bombay High Court order on a public interest litigation number 107 filed by non-profit Shamburaje Yuva Kranti in 2009 had ordered the demolition of illegal structures that came under the Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ). “Around 159 structures that came under the CRZ were to be razed of which 111 got a stay order. Of the the remaining 47 structures, 24 had been demolished and Mr. Modi’s bungalow was 25th to be pulled down,” Sharada Powar, Sub Divisional Magistrate, said. Three valuables from the bungalow — a Buddha statue, a chandelier, and a jacuzzi — are still kept in the area for the Enforcement Directorate (ED)to take away and auction. The other fixtures that were removed will be auctioned by Raigad district officials. On January 25, district officials started the demolition work using bulldozers, but they found the work time-consuming due to the RCC construction. On January 27, structural engineers from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technical University conducted a survey. The experts suggested that the district officers carry out the demolition with the help of controlled blasting. Mr. Modi’s bungalow was attached by the ED following his involvement in the ₹13,000-crore Punjab National Bank fraud case. It was handed over to the collector’s office on January 24, after the ED seized two trucks full of valuables from the building. In 2011, Mr. Modi had sought to legalise the structure by providing some documents before the then district collector. In 2018, Mr. Suryawanshi had filed an affidavit claiming that they needed to review the order, and on December 4, 2018, the bungalow was declared unauthorised, and Mr. Suryawanshi issued a notice to demolish the bungalow.<doc-sep>Nirav Modi's sprawling bungalow, spread over 30,000 sq ft, was demolished by the Raigad administration on Friday. 30 kilos of explosives were used to trigger controlled blasts to bring down the massive structure. Diamantaire Nirav Modi reportedly spent New Year's Eve at this bungalow before he fled the country on January1, 2018. The bungalow had been attached by the Enforcement Directorate. 08 Mar 2019, 4:03PM IST | Source : Mirror Online<doc-sep>Raigad Nirav Modi Watch: Nirav Modi's Alibaug bungalow demolished using controlled blasting 00:15 Theadministration demolished the luxurious bungalow of absconding diamantaireon Friday.The 30,000 sq feet seaside bungalow was brought down using 30 kilograms of explosives. The team identified 110 detonation spots within and outside the bungalow to carry out controlled-blasts.On January 25, the district collectorate had initiated the razing process using traditional methods of bulldozers, excavators and other such manually-operated equipment, but it proved to be a slow and tedious process.Additional Collector Bharat Shitole said that as the structure was very strong, it would have been difficult for them to raze it using bulldozers and other equipments. Hence the blasting decision was taken. It took around 30 minutes for the workers to demolish the structure.Manoj Zade, who does the blasting work of the hills for Navi Mumbai airport, was assigned for this demolition work.According to Raigad Collector Vijay Suryavanshi, "It will take around 15 days to clear the debris." The land will be in the attachment of Enforcement Directorate (ED), he added.The night before Nirav Modi left India on January 1, 2018, he had spent New Year’s Eve in this bungalow with friends and relatives, some of whom were later identified as accused in the alleged PNB fraud case by the ED. ( Reported by Yogesh Naik)<doc-sep>

Nirav Modi's Alibaug bungalow demolished with dynamite https://t.co/n4J6SlnmWq — TOI Mumbai (@TOIMumbai) 1552032761000 #NiravModi's sprawling seaside bungalow demolished in #Alibaug https://t.co/Vh7KZfFbxE https://t.co/a1aeKcPLBl — TOI Mumbai (@TOIMumbai) 1552033039000 Authorities demolish Nirav Modi’s sprawling Alibaug bungalow NAVI MUMBAI: Nirav Modi ’s 30,000 sq ft bungalow in Kihim beach, Alibaug was finally razed at around 11.15 am on Friday by the Raigad district administration.The bungalow facing the Kihim beach turned into a rubble within a few seconds. As many as 110 dynamite sticks were used in the blasting, which was carried out under the supervision of four private sector experts hired by the district administration.Three drones were used to videograph the process. A large number of people gathered to witness the bungalow blasting process.Raigad additional collector Bharat Shitole said, "The mansion of fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi was blasted at 11.15am on Friday. A total of 110 dynamite sticks were inserted in to the holes drilled into the reinforced cement concrete pillars. A total of 30 kg of blasting material was used to blast the sprawling bungalow within a fraction of second. "Shitole added, "Four experts hired by the administration undertook explosion and supervision work. "Shitole, known as a ‘Demolition Man through blasting’ among official circles, had blasted around 40 illegal buildings in Bhayander in 2000 and 2001.The district administration will now have to lift the rubble from the demolition site. However, the Enforcement Directorate will continue to be the de facto and de jure owner.Another Kihim resident Sachin Purao said, "I had witnessed the hole carving in pillars and also the demolition. Nobody was allowed to go inside with the bungalow. However, the demolition was slightly visible from outside. "Modi's bungalow was attached by the ED following his involvement in the Punjab National Bank fraud case.

The tiger was found last week by a person in Houston who entered the empty house in order to smoke marijuana. The tiger was locked in his cage, which was in awful condition, with “layers of his own feces and dirty metal bowls with food and water” surrounding him.<doc-sep>Prince William slams BBC after report on methods used to secure Diana interview The wait is over, you can finally see this adorable panda cub Viral 'Charlie bit my finger' video to be taken down. Here's why See the highlights from the 2021 Billboard Music Awards (CNN) — It took a little convincing before police believed the person who reported the strange discovery. The concerned citizen claimed to have entered an abandoned Houston home to smoke pot and found a tiger. So, naturally, authorities were suspicious. “We questioned them as to whether they were under the effects of the drugs or they actually saw a tiger,” Sgt. Jason Alderete of the Houston Police Department’s Major Offenders, Livestock Animal Cruelty Unit told CNN affiliate KTRK. But once they arrived, police found a caged tiger in the home’s garage, according to KTRK. The home had been abandoned for some time, Alderete said. But several packages of meat were found with the animal, KTRK reported. Officers tranquilized the large cat, pulled it out using a wrecker and transferred it to an animal shelter. On Tuesday morning, the tiger was taken 200 miles north to an animal sanctuary operated by animal rescue organization Fund for Animals. The animal will, at least for now, be one of three tigers and roughly 800 other rescued animals at the Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch in the Texas community of Murchison, the Humane Society said. “The ranch has a five-acre, naturally wooded habitat complex that emulates a native environment and that will be the tiger’s new home pending a decision about permanent custody,” the Humane Society said. The case is still under investigation and it’s unclear if the tiger’s owner will face any charges. CNN’s Greg Wallace contributed to this report.<doc-sep>It was like “Home Alone,” but instead of an 8-year-old boy setting traps to keep burglars away, a 2-year-old tiger stopped a marijuana smoker from lighting up in its house. That started a chain of events on Monday that ended with the tiger, left alone in a small cage in an abandoned house in Houston, being taken away for proper care at an animal sanctuary. “This is not the first tiger that we have been called out to investigate,” said Lara Cottingham, the chief of staff of the city’s administration and regulatory affairs department. “In the City of Houston you cannot keep exotic animals, including a tiger.” The big cat was found by someone who had tried to sneak into the house to smoke marijuana and reported the discovery to Houston’s Animal Shelter and Adoption Facility, known as BARC, the authorities said.<doc-sep>A young tiger found caged in an abandoned home in Houston has been transported to a wildlife sanctuary where he is free to explore the scenery as he pleases. The large cat was found last week by a man who had ventured into the home to smoke marijuana, Houston Police spokeswoman Kese Smith told ABC News after the incident. The tiger was found in deplorable conditions, with his cage covered layers of his own feces and dirty metal bowls with food and water, Noelle Almrud, the director of the Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch in Murchison, Texas, where the tiger has been relocated, told ABC News. He did not appear to be malnourished but is overweight -- most likely due to lack of exercise, Almrud said. The estimated 350-pound tiger was transported to the facility, an affiliate of the Humane Society of the United States, on Wednesday afternoon, and is settling in well, Almrud said. There, he will have the chance to roam in enclosures of up to three acres. While the journey to a new home was stressful for the tiger, Almrud, who estimates him to be about 2 years old, described the moment he first walked onto the grass at the sanctuary as remarkable. "It was just amazing to see him walk out on grass and to see him explore and have that freedom of movement," she said. "It was just such a reward and fulfilling to us." Now, he spends his days rolling around the grass in glee, Almrud said. The tiger, who will be quarantined for 30 days, seems to be comfortable around humans, and "chuffs it up regularly" to his caregivers, which is the sound tigers make to communicate, Almrud said. "He comes right up to the fence every time a staff member is present," she said. "He seems very amenable to our presence." The tiger is eating well -- a combination of chicken, humanely raised non-processed beef and whole prey complete with organs and bones. It appears that he was being fed chicken, which is what owners of exotic cats often feed them, but chicken alone does not provide the complete nutrition they need to thrive, Almrud said. In addition, caregivers are tasked with keeping the tiger mentally stimulated by creating "pretend hunting" games and rotating him through different areas so he has access to new smells and environments to explore. "He seems to happy and content," Almrud said. "Our staff is just falling in love with him." The sanctuary, which currently has temporary legal custody of the tiger, is waiting until the Harris County District Attorney's Office grants it full ownership to name the tiger, Almrud said. Once full ownership is granted -- Almrud hopes within the next few weeks -- the tiger will be sedated, undergo a full exam and be castrated, because "any reputable facility is non-breeding," she added. Since tigers are normally solitary in the wild, the sanctuary likely will not introduce him to its two other tigers living on the property: Charlie, who was rescued from a breeder in 2016, and Alex, a former pet who arrived in 2014, Almrud said. Private citizens are not capable of adequately caring for tigers and other exotic cats due to lack of space or understanding of the animal's physical and emotional needs, Kitty Block, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, told ABC News. "These are dangerous wild animals," Block said. "These are not puppies or kittens." In addition, the animals pose a great danger to the humans they are around, and it's often children who inadvertently become their victims, likely because they look like small prey, Block said, She recalled one child who became blinded by the swipe of a tiger's paw and another who died after a tiger bit its head. "They don't see a playmate. They're doing what they are instinctively [told to do]," she said. "It's not something that you train out of them." Currently, only 35 states have laws banning private ownership of big cats, and Texas, which is estimated to have the second-largest tiger population in the world, is not one of them, Block said. She is seeking a solution in the form of federal legislation and hopes to reintroduce the Big Cat Public Safety Act during this congressional session, she said. "It’s a measure to address the plight of thousands of wild animals kept privately as pets or languishing in substandard and unaccredited zoos, and prevent future ownership of big cats by unqualified and unprepared individuals," Block wrote on her blog on the Humane Society's website. "Its provisions would establish proper exemptions for qualified parties, and is a levelheaded approach to an animal welfare and public safety threat that has, unfortunately, grown worse in recent years. We badly need a national framework to bring the trade in wild animals under firm regulatory control." While it is illegal to own a tiger within Houston city limits, it is unclear if authorities have identified any suspects in this case. ABC News' Abigail Shalawylo contributed to this report.<doc-sep>

The anonymous tipster who told cops about a 1,000-pound tiger inside a Houston home had broken into the abandoned building to smoke marijuana and initially thought he was hallucinating when he saw the caged big cat, officials said. Authorities went to the residential home Monday and found the overweight female tiger in deplorable conditions inside a “rinky-dink” cage in the garage, Click 2 Houston reported. “A pretty small cage inside basically a garage in a house that didn’t look like it was in the best shape,” Lara Cottingham, with the city of Houston told reporters of the scene. “So it was important that we get it out of the situation.” Police said the garage was secured with a screwdriver and a nylon strap. RARE SUMATRAN TIGER AT LONDON ZOO KILLED BY PROSPECTIVE MATE MOMENTS AFTER INTRODUCED The tiger was tranquilized and taken to BARC Houston, a city organization dedicated to humane animal care, FOX26 Houston reported. They will then try to find a permanent home for the animal. “There's an incredible network all across the United States and here in Houston and here in Texas. It's just finding the right combination and then transporting," Cottingham said. Houston police are investigating who may have owned the animal. Meanwhile, the Houston Zoo released a statement Monday saying that it was aware of the tiger but that it was not involved and would not be receiving the animal. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP “The Houston Zoo is home to two Malayan tigers, Berani and Satu, and does not have the capacity to receive additional tigers,” the zoo said. “Fewer than 3,500 tigers of all tiger subspecies remain in the wild today, according to the Tiger Conservation Campaign. Malayan tigers surviving on the Malay Peninsula are critically endangered with an estimated population of 300 remaining in the wild.”

Entertainment Mare Of Easttown Is Nearly Over, Before We Die ... Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past month, you’re probably as addicted as the rest of us to Mare Of Easttown. Among its many, many<doc-sep>The first two episodes of season 2 of Killing Eve have not been kind to Villanelle), who’s been looking uncharacteristically worse for wear; still, in the frumpy British town of Basildon, a little under an hour outside of central London, Villanelle really stands out. That’s true even after she’s shed the eyesore of an ensemble from the season premiere: a tight pair of printed pajamas, paired with a ridiculously incongruous leather briefcase and a pair of Crocs that literally make her toes curl. Her new, equally unfortunate ensemble comes courtesy of an abandoned basket at a laundromat, which Villanelle helps herself to after completing her pitiful “laundry load,” consisting solely of a pair of purple-and-pink lace underwear. To be fair, if she had a bandeau and a pair of jorts on-hand, her stolen shawl-like striped cardigan could plausibly fit in with some of the more bohemian looks at Coachella. Worn with a baggy, pale yellow souvenir tee from Paris that reads “amour toujours,” which she doesn’t even bother tucking in to her denim A-line skirt, though, it doesn’t even pass at a perfectly dreary British supermarket. Villanelle (Jodie Comer) in episode two of *Killing Eve* season two. Villanelle (Jodie Comer) in episode two of *Killing Eve* season two. Unfortunately for Villanelle, it puts something of a damper on her usual methods of wooing unsuspecting strangers. (Even she can’t help but look with horror at her own face in a makeup aisle mirror.) Finally, though, a middle-aged man she hesitantly approaches with a shopping cart (and a British accent) takes the bait. It only takes one step through the doorway of his home, however, for it to become apparent that her would-be savior is not the innocent, extremely lonely, and shabby version of Colin Firth he appears. Julian does live with his mother, but he also lives with an extensive, meticulously maintained collection of dolls with names like Annabelle, all of which are perfectly primped and outfitted in bonnets and frills. It’s pretty creepy. Julian welcoming Villanelle (Jodie Comer) into his (doll)home in episode two of *Killing Eve* season two. Meanwhile, typically no-frills Eve Polastri (Sandra Oh) is in bed with her husband, googling “Paris news woman stabbed murder” until frantically clicking a Google-serviced ad as cover when he suddenly wakes up. He’s rather flustered by the fact that she’s online shopping, but makes an off-hand remark that the “little blue dress” with spaghetti straps on Eve’s screen is “sexy.” (She promptly clicks “add to cart.”) The “sexy” dress in question in episode two of *Killing Eve* season two. At any rate, it’s certainly sexier than Eve’s usual parka, which she pairs with conservative stockings, to join Carolyn (Fiona Shaw) in their ongoing investigation into Villanelle. Practical as it is, even Eve can’t help but expressing her jealousy of Carolyn’s admittedly rather ordinary style, bursting out a flustered “How do you always look so good? !” after taking in her once-again boss’s appearance. (According to Carolyn, it’s moisturizer made with pig placenta, not her gray, Eileen Fisher-esque knit blazer and trousers.) Eve Polastri (Sandra Oh) and Carolyn (Fiona Shaw) in episode two of *Killing Eve* season two. Back in Basildon, Villanelle’s transformation into one of her caretaker’s beloved dolls is underway; she’s blending right in with her surroundings, thanks to a pale blue nightgown complete with embroidered flowers. (And, as revealed during a scene when she’s attempting to use a pad to tend to her wound, a pair of floral-print granny panties.) Though she certainly looks less precious than before, Villanelle’s still outfitted in her nightie when she finally breaks free from the dollhouse—the only difference in her ensemble from that of Julian’s identically dressed mother being a large red blood stain. Even more conspicuous is the fact that she’s barefoot, though at least for Villanelle, that means she can finally brry her Crocs in the past. Julian’s mother and Villanelle (Jodie Comer) on the loose in episode two of *Killing Eve* season two. Related: Killing Eve Season 2 Premiere Fashion Recap: Villanelle Is Defeated By Knockoff Crocs<doc-sep>

Killing Eve reveals one character’s secret in Nice and Neat. Here’s how to watch Killing Eve season 2, episode 2 live, on TV and online. There’s always a secret in spy thrillers, so find out how to watch Killing Eve online or live tonight, as the BBC America series reveals who has something to hide now. Tuesday’s installment is called “Nice and Neat,” which is somewhat ironic because nothing in the lives of the main characters is neat at the moment. Everyone’s in a chaotic mess, as Eve Polastri (Sandra Oh) resumes her hunt for Villanelle (Jodie Comer). Eve has a new team around her to help with the investigation, but her biggest threat may not be the assassin she’s chasing — it could be someone much closer to home. Remember that this season of Killing Eve is being simulcast on both BBC America and its sister channel AMC, so both networks will be showing the episode. Below is all the information you need to watch Killing Eve online and live Sunday to catch the next episode of the season. Here’s how BBC America officially describes the episode: Carolyn introduces Eve to her new team before Eve briefs them on the Villanelle case. Villanelle, needing to lie low while she recovers, [finds] a Good Samaritan to take her in and care for her. Eve finds out a secret that Carolyn has been hiding from her. And here’s how you can watch “Nice and Neat” live, on TV or via live stream: Date: Sunday, Apr. 14 Start Time: 8:00 p.m. Episode: “Nice and Neat” TV Channel: BBC America or AMC Live Stream: Watch live on Fubo TV. Sign up now for a free seven-day trial. You can also watch on the BBC America website or app. For the latest Killing Eve season 2 spoilers and news, plus more on everything happening in TV, follow the Television category at FanSided.

KYLIE Minogue celebrated her 50th birthday with a star-studded party — and treated fans to a cheeky nude photograph. The Aussie pop princess also shared a snap of her snogging her new bloke Paul Solomons at London’s Chiltern Firehouse restaurant on Sunday night. 9 Kylie celebrated her 50th birthday by posting a nude snap with a guitar Earlier, as soon as the clock struck midnight on her birthday, she posted a naked picture to her 1.6million Instagram followers. Covering her modesty with just a guitar, she wrote: “And so a new decade begins. How thankful I am for the opportunities life has afforded me. 50..... Let’s go!” Kylie was later reunited at her do with former Neighbours co-stars Jason Donovan, 49, and Guy Pearce, 50. The birthday girl, in a gold lamé dress, posed for photos with chat show hosts Graham Norton, 55, and Alan Carr, 41. 9 9 Alan Carr and the pop princess posed for a snap at her birthday party in London last weekend Credit: Gavin Bond - Darenote Ltd 9 Graham Norton was also in attendance, making the party a celeb-filled bash Credit: Gavin Bond - Darenote Ltd 9 The 50-year-old looked happier than ever as she prepared to blow out the candle on her cake Credit: Gavin Bond - Darenote Ltd 9 The bash certainly looked like the sort of party you wouldn't want to miss Credit: Gavin Bond - Darenote Ltd 9 Kylie and her new beau Paul were spotted kissing at the party, with Kylie also posting a pic of their embrace on her Instagram account 9 Some of Kylie's fellow actors from Neighbours were also in attendance, including Jason Donovan Credit: Gavin Bond - Darenote Ltd 9 Kylie posing with Guy Pearce and Jason Donovan more than 20 years ago whilst they were all still in Neighbours Credit: Photoshot MOST READ IN TV&SHOWBIZ KIM'S NEW KRUSH The men lining up to be Kim K's next partner as Kanye ‘dates Irina Shayk’ JOSS PERFECT Jac Jossa shows off her tiny waist after weight loss in pretty summer dresses 'WE'LL SEE' Louise Redknapp revealed Jamie wanted another baby when she was on Strictly GRANDE AFFAIR Ariana dazzles in white gown as she shares private pics from secret wedding a wright treat! Mark Wright gives fans tour of new £2,400 a night home with Michelle Keegan Exclusive ARG-AIN James ‘Arg’ Argent's set to reunite with 'love of his life' ex Lydia Bright She also posted a pic of herself kissing boyfriend Paul, creative director of men’s mag GQ. Her guests were treated to cocktails named after some of her hits, including I Should Be So Lucky and Spinning Around. Kylie’s sister Dannii, 46, was absent but posted on Instagram: “My big sis. 50 fabulous years. I’m so proud to be your sister.”<doc-sep>Kylie Minogue turns 50: Other celebs celebrating their 50th birthday in 2018 Kylie Minogue celebrated her 50th birthday, but its hard to believe the Australian singer has reached the milestone age. The former Neighbours actress kicked off her career playing car mechanic Charlene Robinson in the Australian soap in 1986, leaving the show two years later to launch her singing career. Pop star Kylie was reunited with her co-stars from the show Jason Donovan and Guy Pearce at her 50th birthday bash in London. Jason, who had a number one hit with Kylie, played her husband Scott Robinson and Guy played the couple’s good friend Mike Young. The chart-topper has released numerous records over the years earning herself an OBE and a place in the hearts of the British public. As Kylie celebrates her milestone 50th birthday, we take a look at other famous faces who turn 50 in 2018. Look through this gallery to see celebs born in 1968 who turn 50 this year. Celebrities including American singer and actor Will Smith who was born on September 25, 1968 and James Bond star Daniel Craig who reached the milestone on March 2. Also celebrating their 50th birthday this year are X-Files actress Gillian Anderson and British comedian Catherine Tate.<doc-sep>Kylie Minogue has marked her 50th birthday with a sexy snap of herself posing nude with a diamond encrusted guitar. The Australian pop star, who first found fame playing Charlene in Neighbours in 1986, has been sharing pictures for several days reflecting her life and career. And so a new decade begins. How thankful I am for the opportunities life has afforded me. 50..... Let's go! pic.twitter.com/piZy3FMtHu — kylie minogue (@kylieminogue) 27 May 2018 She posted images of herself as a child, as well as some of her album covers and a picture of her on the front of Rolling Stone. 2008-18 - A diamond skull, fountains, and a royal encounter. Moments from another packed decade! #KylieGoldenYears pic.twitter.com/dhCWCCjHCE — kylie minogue (@kylieminogue) 27 May 2018 She also included a picture of herself with short hair, following a breast cancer diagnosis in 2005. This decade also bought the challenge of breast cancer. With the help of family, friends, medical teams and of course all of you, we made it through. There are some great organisations who are there to help, such as @BCCare. IF you need a 🎁 idea, 😉👉🏼 https://t.co/OmDtewFCzg pic.twitter.com/CabY1CB9Wq — kylie minogue (@kylieminogue) 26 May 2018 On Saturday, she wrote: "This decade also bought the challenge of breast cancer. Advertisement "With the help of family, friends, medical teams and of course all of you, we made it through." 1998-2008 - FEVER really got me good! 5 tours and 5 albums kept me busy! #KylieGoldenYears pic.twitter.com/hxiapntRAw — kylie minogue (@kylieminogue) 26 May 2018 Minogue underwent surgery and chemotherapy to beat the disease and was given the all-clear in 2006. On Sunday, she wrote: "And so a new decade begins. How thankful I am for the opportunities life has afforded me. 50..... Let's go!" Some moments from 1988-98. Too. Many. To. Choose. From! I did a lot in my twenties! #KylieGoldenYears pic.twitter.com/afr4jHpZMb — kylie minogue (@kylieminogue) 25 May 2018 Kylie Ann Minogue was born on 28 May 1968, in Melbourne, Australia, to her Welsh mother, Carol Ann. 1978-88 - Primary and high school, done! Started acting and released my first record. #KylieGoldenYears pic.twitter.com/txTcCo5waE — kylie minogue (@kylieminogue) 24 May 2018 She released her debut single, a cover of Little Eva's The Loco-Motion, in Australia in 1987 and has gone on to sell more than 68 million records around the world. Hey #lovers, as my birthday is coming up, I thought it’d be a good time to look back through the decades. So first up, tiny Kylie! This photo was taken at home in Melbourne, Australia in our front room by my Uncle Noel. Stay tuned as we lead up to May 28th! #KylieGoldenYears 💛 pic.twitter.com/ecRqIbvHrF — kylie minogue (@kylieminogue) 23 May 2018 Her debut album, Kylie, also topped the UK charts, as did Enjoy Yourself (1989), Fever (2001) and Aphrodite (2010), and a 1992 Greatest Hits compilation album. Earlier this year, Minogue said she would be having a "big celebration" to mark her 50th.<doc-sep>She's enjoyed thirty years in the showbiz spotlight. And Kylie Minogue was looking better than ever as she headed out in London on Saturday ahead of her 50th birthday on Monday. The Spinning Around hitmaker wowed in a glam white dress for lunch with friends at the capital's celeb haunt the Chiltern Firehouse before her A-list pals hit the same venue on Sunday night for a star-studded party. Birthday girl: Kylie Minogue was looking better than ever as she headed out in London on Saturday ahead of her 50th birthday on Monday The singer, who swore off Botox in 2010, wore a white flowing dress, gold strappy heels and sunglasses for her birthday lunch. She was back at the popular venue on Sunday night for a star-studded private party celebrating her five decades, before marking her milestone year with a saucy Instagram post. Sharing a naked snap of herself using nothing but a guitar to cover her modesty, she wrote: 'And so a new decade begins. How thankful I am for the opportunities life has afforded me. 50..... Let's go!' Suited and booted: Kylie's ex and former Neighbours co-star Jason Donovan was the guest of honour as the star's celeb pals arrived for a party at the Chiltern Firehouse Glam: The Spinning Around hitmaker wowed in a glam white dress for lunch with friends at the capital's celeb haunt the Chiltern Firehouse Looking fab: The singer, who swore off Botox in 2010, wore a white flowing dress, gold strappy heels and sunglasses for her birthday lunch Among the stars pictured arriving for the bash on Sunday night were chatshow hosts Graham Norton and Alan Carr and singers Chrissie Hynde, Mel C and James Blunt as well as Kylie's famous ex and former Neighbours co-star Jason Donovon. One of Kylie's most famous romances was with Jason, whom she dated for three years after meeting on the set of Neighbours in 1986. However, she left her co-star to date INXS singer Michael Hutchence for two years, with the pair remaining friends until his death in 1997. Jason later admitted in 2016 that the split was a 'pretty big punch to take.' Party time: She was back at the venue on Sunday night for a star-studded private party celebrating her five decades Exes: Kylie left her co-star to date INXS singer Michael Hutchence for two years, with Jason later admitting it was a 'pretty big punch to take' Iconic: Perhaps Kylie's most public romance was with Jason, whom she dated for three years after meeting on the set of Neighbours 'It was an extremely painful parting of the ways and, without doubt, I took a long time to recover from it,' Jason told The Mirror. 'Years definitely. 'It was bad enough that she'd run off with anybody, but she happened to run into the arms of the greatest rock god of the period, the very guy who I secretly wanted to be. That was a pretty big punch to take. I've since bumped into Kylie quite a few times, he added. The break-up never comes up in conversation. We're not close enough to get into that.' Favourite spot: She told The Daily Telegraph on Monday that she feels happy and content with her life after rediscovering herself and wants to celebrate It's my party: 'I am having a party, which is pretty out of character for me,' she said. 'I usually shun that kind of stuff' Kylie told The Daily Telegraph on Monday that she feels happy and content with her life after rediscovering herself and wants to celebrate. 'I am having a party, which is pretty out of character for me,' she said. 'I usually shun that kind of stuff. With 50 and things just feeling good and right... I've found myself again and feel comfortable with who I am. She added: 'It feels less like just a party, it is a little bit of a snapshot, like a photo album of parts of my life.' Wow factor: Amanda Holden looked gorgeous in a floral mini dress as she made her entrance Presents in hand! David Walliams and designer Patrick Cox arrived laden with gifts Party time! Graham Norton was among Kylie's celeb pals invited to the esclusive celebration Pals: Fellow chatshow king Alan Carr was also pictured arriving for the celebrations Showing her love: Chrissie Hynde made sure to show her love for Kylie's home nation with her choice of shirt for the party Party hoppers: James Blunt and his wife Sofia Wellesley were also on the guest list, after attending the royal wedding a week ago It comes after the Dancing singer reflected on her 2005 breast cancer diagnosis ahead of her birthday. Kylie took to Instagram on Sunday to share a throwback photo that showed her with a closely cropped head. Beaming broadly as she cradled her head in her hand, Kylie looked the picture of optimism. 'This decade had brought the challenge of breast cancer. With the help of family, friends, medical teams and of course all of you, we made it through,' Kylie captioned the image. All dressed up: Spice Girl Mel C pulled out all the stops with her racy fringe jacket Invite: News broadcaster Naga Munchetty arrived with a pal for the star-studded bash Kylie, famous since she starred in the Australian soap opera Neighbours at 18, has credited her looks with a natural approach to ageing, denying she's ever had a facelift and revealing she gave up Botox because ‘I didn’t look like me.’ The Australian star has also had to contend with a tumultousous love life over the past thirty years inthe spotlight. Her most recent relationship was with fiancé, British actor Joshua Sasse, 19 years her junior. But the couple split last year amid allegations he was unfaithful. Aussie pal: Actor and Kylie's fellow ex Neighbours star Guy Pearce looked excited to get inside and see the birthday girl Gifts: Corrie star Anthony Cotton arrived with a present from London store Selfridges Low-key entrance: Notting Hill actor Rhys Ivans hurried inside in his smart casual look<doc-sep>

Kylie Minogue hosted a star-studded party for her milestone 50th birthday celebrations in London on Sunday. A who's who of the TV world was in attendance, including Alan Carr, Graham Norton, Amanda Holden , Australian actor Guy Pearce, David Walliams and Kylie's ex Jason Donovan. The singer, who turns 50 today, and her famous guests all enjoyed a slap up meal at Chiltern Firehouse in the capital. Mel C, designer Patrick Cox, James Blunt and wife Sofia Wellesley were also snapped heading inside to celebrate with the pop star. (Image: Splash News) (Image: PA) (Image: Splash News) Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda and Chatty Man Alan Carr appeared to have taken style tips from one another for the night as both were sporting eye-popping colourful prints for the party. While Sporty Spice Mel kept her look muted in a black frilly skirt and smart black blazer. Earlier in the day, Kylie shared a collage of her highlights from the past decade on social media. (Image: Splash News) (Image: Splash News) The star posted images on Twitter of herself on stage and collecting her OBE with the hashtag "#KylieGoldenYears." She wrote: "2008-18 - A diamond skull, fountains, and a royal encounter. Moments from another packed decade!" Kylie has been tweeting messages reflecting on her life and career for several days, touching on her childhood, busy 20s and cancer battle. (Image: Splash News) (Image: PA) The singer started with an image of herself as a child, tweeting: "Hey #lovers, as my birthday is coming up, I thought it'd be a good time to look back through the decades. "So first up, tiny Kylie! "This photo was taken at home in Melbourne, Australia in our front room by my Uncle Noel. "Stay tuned as we lead up to May 28th!" Another set of pictures showed Kylie early in her career. "1978-88 - Primary and high school, done! Started acting and released my first record," she said. (Image: AFP) On Saturday, the star shared a picture showing her with short hair following her breast cancer diagnosis in 2005. "This decade also bought the challenge of breast cancer," she wrote. "With the help of family, friends, medical teams and of course all of you, we made it through." The singer underwent surgery and chemotherapy to beat the disease and was given the all-clear in 2006. After midnight, Kylie shared a daring photo of her apparently sitting in the nude with only a decorated guitar protecting her modesty. She commented: "And so a new decade begins. How thankful I am for the opportunities life has afforded me. 50..... Let's go!"

As the news of Shahid Kapoor and his pretty wife Mira Rajput becoming parents for the second time came out, a host of Bollywood stars took to social media to congratulate the proud parents. The couple, who already daughter Misha together, were blessed with a baby boy on September 5. Among those who was the first to wish them was actor Alia Bhatt. The Brahmastra actor shared an Instagram story, congratulating the new parents. She wrote: Congratulations, my loves!” The picture also mentioned “It’s a boy”. Alia is currently in Bulgaria, with the rest of the Brahmastra cast and crew. Alia Bhatt was among the first to wish the happy couple. Preity Zinta, who currently lives in the US, sent in her wishes early. She wrote: “Congratulations @shahidkapoor & Mira on the new addition to the family ?? So Happy for both of you . Loads of love, happiness and diapers ?? always... Ting ! #babyboy #Happiness #Love.” Congratulations @shahidkapoor & Mira on the new addition to the family 😍 So Happy for both of you . Loads of love, happiness and diapers 🤩 always... Ting ! #babyboy #Happiness #Love — Preity G Zinta (@realpreityzinta) September 5, 2018 Actor Ashish Chowdhry too was delighted to hear the news. He wrote: “Oyyyèeee... Congratulations my bro @shahidkapoor and #MiraRajput for such amazing family planning!! #Misha’s gonna love her baby brother.. Elder sisters are the best.. My love to your beautiful lil’ family.. God bless.. Enjoy the riot.” Oyyyèeee... Congratulations my bro @shahidkapoor and #MiraRajput for such amazing family planning!! #Misha's gonna love her baby brother.. Elder sisters are the best.. My love to your beautiful lil' family.. God bless.. Enjoy the riot!! !🤗😘 — Ashish Chowdhry (@AshishChowdhry) September 5, 2018 Pragya Yadav, wife of Kedarnath director Abhishek Kapoor, too congratulated the couple. She wrote on Instagram: “Biggest congratulations to all of you!!! ?? My darling Mira it’s been a beautiful journey and I’m so happy I got to share it with you, it’s been special! love love and more love @mira.kapoor #itsaboy #bumpbuddies #love #kapoors.” She also shared a picture of Mira and herself, showing off their baby bumps. Pragya too gave birth to her second child recently. Meanwhile, the family of Shahid Kapoor including his mother Neelima Azim and half brother, Ishaan Khatter, visited the couple late on Wednesday. Ishaan, who adores his elder brother Shahid looked happy and anxious as he escorted his mother to the hospital. Earlier in the day, Mira’s mother too was spotted leaving the hospital. Shahid Kapoor’s younger brother Ishaan Khatter visits the hospital with his mother Neelima Azim. (Viral Bhayani) Mira Rajput’s mother leaves the hospital on Wednesday. (Viral Bhayani) Shahid, who married Mira in 2015, in a recent interview to Mid Day, mentioned that while in the case of his elder child Misha, he was off work for several months, in case of his second child, despite his best efforts, he just couldn’t do much. “During Misha’s birth [in 2016], I took a couple of months off. This time too, I was negotiating to take a month-long break, but things didn’t work out. I will get only a week off from work. It is too short a duration, but such are the circumstances.” Follow @htshowbiz for more ott:10<doc-sep>Shahid Kapoor and wife Mira Rajput have welcomed a new member into their family! The couple welcomed a baby boy on Wednesday night. The actor had announced that Mira was expecting back in April through a super cute Instagram post: While he has yet to reveal his son's name or picture, we know the little one joins big sister two-year-old Misha. (We hope this one's called Shahmir...gettit?) Shahid and Mira tied the knot in 2015 and in a recent interview to Rajeev Masand, Shahid talked about his wife with a lot of love. “I got lucky. I married Mira,” he said. “She’s as normal as it gets. We kind of hit it off and decided to get into an arranged marriage. By God’s grace it’s been wonderful, the last three years, and she’s been a huge part of that for me.” Kapoor has a lot on his plate: he's currently busy promoting his next film Batti Gul Meter Chalu and has begun his prep for the Hindi remake of a Telugu hit Arjun Reddy. He also has a biopic about Asian gold medalist boxer Dingko Singh in the pipeline. Sadly, he had shared that he can barely manage a week off once his second child is born. Speaking to Mid Day, Shahid revealed, “During Misha’s birth [in 2016], I took a couple of months off. This time too, I was negotiating to take a month-long break, but things didn’t work out. I will get only a week off from work. It is too short a duration but such are the circumstances.”<doc-sep>Shahid Kapoor & wife Mira welcome baby boy After news earlier today that Mira Kapoor was admitted to hospital, it’s been confirmed that she has given birth to hers and husband Shahid Kapoor’s second child – a baby boy. Mira is thought to have had the baby at around 4pm IST at the Hinduja Hospital in Mumbai. She had been hospitalised earlier, raising excitement levels that she would deliver soon. The couple married in 2015 and their daughter Misha recently celebrated her second birthday. BizAsiaLive.com congratulates the Kapoors and their families on this new arrival.<doc-sep>Image Source : INSTAGRAM Shahid Kapoor and wife Mira Rajput blessed with baby boy Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor and wife Mira Rajput have welcomed their second child on Wednesday, latest reports suggest. Mira Rajput delivered a baby boy at Hinduja Hospital in Mumbai. Shahid Kapoor's half-brother Ishaan Khatter has reached the hospital to welcome the new member of the family. Shahid and Mira are already parents to a two-year-old daughter, Misha Kapoor. Congratulatory messages are pouring in for the new parents from across the nation. Ishaan Khatter, who was last seen in Karan Johar's Dhadak opposite Janhvi Kapoor, was clicked outside Hinduja hospital along with his mother. Ishaan Khatter Mira Rajput's mother Bela was earlier clicked outside the hospital today. Mira Rajput mother Mira Rajput mother Earlier, Shahid Kapoor and Mira Rajput had announced the pregnancy earlier this year in the cutest way possible. They posted a photo of their firstborn Misha Kapoor and wrote “big sister”. Mira recently revealed in an interview that Misha was super-excited about being a big sister. "Being able to bring a life into this world, feel it grow inside, and being able to connect with the baby before it has actually even arrived is surreal. And this time it's been so interesting to see how Misha has been through the entire process. She knows there is a baby inside and she says, 'Hi Baby!' every day to my tummy," the 23-year-old had said. Last year, Shahid had revealed in an interview that Mira was keen on adding to the brood at the earliest. "She wants to flip the norm, get the kids to a certain age and then be free to do what she likes," he had said. ALSO SEE Pics: Shahid Kapoor's pregnant wife Mira Rajput is in hospital, mother Bela pays visit Shahid Kapoor opens up on he and wife Mira Rajput becoming parents again<doc-sep>

Shahid Kapoor has become father for the second time and the happiness on his face is for everyone to see. The actor was spotted outside Hinduja Hospital in Mumbai where his wife Mira Rajput gave birth to their second child, a baby boy, on Wednesday. Shahid held his elder daughter Misha in his arms as he was clicked by the paparazzi. He was seen in a green T-shirt and a pair of black shorts. Misha was seen in a yellow frock and sandals. Shahid gave a big smile to the cameras and even made a ‘thumbs up’ sign. Check out their pictures: Shahid Kapoor with daughter Misha at Hinduja Hospital in Mumbai. (VIral Bhayani) Shahid Kapoor with daughter Misha at Hinduja Hospital in Mumbai as they visit wife Mira Rajput. (VIral Bhayani) Mira was admitted to the hospital on Wednesday evening and was visited by her mother. She gave birth late at night to a boy. Shahid’s half-brother and actor Ishaan Khatter also paid the new family a visit with his mother Neelima Azim. The actor’s social media accounts appear to have been hacked by a Turkish group of hackers. In the attack, the hackers posted photos and videos of Katrina Kaif, clips of Raj Kapoor’s Awaara and a message defending Allauddin Khilji from his movie Padmaavat. Shahid and Mira are also parents to their elder daughter, two-year-old Misha. They tied the knot in 2015 and in a recent interview to Rajeev Masand, Shahid talked about his wife with a lot of love. “I got lucky. I married Mira,” Shahid said. “She’s as normal as it gets. We kind of hit it off and decided to get into an arranged marriage. By God’s grace it’s been wonderful, the last three years, and she’s been a huge part of that for me.” The actor, who is currently busy promoting Batti Gul Meter Chalu, has begun preparing for the Hindi remake of Telugu hit, Arjun Reddy. He will also be seen in a biopic on Asian gold medallist boxer Dingko Singh. Shahid says he can barely manage a week’s off for his second child. Speaking to Mid Day, Shahid said that while in the case of Misha, he was off work for several months, in case of his second child, despite his best efforts, he just couldn’t do much. “During Misha’s birth [in 2016], I took a couple of months off. This time too, I was negotiating to take a month-long break, but things didn’t work out. I will get only a week off from work. It is too short a duration, but such are the circumstances.” Follow @htshowbiz for more ott:10

A fire broke out in the Income Tax office in South on Friday , but no casualties were reported, a Fire Brigade official said. A fire broke out in Scindia House in (Photo: Kamlesh Pednekar) The blaze started on the third floor of the I-T office located in multi-storeyed Scindia House and efforts are on to douse it, he said. A fire broke out in Scindia House in (Photo: Kamlesh Pednekar) "Five fire engines, four water tankers along with adequate number of fire brigade personnel were rushed to the site to douse the flames," the official said. A fire broke out in Scindia House in Mumbai (Photo: Kamlesh Pednekar) "Our control room received information at 4.55 pm about a fire erupting on the third floor of the ground plus six-storeyed building. The cause of the fire was not immediately known, the official said.No injuries were reported so far, but one person trapped on the second floor of the commercial building was rescued by firefighters, he said. The building, a well-known landmark in South Mumbai, also houses the office of the Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT).<doc-sep>A major fire broke out at Scindia House office building near South Mumbai’s Fort area. (Express photo by Prashant Nadkar) A major fire broke out at Scindia House office building near South Mumbai’s Fort area. (Express photo by Prashant Nadkar) A massive fire broke out at Scindia House (Commercial) building located in Ballard estate in South Mumbai on Friday. Around eight people stranded in the building were rescued safely, while another seven people including a fireman suffered suffocation due to smoke inhalation. The fire, which started from the third floor of the ground plus six-storey building, houses income tax investigation wing and debt recovery Tribunal’s office. While the fire is spreading rapidly on other floors of the building, the firefighters are struggling to navigate inside the building. “No important documents affected. All staff safe,” said a senior income tax official. (Source: Express photo) (Source: Express photo) Reflecting on the situation, Prabhat Rahangdale, chief fire officer of Mumbai Fire Brigade, said the firefighters are yet to control the fire as operations are still underway. While no direct casualty or burn injury cases were reported, the Mumbai fire brigades firefighting team rescued at least eight people stranded on the terrace and second floor of the building. And seven people were rushed to Saint George hospital in Fort for the treatment of suffocation due to smoke inhalation. The seven smoke inhalation cases included a fireman identified as Yashwant Dagdu Bachal (55). Firefighters in action at Scindia House in Mumbai’s Ballard Estate. (Source: Express Photo) Firefighters in action at Scindia House in Mumbai’s Ballard Estate. (Source: Express Photo) While the fire reportedly broke out at around 4.20 pm, the fire brigade, first response team reached the spot at around. 4.51 pm. The fire was then classified at level II at around 4.55 and then was upgraded to level III by 5.20 pm. However, the fire kept spreading rapidly which prompted the firefighters to upgrade the fire level to IV at 7.30 pm. No casualties have been reported so far. Five people that were stranded on the terrace were rescued by the firemen. (Express photo by Prashant Nadkar) No casualties have been reported so far. Five people that were stranded on the terrace were rescued by the firemen. (Express photo by Prashant Nadkar) Around 12 fire tenders and six water tankers and two turn table ladder (TTL) were rushed on the spot. But there were no immediate reports of any casualties. The third floor of Scindia house has the office of director general and the directors of income tax investigation, said fire brigade officials. According to the preliminary report by the fire brigade, the fire started from a canteen on the third floor, however, the MFB officials or the disaster management unit of the BMC are yet to announce the cause of the fire or where it started officially.<doc-sep>Fire at I-T department 03 Jun 2018: Fire at I-T department's office destroys Nirav files, department refuses According to sources, files on the absconding Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi, and several others wanted for economic offenses were destroyed in a major fire at the premises of the Income Tax Department in Mumbai on Friday. A conclusive report is yet to be received as the assessment of the extent of damage caused will take a few days. However, after the news went viral, the I-T department refused it. The fire: Details of the incident The fire broke out at the Scindia House building in South Mumbai's Ballard Estate area around 5pm on Friday, and raged on till the wee hours of Saturday. Cooling operations concluded on Saturday evening, at which point I-T and Debt Recovery Tribunal officials managed to enter the premises. Both the I-T and the Tribunal's offices were completely gutted. Fact: Here is I-T department's statement Gutted documents: Gutted documents were on economic offenders, bankrupt corporations Sources within the I-T department revealed that documents pertaining to the investigations on Modi, Choksi, their associates, as well as documents relating to the Essar group had been destroyed in the fire. The lost documents pertained to people who were either being investigated for banking frauds or were part of bankruptcy proceedings. Investigations: Was the fire deliberately started? The cause of the fire is unknown as of now. But, if true, further delay in the investigations can be expected, they said. Interestingly, RTI activist Anil Galgali suggested that the fire might have been deliberately started by those with vested interests. We leave it to the readers' sensibilities to decide if the fire actually destroyed the documents or not.<doc-sep>The Income Tax Department on Sunday quashed reports that claimed that records and documents related to the investigation of Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi were destroyed in the fire in the Mumbai office. Taking to Twitter, the department said, "News reports appearing in some sections of media alleging that records/documents relating to investigation of Nirav Modi/Mehul Choksi have been destroyed in the Scindia House fire in IT Office, Mumbai are completely false & misdirected (Sic)." The fire broke out in the Income Tax office in South Mumbai on Friday, but no casualties were reported The blaze started on the third floor of the I-T office located in multi-storeyed Scindia House. "Five fire engines, four water tankers along with adequate number of fire brigade personnel were rushed to the site to douse the flames," the official said. No injuries were reported, but one person trapped on the second floor of the commercial building was rescued by firefighters, he said. The cause of the fire was not immediately known, the official said. The building, a well-known landmark in South Mumbai, also houses the office of the Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT). With PTI Inputs<doc-sep>

A massive fire at the Income Tax (investigations) officer in Scindia house, Ballard Estate at 4;30 pm on Friday has suspected enveloped important files related to defaulters like Mallya, Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi. The fire brigade department said that dousing operation was challenging as the massive amount of files and wooden work inside the premises became fodder to fire. No casualties were reported. The fire that covered around 12000 sq feet on the third, fourth and fifth floors of the five-storied building. Six people were rescued from the building. Prabhat Rahangdale, Chief Fire Officer) "We have parked two fire engines on the spot as precautionary measures," said Deputy Fire Officer Rajendra Chaudhary, "At least 120 firemen were pushed to service for the fire-fighting operations. Many cupboards had fallen on the floors, and we opened them, we found that the papers and files inside were ablaze. It was time-consuming time to extinguish the fire. Each floor of the building is around 4000 sqft." The cause of the fire hasn’t been declared by the fire brigade, but activists smell sabotages as the offices charred contained important files pertaining to the investigation into the Nirav Modi, Vijay Mallya, and Mehul Choksi cases. Police said the investigations are on. "As the building housed the investigation cell of the Income Tax department, it had files and documents pertaining to cases that were being probed in Mumbai and Maharashtra," said a senior Income Tax official. "They have all been burned. We are not authorised to divulge information about the documents and the cases we are probing. It will take us time to take the stock of the damage." "We are taking statements and investigating the cause of the fire," said senior police inspector of MRA Marg police station Sukhlal Varpe, adding, "People say they saw a short circuit. We cannot comment on the intention of sabotage." Indian Express The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has asked the Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) which is the planning authority of Scindia House to carry structural audit before allowing the department to start working there again.

President Donald Trump granted a full pardon Monday to a former U.S. Army lieutenant who previously served five years in prison for fatally shooting an Iraqi man detained by American forces. The executive clemency of ex-Army First Lieutenant Michael Behenna raises new questions about ongoing U.S. military court cases involving allegations of war crimes President Trump has expressed interest in during his time in office. Among the pending cases are those against Navy SEAL Edward "Eddie" Gallagher, who is accused of killing an Islamic State fighter. President Trump has already ordered Gallagher be moved to less restrictive confinement in a March tweet. And in December, Trump said he would be reviewing the case of a "U.S. Military hero," via Twitter and naming former Army Green Beret Major Matthew Golsteyn, who is alleged to have murdered a detainee suspected of being a bomb maker for the Taliban in Afghanistan. While gaining support from his base, the decision to pardon Behenna has been met with criticism from veterans as well as the American Civil Liberties Union. In 2008 during a deployment to Iraq, Behenna believed Ali Mansur, a suspected al-Qaeda operative, was responsible for the deaths of two other U.S. Army soldiers whose vehicle struck an improved explosive device. Behenna and another soldier, Staff Sergeant Hal Warner, stripped Mansur of his clothes with their knives and questioned him about the IED attack, the platoon's interpreter said at a pre-trial hearing in 2008 and reported by Agence France-Presse. Behenna shot and killed Mansur, while Warner took out a thermite grenade from his pocket, pulled the pin, and placed it underneath Mansur's head, according to the interpreter and another platoon member, Corporal Cody Atkinson. The two soldiers hid Mansur's clothes and told the other platoon members to tell senior leaders they had released Mansur. At trial, Behenna said he acted out of self-defense after Mansur allegedly threw a chunk of concrete at him and reached for his sidearm. In 2009, Warner was convicted of assault, maltreatment of a subordinate and making a false statement, according to the Associated Press. He was sentenced to 17 months in prison. That same year, Behenna was found guilty of "unpremeditated murder in a combat zone," and was sentenced to 25 years in prison, read the White House statement. The U.S. Army Clemency and Parole Board reduced his sentence to 15 years. Behenna was released on parole in 2014—five years into his sentence. Efforts to reach Behenna on Tuesday were unsuccessful. In 2017, President Trump lambasted former President Barack Obama and his handling of Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, who walked off his Army post in Afghanistan in 2009 and was captured by the Taliban. Trump harshly criticized Bergdahl during the election campaign, calling him a "traitor." The result, however, provided new legal arguments for Bergdahl's defense team, who claimed it prevented him from receiving a fair trial. While that defense strategy was thrown out, the military judge in Bergdahl's case, Army Colonel Jeffery Nance, said President Trump's comments would favor a lighter sentence. Bergdahl was reduced in rank from sergeant to private and ordered to forfeit $1,000 a month in pay for 10 months. He also received a dishonorable discharge. Eric Mayer, whose law firm specializes in U.S. military case law told Newsweek that Trump's pardon of Behenna shouldn't be seen as a sure sign about the outcome of other war crime-related cases still pending in the military's justice system. "In Bergdahl, President Trump just made the prosecutor's job harder and gave the defense fodder to make some straight-faced arguments on Bergdahl's behalf.... But if I'm the O-6 supervisor [colonel or Navy captain], and the prosecutor in, say, the Gallagher or Golsteyn case, asks, 'What do I do? This just came out. The president just pardoned this guy.' My advice to them would be, 'Do your job,'" Mayer, a West Point graduate and former Army infantry and JAG Corps officer, said. "You can't control what the president does or how the president does it. Do your job, and at the end of the day, go home knowing that you did it as well as you can," Mayer added. However, Mayer, who disagreed when President Obama commuted all but four months of the remaining prison sentence of Chelsea Manning, the Army intelligence analyst convicted of leaking thousands of classified American military and diplomatic documents to WikiLeaks, added that President Trump's pardon of Behenna made a mockery of the process by which the U.S. military secures convictions. "This was a clear violation, a clear war crime," Mayer said, "but look at the procedure.... Behenna was not being judged by people from a jury pool. He was being judged by individuals who were career Army officers, people who knew the rule of law and have dedicated their lives to the profession of arms. So it's a complete disregard for the judgment of those leaders who were put there to hear all the evidence and decided whether somebody was a murderer or not…. [The pardon] is a complete second guess and basically says their perspective meant nothing," Mayer said. In its statement, the White House said that Behenna "has attracted broad support from the military, Oklahoma elected officials, and the public." But on Tuesday, the announcement garnered mixed feelings on social media. The chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee Senator Jim Inhofe, the Republican from Oklahoma, thanked President Trump for granting Behenna clemency in a statement released from his office Monday. "I am happy for Michael [Behenna] and his family as they close this difficult chapter. He served his time and the president has granted him a clean slate and a fresh start. I wish him all the best for the future." President Trump received praise from his voting base and pundits on Fox & Friends on Tuesday morning. Former U.S. Army major and Fox News host Pete Hegseth said the Defense Department "over-prosecutes" and said Trump's clemency is "a wonderful reflection of putting the warfighter first as opposed to some academic rules of engagement which have been tying the hands of our warfighters for too long in this war."<doc-sep>Already registered? Click here to log in By registering with theweek.com , you accept and hereby explicitly consent to our processing of your Personal Information in accordance with the terms of our Privacy Policy You've read 4 or more articles this month. To continue reading for free, please join other loyal fans of The Week by registering below. If you are an existing subscriber to The Week magazine please register with the email address you subscribed with. For assistance or further information please contact us. Log in You've read 4 or more articles this month. To continue reading for free, please log in below. Email address Password Login A link has been emailed to you - check your inbox.<doc-sep>In a Monday evening statement, the White House announced Trump’s decision to sign an executive grant of clemency, which amounts to a full pardon, citing support from the military community and Oklahoma elected officials, some of whom had recently renewed a public campaign for the president’s order. Behenna, the statement said, was “entirely deserving.” However, some condemned the move as mercy for a man who showed none to Mansur.<doc-sep>President Trump on Monday granted a full pardon to a former Army lieutenant who previously served five years in prison for fatally shooting an Iraqi man in American custody. During a deployment in Iraq in 2008, First Lt. Michael Behenna and his platoon believed the man, Ali Mansur, was a terrorist linked to Al Qaeda. They took him to a remote part of the Iraqi desert to question him about a previous attack that left two American soldiers dead, according to court filings. During the interrogation, Lieutenant Behenna shot Mr. Mansur in the head and chest. Mr. Behenna has said he acted in self-defense and that Mr. Mansur had thrown a piece of concrete at him and reached for his gun. In 2009, the military court found him guilty of “unpremeditated murder in a combat zone,” and he was sentenced to 25 years in prison, the White House said in a statement Monday. He was released on parole in 2014.<doc-sep>

President Donald Trump has granted a full pardon to Michael Behenna, a former Army lieutenant who was convicted in 2009 of killing an Iraqi prisoner suspected of being part of al-Qaida. Behenna, 35, was found guilty by a military court of unpremeditated murder in a combat zone for shooting Ali Mansur Mohamed in 2008. Although he was initially sentenced to 25 years in prison, he was released on parole in 2014. Behenna claimed he acted in self defense. According to NPR, Mansur was being questioned about a roadside explosion that had killed members of Behenna’s platoon. He was released due to lack of direct evidence tying him to the explosion. Weeks later, Behenna decided to question Mansur on his own, according to the Washington Post. According to testimony in military court, Mansur was naked and unarmed when he was shot to death. The New York Times, citing court filings, reports Behenna told Mansur, “This is your last chance to tell the information or you will die.” Mansur said that he would talk, but Behenna shot him anyway, later telling other soldiers, “he would do it again, and he did not feel bad about it because he just lost two guys,” according to the filing. Behenna’s attorneys argued the prisoner had attempted to take his weapon, and that the soldier had shot the prisoner because he feared for his life. In a statement, the office of the White House press secretary said that the U.S. Army’s highest appellate court had concerns about how the lower court had handled Behenna’s self-defense claim. “Additionally, the Army Clemency and Parole Board reduced his sentence to 15 years and paroled him as soon as he was eligible,” the release states. • Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Click here to get breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases in the True Crime Newsletter. The White House says that Behenna’s case has attracted “broad support from the military, Oklahoma’s elected officials, and the public. Thirty-seven generals and admirals…signed a brief in support of Mr. Behenna’s self-defense claim.” The statement also goes on to list several Oklahoma lawmakers who have advocated for Behenna’s pardon. “Further, while serving his sentence, Mr. Behenna was a model prisoner,” the press release concludes. “In light of these facts, Mr. Behenna is entirely deserving of this Grant of Executive Clemency.”

BATAVIA, Ohio (AP) — A sheriff's deputy was shot and killed during a 12-hour standoff at an apartment complex in Ohio that left another deputy wounded and a suspect in custody, authorities said Sunday. Capt. Jeff Sellars of the Clermont County Sheriff's Office said officers responded about 7 p.m. Saturday to the Royal Oaks Apartments in Pierce Township, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) east of Cincinnati, following a 911 call from a man who said he believed someone was inside of his residence. Authorities say the caller then said that he was armed and eventually told the dispatcher that he was suicidal. But it was unclear from authorities' statements whether the caller was referring to himself or to the person he said was inside his home. It was also unclear whether the suspect himself made the call. Authorities found only one person in the home. Police agencies came under "a barrage" of gunfire and two deputies were struck by bullets before a suspect was taken into custody about 6:30 a.m. Sunday, according to a sheriff's release. The news release says Detective Bill Brewer was taken to a hospital, where he died. Lt. Nick DeRose was treated for his wounds and released. "Deputy Brewer gave his life attempting to help a person who was admittedly suicidal," Sheriff Steve Leahy said in the release. "This will forever change the atmosphere of the Clermont County Sheriff's Office." The release identifies a 23-year-old suspect but doesn’t say whether he has been charged. A deputy at the sheriff’s office couldn’t confirm whether any charges have been filed. He said the investigation is ongoing.<doc-sep>The Ohio man who was taken into custody after an 11-hour standoff with police officers was identified as 23-year-old Wade Edward Winn. During the standoff, which ended Sunday morning and took place in Pierce Township, one police officer was killed and another was wounded. The Clermont County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that 20-year veteran Clermont County Deputy Bill Brewer died and 22-year veteran Lt. Nick DeRose was injured during the standoff. Authorities expressed their condolences to Brewer's family. "Deputy Brewer gave his life attempting to help a person who was admittedly suicidal. This will forever change the atmosphere of the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office,” said Sheriff Steve Leahy in a press release. Brewer is survived by his wife and 5-year-old son, authorities said. OFFICERS KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY IN 2018 The standoff began just before 7 p.m. on Saturday when police responded to a psychiatric call at the Royal Oak Apartment complex in Pierce Township, near Cincinnati, authorities said. The man who called 911 said that he believed someone was inside of his residence, explained that he was armed and eventually told the dispatcher that he was suicidal. The deputies were hit by gunfire at approximately 10:30 p.m. as they tried to negotiate with the suspect. One officer was taken to Mercy Hospital in Anderson where he died from his injuries, while the other was taken to UC Medical Center where he was said to be in stable condition, according to law enforcement officials. According to a Fox 19 reporter who was on the scene, deputies kept trying to get the suspect to surrender. “I need you to come on out with your hands up,” a Cincinnati police SWAT team member could be heard saying to the suspect, according to Fox 19. A fire could briefly be seen around 6:30 a.m., according to WLWT and posts on social media. One eyewitness told Fox 19 that the fire appeared to be under control within 30 minutes and that it's possible the suspect may have set his own apt/ammunition on fire. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Neighbors in the apartment complex either left or were told to stay inside during the standoff. They were allowed to return home after the suspect was taken into custody. The Bureau of Criminal Investigations and Identifications responded to the scene to conduct the investigation and process the crime scene.<doc-sep>1 deputy killed, another injured in 12-hour long standoff in Clermont County Detective Bill Brewer, (left), a 20-year veteran of the Clermont County Sheriff's Office was killed during a standoff Saturday night. Lt. Nick DeRose, (Right) a 22-year veteran was injured. (Contributed Photo/WCPO-TV) PIERCE TWP., Clermont County — One deputy was killed and a second was treated and released after they were shot during a 12-hour standoff at an apartment complex in Clermont County near Cincinnati that ended Sunday morning. PREVIOUS REPORT: 1 deputy killed, another injured in standoff near Cincinnati Detective Bill Brewer, a 20-year veteran of the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office was identified as the deputy killed during the standoff at The Green at Royal Oak Apartments that started Saturday night, the sheriff’s office said in a media release. Lt. Nick DeRose, a 22-year veteran of the sheriff’s office was injured in the standoff but was treated and released from a Cincinnati-area hospital, officials said. The suspect, who was identified as Wade Edward Winn, 23, was taken into custody around 6:30 a.m. after SWAT moved in and he surrendered. Deputies and SWAT crews "endured a barrage of gunfire, generated by Winn" before he was taken into custody, officials said in the media release. 1 deputy killed, another injured in 12-hour long standoff in Clermont County Wade Winn (Contributed Photo WCPO-TV) “Fran and I are heartbroken to learn about the death of Officer Bill Brewer and injury to Officer Nick DeRose in the line of duty,” Governor Mike DeWine said on his Facebook page Sunday. DeWine has ordered that all U.S. and Ohio flags at public buildings and grounds in Clermont County and at the Ohio Statehouse be flown at half-staff. Crews were dispatched to the apartment complex on St. Andrews Drive around 10:30 p.m. Saturday after receiving reports of an armed person who was barricaded in the unit and was feeling suicidal, the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office Several shots were fired during the standoff by Winn, including the first shots around 10:40 p.m. Saturday that hit both Brewer and DeRose, according to officials. “Deputy Brewer gave his life attempting to help a person who was admittedly suicidal. This will forever change the atmosphere of the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office,” Clermont County Sheriff Steve Leahy said in the media release. “This Officer’s valor is now recorded for all time, written in blood,” Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said in a separate media release Sunday morning. “We mourn, and we will remember,” Yost said. Deputies told WCPO-TV no shots were fired back by deputies during the standoff, but a flash-bang grenade was used shortly before midnight. Ohio Fraternal Order of Police President Gary Wolske issued this statement: “The members of the Ohio Fraternal Order of Police join law enforcement officers from across the country in mourning the loss of Clermont County Deputy Nick Brewer. Deputy Brewer went on duty understanding the risks of the job and died a hero’s death on the front line trying to end an extremely dangerous stand off. We can never repay his service, but we can honor him by remembering always his sacrifice. Please join us in praying for the Deputy’s family, law enforcement colleagues and Deputy Nick DeRose who was also injured and is in stable condition.” We’ll continue to update this story as we learn more.<doc-sep>Brewer is survived by his wife and 5-year-old son. "Deputy Brewer gave his life attempting to help a person who was admittedly suicidal. This will forever change the atmosphere of the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office,” Sheriff Steve Leahy said. Thank you for your service, sir. @FOX19 pic.twitter.com/8VaHNjiCsd — Brittany Harry (@Fox19BrittanyH) February 3, 2019 This is Lt. Nick DeRose who was also shot during the nearly 12 hour long #ClermontCounty standoff. He was transported to University Hospital where he was treated and released. @FOX19 pic.twitter.com/bXKzPkIs17 — Brittany Harry (@Fox19BrittanyH) February 3, 2019 Pierce Township police said no shots were fired by officers; all were fired by the suspect, 23- year-old Wade Edward Winn. The Clermont County Sheriff’s Office confirmed he was taken into custody at 6:35 a.m. Original report: One deputy was killed and another hurt late Saturday in a standoff at a Pierce Township, Ohio, apartment complex, authorities said. Clermont County Sheriff’s Office says two deputies shot. One has died. One in stable condition. This is result of standoff on St Andrews Dr in Pierce Township. @WCPO — Josh Bazan (@JoshBazan) February 3, 2019 According to WXIX, Pierce Township police responded to a "psychiatric call" about 7 p.m. Saturday at the Royal Oaks Apartments. Police called in the multi-agency Special Response Team after gunfire erupted from inside an apartment about 8:15 p.m., Clermont County Sheriff's Capt. Jeff Sellars said. More shots rang out just before 10:40 p.m., striking two deputies, WXIX reported. One deputy died, while the other is in stable condition, according to the news station. A suspect "is still firing rounds" at the scene, WCPO reported early Sunday. Read<doc-sep>

A sheriff's deputy in Cincinnati, Ohio, was killed and another was injured following a standoff at an apartment complex, according to authorities. Officers responded to a call from a man at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday at the Royal Oaks Apartments, according to a press release from the Clermont County Sheriff's Office. The caller told the dispatcher that he was both armed and suicidal. Capt. Jeff Sellars of the Clermont County Sheriff's Office said a multi-agency Special Response Team was requested after shots were fired. After an approximately 12-hour standoff, Wade Edward Winn, 23, was taken into custody around 6:30 a.m. ET on Sunday. Winn allegedly exchanged fire with police during the standoff, killing Detective Bill Brewer and injuring Lt. Nick DeRose. Detective Bill Brewer, left, was shot and killed during a standoff with a suspect in Ohio on Feb. 3, 2019. Detective Nick DeRose was treated and released from the hospital. Clermont County Sheriff's Office "Deputy Brewer gave his life attempting to help a person who was admittedly suicidal," Sheriff Steve Leahy said in a statement. "This will forever change the atmosphere of the Clermont County Sheriff's Office." Brewer had been with the Clermont County Sheriff's Office for 20 years, and DeRose has been with the Clermont County Sheriff's Office for 22 years. DeRose was released from University Hospital after being treated for his injuries. It was not immediately clear what charges Winn faces or if he has an attorney. If you or a loved one are looking for help, please call the National Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

Given there were three games ending in golden point last weekend, it’s fitting all of The Roar’s NRL expert tipping panel are separated by just a single point after a month of footy. Whatever your opinion on golden point, it made some pretty awful games turn out okay – that Panthers-Tigers one on Friday night being at the top of the list. AJ picked up six tips last week (and if anyone got eight, tipping Manly to beat the Rabbitohs and every other game along the way, congratulations to you), but it means we are all very close on the leaderboard, with The Crowd getting four and everyone else five. Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Reddit Email Share As it stands, Stuart, The Barry and The Crowd all have 20, while AJ and myself are on 19. Round 5 will get underway in Brisbane with the battling Broncos and their woeful defence taking on the Tigers, where the wheels look to have fallen off the wagon – or is that the bus? Friday takes us an hour south and 20 north as the Titans host the Panthers in a game which, based on last week’s performances, may not be worth watching (so I can’t wait to blog it), before the Cowboys take on the Storm in a game they simply must find a way to win. South Sydney open Saturday’s action with the fourth game in Queensland on the Sunshine Coast, before action finally moves south, as the Knights host the Sea Eagles without Tom Trbojevic, and the banged-up Sharks look to christen the 100th* new name on their stadium against the Roosters. The Dragons will then look to bury a hoodoo of sorts on Sunday when they host the Bulldogs at Kogarah (keep in mind the Bulldogs dished out a massacre at the same venue late last year) before the Raiders and Eels close the round in a battle of the surprise packets. Advertisement Advertisement *May not be an accurate number Don’t forget to join in with your tips at the bottom of the article to try and beat the experts in 2019 as The Crowd and try your luck in our Roar NRL tipping comp. Crowd tips will close at approximately 5:30pm (AEDT) on Thursday afternoon. Given AJ is finally back into some tipping form, we had better kick it off with his thoughts for this weekend. Tips: Tigers, Panthers, Storm, Rabbitohs, Knights, Roosters, Dragons, Raiders You thought I was out of it? Ha! Here I come, baby! The champ doesn’t stay down for long. You’ll want to be hitting copy and paste for the next few weeks if you’re interested in winning your tipping comps. The Tigers will sneak a win in Brisbane. They’re better and they will be annoyed at tossing away a certain win last week. Penrith will beat the Gold Coast and it won’t be a game worth watching. In the other Friday game, the Storm will have a battle on their hands with the Cowboys, but Melbourne will win – although only just. Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday, Souths will beat New Zealand, Newcastle simply must beat Manly without Tom Trbojevic if they’re serious about the season and the Roosters will take care of a dinged-up Cronulla. Two belting games on Sunday to finish the round. Dragons will get the Bulldogs after another tough fight before my beautiful Raiders will end all talk of a Parramatta resurgence. Tips: Broncos, Panthers, Storm, Rabbitohs, Knights, Roosters, Dragons, Raiders I watched the worst NRL game for sometime on the weekend as my Wests Tigers got beaten in golden point and I landed the tip as consolation for sitting through an error-riddled match. The overall tipping result was again mediocre with another five. No one wins the comp with a five-point average. Brisbane and Wests have been very disappointing in the last couple of rounds despite coach Maguire talking up the Tigers performance against Penrith in the post-match press conference. TPJ is suspended and the Wests Tigers have made some changes in the forwards. Both teams will be looking to improve. Broncos at home. Advertisement Advertisement The Panthers were pretty ordinary and full of errors last-start despite getting a victory, but they have the winless Titans this week. Dallin Watene Zalezniak and Dylan Edwards have swapped positions. Penrith to crawl over the line. The Storm will be too clinical for an out of form Cowboys side lacking a bit of direction and missing Taumalolo. Melbourne. A bit of blip last week for Souths going down to Manly in golden point while the Warriors won, but it was against the Titans. Rabbitohs to bounce back. The Knights have disappointed me every time I have tipped them while Manly got an unexpected win on the weekend. The Eagles have lost Tommy Turbo to injury yet again and it makes a difference. Newcastle at home. The Roosters were very impressive against Brisbane and will continue against the Sharks. Easts to win. The Bulldogs are exceeding expectations lately and so are the Dragons, considering who they have unavailable. Canterbury have lost Napa. A big out. Dragons at home. The last game of the weekend should be a good one with both the Raiders and Eels in form. Canberra have Tapine back, Leipana is rolling and they should be too good at home. Raiders. Advertisement Advertisement Tips: Broncos, Titans, Storm, Rabbitohs, Knights, Roosters, Dragons, Raiders Two weeks ago, the Tigers were flying high, undefeated. The wheels have fallen off dramatically with their recent performances almost unrecognisable. Not even the return of the great Josh Reynolds and his two try assists could help them out of the mire against Penrith. The Broncos aren’t going great guns, but being at home should get them home. The first Friday game sees another two teams struggling for form. It’s hard coming up with a convincing reason for either. The return of Viliame Kikau helped the Panthers, but he was playing on one leg. I’m going for an upset here and tipping the Titans. Apparently, the NRL flew Hazem El Masri to Melbourne in anticipation of Cameron Smith breaking his point scoring record. El Magic will be clocking up the frequent flyer points with a trip up to Townsville this weekend. Their close call against the Bulldogs will put the wind up the Storm and they’ll win well against the Cowboys. The Rabbitohs are taking their home game against the Warriors to the Sunshine Coast. They could take it to the moon – anywhere outside New Zealand is enough. The Souths backline isn’t looking as strong as it was, but they’re still good enough across the park. With no Tom Trbojevic and the Knights attack still misfiring, this will be a low scoring affair. That gives Manly some hope of an upset, but I’m tipping the Knights to get up. The Roosters were circling in the water last week while the Sharks looked like feather dusters, albeit missing Matt Moylan and Shaun Johnson. Johnson is back, but I expect the Roosters to be too strong. The last two weeks has reinvigorated the season for Bulldogs fans. To take the Storm so close to the wire in Melbourne was huge. It will be an up and down season though and they’ll struggle to maintain that level. Canterbury traditionally do well against this week’s opponent but with the inevitable letdown from last week, I’m reluctantly tipping the Dragons. Advertisement Advertisement Who’d have thought a month ago that the Raiders and Eels would be the match of the round? Potentially some queries about the strength of their opposition, but there’s a lot to like about how both teams are going about their business. Raiders. Tips: Tigers, Panthers, Cowboys, Rabbitohs, Knights, Roosters, Dragons, Raiders Alright, alright. I know what you’re all thinking. Melbourne fans, put the pitchforks down. Cowboys fans, it’s not a typo. Yes, I’m taking the struggling Cowboys to defend their home ground in Townsville against the Storm on Friday night, simply because they have to. There are no more excuses for Paul Green’s men. They have to find a way to win, and this is the perfect backs to the wall type siege they could pull off if their forwards get rolling, even without Jason Taumalolo. Add to that, the Storm are coming off a five-day turnaround, didn’t look like themselves last week in a narrow win over Canterbury, and have to travel to the opposite end of the country. I can feel an upset. Given we had three golden point games last week, tipping most games this week feels like splitting hairs, so dealing with the rest isn’t straightforward either. In fact, the only game I feel confident in is the Rabbitohs getting over the Warriors. Advertisement Advertisement Sports opinion delivered daily Starting off the round, I’ll take the Tigers over the Broncos. This is a game which could go either way, but the Broncos defence has been unacceptable so far. Last in missed tackles, last in ineffective tackles, last in possession, and now Tevita Pangai Junior is suspended. I know it’s in the Queensland capital, but the Tigers should pick up the win. I’ll take Penrith to get the better of the Titans, who just don’t look like winning a game. At the moment, AJ Brimson is the only player who looks likely to spark anything, and he is on the bench again. It’s hard to tip the Sea Eagles away from home without Tom Trbojevic, so I won’t, while the Roosters should beat a battered Sharks outfit. They get some of their stars back, but the defending premiers hit their stride and won’t lose to Cronulla, even in the Shire. The game of the round could come on Sunday night between the Raiders and Eels. That seems to be a strange sentence to write, given I had them last and second last before the season started, but ah, well, they have shocked me so far. Advertisement Advertisement I’ll take the Raiders, based on the fact they are at home and nothing else. My Dragons should get the job done over Canterbury as well, but I’m not confident. They are our bogey team of recent years, costing the Red V finals in 2017 and flogging us to nothing at Kogarah last year. Be sure to get your tips in on the form below by 5:30pm (AEDT) on Thursday, and we will have the results in the table and comments section below. Round 5 AJ Stuart The Barry Scott The Crowd BRO v TIG TIG BRO BRO TIG BRO TIT v PAN PAN PAN TIT PAN PAN COW v STO STO STO STO COW STO RAB v WAR RAB RAB RAB RAB RAB KNI v SEA KNI KNI KNI KNI KNI SHA v ROO ROO ROO ROO ROO ROO DRA v BUL DRA DRA DRA DRA DRA RAI v EEL RAI RAI RAI RAI RAI Last week 6 5 5 5 4 Total 19 20 20 19 20 Advertisement Advertisement<doc-sep>Need a hand with your tips for Round 4? Here's what Fox Footy's experts think. Need a hand with your AFL tips? Fox Footy experts, including teams from Saturday Stretch, Selection Night and the Fox Footy Podcast, are here to help with their winners for all nine games. Check out the leaderboard, all our expert tips and the final verdict below! Get the latest AFL odds and BET NOW with Sportsbet. Live stream the 2019 Toyota AFL Premiership Season on KAYO SPORTS. Every match of every round. Live & anytime on your TV or favourite device. Get your 14 day free trial > LISTEN TO THE LATEST EPISODE OF THE FOX FOOTY PODCAST BELOW, OR TAP HERE TO SUBSCRIBE IN ITUNES OR SPOTIFY DERMOTT BRERETON (Saturday Stretch) — 16 (Last week: 7) Sydney Swans Collingwood Geelong Essendon Adelaide Port Adelaide West Coast Eagles Gold Coast Suns Hawthorn MAX LAUGHTON (Fox Footy Podcast) — 16 (Last week: 7) Melbourne Collingwood Geelong Brisbane Lions Port Adelaide Adelaide West Coast Eagles Gold Coast Suns Hawthorn KATH LOUGHNAN (Selection Night) — 15 (Last week: 5) Sydney Swans Collingwood Geelong Brisbane Lions Port Adelaide Adelaide West Coast Eagles Gold Coast Suns Hawthorn LEIGH MONTAGNA (Selection Night) — 15 (Last week: 6) Melbourne Collingwood Geelong Essendon Port Adelaide Adelaide West Coast Eagles Gold Coast Suns Hawthorn TOM MORRIS (Fox Footy Podcast) — 15 (Last week: 6) Sydney Swans Collingwood Geelong Essendon Port Adelaide Adelaide West Coast Eagles Gold Coast Suns Hawthorn BEN DIXON (Fox Footy expert) — 14 (Last week: 4) Sydney Swans Collingwood Geelong Brisbane Lions Port Adelaide Adelaide West Coast Eagles Gold Coast Suns Hawthorn BRAD JOHNSON (Saturday Stretch) — 14 (Last week: 4) Melbourne Western Bulldogs Geelong Brisbane Lions Port Adelaide North Melbourne West Coast Eagles Gold Coast Suns St Kilda CAMERON MOONEY (Fox Footy expert) — 14 (Last week: 5) Sydney Swans Collingwood Geelong Essendon Port Adelaide North Melbourne West Coast Eagles Gold Coast Suns Hawthorn SARAH OLLE (Saturday Stretch) — 14 (Last week: 6) Sydney Swans Collingwood Geelong Brisbane Lions Port Adelaide Adelaide West Coast Eagles Gold Coast Suns Hawthorn BEN WATERWORTH (Fox Footy Podcast) — 14 (Last week: 6) Melbourne Collingwood Geelong Essendon Port Adelaide Adelaide West Coast Eagles Gold Coast Suns Hawthorn JULIAN DE STOOP (Selection Night) — 12 (Last week: 5) Melbourne Collingwood Geelong Essendon Port Adelaide Adelaide West Coast Eagles Carlton Hawthorn NICK DAL SANTO (Fox Footy expert) — 10 (Last week: 5) Melbourne Collingwood Geelong Essendon Port Adelaide Adelaide West Coast Eagles Gold Coast Suns Hawthorn THE VERDICT Sydney Swans 6 — Melbourne 6 Collingwood 11 — Western Bulldogs 1 Geelong 12 — GWS Giants 0 Essendon 7 — Brisbane Lions 5 Port Adelaide 12 — Richmond 0 North Melbourne 2 — Adelaide 10 West Coast Eagles 12 — Fremantle 0 Gold Coast Suns 11 — Carlton 1 St Kilda 1 — Hawthorn 11<doc-sep>

Get all the expert tips for round 5 from Matty Johns, Yvonne Sampson and Michael Ennis. Pic: Sam Ruttyn Need some help with your tips for Round 5? Take a hint from some of the biggest names in rugby league, the Fox League experts. Scroll all the way down to see the verdict for the round! Live stream the 2019 NRL Telstra Premiership on KAYO SPORTS. Every game of every round live & anytime on your TV or favourite device. Get your 14 day free trial > YVONNE SAMPSON Broncos Panthers Storm Rabbitohs Knights Roosters Bulldogs Raiders LATE MAIL: Earl to end six-year NRL exile; Sharks stars race the clock LARA PITT Broncos Panthers Storm Rabbitohs Knights Roosters Dragons Raiders MEGAN BARNARD Broncos Panthers Storm Rabbitohs Sea Eagles Roosters Dragons Raiders MATTY JOHNS Broncos Panthers Storm Rabbitohs Knights Roosters Dragons Raiders MORE NRL NEWS ‘THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS’: Bold spine shake-up could kick Broncos into gear BOYD: Why I won’t surrender Broncos captaincy, No.1 jersey ‘CHANGE YOUR LAST NAME’: Tough love turned wayward Munster’s life around MICHAEL ENNIS Broncos Panthers Storm Rabbitohs Knights Roosters Dragons Raiders MARK GASNIER Broncos Panthers Storm Warriors Knights Roosters Dragons Raiders BEN IKIN Broncos Panthers Storm Rabbitohs Knights Roosters Dragons Raiders PAUL KENT Wests Tigers Panthers Storm Rabbitohs Knights Roosters Dragons Eels MORE NRL NEWS FUTURE IN DOUBT: Inglis can’t lift his shoulder above the horizontal HEARTBROKEN: Ponga set to play after death of family member ‘DETESTED EACH OTHER’: Bennett, Gould’s bitter Origin feud revealed JUSTIN HODGES Broncos Panthers Storm Rabbitohs Knights Roosters Dragons Eels COREY PARKER Broncos Panthers Storm Rabbitohs Knights Roosters Dragons Eels GORDEN TALLIS Broncos Titans Storm Rabbitohs Knights Roosters Bulldogs Raiders HANNAH HOLLIS Broncos Titans Storm Rabbitohs Sea Eagles Roosters Dragons Raiders THE VERDICT Broncos 11 — Wests Tigers 1 Panthers 10 — Titans 2 Storm 12 — Cowboys 0 Rabbitohs 11 — Warriors 1 Knights 10 — Sea Eagles 2 Roosters 12 — Sharks 0 Dragons 10 — Bulldogs 2 Raiders 9 — Eels 3

It really takes something for the most chill team in the most hip league in sports to be the central figure in something cheesy and awkward, but that’s what happened on Tuesday night when the Golden State Warriors were presented with their championship rings. It’s not their fault, nor the NBA’s. It’s just that for some reason the home opener for the defending champs each year, specifically the bit where the jewelry is doled out and the banner is unfurled, always gets kind of cringy. It is “honestly the weirdest night of the year,” said none other than Stephen Curry recently, and he should know, this being the third time, sigh, when he has had to suffer through being lauded as a world champion. But why? The root of the weirdness might be that pro athletes, particularly the very best ones, have short memories when it comes to their success. So too, do fans of the teams that work themselves into a position to be classified as a dynasty. As enjoyable as winning the title and sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers was for Golden State, by Tuesday it already felt like not just yesterday’s news, but early June’s. For the past four months Curry, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green and company celebrated, rested, reset, and eventually worked themselves into a mindset where the only target was doing it all over again. And then, seconds before the tip-off of a new campaign with equally lofty aspirations, “Hey boys, it’s time for the prizes.” “You're celebrating something that happened four months ago,” Curry said, back in September. “And then you've got to appreciate the moment, see the banner fall, feel the energy from the crowd. And then you've got to put the rings back, go warm up for two-and-a-half minutes and then play an NBA basketball game when the other team is salivating, waiting to get a hold of you after seeing the ring ceremony.” MORE NBA: They're back! Gordon Hayward, Kyrie Irving finally share court for star-studded Celtics Watchability rankings: Top 10 must-see teams for 2018-19 season Power rankings: Can Celtics, Rockets threaten Warriors? The whole fuss is probably outdated, but it is what it is. The NBA embraces modernity often enough to be given a pass on this one. The good news for the league is that it got the cheesiest part of its entire season out of the way on night one. The ceremony had its moments, none of them especially memorable. Curry counted down from "five" for the banner to fall, and there was a sweet little segue when an equipment manager of three decades’ service was wheeled out and given his ring on court. It dragged on a bit. The rings, made by Jason of Beverly Hills, are quite something. It is a rare sight to see a large man wear a ring the size of his fist. On his pinky. But the event was kind of like the opening ceremony of the Olympics, although thankfully shorter. By the end you just wanted the games to begin. And soon enough, they did. Warriors coach Steve Kerr joked on TNT: "If we win we are going to say we rode the emotion of ring night. If we lose we are going to say we were emotionally spent." The Warriors haven’t always come out of such situations firing, likely for the reasons Curry laid out. But they quickly hit their stride against an undermanned Oklahoma City Thunder and within a few minutes Durant had heard something he didn’t like. There he was, staring down bench-ridden former teammate Russell Westbrook on the sideline over a comment that didn’t meet his approval, fire and fury in his eyes, and probably not a thought of last year’s ring on his mind. Ah, there we go, that’s more like it. The season is really underway. Follow Rogers on Twitter @RogersJourno<doc-sep>The buzz around whether Kevin Durant will stay in Golden State or bolt the Warriors next summer has already begun. Which is why Dubs owner Joe Lacob apparently got a start on the process during the franchise’s championship ring ceremony earlier this week. Check out this footage found by The Athletic’s Anthony Slater: When Durant greets Lacob, it looks like the owner asks him if he’ll sign again before he shakes his head and chuckles? Didn’t catch this yesterday: Joe Lacob mimics a signature and says “Sign?” to Kevin Durant as he’s presenting him his title ring pic.twitter.com/5FNRXELx9g — Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) October 18, 2018 It’s one of those “I’m totally joking, this is neither the time nor the place but actually I’m not joking, I’m reminding you that I want you back” moments. Or maybe he temporarily thought Durant was a waiter and he did the International sign for “check please!”<doc-sep>

Jason Arasheben, the designer of the Golden State Warriors' 2018 NBA championship ring, said Draymond Green was unsurprisingly "very opinionated" about how the ring should look. "[Draymond] wanted to have a ring to be a certain way, but also wanted to break away from the past, so to speak," Arasheben told Brandon Robinson, senior writer at Basketball Society and host of the Scoop B Radio podcast. "They wanted to have a ring that had its own identity, you know, didn't really look like previous championship rings. So, you know, we definitely got a lot of the players' input. Then there were other players who don't really need to give as much input, like Klay, who was just happy to have a ring at all." Classic Klay – just happy to be here. But Arasheben, who also designed the Warriors' rings for their championships in 2015 and 2017, got the message that the other players on the team wanted to do something special for this ring. Gathering input for the ring's design happened mostly through text, the L.A.-based jeweler and namesake of Jason of Beverly Hills said, since most of the players from the team were either on vacation or back in their hometowns. But that didn't stop Arasheben from trying to create a unique design. He's used to seizing the opportunity to design championship jewelry and doing something special with it. Last year, the 11-carat diamond ring that he designed for the Warriors contained more diamonds than any championship ring across the four major American sports. This year, he's trying to up the ante with a ring that can be customized depending on who's wearing it. "I wanted to got with something tasteful, so we really had to be creative with the design, and when you see this ring," Arasheben said. "What it can do that no other ring in championship history has been able to do was really difficult to do from a manufacturing standpoint, but what it can do is give this ring a ton of flexibility and it's so intricate in it's design." The rings will be debuted at the Warriors' opening night game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday.

Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra just walked the red pink carpet and made their official Met Gala debut as a married couple. pink carpet and made their official Met Gala debut as a married couple. She is wearing a full crown. Priyanka Chopra has been posting throwback photos of herself at Met Galas of years past all afternoon, showing her followers that she’s fully capable of pulling looks every time. Finally, after popping some customized champagne bottles this afternoon, it’s her time to walk the pink carpet tonight, and she looks like an actual queen. Like, Priyanka took the camp theme and made it totally regal with a super-tall crown and ruffly ball gown, and she looked like she could walk right onto the set of the Jonas Brothers “Sucker” video in it. Luckily, somebody took a video of her and Nick Jonas heading to the gala, and she may have just won the night. If you zoom in, you can see that Nick is sporting a pencil-thin mustache, an ear cuff, and Dorothy-worthy sparkly shoes, and Priyanka filled in her eyebrows with a grayish-blue pencil. This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. 📹 Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra on their way to the #MetGala ! (via georgiee_porgie) pic.twitter.com/3VpCa819cX — Jonas Brothers News (@jbrosnews) May 6, 2019 A closer look at her and Nick’s sparkly white suit: This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. OH MY GOD YES IM LIVING FOR THIS LOOK #MetGala pic.twitter.com/h9x1LcjjEw — alexa (@fraryIuvr) May 6, 2019 Nick and Priyanka have both attended the Met Gala before, but this is the first time they walked the gala’s red carpet as a couple because when they went together in 2017, they weren’t even dating yet. Back then, they only walked together because they were both wearing the same designer. Before they arrived tonight, Nick shared a photo of himself and Priyanka two years ago and wrote, “Little did I know, this incredible woman would become my bride.” @ Anna Wintour, please invite Priyanka and Nick to every single Met Gala until the end of time—this needs to be their annual tradition. K, TYSM! Shannon Barbour News Writer Shannon is a news writer at Cosmopolitan.com, and when she's not obsessing about Cardi B, she's thinking about Justin Bieber and still trying to memorize Beyoncé's Beychella choreography. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io<doc-sep>Dia Dipasupil / Getty Images In an interview with Jimmy Kimmel, Priyanka said they attended together "for fun" because they were both wearing Ralph Lauren and were seated at the same table. And thus started their romance.<doc-sep>Priyanka Chopra continued looking enchanting hours after the Met Gala started, when she attended the Standard Hotel's after party in the most sparkly Dior romper with her husband Nick Jonas. She wore crystal-adorned leggings and carried a metallic mini purse. Jonas wore a black suit, though he had his own doses of glitter: His silver chain and watch. Splash News The couple started their night in two much more costumey looks by Dior. Chopra looked very much like Glinda the Good Witch in a silver Dior dress adorned with gradient pink, yellow, and magenta feathers at the bottom. She topped the look off with a crown. She and Jonas shared a kiss while posing for photographers there (as Chopra wrote on Instagram of the PDA, "Sometimes u just have to sneak it in!!") He, meanwhile, was in a white suit by Dior Men: Rabbani and Solimene Photography Getty Images Taylor Hill Getty Images This content is imported from {embed-name}. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Chopra shared a shot of them posing outside the after party, writing, "He makes me sparkle." She also shared a photograph of them inside the party, hanging with friends. "Charlie and the Indian angels end the night .." she wrote. This content is imported from Instagram. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. It's no surprise that throughout the night, Jonas let his wife take the sartorial spotlight. He told Entertainment Tonight ahead of Met Gala Monday that he was planning to let Chopra literally shine in the statement look. "It's coming together," he said of his own outfit two weeks ago. "To be honest, I'm very excited, I love the Met Gala, it's always a fun night, but Priyanka will set the tone, and I'm just going to be there to support her. So I plan to keep it simple and let her shine." Alyssa Bailey News and Strategy Editor Alyssa Bailey is the news and strategy editor at ELLE.com, where she oversees coverage of celebrities and royals (particularly Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton). This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io<doc-sep>Two of the three Jonas Brothers took on the Met Gala--married this time. Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas, both co-chairs of the gala, rolled up looking straight out of the recent "Sucker" music video, with Chopra in a colorful ruffled gown, geometric crown and vivid makeup and Jonas alongside her in a sleek white suit, sparkling shoes and ear cuff. The now-married couple first sparked romance rumors when they walked the gala's red carpet together in 2017.<doc-sep>

Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas have returned to the Met Gala, the event where their love story began back in 2017. Tonight, the duo are now attending as husband and wife after tying the knot in multiple elaborate ceremonies back in December. Following the theme of camp, the Jonases pulled out all the stops for the red carpet, coordinating in silvery ornate ensembles only they could pull off. The Quantico alum went for a frothy gray Dior haute couture number with cage detailing on the corset and multicolored feathers at the hem. And yes, it came with a cape. (You thought Priyanka was done with trains after she wore a 20-foot design to the Met Gala two years ago? No, way.) Dimitrios Kambouris Getty Images Her hubby kept up in a white suit over a bejeweled shirt and tie. He went for extra sparkle in silver metallic shoes and luxe jewelry from Chopard including a necklace, ring, and a timepiece featuring 38.30-carats of diamonds set in 18k white gold. Dia Dipasupil Getty Images NICK AND PRIYANKA OH MY GOD #METGALA pic.twitter.com/2z7r9cc9OT — jane grace (@janexstyles) May 6, 2019 Chopra went for far-from-subtle makeup, with bold fuchsia eyeshadow, white eyeliner, frosted lashes, bold berry lipstick, and face gems. To top it off, she teased her hair and finished off her look with a sky-high crown. Priyanka and Nick famously attended the Met together in 2017 as guests of Ralph Lauren, when she wore a trench coat-turned-dream gown and he sported a printed jacket and bowtie. Priyanka and Nick at the 2017 Met Gala. Jackson Lee Getty Images At the time, Chopra said of having Jonas as her impromptu date, "We were at the same table. I mean, we know each other so we were just like, 'Hey let's go together,' and I was like, 'Okay, let's go together.' And it just ended up working out." It sure did.

Candace Owens, communications director for the conservative student group Turning Point USA (TPUSA), was broadly criticized on Friday after comments she made about Adolf Hitler at an event in December were made public. Owens was explaining why she didn't have any issues with the word "nationalism," saying people incorrectly associate it with Hitler. TPUSA is led by Charlie Kirk — a close friend of Donald Trump Jr. — who is routinely retweeted by President Donald Trump. Candace Owens, a top figure in a conservative advocacy group with close ties to President Donald Trump, on Friday was at the center of a social-media firestorm over recent comments she made about nationalism and Adolf Hitler. Owens, the communications director for Turning Point USA (TPUSA), was answering questions about nationalism at an event in London back in December. At the time, Owens said she didn't have "any problems at all with the word 'nationalism,'" a word she characterized as too often associated with Hitler. "I think that the definition gets poisoned by elitists that actually want globalism. Globalism is what I don't want," Owens said. "Whenever we say 'nationalism,' the first thing people think about, at least in America, is Hitler. You know, he was a national socialist, but if Hitler just wanted to make Germany great and have things run well, OK, fine." Read more: Conservative student group with close ties to Trump administration hires controversial content creator Benny Johnson She continued, "The problem is that he wanted — he had dreams outside of Germany. He wanted to globalize. He wanted everybody to be German, everybody to be speaking German. Everybody to look a different way. That's not, to me, that's not nationalism. In thinking about how we could go bad down the line, I don't really have an issue with nationalism. I really don't. I think that it's OK." Owens' comments at the London event were first made public via a BuzzFeed News report. A clip of her remarks was shared on Twitter not long after and quickly went viral. By midafternoon on Friday, Owens was among the top 10 trends in the US on Twitter. Trump in October 2018 was widely criticized when he unabashedly declared himself a "nationalist" at a campaign rally for GOP Sen. Ted Cruz in Houston, Texas. In the US, the word is frequently associated with white-nationalist groups, often ones labeled as extremist, and therefore has negative connotations. Supporters of nationalism say it's merely a matter of placing a primacy on one's national interests. Francis Fukuyama, one of the most prominent political scientists in the US, in his famous 1989 essay "The End of History?" summarized nationalism as such: "The vast majority of the world’s nationalist movements do not have a political program beyond the negative desire of independence from some other group or people, and do not offer anything like a comprehensive agenda for socio-economic organization." More recently, Fukuyama in August 2018 expanded on this, saying, "The trouble is in ethnonationalism. Nationalism can be democratic if based on principles of constitutional government, on the rule of law, equality of all human beings — the way American identity evolved in the 20th century." As former President Bill Clinton reportedly put it in October 2017, "Everybody is a nationalist. The question is are you an inclusive nationalist or a tribal nationalist." Many journalists and public figures on Friday weighed in on Owens' comments on Hitler, including Chelsea Clinton. Owens responded to the backlash in a Periscope video posted on Twitter with the caption: "Was Hitler a nationalist? (And Leftist journalists are still insane)." Attempting to clarify her remarks, Owens said, "Nationalism is sort of conflated with, for some reason, Hitler," adding, "That's really, really wrong and we that we have to almost correct the record on that." Read more: Thousands of young Trump supporters are gathered in Florida to hear a simple message: the left hates America and 'destroys everything it touches' Owens rejected the notion that Hitler — the infamous leader of the National Socialist German Workers' Party, more commonly known as the Nazi Party — is a "nationalist." "He wasn't a nationalist," Owens said of Hitler. "He was a homicidal, psychotic maniac." In defending her position, Owens pointed to Trump's "America First" doctrine as an example of her philosophy. She defined nationalism as "believing in the sovereignty of your nation first." Read more: Candace Owens says Trump will 'crack the black vote' because he loves America and 'the left hates' it "[Hitler] wasn't about putting Germans first. There were German Jews that he was putting into camps and murdering," Owens said. "He was a mass murderer." Owens first gained national notoriety on her YouTube channel "RedPillBlack" with a viral video titled, "How to Escape the Democrat Plantation (an easy guide)." She is now a leading figure in the "Blexit" movement, which encourages African-Americans to leave the Democratic Party. She has also been praised by Trump on Twitter. In May 2018, the president tweeted, "Candace Owens of Turning Point USA is having a big impact on politics in our Country. She represents an ever expanding group of very smart 'thinkers,' and it is wonderful to watch and hear the dialogue going on...so good for our Country!" Read more: Meet Charlie Kirk, the 25-year-old self-declared free speech absolutist and BFF to Trump Jr. who's rapidly taking over the conservative movement TPUSA is led by Charlie Kirk, a close friend of Donald Trump Jr. who is routinely retweeted by Trump. Responding to the uproar over Owens' remarks, a TPUSA spokesperson on Friday told INSIDER that her comments on Hitler "are of course being misconstrued and taken out of context." The spokesperson then emphasized that TPUSA is a "proud supporter of the Jewish people and the State of Israel," adding that "it goes without saying that Hitler is an evil mass-murderer who is responsible for millions of deaths including the horrific slaughter of 6 million Jews in the Holocaust."<doc-sep>Conservative pundit and speaker Candace Owens has responded to criticism of recently unearthed remarks she made late last year commenting on Hitler while defending the term nationalism. A clip of her answer posted to Twitter has been viewed more than two million times. Many on social media have criticized a portion of her answer in which Owens comments, "if Hitler just wanted to make Germany great and have things run well, okay fine." On Friday, Owens dismissed the controversy and blamed "Leftist journalists" for mischaracterizing her comments. Hitler was "a homicidal, psychotic maniac" and there is "no excuse or defense ever for ... everything that he did," she clarified. Her comments were meant to show that Hitler was not a nationalist, she said. Hitler did not put Germans first; he "was putting German Jews into concentration camps and murdering — he was a mass murderer," she said. She dismissed critics who said her comments meant that Hitler could have been great if he had just focused on Germany: "No, I'm saying Hitler wasn't a nationalist." Owens faced a flurry of criticism on social media for the comments, including a spat with Chelsea Clinton on Twitter. Owens' comments were made at a conservative event in London on Dec. 11, according to a recording of the event posted to YouTube by Brightspark Media. More:Candace Owens’ rapid rise defending two of America’s most complicated men: Trump and Kanye In the comments, Owens answered an audience member who asked for a "longterm prognosis" about the terms "globalism" and "nationalism." Owens embraced the term nationalism; claiming the definition gets "poisoned" by proponents of globalism. She said: I actually don't have any problems at all with the word 'nationalism.' I think that it gets, the definition gets poisoned by elitists that actually want globalism. Globalism is what I don't want. So when you think about, whenever we say 'nationalism,' the first thing people thing about, at least in America, is Hitler. You know, he was a national socialist, but if Hitler just wanted to make Germany great and have things run well, okay fine. The problem is ... he had dreams outside of Germany. He wanted to globalize. He wanted everybody to be German. Everybody to be speaking German. Everybody to look a different way. ... To me that's not nationalism. Owens has embraced her role as a young black woman defending conservatism and attacking liberals. She has made headlines for praising two of America's more complicated men: Donald Trump and Kanye West. Owens did not retract her comments in her later clarification "I stand by my statements and that is that," she said. Her response came after critics of her comments, which were unearthed in a piece published by BuzzFeed news, posted their outrage to social media: Contributing: Sean Rossman<doc-sep>“He was a national socialist. But if Hitler just wanted to make Germany great and have things run well, okay, fine. The problem is that he wanted, he had dreams outside of Germany. He wanted to globalize. He wanted everybody to be German, everybody to be speaking German. Everybody to look a different way. To me, that’s not nationalism. In thinking about how we could go bad down the line, I don’t really have an issue with nationalism. I really don’t. I think that it’s okay.”<doc-sep>A senior figure in a right-wing organisation which has received support from several Conservative MPs has been criticised for recent comments about Adolf Hitler. Candace Owens, a prominent conservative pundit and director of communications at Turning Point USA, defended the political ideology of nationalism by claiming Nazi Germany’s wartime leader wanted "globalism". “I actually don’t have any problems at all with the word ‘nationalism’,” the 29-year-old told an audience in London in December. "I think that the definition gets poisoned by elitists that actually want globalism. “Globalism is what I don't want. Whenever we say 'nationalism,' the first thing people think about, at least in America, is Hitler. You know, he was a national socialist, but if Hitler just wanted to make Germany great and have things run well, OK, fine." “The problem is that he wanted – he had dreams outside of Germany. He wanted to globalise. He wanted everybody to be German, everybody to be speaking German, everybody to look a different way. That's not, to me, that's not nationalism. In thinking about how we could go bad down the line, I don't really have an issue with nationalism. I really don't. I think that it's OK." The far-right politicians winning power across Europe Show all 7 1 /7 The far-right politicians winning power across Europe The far-right politicians winning power across Europe Viktor Orban – Hungary, Fidesz The Prime Minister of Hungary has threatened to shut down NGOs that help refugees; run a state backed hate campaign against George Soros and removed constitutional checks and balances. He said: 'We have replaced a shipwrecked liberal democracy with a 21st century Christian democracy' Reuters The far-right politicians winning power across Europe Matteo Salvini – Italy, Lega The leader of Italy’s junior governing party has pledged to deport 500,000 irregular migrants; stated joining the euro was a mistake and wants to end sanctions against Russia. He said: 'The only antidote to racism is to control, regulate and limit immigration' AFP/Getty The far-right politicians winning power across Europe Heinz-Christian Strache – Austria, FPO The deputy prime minister of Austria wants to drive Islam out of public life in Austria; has threatening mosque closures and wants to end sanctions against Russia. He said: 'Let us put an end to this policy of Islamisation as soon as possible' AFP/Getty The far-right politicians winning power across Europe Marine Le Pen – France, Front National The runner-up in the French presidential election wants policies to favour ‘native’ French; has stated she would hold an EU referendum and wants to deport irregular migrants. She said: 'I’m not offended when I hear President Donald Trump say "America first". In fact, I want America first for the American people, I want Britain first for the British people and I want France first for the French people' AP The far-right politicians winning power across Europe Janez Jansa – Slovenia, Slovenian Democratic Party The leader of Slovenia’s largest party says the country is run by a secretive former communist cabal; has appointed political allies to press agencies and was sent to prison for alleged corruption which was later overturned by the Constitutional Court. He said: 'Our party puts Slovenia, Slovenians first' Reuters The far-right politicians winning power across Europe Alexander Gauland – Germany, AfD The leader of the first far-right party in the Bundestag in decades says Islam is not a part of Germany; wants a ban on public Islamic symbols and wants to leave the euro. He said: 'A German or English football team hasn’t been German or English in the classical sense for a long time' Alamy The far-right politicians winning power across Europe Jarosław Kaczynski – Poland, Law and Justice The chairman of Poland’s governing party says migrants spread infectious diseases; wants to ban gay people from being teachers and has sought to implement constitutional changes to give government more power over courts. He said: 'It is absolutely clear a homosexual should not be a teacher' Kacper Pempel/Reuters A video of Ms Owens’ comments was shared on Twitter on Friday and quickly condemned by a number of high-profile figures. Chelsea Clinton, daughter of former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton, said “ignorance” about “Hitler’s evil regime must always be confronted". “That burden should not fall on Holocaust survivors,” she said on Twitter. “There was nothing, using [Ms Owens’] own words, “great” about the Third Reich before it began annexing & invading its neighbors.” Jewish historian David Perry wrote: “I'd like to assure you that the problem with Hitler wasn't that he wanted to conquer other places, but that he wanted to kill Jews, disabled folks, Roma, Communists, and others.” Responding to criticism, Ms Owens said she was attempting to address the “really wrong” identification of Hitler with nationalism. “He wasn’t a nationalist, he was a homicidal, psychotic, maniac who was bent on world domination outside the confines of Germany,” she said on social media platform Periscope. Ms Owens' initial comments were during an event to promote Turning Point UK, an offshoot of its American cousin, which has links to Donald Trump’s administration and became notorious for creating a watchlist of “leftist” university professors that has drawn comparisons with McCarthyism. Claiming to be the “biggest and most far-reaching youth organisation in America”, it says it espouses “freedom, free markets and limited government” and runs events sponsored by the National Rifle Association. It has repeatedly denied racism accusations by former staff, and ejected several members following scandals over racial slurs. ✕ Ben Shapiro makes bizarre Hitler comments at pro-life march But a report by counter-extremism group Hope Not Hate said Turning Point USA was “mainstreaming extreme views”, including the “white genocide” conspiracy theory and Islamophobia. Sharing a Turning Point recruitment video, Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg wrote: “People of all ages make up their own minds. The left has no monopoly on the ‘young’.” Former international development secretary Priti Patel said the group represented a “new generation” of conservative values and fellow Tory MP Chris Green wrote: “Choose your side and I’m with Turning Point UK.”<doc-sep>

Here is video of Candace Owens' full answer on nationalism and Hitler pic.twitter.com/NfBvoH8vQg — John Whitehouse (@existentialfish) February 8, 2019 Candace Owens believe that it would have been “fine” if Adolf Hitler “just wanted to make Germany great” and that the problem was that he was too ambitious with “dreams outside Germany.“ The pro-Trump pundit made her comments during the London launch of conservative organization Turning Point in December. Owen’s comments about Hitler in Germany came after she was asked about “nationalism” in Western politics at the closed-door event. “I actually don’t have any problems at all with the word ‘nationalism’,” Owens said in comments first published by Buzzfeed . “I think that the definition gets poisoned by elitists that actually want globalism. Globalism is what I don’t want… Whenever we say nationalism, the first thing people think about, at least in America, is Hitler.” “He was a national socialist, but if Hitler just wanted to make Germany great and have things run well, OK, fine.““The problem is that he wanted, he had dreams outside of Germany. He wanted to globalise. He wanted everybody to be German, everybody to be speaking German. Everybody to look a different way,” she said. “To me, that’s not nationalism. In thinking about how we could go bad down the line, I don’t really have an issue with nationalism. I really don’t.” She responded to the backlash with her own video on Friday, blaming “Leftist journalists” for mischaracterizing her comments. Her comments were meant to show that Hitler was not a nationalist, she said. Hitler did not put Germans first; he “was putting German Jews into concentration camps and murdering — he was a mass murderer,” she said. “No, I’m saying Hitler wasn’t a nationalist.”

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Emergency teams worked to provide relief in Haiti on Sunday after a magnitude 5.9 earthquake killed 11 people and left 135 injured. The country’s civil protection agency said that at least seven people died in the coastal city of Port-de-Paix and three people died in the nearby community of Gros-Morne in the province of Artibonite. It said that the injured were being treated at medical centers in the northern part of the country. Situation extremely complicated in Mon konwayak in Port-de-Paix this morning where residents are afraid to stay inside their homes & asking for shelter. #earthquake #Haiti https://t.co/HnTmNDX89f pic.twitter.com/9O5gEoieun — Jacqueline Charles (@Jacquiecharles) October 7, 2018 Magnitude 5.9 earthquake strikes close to the northernmost tip of Haiti, west-northwest of Port-de-Paix. Deep condolences to all the people who have suffered due to this earthquake. My heartfelt griefs to all of them. pic.twitter.com/j7dehUuBPB — Lutchi Gayot (@LutchiGayot) October 7, 2018 Secretary of State for Communications Eddy Jackson Alexis said a preliminary report indicated that 11 people had died. The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake hit at 8:11 p.m. Saturday night and was centered 12 miles northwest of Port-de-Paix, which is about 136 miles from the capital of Port-au-Prince. The quake was 7.3 miles below the surface. It was felt lightly in the capital, as well as in the neighboring Dominican Republic and in eastern Cuba. The civil protection agency issued a statement saying that some houses were destroyed in Port-de-Paix, Gros Morne, Chansolme and Turtle Island. Among the structures damaged was the Saint-Michel church in Plaisance. Rescue workers reported the collapse of part of a hospital in Gros-Morne and an auditorium as the quake hit on a rainy evening. They also reported damage at the police station in Port-de-Paix. Parliamentarian Alcide Audne told The Associated Press that two of the deaths occurred in the auditorium. Les brigadiers de la @PwoteksyonSivil sont déjà en action dans le Nord'Ouest. Ils seront rejoints par d’autres équipes dans les heures qui suivent pour amplifier les opérations de secours. pic.twitter.com/P4mjyWmsbb — Président Jovenel Moïse (@moisejovenel) October 7, 2018 Je suis en route pour Port-de-Paix et Gros morne. Je vais m’enquérir personnellement de la situation, suite au passage du séisme. Je veux m’assurer que l’appareil étatique est mobilisé à fond pour venir en aide aux victimes. pic.twitter.com/pdmbFiJgPW — Président Jovenel Moïse (@moisejovenel) October 7, 2018 Haiti President Jovenel Moise indicated in his Twitter account Sunday that civil protection brigades were working to clear debris and help victims. He also said the government had sent water and food. Impoverished Haiti, where many live in tenuous circumstances, is especially vulnerable to earthquakes. A vastly larger magnitude 7.1 quake damaged much of the capital in 2010 and killed an estimated 300,000 people.<doc-sep>Haiti struck by 5.9 magnitude earthquake top stories direct to your inbox SUBSCRIBE Invalid email Sign up to receive our rundown of the day'sdirect to your inbox When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they'll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time. The earthquake struck at 5.11am BST (12.11am local time) on Sunday morning at a relatively shallow depth of just 6.2 miles (10km). The quake was centred around 12 miles (20km) west-northwest of Ti Port-de-Paix, off Haiti's north coast. The full extent of the damage and total number of casualties is still unknown though authorities have confirmed at least 14 people have been killed. Follow our live updates below as more details about the disaster emerge: 6.50pm: Death toll rises to 14 Authorities have revised the death toll from the earthquake and confirmed at least 14 people were killed in the disaster. A local official said at least eight people died in Port-de-Paix on the northern coast near the epicentre. Four people were killed in and around the town of Gros-Morne farther south, local authorities said, including a woman who died from a heart attack suffered after the quake. Another person died when a house collapsed in the town of Chansolme and another was killed in Saint-Louis-du-Nord. 5pm: 'Prisoners escaped' after earthquake Local newspaper Le Nouvellist has reported that detainees being held in a police cell in the Gros-Morne region escaped after the building was damaged. Officials have urged calm following the earthquake and pledged to do everything possible to assist recovery efforts. President Jovenel Moise said today he is on the way to Port-de-Paix and Gros-Morne. Harvey Gavin taking over from Rachel Russell on live reporting. Injured people in Port-de-Paix are being treated in the yard of the city's hospital 3.30pm update: People told to stay calm after aftershocks are felt Tremors were felt throughout the country, which reportedly triggered panic among citizens. At least two aftershocks were also registered, according to Civil Protection. However, no tsunami warning has been issued. Haitian President Jovenel Moïse posted on Twitter: “I urge the population to keep calm, following the passage of the earthquake whose epicenter is located in the northwest coast. “The [disaster] risk management system and the regional branches of the Civil Protection are on standby to assist the inhabitants of the affected areas." 3pm update: Citizens start to panic Tony Mondestin, the director for the ministry of health in the northwest, confirmed the earthquake had caused panic inside the government-owned Immaculee de Port-de-Paix hospital, which resulted in injured residents seeking medical care at private hospitals as staff had fled. However, he added he was in the process of finding the hospital staff. Mondestin also said his report shows 162 people sustained minor injuries in the northwest regionm but eight were seriously injured. Help is said to have arrived from Port-au-Prince, including an ambulance, a surgeon, a nurse and medical supplies. Officials say at least eight people died in Port-de-Paix 2.40pm update: Death toll rises At least 12 deaths have now been confirmed following the earthquake in northwest Haiti. Haitian officials are expecting the death toll to keep rising and are preparing to deploy disaster workers to the area today. Dozens of homes and private buildings have been damaged or destroyed in the northern region of Haiti. However, there was no major damage to government structures other than a cultural centre in Gros Morne that collapsed, Civil Protection said in its morning update. 2.20pm update: Is Dominican Republic affected? The earthquake reportedly caused light shaking across the Dominican Republic, according to he Caribjournal. However, it is not known if any buildings were damaged or if anyone sustained injuries in the Caribbean Island which borders Haiti. The Caribbean is a seismically active region as it lies along the Ring of Fire, where 90 percent of the world’s earthquakes occur. Haiti earthquake: A map shows where the quake struck 1.20pm update: Where is Haiti? Haiti is a Caribbean Country which shares the Hispaniola island with the Dominican Republic on its east. An estimated 10.8 million people live in Haiti. This makes it the most populous country in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Haiti is also the second-most populous country in the Caribbean overall. Haiti was originally inhabited by the indigenous Taíno people. However, Christopher Columbus created the first European settlement there. Spain ruled until the early 17th century and the island was named La Española. But the French also settled there, which led to the western portion of the island named Saint-Domingue instead. 12.15 update: Why does this region get earthquakes? At least 135 people are said to have been injured, but this number is expected to rise. Haiti is prone to earthquakes as the island along the Ring of Fire. This horseshoe-shaped belt running around the Pacific Ocean accounts for 90 percent of the world's earthquakes. The Ring also has 75 percent of all the active volcanoes on earth. Haiti was rocked by an earthquake this morning 11.28am update: Has this happened before? In 2010, Haiti was devasted by another earthquake, which was 7.3 magnitude. At least 52 aftershocks measuring 4.5 or greater were recorded. Around three million people were affected by the quake, as more than 220,000 people were killed and over 300,000 were injured. More than 1.5 million people were also left homeless. This earthquake was the biggest the island had seen in 200 years. 10.10am update: Pictures show devastation Pictures have emerged that show the destruction left by the huge quake. One of the images shows a group of people stood in darkness staring helplessly at a damaged building. Another pictures shows a pile of rubble that looks as though it used to be a business or a home. The full extent of the damage is still not known, but it looks like it may be extensive if these intial pictures are anything to go by. People's homes and businesses have been destroyed Haiti's capital city has been struck by tremors<doc-sep>HAITI has been rocked by a major 5.9 magnitude earthquake which has killed at least 12 people and injured more than 100, officials said. Several buildings collapsed after the quake struck the northwestern part of the impoverished Caribbean country shortly after 8pm on Saturday (1am BST). 8 At least 12 people have been killed by an earthquake that struck off the north of Haiti Credit: Twitter The police chief for the northwest region, Jackson Hilaire, said at least seven people were killed and more than 100 injured in Port-de-Paix. Another four people died in and around the town of Gros-Morne further south, including a boy struck by a falling building, said mayor Jean Renel Tide. Le Nouvelliste newspaper said one person was killed when an auditorium collapsed in Gros-Morne and that detainees were released from a police holding cell that was damaged. The tremor also damaged the facade of a church in the town of Plaisance and a house next door collapsed, the paper said. 8 The quake was one of the strongest to hit the Caribbean nation since a major tremor in 2010 killed more than 250,000 people Credit: Twitter/Diaspora united 8 Government spokesman Eddy Jackson Alexis said a disaster response task force had been set up Credit: Twitter/Diaspora united The country's civil protection agency issued a statement saying several people were injured and being treated in hospitals. It also said houses were destroyed in Port-de-Paix, Gros Morne, Chansolme and Turtle Island - among the structures damaged was the Saint-Michel church in Plaisance. Government spokesman Eddy Jackson Alexis said a disaster response task force has now been set up to handle the disaster. The quake was felt in the capital, Port-au-Prince, and centred about 12 miles west-northwest off the north coast with a depth of 7.3 miles. 8 A 5.9 magnitude earthquake hit the Ring of Fire island of Haiti on Saturday night 8 People are treated in the yard of the Immaculate Conception Hospital in the city of Port-de-Paix, October 7, 2018 following the earthquake Credit: AFP or licensors 8 Credit: AP:Associated Press 8 A school damaged by a magnitude 5.9 earthquake the night before, in Gros Morne, Haiti Credit: AP:Associated Press 8 The 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck off the northwest coast of Haiti late Saturday, killing at least 12 people Credit: AFP or licensors Haiti President Jovenel Moïse posted on Twitter: “I urge the population to keep calm, following the passage of the earthquake whose epicentre is located in the northwest coast. “The risk management system and the regional branches of the Civil Protection are on standby to assist the inhabitants of the affected areas.” Haiti's Prime Minister Jean-Henry Céant called for people to be "cautious and calm" in a post on Twitter. On Sunday the country was rocked by a second earthquake just 24 hours after the deadly shock. The U.S. Geological Survey said the 5.2 magnitude aftershock rattled northern Haiti. MOST READ IN NEWS 'GOBSMACKED' Queen 'gave Harry OK for Oprah series after misleading pitch about soldiers' ROD LIDDLE Ousting right-on National Trust boss is a victory against wokery DRUMMER DEAD School Of Rock star dies at 32 after being hit by car as Jack Black mourns HOUSE ABOUT IT You won't believe what this ordinary London home looks like on the inside Exclusive TOM'S LEGACY Captain Tom Moore — who raised £39m for charity — left family £73k in will JABS HOPE Scientists 'crack cause of blood clots linked to Covid jabs & know how to fix it' Impoverished Haiti, where many live in tenuous circumstances, is especially vulnerable to earthquakes. The 2010 disaster, which also centred in Port-au-Prince, destroyed up to 100,000 buildings and left millions homeless within the space of a minute. With a recorded magnitude of 7.1 the earthquake caused around 50 aftershocks, killing more than 250,000 people and injuring at least 300,000. Medics in Haiti fear cholera surge after water supplies damaged by Hurricane Matthew We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368 . You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.<doc-sep>

Haiti struck by 5.9 magnitude earthquake The quake struck the nation, located just east of Cuba, at 12.11am BST on Sunday with a depth of 10km. Pictures from the scene show crumbling building and damage to vehicles and walls after the devasting quake struck the Caribbean nation injuring up to 135 people. The quake was centred around 12 miles (20 km) west-northwest of Ti Port-de-Paix off Haiti's north coast. The police chief for the north-west region, Jackson Hilaire, initially confirmed seven people died in Port-de-Paix, while the interior minister, Reynaldo Brunet, said three people had died further south in the town of Gros Morne. Le Nouvelliste newspaper said one person had died when an auditorium collapsed in Gros Morne. Detainees were also released from a police holding cell that was damaged. People flocked to social media to say the quake had been felt in Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital, but there had not been any major damage. Haiti is prone to earthquakes as the island sits adjacent to major fault lines along the so-called "Ring of Fire". This is a horseshoe-shaped belt running around the Pacific Ocean where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. A 5.8 magnitude earthquake has struck near Port-au-Prince About 90 percent of all earthquakes occur along the Ring of Fire, which is dotted with 75 percent of all the active volcanoes on earth. Haiti's Civil Protection agency says 135 injuries have been reported. But the full extent of the damage and number of casualties is still emerging as authorities assess the areas affected. The Civil Protection agency said: "Our teams from north to south are witnessing a state of panic in some cities." Haiti’s president Jovenel Moïse said: “An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.8 has hit Haiti. “According to the first reports by the Civil Protection, there is damage in the Far North of the Island. “I am working closely with authorities for an appropriate response. The quake struck the north-west Caribbean Island at around 8pm local time on Saturday The earthquake was centred around 12 miles west-northwest of Ti Port-de-Paix off Haiti's north coast A local official said at least eight people died in Port-de-Paix on the northern coast near the epicenter of the quake. Four people were killed in and around the town of Gros-Morne farther south, local authorities said, including a woman who died from a heart attack suffered after the quake. Another person was killed in the town of Chansolme when a house collapsed and one other person in Saint-Louis-du-Nord. Rescue teams fanned out to help residents, many of whom were still dealing with the trauma of a devastating earthquake in 2010. Buildings are severely damaged with debris and rubble masking the streets This is the strongest earthquake to hit Haiti since 2010. In 2010, Haiti was devasted by a quake measuring 7.3 on the richter scale. The earthquake happened at 16:53 local time on Tuesday, 12 January 2010. By January 24, at least 52 aftershocks measuring 4.5 or greater were recorded. The earthquake took place at 12.11am on Sunday morning with a depth of 10km

Were you suffering from Southern Charm withdrawals last week? I know I was. While the last episode gave us friendship and butt crack, last night was all about drama and formality. It certainly delivered, although Bravo sure knows how to gloss over current events, doesn’t it? Craig Conover is still living like a college student (and that statement is an insult to college students), and he welcomes Cameran Eubanks into his halfway house. She’s critical of the space, which is well-deserved, but she puts on airs when she sniffs the box wine he offers. She grills him about practicing law, but he counters that he’s yet to be sworn into the bar. He’s still working on the Character and Fitness portion of the application. As someone who went through this a while ago, the bar is basically making sure he doesn’t have an errant DUI (a regular one is fine…I don’t know that first hand, but I have some friends…) and isn’t an ax murderer. Clearly, Bravo reality whore ranks up there as a reason one wouldn’t be fit to practice law–in South Carolina. That’s a hard feat given the lawyers I know! Craig claims his pillow business is thriving, so attorney ethics benchmarks be damned! He presents Cameran with a bunch of pillowcases that he just needs to stuff before fulfilling his orders. She, like the rest of America, wonders what he’s waiting for with his sham empire. Was sham empire a pun? I didn’t think so until I typed it! She poo-poos his pillow situation as a distraction. Craig needs to focus on one thing. Isn’t he seeing a life coach? Craig admits that he stopped returning his life coach’s calls. Why can’t he take accountability? Craig reveals that Naomie Olindo may not have been wrong in labeling him a drifter. Kathryn Dennis is hosting Naomie with virgin cocktails. They rehash Kathryn’s conversation with Thomas Ravenel at his polo match. Kathryn wonders if T-Rav feels trapped since he’s footing the bill for Ashley. Both girls have heard through the Instagram grapevine that Ashley has been a staple at California polo matches and she may be a high-end escort. Kathryn and Naomie chat about Patricia Altschul’s winter ball, and Kathryn is wary of attending with Shep Rose. She garnered her own invitation, but she’s worried that a once over-critically of her Pat is just setting her up for failure at such a formal event. Naomie vents that Craig is hoping to take a date with her blessing, but she knows full well he’s already asked someone. Austen Kroll and Craig are shopping for their formal wear at a very posh establishment (no, it’s not Gwyn’s for once!). The boys are clueless about attire as Shep joins the posse. Shep isn’t keen on stormtrooper chic, but he’s ready to be measured and fitted…despite his massive hangover. The trio talks about Ashley and her penchant for flirting with Thomas’ friends. A quick show of hands confirms that Ashley has blatantly hit on all three of them. On the afternoon of the fete, we’re treated to the charmers in different stages of preparedness. I want a screenshot of Craig zipping up his fly with a coat hanger due to being one hand down because of a butter knife injury (A BUTTER KNIFE INJURY!!!) to be my screen saver for as long as I have a smartphone. Across town, Thomas is preparing a stiff cocktail for Ashley as she gets ready for the night. He acknowledges that but for Ashley’s persistence (that’s a sweet and not crazy word for it! ), the pair would have parted ways after the polo match. Basically, T-Rav is crying for help that he wasn’t able to break things off with his paramour. But, being the manipulator he is, Thomas takes the opportunity to tease his wallet princess. He presents her with an early Christmas present sure to make all of their problems evaporate. Ashley is foaming at the mouth for an engagement ring but plays coy while unwrapping the token. It’s a locket, and she seems sincerely touched. I guess it’s a step up from that cuff/bangle situation he teased her with last time. She loves the sentiment, but it’s a tad long in the chain for her taste. Ashley questions whether she’ll be forced to interact with Thomas’ baby mama. She can’t handle the drama (that she instigates). T-Rav hopes they can play nice, and he reminds Ashley, much to her chagrin, that his relationship with Kathryn is good as gold…and he’s not referring to that white gold locket. It’s not silver, people! At the swanky Grand Bohemian hotel, Kathryn is getting glam and hoping for a night free of drama. It was just too much to try to primp for this event at home with her kids. Chelsea Meissner arrives, and I’m just now realizing that Kathryn isn’t wearing her formal dress, but in fact, she’s sporting a pin-up era silk negligee. Is it normal? Nope? Am I okay with it? One-hundred. As the young kids would say, I ship that random nightgown. Kathryn has made it her life’s mission to learn the intricacies of a white-tie affair. She’s not going to let Patricia one-up her by not knowing formal etiquette. Austen calls to make sure his ladies are wearing their dancing shoes. Check and check. Patricia arrives at her fancy soiree at the Hibernian Hall in a caftan fit for Kyle Richards. The rest of the crew assembles on the event with Ashley concerned with whether she allies. She doesn’t, and she knows it. Pleasantries are exchanged as we’re reintroduced to Jennifer Snowden welcoming T-Rav and his arm candy. The gang oohs and awws over floor length gowns and white gloves when J.D. Madison barges in wearing a giant fur coat. The full transformation to Boss Hogg is complete. Oh, and he’s with his once-estranged wife. As Cameran inquires about the state of T-Rav and Ashley’s relationship, Naomie struggles to pretend she’s fine with Craig’s plus-one. She focuses on the rumor that Ashley may not love Thomas for his cavalier attitude and fondness for solo cups. As the side pieces twitter about this gossip, Cameran asks if Ashley is preggers. No, think differently. Is she an escort? Finger to the nose, Cameran–spot on with your guess! Shep places a protective arm around Kathryn as they descend upon the steps as Cameran gives the third degree to Craig about his date. Whitney Sudler-Smith stops in his tracks watching this My Fair Lady moment. Patricia concurs. Has Kathryn changed? She’s not going to approach the red-headed siren, but she’s open to a conversation if Kat has the manners and the balls to kiss her pinkie ring. Shep and Kathryn decide to divide and conquer as the rest of the group trade faux compliments. Austen takes this protocol to another level by likening Ashley’s attire to Cruella De Vil. On the sidelines of being cast members, Jennifer makes sure everything is as it should be in the home of J.D. and Elizabeth Madison. Liz laughs off any infidelity and claims her marriage is a work in progress, but if Jennifer knows any single, society bachelors, she wouldn’t be opposed. As dinner begins, Patricia gives Austen a quick lesson in sitting like a penguin. Shep proves to be an entertaining date as he sneezes into Kathryn’s gloves. At least she knew to take them off which we can’t say for Craig’s date. Kathryn is fully aware that she’s being judged by Ms. Pat at every turn, and she’s fully aware she needs to be the bigger person and extend the olive branch. A table away, Jennifer tries to explain to Ashley what it means to be a bigger person when one is the significant other to a person who has kids with another. Ashley isn’t willing to be so courteous. Meanwhile, Kathryn is spitting nails about her former friendship with Jennifer while sitting just feet away.<doc-sep>To say I have mixed feelings about the Southern Charm finale is a major understatement. Don’t get me wrong, I have been looking forward to the Kathryn Dennis vs. Ashley Jacobs showdown all season, but at the same time I just don’t want Season 5 to end. Thankfully there are still reunion episodes to watch. Tonight’s finale is bound to be epic. There’s just something so entertaining about the cast arguing in evening gowns. Oh and the previews tease rumors that Ashley may be a hooker- which is bound to cause a lot of controversy at Patricia Altschul’s party. An episode description on the Bravo website begins, “After 5 years of constant tension, Patricia finally extends an olive branch and invites Kathryn to her Winter Ball.” I have been living for the Twitter alliance between these two and their #HiAshley tweets. I wonder if this Winter Ball is where their friendship started or if they started to get along after Season 5 filming finished up. And of course there’s some Craig Conover and Naomie Olindo drama when he brings a date to the event- even though they hadn’t been dating for a few months and she was adamant about not getting back together. Believe it or not, it isn’t Kathryn or Patricia that brings up that Ashley rumor. According to Bravo, “Austen [Kroll] tries to warn Thomas [Ravenel] that there’s a nasty rumor circulating about Ashley.” And by a “nasty rumor,” this is obviously about the escort gossip. The episode description says that Austen is “the one that gets burned by Ashley,” but that seems doubtful given the long-awaited Ashley vs. Kathryn argument. RELATED: Southern Charm Cast Reacts To Ashley Jacobs’ Meltdown Over Kathryn Dennis; Thomas Ravenel Does Damage Control TELL US- WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING DURING THE SEASON FINALE EPISODE? WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE STORY LINE THIS SEASON? [Photo Credit: Bravo]<doc-sep>Did Naomie Have Any Hope That Her and Craig Would Get Back Together? After a few challenging years, Kathryn C. Dennis has gotten her life majorly back on track this season of Southern Charm. And the Southern Charm crew has definitely taken notice. Everyone from Shep Rose to Cameran Eubanks to even Patricia Altschul has shared how impressed they are by the new Kathryn. But no one is more proud of how far the Southern Charm mom has come than her good friend Danni Baird. Danni shared on Twitter Thursday night that she has been "so proud" of Kathryn this season of Southern Charm. Kathryn responded to Danni's tweet, "I love you boo!!!" And then Danni continued to sing Kathryn's praises. "You more, my love. Over the last two years I’ve witnessed you show restraint and poise in the unlikeliest of circumstances. More-so than I could even comprehend," she shared on Twitter. "I just hope I can inspire someone else in the same capacity that you have me. Proud of you, boo." Yes folks... Twitter might just crash tonight 🙃😬. So proud of my @KathrynDennis this season. Man oh man... #southerncharm pic.twitter.com/RJZf44ysWC — Danni Baird (@DannaBaird) July 13, 2018 You more, my love. Over the last two years I’ve witnessed you show restraint and poise in the unlikeliest of circumstances. More-so than I could even comprehend. I just hope I can inspire someone else in the same capacity that you have me. Proud of you, boo. — Danni Baird (@DannaBaird) July 13, 2018 Danni has long been one of Kathryn's biggest supporters, but especially this season during her battle with depression and anxiety and her heated moments with Ashley Jacobs. Danni previously opened up to The Daily Dish about why Kathryn's confrontation with Ashley during the group's Hilton Head Island trip made her "the maddest I have ever been in my life." "Above all else, it's because Kathryn is like a little sister to me, and I've seen the amount of work and self-focus, like she's really paid attention to being constructive and focusing on her kids and her life. And she's been through an unimaginable amount of BS," she explained. "And to watch somebody just come in and try to barrel over her really kind of struck me." But Kathryn should be commended for the way she handled the situation, according to Danni. "I'm really, really proud of her. Her kids are the light of her life, and her focus is really on them, and she's just been able to navigate this dignity and composure that a lot of people wouldn't be able to do in the circumstances that have been thrown in front of her. All I can say is, 'Confidence is silent. Insecurities are loud.' Ashley was a siren with a megaphone and amplifier, and Kathryn just maintained her dignity," she shared. "I think it's a testament to how much progress she really has made. I'm really proud of her, and I think it's really obvious. Viewers, I'm sure, see it. Everybody sees it. And I think it's well deserved. The girl needed a break. Give the girl a break! And she has earned every ounce of positivity that she gets." Kathryn will open up more about this season of Southern Charm when the crew is back together at this season's reunion, which kicks off Thursday at 9/8c. See what's in store for the sit-down, below.<doc-sep>

Last night’s Southern Charm season 5 finale gave us one last terrible taste of Ashley (well, before the reunion) and it was even more enlightening and dramatic than expected, if that’s even possible at this point. When Kathryn shared with Naomie that she’d been tipped off on Instagram that Thomas’s girlfriend Ashley Jacobs just might be an escort, Naomie’s eyes widened in shock. However, those of us at home probably laughed and thought, “Yeah, that’s about right.” It quickly became the central drama of Patricia’s Winter Wonderland formal, with Austen being the one to deliver the news to Thomas as the other tables gossiped about it over dinner. Thomas brushed off as “not true” and “absurd,” but there was no actual denial, only a deflection from Ashley. And as I thought back on this season, I realized Ashley’s been dropping hints that she’s an escort the whole time. I know, sometimes rumors are just rumors, but also sometimes they’re the cold, hard truth. And this one has been the first piece of information that would make any sense about who this woman is and where she came from. Remember that shopping trip with Patricia, you know the one where Thomas took care of the bill for over $10k? It was when they tried to class her up via her clothing, calling her previous look too “California.” But when she references Pretty Woman, Patricia is quick to shut her down. Whoops, can’t give it away just yet! And that’s not the only parallel. Ashley’s earned a reputation as a “polo rat,” likely where she met Thomas when he was out playing the horse sport in Santa Barbara last spring. Cut to just a couple of episodes ago when she was the only one clapping at Thomas’s polo match, pretending to pay attention and trying to fit in with the crowd. Fans of ’90s rom-coms will remember Edward and Vivian’s key polo scene in Pretty Woman as well. Which brings us to last night’s attire. The red, off the shoulder dress with white gloves? Ashley is sending us Morse code messages through her wardrobe at this point. And this is no disrespect to actual escorts, who are probably much nicer and better at their jobs than she’s been. I’ll give her credit for being prepared: busting out a prop card that was likely just a DSW rewards card, as it definitely wasn’t a library card or probably one that proved she was an actual nurse either. She had references to Austen’s sister locked and loaded, a sensitive subject as it is, and when it came to Kathryn, she spared no terrible remark, repeatedly flinging the words “baby mama” in her direction. And yet! Ashley wasn’t even the worst part of this episode, somehow. That award goes to Jennifer Snowden. How she scurried her way into the formal event remains unknown, but she made everyone quite aware how desperately she was drooling to be back on the show by befriending and defending Ashley and inserting herself into any moment where a voice was raised. Jennifer has not once over five seasons contributed anything of worth to this show. She’s been a fake friend and an instigator and a completely useless waste of camera time. Next season, let’s go with 100% less Jennifer and 100% more of Wilson, Naomie’s roommate, who did everything with his one remarkable sentence (“You know it’s a party that’s not going well in your favor if everyone’s talking about how you’re a hooker”). This also could’ve been our last glimpse of Thomas with this group as there’s no way he can return for more next season, right? He was…fine in this episode, which was an all-around highly entertaining and satisfying finale, and perhaps the fact that he laid relatively low is a good note to go out on. Though there were more surprises to come. Previously, when Southern Charm hit us with a “Six Months Later…” it cut to Kensie crying and the revelation that Kathryn and Thomas had indeed had a baby together. This time, the show explained that the pair are getting along and co-parenting well, and that Kathryn now has 50/50 custody. Don’t let the significance of that slip by you: it’s a big step for her and that family and it damn near made me tear up with pride.

Sporting News went 4-0 with our Alliance of American Football picks last week, so we'll look to continue that success heading into the Week 3 games. The schedule this week is interesting as three of the four matchups feature an undefeated team going up against a winless one. Can Arizona, Birmingham and Orlando keep their streaks going against (on paper) easy matchups? Or can Salt Lake, Memphis and Atlanta get on the board in the win column? As always, there will be a pair of games both Saturday and Sunday. Betting odds are via BetOnline. AAF POWER RANKINGS: Orlando flexes, Atlanta flops entering Week 3 Alliance of American Football Week 3 TV schedule Matchup Time Network Arizona Hotshots at Salt Lake Stallions 3 p.m., Saturday B/R Live/ fuboTV Memphis Express at Orlando Apollos 8 p.m., Saturday NFL Net/ fuboTV Birmingham Iron at Atlanta Legends 4 p.m., Sunday CBSSN/ fuboTV San Antonio Commanders at San Diego Fleet 8 p.m., Sunday NFL Net/ fuboTV MORE: AAF stats after Week 2 games AAF predictions, odds, line for Week 3 games Hotshots (2-0) at Stallions (0-2) Spread: Hotshots -4.5 (-115) Over/under: 44 Don't let the records fool you, this should be a good game. Arizona squeaked by with a win last week while the Stallions just barely lost. As we pointed out in our power rankings, Salt Lake is easily the best of the winless teams this season. The Stallions should get QB Josh Woodrum back from injury this week, which will be a great improvement from Austin Allen, who completed less than half his passes in Week 2 action. Also, home field has proven to be an advantage in this league as road teams have only won once. Still, Arizona is one of the stronger rosters out there and it'll take a lot to defeat them. Who to watch: While the Hotshots' offense has been the main driver of the their wins, linebacker Steven Johnson is second in the league in solo tackles and has an interception on the season. He's a hard hitter who should make an impact. Arizona coach Rick Neuheisel said of him, "You can't take him off the field. He's that good." Prediction: Hotshots win 33-19 Express (0-2) at Apollos (2-0) Spread: Apollos -15 (-110) Over/under: 45 I'd like to tell you this will be a good game, but then I'd be lying. The Apollos have proven to be the top team in the league so far, and the Express, well, haven't. Memphis was shut out in Week 1 and blew a 12-0 lead in Week 2. Making matters worse, the Apollos play at home, and home teams in this league are a collective 7-1. Orlando just has too much offensive firepower, and the Express haven't shown a whole lot this season to make it seem like they're going to compete. Who to watch: Orlando WR Charles Johnson has been incredible to watch these first two games as he leads the league in receiving yards. Charles Johnson reigns supreme with a 90.8 overall grade - highest among WRs pic.twitter.com/qNRbkhYDjg — PFF_AAF (@PFF_AAF) February 21, 2019 Prediction: Apollos win 36-12 Iron (2-0) at Legends (0-2) Spread: Iron -6.5 (-110) Over/under: 38.5 This should be an interesting matchup as the Iron are 2-0 despite not looking overly impressive. Birmingham held a shutout in Week 1, but got a bit lucky with a win in Week 2 with a muffed-punt fumble recovery for a questionable touchdown. I'm ready for the Iron to lose, but it's hard to see them doing it to such a poor Legends team. Atlanta dropped to the bottom of our power rankings, with the Legends' defense allowing the most points while the offense is second-worst in yards per game. Atlanta does have home-field advantage, but it doesn't feel like enough to overcome Birmingham's tough defense. Who to watch: Once again we'll go with Luis Perez, a quarterback who will likely get invited to an NFL training camp. He's fourth in passing yards and he's the only starting QB to not throw an interception. He also is without a touchdown on the season, but he's been able to move drives, which allow Trent Richardson (3 TDs) to punch it in on the goal line. Prediction: Iron win 16-11 Commanders (1-1) at Fleet (1-1) Spread: Fleet -2.5 (-105) Over/under: 43.5 We already saw these two teams go at it in Week 1 when the Commanders won 15-6. San Antonio played great defense in that one, forcing the Fleet into three turnovers while sacking their quarterback six times. But we saw an improved Fleet team in Week 2 as they found their rhythm by rushing the ball rather than throwing. San Diego also gets home field advantage in this one, a major difference from the first matchup. Who to watch: Fleet running back Ja'Quan Gardner had a great game in the first matchup, rushing eight times for 55 yards (6.9 ypc). They relied on him more in Week 2 and he finished with 104 yards and two touchdowns. Prediction: Fleet win 29-27<doc-sep>The Alliance of American Football is back for Week 3, and Steve Spurrier’s Orland Apollos will take the field Saturday night at home as massive favorites to improve to 3-0. The Apollos have been one of the most impressive teams since the AAF season began earlier this month, and they’ll be taking on a team still seeking its first win. There are a total of four games this weekend, two each on Saturday and Sunday. All odds via Action Network. Arizona Hotshots (2-0) at Salt Lake Stallions (0-2) Game time: 3:00 p.m. ET Channel: B/R Live (free stream) Point spread: Arizona -4.5 Venue: Rice-Eccles Stadium Memphis Express (0-2) at Orlando Apollos (2-0) Game time: 8:00 p.m. ET Channel: NFL Network Point spread: Orlando -15 Venue: Spectrum Stadium<doc-sep>The AAF continues on into its third week this weekend, staying afloat in part thanks to a $250 million investment from Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon last week. The league’s interest continues to be strong, however, drawing respectable ratings numbers in week two. Last week was a big one for former Packers in the AAF. San Antonio Commanders defenders Joey Mbu and Jayrone Elliott combined for a sack-fumble returned for a touchdown, Orlando Apollos wideout Charles Johnson had over 190 receiving yards and a score, and Salt Lake Stallioins running back Joel Bouagnon rushed for 70 yards and a touchdown as well. Also pitching in on the stat sheets were linebacker Beniquez Brown (9 tackles and a sack for the Birmingham Iron) and pass-rusher Chris Odom (1/2 sack for Salt Lake). This week, the Eastern Conference can see a major divide separate between the top two and bottom two teams, while the West is more bunched up. Tune in and follow along this weekend. Arizona Hotshots at Salt Lake Stallions Saturday, February 23rd 1:00 PM MT (3:00 ET) Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT Broadcast: Bleacher Report Live Memphis Express at Orlando Apollos Saturday, February 23rd 8:00 PM ET Camping World Stadium, Orlando, FL Broadcast: NFL Network Birmingham Iron at Atlanta Legends Sunday, February 24th 4:00 PM ET Georgia State Stadium, Atlanta, GA Broadcast: CBS Sports Network San Antonio Commanders at San Diego Fleet Sunday, February 24th 5:00 PM PT (8:00 ET) SDCCU Stadium, San Diego, CA Broadcast: NFL Network Current Standings Western Conference Arizona Hotshots (2-0) San Antonio Commanders (1-1) Salt Lake Stallions (1-1) San Diego Fleet (0-2) Eastern Conference<doc-sep>We’re heading into Week 3 of the AAF, and the good teams are starting to distance themselves from the bad teams. For those of you wanting Mike Singletary’s Memphis Express to be in the lead of this thing, they are yet to win a game. They failed to score in Week 1, and then lost their Week 2 matchup against the Arizona Hotshots 20-18. So the fun of Singletary is quickly wearing off. That leaves us with three other games. The big game to watch for is Birmingham Iron vs. Atlanta Legends. The game is on Sunday and has what what should be a slobberknocker of defensive proportions. Is it going to be a high-scoring game? Doubt it, but it should be fun nevertheless. The offensive game to watch will be the first game of the weekend and that’s the Arizona Hotshots vs. the Salt Lake Stallions. They have some of the better offenses in the league and have the makings of a fun game. Rather than us do a thread for each day, we’re going to make a single thread for both days and bump this back up on Sunday. Enjoy football in late February everyone. Saturday Arizona Hotshots at Salt Lake Stallions Where: Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, Utah When: February 23, 2019 | 01:00 P.M. PST TV: CBS Online Streaming: B/R Live Memphis Express at Orlando Appolos Where: Spectrum Stadium, Orlando, Florida When: February 23, 2019 | 5:00 P.M. PST TV: NFL Network Online Streaming: fuboTV (stream) Sunday Birmingham Iron at Atlanta Legends Where: Georgia State Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia When: February 24, 2019 | 1:00 P.M. PST TV: CBS Sports Network Online Streaming: CBS Sports Network San Antonio Commanders at San Diego Fleet Where: SDCCU Stadium, San Diego California When: February 24, 2019 | 5:00 P.M. PST TV: NFL Network Online Streaming: fuboTV (stream)<doc-sep>

After two weeks of play, we’re starting to get a picture of how the Alliance of American Football is shaping up. The AAF will begin its slate of Week 3 games on Saturday and Sunday, and they do so with three undefeated teams, three winless teams, and two sitting at 1-1. Week 3 broadcasting information includes games on the NFL Network, CBS Sports Network and live streaming on B/R Live. The Birmingham Iron and Orlando Apollos have been standouts so far, and they’re joined by the Arizona Hotshots in the undefeated column. The teams that have struggled are the Memphis Express, Atlanta Legends and Salt Lake City Stallions. Finally, the San Antonio Commanders and San Diego Fleet sit at 1-1. None of the undefeated teams will face each other in Week 3, so there is a chance all three make it through unscathed. The first game on Saturday, between Arizona and Salt Lake City, will be live streamed on B/R Live and will not be televised. Below is all the TV and other viewing information you need to follow the action in Week 3 of the Alliance of American Football. How to watch AAF Week 3 action All times Eastern Saturday, Feb. 23 Arizona Hotshots at Salt Lake Stallions Location: Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, Utah Time: 3 p.m. TV: N/A Online Streaming: B/R Live Memphis Express at Orlando Apollos Location: Spectrum Stadium, Orlando, Fla. Time: 8 p.m. TV: NFL Network Online Streaming: FuboTV, NFL Sunday, Feb. 24 Birmingham Iron at Atlanta Legends Location: Georgia State Stadium, Atlanta, Ga. Time: 4 p.m. TV: CBS Sports Network Online Streaming: FuboTV, CBS Sports San Antonio Commanders at San Diego Fleet Location: SDCCU Stadium, San Diego, Calif. Time: 8 p.m. TV: NFL Network Online Streaming: FuboTV, NFL

A man attempting to kill venomous spiders with a blowtorch likely caused a California house fire on Tuesday night, according to local media reports. The man, 23, used a blow torch on the exterior brick of his parents' Fresno home in an attempt to kill black widow spiders, the Los Angeles Times reports. The man's parents were not home when the incident occurred, the paper says. Capt. Robert Castillo of the Fresno Fire Department told the publication that the brick had a crack in it, which allowed material inside the home to catch on fire. More than two dozen firefighters responded to the two-alarm blaze, which damaged the home's second story and attic, KFSN reports. The fire caused no injuries, the station says. MORE:Firefighters rescue small dog that got stuck in ceiling duct Black widow spiders are commonly found in populated areas in California, according to the University of California. While bites are rare, they can be extremely painful. Even so, Castillo advised against the blowtorch approach. “This is definitely not the preferred method to exterminate spiders in and around your home,” he told the Times.<doc-sep>A man has accidentally burnt down a house after using a blowtorch to try and get rid of spiders, which you might think is overkill, but I think is probably about right. The man was looking after his parents' place in Fresno, California, when he saw a number of 'dangerous spiders' in the property, 6 ABC reports. Loading… Firefighters said the man was trying to kill black widow spiders in the house and picked up a blowtorch. Advert 10 In total 29 firefighters were called out to deal with the fire. Fortunately, he was able to make it out of the property safely and no one else was in the house at the time. The fate of the spiders is not known, but it's not looking good. If you're a fellow arachnophobe, you might not be surprised to learn that this isn't the first time this has happened. Last year, a man also decided that a home-made blowtorch was preferable to the old piece of card and a glass combo and ended up setting his house ablaze. Advert 10 A man from Seattle used a can of spray paint and a lighter to tackle a spider he found in the laundry room of his home. The fire quickly got out of hand, and ended up causing $60,000 (£46,489) worth of damage. Advert 10 A spokesperson for the Seattle Fire Department said: "I don't want to encourage people to do this, but that's what he did. The spider tried to get into the wall. He sprayed flames on the wall, lit the wall on fire, and that extended up to the ceiling. "There are safer, more effective ways to kill a spider than using fire." You're not wrong pal, and yet, people still seem to think it's the best course of action; including an Arizona man who found a nest of spiderwebs under his property and thought a blowtorch would be just the ticket to get rid of them. But it didn't quite go to plan and before he knew it, he was dealing with a massive fire. The man had to then go on a bit of a rescue mission to ensure his elderly neighbour was safe. Luckily, both he and she got out with just minor injuries. Advert 10<doc-sep>Image 1 of 2 ▼ Authorities say a man apparently set a California home on fire while using a blowtorch to kill spiders. A total of 29 firefighters were called to a Fresno housing development Tuesday night to put out a two-alarm blaze. Authorities say a man was house-sitting for his parents when he tried to kill black widow spiders with a blowtorch. He got out safely, but the home's attic and second story were damaged. Although the exact cause of the blaze is under investigation, firefighters believe the blowtorch was to blame. There's no word on what happened to the spiders. Fresno firefighters tweeted, "Please don't use a blowtorch to kill spiders." Advertisement Video: Courtesy of KGPE<doc-sep>

A man has become the second person in just over a year to use a blowtorch to attack a spider infestation at his home and accidentally burn his house down. The man was house-sitting for his parents in Fresno, California, when he noticed a number of dangerous spiders in the home, according to officials. He saw only one answer to the problem – blowtorch. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Firefighters say the man was attempting to kill black widows on Tuesday night when the building caught fire. He made it out safely and no-one else was home at the time, the fire brigade said. Amazon mocked for AmaZen mental health 'cry closets' set up on factory floor The house itself was not so lucky, with the blaze causing damage to the second storey and attic of the building. A total of 29 firefighters were called to the scene. The exact cause of the fire has not yet been officially determined but firefighters told local reporters they believe the blowtorch is to blame. The fire affected the second floor of the house as well as its attic (Picture: 6abcNews) It comes almost a year to the day that an unnamed man from Tucson, Arizona, was suspected of using a propane torch to kill spiders and burn spiderwebs underneath his mobile home. He accidentally created a massive blaze that required 23 firefighters and completely gutted his house. Fire crews called to the scene at that time described seeing an elderly woman being carried out of the burning house by her son and several neighbours.

Andy Murray appears in only his third tournament of the year, live on Sky tonight Andy Murray makes his return to competitive action at the Citi Open in Washington, live on Sky Sports Arena from 9.30pm tonight. Murray faces world No 77 Mackenzie McDonald of the USA in the first round of what will be only his third tournament of the year to date. The former world No 1 underwent hip surgery after injuring himself in January, ruling him out for most of the season, before making a late surge for Wimbledon which was aborted after concerns over five-set matches. He featured at Queen's Club, where he fell to defeat to Kyrgios in the first round, followed by a wildcard entry at the Eastbourne International where he beat Stan Wawrinka but lost to current British No 1 Edmund in round two. However, after intense training at his base in Miami, Murray is now ready to return. The Scot will then move on to the Rogers Cup in Toronto, the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati and then faces a week off before the fourth and final Grand Slam of the year - the US Open at Flushing Meadows. Murray, who won the US Open in 2012, was seen playing tennis with former Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney on Saturday. Top-seed Alexander Zverev is the current champion and will be joined by British duo Murray and Kyle Edmund, as well as second-seed John Isner and Australian No 1 Nick Kyrgios, to name a few. We have the US hardcourts covered from all angles via our website skysports.com/tennis. On the move? Head to our app for mobile devices and iPad, or follow our Twitter account @SkySportsTennis to join in the conversation. Never miss the big kick-off or have to deal with interrupted games or low-quality streams with a NOW TV Sky Sports Pass this summer. You'll get exclusive coverage of the Ryder Cup, ATP Tour and loads more, starting from just £7.99. No contract.<doc-sep>Staged at the Rock Creek Park Tennis Center, the Citi Open in Washington had started back in 1969 on the initiative from Arthur Ashe and it became a part of the Open era a year later, staying in the calendar ever since. It gathered a strong field of players right from the beginning, earning the status of one of the most important events in the United States. Until 1986, the surface was green Har-Tru clay and since then it switched to hard courts, which remained the surface until today. Ken Rosewall, Tony Roche, Arthur Ashe, Guillermo Vilas, Jimmy Connors, Ivan Lendl, Andre Agassi, Stefan Edberg, Michael Chang, Andy Roddick, Lleyton Hewitt, Juan Martin del Potro, Milos Raonic and Kei Nishikori have all won title here in the past, and Agassi is the clear leader with five crowns in the capital between 1990-1999. Alexander Zverev is the defending champion and the top seed, leading a strong field of players that will fight for the title and 500 ATP points. Sascha will play against Evgeny Donskoy or Malek Jaziri in the second round and he could face his brother Mischa in round three. Denis Shapovalov, Daniil Medvedev, Stan Wawrinka and Kei Nishikori are all packed in the top quarter and it should be interesting to see who will reach the semis from there. David Goffin returns to action for the first time since opening round loss at Wimbledon and he will have to beat the names like Frances Tiafoe, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Jared Donaldson and Nick Kyrgios (he retired in Atlanta due to hip problems) if he wants to reach the last four. The third quarter is also interesting, with Andy Murray who could face Kyle Edmund in round two if he beats Mackenzie McDonald in the opening match. Steve Johnson, Benoit Paire, Alex de MInaur and Hyeon Chung are also in contention to go deep but all eyes will be set on the Briton who is trying to make a return after withdrawing from Wimbledon. John Isner was forced to skip Washington in 2017 due to a knee injury (he won Atlanta in the previous week) and he is the favorite to reach the semis from the bottom quarter, facing Lucas Pouille, Denis Kudla, Karen Khachanov, Andrey Rublev, Tommy Paul and Noah Rubin en route to the last four at the event where he lost three finals including his first on the Tour 11 years ago. Full draw: ↓ SHOW DRAW ↓ [1]Alexander Zverev (GER) vs Bye Evgeny Donskoy (RUS) vs Malek Jaziri (TUN) [WC]Tim Smyczek (USA) vs Ricardas Berankis (LTU) [15]Mischa Zverev (GER) vs Bye [9]Denis Shapovalov (CAN) vs Bye [WC]Daniil Medvedev (RUS) vs Qualifier [WC]Stan Wawrinka (SUI) vs Qualifier [7]Kei Nishikori (JPN) vs Bye vs ByeEvgeny Donskoy (RUS) vs Malek Jaziri (TUN)[WC]Tim Smyczek (USA) vs Ricardas Berankis (LTU)vs Byevs Bye[WC]Daniil Medvedev (RUS) vs Qualifier[WC]Stan Wawrinka (SUI) vs Qualifiervs Bye [3]David Goffin (BEL) vs Bye Pierre-Hugues Herbert (FRA) vs Qualifier Ilya Ivashka (BLR) vs Hubert Hurkacz (POL) [13]Frances Tiafoe (USA) vs Bye [10]Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) vs Bye Jared Donaldson (USA) vs Jordan Thompson (AUS) [PR]James Duckworth (AUS) vs Qualifier [5]Nick Kyrgios (AUS) vs Bye [8]Hyeon Chung (KOR) vs Bye Marcos Baghdatis (CYP) vs Benoit Paire (FRA) Vasek Pospisil (CAN) vs Alex de Minaur (AUS) [11]Steve Johnson (USA) vs Bye [14]Jeremy Chardy (FRA) vs Bye Mirza Basic (BIH) vs Marius Copil (ROU) Mackenzie McDonald (USA) vs Andy Murray (GBR) [4]Kyle Edmund (GBR) vs Bye [6]Lucas Pouille (FRA) vs Bye Yuichi Sugita (JPN) vs Qualifier Lukas Lacko (SVK) vs Denis Kudla (USA) [12]Karen Khachanov (RUS) vs Bye [16]Andrey Rublev (RUS) vs Bye [WC]Tommy Paul (USA) vs Qualifier [WC]Noah Rubin (USA) vs Mikhail Youzhny (RUS) [2]John Isner (USA) vs Bye ALSO READ: Daniil Medvedev and Tommy Paul join Wawrinka with Washington wild cards<doc-sep>Story highlights Murray says he is exhausted after two three-set encounters in two days The former No. 1 is returning from hip injury (CNN) An emotional Andy Murray sobbed into his towel on the side of the court after a grueling victory over world No. 93 Marius Copil in Washington -- a game that finished at 3 a.m. Friday local time. Hours later, tournament organizers confirmed on their website that Murray had withdrawn from Washington's Citi Open due to fatigue and would not play in the quarterfinals. He also will not compete in the Rogers Cup next week in Toronto, they said. "I'm exhausted after playing so much over the past four days, having not competed on the hard courts for 18 months," Murray said in a statement. "I also need to be careful and to listen to my body as I come from a long-term injury." Murray, who continues his return from hip surgery, overcame the Romanian 6-7 6-3 7-6 in his second three-set encounter in two days, having previously defeated fellow Briton Kyle Edmund. "Just the emotions coming at the end of an extremely long day and a long match," Murray, 31, said of his reaction to the Copil match, after which he sat crying into his towel for several minutes. Read More<doc-sep>Former ATP No. 1 Andy Murray has been recovering from a hip injury that's kept him out of every major since Wimbledon in 2017, so the last thing he needs is a weird scheduling quirk to force him further out of his comfort zone as he tries to return in time for the US Open. Enter the Citi Open in Washington D.C., in which Murray started a match at midnight that he needed to play until 3 a.m. to win. The late start was due to inclement weather. Murray, who withdrew from Wimbledon last month to continue his recovery for his hip, which he had surgery on in January, defeated Marius Copil in three sets 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 7-6 (7-4). After the Round of 16 match, Murray sat in his chair and cried into a towel, according to The Washington Post. Murray has played three sets in each Citi Open match (best of threes), and he's played for over 2 1/2 hours every time. Murray went on to criticize the scheduling that forced him to play into Friday morning. "Finishing matches at 3 in the morning is not good," he said, per The Post. "It's not good for the players. It's not good for anyone, I don't think, involved in the event. It's not good for fans, TV. Nobody." After his match against Copil, Murray may have seen enough for the time being. He doesn't seem sold on playing on Friday. At the very least, he doesn't feel it should have to be a decision he has to make. "I'm giving my view right now as someone who's just come back from a very, very long injury layoff," he said. "I don't think I should be put in a position like that, when you're expected to come out and perform the next day. I don't think it's reasonable. And I'm disappointed with that, because I know that the weather's tricky and I know it is for the scheduling, but it's a very difficult position to be in." Murray has been very measured in his rehab. The 31-year-old said that he didn't want to play in Wimbledon last month just to play it. He wanted to be competitive. This marks the first time he's advanced to a quarterfinal in his comeback bid, so it's a step in the right direction. Should Murray elect to play Alex de Minaur on Friday, his match will begin at 8:30 p.m. The US Open, meanwhile, will begin at the end of August. Presumably that's what Murray is striving for.<doc-sep>

Last updated on .From the section Tennis Andy Murray has pulled out of his Washington Open quarter-final on Friday after only finishing his last-16 win at 03:02 local time earlier the same day. The 31-year-old Briton, playing in his third tournament after hip surgery, was due to play Australian Alex de Minaur. The former world number one broke down in tears after beating Romanian Marius Copil in the early hours of Friday. Murray has also withdrawn from next week's Rogers Cup in Toronto to continue his recovery. The Scot says he will now focus on preparing for the Cincinnati Masters, which starts on 13 August. "I'm exhausted after playing so much over the past four days, having not competed on the hard courts for 18 months," Murray said. "I also need to be careful and to listen to my body as I come back from a long-term injury." Murray won three matches in four days at the Citi Open in Washington, sobbing on court after completing his last-16 victory over Copil at 03:02 local time on Friday. He made his comeback after an 11-month absence at Queen's in June and also played at Eastbourne before deciding he was not fit enough to compete at Wimbledon last month. Speaking after beating Copil, Murray said: "My body doesn't feel great right now. Finishing matches at three in the morning isn't good for anyone involved in the event - players, TV, fans, anyone. "When you're expected to come back and perform the next day, I think that's unreasonable." Before his withdrawal, tournament director Keely O'Brien responded to Murray's comments by claiming the Briton pulling out of the quarter-final would send out a negative message. "I hope that Andy really takes into consideration this role in his sport and as a global role model to guys and girls on the tour and kids around the world that when things are difficult and tough and the conditions aren't great that it's not OK to just give up," O'Brien told the Washington Post. "I hope we see him on court tonight fighting like he did last night, because that, I believe, is the right message for anyone in this sport. "Certainly if he can't play because of his injury that's one thing. But he's a fighter, and he doesn't give up, and he needs to have everyone see that." After Murray announced his withdrawal, O'Brien said: "I sincerely respect his decision and know that his health and recovery process is his top priority, as it should be." 'I need to be smart with my rest and recovery' Andy Murray is currently number 832 in the world but will rise up the rankings next week After pulling out of Wimbledon on the eve of the tournament, Murray turned his attention to building his fitness for the American hard-court season. The three-time Grand Slam champion was given wildcards at Washington, Toronto and Cincinnati, all important tournaments leading up to the US Open. The fourth and final Grand Slam of the year starts at Flushing Meadows in New York on 27 August. Following wins in Washington over Mackenzie McDonald, Kyle Edmund and Copil, all three-set matches, Murray decided it would be better to miss the Rogers Cup - which he won in 2009, 2010 and 2015 - and go straight to Cincinnati. "I need to be smart with my rest and recovery," Murray said. "My plan is to head to Cincinnati early next week. Appreciate all the support this week in Washington, it's amazing to be back playing."

About Matthew Levatich Age 56 Years Birth January 7, 1965 Ithaca, New York Gender Male Spouse Brenda Levatich Children Sam Levatich, Max Levatich Siblings Tim Levatich Parents Ann Levatich Address Mequon, Wisconsin Country United States Nationality American Job President and CEO Alumni Caroline Elementary School, DeWitt Junior High School, Ithaca High School, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Northwestern University – Kellogg School of Management Works For Harley Davidson Matthew Levatich, President and CEO of Harley-Davidson, recently revealed that the motorcycle giant is planning to move some of its manufacturing for their European customers abroad to avert the EU’s retaliatory tariffs. Many people, especially Harley-Davidson fans, are curious to know about Matthew Levatich’s bio after the news broke. In an interview this past April, Matt Levatich, Harley-Davidson’s president and CEO, said that he decided to move the motorcycle manufacturer’s production overseas after President Donald Trump removed the United States from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which is a free-trade agreement with 11 nations. Matthew Levatich has garnered a lot of interest since he made his decision. And President Donald Trump is not very happy with it. Advertisement Here are some details from Matthew Levatich’s wiki. Matthew Levatich’s Early Life Born on January 7, 1965, Matthew Levatich is 53 years old. He was born in Ithaca, New York in Tompkins County Hospital. Levatich attended Caroline Elementary School. He later attended DeWitt Junior High School and then Ithaca High School. Growing up, Levatich was a Boy Scout. He was highly involved in sports during high school, running track as a freshman (800 meters) and playing lacrosse. Although he was never a part of the school’s hockey team, Levatich played hockey throughout his high school years. Advertisement He graduated from high school in 1983 and left the area to attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1987. Advertisement Levatich then went to the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and obtained a Master of Engineering Management and a Master of Business Administration in Marketing, Finance, and Organizational Behaviour. He graduated from there in 1994. He always had a keen interest in manufacturing and enjoyed going to factories to learn how things were made. Levatich had technical aptitude skills from a young age and was interested in product design. Matthew Levatich’s Career Before working at Harley-Davidson, Levatich was as a process engineer at Albany International, Inc. He worked there for five years. He was also a manufacturing analyst at FMC for a brief period in 1993. Advertisement In 1994, Levatich started working for Harley-Davidson. He started off as a manufacturing project engineer. To explore more opportunities for the business, Levatich, along with his wife and six-month-old son, moved to England in 1996. After returning from England, he worked on the Harley-Davidson Museum project. He was leading the project for many years to make it a reality. Advertisement Things changed for Levatich in 2003 when he became the vice president of materials management for Harley-Davidson Motor Company. He was responsible for overseeing the company’s global supply chain and logistics and purchasing Harley-Davidson’s direct and indirect materials. He held the position for four years. Later, Levatich became the vice president and general manager of parts and accessories at Harley-Davidson. The motorcycle manufacturer decided to purchase Italian sports bike company MV Agusta Group. Thanks to Levatich’s time in Europe, coupled with his product development experience and business integration skills, he was asked to run MV Agusta Group in Italy. He was the president and managing director at MV Agusta Motor S.p.A from August 2008 to April 2009. When Harley-Davidson’s business was challenged during the economic crisis in 2018, the Board of Directors decided to get a new CEO after the retirement of the former. They asked Levatich to become the president of the company. In May 2009, Levatich became the president and COO of Harley-Davidson Motor Company. He oversaw everything having to do with the motorcycle giant’s bikes, clothes, accessory, and parts, including global marketing, product development and engineering, and manufacturing. Levatich is currently the president and CEO of Harley-Davidson Inc. He was promoted to the position in May 2015. Additionally, Levatich serves on the board of directors for Emerson, which is a global manufacturing and technology firm based in St. Louis. He is also on the executive advisory board for Northwestern’s Master of Management and Manufacturing Program. Matthew Levatich’s Salary Since Levatich holds a prominent position in the company, he made $8.8 million in total compensation. He earned around $1.0 million as estimated salary. He also received $2.7 million in bonuses and $4.8 million in stock, as well as other compensation amounting to $103,382. Matthew Levatich’s Love for Motorcycles The first motorbike that Levatich ever rode was a 125 CC dirt bike in the early ‘70s. He was around eight years old, and he rode it until he got his car license. Levatich has two bikes, a Softail Slim and a Harley XR1200X, which he will never sell because it’s black, aggressive, and sporty. His wife also has a bike. Thanks to his job, Levatich gets to ride a lot of bikes, including those manufactured by competitors. He does this to improve Harley-Davidson’s products. Matthew Levatich’s Family Life Levatich’s mother, Ann Levatich, still lives in Ellis Hollow on the east side of Ithaca. His father was a local architect. And when Levatich was 16-year-old, his father helped him to get his Volkswagen Beetle up and running. The 53-year-old has a brother named Tim Levatich, who lives in Ithaca, New York. He is married to Dawn Debus Levatich, and the couple has two sons together. Matthew Levatich’s wife is Brenda Levatich. They have been married for almost 28 years now. Brenda Levatich is from El Paso, Illinois. She studied at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and graduated in 1987. Brenda and Matthew Levatich’s son, Sam Levatich, studied at Yale University and currently works as a software engineer at Facebook. He lives in Seattle, Washington. Matthew Levatich’s youngest son, Max Levatich, lives in Mequon Wisconsin and is presently studying at Yale University. He is all set to graduate in 2020.<doc-sep>Snap-on Chairman and CEO Nicholas Pinchuk on Thursday addressed President Donald Trump’s attacks on Harley-Davidson for its plans to shift some operations overseas after retaliatory European Union tariffs against U.S. imports. "If he did that to us, we wouldn't like it. But we'd defend ourselves in the situation," Pinchuk told CNBC's “Squawk Box,” explaining Snap-on tools and equipment sold in the U.S. are made in America. However, he said it would be “just inefficient” to manufacture only in the U.S. "It's hard to lob 70,000 SKUs, [or] different products, 10,000 miles and 12 time zones.” Snap-on, with factories in Europe, South America and China, makes its products "in the markets in which we sell," he added. Trump has been harshly criticizing Harley this week, using Twitter to blast the iconic American motorcycle brand, whose executives appeared with the president in February 2017 at a White House event to highlight U.S. manufacturers. Harley-Davidson should stay 100% in America, with the people that got you your success. I’ve done so much for you, and then this. Other companies are coming back where they belong! We won’t forget, and neither will your customers or your now very HAPPY competitors Harley said Monday that the new EU tariffs implemented last Friday would increase the average cost per motorcycle by about $2,200. The company said no production will be moving to Europe, pointing to its overseas manufacturing plants in Brazil, India, Australia and Thailand. In the U.S., Harley is shutting down a Kansas City, Missouri, factory and transferring operations to York, Pennsylvania. Both Snap-on and Harley-Davidson are headquartered in Wisconsin where Trump was Thursday for the ceremonial groundbreaking of a massive $10 billion Foxconn assembly complex. I am in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for meetings. Soon to leave for a big groundbreaking for Foxconn, which is building a great new electronics plant in Wisconsin. 15,000 Jobs, so great Taiwan-based Foxconn is the world's largest electronics contract manufacturer. It puts together Apple iPhones and other products for technology companies. Foxconn chose Wisconsin for its new factory after being prodded by Trump and others, including outgoing House Speaker Paul Ryan, whose congressional district in Wisconsin will host the plant. — CNBC's Evelyn Cheng and The Associated Press contributed to this report.<doc-sep>

President Donald Trump attacked Harley-Davidson over its decision to shift some of its motorcycle production out of the US. But many of Trump's policies helped contribute to Harley-Davidson's decision. Everything from steel tariffs to the decision to pull the US out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership helped contribute to Harley's move. President Donald Trump is targeting Harley-Davidson for its decision to move some of its manufacturing out of the US, but the president may be to blame for pushing the iconic motorcycle company away. Harley-Davidson announced Monday that it would move some production of its motorcycles out of the US to overseas facilities, calling it a result of Trump's recent trade fights with the European Union. The firm said the increased costs to ship US-made motorcycles to the EU — roughly $2,200 per unit — made it necessary to shift production. Trump slammed Harley's decision on Twitter and said during a meeting with Republican lawmakers that the company was just using tariffs as an excuse, since the company previously announced the opening of a plant in Thailand. But Chad Bown, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, pointed out that Trump hit Harley-Davidson with a "triple whammy" of policy changes that helped to push the company towards its decision. Those three factors were: Steel and aluminum tariffs: Harley uses a significant amount of steel in the production of its motorcycles, so Trump's 25% tariff on steel imports to the US will hurt the company's bottom line. According to an analysis by Wedbush Securities, the steel tariff alone could push up the company's costs by $30 million a year. By increasing the cost of manufacturing motorcycles in the US, Trump incentivized Harley to move more of the production offshore, where steel could be sourced at a lower cost. Ending the steel tariff exemption for the European Union: The second hit came from the European Union's tariff on US-made motorcycles, a policy that came in response to Trump's decision to end the steel and aluminum tariff exemption for the EU. In the filing announcing the production shift, Harley said the EU motorcycle tariff would push up their costs by $30 million to $45 million a year. Given that Europe is the second-largest market for the company, finding a cost effective way to maintain access to the continent is important. Pulling the US out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership: While the US is still Harley's largest market, Asia and South America are also important components of the company's long-term growth prospects. When Trump pulled the US out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the president also killed Harley's chances of being able to access key countries in those markets with little to no trade barriers. In fact, Harley-Davidson CEO Matt Levatich told Bloomberg in April that the company decided to go all-in on the new factory in Thailand because of the TPP withdrawal. There are certainly other reasons that Harley-Davidson is starting to move more and more of its production away from the US — cheaper labor costs and the ease of transportation to international markets, for instance. But the company's move has been aided by Trump's policies.

(Reuters) - Florida’s legislature on Wednesday passed a bill allowing teachers to carry guns in the classroom, expanding a program launched after the deadly high school shooting in Parkland with the aim of preventing another such massacre. Florida’s House of Representatives voted 65 to 47 to pass the bill after hours of debate over two days in which the Republican majority thwarted Democratic efforts to amend, stall or kill the measure. Florida’s Senate approved it 22 to 17 last week. Republican Governor Ron DeSantis is expected to sign the bill into law, enabling school districts wishing to take part in the voluntary Guardian program to arm those teachers who pass a 144-hour training course. On Feb. 14, 2018, a former student armed with a semiautomatic rifle opened fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, killing 17 people and wounding 17 others. President Donald Trump and the National Rifle Association have argued an armed teacher could provide the best defense against a shooter bent on mass murder. Opponents questioned whether the solution to gun violence should be the presence of even more guns and warned of the danger of a teacher misfiring during a crisis or police mistaking an armed teacher for the assailant. Passage marks a victory for gun-rights advocates, who were on the defensive a year ago when Parkland students inspired nationwide protests in favor of gun control. After the Parkland shooting, Florida lawmakers rushed through legislation that required schools to place at least one armed staff member or law-enforcement officer at each campus. The law also imposed a three-day waiting period for gun purchases and raised the age limit for buying rifles from 18 to 21 - remarkable measures in a gun-friendly state. Although last year’s law allowed some school personnel to carry weapons, guns were still banned from the classroom. Backers of arming classroom teachers revived the issue this year, arguing that school shootings often erupt too quickly for law enforcement to respond. In anticipation of passage, school employees in 40 of Florida’s 67 counties already enrolled in or planned to take the 144-hour course, a spokesman for the Speaker of the House said. Some counties have resolved not to participate in the Guardian program. Florida’s gun-control advocates had made stopping the proposal a top priority, among them Moms Demand Action For Gun Sense, which is funded by billionaire and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.<doc-sep>(CNN) — The Florida House passed a controversial school safety bill that would allow teachers to carry guns on campus. The bill passed Wednesday, and is headed to the desk of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis. It is based on recommendations made by the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission after the Parkland massacre last year. The bill expands on the measure signed last year that imposed new restrictions on firearm sales and allowed some teachers and staff to carry guns in school, CNN affiliate WFOR reported. The measure headed to the governor’s desk allows school districts to opt-in to the program and is not a requirement for teachers or districts, CNN affiliate WFOR reported. Teachers from districts that choose to join the program will have to undergo police-style training, psychiatric evaluation and drug screening. “Broward County School Board voted on a resolution against arming teachers in March 2018. We do not believe arming teachers is the best way to make our schools safe,” Broward Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie said in a statement. Rep. Dane Eagle supported the bill and said it does not mean all teachers will have weapons at their disposal. “There is no line where we are handing out guns to teachers that walk through a door,” Eagle said.<doc-sep>A hugely unpopular measure to allow Florida teachers to carry guns in their classrooms was approved by state legislators late on Wednesday after a lengthy and contentious debate that left some lawmakers in tears. Two days of high emotion in state capital, Tallahassee, ended with the Republican-controlled Florida house voting 65-47 to approve a wide-ranging school safety bill that expands the “armed guardian” programme, set up after the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school massacre, to include trained educators. The controversial bill, earlier approved along party lines in the Florida senate, now heads to the desk of Governor Ron DeSantis, who is expected to sign it into law. “Armed teachers have no place in our kids’ classrooms,” said Gay Valimont, volunteer leader of the Florida chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, one of a number of advocacy groups that opposed the proposal. “The risks of arming teachers are well documented, as is the research indicating there are much better ways to keep our kids safe in school. We implore Governor DeSantis to listen to Floridians and veto this risky bill.” Passions ran high in the Florida house on Wednesday as Democratic politicians, who persuaded five Republicans to break party lines and vote against the measure, railed against the provision that allows county school boards to place guns in the hands of teacher volunteers. At times shouting into the microphone, Shevrin Jones, a black state congressman from Broward county where the Stoneman Douglas shooting took place, envisaged a scenario in which an armed educator faced a rowdy classroom and felt overwhelmed. “What happens when that teacher feels threatened?” he said, before engaging in a heated debate about race in which he suggested teachers needed to address any prejudices they held before choosing to arm themselves. Jones missed the subsequent vote, blaming a medical episode and hospital visit following “the emotional debate” that he said would result in several days’ bed rest. His Democratic colleague Susan Valdes pointed to an incident this week in Wesley Chapel, Florida, in which a law enforcement officer’s gun accidentally discharged in a middle school cafeteria, although nobody was injured. “We see accidents happening every day,” Valdes said, adding that her vote against the measure was to “stand with the children who have told me, ‘Don’t put more guns in our schools’”. Republicans, however, looked past opinion polls indicating most Floridians were against arming teachers. A Quinnipiac poll in March showed voters disapproved 57-40 of allowing trained teachers and school officials to carry guns on campus, and believed by a margin of 58-32 that stricter gun laws would do more to reduce gun violence in schools than arming teachers. Dane Eagle, the house Republican leader, insisted that the law – which includes a range of other “school hardening” measures, including improved mental health services, better risk assessment and streamlined reporting of incidents – merely “offered a pathway” for educators who wished to be trained and armed. “These are the individuals who want to protect you and others if they need to do so. When law enforcement can’t get there to save others, I hope there’s someone in that room who is able,” he said. Individual school boards, he noted, would still have the right to opt out, as several of the state’s largest school districts including Miami-Dade and Broward have already said they would do. Some students or loved ones of those caught up in the Parkland shooting became gun-control activists were outraged at the legislation. Emma Gonzales added her comments to a social media post by Lauren Hogg, the sister of activist David Hogg. LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE WHO ARE AFFECTED BY THIS, THOSE IN THE LEGISLATURE DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING TO US https://t.co/90DYwsLAlq — Emma González (@Emma4Change) May 2, 2019 Manuel Oliver said he feared the next perpetrator of a school shooting would be a teacher. Fedrick Ingram, president of the Florida Education Association, said school districts would be “the last line of defence”. “Parents and educators should ask tough questions,” he said. “Will teachers wear guns, or how will firearms be stored? Will parents and students be told if the teacher in any given classroom is armed? Can parents opt their kids out of a class where the teacher is carrying?” He added: “If a weapon is accidentally fired or displayed by a teacher, what reporting and disciplinary measures will be in place. There are a lot questions a district needs to answer if it plans to allow armed teachers.”<doc-sep>It is opposed, however, by educators statewide. Their objections were amplified on the House floor by Democrats, who also cited two incidents on Tuesday as proof that greater access to guns on campuses would be unwise. At the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, a gunman killed two students and injured four others. Earlier in the day, a gun went off in a school resource officer’s holster in a middle school cafeteria in Wesley Chapel, Fla. No one was injured.<doc-sep>

Florida lawmakers on Wednesday approved a bill that would allow teachers to carry firearms in response to the 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland that left 17 people dead. The House voted 65-47, with eight abstentions, on Wednesday to allow classroom instructors to be armed as a school safety measure. The Florida Senate voted last week, 22-17, pass its version of the bill. Last year, in response to the massacre, lawmakers passed a bill that would allow certain school personnel to carry firearms, but not teachers. This bill expands the state's Coach Aaron Feis Guardian Program, which was named after football coach Aaron Feis who shielded students from the Parkland shooting suspect's bullets. The measure that passed Wednesday was largely championed by Republicans, who control both chambers of the legislature, as a deterrent and decried by Democrats as risky and unsafe. GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis, who previously expressed support for the legislation, is likely to sign it into law. A representative for his office did not respond to a request for comment. Newly sworn-in Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during an event at the Freedom Tower on Jan. 09, 2019 in Miami. Joe Raedle / Getty Images The bill requires teachers who participate in the program to undergo drug testing and psychological evaluation and to complete 144 total hours of training. The training requirements include 80 hours of commission-certified firearms instruction and eight hours of drilling in active shooter of assailant scenarios, among other conditions. School boards in Broward, Palm Beach and Orange counties have already expressed opposition to allowing their teachers to be armed, according to The South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Parkland is located in Broward County. The legislation also lays out requirements for schools to annually conduct a school security risk assessment, more reporting of school safety episodes and additional guidelines regarding mental health access in schools, among other provisions. "This bill is the ultimate school-hardening law. It allows the good guy to stop the bad," Rep. Chuck Brannan, a Republican, told The South Florida Sun-Sentinel. "The bad guy will never know when the good guy is going to be there." Rep. Mike Gottlieb, a Democrat, said the legislation is creating a "police state." “Teachers need to teach,” he told the paper. “We need to create a more nurturing, loving environment in a school so people don’t grow up to become monsters. … We are creating a police state. It is wrong." Groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union also expressed reservations about the bill, arguing that it may have a deleterious effect on students, particularly students of color. "The gravest provision in this bill rests on its requirement to place more guns on school campuses. Evidence shows that when more police and resource officers are in schools, we can expect that guns around youth will lead to guns being used on youth. We know from research on police-involved shootings and implicit bias in schools that Black students will be disparately impacted," Micah Kubic, the executive director of the ACLU of Florida, said in a Wednesday statement. "State lawmakers overlooked these concerns and vouched for policing students rather than improving the quality of student’s education and development with healthy school environments," he added. As House lawmakers were debating the bill during a heated hearing on Tuesday, a school resource officer accidentally discharged his gun in the cafeteria of Weightman Middle School in Wesley Chapel. The Pasco County Sheriff’s office confirmed the incident in a statement on Twitter and said that there were no injuries and the weapon was discharged into the wall. This episode, however, bolstered claims by Democrats at the hearing that the bill would prompt similar incidents. Rep. Wengay Newton, a Democrat, called the situation "insane," according to the Sun-Sentinel. "I don’t care who had the gun go off," he said. "We had kids there. … It was a gun. It was a bullet that you can’t bring back. Listen to what we are saying. This is insane."

A Texas woman says she shot and killed a 12-foot, 580-pound alligator at her ranch Monday and that she suspects the massive animal ate her miniature horse. Even before she shot the alligator, Judy Cochran was having a memorable 2018, she told USA TODAY. In May, she became the mayor of Livingston, Texas, and earlier in September she became a great-grandmother. Now, she's telling the story of her memorable hunt: She killed the gator with one shot, plans to eat the meat and hopes to display the gator's "humongous" head in her office. She said she doesn't think of herself as a hunter, and she doesn't want to seem like she's bragging about the harvest. But she's been looking for this gator for some time. A miniature horse of her's went missing about three years ago, and the animal's remains were never found. "So we suspected a gator ... it would have to be a big gator,” she said. Since then, multiple alligators have been found on her property, which includes several miles of riverfront. But it wasn't until Monday that an animal large enough was located. Sept. 13:Grizzly bears get a stay as judge again delays start of hunting season Aug. 16:'Gator Crusader' shows off photos of his daughter with alligators in living room, swimming pool There's a limited season for hunting alligators in Polk County, Texas — just 20 days in September, she said. The gator must be captured on a hook before it is shot, she said. There was a baited hook on her property, and on Monday, she received a call: A gator was on the hook. After she shot the animal it was immediately taken to a taxidermist, she said. She said the resources from the alligator are being put to good use: The hide is being made into boots and its meat will be eaten, she said. The gator was found in the same pond where Cochran's then 5-year-old grandson shot a gator in 2009, according to the Houston Chronicle. That gator was even bigger: 800-pounds, 12-foot-6-inches, the Chronicle reported.<doc-sep>A great-grandmother has shot and killed a 12ft alligator at her ranch in Texas after blaming it for eating her beloved miniature horse. Judy Cochran used a high-powered rifle to slaughter the 580lb reptile at a pond on her property in the rural town of Goodrich. Her son-in-law caught it using a seasoned raccoon as bait, and called to let her know the huge animal had been hooked. Ms Cochran, called “Nana” by her grandchildren, then killed it with a single bullet. “Don’t mess with Nana,” she said. The great-grandmother told The Houston Chronicle: “We think this is the ’gator that ate one of our miniature horses several years ago.” Ms Cochran, who is the newly elected mayor of the nearby town of Livingston, insisted all parts of the hunt had been done legally. “There are a lot of requirements to kill a ’gator in Polk County,” she explained. “We’re one of 12 counties that has a hunting season for alligators, between September 10 and 30. You have to have a permit and tags from a wildlife biologist, and you have to catch it on a hook first.” World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil.<doc-sep>

Granny got her gun — and the alligator that crossed her by eating her prized pony is history. Judy B. Cochran, the mayor of Livingston, Texas, got her revenge on a 12-foot, 580-pound alligator she believes ate one of her miniature horses years ago when she killed it on Sunday, the Houston Chronicle reported. Livingston Mayor Judy Cochran poses with the 12-foot alligator she shot. via KPRC "The gator was large enough it could have eaten the mini-horse and the other gators are much smaller," Cochran told NBC News. "The horse just came up missing and it was in the same pasture where the gator had been. To say for sure it's the same gator, I cant say for sure but I highly suspect." The gator was caught after being hooked using raccoon roadkill as bait. Then, while the gator was roped and on the line, Cochran fired a single shot into the animal's head, killing it. Cochran, who became a great-grandmother on Friday, said she met all the requirements for hunting the alligator and that the reptile is in season, as first reported by the Houston Chronicle, but an animal right's group compared the shooting of the gator to shooting fish in a barrel. "We may not understand alligators the way we do animals we're more familiar with, but we know that they're expert navigators, clever hunters, and fiercely protective parents who, most importantly, feel the same fear and pain that we do. Shame on the mayor for her cruel, cowardly act," People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals said in a statement to NBC News. Mayor Judy Cochran takes aim at a gator. via KPRC Cochran said she's ignored the negative comments, adding that because of the gator's size, it had become aggressive and would have been a nuisance to another person had it been relocated. "It’s a part of wildlife management ... it's not just willy-nilly we decide to go down and kill an gator for heck of it," she said. Cochran said she comes from a family of hunters and that they will use all the parts of the animal. "We’ll eat the meat, and if we don’t eat all of it, we’ll donate it. None of it goes to waste ... we'll have the hide tanned and have boots made out of it," Cochran said. And although this gator was her first, it's not the first massive gator killed by her family. Cochran said her grandson, Simon Hughes, killed an even bigger gator in the same pond in 2009 when he was just 5 years old. Simon's gator was seven inches longer than the one his grandmother nabbed, but she said her grandchildren still think her kill is respectable. "They say, 'Don't mess with nana,'" Cochran said.

Yes, there is a new Starbucks drink, and, no, it is not disgusting. It is not inspired by a unicorn or mermaid or vampire or witch. It does not have ingredients that are described by the color of their powders rather than their flavors. It does not tell you a fortune. On Tuesday, Starbucks added the espresso drink to its permanent menu in two flavors, caramel and cinnamon, available hot or iced. The drink is a new take on a macchiato — which was not invented by Starbucks. Many people associate the word with Starbucks’ caramel macchiato, a tall, sugary and milky drink. But a classic macchiato is a shot of espresso “marked” with a dash of frothed milk, which is how it gets its name in Italian. It is served in a tiny glass, and it is not typically sweet.<doc-sep>Why the world's largest ice cream company is betting on home delivery This vegan restaurant is actually opening locations during the pandemic These are the racist origins of Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben's Chicken sandwiches are big business. See them all Heinz ketchup packets are shown in New York on Monday, August 22, 2005. H.J. Heinz Co., the world's biggest ketchup maker, said first-quarter profit fell 19 percent on expenses to cut jobs and sell businesses. (Photo by Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images) A Now Hiring banner sign is viewed outside a Chipotle restaurant during a new coronavirus pandemic, Tuesday, March 2, 2021, in Orlando, Fla. (Phelan M. Ebenhack via AP) BTS and McDonald's launch exclusive meal with two new dipping sauces (CNN Business) — Starbucks just unveiled its latest coffee drink: The cloud macchiato, made with egg-white powder. The new drink, which comes iced or hot, will be served at stores in the United States and Canada and is a permanent addition to the menu. Introducing a new type of foam fit for both hot and iced drinks is a way for Starbucks to drive growth in its successful line of cold beverages — and help build excitement around new cold beverages as customers move away from Frappuccinos. Starbucks The new cloud macchiatos come in caramel and cinnamon. For the cloud macchiato, Starbucks drew inspiration from a Spanish drink called leche merengada, or “merengue milk.” An in-house team developed a recipe for the cloud powder that includes egg whites and milk for a meringue-like texture. The resulting foam is comparable to Starbucks’ cold foam, which it introduced broadly last year. The cloud macchiato comes in caramel and cinnamon flavors. The coffee company first teased the cloud macchiato during its investor day in December as an example of how the company is innovating its iced beverages. Cold drinks “have contributed to more than 80% of our beverage growth over the last two years,” Starbucks Chief Operations Officer Rosalind Brewer said at the event. Starbucks’ new cloud macchiato also may have a celebrity tie-in. Rumors swirled that pop singer Ariana Grande may be involved in the product launch after Grande and Starbucks posted matching tweets. “We’ve long been fans of Ariana Grande’s and were excited to work with her to celebrate our shared love of clouds,” a Starbucks spokesperson said about the reports. For Starbucks, innovations in cold drinks — and buzz from celebrities with huge social media followings — may help lure customers who have lost interest in Frappuccinos. Instagrammable Frappuccinos used to help drive sales for Starbucks. But in recent years, customers have turned on the sugary blended beverages. For the first time last year, the company expanded a happy hour promotion to include drinks beyond Frappuccinos, and limited discounts to customers who register online or use the Starbucks app. The company is still selling indulgent Frappuccinos, but it’s also been quietly testing a lower-sugar option.<doc-sep>Move over, Frappuccinos. There's a new trendy Starbucks beverage in town, and it comes with the express endorsement of Ariana Grande: the Iced Cloud Macchiato. The chain just added the new espresso drink in two flavors — caramel and cinnamon — to its permanent menu, and the cloud part of the name is no joke. Each drink features a whipped, cold foam inspired by leche merengada (or "meringue milk") used in Spanish cafés, Starbucks announced in a press release. The name also coincides with one of Grande's trademark emojis, the cloud. This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. But is this fluffy, silky sip a sugar bomb just like some of the other flavored Frappuccinos on the menu? "This is still a sugary beverage," says Jaclyn London, MS, RD, CDN, Nutrition Director at the Good Housekeeping Institute. "The first few ingredients are still sugar aliases — including vanilla syrup and caramel sauce." Besides the syrup and sauce, the Iced Caramel Cloud Macchiato also contains ice, milk, brewed espresso, and "cloud powder," a mixture of sugar, arabic egg white powder, and other ingredients. The result is a fluffy cloud-like topping that then gets drizzled with the sugary vanilla and caramel concoctions. A grande made with 2% milk contains 180 calories, 5 grams of protein, and a whopping 27 grams of sugar. The American Heart Association recommends eating no more than 25 grams of added sweeteners per day. The soy version — recommended by Ariana herself — contains even more sugar due to the vanilla soy milk, and it still contains the egg powder so it's not vegan, FYI. If you still want to try this magical-sounding "cloud powder," London recommends ordering a traditional unsweetened latte, cappuccino, or even standard cup of coffee and asking for it on top. You'll cut back on added sugar while keeping the protein content high. Win-win! Caroline Picard Health Editor Caroline is the Health Editor at GoodHousekeeping.com covering nutrition, fitness, wellness, and other lifestyle news. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io<doc-sep>Review: Ariana Grande's Cloud Macchiato From Starbucks By Jodi Smith | Celebrity | March 7, 2019 | Egg Whites. That’s what stood out to me when Ariana Grande and Starbucks told the world they collaborated on a new coffee drink, the Cloud Macchiato. Available in cinnamon or caramel flavors, the Cloud Macchiato uses egg white powder in its fluffy foam topping. “To create the Cloud Macchiato, Starbucks in-house product development team created a special recipe for Cloud powder, using egg whites a key ingredient that is added to the Cold Foam to create a fluffy texture that tastes luxurious.” - Chicago Sun Times The drink is reportedly a push for the coffee giant to move past Frappuccinos and their high calorie/sugar content and into different iced beverages. However, you could get an iced caramel macchiato before this so I’m not sure I follow. How does Grande fit in? She was the muse for this particular twist on one of Starbucks’ most popular drinks. Grande also released a perfume called Cloud last month and was named Starbucks’ new brand ambassador. But how does the drink taste? I ordered the iced Caramel Cloud Macchiato and was not disappointed by the presentation. The foam was the centerpiece of the drink, with caramel drizzle crisscrossing on top like ribbons on a present. The first sip was all caramel and foam, which was ridiculously silky and smooth. I really think it was close to what drinking a cloud would taste like, kids. But with fewer angel feathers and more sugar. The smoothness of the froth mellowed out the rest of the drink as well, making the coffee less bitter in comparison to the sweetness of the rest of the drink. It was a very enjoyable tasting experience, egg white powder and all. Is it worth an extra 20 cents to get the Cloud Macchiato instead of the regular version of the drink? Um yes. They had me at luxurious (okay they had me at caramel). ← The Highs and Lows of Idris Elba's Very Erratic Career | Revisiting the Most WTF Parts of the Most WTF Show: Jennifer Love Hewitt's Ghost Whisperer → Jodi Smith is a Senior Reporter, Film & Television at Pajiba. You can email her or follow her on Twitter. Header Image Source: Starbucks<doc-sep>

Move over, regular Macchiatos. Starbucks is releasing a new version of its popular drink Tuesday – the new Cloud Macchiato. Singer Ariana Grande, who's known for being a fan of clouds, is serving as brand ambassador, she announced on Twitter Tuesday. The coffee giant says the drink "combines the craft of Starbucks espresso, the heritage of Starbucks Caramel Macchiato (created in 1996) and the innovation of Starbucks Cold Foam, an airy microfoam frothed cold and blended until smooth, creating layers of creamy texture and flavor, without the cream." Grande posted pictures of herself wearing a green Starbucks apron on Twitter and exchanged tweets with the coffee company, featuring cloud and coffee cup emojis. "We’ve long been fans of Ariana Grande’s (and we’re both fans of Clouds), so we’re excited to work with her to celebrate the debut of Cloud Macchiato," Starbucks said in an e-mail. Grande, whose last name sounds like a Starbucks drink size, launched a perfume called Cloud last month. Coffee time:Here's what's brewing at Starbucks over the next year Coffee costs:The price you'll pay for a cup of coffee around the world Next week, Grande's favorite music, including some of her hits, will be featured on one of the playlists at Starbucks stores in the U.S. and Canada, the company said. The Cloud Macchiato is a permanent addition to Starbucks' menu and is available iced or hot in caramel and cinnamon at participating U.S. and Canada stores. "This newest beverage draws inspiration from the leche merengada, or 'meringue milk,' a summer drink from the cafés of Barcelona, Spain that dates back centuries," Starbucks said in a statement. The whipped cold foam is made with milk, combined with espresso and finished with a caramel drizzle cross-hatch on top. Egg whites also are included in the foam, Starbucks said. "To create the Cloud Macchiato, Starbucks in-house product development team created a special recipe for Cloud powder, using egg whites a key ingredient that is added to the Cold Foam to create a fluffy texture that tastes luxurious," the company said. Follow Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko

The first flight from the new facility will be to the capital Ankara on Wednesday. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday opened Istanbul's new international airport, which his government says will eventually become the world's largest. "The new airport will be the pride of our country and an example to the world," Erdogan said at a lavish opening ceremony featuring several heads of state. At the inauguration -- which coincided with the 95th anniversary of modern Turkey's founding by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk -- Erdogan also revealed that the airport would be named "Istanbul". "Istanbul is not only our biggest city but also the most valuable trademark of our country," he said. The airport, one of a number of mega-projects built under Erdogan's rule, will be little used until next year after construction was marred by delays and a workers' strike over poor conditions. Erdogan has championed the 10.5-billion euro ($12-billion) project in his bid to make Istanbul a global travel hub linking Europe, Asia and Africa and turn flag carrier Turkish Airlines into an aviation giant. But the airport will only offer flights to five destinations until an expanded opening on December 29, from when it is expected to handle up to 90 million passengers a year, rising to up to 200 million when all facilities are completed in 2028. That would be nearly double the 103.9 million passengers moving through the world's current busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson in the US city of Atlanta. The opening ceremony was attended by several leaders including Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov and Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of genocide and war crimes. The first flight from the new facility will be to the capital Ankara on Wednesday. 'Giant' It had been thought the new facility would replace the city's ageing Ataturk Airport, but Erdogan said it would remain in service, including for events such as air shows, adding that its unused parts would be transformed into a "national park as promised". Planes and equipment are expected to be moved from Ataturk to the new facility for the expanded launch in late December. "Ataturk Airport will continue to serve with the same name," he added. Erdogan called the new airport a "giant", with officials saying that its 1.4 million-square metre terminal building was eight times larger than Ankara's terminal. "Moreover, 80 Eiffel Towers could be constructed with the steel of 640,000 tonnes used in the construction." When finished in 2028, it will have six runways and two terminals spread over 76 square kilometres (29 square miles). That would make it three times the size of Ataturk. Authorities say a metro line will be built to link the airport, which is near the Black Sea coast on the European side of Istanbul, to the city centre 35 kilometres (22 miles) away. Crackdown on striking workers The airport will be one of the crowning jewels in Erdogan's bid to transform Turkey's infrastructure in time for the country's centenary in 2023. Other massive projects include a third bridge over the Bosphorus Strait connecting Istanbul's Europe and Asia sides, opened in 2016, and a man-made canal to relieve pressure on the strait. However critics have blasted Erdogan's mega-projects as excessive and damaging to the environment, and the airport's construction was hit by controversy. Last month, hundreds of workers walked off the job to protest poor conditions and work-related deaths on the site. Turkish authorities quickly cracked down, arresting hundreds, according to labour unions. Most were released without charge, but around 20 remain in prison. Thirty workers have died on the site since construction began in 2015, according to Istanbul airport authorities. The unions say the real number is much higher. Construction Union Insaat-Is announced on Twitter that another worker died from a fall on Sunday, just one day before the inauguration. In his speech, Erdogan thanked the workers.<doc-sep>Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is set to inaugurate the Istanbul New Airport, which he claims will eventually become the world's largest airport on the 95th anniversary of Turkey's establishment as a Republic. Erdogan is expected to announce the official name of the air hub on October 29. (iGA) Istanbul New Airport, on the shores of the Black Sea, will serve 90 million passengers annually in its first phase. Once it is completely functional, it is expected to serve up to 200 million travellers annually. Spread over 19,000 acres, the six runways will beat Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson in terms of traffic, which is currently the world's busiest airport. (iGA) The airport's interiors incorporate Turkish and Islamic designs, and its tulip-shaped air traffic control tower was honoured with the 2016 International Architecture Award. It offers travellers services via mobile applications and artificial intelligence, is energy efficient and boasts a high-tech security system. (iGA) All aviation operations will be moved to the new airport in December, when Istanbul's Ataturk Airport, named after Turkey's founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, will be shut for commercial carriers. (iGA)<doc-sep>(CNN) — It's ambitious, award-winning and already hit with controversies. Istanbul's new airport was officially inaugurated Monday -- although it won't be fully functioning til the end of the year. Why the rush if it's not quite ready? Well there's symbolic significance: October 29 marks the 95th anniversary of Turkey establishing itself as a republic. The swanky new airport aims to establish itself as a major travel hub and a key player on the world aviation stage, thanks to Turkey's East-meets-West location. Once completed, the airport will be pretty huge -- the total project area is 76.5 million square meters. It's supposed to have the world's largest terminal under one roof, although it's opening in phases and only limited flights will take off at first. But the PR team says the airport is "built to grow" and they hope the airport will see 200,000 or more passengers passing through daily. Controversial project Istanbul's new airport officially opened on October 29 2018. This image depicts what it might look like when fully operational. Courtesy Istanbul New Airport The airport's tulip-shaped control tower and striking design won first prize in the "Future projects -- Infrastructure" category at the 2016 World Architectural Festival in Berlin. Istanbul New Airport calls itself a "green" airport, thanks to its recycling capabilities and rainwater utilization capacity. However, some environmental groups have hit back -- arguing the airport construction has caused mass deforestation The total project area is 76.5 million square meters. Courtesy Istanbul New Airport There have also been accusations of poor working conditions and workers dying on site. Turkey's Ministry of Labor has blamed "health problems and traffic accidents" for 27 worker fatalities on site, according to reports. The total cost of the project is roughly $12 billion. On Monday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan revealed the airport's name as being simply "Istanbul Airport." New aviation center The design won first prize in the "Future projects -- Infrastructure" category at the 2016 World Architectural Festival in Berlin. Courtesy Istanbul New Airport By the end of December 2018, Turkey's main airport -- Ataturk International Airport -- will cease operations and Istanbul New Airport will become the city's aviation center. There has also been widespread construction to connect the airport to the rest of the city -- via metro, road and high-speed train. The team hope the airport will become one of the world's busiest within the next few years -- igniting the Turkish economy and generating jobs -- but time will tell whether the new project has a smooth takeoff or gets grounded in further delays. Related content 6 of the best hotels in Istanbul The significance of Istanbul New Airport The team hopes the airport will become one of the world's busiest within the next few years. Courtesy Istanbul New Airport CNN Travel asked three European aviation experts to weigh in on how Istanbul's new airport might impact the transport world. 'The project is unprecedented' "From an airport planning perspective, the project is unprecedented, both in terms of its size (the eventual plan is for the airport to accommodate 200 million passengers, which is nearly double the size of the current largest airport in the world, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport) and, in particular, the speed with which the project was attempted. To complete an airport project of this size in just three and a half years was extremely challenging, not least in terms of ensuring timely operational readiness of all related facilities, systems, procedures and equipment needed to run the airport (Berlin's Brandenburg Airport provides a stark example of what can go wrong with a new airport project like this). Politically, it is important for Turkey, President Erdogan, and his party, opening on the 95th anniversary of the foundation of the Turkish Republic. Building a new airport is inevitably a vastly expensive undertaking (reportedly around $12 billion), and there have been concerns around the coincidence of this with a general downturn in the Turkish economy. There have also been ethical concerns raised about labor practices involving the thousands of workers needed to the complete the project on time. While there will likely be challenges ahead, there are several factors acting in the airports favor, including the relatively strong existing domestic air transport market in Turkey (which rivals in the Middle East generally do not have to the same extent), and the fact that the airport is less likely to face the same degree of potentially constraining environmental legislation, which is generally the case for large airports in Western Europe. Regardless, the airport will certainly have an impact (one way or another) for air transport both within the region and globally." -- Dr Thomas Budd, Lecturer in Airport Planning and Management, Centre for Air Transport Management, Cranfield University, UK Related content How Asia's airports are changing the way we travel 'Aviation demand in Turkey is growing rapidly' Planes on the tarmac at Istanbul Airport on October 29, ahead of the inauguration. Burak Kara/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images "The new airport is taking over from Istanbul Atatürk Airport, which is already in the world's top 20 busiest airports. So effectively it's the same situation as if Atatürk (which is a congested airport with sometimes significant delays) was expanded. It's quite unusual to see a large airport expansion in Europe but much more in line with recent significant capacity expansions in the Middle East and Asia. Projected growth rates in aviation demand between Europe and and the Middle East/Asia are very high (for example Boeing projects demand in 20 years' time between Europe and the Middle East to be 2.6 times what it is at present in terms of passenger-km, and 3 times for trips from Europe to China). So the new airport is trying to act as a hub for some of that traffic as well as serving increases in demand to and from Turkey (the Turkish aviation system has grown rapidly in recent years). In doing so it's competing with other large hub airports in the Middle East and Europe for long-distance passengers. In the short term the main impact will be smaller delays for passengers traveling to, from and via Istanbul and greater flexibility for airlines using the airport, which may in turn mean some increases in overall passenger demand. Longer term, the outcome is more difficult to predict. But capacity expansion is typically constrained in European airports and much less so for Middle Eastern airports, so we might see some European airport transfer passenger traffic switch to Istanbul. As to whether the airport will become one of the world's busiest: given that it is taking over all of the traffic from an existing airport that is already one of the world's busiest, this seems very likely. Aviation demand in Turkey is growing rapidly and long-distance passenger demand which could use Istanbul as a transfer airport is also growing rapidly. So I would be very surprised if it was not (barring war, civil unrest, etc.)." Dr Lynnette Dray, Senior Research Associate, Bartlett School Env, Energy & Resources, Faculty of the Built Environment, University College, London 'It will directly compete with the current hub airports in the Middle East' The terminal of the new Istanbul Airport, with a banner featuring Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Burak Kara/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images "I think that the primary thought behind the new airport is that it will directly compete with the current hub airports in the Middle East such as in Doha and Dubai. I think it's got a very, very good chance of taking market share off them when it comes to single-stop itineraries that go from Asia to Europe and Europe to Asia. But also I think Istanbul is generally better situated. It can also act as a hub to some parts of Africa and indeed the current airport that's there, Atatürk, already does. So direct flight is increasingly popular and of course a hub airport would have to compete with long-distance direct flights. So I think that might be an issue.<doc-sep>

Turkish Presidential Press Service, AFP | Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (front R) his wife Emine Erdogan (front L) at the opening of the Istanbul New Airport, October 29, 2018. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan inaugurated Istanbul’s new international airport, which his government says will eventually become the world’s largest, with great fanfare on Monday. Advertising Read more Erdogan has championed the €10.5 billion project in his bid to make Istanbul a global travel hub linking Europe, Asia and Africa and turn flag carrier Turkish Airlines into an aviation giant. The airport, one of a number of mega-projects under Erdogan’s rule, was initially scheduled to fully open on Monday but construction has been marred by delays and a workers’ strike over poor conditions. “I hope that Istanbul Airport will benefit our region and the world,” Erdogan said at the lavish opening ceremony attended by numerous world leaders including Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani of Qatar and Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir. The inauguration is largely symbolic as the airport will not be fully open until the end of the year. However the airport will only offer flights to five destinations until an expanded opening on December 29, from when it is expected to handle up to 90 million passengers a year, rising to 200 million when all facilities are completed in 2028. This would be nearly double the number of passengers moving through the world’s current busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson in the US city of Atlanta. The first flight from the as-yet unnamed airport will be to Ankara on Thursday. The inauguration for the new facility, which will replace Istanbul’s ageing Ataturk Airport, takes place on the 95th anniversary of modern Turkey’s founding by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. However the president, who has been accused by secularists of undermining Ataturk’s legacy, has indicated he would prefer not to have the new airport named after the founder. Many observers predict Erdogan, who often references the Ottoman Empire, will instead name it after an Ottoman-era sultan such as Abdulhamid II. Some supporters have even argued it should carry Erdogan’s name. The two-month period after Monday’s “soft opening” will be used to identify “where we need to work a bit more”, Kadri Samsunlu, director general of the Istanbul Grand Airport (IGA), told foreign media visiting the site on Thursday. The “entire business” at Ataturk including planes and equipment will be moved to the new airport over a 45-hour period after the “hard opening” at the end of the year, Samsunlu added. Authorities say a metro line will be built to link the airport, which is near the Black Sea coast on the European side of Istanbul, to the city centre 35 kilometres away. (FRANCE 24 with AFP) Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe

Next month, Rockstar is releasing Red Dead Redemption 2, and we already know the Western will feature a robust single-player mode. What we haven’t heard about, however, is the much-anticipated online mode for the game. Today, the developer provided a few concrete details about the experience, which will be known as Red Dead Online. Here’s how Rockstar describes it: Red Dead Online is an evolution of the classic multiplayer experience in the original Red Dead Redemption, blending narrative with competitive and cooperative gameplay in fun new ways. Using the gameplay of the upcoming Red Dead Redemption 2 as a foundation, Red Dead Online will be ready to be explored alone or with friends, and will also feature constant updates and adjustments to grow and evolve this experience for all players. GTA Online has become a huge part of Grand Theft Auto V — helping the game become one of the best-selling video games of all time — and Rockstar is clearly trying to repeat that success with its Wild West epic. RDR2 is launching on October 26th for the Xbox One and PS4, but the beta for Red Dead Online won’t be available until November. Rockstar says the online mode will be free for anyone who buys the base game. “As with most online experiences of this size and scale, there will inevitably be some turbulence at launch,” Rockstar says.<doc-sep>Before GTA Online, Rockstar Games took a few stabs at online multiplayer within their open world games. Red Dead Redemption for Xbox 360 and PS3 was a big step beyond what was accomplished in GTA IV’s multiplayer. In many ways RDR multiplayer feels like a prototype for GTA Online. With Red Dead Redemption 2 coming out in only a few weeks, to be followed by its own online component with Red Dead Online, it feels like the perfect time to revisit the online world of the first Red Dead Redemption. Advertisement Thanks to the Xbox One’s backwards compatibility features, I was able to load up the Xbox 360 version of Red Dead Redemption and quickly jump online. Unfortunately, I discovered RDR1’s multiplayer progress is tied to your save file, not stored on a server, so I had to start over from level 1. But this gave me a great chance to recall how progression in RDR worked. I spawned into the world as a zombie wearing a sombrero. (I guess I had played a bit when it was first made backwards compatible with Xbox One and picked a zombie character.) I whistled for my horse and instead a donkey ran over to me. I had forgotten that when you first start RDR online you only get a donkey. Red Dead Redemption multiplayer gives players the option to join standard PVP servers or peaceful servers, where players can’t hurt each other. Considering one of the biggest problems fans have with GTA Online these days is other players killing them, it was nice to revisit a quieter time. Though I enjoyed my zombie character, its undead moans and yells annoyed me, so I switched to someone more alive. Unlike GTA Online, RDR multiplayer uses premade characters, many ripped from the main game. You can play as John Marston, Abigail Marston, rival gang members, zombies, lawmen and more. Players also unlock mounts by leveling up, along with new characters and player titles. Unlocking items instead of buying them might be the biggest difference between GTA Online and RDR multiplayer. In GTA Online if you want a new car you have to buy it from the store; in Red Dead you have to level up to unlock it. The lack of needing to buy new items and weapons gives RDR a more relaxed and less grindy vibe compared to GTA Online. A similar system could be a great fit in Red Dead Online and could help make it feel different from GTA Online. Unlike GTA Online, there isn’t a lot to do in the open world of RDR. The deserts look great, even eight years later, but they’re huge. Getting around RDR online can feel like a chore. Even with a horse, there are a lot of steep rocks, canyons and hills that force you to take dirt roads. There isn’t the busywork or stress you might feel in GTA Online, but it makes RDR online feel less structured. I found myself longing for shortcuts or easier-to-use fast travel. Advertisement The empty, free-roaming open world in RDR online is basically just a fancy lobby. Rockstar even described it this way in a trailer for the multiplayer mode. In free roam, you and some friends can team up and take down gang hideouts, start land grabs or hunt some dangerous creatures together. Land grabs are maybe the most interesting thing that happens in the open world of RDR online. A single player or their posse can ride into an area and “claim” it. Everyone else on the server can attack and try to take it back. It reminded me of the open world events that occur in GTA Online, and it made the server feel more active and alive. However, kill-happy players and inconvenient spawns—once I was sniped by a unseen player, respawned and then was instantly killed by that same player because I spawned closer to them—make it a little more frustrating than GTA Online. Luckily, after a few deaths you can choose to spawn far away from the area where you died. Rockstar has long struggled to reduce griefing and encourage cooperation, an effort that will hopefully continue in Red Dead Online. Advertisement Outside of free roam, Red Dead Redemption has a lot of different modes to play. These modes are grouped into different playlists, which side steps one of GTA Online’s issues with empty lobbies and game modes. In GTA Online players pick one particular mode to play out of a list of well over 50 at this point. This creates a situation where the entire GTA Online population is spread across too many activities, modes and events. As more modes are added it becomes harder and harder to find more players for specific modes or older modes. In RDR, I was surprised to find nearly every match I joined filled with at least a few players. Even when I did have to wait a while to find some folks, I wasn’t just staring at a lobby screen. Instead, I was actually able to walk around the world, punch other players and, depending on the mode, pick a loadout. The first modes I messed around with were some basic deathmatches and capture the flag modes. Some were team based others were free-for-fall. None of them were much fun. RDR’s combat and movement controls haven’t aged well, and they feel clunky and slow. But I was happy to find that my old RDR pro strat for winning deathmatches is still viable in 2018: never sprinting. Sprinting makes you appear on other players’ mini-maps. If you want to win deathmatch, always walk around matches like a stoic cowboy, and you’ll win or at least get top three most of the time. Advertisement The next mode I jumped into was from Red Dead’s Undead Nightmare DLC, called Undead Overrun. This is a fast-paced mode where four players work together to fight off waves of zombies for as long as possible. While not the most advanced, the game mode feels better suited to Red Dead’s gunplay, especially when using shotguns. I found a full team instantly, though they were all higher level than me. One mentioned they were coming back to Red Dead 1 to get more hyped for RDR2. He also hoped Undead Nightmare returns in some form in RDR2, and I agreed. Advertisement The final mode I played was completely different: poker. Again I was able to quickly find a match with three other players. I jumped into poker expecting to briefly remind myself what it was like and then jump back out, but I ended up playing for over an hour. It was just a chill session with some guys who were nice on mic, a way to unwind after killing zombies, stealing gold and shooting horses. One player at the table asked if anyone was getting RDR2. The other player with a mic shouted yes, but quickly followed it up with “I really hope they bring poker and card games back.” Good news for that player: it looks like card games are coming back in RDR2, though we don’t know if they will be playable in multiplayer. Advertisement My biggest hope for Red Dead Online is it returns to the more relaxed, slower pace of Red Dead 1’s online component. While GTA Online has been fun and I still want to play more of it as new updates come out, I’m ready for something different. I hope Red Dead Online builds off of GTA Online’s success but remembers the past. Deathmatches and horse races are great, but I also just want to relax, play some poker or go fishing. Returning to Red Dead Redemption’s online multiplayer after playing five years of GTA Online was strange. The combat and gameplay felt sluggish and crude, but the progression and overall vibe was appealing. I leveled up at one point after just riding my horse around and shooting coyotes, and that new level felt meaningful thanks to the unlock system. I was able to get a new horse...who looked almost dead. Still, better than a donkey. Advertisement<doc-sep>

Rockstar has announced the multiplayer portion for Red Dead Redemption 2 – and it’s called Red Dead Online. A beta is scheduled for November. Rockstar Games announced a beta for Red Dead Online today, but didn’t provide much in the way of content, other than it’s based on the original Red Dead Redemption’s multiplayer. Red Dead Online will feature narrative, competitive, and cooperative gameplay which means like GTA Online, it can be played solo or with friends. The online portion uses the gameplay Red Dead Redemption 2 as a foundation, and will receive “constant updates” and “adjustments” over the course of its lifetime. If rumors prove true, it could also feature a battle royale mode, but nothing of the sort was mentioned in the press release. The information dump which claimed a battle royale mode was in the works also mentioned the multiplayer modes Revive and Survive, and Money Grab. Watch on YouTube Red Dead Online is planned for launch in November 2018, initially as a public beta. “As with most online experiences of this size and scale, there will inevitably be some turbulence at launch,” said Rockstar. “We look forward to working with our amazing and dedicated community to share ideas, help us fix teething problems and work with us to develop Red Dead Online into something really fun and innovative.” Access to Red Dead Online is free to anyone with a copy of Red Dead Redemption 2. Red Dead Redemption 2 releases October 26 for PS4 and Xbox One.

A massive shortage of food-grade carbon dioxide (CO2) has ratcheted up fears of disruption to Europe’s meat and fizzy drink supplies. A shortfall of CO2 in Europe comes at a time of excitement over the World Cup soccer tournament and amid peak season for summer barbecues. The ill-timed crisis has subsequently prompted several big name producers in the food and drinks industry to warn consumers of major shortages over the coming weeks. The trade journal Gas World — which was the first to report on an EU-wide shortage of CO2 earlier this month — described it as the “worst supply situation to hit the European carbon dioxide business in decades.” What is the problem? One of the largest sources of EU food-grade CO2 has traditionally come from major ammonia plants. But at least five gas producers in Northern Europe began a planned shutdown during the early summer months to resolve maintenance issues. Meanwhile, a number of other EU bio-ethanol plants — which provide an alternative source of CO2 — also went offline for summer repair work. The U.K. was thought to be the hardest hit by the closures, with only one major CO2 plant seen to be operating at present. The clear, odorless gas is used to carbonate products such as soda and beer. It is also used during the bottling and kegging process. Big name brewers hit hard On Tuesday, Tesco-owned food wholesaler Booker started to ration beer and cider supplies. The food retailer, which is used by bars, restaurants and traders, is restricting customers to 10 cases of beer and five of cider or soft drinks. In a company statement, Booker said it had been forced to restrict beer and cider supplies because of an "international shortage" of food-grade CO2. The news follows supply disruptions at both Heineken and Coca-Cola, with several European food and drink companies struggling to cope with a scarcity of CO2. Last week, a spokesperson from Heineken, the biggest brewer that serves the U.K., told CNBC via email: “Like many other businesses in the food and drinks industry, we are affected by this shortage … We continue to work hard to resolve this issue as quickly as possible within our European supply base, and are working with customers to minimize disruption to their business.” Heineken also warned pubs to expect “major shortages” of its Amstel and John Smiths brands. The U.K.’s largest pub, Wetherspoons, also said it would be forced to pull a number of beers and other carbonated drinks from its menu soon. More recently, Coca-Cola said it had “temporarily paused” some of its production due to the shortage of CO2 gas. In a company statement issued Monday, the soft drinks manufacturer sought to reassure consumers that so far the shortfall had not affected overall supplies. Despite those disruptions, it is unclear how the shortage could affect brewers long-term. "I think that if this were to persist for several more weeks, there really is share opportunity for those who are better equipped to deal with it, but at this point, I don't see any major damage to any particular brands," Macquarie Research analyst Caroline Levy told Melissa Lee on CNBC's "Power Lunch." What about food producers?<doc-sep>Europe's biggest brewers and soft drink makers are struggling to cope with a shortage of food-grade carbon dioxide — supplies of the gas have evaporated in the middle of a heatwave during the World Cup soccer tournament. Production shutdowns at several chemical factories that produce CO2 as a byproduct have left beverage producers struggling to fulfill orders to pubs and restaurants. Britain appears to be the worst hit, as its own gas manufacturers have suffered mechanical problems that have further reduced supplies. The shortage of carbon dioxide, which puts the gas in beer, cider and soft drinks, has led one major British wholesale food and drinks supplier, Booker, to ration sales to its outlets. Read more: Competition brewing in Germany as consumers tire of traditional beer The UK's largest pub chain, Wetherspoon, also said it was running out of John Smith's bitter and Strongbow cider at many of its 4,500 properties. Both drinks are produced by Dutch brewing group Heineken, which warned pubs last week of low stock levels. The second largest brewer has since said its three UK breweries have returned to full capacity after it found other sources of carbon dioxide. Britvic, which bottles Pepsi drinks in the UK, said it was trying to locate additional gas supplies in Eastern Europe. Coca-Cola European Partners has slowed some production of soft drinks but said supply hadn't been affected. But small brewers have been particularly hit hard, including Holden's Quality Bottling, which normally produces about 80,000 bottles of beer a day. This week, they've produced none after failing for 10 days to find gas. "The company is closed. We can't turn over another penny until we've received gas from the supplier," said Mark Hammond, the director. "It's as if our whole revenue stream turned off." British pubs have been doing a brisk trade amid a heatwave during the World Cup Less CO2 production in summer Industrial CO2 is produced as a by-product of making ammonia used in fertilizer production. Fertilizer production typically peaks in winter to build stocks for spring farming. Trade magazine Gas World blamed maintenance work at plants across Europe for the shortage of supplies. Top gas producers include France's Air Liquide and Germany's Linde, which told The Associated Press it was trying to keep up with customers' demands by shifting European supply logistics. Read more: Scotland sets minimum price for alcohol to fight drinking problems Although World Cup fans mostly bemoaned the shortage of beer and soft drinks, food production is also being hit. Scotland's biggest pork producer announced this week it would run out of the gas in a week, forcing the country's largest pig processing plant to suspend slaughtering. Another Scottish meat supplier said it was extremely concerned about a lack of information about when the situation would be rectified. Slaughterhouses use carbon dioxide to stun animals before slaughter, and also use it in packaging to increase shelf-life in stores. Nick Allen, head of the British Meat Processors Association said the shortage of carbon dioxide "might well affect the price of meat." German beer lovers unaffected The German Brewers' Association said its members were mostly unaffected by the shortage but that the procurement of CO2 had become more expensive. Beer culture - this is how Germany drinks Spoilt for choice Germany is a beer country - and that's a fact. Using only four ingredients German brewers have managed to create over 5,500 brands of beer. And that number is growing because every week a new beer is released on the market. But Germany manages quantity as well as quality: no other European country produces more beer. Beer culture - this is how Germany drinks You can always have a beer When it comes to drinking alcohol, whether at an office party, during intermission at the theater or just relaxing as pictured here in Berlin's Görlitzer Park, beer is always an appropriate choice in Germany, and can be consumed legally in public. Beer culture - this is how Germany drinks Traditional festivals are a must Funfair stalls, brass bands and "Schlager" music are the ingredients of a traditional German festival. A challenge to get through unless you consume plenty of beer. For these occasions regional breweries often create a festival beer. The best known of these is probably the Oktoberfest beer, which is made especially for the festival in Munich and served in one liter Bavarian beer mugs. Beer culture - this is how Germany drinks Football and beer - a winning combination Football is also a celebration, and beer goes with football the way mustard goes with a bratwurst sausage. It helps fans celebrate and consoles them if their team loses. At any stadium the link between football teams and breweries is obvious: beer advertising features on the players' shirts and banners. And in many Bundesliga football arenas the beer brand sponsoring the team is also served. Beer culture - this is how Germany drinks Beer can be bought round the clock In the Ruhr area it's known as a Trinkhalle, in Mainz it is called a Büdchen and in Berlin it goes by the name of Späti. These neighborhood kiosks sell newspapers, tobacco, sweets, and usually beer. What began more than 150 years ago as a place to sell water, now serves as a pit stop for big city beer drinkers. Beer culture - this is how Germany drinks The corner pub - a temple of German beer Berlin's corner pubs, like the Willi Mangler in the Schönefeld district, are a part of German beer history. They have also become something of a cult. The mix of stuffy air, no nonsense food and a crowd of regular bar flies is what makes them so charming. Tourists rarely venture here, but residents of the neighborhood come to enjoy their after work beer. Beer culture - this is how Germany drinks Beer gardens - fun in the sun Beer gardens are also traditional to German beer culture. These days they can be found all over Germany, but they originate from the beginning of the 19th century in Bavaria. Back then brewers served their beer straight from the cooling cellars along the banks of the river Isar. Especially on hot days the cellar beer gardens were popular among people from Munich. Beer culture - this is how Germany drinks Bavaria - cradle of the Beer Purity Law In Bavaria, where the German Beer Purity Law was adopted in 1516, beer has been an established part of life for centuries. Today, Bavaria has more than 600 breweries, more than in any other state in Germany. In the Middle Ages the breweries were firmly in the grip of monasteries. Some of these still exist, the oldest being Weltenburg Abbey on the Danube. Beer culture - this is how Germany drinks Craft beer - modern brewing techniques Traditional breweries have now been joined by more experimental beer makers like Georg-Augustin Schmidt. His micro-brewery "Braustil" in Frankfurt-am-Main produces small amounts of new varieties which have powerful aromas and are usually made with regional, organic ingredients. The craft-beer scene is especially strong in Hamburg and Berlin. Beer culture - this is how Germany drinks How it's done - beer brewing seminars Those who are crazy about beer beyond drinking it will find more than 30 beer museums, beer hikes and beer brewing seminars in Germany. You can create your own beer at the "Grillakademie" craft beer seminar in Bochum. Participants also learn about the different varieties of beer as well as German brewing traditions and, of course, the German Beer Purity Law. Beer culture - this is how Germany drinks Once in the right glass: Cheers! To mark German Beer Day on April 23, here's a quick guide. From left to right: the Berliner Weisse goes in a bowl-shaped glass, Kristallweizen wheat beer in a tall glass, lager is served in a beer mug, followed by a short glass for the dark Altbier, the small, narrow glass for the Cologne Kölsch brew, the rounded glass for Pils beer and finally the Bavarian half-liter beer mug. Author: Christina Deicke/sc/nr Read more: German brewery scraps World Cup bottle caps after Saudi Arabia flag row<doc-sep>CO2 shortage: Why it really matters for the UK's food and drink supply By Russell Hotten Business reporter Published 27 June 2018 image copyright AFP A shortage of CO2 gas is starting to bite. From pig processors to beer firms, the lack of carbon dioxide is hitting production. Booker, a wholesaler to bars and restaurants, is rationing sales. And soft drinks giant Coca-Cola says its UK bottling plant was interrupted by the shortage. Trade journal Gas World, which first revealed there was a problem last week, said it was the "worst supply situation to hit the European carbon dioxide business in decades". What is CO2 used for? CO2 is widely used in the food processing and drinks industries. It puts the fizz into beer, cider and soft drinks, and is used in food packaging to extend the shelf life of salads, fresh meat and poultry. The gas is also seen as the most humane way to stun pigs and chickens before slaughter. Carbon dioxide is also needed to create dry ice, another product extensively used in the food industry to help keeps things chilled in transit. The gas is also widely used outside the food and drinks sectors. CO2 is needed for certain medical procedures, and is used in the manufacture of semiconductor devices and by oil companies to improve the extraction of crude. Why is there a shortage? A lot of CO2 is, simply put, created as a by-product from ammonia production that is used in the fertiliser industry. Other sources are bio-ethanol plants. However, a number of big mainland European fertiliser plants closed down for routine maintenance. And in the UK, only two of five plants that supply CO2 are operating at the moment. Peak consumption for fertiliser is the winter, so chemical companies have traditionally scaled back production as summer approaches. Also, the current low price of ammonia means producers have little incentive to restart production quickly. It's a case of bad timing that several plants wound down operations together, just as demand for food and drink was being ramped up by the good weather and football's World Cup. Who has been affected? image copyright AFP/Getty Images The impact has been felt from the big drinks companies to the small bottling firms. Heineken said its John Smith's Extra Smooth and Amstel were hit, while Coca-Cola production was interrupted until fresh CO2 supplies arrived. Tesco-owned Booker, a big supplier to restaurants and bars, has started rationing customers to ten cases of beer. And Ei Group, Britain's biggest pub operator, said some beer brands were in short supply or not available. Scotland's biggest abattoir - which handles 6,000 pigs a week - has temporarily closed, with animals being sent to England for slaughter. But that is only a temporary solution, as these abattoirs, too, are also low on carbon dioxide. Small UK bottling firms have also been hit. In the West Midlands, Holden's, which has 80 customers, shut down last Friday until further notice. "I'm left with people sitting around doing nothing," said operations director Mark Hammond. Also in the West Midlands, a firm called The Beer and Gas Man, which provides CO2 to 750-plus pubs which use the gas to force drink through pipes and taps, has run out of supply. Will we run out of beer and meat? We seem to be a long way from this, although food and drink trade groups say much depends on how long the CO2 shortage continues. The British Poultry Association say its members are "living day-to-day" in order to conserve dwindling CO2 supplies. Morrisons supermarket has suspended online deliveries of some frozen foods due to a lack of dry ice (created from CO2). Ocado has done the same. The Scottish Pigs Producers' co-operative is not ruling out meat shortages and higher prices, but does not want to be alarmist. And British Meat Processors Association chief executive, Nick Allen, said the situation was getting "pretty tight". image copyright Reuters What is the government doing? There seems to be very little activity at the moment. The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) says it "is aware that there are reports of a CO2 shortage", and is in contact with the industry and gas suppliers "to understand the implications of the situation". That prompted one food trade body to tell the BBC: "They (Defra) will certainly have to wake up soon if this shortage continues for much longer". However, there is very little the government can do to force CO2 suppliers to ramp up production. The situation is, said a government spokeswoman, "still industry-led". Is there an end in sight? There have been suggestions in the industry that supplies could start returning to normal in early July. Trade journal Gasworld reported that the shortage is likely to continue for the next week at least. However, trade groups for both the food and the drinks sectors have criticised CO2 suppliers for a lack of communication, leaving them unable to plan for the future. It's also likely that some companies will be given priority as supplies return to normal. Meat producers have asked for priority treatment, given that the welfare of animals is involved.<doc-sep>

London (AFP) - It's peak season for bars and barbecues in Europe as a summer heatwave coincides with the World Cup on TV. So probably not the best time for drinks companies to be running out of the gas that puts the fizz into beer and sodas. A shortage of industrial carbon dioxide (CO2) is also affecting meat producers and food companies that rely on dry ice as a refrigerant. Ice cream is another item at risk, just as temperatures breach 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) in parts of northern Europe, along with pork and poultry. In Britain, the country hit worst by the CO2 supply problem, one major supplier of drinks to pubs and restaurants is rationing sales. Booker, owned by supermarket giant Tesco, said it was restricting its wholesale customers to 10 cases of beer, and five of cider or soft drinks. Supermarket chain Morrisons and online food seller Ocado warned customers of disruption to some frozen product lines. Petter Nome, director of the Norwegian brewers' association, said his members badly needed replenishing with the gas. "If brewers don't get any more supplies (of CO2) by the weekend, they'll be really struggling," he told the broadcaster NRK. Dutch brewing group Heineken said it was working "24/7" to meet surging demand during the balmy weather and the football tournament, by sourcing CO2 from across its European network. - Last orders - But Wetherspoon, one of Britain’s leading pub chains, said it was temporarily running dry of two mainstays of the Heineken family -- John Smith's bitter and Strongbow cider. Coca-Cola's British arm said it was "currently responding to an industry-wide issue that is impacting the supply of CO2 in the UK" by temporarily pausing some of its drinks production lines for short periods. It stressed there was no disruption to supply. But in Berlin, Amazon Fresh has stopped offering ice cream and frozen pizza for delivery because the company is short of dry ice. Story continues The shortage was first revealed by trade journal Gas World, which reported it as the "worst supply situation to hit the European carbon dioxide business in decades". It detailed a combination of scheduled maintenance at plants across northern Europe and market forces undercutting production of ammonia, a key component of fertilizer. Industrial CO2 is an offshoot that is used widely in food and beverages. The maintenance runs take advantage of slack demand for fertilizer given that farmers have already planted their crops by late spring. But they coincided with unseasonably hot weather in Europe in May, which caused demand for carbonated drinks to surge. Meanwhile cheaper supplies of ammonia from outside the continent had encouraged producers to keep their own plants offline for longer, Gas World said. - 'Crunch week' - The problem has spread beyond the food and beverage industry, with the Glasgow Science Centre postponing its summer show because of a lack of dry ice. The show was to have explained several scientific phenomena including ocean acidification -- which, ironically, is being caused by the excess of CO2 in the atmosphere that is driving climate change. While industrial suppliers are said to be shifting to ammonia sourced from southern Europe and beyond, Britain has lost its fizz in particular because of the longer transhipment routes and the shutdown of all but one of its own ammonia processors. In abattoirs, Co2 is used to stun animals before they are killed for their meat. The shortage forced Scotland's largest pig processing plant run by Quality Pork Limited in Brechin to suspend slaughtering this week. British Meat Processors Association chief executive Nick Allen said the situation was getting "pretty tight", exacerbated by the hot temperatures. "The frustration is the lack of information," he said, blaming CO2 producers for a lack of transparency. Major players in the supply of industrial gases include Messer and Linde in Germany, Air Liquide of France, and US giant Praxair. In a statement, Air Liquide said the shortage was "a result of exceptional and simultaneous production shutdowns of raw CO2 production units". The company said it was "fully mobilized to try to meet our food and industrial customers' needs in the context of a temporary shortage beyond our control". While this week is "crunch week" for the industry, the situation should ease soon as ammonia plants come back online, Gas World reported. Relief for football fans, as the World Cup heads into its knock-out phase and copious beer gets downed in sorrow or celebration. jit-burs/rfj/jh

It seems like the fashion industry is a few steps behind in the whole body positivity movement. And Bebe Rexha, Grammy-nominated for Best New Artist and Best Country Duo/Group Performance, is the latest artist to call designers out. In a video Bebe posted to Instagram on January 21, she explained that for awards shows, many designers will make something custom for artists to walk the red carpet. Sadly, or more so infuriatingly, however, she's had a hard time finding a designer to dress her because she's a size 8. "So I had my team hit out a lot of designers and a lot of them do not want to dress me because I’m too big," she said. "Literally, like I’m too big. And if a size 6-8 is too big, then I don’t know what to tell you. I don’t wanna wear your f*cking dresses." While she doesn't mention any designers by name, she calls on the fashion industry to "empower women to love their bodies instead of making girls and women feel less then by their size" in her caption. "We are beautiful any size! Small or large!" Since posting, the "Meant to Be" singer has received tons of support in the post's comments by fans, celebs and yes, fashion designers. In fact, several designers are now coming forward with offers to dress the pop star. “You are beautiful! Every woman of every size is beautiful! Just let me know when I should start sketching," designer August Getty commented. “Bebe — we would LOVE to design something custom for you!! Can we discuss?? Xx," designer Tanya Taylor wrote in the comments. Stella Nolasco also wrote, “I would love to dress you!” Many fans also began tagging Christian Siriano, who has been known to make dresses of for all body types, ages and skin tones. So, now that it seems Bebe has a few options, we wonder who she'll pick! Check out some of Bebe Rexha's past red carpet looks in the gallery above! RELATED: Take a look back at the 2018 Grammys:<doc-sep>Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window) Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) After Bebe Rexha revealed that multiple designers refused to dress her for the upcoming Grammys because she’s “too big” at a size 6/8, the offers are rolling in. “You are beautiful! Every woman of every size is beautiful! Just let me know when I should start sketching,” designer August Getty, who has dressed stars including Kristen Bell and Rachel McAdams, commented on Rexha’s post. Tanya Taylor, who’s created custom looks for celebs like Aidy Bryant and Chrissy Metz, chimed in, “Bebe — we would LOVE to design something custom for you!! Can we discuss?? Xx” Wrote designer Elizabeth Kennedy: “I’d love to make you a dress for the Grammys! I’m a size 8 too, and yes it is a beautiful size.” Sachin & Babi, Stella Nolasco and Charbel Zoe all similarly offered their services, while other famous fans of Rexha’s urged her to share the names of the designers who declined to dress her. “Name and shame those brands hun!” wrote model Robyn Lawley, while Tess Holliday added, “Know this feeling all too well.” After Rexha, 29, took to Instagram on Monday to discuss her difficulty in finding a Grammys dress, the video quickly went viral. “If a size 6/8 is too big, then I don’t know what to tell you,” the “I’m a Mess” singer said. “You’re saying that all the women in the world that are size 8 and up are not beautiful and they cannot wear your dresses. So all the people who said I’m thick and can’t wear dresses: F—k you, I don’t wanna wear your f—king dresses.” Now, it seems Rexha will have plenty of options for the big night. Warning: Explicit language<doc-sep>Im sorry, I had to get this off my chest. If you don’t like my fashion style or my music that’s one thing. But don’t say you can’t dress someone that isn’t a runway size. We are beautiful any size! Small or large! Anddddd My size 8 ass is still going to the Grammys. #LOVEYOURBODY pic.twitter.com/0nqdjXf0Dw — Bebe Rexha (@BebeRexha) January 21, 2019 Earlier this week, Bebe Rexha got honest about an all-too-common issue in the fashion industry. The 29-year-old singer revealed via social media that, in her search for the perfect dress to wear to the upcoming Grammy Awards, many designers have refused to dress her because of her size. Bebe, who is a size eight, sounded off about the situation in a video that has since gone viral on Instagram and Twitter. "You're saying all the women in the world that are a size eight and up are not beautiful and that they cannot wear your dresses," she said, addressing the unnamed designers. "So, to all the people who said I'm thick and I can't wear your dress, f*ck you. I don't want to wear your f*cking dresses." Unsurprisingly, it didn't take long for the Grammy nominee to receive a ton of support from fans, fellow celebrities, and a handful of designers who even chimed in and offered to make her custom gowns for the Grammys and beyond. Christian Siriano, who dressed Leslie Jones when she dealt with a similar issue, threw his hat into the ring, mentioning on Twitter that he's dressed Bebe before and "would love to do it again." The Big Bang Theory's Mayim Bialik also gave the singer a recommendation of her own, tagging stylist Adena Rohatiner in the process. "@adenarohatiner has no problem dressing my size 8 ass," she tweeted. "I'm sure she'd love to hear from you. Sending you a size 8 hug." Bebe hasn't updated her followers on who she's chosen to make her dress for the night just yet, but given her red carpet history, we're sure she'll look stunning regardless.<doc-sep>Bebe Rexha’s having a hard time finding a dress for the Grammys, all because the nominee isn’t a ‘runway size.’ Understandably, Bebe’s baffled — but more so disgusted. Designers are supposedly overlooking Bebe Rexha’s two Grammy nominations for Best New Artist and Best Country Duo/Group Performance, all because she’s a size 8! The 29-year-old singer claimed she was fat-shamed as she sought out a dress for the 2019 award show. “So I finally get nominated at the Grammys and it’s like the coolest thing ever. And a lot of times artists will go and talk to designers and they’ll make them custom dresses to walk the red carpet,” Bebe explained in an Instagram video on Jan. 21. “So I had my team hit out a lot of designers and a lot of them do not want to dress me because I’m too big.” Um, what? “If a size 8 is too big, I don’t know what to tell you,” Bebe continued, obviously disgusted. “And I don’t want to wear your f***ing dresses.” Bebe also made an excellent point to the unnamed designers: “You’re saying all the women in the world that are a size 8 and up are not beautiful and that they cannot wear your dresses.” It’s a real problem in the industry, as designers even refused to send their pieces to Will & Grace star Megan Mullally — even though she was the host of the 2019 Screen Actors Guild Awards! Bebe got in another expletive during the video: “To all the people who said I’m thick and I can’t wear your dress, f*** you.” And her rant was separate from her Instagram caption, which packed in even more empowering words for women who have been fat-shamed — you can read it below! It’s not the first time the “Say My Name” singer fired off an anti-body shaming message to archaic designers. Bebe stripped to a bikini set to reveal her curves and round derriere, and wrote a proud message to accompany the sexy photo in Oct. 2018. “Size 8 and Proud. Wanted to always be a skinny pop star but I’ll never be that. So to all the designers, don’t send me sample sizes,” Bebe wrote. “They won’t fit and I won’t change myself to make them fit. Work with me and my big fat a**. Love, Bebe.” Here’s to hoping that more forward-thinking designers step up to the plate! We’re hoping that Bebe finds her dream dress in time for the music award show on Feb. 10. Honestly, we think the singer would only boost a brand’s cred!<doc-sep>

Update, 2/10/2019, 6:30 p.m.: Bebe just showed up to the Grammys looking absolutely stunning in a dress by Monsoori. Thank god *someone* came to their senses, right? Lester Cohen Getty Images Original story: In the mood to be absolutely infuriated? Get ready, because Bebe Rexha just revealed that designers are turning down the opportunity to dress her for the Grammy Awards because she's a size 8. Say it with me: W! T! F! The star is nominated Best New Artist and Best Country Duo/Group Performance at the upcoming awards show, and she hit Instagram to say she's having trouble finding the perfect gown due to designers' refusal to dress her. "So I finally get nominated at the Grammys and it’s like the coolest thing ever," she said in an Instagram video. "And a lot of times artists will go and talk to designers and they’ll make them custom dresses to walk the red carpet, right? Like you go to any big designer. So I had my team hit out a lot of designers and a lot of them do not want to dress me because I’m too big." Bebe then addressed the designers directly: "You’re saying all the women in the world that are a size 8 and up are not beautiful and that they cannot wear your dresses," she said. "So all the people who said I’m thick and I can’t wear your dress, f*ck you, I don’t want to wear your f*cking dresses." This is truly despicable. Here's to hoping that a) this industry changes for the better, and that b) someone steps up to dress Bebe. Mehera Bonner Mehera Bonner is a news writer who focuses on celebrities and royals.