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USA TODAY Sports Fantasy football rankings for Week 4 are based on the point-per-reception (PPR) scoring used in most seasonal and daily fantasy football formats. One point is awarded for every 10 rushing and receiving yards and one point for every 20 passing yards. Six points are awarded for touchdowns scored, four points for passing TDs and one point for receptions. Rankings are compiled by FantasySharks.com. On bye: Carolina, Washington (- Be sure to check injury/status before kickoff) QUARTERBACKS 1 Drew Brees N.O. at N.Y.-G 2 Patrick Mahomes K.C. at Den. 3 Philip Rivers L.A.-C vs. S.F. 4 Andy Dalton Cin. at Atl. 5 Ben Roethlisberger Pit. vs. Bal. 6 Matt Ryan Atl. vs. Cin. 7 Ryan Fitzpatrick T.B. at Chi. 8 Tom Brady N.E. vs. Mia. 9 Deshaun Watson Hou. at Ind. 10 Blake Bortles Jac. vs. N.Y.-J 11 Russell Wilson Sea. at Ari. 12 Case Keenum Den. vs. K.C. 13 Aaron Rodgers G.B. vs. Buf. 14 Joe Flacco Bal. at Pit. 15 Kirk Cousins Min. at L.A.-R 16 Matthew Stafford Det. at Dal. 17 Andrew Luck Ind. vs. Hou. 18 Carson Wentz Phi. at Ten. 19 Eli Manning N.Y.-G vs. N.O. 20 Josh Allen Buf. at G.B. 21 Derek Carr Oak. vs. Cle. 22 Ryan Tannehill Mia. at N.E. 23 Dak Prescott Dal. vs. Det. 24 Baker Mayfield Cle. at Oak. 25 C.J. Beathard S.F. at L.A.-C 26 Jared Goff L.A.-R vs. Min. 27 Mitchell Trubisky Chi. vs. T.B. 28 Sam Darnold N.Y.-J at Jac. 29 Marcus Mariota Ten. vs. Phi. 30 Sam Bradford Ari. vs. Sea. Fantasy sizzlers/fizzlers: Jordy Nelson finds end zone; Burkhead fades RUNNING BACKS 1 Ezekiel Elliott Dal. vs. Det. 2 James Conner Pit. vs. Bal. 3 David Johnson Ari. vs. Sea. 4 Todd Gurley L.A.-R vs. Min. 5 Alvin Kamara N.O. at N.Y.-G 6 Melvin Gordon L.A.-C vs. S.F. 7 Carlos Hyde Cle. at Oak. 8 Jordan Howard Chi. vs. T.B. 9 Leonard Fournette Jac. vs. N.Y.-J 10 Kenyan Drake Mia. at N.E. 11 Saquon Barkley N.Y.-G vs. N.O. 12 Tevin Coleman Atl. vs. Cin. 13 James White N.E. vs. Mia. 14 Phillip Lindsay Den. vs. K.C. 15 Kareem Hunt K.C. at Den. 16 Marshawn Lynch Oak. vs. Cle. 17 LeSean McCoy Buf. at G.B. 18 Lamar Miller Hou. at Ind. 19 Sony Michel N.E. vs. Mia. 20 Dalvin Cook Min. at L.A.-R 21 Alex Collins Bal. at Pit. 22 Kerryon Johnson Det. at Dal. 23 Matt Breida S.F. at L.A.-C 24 Javorius Allen Bal. at Pit. 25 Giovani Bernard Cin. at Atl. 26 Isaiah Crowell N.Y.-J at Jac. 27 Jamaal Williams G.B. vs. Buf. 28 T.J. Yeldon Jac. vs. N.Y.-J 29 Derrick Henry Ten. vs. Phi. 30 Aaron Jones G.B. vs. Buf. 31 Chris Carson Sea. at Ari. 32 Tarik Cohen Chi. vs. T.B. 33 Royce Freeman Den. vs. K.C. 34 Latavius Murray Min. at L.A.-R 35 Duke Johnson Cle. at Oak. 36 Marlon Mack Ind. vs. Hou. 37 Bilal Powell N.Y.-J at Jac. 38 Peyton Barber T.B. at Chi. 39 Jordan Wilkins Ind. vs. Hou. 40 Austin Ekeler L.A.-C vs. S.F. 41 Jalen Richard Oak. vs. Cle. 42 Theo Riddick Det. at Dal. 43 Jay Ajayi Phi. at Ten. 44 Dion Lewis Ten. vs. Phi. 45 Chris Ivory Buf. at G.B. 46 Devontae Booker Den. vs. K.C. 47 Ty Montgomery G.B. vs. Buf. 48 Alfred Morris S.F. at L.A.-C 49 Corey Grant Jac. vs. N.Y.-J 50 Alfred Blue Hou. at Ind. 51 Mike Gillislee N.O. at N.Y.-G 52 Ito Smith Atl. vs. Cin. 53 Frank Gore Mia. at N.E. 54 Corey Clement Phi. at Ten. 55 Doug Martin Oak. vs. Cle. Fantasy waiver wire: Calvin Ridley, Baker Mayfield lead the way WIDE RECEIVERS 1 Antonio Brown Pit. vs. Bal. 2 Michael Thomas N.O. at N.Y.-G 3 Odell Beckham N.Y.-G vs. N.O. 4 DeAndre Hopkins Hou. at Ind. 5 Julio Jones Atl. vs. Cin. 6 A.J. Green Cin. at Atl. 7 Emmanuel Sanders Den. vs. K.C. 8 Will Fuller Hou. at Ind. 9 Davante Adams G.B. vs. Buf. 10 Mike Evans T.B. at Chi. 11 Tyreek Hill K.C. at Den. 12 JuJu Smith-Schuster Pit. vs. Bal. 13 Jarvis Landry Cle. at Oak. 14 Demaryius Thomas Den. vs. K.C. 15 Brandin Cooks L.A.-R vs. Min. 16 Kenny Stills Mia. at N.E. 17 Keelan Cole Jac. vs. N.Y.-J 18 Keenan Allen L.A.-C vs. S.F. 19 Stefon Diggs Min. at L.A.-R 20 Adam Thielen Min. at L.A.-R 21 T.Y. Hilton Ind. vs. Hou. 22 Michael Crabtree Bal. at Pit. 23 Nelson Agholor Phi. at Ten. 24 DeSean Jackson T.B. at Chi. 25 Robert Woods L.A.-R vs. Min. 26 Larry Fitzgerald Ari. vs. Sea. 27 Corey Davis Ten. vs. Phi. 28 Sterling Shepard N.Y.-G vs. N.O. 29 Calvin Ridley Atl. vs. Cin. 30 Kenny Golladay Det. at Dal. 31 Tyler Boyd Cin. at Atl. 32 Marvin Jones Det. at Dal. 33 Amari Cooper Oak. vs. Cle. 34 Doug Baldwin Sea. at Ari. 35 John Brown Bal. at Pit. 36 Tyler Lockett Sea. at Ari. 37 Geronimo Allison G.B. vs. Buf. 38 Jordy Nelson Oak. vs. Cle. 39 Cooper Kupp L.A.-R vs. Min. 40 Robby Anderson N.Y.-J at Jac. 41 Sammy Watkins K.C. at Den. 42 Pierre Garcon S.F. at L.A.-C 43 Quincy Enunwa N.Y.-J at Jac. 44 Tyrell Williams L.A.-C vs. S.F. 45 Golden Tate Det. at Dal. 46 Ted Ginn Jr. N.O. at N.Y.-G 47 John Ross Cin. at Atl. 48 Allen Robinson Chi. vs. T.B. 49 Donte Moncrief Jac. vs. N.Y.-J 50 Randall Cobb G.B. vs. Buf. 51 Kelvin Benjamin Buf. at G.B. 52 Mike Williams L.A.-C vs. S.F. 53 Chris Godwin T.B. at Chi. 54 Chris Hogan N.E. vs. Mia. 55 Dede Westbrook Jac. vs. N.Y.-J TIGHT ENDS 1 Travis Kelce K.C. at Den. 2 Kyle Rudolph Min. at L.A.-R 3 Zach Ertz Phi. at Ten. 4 Rob Gronkowski N.E. vs. Mia. 5 O.J. Howard T.B. at Chi. 6 Eric Ebron Ind. vs. Hou. 7 Vance McDonald Pit. vs. Bal. 8 Jared Cook Oak. vs. Cle. 9 Jimmy Graham G.B. vs. Buf. 10 Tyler Eifert Cin. at Atl. 11 Ben Watson N.O. at N.Y.-G 12 Will Dissly Sea. at Ari. 13 George Kittle S.F. at L.A.-C 14 David Njoku Cle. at Oak. 15 Jesse James Pit. vs. Bal. 16 Austin Hooper Atl. vs. Cin. 17 Rhett Ellison N.Y.-G vs. N.O. 18 Antonio Gates L.A.-C vs. S.F. 19 Charles Clay Buf. at G.B. 20 Geoff Swaim Dal. vs. Det. 21 Nick Boyle Bal. at Pit. 22 Cameron Brate T.B. at Chi. 23 Jonnu Smith Ten. vs. Phi. 24 Ryan Griffin Hou. at Ind. 25 Ricky Seals-Jones Ari. vs. Sea. 26 Trey Burton Chi. vs. T.B. 27 Mike Gesicki Mia. at N.E. 28 Jeff Heuerman Den. vs. K.C. 29 Dallas Goedert Phi. at Ten. 30 Garrett Celek S.F. at L.A.-C KICKERS 1 Matt Bryant Atl. vs. Cin. 2 Stephen Gostkowski N.E. vs. Mia. 3 Robbie Gould S.F. at L.A.-C 4 Justin Tucker Bal. at Pit. 5 Phil Dawson Ari. vs. Sea. 6 Adam Vinatieri Ind. vs. Hou. 7 Jake Elliott Phi. at Ten. 8 Harrison Butker K.C. at Den. 9 Chris Boswell Pit. vs. Bal. 10 Wil Lutz N.O. at N.Y.-G 11 Steven Hauschka Buf. at G.B. 12 Jason Myers N.Y.-J at Jac. 13 Ka'imi Fairbairn Hou. at Ind. 14 Cody Parkey Chi. vs. T.B. 15 Chandler Catanzaro T.B. at Chi. 16 Matt Prater Det. at Dal. 17 Brandon McManus Den. vs. K.C. 18 Brett Maher Dal. vs. Det. 19 Caleb Sturgis L.A.-C vs. S.F. 20 Aldrick Rosas N.Y.-G vs. N.O. 21 Jason Sanders Mia. at N.E. 22 Mason Crosby G.B. vs. Buf. 23 Dan Bailey Min. at L.A.-R 24 Sebastian Janikowski Sea. at Ari. 25 Sam Ficken L.A.-R vs. Min. 26 Randy Bullock Cin. at Atl. 27 Josh Lambo Jac. vs. N.Y.-J 28 Greg Joseph Cle. at Oak. 29 Ryan Succop Ten. vs. Phi. 30 Matt McCrane Oak. vs. Cle. DEFENSES 1 Chicago Bears vs. T.B. 2 Los Angeles Rams vs. Min. 3 Cleveland Browns at Oak. 4 Seattle Seahawks at Ari. 5 Philadelphia Eagles at Ten. 6 Buffalo Bills at G.B. 7 Arizona Cardinals vs. Sea. 8 Jacksonville Jaguars vs. N.Y.-J 9 Detroit Lions at Dal. 10 Indianapolis Colts vs. Hou. 11 Kansas City Chiefs at Den. 12 Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Chi. 13 Dallas Cowboys vs. Det. 14 Oakland Raiders vs. Cle. 15 Miami Dolphins at N.E. 16 Tennessee Titans vs. Phi. 17 Green Bay Packers vs. Buf. 18 New Orleans Saints at N.Y.-G 19 Atlanta Falcons vs. Cin. 20 New England Patriots vs. Mia. 21 Minnesota Vikings at L.A.-R 22 Los Angeles Chargers vs. S.F. 23 Baltimore Ravens at Pit. 24 New York Jets at Jac. 25 Houston Texans at Ind. 26 Cincinnati Bengals at Atl. 27 Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Bal. 28 New York Giants vs. N.O. 29 Denver Broncos vs. K.C. 30 San Francisco 49ers at L.A.-C<doc-sep>Need Fantasy Football lineup advice? Talk to CBS Sports on your Google Assistant to get insights on the best sleepers and to help decide between players. Just start with, "Hey Google, talk to CBS Sports." There are so many storylines for Week 4 it might make your head spin just trying to keep up. But that's the fun of the NFL. Are the Patriots done at 1-2 facing the 3-0 Dolphins? Can Andrew Luck actually throw the ball down the field? Is it time to play flag football with the quarterbacks based on the roughing the passer rule? Thankfully, despite some of the drama, Fantasy stats have been popping, and we should get more production this week. It's just too bad Le'Veon Bell is missing out on the action while he's hanging out in Miami during his contract dispute. Man, it would be awesome to have Bell playing right now. But that's a story for another time. Instead, let's focus on the positive. Patrick Mahomes has been on a tear through three games, and we'll see how Baker Mayfield and Josh Rosen do in their first NFL starts. And please don't panic on the Patriots or Luck yet. Tom Brady will rebound at home this week, and Luck should have the chance for a big game at home against the Texans. There should be a lot of great performances in Week 4, and hopefully your Fantasy teams will benefit. Just be aware there are two teams on a bye with Carolina and Washington. As for the rest of the teams, we'll have you covered with all the starts and sits for this week. Good luck with your Fantasy matchups. Note: Projections are provided by SportsLine.com. Start of the Week Giovani Bernard TB • RB • 25 Week 4 projection 12.7 Fantasy points View Profile Joe Mixon (knee) is expected to remain out for Week 4 at Atlanta, which is a great thing for Giovani Bernard. This is a tremendous matchup for him against the Falcons. Atlanta leads the NFL with the most receptions allowed to opposing running backs (36), and Bernard just had five catches for 25 yards on nine targets in Week 3 against Carolina in his first start without Mixon. He also added 12 carries for 61 yards and a touchdown. Now, part of the reason for the Falcons struggling against receivers out of the backfield is they've faced Christian McCaffrey and Alvin Kamara the past two weeks. That duo combined for 29 catches for 226 yards on a whopping 35 targets. I don't expect Bernard to get that many passes thrown his way, but Atlanta is clearly missing linebacker Deion Jones (foot) and safety Keanu Neal (ACL). And now safety Ricardo Allen (Achilles) is also out, plus defensive linemen Takk McKinley (groin) and Derrick Shelby (groin) are banged up. Bernard has now scored at least 10 PPR points in 24 of 30 career games with at least 15 touches after his performance last week, and he's averaging 16.8 PPR points over the past six times he's had that much work going back to last year. He should easily get 15 touches again this week. We'll see how much longer Mixon remains out, but Bernard should post quality production in his place. And he's a must-start running back in all leagues in Week 4. I'm starting Bernard over: David Johnson (vs. SEA), Kareem Hunt (at DEN), Kenyan Drake (at NE), Alex Collins (at PIT) and Tevin Coleman (vs. CIN) Quarterback Sleepers Ryan Tannehill (at NE): Tannehill comes into this game 10-1 in his last 11 outings going back to 2016, and he's playing well with at least 20 Fantasy points in his past two contests against the Jets and Raiders. New England has allowed 639 passing yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions in the past two games against Blake Bortles and Matthew Stafford, and Tannehill has passed for at least 300 yards in four games in a row against the Patriots, with multiple touchdown passes in two of those outings. Case Keenum (vs. KC): Keenum started the season playing well with 25 Fantasy points against Seattle in Week 1, but he combined for just 18 points the past two weeks against Oakland and Baltimore. This week, he should be chasing points against the Chiefs, who have allowed an astounding 1,127 passing yards, nine total touchdowns and one interception to Rivers, Ben Roethlisberger and Jimmy Garoppolo in three games. Baker Mayfield (at OAK): Mayfield makes his first NFL start in what could be a tough place to play in the Black Hole in Oakland. Luckily for him, the Raiders defense hasn't been so tough this year. Jared Goff in Week 1 and Tannehill last week both had at least 21 Fantasy points against Oakland, and Mayfield could reach that total if he doesn't make mistakes. He's a good streaming option in deeper leagues. Sit 'Em 18.6 projected points Matthew Stafford Detroit Lions QB I don't expect Stafford to play poorly this week. I just don't expect him to have a high ceiling given the matchup with the Cowboys . No quarterback has scored more than 19 Fantasy points against Dallas this year, including matchups with Newton and Russell Wilson . And I think Detroit can run the ball this week with Kerryon Johnson since the Cowboys will be without standout linebacker Sean Lee (hamstring). Stafford could easily expose this Dallas secondary with his standout receiving corps, especially if the Lions are chasing points because Ezekiel Elliott runs through their defense. But this game should be low-scoring – Las Vegas has the over-under at 44 points – and I don't expect a big Fantasy day from Stafford this week. 20.8 projected points Russell Wilson Seattle Seahawks QB Wilson has scored fewer than 20 Fantasy points in each of his past two games against Chicago and Dallas, and I expect him to be under 20 points again this week. Arizona has only allowed three passing touchdowns with two interceptions against Alex Smith , Goff and Mitchell Trubisky , and the Seahawks can lean on their ground game for the second week in a row with Chris Carson in this matchup. Like Stafford, I don't expect Wilson to struggle, but I'm concerned about his ceiling on the road. The over-under for this game is 37.5, and Wilson isn't expected to light up the scoreboard in Week 4. 19.0 projected points Carson Wentz Philadelphia Eagles QB Wentz is more of a bust alert than a must-sit option, and it will help if Alshon Jeffery (shoulder) is able to play now that he's been cleared for contact. But I'm not ready to call Wentz a safe start this week on the road at Tennessee. The Titans defense has played well against opposing quarterbacks this season in holding Tannehill and Blake Bortles to their worst games of the season, and only Deshaun Watson has scored more than 17 Fantasy points. I'm hopeful that Wentz had the shake off the rust game last week against the Colts when he scored 13 Fantasy points, but I'm concerned about his ceiling. He's a low-end starting option at best in 12-team leagues. 18.0 projected points Blake Bortles Jacksonville Jaguars QB Bortles was a huge letdown in Week 3 against Tennessee with eight Fantasy points after he had 40 points against the Patriots in Week 2. He doesn't have a tremendously difficult matchup in Week 4 against the Jets, although they have allowed just three touchdowns with five interceptions in three games against the Lions, Dolphins and Browns . Bortles will likely revert to more of a game-manager with Leonard Fournette (hamstring) expected to play, and Bortles is only worth using in two-quarterback leagues this week. 16.4 projected points Derek Carr Oakland Raiders QB It's the same story with Carr again that you can't trust him unless you're stuck -- even in two-quarterback leagues. He has yet to score more than 17 Fantasy points in a game against the Rams, Broncos and Dolphins, and the Browns defense has played well this year. In matchups against Roethlisberger, Brees and Sam Darnold , Cleveland has held those quarterbacks to an average of 249 passing yards with three touchdowns and five interceptions. We'll see if Carr can turn things around at home, but I'm not confident in his outlook for Week 4. Bust Alert Ryan Fitzpatrick WAS • QB • 14 Week 4 projection 18.4 Fantasy points View Profile I understand if you're reluctant to bench Fitzpatrick. He's the only quarterback in NFL history to pass for at least 400 yards in three games in row. For the season, Fitzpatrick has video game stats with 1,230 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and four interceptions, and he also added 62 rushing yards and a touchdown. He's scored at least 30 Fantasy points in all three games. But this could be the week it all comes crashing down. Maybe not to the point where Fitzpatrick becomes Fitztragic, but this could be his first week not finishing as a No. 1 Fantasy quarterback in 2018. The Bears will get after Fitzpatrick with their pass rush, and they have 14 sacks on the season. Chicago also has five interceptions, and the Buccaneers are playing on the road on a short week after playing on Monday night. Fitzpatrick also has Jameis Winston now waiting for his job back after his three-game suspension is over, and Tampa Bay has a bye in Week 5. It's a bad setup for Fitzpatrick to remain Fitzmagic. I consider him a low-end starting option at best for Week 4. Running backs Start 'Em 13.2 projected points Carlos Hyde Cleveland Browns RB Hyde's been great so far this season with four touchdowns through three games, and he's coming off his best outing of the year in Week 3 against the Jets. He had 23 carries for 98 yards (4.3 yards per carry) and two touchdowns and two catches for 5 yards. That game happened on his 28th birthday last Thursday, and on Friday morning, Hyde and his wife had their first child, a son named Carlos Jr. Hopefully the euphoria of last week carries over to Week 4 at Oakland, and the Raiders have already allowed three running backs to either score or gain 100 rushing yards on the season. Hyde should stay hot for another week. 12.4 projected points Lamar Miller Houston Texans RB Miller started the season strong in Week 1 at New England with 109 total yards, but he's struggled since. He had 70 total yards in Week 2 at Tennessee and then got lucky with a late touchdown catch in Week 3 against the Giants despite just 51 total yards -- where he averaged just 1.0 yards per carry. But this should be a breakout game for him. In his past five games against Indianapolis, Miller has at least 11 PPR points in each outing, including four games with either a touchdown or 90 total yards. The Colts have allowed a running back to score or gain 90 total yards in each game this season and have struggled with pass-catching running backs, allowing 28 receptions to the position on the year. That should help Miller in PPR. 11.8 projected points Kerryon Johnson Detroit Lions RB Johnson had a great game in Week 3 against New England with 16 carries for 101 yards and two catches for 9 yards, and he should build on that performance this week. The Cowboys are likely without linebacker Sean Lee (hamstring), and Dallas' run defense has struggled when he's been hurt. It was evident in Week 3 at Seattle when Lee got hurt, because Chris Carson grinded his way to 124 total yards and a touchdown. And last year, six running backs either scored or had 80 total yards in the five games Lee was out. Despite Johnson sharing touches with LeGarrette Blount and Theo Riddick, I'm trusting Johnson to have a big game against Dallas on the road. 12.8 projected points Chris Carson Seattle Seahawks RB I'm hopeful that what we saw from Carson in Week 3 is a sign of things to come, and hopefully Pete Carroll doesn't keep playing Carson on special teams to tire him out.<doc-sep>	Ed Zurga/Associated Press The same sage five-letter advice that helped Aaron Rodgers once calm the Green Bay Packers can now soothe fidgety fantasy owners who might be ready to panic with three weeks in the books. R-E-L-A-X, folks. It's that simple. As unconventional as this campaign has felt at times—Tennessee over Jacksonville, Buffalo over Minnesota, Detroit over New England and Washington over Green Bay in the same week? !—the fantasy world tells a different story. Look at the scoring leaders. Now, glance past Ryan Fitzpatrick as the surprise No. 1, and what do you see? A ton of familiar faces piling up points like we expected. We're not advising you to feel comfortable about your record, regardless where it stands. Every team could be improved, even those 3-0 front-runners. But don't let three weeks of football distort your reality, either. Trust your early rankings, expert opinions and your gut; you'll be alright. After examining the top Week 4—the first week with byes, remember—options at every offensive position, we'll highlight our favorite sleeper at each spot. Video Play Button Videos you might like QB Rankings 1. Patrick Mahomes, KC (at DEN) 2. Drew Brees, NO (at NYG) 3. Aaron Rodgers, GB (vs. BUF) 4. Tom Brady, NE (vs. MIA) 5. Philip Rivers, LAC (vs. SF) 6. Deshaun Watson, HOU (at IND) 7. Russell Wilson, SEA (at ARI) 8. Matt Ryan, ATL (vs. CIN) 9. Carson Wentz, PHI (at TEN) 10. Ben Roethlisberger, PIT (vs. BAL) 11. Andy Dalton, CIN (at ATL) 12. Andrew Luck, IND (vs. HOU) QB Sleeper: Eli Manning, New York Giants Eric Christian Smith/Associated Press Few matchups are more inviting for fantasy quarterbacks than a date with the Saints defense. New Orleans has surrendered 95 points through three games, with a lot of that damage coming through the air. The Saints are dead last in yards per passing attempt (11.2) and tied for the bottom in passing touchdowns (10). They are 30th in passing yards per game (336.7) and just allowed Matt Ryan to tally 374 yards and five scores in their Week 3 shootout. But this recommendation isn't all about the defense. Manning, himself, is trending up, having increased his yardage, completion percentage and touchdown count in all three weeks. Granted, that only got him to 297 yards and two scores this past weekend, but he assembled that line on an uber-efficient 25-of-29 effort (86.2 percent). Even without playmaking tight end Evan Engram, Manning still has three pass-catchers in Odell Beckham Jr., Sterling Shepard and rookie running back Saquon Barkley, who leads all freshmen with 21 receptions. "It's the perfect time to stream Manning for a spot start," Bleacher Report's Maurice Moton advised. RB Rankings 1. Alvin Kamara, NO (at NYG) 2. Todd Gurley, LAR (vs. MIN) 3. Ezekiel Elliott, DAL (vs. DET) 4. Saquon Barkley, NYG (vs. NO) 5. Melvin Gordon, LAC (vs. SF) 6. David Johnson, ARI (vs. SEA) 7. Kareem Hunt, KC (at DEN) 8. Jordan Howard, CHI (vs. TB) 9. Leonard Fournette, JAX (vs. NYJ) 10. James Conner, PIT (vs. BAL) 11. Dalvin Cook, MIN (at LAR) 12. Carlos Hyde, CLE (at OAK) 13. Giovani Bernard, CIN (at ATL) 14. Lamar Miller, HOU (at IND) 15. Marshawn Lynch, OAK (CLE) 16. Devonta Freeman, ATL (vs. CIN) 17. Kenyan Drake, MIA (at NE) 18. Alex Collins, BAL (at PIT) 19. Chris Carson, SEA (at ARI) 20. Matt Breida, SF (at LAC) RB Sleeper: Kerryon Johnson, Detroit Lions Paul Sancya/Associated Press The Lions' years-long search for a dynamic back is over. At least, it will be whenever the franchise realizes it is. For now, Detroit is still utilizing a three-man committee with Johnson getting just one more rushing attempt than LeGarrette Blount (29 to 28) and seven fewer receptions than Theo Riddick (17 to 10). It's possible Johnson's Week 3 breakout—Detroit's first 100-yard rushing effort since 2013—will force the Lions to rethink their pecking order. Johnson is almost doubling Blount in yards per attempt (5.6 to 3.0). Meanwhile, the rookie has also corralled a higher percentage of his targets than Riddick (83.3 to 77.3). In other words, Johnson looks like Detroit's best back in essentially every situation. "I think he just does everything well," Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford said, per Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. "He can catch the ball out of the backfield, he's a smart player, he's got good vision. He's a slippery runner.
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. Manchester United are in action tonight as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer aims to extend his perfect record in charge. The Red Devils’ interim boss has won all eight of his games since replacing Jose Mourinho at the helm in December. United have fired themselves into contention for a Champions League place with Chelsea and Arsenal failing to impress in recent weeks. Speaking ahead of the Burnley game, Solskjaer said: “The results [Burnley] have had and performances they’ve had says we know we’re up against a team that’s gonna come here and fight for three points.<doc-sep>Manchester United vs Burnley: TV channel, live stream, squad news & preview Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has lifted the mood of fans and players in his short interim spell in charge and is on course to continue his perfect form Manchester United will be aiming to register a ninth straight win in all competitions under interim coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer when they host Burnley at Old Trafford on Tuesday evening in the Premier League. The Red Devils have won their last eight matches – as well as six in the top flight – and are currently in sixth position, level on points with fifth-placed Arsenal, and a win over the Clarets could put them level on points with fourth-placed Chelsea, who play on Wednesday. Burnley will be looking to bounce back following their 5-0 FA Cup defeat to Manchester City at the weekend, and have been on the back-end of a largely disappointing season following their early Europa League exit and their struggles to lift themselves from the bottom end of the table. Article continues below Game Man Utd vs Burnley Date Tuesday, January 29 Time 8pm GMT / 3pm ET Stream (US) fubo TV (7-day free trial) TV Channel, Live Stream & How To Watch In the United States (US), the game can be watched live and on-demand with fuboTV (7-day free trial) . New users can sign up for a free seven-day trial of the live sports streaming service, which can be accessed via iOS, Android, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Apple TV as well as on a web browser. US TV channel Online stream NBCSN fubo TV (7-day free trial) In the United Kingdom (UK), the game will not be shown live on television but will be livestreamed on Clarets Player. UK TV channel Online stream N/A Clarets Player Squads & Team News Position Man United players Goalkeepers De Gea, Grant, Romero Defenders Lindelof, Bailly, Jones, Rojo, Young, Dalot, Shaw, Valencia, Darmian Midfielders Pogba, Mata, Lingard, Pereira, Fred, Herrera, Fellaini, Matic, McTominay, Gomes, Hamilton Forwards Sanchez, Lukaku, Rashford, Martial, Chong, Bohui Man United XI: De Gea; Young, Jones, Lindelof, Shaw; Herrera, Matic; Pogba, Mata, Rashford, Lukaku. Position Burnley players Goalkeepers Hart, Heaton Defenders Lowton, Tarkowski, Mee, Ward, Taylor, Gibson, Bardsley, Long Midfielders Cork, Gudmundsson, Westwood, Lennon Forwards Wood, Hendrick, Vokes, Barnes Burnley XI: Heaton; Bardsley, Tarkowski, Mee, Taylor; Hendrick, Westwood, Cork, McNeil; Barnes, Wood. Betting & Match Odds Man Utd are priced at odds of 2/7 to win, according to bet 365 , while a draw is available at 11/2. A win for Burnley is priced at 13/1. Click here to see all of bet 365's offers for the game, including goalscoring markets, correct score predictions and more. Match Preview Top four seemed like an impossible dream for United under the reign of former manager Jose Mourinho but a Champions League spot for the Red Devils is almost in sight under Solskjaer, who has been credited with lifting the morale for both players and fans. Paul Pogba has captured his best form in a red shirt under the Norwegian and looks a different player than the one who was ostracised by Mourinho, and a win against Burnley will set in motion United's ambitions to catch up to the top-four challengers this season. Since the 3-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield in December in what proved to be Mourinho's final match, United have won their six Premier League games – including a 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur – but a real test awaits them in the Champions League where they will be given the task of having to best Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain over two legs. Dyche's Burnley side are back in Manchester just three days after their 5-0 defeat to Pep Guardiola's City side, and he will be looking for an immediate response from his team. The Clarets have managed to register three wins in their last five Premier League outings but still remain 16th in the table with 22 points.<doc-sep>How to watch Manchester United face Burnley in the Premier League on Tuesday, Jan. 29. Manchester United will look to continue its run of scorching form when it hosts Burnley on Tuesday. Kickoff from Old Trafford in Manchester, England, is slated for 3 p.m. ET. Manchester United sits sixth in the Premier League, 16 points behind first-place Liverpool and three out of a Champions League place. The club has won six straight Premier League matches and eight in all competitions under caretaker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Its last loss came against Liverpool on Dec. 16, which resulted in the firing of Jose Mourinho. Burnley enters the match 16th in the Premier League, but the club has been on a significant hot streak of its own of late. Burnley's last Premier League loss came on Dec. 26, and it has won three of its last four Premier League matches to pull out of the relegation zone. Here's how to watch Tuesday's match: Time: 3 p.m. ET TV: NBCSN, Universo Live Stream: Watch live on fuboTV. Sign up now for a free seven-day trial. SI TV is also now available on fuboTV. Watch Planet Futbol TV, SI’s soccer show starring Grant Wahl and Luis Miguel Echegaray, weekly on Fubo TV or anytime, anywhere here.<doc-sep>	It could be a record-breaking night at Old Trafford tonight. Caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be looking to continue his remarkable, record-breaking start to life in the Manchester United hot-seat when his side take on Burnley in the Premier League. The Norwegian masterminded a 3-1 victory against Arsenal in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Friday with a great display of counter attacking football and goals from Alexis Sanchez, Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial. The performances from previously out-of-favour players at the Emirates, such as Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku, could give Solskjaer a selection headache with so many of his attackers playing well. Relegation strugglers Burnley will offer different competition to Arsenal. The Clarets rested several key players as they suffered a 5-0 thumping from Manchester City on the weekend so should have some fresh legs. However, with a massive relegation clash against Southampton at the weekend, it's difficult to see Sean Dyche prioritising the game. What TV channel is Manchester United vs Burnley on? Manchester United vs Burnley will not be aired on TV in the UK. However, to ensure you don't miss any of the action follow it all on our live blog. Kick-off time from Old Trafford is 8pm on Tuesday, January 29. You'll also be able to catch the highlights of the game on Match of the Day on Wednesday, from 10:45pm on BBC One. Team news for Manchester United vs Burnley United XI: De Gea, Young, Jones, Lindelof, Shaw, Matic, Pereira, Pogba, Mata, Rashford, Lukaku. Subs: Romero, Dalot, Smalling, Fred, Herrera, Lingard, Sanchez. Odds for Manchester United vs Burnley (Sky Bet) Manchester United - 1/4 Draw - 5/1 Burnley - 10/1 Alexis Sanches to score, United win - 11/8 Paul Pogba and Ashley Barnes to score - 10/1 United win 3-1 - 10/1 Predictions for Manchester United vs Burnley
On Friday morning, nearly 200 fans of Iceland’s World Cup soccer team — some natives of Reykjavik and other parts of the sparsely populated North Atlantic nation, others firmly seated on the Viking bandwagon — gathered in a cramped space in a midtown Manhattan pub. Dressed in their blue Iceland shirts, they were ready to cheer their country’s soccer miracle onto the next round. With a win over Nigeria, Iceland would almost assuredly advance to the knockout stage. The fans sipped on their cold Einstök ale, while chanting “ĺs-land! ĺs-land!” (Pronounced “Eees-land!). The sounds of the Viking clap bounced around the bar. But then Iceland met Ahmed Musa. The Nigerian forward, who plays for Leicester City in the English Premier League, scored a pair of exquisite second-half goals against Iceland in Russia, giving Nigeria a 2-0 win over the World Cup underdog darlings and reviving the African nation’s chances of reaching the knockout stage for the second consecutive tournament. Nigeria’s victory also gave underachieving Argentina, home of the legendary Lionel Messi, a puncher’s chance of saving its own World Cup campaign. Iceland had its chances in the first half, dominating play but failing to convert its free kicks and long passes into a goal. Nigeria didn’t even take a shot on goal in the first half. In the 49th minute, however, with the score tied at 0-0, Musa took a cross, touched it onto the grass and fired it into the net off a short-hop. Then in the 75th minute, Musa outran an Iceland defender down the side of the field, moved with the ball into the middle, then dribbled around Iceland keeper Hannes Thor Halldórsson — making Halldórsson look comically slow in the process — before knocking in his second goal. A penalty shot in the 83rd minute offered Iceland a speck of hope. But Iceland’s most technically gifted player, Gylfi Sigurdsson, sailed his shot comfortably over the crossbar, knocking the air out of Iceland’s chances and out of the New York fan pub, where Iceland supporters buried their heads in their hands. Nigeria’s win gives Group D of the World Cup, already one of the tournament’s most intriguing combinations, extra drama going into the last game of the opening round. Croatia, with a 2-0 victory over Nigeria last week and a 3-0 stunner over Argentina on Thursday, has already clinched a spot in the knockout stage. Nigeria, with three points thanks to the win over Iceland, faces Argentina, which has a point due to its draw with Iceland last week, on Tuesday. If Nigeria beats Argentina, the Super Eagles advance — and knock Argentina, finalists at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, out of the tournament. If Argentina wins and Croatia beats or draws with Iceland on Tuesday, Messi still has a chance to win his first World Cup, despite Argentina’s dysfunction in the first two games of the group stage. Iceland’s still alive, but needs a win and either Argentina to draw with Nigeria, or for Argentina to beat Nigeria, but by not too many goals. Goal differential is the first group stage tiebreaker, and at this point Iceland has given up two more goals than it has scored, while Argentina is facing a three-goal deficit. Got all that? As Iceland has discovered in its World Cup debut, this tournament’s an emotional ride. Your country’s fate, for good or ill, can change in an instant. Still, after the disappointment of the Nigeria game, the Iceland pub in New York was far from somber. “We’ve still got a shot,” said Hlyur Gudjonsson, Icelandic Trade Commissioner to North America and the Consul General for New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Sure beats the alternative. 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Write to Sean Gregory at [email protected].<doc-sep>A world of possibilities has opened up for both these sides in a group that was supposed to be dominated by Argentina and Croatia. The former’s disastrous loss to the latter on Thursday turned this match into one of the most intriguing of the week. If Iceland wins, it will then need just a draw in its finale against Croatia to advance — and maybe not even that. If Nigeria wins, it could then eliminate Argentina with a win or draw in their meeting next week. A draw here would leave things unsettled for all three teams, and set up plenty of drama on Tuesday.<doc-sep>Don't miss a moment of the World Cup! Visit "My Teams" in your Settings and select your favorite team to set up scores and news alerts. Nigeria has moved into second place in the World Cup's Group D after beating underdog Iceland 2-0 on Friday thanks to two goals from Ahmed Musa. The African nation struggled in the first half and was fortunate to not concede, but Musa went on the counter with Victor Moses in the second half to score the winning goal before putting the game away late, placing his team in a great spot while also giving Argentina life. Here's the winning goal, which came on 49 minutes: Then Musa left his defender in the dust and juked out the goalkeeper for the 2-0 lead: You know things were going well for Nigeria when fans started to do the "Skol." Gylfi Sigurdsson skied a VAR-confirmed penalty kick with 10 minutes to go, and Iceland could not recover, staying on a point with Argentina. The win for Nigeria means the team can move on if it beats Argentina, but it could also draw and advance as long as Iceland doesn't beat Croatia. Iceland (vs. Croatia) and Argentina (vs. Nigeria) will both be looking for a win in their final group stage match while hoping the other doesn't win. If both win on Tuesday at 2 p.m. ET, they'll be hoping to top the other on tiebreakers, where Iceland has a slight advantage in goal differential after two games played. You can watch all the World Cup action, including those final Group D games, on fuboTV (Try for free). Iceland vs. Nigeria score, live updates If the live blog doesn't load properly, click here.<doc-sep>[UP NEXT: Follow our live coverage of Switzerland vs. Serbia] Musa nearly got a second when his shot caromed off the top bar. Then a moment later, in the 75th minute, he latched onto a long ball, beat a defender and then the keeper, and poked the ball into an unguarded net. “I have to thank my teammates and the coach who believed in me,” Musa said after the match. “We have to focus on the last game because that’s more important than today’s win.” With eight minutes to go, Iceland seemed to have earned a chance to close the gap. When Alfred Finnbogason of Iceland was brought down with a whack on the calf from behind, there was initially no call. But a video review determined that it was a penalty. Gylfi Sigurdsson was elected to take it, and he aimed for the top corner. But it sailed comfortably over the bar, ending Iceland’s hopes. Croatia is now safely through to the next round from Group D. But the second spot is up for grabs. Some of the happiest viewers of Friday’s game had to be the Argentine team. Had Iceland won, it would have been in a terrible spot to advance. Now it has a chance.<doc-sep>	Ahmed Musa gave Nigeria its first win at this year's World Cup, and gave Argentina a gift. FIFA World Cup Wrap: June 22 Sports 2:38 Brazil moved to the top of Group E, Switzerland earned the first come-from-behind victory of the World Cup over Serbia, and Nigeria's win sets up a showdown between Argentina. 2:38 Musa scored two second-half goals to help the Nigerians beat Iceland 2-0 Friday and move into second place in the group behind already-qualified Croatia. Nigeria will face Argentina in its final group match on Tuesday in St. Petersburg. If Nigeria wins, it will advance to the round of 16. But if Argentina claims all three points, it can still advance depending on the result of the other match between Croatia and Iceland. Musa, Nigeria's all-time leading World Cup scorer with four goals, gave his country the lead in the 49th minute after Victor Moses sprinted deep into the Iceland half and curled a cross to the near post. Musa deftly controlled the ball before slamming it past Iceland goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson on the half-volley. Nigeria nearly doubled its lead on several occasions, but Musa made it happen in the 75th minute. He picked up the ball on the left side of the Iceland penalty area, mazed his way past Halldorsson and picked his spot in the Iceland goal. "I have to thank my teammates and the coach who believed in me," Musa said. "We have to focus on the last game because that's more important than today's win." Iceland had a chance to get one back but Gylfi Sigurdsson sent a penalty kick way over the Nigeria bar in the 83rd minute. The penalty was awarded after a video review showed that Alfred Finnbogason had been brought down by Tyronne Ebuehi. Key to success Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr made some tactical changes for the match, and they worked. As well as starting with Musa, he opted to play captain John Obi Mikel in a more defensive role in midfield. His presence helped to shore up the defence against Iceland's two-man forward line. Rohr had come under pressure on the eve of the match to play Obi Mikel as a shield in front of the defence, the position he has played for much of his career, including at Chelsea. Rohr also played midfielder Victor Moses more defensively, too. "If you change something you have to explain why," Rohr said, "and they have to do it with conviction and motivation."
A tugboat towing a barge crashed into a sightseeing "duck boat" on the Deleware River in July 2010, killing two tourists. From Southern Stone County Fire Protection District via Facebook: This is the staging area during the initial response to the "MCI" The Branson Belle was not involved in the incident. https://www.facebook.com/sscfpd/videos/10155428857546697/ (CNN) — State investigators looking into the sinking of a duck boat in southwestern Missouri that killed 17 people – including nine from one family – want to know why the vessel changed the route it took that day, Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley said Saturday. The amphibious vessel, which had 31 people aboard, was sailing Thursday on Table Rock Lake near Branson when a severe thunderstorm whipped up intense winds and waves. The state is looking into the incident to see whether any criminal acts were committed, Hawley said, while the National Transportation Safety Board is investigating to determine the cause of the sinking. The attorney general said companies need to have procedures in place to deal with bad weather. Investigators want to know “when did the driver and (captain) of this vessel know about this storm forecast? When did they decide to alter the route of the boat?” he said. “Because they did alter the route of the boat. When did they decide that? Why?” Hawley could not say whether investigators had spoken with the captain, one of 14 survivors. The driver died in the sinking. Tia Coleman, a passenger on the boat who was sitting near the front, told reporters Saturday that passengers were told a storm was coming before going out on the water. She said when the boat first got on the water, it did not look cloudy. The attorney general said investigators from the Missouri State Highway Patrol will also look at the boat’s canopy and how difficult it was for the passengers and crew to get off during the chaotic event. “I certainly have concerns about the ability to exit the vessel, to get out of it in an emergency situation.” he said. The NTSB investigation into the sinking could take up to a year to complete, Earl Weener said Friday. Saturday, Weener said the NTSB has received outstanding cooperation from Ripley Entertainment Inc., the parent company of the duck boat business. Calm day turned stormy CNN asked Ripley President Jim Pattison Jr. on Friday what the crew knew about the thunderstorm warnings when the tour embarked. “My understanding was that when the boat went in the water, it was calm,” Pattison told CNN’s “New Day.” “And partway through coming back is when … the waves picked up and then obviously swamped the boat.” A tour lasts about 70 minutes, with about half on land and half on water, the company’s website says. The boat sank 40 feet and then rolled to an area 80 feet deep, Stone County Sheriff Doug Rader said. Life jackets were on the boat, but there is no regulation mandating that duck boat passengers wear them, Pattison said Friday. Asked whether passengers were able to access them, Pattison said: “We don’t know that yet.” A severe thunderstorm warning According to weather data, the storm traveled hundreds of miles before it hit the lake, prompting severe-weather alerts as it moved along. Counties to the northwest of the Branson area were issued thunderstorm warnings at 5:45 p.m. – more than an hour before the boat sank. The Branson area was placed under a severe thunderstorm warning shortly after 6:30 p.m. Radar shows the first wind gusts arriving at the lake ahead of the storm, at 6:59 p.m. Authorities received the first 911 call about the boat’s sinking at 7:09 p.m., the sheriff said. Branson was under a severe thunderstorm warning issued shortly after 6:30 p.m. (7:30 p.m. ET), about half an hour before the boat capsized. https://t.co/MABgacUimV pic.twitter.com/V7XVsFgP7Q — CNN Weather Center (@CNNweather) July 20, 2018 The storm was part of the same upper-level weather system that produced damaging wind gusts earlier Thursday in Kansas and spawned destructive tornadoes in Iowa. Attorney: ‘They are death traps and sinking coffins’ Duck boats travel on both land and water and are popular among tourists in major cities. The boats’ history dates to World War II, when such vessels were a common sight because of their versatility. In Branson, a popular family vacation destination about 200 miles southeast of Kansas City, Missouri, they are driven along city streets for part of the tour before the driver uses a ramp to enter the lake. Thursday’s sinking in Missouri isn’t the first time that trouble with these tour vessels have turned fatal. At least 39 people have died in duck boat accidents in the past 20 years. Accidents in and out of the water have marred their popularity and forced some companies to shut down their businesses. The NTSB issued recommendations after one of those accidents – the sinking of a duck boat in Hot Springs, Arkansas, in 1999. Thirteen of the 21 people aboard died. The NTSB determined the vehicle sank because it took on water quickly and didn’t have reserve buoyancy, meaning there was nothing to help it float. The agency said the boat’s canopy was a major impediment to the passengers’ survival. Of the seven people found dead inside the vehicle, four were found trapped in the canopy. The board recommended that amphibious vehicles be retrofitted for reserve buoyancy. Until those changes were made, the board recommended, all canopy roofs should be removed. Further, the NTSB said if those vehicles weren’t retrofitted and still had canopies, passengers shouldn’t wear life jackets. “The safety board is particularly concerned that both adults and children wearing life jackets are at risk of being drowned if entrapped by the overhead canopy,” the report reads. Friday, US Sen. Claire McCaskill, a Democrat from Missouri, said the recommendations were never enacted into law. She said she and her colleagues would take a look at legislation, possibly as early as next week. “I’m not going to rest until we get something in the law on a national basis that does a better job of regulating the safety of amphibious vehicles,” she told CNN on Friday. Jeffrey Goodman, who has represented people injured in past duck boat accidents, said the vessels should be banned. “They are dangerous on land and on water. They are death traps and sinking coffins,” he told CNN. The NTSB and multiple duck boat companies declined to comment on the safety issue. Ride the Ducks Branson said it was deeply saddened and “will be closed for business while we support the investigation, and to allow time to grieve for the families and the community.” Mourners light candles for the victims Dozens of people left flowers, cards and balloons at a vigil Friday at the Ride the Ducks building in Branson. Mourners lit candles around cars left in the parking lot overnight – cars believed to belong to the victims. “I look at my family here, and this could’ve been us,” Ed Brown, who was at the vigil, told CNN affiliate KMIZ. After all 17 bodies were recovered, the Stone County Sheriff’s Office released the names of those who died. Nine members of one extended family from Indiana – all with the Coleman surname – died. CNN Tia Coleman was one of two in her family to survive the sinking. Nine of her relatives died. Two others from that family were on the boat and survived: Tia Coleman and her 13-year-old nephew. Coleman said at Saturday’s news conference that she doesn’t know yet whether she is happy she survived. But she thinks there is a reason she lived. “God must have something for me because there’s no way I should be here,” she said. Coleman said she knew she was in deep water because it was cold and she struggled to get the top. “I said, ‘Lord, please, I’ve gotta get to my babies. I’ve gotta get to my babies.’ The harder I was kicking to the top, I was pulled down,” she said. Three of Coleman’s children and her husband were among the dead.<doc-sep>You can find them in Boston, Seattle, and nearly every coastal or water-adjacent city. But following a serious accident on Thursday night that killed 17 people and injured seven, people are starting to wonder whether the so-called duck boats — amphibious vessels that allow tourists to view a city’s skyline from land and sea — are really safe for the public. The tragedy occurred after a severe storm reportedly surged 5-foot waves and 60 mph winds on a lake in Branson, Missouri. And yet, it’s not the first time that these duck tours, frequently a family activity, have been implicated in deadly accidents due to a design feature that relates to their initial intended purpose. DUKW boats’ origins can be traced all the way back to World War II. This amphibious, all-wheel drive vehicle — meaning, like a duck, it can travel on both land and water — was designed in 1942 as a way for the US Army to ferry ammunition, supplies, and equipment to offshore transport areas. The boat’s architecture, based on the CCKW, a 2.5-ton Army cargo truck, has a hollow, rectangular hull and a singular propeller for forward momentum. DUKW boats in Normandy, France, during WWII. Because it only travels at a speed of five knots per hour, the boat was never meant to survive rough seas or intended for civilian use. In the summer of 1946, however, Bob Unger purchased an army surplus DUKW and transformed it into a duck boat tour of the Wisconsin Dells. Unger’s ingenuity paved the way for future companies to follow suit, like Ride the Ducks, the duck tour operator behind the deadly accident on Table Rock Lake in Missouri. As the demand for duck tours increased, the design of the boat has in fact been updated to better accommodate the popular summertime activity. These include the popular canopy roofs that were added to the boat’s design in later years, and which experts say poses a safety risk for passengers trying to escape in the event of an emergency. “This is not an open-sided boat where everybody can just pitch themselves over the side readily,” Robert Mongeluzzi, an attorney in Philadelphia who has previously brought lawsuits against duck tour companies, told the Kansas City Star on Friday. Story continues A duck boat tour in the Boston harbor. Despite life vests being present on the Missouri boat, the fact that the narrow boat sits low to the ground coupled with the rooftop design offered little room to escape once it started to sink, creating a drowning risk for everyone onboard. “The problem with canopies is that if you are wearing your life preserver and there is a canopy and the boat capsizes then, the floatation device will take you up in the canopy, pinning you inside the vessel,” said Mongeluzzi. A similar tragedy played out in 1999 in Hot Springs, Arkansas, when 13 people were killed when a duck boat sank to the bottom of the lake just seven minutes into the tour due to poor maintenance. It happened again in 2010, when a duck boat collided with a barge on the Delaware River. It started to sink, killing two people and injuring 26. In the past 20 years alone, more than 30 people have died from duck boat accidents. So long as we continue to use duck boats for tour cruises — despite being increasingly and widely aware of their faulty design — more people are likely to be put in harm’s way. Photos via Wikimedia Commons (1, 2, 3) More From Inverse<doc-sep>Bob Schwartz, a spokesman for Boston Duck Tours, said the company uses replica World War II amphibious vehicles that were built in the early 2000s, and staff monitors the weather “constantly” from their corporate offices for all three departure locations (at the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and the Prudential Center). A Boston-based duck tour company said its “thoughts and prayers” go out to the families of the people on the duck boat that sank in a thunderstorm in Missouri on Thursday, and issued a statement reassuring the public that its Boston tours adhere to strict safety standards. Advertisement In instances of impending bad weather, Schwartz said the staff is able to communicate with all duck boats simultaneously via two-way radios. Weather alerts can also be received through the marine radios on the vehicles, he said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of all those involved in yesterday’s tragedy,” Schwartz said in an e-mail. “The incident is currently under investigation, so it would not be prudent for us to comment or speculate as to what may have caused the incident, but extreme weather seems to have been a major factor.” Boston Duck Tours has been operating in Boston since 1994, according to the company’s website. Schwartz said the company has never had an accident on the water. “No, luckily the Charles River is a very safe and protected river,” he said. Schwartz said they do not allow the duck boats to go into the Charles River if there is lightning in the area or if conditions “are forecasted to exceed our operating parameters set by the US Coast Guard.” Their duck boats are not allowed to operate if winds are more than 25 knots (about 29 miles per hour) or waves are more than 1 foot high, he said. Advertisement The Boston duck boats stay on the water for approximately 20 minutes during the tour, and they’re required to stay within 1,000 feet of shore, he said. “At Boston Duck Tours the safety of our guests and our employees is our number one priority and [we] will continue to work closely with our partners at the US Coast Guard, Department of Public Utilities, Boston Hackney Division and Department of Transportation to ensure we maintain these safety standards,” he said. As of Friday afternoon, the Associated Press reported that 17 bodies had been recovered from the lake in Missouri. It is not the first time that a duck boat has sunk and resulted in deaths. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, 13 passengers — including three children — died when the Miss Majestic sank while touring Lake Hamilton near Hot Springs, Ark., on May 1, 1999. Another fatal duck boat water accident occurred July 7, 2010, when an empty sludge barge that was being towed alongside a tugboat collided with a duck boat in the Delaware River. The National Transportation Safety Board reported that the duck boat sank in about 55 feet of water. Two passengers were fatally injured, and 26 passengers suffered minor injuries. Although it hasn’t had any mishaps on the water, Boston Duck Tours was involved in a fatal accident that occurred on land in April 2016, when a woman on a scooter died after she was hit by a duck boat vehicle. In the wake of the accident the company instituted a number of measures to improve safety and help prevent collisions. Advertisement Emily Sweeney can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @emilysweeney.<doc-sep>	The deaths of at least 11 people after a tourist boat capsized in a Missouri lake on Thursday night have brought renewed attention to the dangers of duck boats. The National Transportation Safety Board is expected in Branson, Missouri, on Friday morning to determine what happened after a duck boat capsized and sank during a thunderstorm on Table Rock Lake, leaving at least 11 dead, seven others in the hospital, and six people still missing. Duck boats, which are a popular tourist attraction in cities across the country, have been involved in incidents in which at least 26 people have died over the past 20 years. NTSB investigators will look to determine if thunderstorms and 65-mile-an-hour winds were solely responsible for the Ride the Duck boat capsizing on Thursday. "In perfect conditions, generally you don't see problems, so when you start to look at events like this with rough waters and storms, any boat operating in those conditions, the margins of safety are eroded,'' former NTSB chairperson Deborah Hersman told TODAY Thursday. "You don't want to be out on the water, particularly with people who can't swim or children, in conditions like this." The bus-like amphibious vehicles, which were first used by the U.S. military in World War II, are able to transition from land to water. "There's been a lot of criticism of the boats over the years,'' Hersman said. "The design of them dates back to World War II, and so I think the investigators will look at that." Safety advocates have called for added regulations and sometimes outright bans of the use of duck boats following deadly incidents over the years. They have noted that the duck boat's design creates blind spots directly below and in front of the driver. Thursday's tragedy is the latest one involving a duck boat over the past two decades. Thirteen people drowned in an Arkansas lake in 1999 when a duck boat sank without warning before anyone could put on a lifejacket, which the NTSB blamed on "inadequate maintenance." Two people died in 2010 when a duck boat filled with tourists stalled on the Delaware River near Philadelphia and was hit by a barge, sending 37 people into the water. In 2015, five college students died in Seattle when their charter bus was hit by a duck boat on the Aurora Bridge. "The Miss Majestic event in Arkansas is one that they're probably gonna be looking at what they saw there to understand if some of those issues are the same,'' Hersman said. "Clearly the buoyancy of the boat, how fast it sunk, that was an issue in Arkansas, as well as the survivability of the passengers. "They found that that canopy on the duck boat made it harder for people to get out of the sinking boat." Follow TODAY.com writer Scott Stump on Twitter.
CONOR McGREGOR is raring to go ahead of the fight of his life against Khabib Nurmagomedov. In a fiery press conference, the Irishman insulted his opponent saying his people were "chased to the edge of cliffs", but what was he referring to? 2 Khabib Nurmagomedov is putting his unbeaten record on the line against Conor McGregor Credit: Getty Images - Getty Where is Khabib Nurmagomedov from and how old is he? Khabib Nurmagomedov was born in Sildi, in the Russian republic of Dagestan in 1988. He is a Russian of Avar ethnicity, and a devout Muslim, as are most Avars. The republic of Dagestan is located on the border with Azerbaijan. What did Conor McGregor say to Khabib Nurmagomedov in his press conference? McGregor said that Nurmagomedov's people were known for running for the hills during invasion, in contrast to his clan which "fought the English for a hundred years". The Notorious stated: "It’s all these men are known for, they were chased from their land to the edge of cliffs. "My family, my bloodline, the McGregor clan. We stood, we fought. "We fought the English empire, so much so that our name was banished for 100 years by King James." But Nurmagomedov cheekily responded: "Is that why you speak English then?" 2 Khabib Nurmagomedov is from the volatile Russian republic of Dagestan Credit: Alamy Taken over by Russia in the 1800s, Dagestan suffered a short lived war in 1999, in which Russia and the Dagestani police fought against Islamist militants and local separatists. McGregor also mocked Nurmagomedov's father for cosying up to the strongman leader of the neighbouring Russian republic of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, whose gym Khabib visited in a video. He said: "The Chechen people know what I’m talking about when I call this man a ‘coward’ when I called his father a ‘quivering coward’. "Him and Kadyrov were at a mosque together and he posted a picture of Kadyrov on his Instagram site. "Kadyrov is a Chechen dictator, a crazy man, don’t get me wrong, but Khabib’s father, ‘lick-a*, Lick-A* O’F****** Hoolihan’ posted a picture of Kadyrov at this mosque and the caption is ‘together we are stronger’. "It’s such fake respect out of fear. "The Chechens know, the Chechen people know, that if the tables were turned and there was an opportunity for his father to stab that man in the back, he would do it in a heartbeat to take over and he did not do nothing. "And that’s why he is a quivering coward because he showed fake respect out of fear."<doc-sep>It’s time Khabib Nurmagomedov updates his weight status heading into Saturday’s (Oct. 6, 2018) UFC 229 from Las Vegas. The lightweight champion’s weight has been a hot topic before the biggest fight of his career. It’s for good reason. Nurmagomedov was missed weight before. His scheduled UFC 209 interim title bout with Tony Ferguson was called off as a result. Uncertainty brews and McGregor’s team is even concerned about the Dagestani combatant being on point at weigh-ins. It would be an extremely costly weight miss. The undefeated Nurmagomedov is most likely headed for his biggest payday. More importantly, he could finally become a mainstream star with a victory. He won’t make McGregor’s record-breaking MMA payday, but it will certainly be Khabib’s most lucrative purse. The fight has to happen first. The MMA world is on pins and needles hoping that their biggest-ever match goes off without a hitch in five days’ time. Khabib has certainly dealt with a ton of serious injuries in recent years. But fear not, he claims. ‘The Eagle’ said on this week’s “Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show” that he was thankful to be in good shape. He clarified that his weight was good: “Now I have belt, I am undisputed, undefeated. Now, this is my third fight in my last nine months. It’s like we part of the pay-per-view, everything And like five days before the fight, this is crazy. “Now we’re here, my weight is good, my shape is good. I’m 30 years old, I’m still hungry, I’m still young for this sport. This is crazy.” The champ claimed he was already at 166 pounds and would make weight “no problem” for the match. Beyond that, Khabib obviously has a long history with McGregor. More Than Personal The Irish former champion was arrested for his infamous bus attack this April. He threw a metal dolly through a bus containing Nurmagomedov prior to UFC 223. Because of the scene, Helwani asked Khabib if the fight was more than just a title defense. “The Eagle” admitted that indeed it was. Nurmagomedov claimed he was chomping at the bit to make McGregor pay: “Yeah, I agree. This is a little bit more than defending my title, more than fight for the title. You know this more than like, fight. It’s a little bit personal for, of course, and you know, I wanna make this guy pay, you know? This guy gonna pay about everything, what he say, what he did. “In like five days, I’m gonna be very happy. We here now, and we very close.” But he stopped short at sounding cocky before the biggest fight of his life. The always-humble Khabib acknowledged that McGregor had lethal timing and striking skills he could not underestimate: “I’m not underestimating this guy, I know this guy have good timing, good boxing.”<doc-sep>We are just four sleeps away from witnessing one of the biggest title fights in Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) history as Khabib Nurmagomedov will defend his Lightweight strap against Conor McGregor this Saturday night (Oct. 6, 2018) at UFC 229 in Las Vegas, Nevada. It’s a championship bout that riddled with bad blood stemming from Conor’s wild rampage in Brooklyn, N.Y., a few months ago, as “Notorious” trashed a bus full of UFC fighters in an attempt to get at “The Eagle.” Location was not sent prior. After a few legal arguments and contract negotiations, the contracts were signed, sealed and delivered for the two men to finally get it on inside the Octagon in a championship bout that is expected to shatter box office records for the promotion. Prior to the much-anticipated showdown — which will see McGregor fight inside the cage for the first time in two years — UFC will premiere “Bad Blood,” an inside look at the rivalry between Khabib and McGregor. The one hour special is will debut on tonight (Tues., Oct. 2, 2018) at 7:00 p.m. ET/ 4 p.m. PT on Fox Sports 1.<doc-sep>How big is Saturday night’s lightweight title fight between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov? How much does it mean for the UFC to have a grand slam of a pay-per-view after so many quiet ones barely registered on the “event” scale? How desperate is the promotion just to see the two principals walk to the cage on fight night, with very literal intent of doing each other harm? The answers: (a) colossally huge, (b) it means everything, and (c) at this point UFC president Dana White is like George Bailey screaming “I want to live again!” in It’s a Wonderful Life. He’s as excited as he is desperate. For much of this year the drama surrounding a given UFC event has tended more toward doom, usually because nobody’s ever quite sure who’s going to show up to the octagon on fight night. The very first UFC show of 2018 took place in St. Louis and was supposed to feature a welterweight bout between Zak Cummings and Thiago Alves, but the fight was scrapped when Cummings slipped in his bathroom two days before the bout and cracked his skull. On that same card, Uriah Hall—trying to slim down to 185 pounds for a fight with Vitor Belfort—was forced off the card after he suffered a “slight heart attack” during his cut. Bizarre? Not in the UFC, where Murphy’s law is the only law. According to MMA Junkie’s resident statistician, Mike Bohn, who has compiled a list of all the fights that have fallen apart for one reason or another, 21 main and co-main events have been altered, postponed or otherwise canceled so far in 2018. Twenty-one big-billed fights. The UFC’s luck hasn’t been bad, it’s been tragic. Perhaps none of these last-minute fallouts was more perplexing than Tony Ferguson’s back in April. He was supposed to defend his then-interim lightweight title against Nurmagomedov in the main event at UFC 223 in a possible prelude to a fight with McGregor, but he didn’t even make it to Brooklyn. After filming a hype segment for the fight at Fox studios in Los Angeles a week beforehand, Ferguson—and I assure you, I am not making this up—tripped over some production cables in the back and trashed his knee. UFC replaced him with Max Holloway, who never made it to the scale because the severity of his weight cut was too much on short notice. And so Holloway was replaced with Al Iaquinta, a native New Yorker who ended up getting ceremoniously abused for five long rounds against Nurmagomedov. All of this ties into Saturday’s epic McGregor-Nurmagomedov fight, and not just because of Khabib’s record. It was a backstage brawl that stole headlines that weekend and ultimately set up UFC 229’s main event. Here’s a very MMA headline in 2018: The backstory to the single biggest fight in UFC history is a dolly. Nurmagomedov had a minor hallway faceoff with a fighter named Artem Lobov in the week leading up to UFC 223. Thing was, Lobov was McGregor’s training partner, and so McGregor took a private plane to New York from Ireland to confront the Dagestani menace. But rather than confront Nurmagomedov directly, McGregor and his band of wildlings attacked the bus he was on after a media day had just wrapped up. McGregor picked up a hand truck and tried to launch it through the bus’s tinted window, assuming that Nurmagomedov was somewhere therein. The shattered glass rained down on multiple fighters sitting onboard, including Michael Chiesa and the flyweight Ray Borg, each of whom had to withdraw from their respective fights with injuries (more fluky last-minute cancellations). McGregor was arrested and charged with criminal mischief and assault and is subsequently being sued by Chiesa, and Dana White called the episode the most disgusting thing he’d ever seen. How disgusting was it? So disgusting that the footage of McGregor’s attack—from multiple artistic angles—became the lead material for all the UFC 229 promo videos. Where some might see bad taste, the UFC sees bad blood. When asked about using the footage to sell the fight, White said it was part of the story—why would the UFC omit the single most appalling (read: sellable) chapter in the history of the rivalry? And that’s how we got to McGregor versus Nurmagomedov, a fight that’s been festering for the two years since McGregor last fought in the UFC. His hiatus was broken up by a Get Rich Quick Scheme of a boxing match with Floyd Mayweather last August, but from the UFC’s perspective it’s been more like a time of famine. With no McGregor to lean on—and with Ronda Rousey joining Brock Lesnar in the WWE, and Jon Jones serving a 15-month suspension for using a banned substance—the company has suffered. Last month’s UFC 228 pay-per-view featuring a welterweight title fight between Tyron Woodley and Darren Till did somewhere in the vicinity of 150,000 PPV buys. UFC 227, which was anchored to a bantamweight title fight between Cody Garbrandt and T.J. Dillashaw, did around 300,000. By comparison, White said ahead of the first press conference at Radio City Music Hall on Sept. 20 that McGregor-Nurmagomedov is trending toward 2.5 million buys, which would shatter the previous record of 1.65 million that McGregor did for his rematch with Nate Diaz at UFC 202. You can see why the UFC is desperate for a McGregor return. If you added up all the buys of UFC PPVs in 2018, beginning with UFC 220 in January, you wouldn’t come near 2.5 million buys. In the UFC, there are ordinary events featuring great fighters, and there are the game-changing events that McGregor puts on—the kind that can’t help but boost faith in MMA as a sport, and a media property, in the eyes of interested parties. Parties like Endeavor (formerly WME-IMG), which dished out $4 billion to purchase the UFC from the Fertitta brothers back in 2016, and ESPN, which just entered into a five-year deal with the UFC that kicks off at the beginning of 2019.<doc-sep>	Last updated on .From the section Mixed Martial Arts Russia's Khabib Nurmagomedov is undefeated in 26 MMA fights Conor McGregor says he will beat Khabib Nurmagomedov by "devastating knockout" in his comeback UFC fight in Las Vegas on Saturday. Speaking on Ariel Helwani's MMA Show external-link , Irishman McGregor added he would "never announce his retirement" from MMA. McGregor, 30, will return to the octagon for the first time in almost two years when he fights Russia's undefeated UFC lightweight champion Nurmagomedov in UFC 229. "I'm going to maul him," McGregor said. "I will clatter him; he will crumble. I don't think he can take a smack. He reacts like a novice." McGregor's last appearance in UFC came in November 2016 when he beat Eddie Alvarez to add the lightweight belt to his featherweight title. He was later stripped of both titles because of inactivity, with Nurmagomedov being installed as lightweight champion earlier this year - a decision that still grates with McGregor. In an earlier interview with TheMacLife.com external-link , he said he "fell out of love with the game" but was now "more hungry" as he returns to the octagon. "I spent my entire life's work to win those two UFC titles," he said. "I sacrificed so much to gain those world titles and then as soon as I win the second world title - I hadn't even been offered a featherweight contest - and the featherweight title was taken off me. "Many things irritated me in the game and just watching it all unfold, I just became a lot more hungry to come back and show who the real king is. "I fell out of love with the game for a bit, went off and did my own thing, had many things going on and now I'm back. I'm hungry to compete and we're here right on the cusp of it."
DrDisRespect’s house being shot \| DrDisRespect ends his stream!DrDisRespect’s house being shot \| DrDisRespect ends his stream! Please pray for DrDisRespect guys I am really worried! Subscribe to our channel as well for latest DrDisRespect news! #savedoc #drdisrespect #babydisrespect #mrsassasin 2018-09-11T17:57:33.000Z Dr DisRespect cut a live stream short on September 11 after his house was shot at, for the second day in a row. The Twitch gamer, whose real name is Guy Beahm, disappeared off screen while gaming for a moment before returning, clearly agitated, and no longer wearing his trademark wig and sunglasses. DisRespect told his viewers that he would have to cut the stream short because somebody shot out a window in the upstairs of his home. He says, “I gotta end this broadcast right now. Somebody shot at our house, broke the f*ing upstairs window. This is the second shot. Someone shot yesterday. Someone shot yesterday at our fing house, and someone shot again right now. It connected with the house upstairs, right? You’re driving by, right? You pussy! I gotta stop the stream.” Polygon reported that authorities in DisRespect’s home city in southern California are investigating the shooting. The website says that the gamer has given police a description of the suspect. The shooting was reported to authorities at around 1:30 p.m. Eastern time. Paramedics were not called to the home. DisRespect is best known for his persona that plays PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds on Twitch. He says on his Twitch channel, “Doc and Family Are Safe. Proper Measures are being taken while stream is down for the day.” DisRespect is not renowned as a gamer but as a performer who plays the part of an obnoxious, over-competitive, gamer. ESPN has referred to him as “a WWE character in the competitive gaming world.” Dr. Disrespect told the website, “I created a character who plays multiplayer video games, and he’s considered the most dominating gaming specimen.” In December 2017, Dr. DisRespect said he was taking time to work on his relationship with his wife after he admitted to cheating on her. He made his return on February 3. Update: Local authorities tell me that a deputy was dispatched to the house of someone who matches Dr. DisRespect's desc. More information is coming. No medics were called. This was the second call in two days, according to local authorities. won't be naming where that is. https://t.co/9UAp8q4jad — Julia ? Alexander (@loudmouthjulia) September 11, 2018 DisRespect is a graduate of California State Polytechnic University-Pomona and is a former multiplayer level designer for Call of Duty. DisRespect also formerly worked as a community manager for Sledgehammer Games. See Jacksonville Gunman David Katz After He Won Gaming Tournament Last YearDavid Katz showed zero emotion as he played in a tense tournament against other professional gamers prior to Sunday’s mass shooting inside a Florida mall. The 24-year-old was an elite player of the video game "Madden NFL 19" and was known by the tag name “Bread.” He wore the same blank expression whether he won or whether… 2018-08-27T21:19:51.000Z The shooting at Dr. DisRespect’s home comes a month after David Katz shot two people dead and wounded nine others during an NFL Madden tournament in Jacksonville. READ NEXT: Donald Trump Jr’s Hunting Buddy Commits Suicide at 47<doc-sep>It's not the first time his house has been shot at, apparently. Popular Twitch streamer Guy “Dr DisRespect” Beahm was reportedly shot at this afternoon while livestreaming. Dr DisRespect quickly shut down the stream after the incident occurred. What sounds like gunshots can be heard on Twitch clips of the stream as Dr. Disrespect plays the new Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 battle royale mode. He leaves the scene once the shots are heard and returns moments later. “I have to end the broadcast,” he said. “Someone shot at our house. Broke the fucking upstairs window.” . @DrDisRespect's home was just shot at during a livestream, according to the streamer. quickly closed down his stream after shots were heard.https://t.co/NOdppaQpJy — Nicole Carpenter (@sweetpotatoes) September 11, 2018 Dr DisRespect said it was a drive-by shooting and that it’s the second time someone has shot at his house. Details of the reported shooting remain unclear. Dr DisRespect lives in California with his wife and daughter. No one was hurt in the incident, and the family is now safe, according to a note on his stream. “Proper measures are being taken while the stream is down for the day,” the stream’s title reads. Police are investigating. Dr DisRespect rose to prominence on Twitch playing battle royale games like PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds. (He played H1Z1 before, but become a major streamer with PUBG.) Dr DisRespect took a short break from streaming in 2017 after posting an emotional video detailing relationship problems. When he returned to Twitch in February, he amassed a major following that caused the streaming site to crash. Since his return, Dr DisRespect continues to bring in a consistent number of viewers. Dr DisRespect was awarded the Trending Gamer Award in 2017 at the Video Game Awards. This is a developing story.<doc-sep>	Update (September 12, 7:30 am Pacific): Deputies have told ABC 10 News that the weapon used may have been a BB gun. The first incident, which occurred the day before a house window was hit, shattered a car window. Update (8:30 pm Pacific): Beahm has directly addressed the issue on Twitter, writing that no one was hurt and that "the situation is being handled appropriately". His stream will resume tomorrow according to schedule. The Doc and family appreciate everyone’s concerns and well wishes.Thankfully no one was hurt. The situation is being handled appropriately. In the meantime, stream will resume tomorrow according to schedule.#FirmHandshakesSeptember 12, 2018 See more Update (12 pm Pacific): PC Gamer has contacted local authorities and was able to confirm that a deputy has been dispatched to Beahm's residence and is still on site. Polygon reporter Julia Alexander ‏was also able to confirm that this is the second call from this same residence in as many days. Original story: Popular Twitch streamer Guy "Dr Disrespect" Beahm ended his stream today after someone apparently fired a gun at his home, breaking an upstairs window. At around 11 am Pacific, Beahm was playing the Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 battle royale beta when a loud noise is heard off camera. Without saying anything, Beahm walked off camera for a moment before returning without his usual wig and glasses to address his viewers. "I've got to end the broadcast right now, someone shot at our house," Beahm says. "Broke the fucking upstairs window. This is the second shot, someone shot yesterday, at our fucking house and someone shot again right now, connected with the house, upstairs." Embedded below are two Twitch clips that show most of what happened. The first clip shows Beahm playing Call of Duty when a loud noise can be heard off-screen that he immediately leaves to investigate. The second clip is of him returning to the stream to inform his audience of what happened. Following his statement, Beahm immediately shutdown his stream but has since updated the subtitle to read "Doc and Family Are Safe. Proper Measures are be taken while stream is down for the day." Beahm lives with his wife and young daughter. Details at this time are very limited but PC Gamer is investigating. We'll update this story with more information as it becomes available.
Sajid Javid slammed the 'unrepresentative' Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) today as he dismissed claims of widespread Islamophobia in the Conservative Party. The stinging rebuke came after the MCB demanded an inquiry into 'racists and bigots' in the party, highlighting a series of alleged incidents involving activists. Former Tory chair Baroness Warsi also backed an investigation last week, complaining that the party tended to 'shrug its shoulders' over such claims. But asked about the issue on the BBC's Andrew Marr show today, Mr Javid pointed out that he had been made Home Secretary in a Tory government - and questioned whether the MCB was a legitimate voice for the muslim community. Sajid Javid slammed the 'unrepresentative' Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) today as he dismissed claims of widespread Islamophobia in the Conservative Party Mr Javid - who is from a muslim background but non-practising - said the government and the previous Labour administration had a policy of not 'dealing with' the MCB 'I have got a lot of time for Baroness Warsi, but I am afraid I don't agree with her,' he said. 'As you just described me, I am Sajid Javid, I am the Home Secretary in this country... 'The MCB does not represent muslims in this country. You find me a group of muslims that are represented by the MCB.' Mr Javid - who is from a muslim background but non-practising - said there were issues of 'anti-muslim hatred' as well as anti-Semitism in the UK. But he said the government and the previous Labour administration had a policy of not 'dealing with' the MCB. He suggested members of the council had made 'favourable' remarks about extremists in the past. In a letter to Tory chairman Brandon Lewis last week, the MCB highlighted allegations Harrow MP Bob Blackman was a member of Facebook groups containing Islamophobia and said the party was suspending members weekly. The letter also accuses the Harrow MP of hosting Hindu nationalist Tapan Ghosh, who has been accused Islamophobia, in Parliament, and of retweeting far-right activist Tommy Robinson. Mr Blackman has denied all allegations of Islamophobia levelled against him, including that he chose to join any Facebook groups containing Islamophobia. Muslim Council of Britain general secretary Harun Khan wrote to party chairman Brandon Lewis demanding an investigation into Isamophobic incidents MCB general secretary Harun Khan said they were 'more than weekly occurrences of Islamophobia' in April. They ranged from allegedly offensive tweets to accusations of links to far-right figures. Recent cases included the Wokingham town mayor Peter Lucey who stood down last month after it was revealed he had 'liked' social media pages linked to Tommy Robinson and right-wing Dutch politician Geert Wilders. Lady Warsi - who was party chair between 2010 and 2012 - told Sky News last week that Islamaphobia 'was an issue for us long before the issue of anti-Semitism within the Labour Party became public'. She said: 'I've raised this issue with successive chairman, I've raised the matter informally, I've raised it formally, I've had meetings about it, I've even written to the prime minister. 'I wrote to her last year about this issue, and each time it seems that we've kind of said 'yes, we take these issues very seriously' and then shrugged our shoulders and moved on. 'What's really concerning for me is that the frequency of these incidents seems to be now increasing, whether that's because there's now more public awareness about reporting these issues. 'I hope, sincerely, the party now will deal with it.' A Conservative Party spokesman said last week: 'We take all such incidents seriously, which is why we have suspended all those who have behaved inappropriately and launched immediate investigations.'<doc-sep>Home Secretary Sajid Javid sparked a row with the Muslim Council of Britain after he rejected their call for an independent inquiry into allegations of Islamophobia within the Conservative Party. Demanding action from Conservative Party chairman Brandon Lewis last week, the council said the last month it had seen weekly incidents of Islamophobia from Conservative representatives and candidates. Former Tory chair Baroness Warsi backed up the claims and suggested there is a "simmering anti-Muslim underbelly of Islamophobia within the party". However, Mr Javid, appearing on the BBC's Andrew Marr Show, dismissed the Conservative peer's comments, as he pointed to his Muslim background. He said: "For a start, let's just look at who the home secretary is in this country. My name is Sajid Javid, I'm the home secretary." Advertisement Mr Javid also dismissed the demand for an investigation, adding: "The Muslim Council of Britain does not represent Muslims in this country. You find me a group of Muslims that thinks they're represented by the MCB. "I would be very suspicious of anything that they've got to say not least because, under the last Labour government - and a policy continued by us - we don't deal with the MCB. "We don't deal with it because too many of their members have had favourable comments on extremists and that's not acceptable." Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Baroness: Islamophobia 'rise' in Tory party In response, Harun Khan, the MCB's secretary general, claimed Mr Javid had "chosen to shoot the messenger" rather than address their "serious concerns". Suggesting Mr Javid had attempted to "smear" his group, Mr Khan said: "We have identified real weekly cases of Islamophobia in the Conservative Party, which the party has even acknowledged by suspending members. "These real concerns of Islamophobia are shared by two Conservative Muslim peers, as well as voices across the spectrum, many of them Conservatives. "If the response is to instead attack the Muslim Council of Britain, it sadly indicates that the party has no interest in dealing with this matter with the seriousness it deserves. "We have long spoken out and proactively challenged terrorism and extremism, as have British Muslims across the country. "The reality of Islamophobia is that Muslims and the Muslim Council of Britain have to deal with the smear of extremism even though they have clearly and consistently condemned violence perpetrated by people who claim to do this in the name of our religion."<doc-sep>Get US and UK politics insight with our free daily email briefing straight to your inbox 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 The Conservative Party has been urged to launch an independent inquiry into Islamophobia to make sure "racists and bigots have no place in the party". The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) has written to party chairman Brandon Lewis, highlighting a string of incidents by Tory candidates and other representatives. In the open letter, MCB general secretary Harun Khan said they were "more than weekly occurrences of Islamophobia" in April. They ranged from allegedly offensive tweets to accusations of links to far-right figures. (Image: Sky) Mr Khan also highlighted the campaign run by Zac Goldsmith in his unsuccessful bid to beat Labour's Sadiq Khan to become Mayor of London in 2016, saying there had been no action taken against those responsible for "shocking Islamophobia" during the campaign. Mr Khan added: "We want all political parties to ensure that they are firm in their commitment against all forms of bigotry and discrimination. "Our democracy should not be overshadowed by a divisive culture within political parties that scapegoats minorities and alienates some who share similar political positions." Former Tory cabinet minister Baroness Warsi told the Independent a review was "long overdue". Lady Warsi, who earlier this year told MPs Islamophobia was widespread in the UK, said: "I have raised my concerns about Islamophobic comments and campaigning for more than two years and have done so formally and informally including a letter to the Prime Minister. (Image: REUTERS/Suzanne Plunkett) "The party has been aware of the issue at the highest level and has failed to take the issue seriously and at times even denied its very existence. "A formal inquiry is now long overdue and I hope my party send a very clear message by establishing this inquiry that bigotry will not be tolerated in a modern Conservative party." A Conservative Party spokesman said: "We take all such incidents seriously, which is why we have suspended all those who have behaved inappropriately and launched immediate investigations."<doc-sep>Muslim Council of Britain general secretary Harun Khan has written to party chairman Brandon Lewis, highlighting a string of incidents by Tory candidates and other representatives The Conservative Party has been urged to launch an independent inquiry into Islamophobia to make sure 'racists and bigots have no place in the party'. The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) has written to party chairman Brandon Lewis, highlighting a string of incidents by Tory candidates and other representatives. It highlighted allegations Harrow MP Bob Blackman was a member of Facebook groups containing Islamophobia and said the party was suspending members weekly. The letter also accuses the Harrow MP of hosting Hindu nationalist Tapan Ghosh, who has been accused Islamophobia, in Parliament, and of retweeting far-right activist Tommy Robinson. Mr Blackman denies the claims against him. In the letter, MCB general secretary Harun Khan said they were 'more than weekly occurrences of Islamophobia' in April. They ranged from allegedly offensive tweets to accusations of links to far-right figures. Recent cases included the Wokingham town mayor Peter Lucey who stood down last month after it was revealed he had 'liked' social media pages linked to Tommy Robinson and right-wing Dutch politician Geert Wilders. He also shared Islamophobic content online. Mr Lucey apologised for posts which he said were 'not appropriate'. Newcastle council candidate Nick Sundin was suspended last month over a series of tweets including one from 2012 in which he described the prophet Mohammed as a 'f***ing paedophile'. Karen Sunderland was suspended as a Conservative council candidate in Lewisham, south London earlier this month over tweets in which she mocked the hijab and called Islam 'the new Nazism'. In the letter (pictured) Mr Khan said they were 'more than weekly occurrences of Islamophobia' in April Tory chairman Brandon Lewis (file image) was urged to call an independent inquiry into how Islamophobia complaints are handled by the party David Boston was suspended as a council candidate in Enfield, north London, earlier this month after posting a picture of bacon hanging on a door handle as a way to 'protect your house from terrorism'. Who are the Muslim Council of Britain? The Muslim Council of Britain is a nationwide organisation for 500 affiliated mosques, schools and associations. It has national, regional and local representatives and aims to speak for the different ethnic and sectarian groups within the British Muslim community - but faces claims from many Muslims it does not speak for them. The MCB has been mired in controversy on several occasions for statements issued on Holocaust Memorial Day and homosexuality. Despite criticism of its views, the MCB has received significant grants of public money from the Government. The MCB's first Secretary General, Sir Iqbal Sacranie, was knighted in 2005. Advertisement Last week the Tories expelled North Lanarkshire councillor Stephen Goldsack after it emerged that he had formerly been a British National Party activist. Mr Khan also highlighted the campaign run by Zac Goldsmith in his unsuccessful bid to beat Labour's Sadiq Khan to become Mayor of London in 2016, saying there had been no action taken against those responsible for 'shocking Islamophobia' during the campaign. Mr Khan added: 'We want all political parties to ensure that they are firm in their commitment against all forms of bigotry and discrimination. 'Our democracy should not be overshadowed by a divisive culture within political parties that scapegoats minorities and alienates some who share similar political positions.' Mr Khan's warnings of Islamophobia among some Conservatives comes after months of fury about alleged anti-Semitism by Labour figures and claims Jeremy Corbyn has been reluctant to act on them. Warnings of Islamophobia among some Conservatives comes after months of fury about alleged anti-Semitism in Labour and claims Jeremy Corbyn (pictured last week in Northern Ireland) has been reluctant to act on them Jewish community leaders including Members of the Board of Deputies (file image from left to right) Gillian Merron, Jonathan Arkush, Jonathan Goldstein, and Simon Johnson have condemned Mr Corbyn for failing to address anti-Semitism in his party Former Tory cabinet minister Baroness Warsi told the Independent a review was 'long overdue'. Lady Warsi, who earlier this year told MPs Islamophobia was widespread in the UK, said: 'I have raised my concerns about Islamophobic comments and campaigning for more than two years and have done so formally and informally including a letter to the Prime Minister. 'The party has been aware of the issue at the highest level and has failed to take the issue seriously and at times even denied its very existence. 'A formal inquiry is now long overdue and I hope my party send a very clear message by establishing this inquiry that bigotry will not be tolerated in a modern Conservative party.' Former Tory chairwoman Sayeeda Warsi endorsed calls for an inquiry. She has previously warned the Conservatives have an Islamophobia problem among some members Mr Blackman has denied allegations of Islamophobia levelled against him, including that he chose to join any Facebook groups containing Islamophobia. He told Sky News: 'I utterly refute this allegation. I was added to Facebook groups without my knowledge or permission and immediately removed myself from them when I became aware I had been added. 'I did not host Tapan Ghosh in parliament. He was invited by an organisation without my knowledge. 'In the past I shared a social media post in error which I apologised for at the time. I will continue working will all communities in my constituency and I condemn Islamophobia.' A Conservative Party spokesman said: 'We take all such incidents seriously, which is why we have suspended all those who have behaved inappropriately and launched immediate investigations.' Conservative MP Bob Blackman denies allegations against made by the Muslim Council of Britain<doc-sep>	H ome Secretary Sajid Javid was today embroiled in a bitter a row with one of Britain’s biggest Muslim bodies over allegations of Islamophobia in the Conservative Party. Mr Javid hit out at the Muslim Council of Britain, accusing it of harbouring members with unacceptable views on extremism. He said the MCB, an umbrella body for 500 mosques, schools and associations in Britain, did not represent the country’s Muslim community. His comments came after the MCB called for an inquiry into Islamophobia in the Tories, after a string of alleged incidents involving candidates and representatives of the party. Criticism: Sajid Javid hit out at the MCB / PA But Mr Javid told the BBC: “The Muslim Council of Britain does not represent Muslims in this country. You find me a group of Muslims that thinks that they're represented by the MCB. "I would be very suspicious of anything that they've got to say, not least because under the last Labour government and a policy continued by us, we don't deal with the MCB and we don't deal with it because too many of their members have had you know, comments on extremists and that's not acceptable." The MCB's general secretary, Harun Khan, last week told Mr Lewis that there were "more than weekly occurrences of Islamophobia" by Tory figures in April. Mr Khan also highlighted alleged Islamophobia in the campaign run by Zac Goldsmith in his unsuccessful bid to beat Labour's Sadiq Khan to become Mayor of London in 2016. On Sunday, Mr Khan said the Home Secretary had "chosen to shoot the messenger". He added: "If the response is to instead attack the Muslim Council of Britain, it sadly indicates that the party has no interest in dealing with this matter with the seriousness it deserves. "We have long spoken out and proactively challenged terrorism and extremism, as have British Muslims across the country.
Selma Blair made her first red carpet appearance since being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) at the Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty. The actor, best known for her performances in Cruel Intentions, Legally Blonde and Hellboy, wore an ethereal, multi-coloured strapless dress by luxury fashion house Ralph and Russo. She accessorised with a matching sheer cape attached to a choker necklace, and held a black cane as she posed for photographers. Blair revealed in October 2018 that she'd been diagnosed with MS, explaining on Instagram that she'd experienced symptoms for years. The condition can affect the brain and spinal cord, leading to problems with vision, muscle spasms and fatigue. The best-dressed stars at the 2019 Vanity Fair afterparty Show all 23 1 /23 The best-dressed stars at the 2019 Vanity Fair afterparty The best-dressed stars at the 2019 Vanity Fair afterparty Selma Blair For her first red carpet appearance since revealing her Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis, 'Cruel Intentions' actor Selma Blair wore an ethereal, multi-coloured Ralph and Russo strapless gown with a matching cape. The star also carried a cane, which was personalised to feature her monogram on the handle next to a pink diamond. REUTERS The best-dressed stars at the 2019 Vanity Fair afterparty Jennifer Lopez Jennifer Lopez certainly turned heads at the Vanity Fair afterparty, wearing a multi-coloured strapless gown with a thigh split by Lebanese fashion designer Zuhair Murad. AFP/Getty Images The best-dressed stars at the 2019 Vanity Fair afterparty Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth Miley Cyrus stunned at the Vanity Fair Oscar afterparty with her husband, actor Liam Hemsworth. The singer wore a plunging black sequinned Saint Laurent gown, which she accessorised with Bulgari jewellery. Hemsworth wore a dapper black suit with a bow tie and velvet lapels, appearing in better health since his recent bout of illness. Evan Agostini/Invision/AP The best-dressed stars at the 2019 Vanity Fair afterparty Kerry Washington 'Scandal' star Kerry Washington wore a strapless, sheer, tiered Schiaparelli haute couture gown for the Vanity Fair afterparty, paired with simple, silver pumps and a pixie hair do. AFP/Getty Images The best-dressed stars at the 2019 Vanity Fair afterparty Freida Pinto 'Slumdog Millionaire' actor Freida Pinto looked every a star at the Vanity Fair afterparty, wearing an oxblood sequinned plunging Julien Macdonald gown. Evan Agostini/Invision/AP The best-dressed stars at the 2019 Vanity Fair afterparty Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas Sophie Turner's look at the Vanity Fair afterparty appeared to take inspiration from the famous Oscar statue, with the 'Game of Thrones' actor dressed in a dazzling Louis Vuitton gold sequinned dress. Her fiancé, Joe Jonas, looked equally as smart in a white suit. Evan Agostini/Invision/AP The best-dressed stars at the 2019 Vanity Fair afterparty Karl Glusman and Zoe Kravitz Zoe Kravitz attended the Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty alongside her partner, actor Karl Glusman. The 'Big Little Lies' actor wore an 18 karat gold top made by Tiffany and Co., pairing it with a long black Saint Laurent skirt, while Glusman wore a black Valentino suit. Getty Images The best-dressed stars at the 2019 Vanity Fair afterparty Natalie Portman Natalie Portman looked ever-so chic at the Vanity Fair afterparty, wearing a strapless black Dior jumpsuit and diamond necklace. Getty Images The best-dressed stars at the 2019 Vanity Fair afterparty Melissa McCarthy Oscar nominee Melissa McCarthy decided to swap her Brandon Maxwell jumpsuit for something more casual for the Vanity Fair afterparty, donning an Adidas jumpsuit also worn by her husband, actor Ben Falcone. Getty Images The best-dressed stars at the 2019 Vanity Fair afterparty Chrissy Teigen and John Legend Chrissy Teigen and John Legend made quite an impression at the Vanity Fair afterparty as they posed with photographers. Teigen wore a feathered, nude Marchesa gown, while Legend donned a stylish black suit by Gucci. Evan Agostini/Invision/AP The best-dressed stars at the 2019 Vanity Fair afterparty Amy Adams Oscar-nominee Amy Adams changed out of her white, strapless custom Versace gown for the Vanity Fair afterparty, swapping it for a plunging navy blue floor-length gown. REUTERS The best-dressed stars at the 2019 Vanity Fair afterparty Sarah Paulson 'American Horror Story' star Sarah Paulson opted for a silk fuchsia Brandon Maxwell gown for the Vanity Fair afterparty, complete with pockets. She accessorised with a diamond choker necklace. Evan Agostini/Invision/AP The best-dressed stars at the 2019 Vanity Fair afterparty Tina Fey Tina Fey, who was on of a trio who opened this year's host-less Oscars, stunned in a strapless maroon J. Mendel gown for the Vanity Fair afterparty. She sneakily wore a pair of converse underneath, ideal for partying into the early hours. Evan Agostini/Invision/AP The best-dressed stars at the 2019 Vanity Fair afterparty Jeff Goldblum and Emilie Livingston Always one to make a statement on the red carpet, actor Jeff Goldblum stood out at the Vanity Fair afterparty in a wet-look dark grey suit with a light grey high-neck top underneath. His wife, Emilie Livingston, wore a high-neck white gown for the occasion. Evan Agostini/Invision/AP The best-dressed stars at the 2019 Vanity Fair afterparty Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley sparkled as she attended the Vanity Fair Oscar afterparty, wearing a silver, off-shoulder Versace dress with a thigh split. REUTERS The best-dressed stars at the 2019 Vanity Fair afterparty Ciara Singer Ciara looked effortlessly cool as she arrived at the Vanity Fair Oscar afterparty, wearing a silver and blush pink Versace gown for the star-studded event. Evan Agostini/Invision/AP The best-dressed stars at the 2019 Vanity Fair afterparty Diana Ross and Tracee Ellis-Ross Mother and daughter duo Diana Ross and Tracee Ellis-Ross ruled the red carpet at the Vanity Fair Oscar afterparty. Tracee wore a red, one-shoulder Versace gown for the event, while her mother wore a contrasting black, off-shoulder dress. Getty Images The best-dressed stars at the 2019 Vanity Fair afterparty Gabrielle Union Actor and activist Gabrielle Union was glowing as she attended the Vanity Fair Oscar afterparty, donning a blood orange strapless Valentino gown. Getty Images The best-dressed stars at the 2019 Vanity Fair afterparty Sofia Vergara 'Modern Family' star Sofia Vergara stunned on the red carpet alongside her husband, actor Joe Manganiello. Vergara wore a sheer, feathered and embellished Dolce and Gabbana dress for the Vanity Fair Oscar party, while Manganiello looked dapper in an Isaia suit. Getty Images The best-dressed stars at the 2019 Vanity Fair afterparty Elizabeth Banks 'Pitch Perfect' star Elizabeth Banks went for a bold look at the Vanity Fair Oscar party, wearing a red crop top and matching billowing skirt by Moniquqe Huillier for the festivities. EPA The best-dressed stars at the 2019 Vanity Fair afterparty Isla Fisher Actor Isla Fisher shone brightly at the Vanity Fair Oscar afterparty in a silver, off-shoulder sparkling creation by Jonathan Simkhai. She accessorised with Louboutin heels and Norman Silverman jewellery. Getty Images The best-dressed stars at the 2019 Vanity Fair afterparty Charlize Theron Charlize Theron opted for periwinkle blue for the Vanity Fair Oscar afterparty, wearing an open-back Dior gown for the occasion with her natural blonde locks dyed dark brunette. Evan Agostini/Invision/AP The best-dressed stars at the 2019 Vanity Fair afterparty Emma Roberts Actor Emma Roberts looked every inch a Hollywood star at the Vanity Fair Oscar afterparty, wearing a sheer, sparkling off-shoulder gown with gold, strappy heels. Evan Agostini/Invision/AP "I am disabled. I fall sometimes. I drop things. My memory is foggy. And my left side is asking for directions from a broken gps. But we are doing it," Blair wrote on Instagram in October. The actor appeared visibly emotional on Sunday evening as she made her way across the red carpet at the annual Vanity Fair bash. "It took a lot to come out here," she said, as the room of photographers cheered her on. Selma Blair at the 2019 Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty (REUTERS) Blair's cane was customised by celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik, who adorned the handle with the actor's monogram and a pink diamond. "How did I get so lucky? I wanted a special cane for [the] #VanityFair dinner," Blair wrote on Instagram. "Hours of love put in," she added. "And then #tombachick made it especially magical. I burst into tears. These gifts to get me through."<doc-sep>A cane is no hindrance to a fabulous red carpet look, and actress Selma Blair is here to make that clear. The Cruel Intentions star made her first red carpet appearance since sharing her multiple sclerosis diagnosis in October 2018, when she attended the 2019 Vanity Fair Oscars party. SEE ALSO: Chrissy Teigen tweets hilarious Oscars jab at her husband Blair rocked the red carpet in a gorgeous flowing dress and a custom-made cane. The NHS describes multiple sclerosis as "a condition that can affect the brain and/or spinal cord, causing a wide range of potential symptoms, including problems with vision, arm or leg movement, sensation or balance." Image: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic Image: Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic On her own Instagram, where Blair has been very open about living with MS, she shared a photo taken at the Vanity Fair party with the caption "When my life flashes before my eyes, I want this portrait by @markseliger to be front and center." The day before the event, Blair shared a photo on Instagram of the cane being monogrammed with a "B" and a pink diamond, saying how thankful she is to have the support of her friends. Elsewhere on social media, people praised Blair for proudly walking with a cane, and in doing so shedding light on people living with MS and other disabilities. The moment we will all be talking about tomorrow is the courageous #SelmaBlair, making her first appearance since announcing her MS diagnosis, at the VF Oscar party. She needs a cane to help walk, but she came to prove that no matter how tough this disease, she is a fighter. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/bCTo0hA59d — Jessica Radloff (@JRadloff) February 25, 2019 Absolute QUEEN. I have so much respect for this woman, walking proudly with her cane and looking sensational doing it. THANK YOU @SelmaBlair for supporting all of us who have MS and raising awareness across the globe 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤️❤️❤️ #ms #multiplesclerosis #selmablair pic.twitter.com/GYOIHYlTDB — Rhian (@rhiangibson_) February 25, 2019 #SelmaBlair thanks for normalizing the struggles and triumphs of #MS Millions of eyes on you as an example of #resilience So much hope for #multiplesclerosis patients @NMSSOhioBuckeye https://t.co/u8q1AweJjP — Mary Rensel MD FAAN ABIHM (@MRensel1) February 25, 2019 When Blair first announced that she had been diagnosed with MS in 2018, she wrote an emotional Instagram caption saying that despite her disability, she would continue to do her best in the hope of inspiring others. "I am disabled. I fall sometimes. I drop things. My memory is foggy. And my left side is asking for directions from a broken gps," Blair wrote. "I am in the thick of it but I hope to give some hope to others."<doc-sep>HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (CBSNewYork) – There was an inspiring sight at this year’s Academy Awards, as a longtime Hollywood star walked the red carpet to open up about her ongoing struggle against a debilitating neurological disease. She’s the actress known for her breakthrough roles in movies like “Cruel Intentions,” “Legally Blonde,” and “The Sweetest Thing.” Now, Selma Blair is talking publicly for the first time about a much more important breakthrough in her life. “I was a little scared of talking,” the actress said. The medical diagnosis that left her in tears, but not the kind of tears you might think. “They weren’t tears of panic they were tears of knowing I now had to give into a body that lost control. And there was some relief in that,” Blair, who diagnosed with multiple sclerosis said. MS is a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system. In Blair’s case, one of the first things the public can hear is how it’s affecting her voice. “My speech you’ll notice, I have spasmodic dysphonia right now.” The condition is a disorder that affects the muscles in the voice box. There were symptoms of illness long before the 46-year-old found out what she was fighting last year. Signs that her seven-year-old son Arthur had been seeing first hand. “He had already seen that I was falling and doing things… I did have to tell him after the MRI. I said I have something called multiple sclerosis and he almost cried and said ‘will it kill you?’ And I said ‘no, we never know what kills us Arthur, but this is not the doctor telling me I’m dying.’” It turns out the actress was in a full MS flare up since her son was born, but didn’t know. “I was giving it everything to seem normal, and I was self-medicating when he wasn’t with me. Drinking, in pain… Not always drinking, but there were times when I couldn’t take it and I was really struggling,” Blair confessed. Feeling helpless when her doctors didn’t take her seriously. “Single mother, you’re exhausted… I’d even drop my son off at school a mile away and before I got home I’d have to pull over and take a nap. I was ashamed and I was doing the best I could but it was killing me.” Selma found comfort asking for help from fellow actor Michael J. Fox, who has lived with Parkinson’s disease for three decades. “Really, he gives me hope.” Stepping out on the red carpet in a gorgeous gown and custom cane at Vanity Fair’s Oscar party Sunday night, she’s now spreading that hope to everyone else.<doc-sep>	Selma Blair made her first red carpet appearance at the Vanity Fair Oscars Party after revealing her MS diagnosis in October 2018. Blair took to the red carpet in a Ralph & Russo gown and a cane customized to match her outfit. In a new interview with Vanity Fair, Blair discusses her life-changing diagnosis and her dream of creating an accessible fashion line in the future. After revealing her diagnosis with multiple sclerosis back in October 2018, Selma Blair was thrusted into the spotlight thanks to her unbridled honesty about the condition. She explained via Instagram, "I am disabled. I fall sometimes. I drop things. My memory is foggy." So stepping out on the red carpet at the Vanity Fair Oscars Party, Blair sent an important message to chronically ill and disabled people all over the world. And, no, it didn't include the word "inspiring." Too often, disabled people are used as able-bodied inspiration, but in a new interview with Vanity Fair, Blair—who is known for her iconic roles in movies like Cruel Intentions and Legally Blonde—debunks that idea. Instead, Blair sees "a need for honesty about being disabled from someone recognizable," which is why she walked the red carpet with a cane. A chic cane, no less, designed to coordinate with her truly stunning Ralph & Russo caped gown. But when she's not preparing for the red carpet, Blair admits to Vanity Fair that "dressing is a shit show"—something that people with lifelong conditions know only too well. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis myself back in 2013, so Blair's statement that accessible fashion should "fit right and look cool" is my own brand of Holy Communion that I'm ready to eat right up. Selma Blair attends the Vanity Fair Oscars Party on February 24, 2019. Gregg DeGuire Getty Images Despite having the wild opportunity to write about fashion occasionally, I also—all too often—find myself wearing baggy t-shirts and leggings for ease. Any disabled person will tell you that when energy is a commodity as precious as Kardashian loyalty, fashion is sadly one of the things that gets sacrificed in day-to-day life. But Blair wants to change that. As Vanity Fair reports, Blair's main complaint about being diagnosed with MS is "the lack of stylish clothing available to disabled people. It might sound frivolous, but to Blair, who has always used clothes as a form of self-expression, it is a matter of identity." And a form of self-expression for which chronically ill and disabled people are regularly an afterthought. But Blair might have a solution that the world is most definitely ready for. "I would like to partner with someone like Christian Siriano on a line for everyone—not just people who necessarily need adaptive clothing, but for those who want comfort, too. It can still be chic. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice style. Like, let’s get elastic waistbands to look a little bit better." And who better to make Blair's idea a reality than Christian Siriano, a designer who continually strives for inclusivity and body positivity? Blair is currently starring in the Netflix series Another Life, and she's determined to use her platform to normalize disability and chronic illness. She's already doing that by using a cane as a mobility device, and she has ideas for improvement. As Blair hilariously reveals to Vanity Fair, "I bought an acrylic cane that was very Miami 1980—kind of fabulous and horrible. But the problem with an acrylic cane with MS is that you drop the fucker. If it’s acrylic, I’m like, 'Oh my God. My cane just shattered and it’s everywhere.'" Importantly, Blair wants to end the unease anyone feels using mobility aids, or the prejudice that might result when interacting with a person using one. "You want to still be part of the living, not a shuffling person people get out of the way for because they're queasy," she explains, "A cane, I think, can be a great fashion accessory." George Pimentel Getty Images The Hellboy actress also understands that demystifying disability is a difficult process that's going to take time: "I really feel like people with disabilities are invisible to a lot of people. Because they’re uncomfortable, or don’t have the energy to dress up, don’t want to be seen." But Blair is absolutely up for helping to change the way the world views disability, as she tells VF, "I’m happy, and if I can help anyone be more comfortable in their skin, it’s more than I’ve ever done before."
The final day of the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine has arrived, which will give two former Texas cornerbacks the opportunity to show off their skills for all NFL personnel in Indianapolis. Former CB Kris Boyd was first to take the stage in Indianapolis with the 40-yard dash, where he was clocked at 4.45 seconds in his first attempt, as seen in the above video. Boyd is one of five former Texas Longhorns who received the coveted invites to the NFL Scouting Combine, and joined former teammates — cornerback Davante Davis, wide receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey, linebacker Gary Johnson and defensive end Charles Omenihu — at the four-day event. Boyd and Davis are the final participants for the Longhorns and will wrap up their time in Indianapolis Monday when they finish their on-field drills at the NFL Combine. A four-year contributor for Texas, Boyd finished up his college career last season when he played a pivotal role for the Texas defense. In his 51 career games as a Longhorn, Boyd logged 191 tackles, 40 pass breakups, 6.5 tackles for loss, four interceptions and one career sack. Watch the above video to see Boyd's first 40-yard dash attempt at the NFL Combine.<doc-sep>As we’ve discussed before, NFL teams often use the interview portion of the scouting combine to ask prospects odd questions in hopes of drawing a reaction. These questions can be weird — like a staring contest — or inappropriate like what former Texas cornerback Kris Boyd said he was asked on Sunday. According to Boyd, an undisclosed NFL team asked him if he had both his testicles. Really. I have been to a scouting combine or two — OK, this my 33rd — and I have now heard an entry to the crazy-question question I've never heard before — this today from Texas CB Kris Boyd — “Do I have both of my testicles? And I was like yeah, I don’t know why you got to ask.'' — Jeff Legwold (@Jeff_Legwold) March 3, 2019 The question wasn’t the worst thing NFL teams have reportedly asked over the years, but in a job interview setting, this would cross a line. Just as there’s no reason to hold a staring contest, there’s no reason to ask Boyd about his anatomy. These measurables are more important to NFL teams anyway. #NFLCombine key measurements thread… 280. #Texas CB Kris Boyd Height: 5-11 4/8 Weight: 201 Hand: 9 Arm: 30 6/8 Wingspan: 74 3/8 — Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) March 2, 2019 There are more appropriate ways to ask prospects unexpected questions … or, you know, maybe just discuss football. They are football players, after all.<doc-sep>The NFL combine interview questions keep getting weirder. This year, Texas cornerback prospect Kris Boyd may own the strangest reported question of the week. "One crazy question I can think of was, 'Do I have both of my testicles?' " Boyd said. "And I was like, 'Yeah. I don’t know why you got to ask.' That was one I can think of." Boyd, who benched a position-best 19 reps at the combine, didn’t specify which team asked. Other prospects reported strange run-ins beyond simply questions. North Carolina-Charlotte guard Nate Davis said one team official rebuffed his handshake at meeting’s start. Instead, the official punched Davis in the chest. "He was like, 'You have a soft chest,' and I was like 'OK,' and we just kept it going," Davis told reporters. "That was probably the weirdest thing." Davis said he didn’t remember which team punched him. But he took the jab in stride. "It’s football, you know," Davis said. "It’s just a game. It’s serious, but at the same time, nothing personal." COMBINE:Ben Banogu among sleepers who emerged in workouts MORE:Montez Sweat sets 40-yard dash record for defensive linemen Another front-runner: the Seahawks’ traditional staring contest. This year it was Kentucky cornerback Lonnie Johnson who told reporters the Seahawks had him hold his gaze for "15, 16 seconds" during his formal interview, per NFL.com’s Chase Goodbread. Johnson said he won. Punter Michael Dickson said last year Seattle challenged him to a staring contest. "I had to see how long I could stare without blinking," Dickson said last year. "I had a couple of attempts. I tried a few techniques, looking away from the light, trying to block any sort of wind coming into the eyes. That was a weird process." The Seahawks went on to select Dickson in the fifth round of the 2018 draft. Dickson was named an all-pro as a rookie. Strange combine interview experiences date back far earlier than the last few years. Each organization is allowed 60 formal interviews for 15 minutes, plus more informal meetings. Some teams often look to glean insight on a player's personality while testing his ability to respond to prompts in real time. Some sessions feature on-field and film study as well. But many coaches and general managers across the league this week said they can gather fitness and skills from college play and workouts, instead preferring to use interviews to better understand prospects’ mental and emotional composure. Per past reports, questions have ranged from whether a player was afraid of clowns to if he’d rather be a cat or dog. Former NFL defensive end Austen Lane once said a team asked him to choose boxers or briefs. In 2010, the then-Miami Dolphins general manager asked receiver Dez Bryant if his mother was a prostitute. The general manager, Jeff Ireland, later issued an apology statement and said he used "poor judgment in one of the question I asked him. I certainly meant no disrespect." Bryant said at the time he just aimed to answer their questions. In Indianapolis this year, Florida's Jachai Polite was less forgiving. The edge rusher told reporters the San Francisco 49ers “just bashed me the whole time.” He balked also at the Green Bay Packers’ questioning his character, accountability and worst plays. “I’m not being a crybaby or anything,” Polite said, via Zach Heilprin of the Wisconsin Sports Zone Network. “That’s their job. I just didn’t know what to expect.” Follow Jori Epstein on Twitter @JoriEpstein.<doc-sep>The NFL Combine is notorious for asking players interesting and, sometimes, absurd questions. Such as whether you see yourself as a dog or a cat? Or, if you had to murder someone, would you use a gun or a knife? Though, the question one team reportedly asked Texas cornerback Chris Boyd might take the cake. While speaking with reporters, Boyd was asked what types of weird questions he had been asked by teams. Then he revealed this oddity. “One crazy question I can think of was, ‘Do I have both of my testicles?’ ” Boyd said. “And I was like, ‘Yeah. I don’t know why you got to ask.’ That was one I can think of.” According to Yahoo, “Boyd has had a very good combine outside of the bizarre line of questioning, as he led all cornerbacks with 19 bench press reps. He will complete his on-field drills on Monday as the combine wraps up at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.” Those are impressive numbers, no matter how many testicles you have. Follow Dylan Gwinn on Twitter @themightygwinn<doc-sep>	Every year, you hear stories about NFL teams asking completely ridiculous questions of prospects at the combine. Sometimes, they're funny. Sometimes, they're weird. Sometimes, they step over the line. Famously, former Dallas Cowboys star Dez Bryant was asked by then-Dolphins personnel man Jeff Ireland if his mother was a prostitute, for example. It appears that we may have another entry into the inappropriate pile. University of Texas cornerback Kris Boyd was asked the standard question about the weirdest question he's been asked by a team during the combine, and he stated that one team asked him if he has both of his testicles. The number of testicles a player has almost surely cannot affect his play on the field. (Former Major League Baseball player John Kruk famously played the final two seasons of his career with one testicle after overcoming testicular cancer, for example. Lance Armstrong also went through the better portion of his cycling career with one testicle.) If there was a legitimate purpose for this type of questioning, it would presumably be covered in the medical portion of the combine. If we are being honest here, there is just no reason to ask about this other than to try to shock a player with the brazenness of the question; and there are plenty of more appropriate questions that can be asked in order to achieve that result. The league should investigate whether what Boyd says he was asked is true, find out which team and personnel member asked the question, and subject them to some sort of discipline. Boyd, ranked No. 77 on Chris Trapasso's big board here at CBSSports.com, checked in at 5-11 1/2 and 201 pounds.
Sarah Hyland revealed she's previously had 'suicidal thoughts' during her Friday appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. The 28-year-old Modern Family actress spoke candidly about her battle with numerous health issues and how her chronic pain led to severe depression. 'I've had, I want to say, six surgeries over the past couple of years,' Sarah revealed during the interview. Smiling through the pain: Sarah Hyland revealed she's previously had 'suicidal thoughts' during her Friday appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show The starlet then disclosed that she'd had up to 16 surgeries throughout her life in total. 'I've had two kidney transplants, I have endometriosis, a whole slew of things.' She also said she'd suffered from gout, which was 'the most painful thing I've ever experienced'. Then when DeGeneres asked if Sarah had ever considered taking her own life, the New York native admitted, 'Yes'. 'After 26, 27 years of just always being sick, of just being in chronic pain every single day, you just don't know when you're going to have the next good day.' Candid: 'I've had, I want to say, six surgeries over the past couple of years,' Sarah revealed during the interview Wow: The starlet then disclosed that she'd had up to 16 surgeries throughout her life in total 'I would write [suicide] letters in my head to loved ones of why I did it, of my reasoning behind it, how it's nobody's fault...' Ellen then asked how close Sarah came to killing herself. 'I was very very very very close,' admitted the actress. But finally a friend advised her to seek therapy - and Hyland said just the process of articulating how hopeless she felt helped her. Brutal honesty: 'I would write [suicide] letters in my head to loved ones of why I did it, of my reasoning behind it, how it's nobody's fault...' Her man: The four-time SAG Award winner says she's feeling much better and can now enjoy her life, including vacations to Mexico with her boyfriend of over a year, Bachelor in Paradise's Wells Adams. Seen here earlier this month Hyland is 'doing really well,' after recently revealing she had a secret second kidney transplant after her first one failed. The actress originally underwent a kidney transplant after her father donated his organ to her in 2012, but after her body began to reject it, she had a second operation in May 2017, when her younger brother Ian was found to be a match. And now, almost two years on from the second procedure, the four-time SAG Award winner says she's feeling much better and can now enjoy her life, including vacations to Mexico with her boyfriend of over a year, Bachelor in Paradise's Wells Adams.<doc-sep>It has not been an easy time for Sarah Hyland. The 28-year-old Modern Family star, who estimates she's faced 16 surgeries so far, recently revealed she secretly underwent a second kidney transplant in September 2017 after her body began to reject the one her father gave her years earlier. Recalling the experience in an interview with Self, the star also was candid about the depression and suicidal thoughts she experienced during that time, feeling as if she had failed her dad and in fear that she would fail her brother, who donated her a second kidney. Speaking to Ellen DeGeneres on her daytime talk show on Friday, Hyland recalled that "really, really hard" time and how she overcame it. "I have an amazing job, an amazing support system, but…after 26, 27 years of just always being sick and being in chronic pain every single day, you don't know when you're going to have the next good day. It's really, really hard," she told the comedian. "I would write letters in my head to loved ones of why I did it and my reasoning behind it, how it was nobody's fault and I didn't want to write it down on paper because I didn't want anyone to find it because that's how serious I was."<doc-sep>"Modern Family" star Sarah Hyland got real about her lowest point during a visit to "The Ellen DeGeneres Show." "I have an amazing job and an amazing support system but after 27 years of being sick and in chronic pain every single day, you don't know when you're going to have the next good day," she explained. "It's really hard." In Friday's episode, the 28-year-old actress, who endured a second kidney transplant and the death of a cousin at the hands of a suspected drunk driver last year, opened up about having suicidal thoughts, a topic she's previously discussed. "I finally said it out loud to someone," she told DeGeneres. "Just saying it out loud helped immensely because I kept it to myself for months and months at a time." What advice does she have for someone in a similar frame of mind? "I think talking to someone and saying it out loud almost makes it sound almost ridiculous but it puts everything into perspective." More: Hyland reveals she hadsecond kidney transplant, contemplated suicide Stars who had a rough year in 2018: Sarah Hyland, Ben Affleck and more The conversation turned considerably lighter when DeGeneres brought up the subject of Hyland's boyfriend, "Bachelorette" Season 12 contestant Wells Adam, who now serves as the bartender on "The Bachelor in Paradise." "I had been watching the 'Bachelor' franchise since I was a kid," Hyland said, explaining how they became a couple. "It was just something my mom and I did together. So I watched his show and that's how we started talking. I would tweet about him because he referenced books. And I was like, 'Oh gosh, Bachelor contestants can read?!? This is amazing. He can read. And he has dimples! This is great.' " More: Hyland's boyfriend Adams praises her for 'never breaking down' amid struggles Suicide Lifeline: If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts you can call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) any time of day or night or chat online. Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741.<doc-sep>The Modern Family star, 28, got candid about some of her darker days on Friday's The Ellen DeGeneres Show, explaining that at low points, she would consider death by suicide Sarah Hyland is opening up about her battle with depression among a slew of chronic health issues, and how she overcame her own suicidal thoughts. The Modern Family star, 28, got candid about some of her darker days on Friday’s The Ellen DeGeneres Show, explaining that at low points, she would consider death by suicide. Get push notifications with news, features and more. “I was very, very, very close,” Hyland told DeGeneres. “I would write letters in my head to loved ones — of why I did it, my reasoning behind it, how it’s nobody’s fault. And I didn’t want to write it down on paper because I didn’t want anyone to find it. … I didn’t want anyone to know I was that close because if I knew, they would try to persuade me.” “At the time, I was 26, and after 26, 27 years of always being sick and being in chronic pain every single day and you don’t know when you’re going to have the next good day, it’s really, really hard,” she added. The Ellen DeGeneres Show Sarah Hyland and Ellen DeGeneres Hyland has kidney dysplasia, which means her kidneys did not develop properly when she was in the womb and frequently form painful cysts. The condition required a kidney transplant in 2012, one made possible by a kidney donated by her father. But in Oct. 2016, her body started to reject it. The actress then started regularly undergoing dialysis, a temporary treatment where a machine filters blood in and out — which is typically the kidney’s job — that required putting a tube on her chest and led to her severely dropping weight. Doctors removed the transplanted kidney in May 2017 and her younger brother Ian, 23, offered his kidney, which was transplanted in September 2017. It was thankfully a match, though Hyland’s health problems didn’t end there. The actress also has endometriosis and an abdominal hernia. That led to more surgeries — she’s told Degeneres she’s had six in the last 17 months, and 16 total over the course of her life — including a laparoscopic surgery for the endometriosis and a hernia repair surgery. Hyland revealed to DeGeneres that she also had gout, a form of arthritis characterized by severe pain caused when too much uric acid crystallizes and deposits in your joints. “I’ve been through a lot of pain [and] it’s one of the most painful things I’ve ever had,” Hyland said on Ellen. RELATED: How Sarah Hyland’s Modern Family Cast Helped the Star Post-Surgery Throughout it all, Hyland remained working on Modern Family (she was written out of some episodes so that she could recover comfortably). Hyland thanks the cast and her “amazing support system” for helping her through some of her trying times. But ultimately, she had to address her own mental health by herself. “It ended up being myself that got me out of that,” Hyland told DeGeneres, 60. “I had to do it on my own, I told myself I had to do it on my own.” US-ENTERTAINMENT-DISNEY-ABC-MICKEY'S 90TH SPECTACULAR Sarah Hyland \| Credit: VALERIE MACON/AFP/Getty Confiding in someone else also helped. “I’d been saying, ‘I think I need to go see a therapist again,’ And they were like, ‘Why do you need to go see a therapist, you can just talk to me?’ And when I said it out loud they were like, ‘Oh you need to go see a therapist!’ And that’s when I was like, ‘Okay, I don’t think you’re going to help me. I think I need to really do this on my own and really do even more digging and soul searching,’ ” she recalled. “Just saying it out loud helped immensely because I kept it to myself for months and months at a time. And saying it out loud really helped me,” Hyland said. “Every person with their anxiety, or depression, or suicidal thoughts, every individual is different. So I wouldn’t rely on everything I say, I’m just sharing my story. But I think talking to someone and saying it out loud really, really makes it sound almost ridiculous and puts everything in perspective.”<doc-sep>	Sarah Hyland has been more open about her health issues recently, but the star's latest interview might be her most candid yet. The 28-year-old actress sat down with Ellen DeGeneres on Friday to discuss her various struggles — both mental and physical — and how she's been coping with them while still sticking to her acting duties. Endometriosis. Six surgeries in just a few years. Two kidney transplants. These are just a few of the health complications Sarah has dealt with in her life, and they ended up taking a toll on her mental wellbeing, too — so much so that she came "very, very, very, very close" to taking her own life. "After 26, 27 years of just always being sick and being in chronic pain every single day, and you don't know when you're going to have the next good day, it's really, really hard," Sarah told Ellen. The actress added that she even wrote suicide letters in her head, planning out how she would tell her loved ones about her decision, though she never wrote anything down on paper. "It ended up being myself that got me out of that. I had to do it on my own." So what helped pull Sarah out of that dark place? "It ended up being myself that got me out of that. I had to do it on my own," she said, explaining that she mentioned her struggles to a friend. "Saying it out loud helped immensely because I kept it to myself for months and months at a time." While Sarah noted that every person dealing with suicidal thoughts copes differently, she said that simply talking about it with a loved one or therapist can make a world of difference. "Saying it out loud really makes it sound almost ridiculous, and it puts everything into perspective." If you or a loved one are in need of any help, the National Suicide Prevention organization has several resources and a 24/7 lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
TSA wait times were exceeding one hour Monday morning. ATLANTA — Extremely long security lines have been reported at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Monday morning. Early Monday morning, wait times for all three Domestic Terminal checkpoints -- Main, North and South -- were running at more than one hour. By 2:30 p.m., wait times had decreased to 30-to-45 minutes at the Main Checkpoint. Wait times at the North and South checkpoints had been reduced to between 15-and-30 minutes. One bright spot was the International Terminal, where wait times were listed at between 15-and-30 minutes all day long. Airport officials are advising that passengers arrive at the security checkpoints at least two hours before their scheduled departure time. However, with the extended lines, adding more time would be advised. Why is there a long wait time at the airport? Last week, the Transportation Security Administration insisted that long wait times being reported by news outlets around the nation were not the result of callouts by TSA employees due to the federal shutdown. However, as the partial government closure rolls into its 24th day TSA says the amount of unscheduled absences has more than doubled from this day last year. A Transportation Security Administration spokesperson told 11Alive on Monday that the agency "experienced a national rate of 7.6 percent of unscheduled absences compared to a 3.2 percent rate one year ago, Monday, January 15, 2018." In addition, a TSA statement was released that pointed out that security standards would remain uncompromised across the nation. "TSA men and women across the country continue to report for work at our nations airports to secure aviation. From passengers to airport personnel, and others making their way through terminals across the country, the kind of words of support have not gone without notice or impact," the statement said. RELATED \| Some TSA employees calling off sick during federal shutdown In addition, TSA officials have been insisting that callouts by TSA workers have not limited the effectiveness of the TSA's mission since the beginning of the federal shutdown on December 22. TSA workers are considered "essential employees" and as such, have been forced to work despite not being paid since the beginning of the federal shutdown. On Monday, air traffic controllers joined the crowds in the airport lobby, holding up signs and handing out pamphlets urging people to talk to their lawmakers. One air traffic controller in Atlanta, Dan McCabe says the job is already stressful enough. Now, they are not getting paid. "When you're at work, you're thinking about how to keep airplanes separated. Now you're thinking about keeping planes separated and keeping your medical bills paid for, keeping your car paid for, so it's very stressful," McCabe said. He says politicians in Washington, who are still collecting their paychecks, have forgotten about them. "This is no longer a political debate, it's a human issue," McCabe said. Officials said that more than 51,000 TSA officers remain on the job, though many have called off work since the federal shutdown started. Some workers were calling out simply because they could not afford to pay for childcare or to make ends meet in order to afford to go to work. Octavius Miller, a TSA employee at Hartsfield-Jackson, said he is taking out a short-term loan to make ends meet and support his infant daughter during this period. “When we do things like this for political show-boating, I feel like the people become pawns, and I feel like me and my coworkers have become pawns in this game,” Miller said. “I have a lot of responsibilities I have to take care of.” He lives about 45 minutes from the airport and said he keeps working because he wants to make sure he has a job at the end of the shutdown. What is the wait time at Atlanta's airport?<doc-sep>Passengers at the nation’s busiest airport are feeling the pinch of the government shutdown and it’s coming in the forms of long security lines. Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is warning passengers to give themselves at least three hours to clear security. #ATL is experiencing longer than usual wait times during peak travel. Please plan ahead and give yourself 3 hours to clear security. ✈️ — Atlanta Airport (@ATLairport) January 14, 2019 The notice comes as the government shutdown has agents with the Transportation Security Administration on the job but without pay. As a result, the agency is experiencing a higher-than-normal absentee rate. Michael Bilello, a spokesperson for the TSA, said the agency’s unscheduled absentee rate Monday was 6.8 percent compared to 2.5 percent one year ago on the same day. Issues with screenings have prompted several airports – including Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Miami International Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport and Hartsfield-Jackson – to close terminals and consolidate security checkpoints. Personnel is being relocated to help assist in airports with staffing shortages. “TSA Federal Security Directors, in concert with the airport and servicing airlines will announce when lane closures occur so passengers can plan accordingly,” Bilello said. “TSA will reallocate screening officers on a national basis to meet staffing shortages that cannot be addressed locally. “For questions about terminal closings, travelers should seek current airline and airport information before arriving at the airport,” he added. Alabama’s busiest airport, Birmingham’s Shuttlesworth International, is not reporting extended delays. We want to take time and say thank you to all of the @TSA and @FAANews employees, here @BHMAirport. We appreciate your hard work and service to the Birmingham community! pic.twitter.com/77LboQ8L2c — Shuttlesworth Int'l (@BHMAirport) January 14, 2019 The government shutdown Dec. 22, shuttering many operations of the departments of Homeland Security, Justice, Interior, State and Housing and Urban Development. About 800,000 federal employees are either furloughed without pay or at work but not receiving a paycheck until the shutdown ends.<doc-sep>	Jeff Martin Associated Press ATLANTA — It was taking more than an hour for passengers to get through domestic checkpoints at the world's busiest airport in Atlanta on Monday, the first business day after security screeners missed paychecks for the first time due to partial government shutdown. No-shows among screeners across the nation soared Monday morning, with a national rate of 7.6 unscheduled absences Monday morning, a Transportation Security Administration spokesman said. That compares to 3.2 percent for this time one year ago, TSA spokesman Thomas Kelly said in a statement to the Associated Press. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport reported the lengthy wait times on its website Monday morning, showing the long waits at all three checkpoints in the domestic terminal. Callers to the Transportation Security Administration's media relations line Monday heard a recorded message saying employees were unable to answer phone calls due to a lapse in federal funding. Atlanta's wait times stretched well beyond what the TSA says most passengers have endured since the shutdown began. The recorded message said that 99.9 percent of passengers nationally waited less than 30 minutes to get through security on Friday, and 95 percent waited less than 15 minutes. The message adds that security standards "remain uncompromised" at the nation's airports. Still, airports are having to make adjustments. Miami International Airport closed one of its terminals for part of Saturday and Sunday because many TSA workers as usual were calling in sick. In Atlanta, Monday's long wait times come with less than three weeks remaining before the city hosts one of the world's biggest sporting events. The Super Bowl, scheduled for Feb. 3, is expected to bring hordes of travelers to Atlanta for the game and days of concerts and related events. Govt. shutdown hits fed employees in Michigan Gov't shutdown: 23 questions you may have Trams at DTW out of service until April The statement from TSA Monday attributed the long waits in Atlanta to "anticipated high volume." "TSA, airport authorities and airlines will continue to work closely to ensure resources are optimized, efforts to consolidate operations are actively managed, and screening and security are never compromised," Kelly, the TSA spokesman, said via email. Airport officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Britain wins the Street Fighter V world cup The biggest fighting game tournament in the world has a new Street Fighter V champion, as new characters G and Sagat are added. Capitol riot probe commission blocked from being created by Republicans The Evolution Championship Series (or Evo to its friends) has long been the biggest and most popular fighting game tournament in gaming, and following all the finals at the weekend it now has a new British champion. Benjamin ‘Problem X’ Simon has been officially acknowledged as the best Street Fighter V player in the world, with a surprise win over firm favourite Hajime ‘Tokido’ Taniguchi. Problem X was playing as M. Bison and Tokido as Akuma, which is even better for those that hate playing against Akuma players. It’s the first time ever that a British player has won the main Street Fighter final at Evo and the first time any British competitor has won at Evo since Ryan Hart on Tekken 5 back in 2008. For obvious reasons fighting game publishers always use Evo to make announcements, although this year there were no major new games. However, anime character Cooler was revealed for Dragon Ball FighterZ, SoulCalibur VI is getting fan favourites Seong Mi-na and Astaroth, and Tekken 7 announced Anna Williams, Lei Wulong, and… Negan from The Walking Dead. Street Fighter V also got two new characters, in the form of series regular Sagat and brand-new fighter G. G is clearly modelled after Abraham Lincoln (really) and describes himself as the President of the World. He’s got a special move called Message to the People, during which he delivers a political speech that increases his EX gauge. That’s just about as mad as anything Capcom has ever done for Street Fighter, but at least you can be relieved he doesn’t look like Donald Trump. Email [email protected], leave a comment below, and follow us on Twitter<doc-sep>SonicFox beats rival GO1 to win Dragon Ball FighterZ at EVO 2018 The first Dragon Ball FighterZ EVO champion has been crowned. And of course, it came down to the two best players in the world. Dragon Ball FighterZ promised to be one of the most exciting games to hit EVO. It did not disappoint and the tournament culminated with the game's top two players continuing their epic rivalry. Dominique "SonicFox" McLean and Goichi "GO1" Kushida met again in Grand Finals, but while Goichi threatened to run it all back by resetting the bracket, it was SonicFox who prevailed by taking the second set with a 3-0 sweep. SonicFox and his team of Bardock, Zamasu (Fused), and Android 16 walked into the Grand Finals without dropping a game, but Goichi quickly changed this with his team of Cell, Bardock, and Vegeta (Super Saiyan). Goichi caught on to his nemesis and was able to sweep the first Grand Finals set in a convincing 3-0 sweep. Goichi was playing so well that SonicFox took a moment to gather himself after the first set, with some interpreting the move as attempting to ice his opponent. SonicFox was able to gather himself, even as Goichi continued playing at a high level. The first round went back and forth and looked to belong to Goichi, as he managed to summon the dragon Shenron for the second time in the evening. SonicFox was still able to overcome this and managed to take the first round. He didn't look back, as went on to sweet the rest of the second set to claim the first EVO championship for Dragon Ball FighterZ. SonicFox and Goichi first met in a Winners Finals that was intense, but not one that was particularly close. SonicFox won that set 3-0, but there was still plenty of drama, especially as Goichi managed to summon Shenron in the third game. Goichi used the power of the Dragon Balls to restore his health, but even this gift from the mighty dragon still wasn't enough to overcome SonicFox's unstoppable offense. It should be noted that Sunday's tournament will not count towards the Dragon Ball FighterZ World Tour. The DBFZ World Tour will hold an online Southeast Asia tournament next week before heading down to Taipei for the Taiwan Fighter Major.<doc-sep>Several Bayonetta players made it into the Super Smash Brothers 4 finals at Evo 2018 this year, although surprisingly, last year’s Evo winner and Bayonetta player Saleem “Salem” Akiel Young wasn’t one of them. Salem’s upset last year coincided with the longstanding debate over whether Bayonetta’s combo-linking abilities make her an unfair opponent, and after tonight’s results, that debate shows no signs of slowing down. Advertisement The crowd soured on Bayonetta early on, when 16-year-old Bayo main Zack “CaptainZack” Lauth battled his way into the Top 8 finals to a chorus of booing from the crowd. After wrapping up his controller, CaptainZack shot a businesslike middle finger to the crowd. The commentators noted their disapproval of the young player’s behavior, but came down more strongly against the audience’s booing, which would continue throughout the rest of the Smash 4 finals. When Diddy Kong player Jestise “MVD” Negron lost his first Losers Quarter-Final match to Bayonetta main Tamim “Mistake” Omary, the crowd booed once again, but MVD turned around and waved his arms at them to quiet them. They cooled down after that, but then, MVD lost the match-up thanks to a poorly timed banana throw. Throughout the finals, other Smash pros weighed in on the crowd’s poor reception of Bayonetta players, with one posting that the boos were “a bad look.” CaptainZack posted, “stop booing me like I care,” and Mistake put up a photo of himself with the other two Bayonetta mains in Top 8, writing, “did we kill the game?” During the Losers Semi-Final, Japanese Diddy Kong and Sheik player Yuta “Nietono” Uejima managed to take down Mistake, but he couldn’t manage to defeat CaptainZack’s Bayonetta, who 3-0’d him and put him in third place overall. After that, it all came down to the young CaptainZack and the similarly young Tamim “Lima” Omary (age 16 and 17 respectively) in a Bayonetta versus Bayonetta battle for the top honors. Lima had already knocked CaptainZack to the losers bracket in a tight 3-2 match early on in the finals, and when CaptainZack came back to face him, Lima took the first two matches. Advertisement Then, CaptainZack turned it into a reverse sweep and won the match-up. During their final match, Lima died by accident, and CaptainZack flung himself off the ledge as well in a show of solidarity. After CaptainZack won that game and reset the bracket, kicking off yet another Bayo-vs-Bayo best-of-five, the crowd didn’t sound happy, but the two players on stage were laughing together like old friends. In fact, they didn’t seem to want to fight at all anymore. At the start of the final reset, CaptainZack and Lima faced their Bayonettas towards one another but didn’t attack for several seconds. The crowd roared in confusion; multiple Evo staffers came on stage to ask the players what was going on, with one eventually ordering the pair to get going and play already. The two complied, resulting in Lima’s eventual win. Lima and CaptainZack hugged, their happiness and pride evident despite the haters all around them. Advertisement Neither player was expected to win it all at Evo this year. Lima placed 9th in Evo 2017, and CaptainZack came in at 17th place last year. CaptainZack has told Kotaku in the past that, although he’s gotten death threats for playing as the controversial Bayonetta and also has “struggle[d] with self-confidence issues,” the character inspires him: “It’s her confidence, her sassiness, it’s what I aspire to be... I want to walk on-stage and I want people to be scared.” Smash 4 fans may hate these two, but based on their joy on stage at the event, they’ve clearly learned how to absorb those boos and become all the more powerful.<doc-sep>	The eight Street Fighter V competitors that made it into Evo 2018’s finals today looked very different from last year’s lineup. Aside from last year’s winner, Hajime “Tokido” Taniguchi, every single one of the other finalists wasn’t on last year’s stage. Everybody assumed Tokido would win. But Evo 2018 finals have proven assumptions to be unwise, time and time again. The big contenders last year , like Victor “Punk” Woodley, Du “Nuckledu” Dang, and Ryan “FChamp” Ramirez, all got eliminated in this year’s competition pools. And in the very first match of the finals, Evo 2017 winner Tokido got knocked down to the losers bracket. T his Top 8 event was going to throw some curveballs. Two of the promising first-timers did get knocked out of the competition early, including the American favorite Marcus “The Cool Kid93" Redmond, as well as the Dominican Republic’s Cristopher “Caba” Rodriguez. Both had impressive performances in their debuts under the bright lights and loud crowds of the Evo arena, though, with each narrowly losing 2-3 against more experienced opponents that had made it into Evo finals in years past. Here’s the name of the newcomer to the Evo arena stage that everyone will remember after tonight: Benjamin “Problem-X” Simon, a British M. Bison player who competed in Evo last year but got eliminated in qualifying pools. This year, he made it all the way to the grand finals with M. Bison plays that were as cool and calculated as the buttoned-up dictator. Problem-X would watch and wait, sliding out poked attacks and confirming them into deathly scissor-kicks and well-practiced combos. While Problem-X showed off his conditioning in the winners bracket, Tokido battled his way through the entire losers bracket, eventually facing the very fighter who had put him there in the first place: Keita “Fuudo” Ai. Fuudo has placed first in Street Fighter at Evo before, albeit not SFV, but Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition back in 2011. Throughout his run in losers, though, Tokido kept on smiling, and he was still smiling when he came face to face with Fuudo again. The smile was an ominous change for Tokido, whose nickname “Murderface” refers to his icy focus and meditative precision. As the Street Fighter V finals headed well past 11:30 pm, Tokido kept on grinning, putting on a much more powerful performance against Fuudo in this second go-round. Tokido showed off his versatility with Akuma, tossing out dangerous and unexpected moves yet seeing those risks pay off, while still maintaining his precision by teching throws and nailing his anti-airs. In the end, Tokido cleared his way out of losers and back into the winners finals, seemingly on his way towards a second year of earning the Evo trophy. But Problem-X was waiting for him. In Evo 2018, he was a newcomer in the same position as Victor “Punk” Woodley last year. From the UK instead of America, but still a first-timer to the Evo arena stage, the M. Bison main was not smiling as wide as the experienced Tokido. Unlike Punk last year, though, Problem-X stayed on point. He brought out his same methodical combos, his same scissor-kicks, his same patience. But Tokido’s experience and Akuma’s versatility are nothing to deny, and eventually, the veteran clawed his way back into a bracket reset. It was midnight local time, by now. Tokido’s smile looked much weaker. Problem-X looked tired, sweating, rubbing his hands over the bridge of his nose. But he had more fight left in him. And in the end, he scissor-kicked his way to victory. Problem-X’s win echoes the Tekken 7 results today, in which a younger competitor also beat a veteran, as well as the Melee results, which featured several unexpected competitors in finals and also the toppling of a god. Clearly, anything can happen at Evo.
Dennis Mathisen, a longtime business associate of Jacobs, told the newspaper that the deaths were a murder-suicide and said that he had learned of them from the couple’s son, Mark.<doc-sep>Orono Police Chief Correy Farniok confirmed on Wednesday that two adults were found dead inside the residence with a handgun on the bed Two people were found dead inside the multimillion-dollar home of renowned businessman and former part-owner of the Minnesota Vikings Irwin Jacobs this week, following a possible murder-suicide. The bodies were discovered in a bed next to a handgun by a routine visitor of the Minnesota residence on Wednesday morning, Orono Police Chief Correy Farniok confirmed in a press conference. Get push notifications with news, features and more. “Officers with the Orono Police Department made entry into the home. Upon entering, we found two individuals deceased — one adult male, one adult female — they were both inside the house and a gun was recovered,” Farniok said, adding that he was waiting for the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office to officially release their identities. Irwin’s company, Jacobs Management Corp., later released a statement on behalf of the couple’s five children confirming Irwin, 77, and his wife of almost six decades, Alexandra, had died. “Our family is shocked and devastated by the death of our parents, Irwin and Alexandra Jacobs,” read the statement, which was obtained by The Star Tribune. “We are heartbroken by this loss, and we ask that our privacy be respected as we grieve during this very difficult time.” A representative for Irwin’s company did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment. Farniok also noted that police felt there was “no immediate threat to the community” and it was a “contained situation” with no current suspects — stopping short of describing the deaths as a murder-suicide. “This is an active investigation,” he told reporters on Wednesday. “We are releasing very minimal investigation due to the fact that this investigation is ongoing, but we do want to indicate that we feel there is no immediate threat to the community.” “We don’t see this very often — in any of our communities, this doesn’t happen,” Farniok added. “We are taking this seriously. We’re looking at it from every aspect.” • 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. Though police were unable to confirm the details around the case, Dennis Mathisen, one of Irwin’s longtime business partners, told The Star Tribune that the prominent businessman had killed his wife of 57 years before turning the gun on himself. “[Alexandra] had been in a wheelchair for the last year or so and had signs of dementia. Irwin was just distraught over her condition,” he told the publication, adding that he learned of the tragedy after speaking to Irwin’s secretary and son Mark Jacobs. Mathisen also said he last spoke to his friend just a few days ago and he seemed “upbeat.” Denver Post Archives Irwin L. Jacobs \| Credit: Denver Post via Getty Images Irwin was well-known in the business world — in part due to his aggressive techniques of buying and liquidating struggling companies, earning himself the nickname of “Irv the Liquidator,” according to The Star Tribune. In the 1980s, he owned a minority share of the Minnesota Vikings but had sold it by 1991. Throughout his life, he also owned Grain Belt Beer Company and boatmaking company Genmar Holdings Co. — both of which he had since sold, the outlet reports. At the time of his death, Irwin was the owner of soap and household products company J.R. Watkins Co. in Winona and retail merchandise trading company Jacobs Trading Co. The father of five was also very much involved in giving back and donated $8 million to the Special Olympics in 1991 — a cause that was particularly important to him and his wife, who shared a daughter with cerebral palsy, according to Fast Forward. The couple had lived on their lakefront estate for almost 50 years. In 2014, they put the home on the market for $22 million. Irwin told The Star Tribune that he decided to sell the home, despite hoping he would die there one day, because “didn’t want to burden my wife if something happened to me.”<doc-sep>Authorities are investigating the deaths of two people found at the Lake Minnetonka mansion of Irwin Jacobs, a prominent Minnesota businessman who once owned a minority share in the Minnesota Vikings NFL team. Orono, Minnesota, police say the bodies of a man and woman were discovered in a bed along with a gun after authorities received a call at 8:31 a.m. Wednesday. Police have not released their names, but said no suspects are being sought. Dennis Mathisen, a longtime friend of the family, told the Star Tribune that Alexandra Jacobs, who had been Irwin's wife for 57 years and mother to their five children, "had been in a wheelchair for the last year or so and had signs of dementia. Irwin was just distraught over her condition." He said he spoke with Irwin Jacobs about three days ago, and "he was upbeat. I talked with his son Mark yesterday, and he talked to both of them. He said Irwin seemed up." The Hennepin County Crime Lab was called to the scene, as was a hearse. Irwin Jacobs, 77, had a stake in the Vikings in the 1980s before selling his share. He gained notoriety nationally in the 1980s as a corporate raider who bought out underperforming companies at a profit. He was known to some as "Irv the Liquidator." One of his most notable local transactions was his purchase of the Grain Belt beer company and brewery in the mid-1970s. He later sold the beer brand to G. Heileman Brewing Company and the brewery and real estate assets to the city of Minneapolis. He has owned J.R. Watkins Co., which makes soaps and other household products, for more than 40 years. He also owns Jacobs Trading Co., a retailer specializing in liquidation of merchandise. Jacobs also owned local boat maker Genmar Holdings Co., which went through bankruptcy restructuring beginning in 2009.<doc-sep>	Several sources close to the family confirmed to KARE 11 that the dead are Irwin Jacobs and his wife, Alexandra. ORONO, Minn. — Two people have been found dead at the home of prominent Twin Cities businessman Irwin L. Jacobs. Several sources close to the family confirmed to KARE 11 that the dead are Irwin Jacobs and his wife, Alexandra. Dennis Mathisen, a longtime business partner of Jacobs, also confirmed the deaths to KARE 11. He said he received a phone call with the news, from a Jacobs family member. The Jacobs family released this statement Wednesday evening: "Our family is shocked and devastated by the death of our parents, Irwin and Alexandra Jacobs. We are heartbroken by this loss, and we ask that our privacy be respected as we grieve during this very difficult time." Orono police were called to the Lake Minnetonka-area home at 1700 Shoreline Drive in Orono, at just after 8:30 a.m. Wednesday. Orono police say they found the bodies of a male and a female at the home. Police say the two people were found in bed, and a gun was also found on the bed. "Taking this seriously and looking at it from every aspect," said Orono Police Chief Correy Farniok. Police say there is no risk to the public. The bodies have not yet been officially identified and investigators are processing the scene. People said the call came from someone who went to the house "routinely" on their rounds. In 1985, Jacobs was billed a "Minneapolis takeover artist" by Fortune. But the Wall Street deal-maker later found a new love in the boat business, starting with Larson Boats in Little Falls and growing that into a world-wide network of companies. His Genmar Holdings became one of the country's biggest boatbuilders, and filed for bankruptcy in 2009. He was 77 when he died. He was well-known in the boating industry. "Certainly some of the big national brands were under his leadership and he was an important person in the whole industry," said Dave Briggs, President of Wayzata Marine.
There's a party in Nashville tonight and you're all invited! In case you didn't already guess, the 2018 CMT Music Awards are finally here meaning the biggest names in country music are coming together to celebrate. Hosted by Little Big Town, this year's award show is set to air live on CMT from the Bridgestone Arena. And while excitement is building around who could win the biggest awards of the night, others are pumped to see familiar faces like Carrie Underwood, Sam Hunt, Luke Bryan, Kelsea Ballerini are more perform. Before the show begins, we must talk about the fashion. Take a look at all the red carpet looks in our massive gallery updating throughout the night below.<doc-sep>Summer started off in style...country style, that is, as the genre's biggest artists stepped up their fashion game while walking the gray carpet at the 2018 CMT Music Awards. NASHVILLE, TN - JUNE 06: Luke Bryan attends the 2018 CMT Music Awards at Bridgestone Arena on June 6, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for CMT) Nashville was the place to be on Wednesday night (June 6) as the country music community made a strong showing on the gray carpet before the 2018 CMT Music Awards. Known as the kickoff event to get the party started for CMA Music Festival, anyone from Florida Georgia Line to Jason Aldean to Carrie Underwood made an appearance while putting their style on display just in time for the summer season. While they all tried to beat the heat in shiny shifts and dapper suits, all the artists looked hot, hot, hot as they walked in the Music City heat. Take a peek at some of the biggest country music stars as they show up in style on the gray carpet at the 2018 CMT Music Awards: NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 06: Kelsea Ballerini attends the 2018 CMT Music Awards at Bridgestone Arena on June 6, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for CMT) NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 06: Kristian Bush (L) and Jennifer Nettles of musical group Sugarland attend the 2018 CMT Music Awards at Bridgestone Arena on June 6, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for CMT) NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 06: (L-R) Jimi Westbrook, Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman and Philip Sweet of musical group Little Big Town attends the 2018 CMT Music Awards at Bridgestone Arena on June 6, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for CMT) NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 06: Jon Pardi attends the 2018 CMT Music Awards at Bridgestone Arena on June 6, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for CMT) NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 06: Kelly Clarkson attends the 2018 CMT Music Awards at Bridgestone Arena on June 6, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/WireImage) NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 06: Luke Bryan attends the 2018 CMT Music Awards at Bridgestone Arena on June 6, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for CMT) NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 06: Brett Young attends the 2018 CMT Music Awards at Bridgestone Arena on June 6, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for CMT) NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 06: Blake Shelton attends the 2018 CMT Music Awards at Bridgestone Arena on June 6, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for CMT) NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 06: L-R) Cameron Duddy, Mark Wystrach, and Jess Carson of musical group Midland attend the 2018 CMT Music Awards at Bridgestone Arena on June 6, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for CMT) NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 06: Dierks Bentley (R) and daugter attend the 2018 CMT Music Awards at Nashville Municipal Auditorium on June 6, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic) NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 06: Dan Smyers (L) and Shay Mooney of musical group Dan + Shay attend the 2018 CMT Music Awards at Bridgestone Arena on June 6, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for CMT) NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 06: Kane Brown attends the 2018 CMT Music Awards at Nashville Municipal Auditorium on June 6, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic) NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 06: Carrie Underwood attends the 2018 CMT Music Awards at Bridgestone Arena on June 6, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for CMT) NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 06: Carly Pearce attends the 2018 CMT Music Awards at Bridgestone Arena on June 6, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for CMT) NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 06: Cole Swindell attends the 2018 CMT Music Awards at Bridgestone Arena on June 6, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for CMT) NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 06: Curtis Rempel (L) and Brad Rempel of the band High Valley attend the 2018 CMT Music Awards at Bridgestone Arena on June 6, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for CMT) NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 06: Lauren Alaina attends the 2018 CMT Music Awards at Bridgestone Arena on June 6, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for CMT) NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 06: Darius Rucker attends the 2018 CMT Music Awards at Bridgestone Arena on June 6, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for CMT) NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 06: Jason Aldean and Brittany Kerr attend the 2018 CMT Music Awards at Bridgestone Arena on June 6, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for CMT) NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 06: Brittney Marie Kelley, Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line, and Hayley Hubbard attend the 2018 CMT Music Awards at Bridgestone Arena on June 6, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for CMT) NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 06: (L-R) Howie Dorough, Nick Carter, Kevin Richardson, AJ McLean, Brian Litrell of Backstreet Boys attend the 2018 CMT Music Awards at Bridgestone Arena on June 6, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for CMT) NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 06: Danielle Bradbery attends the 2018 CMT Music Awards at Bridgestone Arena on June 6, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for CMT) NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 06: Kailey Dickerson (L) and Russell Dickerson attend the 2018 CMT Music Awards at Bridgestone Arena on June 6, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for CMT) NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 06: RaeLynn attends the 2018 CMT Music Awards at Bridgestone Arena on June 6, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for CMT) NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 06: A.J. McLean of Backstreet Boys attends the 2018 CMT Music Awards at Bridgestone Arena on June 6, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for CMT)<doc-sep>Little Big Town (Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Jimi Westbrook, and Phillip Sweet) lit up the stage at the 2018 CMT Music Awards at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. on June 6. The country group kicked off the ceremony by performing their new single “Summer Fever” for the first time live, and the danceable track couldn’t have sounded better. The ladies looked gorgeous in colorful sequined minidresses, and rainbow confetti rained down on the group as they all jammed out.<doc-sep>Little Big Town showed off their hosting prowess in the opening skit of the CMT Music Awards Wednesday. The vocal group posed as news anchors in the bit, which looped in fellow country singers Kelsea Ballerini, Blake Shelton, Jake Owen, Jon Pardi and Dustin Lynch for a spoof on the popularity of bachelorette parties in downtown Nashville. “You guys are going all out,” Shelton told Owen, Pardi and Lynch who approached him on the side walk wearing matching tight pink t-shirts and silly hats. “We do this every Wednesday,” Owen quipped. Trace Adkins, Darius Rucker and Florida Georgia Line good-naturedly poked fun at England’s royal family. Rucker dressed as Queen Elizabeth and waved politely from the back of a limo while Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard posed as Prince Harry and Prince William in the back of a horse-drawn carriage. “You’re looking a lot like Prince Harry,” Hubbard told Kelley. When Kelley mentioned Hubbard resembled Prince William, Hubbard removed his hat to reveal a bald head surrounded by faux blond hair.<doc-sep>	The Florida Georgia Line duo pretended to be the royal brothers while riding in a carriage during the award show opening Florida Georgia Line took the royal road to the 2018 CMT Awards. The opening sketch of the show was a parody of the royal wedding coverage, which saw the pair ride through the streets of Nashville in a horse-drawn carriage (with Trace Adkins at coachman!) while dressed to the nines. Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley waved at the crowd on the street while donning white gloves and uttering “Cheerio” in their most regal fashion. “Brother, I feel a little bit posh,” Kelley says. “Indeed,” Hubbard responds in a faux British accent. “And I like it,” Kelley exclaims before asking his musical partner if anyone has ever told him he looks like Prince Harry. Florida Georgia Line as royalsCredit: CMT Florida Georgia Line as the royals. \| Credit: CMT “Man, I get that all the time,” Hubbard responds, “but you’re starting to look like Prince William.” RELATED VIDEO: 34% Of Men Refuse To Dance! Twitter Reveals If Being A Bad Dancer Stops Them From Hitting The Dance Floor Kelley then pulls off his hat to reveal a bald spot where his hair used to be. Be sure to check out PEOPLE’s full CMT Awards coverage to get the latest news on country’s big night. 2018 CMT Music Awards - Arrivals Florida Georgia Line walked the CMT red carpet with their wives. \| Credit: Mike Coppola/Getty Watch the full season of Search History on PeopleTV.com or download the PeopleTV app on your favorite device. Later in the night, the “H.O.L.Y” singers won the award for CMT performance of the year for their rendition of “Everybody” with the Backstreet Boys at CMT Crossroads. The musical duo are nominated for three more awards throughout the night. The opening sketch was star-studded event, featuring Blake Shelton as a news anchor, Kelsea Ballerini as an enthusiastic member of a Bachelorette party, and Darius Rucker as Queen Elizabeth II, resplendent in an outfit almost identical to the monarch’s yellow and purple number from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle‘s big day. Jake Owen, Dustin Lynch, and Jon Pardi also made an appearance, pretending to be Bachelorettes in Nashville sporting neon pink shirts.
COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. — Can you imagine Jack Morris, who once broke blood vessels by slamming the ball down so hard in his manager’s hand, trying to keep his cool in today’s era when data points, and not performance, dictate how long you stay in a game? How would Twitter react to Vladimir Guerrero, who never walked more than 84 times in a season? Would Alan Trammell be scorned for averaging only nine homers a year? Would Trevor Hoffman be belittled for his career 2.87 ERA? Would Chipper Jones be considered old school for never striking out 100 times in a season, or would Jim Thome be considered ahead of his time, once leading the league in strikeouts and walks, and still hitting 33 homers? “All I can say is,’’ Morris said, “thank God I played in the era I did. Thank God! “Can you imagine?’’ Uh, no. This illustrious Hall of Fame class of 2018 — Jones, Thome, Guerrero, Hoffman and Today's Game committee choices Morris and Trammell — played in a different era, a time when everyone knew who was leading the league in batting average, and not WAR. When players sat in clubhouses for hours after games talking baseball instead of scrambling home to play video games. When hit-and-runs, stolen bases, and advancing the runner actually occurred on a nightly basis. When 20-win and 100-RBI seasons were considered elite, and not a statistical anomaly. This may be the last Hall of Fame class inducted into Cooperstown that played the vast majority of its career before analytics commandeered the sport. “I mean, we’re not playing for spin rate,’’ Morris said. “We’re not playing for launch angle. And we’re not playing for exit velocity or, you know, ground efficiency. “We’re playing to win. It’s W’s and L’s. I’ve been telling people for over a decade now, you know, all these numbers don’t matter. It’s letters that matter: W and L.’’ More:Yankees slugger Aaron Judge suffers fractured wrist More:Cubs acquire Cole Hamels in trade with Rangers More:Hader receives mild boos in first road appearance since tweets resurfaced Morris admits one number that's appreciated nicely over the years is a player's paycheck. “When I talked to guys from my era,’’ Morris said, “we’re all grateful that we played when we played. There’s obvious reasons why it would be advantageous to play in today’s game, and most of that revolves around money. “But it’s funny, I think if I would have grown up in this era, I’d be just like the guys today. You know, the manager gets me and 5 2/3 [innings], well I’m done. That’s it. Go get them relief pitchers.’’ Yet, when asked if he would have kept his cool if he were pitching a shutout, and told he was coming out because he was about to face a lineup for the third time, Morris laughed. “You know my reaction,’’ Morris said. “You don’t even have to ask that question. But here’s the thinking: those are the people that taught me how to do that. [Detroit Tigers manager] Sparky [Anderson] taught me how to do that. He was probably going, 'Oh, God, I’ve created a monster. '’’ Yes, like the time Morris snapped when Anderson came to get him, with Anderson calling him into his office after the game and letting him know that will never happen again. “Sparky had his little Sparkyisms that when he went out to get the ball from the pitcher he kind of clapped his hands twice, and put his hand out,’’ said Trammell, Morris’ former teammate. “Well Jack being the competitor that he was, he was so hot he didn’t want to come out of the game that he slammed the ball in Sparky’s hand and he broke some blood vessels. “Often times, you know, Jack was very remorseful after the fact. But his hot blood, you know, it was real.’’ Hoffman, who grew up watching his older brother, Glenn Hoffman, play for the Boston Red Sox, went old-school the night he saved his 600th career game. He gave a quick speech to his Milwaukee Brewers’ teammates, retired to the trainer’s room, and sat there with staff members, clubhouse attendants and teammates for nearly six hours, telling stories, and downing a few beers. It was vintage Hoffman, who realizes those days have gone the way of trains and flannel uniforms. “It’s kind of dissipated,’’ Hoffman says, “because everything under the sun is in the clubhouses. I don’t know if it’s a video game thing, or if it’s just kind of social media type of stuff that you know can be [exposed] in the clubhouse. “One of my greatest thrills was being able to hang out in a big league clubhouse. I appreciated being able to pick the brains of the people I was around, whether it was coaches or teammates to kind of hash out what just happened for the last three hours of the ballgame and try to get better at my craft. And you do that by communicating some of your thoughts and what you think through your lens and maybe bounce those ideas off and get a different perspective. “And so I definitely think it’s beneficial. I’d love to see some of that come back more.’’ Those days are gone, and aren’t coming back, just like the time Morris pitched a 10-inning shutout in Game 7 of the 1991 World Series, finishing the year with 283 innings. Or the years when Guerrero came so close to actually having more home runs than walks. Or the 1,918 games that Trammell and Tigers second baseman Lou Whitaker played together, the most by a double-play duo in baseball history. Morris pitched 175 complete games, with 175 former pitchers actually having more in their career, but his plateau may never be reached. There’s no active pitcher with more than 38 complete games, with 45-year-old Bartolo Colon and 37-year-old CC Sabathia nearing retirement, and no one has more than two complete games this year. Considering pitchers averaged a major-league low 5.5 innings per start last season, can anyone ever again reach 100 complete games again, let alone 175?<doc-sep>In a few days, former Twins star pitcher Jack Morris will be inducted into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame. The St. Paul native spent 18 years pitching in the pros with stops in Detroit, Toronto, Minnesota and Cleveland. His one season with the Twins was a magical one, winning the World Series in 1991. Fox 9 Sports' Jim Rich caught up with Morris to reflect on his legendary career. Morris will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on Sunday.<doc-sep>Jack Morris and Alan Trammell's value has skyrocketed. Their signatures' value, that is. The two former Tigers were inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday afternoon, along with Jim Thome, Chipper Jones, Trevor Hoffman and Vladimir Guerrero. Thanks to their inductions, the costs of Morris' and Trammell's signatures on baseballs, bats, gloves — and just about anything else — have nearly doubled. "Both have almost doubled on the value of their autographs from what they were before," said Mark Dehem, the owner of The Athlete Connection and deals with Morris exclusively. "Jack Morris was roughly around $30 and is now basically $60 for just a ball or a flat. Primary items are of course more now as well. Before they went into the Hall of Fame they were pretty much one price for any item, now a bat or jersey is around $75. "Most players that go into the Hall of Fame charge more to sign 'Hall of Fame' than '1984 World Series champs.' " Detroit City Sports sells both players' autographed baseballs for $100, but as soon as they put the Hall of Fame inscription on the ball, the price increased to $150. "Their price has basically doubled since pre-induction and people are more than willing to spend their hard-earned money on a couple Hall of Famers because we haven't had a Hall of Famer since Hal Newhouser," said Steve Graus, owner of Detroit City Sports. Both Graus and Dehem said Trammell's value might be slightly higher in some instances. This is mostly due to Morris doing more signatures and Trammell being a position player. More:Tigers should apply these 5 lessons from 1984 World Series team "They're almost equal in value. Trammell's is little bit more, but they're pretty close," Dehem said. "The thing about that it, Jack has done a lot more appearances in the past 10-15 years since he retired and had done broadcasting. Trammell readily signed though, too, at the ballparks and hotels or on the road. Whereas Jack was doing TV and doing appearances, he's done a lot more appearances then Alan has in the last 10-15 years." "I think Trammell has a little bit more demand only because he was a hitter and he was the World Series MVP, but it's pretty much even as far as the value right now," Graus said. Morris' perceived cantankerous disposition toward fans as a player has dissolved and since his retirement, he's done a multitude of appearances while working with Dehem. Morris has become more "business-like" and his Hall of Fame induction has only increased his willingness to interact with fans. "Kind of like when he was on the mound, he's all business," Graus said. "I think he's very excited, in dealing with him now, that he's going into the Hall of Fame. He's very appreciative and I think that's coming out now in his appearances." Morris' and Trammell's inductions into the Hall of Fame etch their names into baseball royalty. And because of that, the demand for their names inked onto a baseball is higher than ever. "It's almost like when you win the World Series, everybody wants a piece of the winner," Dehem said. "That's pretty much how it is with a Hall of Famer. They want Trammell and Morris because they're the new Hall of Famers and they're Tigers and so there's a lot more demand now." Contact George Stoia: [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @georgestoia. Download our Tigers Xtra app for free on Apple and Android devices!<doc-sep>By Lynn Henning The Detroit News They knew Hall of Fame baseball players typically draw upon two areas of exceptionalism. Primarily, there is baseball skill. Secondarily, there is the personal makeup that enables a player to maximize his talent. The combination, as unique to Alan Trammell and to Jack Morris as to any of the men who have gained a niche in the Baseball Hall of Fame, is etched in the minds of those who saw them play. Those memories are best shared by teammates and those who were privileged to witness the lives and careers of two Tigers superstars who on Sunday will be enshrined at Cooperstown, New York. Among sights, scenes, and moments from the two men's careers: Aug. 16, 1980: Tiger Stadium Morris starts a Saturday afternoon game against the Rangers, with an emphasis on “starts.” He has a bumpy two innings, gets slapped for three runs, then is gone in the third. Rusty Staub, who a year earlier had been wearing Tigers garb, slams a leadoff home run ahead of a Pat Putnam single. Sparky Anderson hails Bruce Robbins, who allows the runner to score, as well as four more runs. Morris’ line: two innings, six hits, four runs, in a game the Tigers lose, 12-5. The starting pitcher is not seen in the clubhouse afterward. Media interested in Morris’ insights will be left to their own observations and Sparky’s customary explanation that “everything was up.” Ah, but of course it’s sometimes possible to talk post-game with a missing, angry pitcher or player as they head for the player’s parking lot at Tiger Stadium. The common path involves a stroll down the concourse and through a walkway leading to the lot. Morris follows that very route. He approaches, wearing a black cowboy hat, which was essential wardrobe in 1980. There also appears to be figurative steam spilling from him as he stomps down the corridor, his eyes locked on a horizon only he could explain. “Jack,” yells a young scribe as Morris marches on a boot-thumping line past him. Morris never moves his head. Or his eyes. He is furious about the way he pitched. Furious that he was yanked two batters into the third. Furious that, today anyway, he was not Jack Morris. Five days later he is back to being Jack. He throws a one-hitter at Minnesota. The only Twins hit is a flared, opposite-field bloop single by Rob Wilfong. You might get him once, he seemed to be saying that day at Minnesota after the previous Saturday’s fire had been quelled. But you won’t get him twice. Dinner table at any restaurant in America You didn’t want to be near Alan Trammell. Every Trammell teammate will tell about his signature habit: Spilling food, or sauce, or ketchup, or smearing butter, or dumping his drink, or somehow turning his table place into a form of expressionist art. “You’d fight not to sit next to him,” remembers Tom Brookens, who played alongside Morris and Trammell during their 1980s heydays and their minor-league years. “You wanted to sit across the table, or as far away as possible from the splash-zone.” Brookens still laughs. All those dinners. All that mess. All that ribbing. “He was going to knock something over on somebody,” Brookens said. “Then, to have had the great hands he did. “We’d say, ha, great hands, my a--,” remembers Brookens, who played third base for the Tigers, and whose country-boy wit was another of the Tigers’ clubhouse hallmarks during the ‘80s. Brookens turns serious, in an instant, about the ‘80s Tigers and the way they played baseball. “It’s hard to put a Hall of Fame plaque on a player when you’re playing with them,” said Brookens, whose position had him in as close proximity as any player could be to Trammell and Morris. “But we really wanted someone to make it from our group.” Brookens hopes Lou Whitaker is next. And at any future dinner where his Tigers might celebrate Whitaker’s induction, Brookens says he will be sure to sit far from Trammell. April 5, 1984: High in the Midwest skies We were on the team flight from Minnesota to Chicago back when the Tigers flew commercial. They had just opened the season with a two-game pummeling of the Twins by a combined score of 15-4, and now the team was headed for Comiskey Park and for a weekend stand against the White Sox. Other than the fact Sean Connery was somehow also on this flight, sitting in the front row of coach, this trip is remembered for something the famed Joe Falls said to his Detroit News partners as we awed at Connery, who was parked across the aisle a few seats to the right: “There’s going to be a great baseball game this weekend,” Falls said in a matter-of-fact voice. One night later, after the Tigers had won Friday’s series opener, 3-2, there was a customary, post-dinner trip to one of Rush Street’s saloons, a place then called the Hange-Uppe. Among that night’s patrons was Jack Morris, having a splash with a teammate or two. He was only 12 hours from an exercise in baseball history. The next afternoon, chilly and gray, he sliced up the White Sox with such early precision that we called the office in the fifth inning. Prepare for a no-hitter, bosses were told. Morris got it – the first Tigers no-hitter since Jim Bunning had done it to the Red Sox in 1957. After the game, Ron Kittle, the tall White Sox slugger, was asked by the Chicago Tribune if there had been any appreciation for being involved in Morris’ slice of baseball eternity. “All in all,” Kittle said, “I’d have preferred that he bowl a 300 game.” Spring training 1985, Lakeland, Fla. The Tigers clubhouse culture has returned for another year, complete with its frat-house ways. That means a trick or two is up someone’s sleeve, usually Trammell’s. The position players have been ribbing the pitchers, Morris principally, about their Florida “regimens.” Ah, the position players say, you guys have it made. Pitch every five days.<doc-sep>	It took a long time, but today is the day for Jack Morris. The St. Paul native and 18-year MLB veteran will be inducted into baseball’s Hall of Fame this afternoon, and will, as customary, give a speech to the crowd at Cooperstown. I don’t know about you, but I’m a little worried about this. Not because there is anything wrong with Jack Morris getting in the Hall of Fame — he’s ecstatic, and that (along with Game 7) justifies it enough for me — but I’m worried about the actual speech. Jack Morris is supposed to get up and talk about baseball and his career and the Hall of Fame in front of thousands of people, but Jack Morris also has the emotional stability of an overripe avocado when he talks about baseball and his career and the Hall of Fame. All I’m trying to say is, the dude cries a lot. And there’s nothing wrong with crying! Heck, I cry at dog food commercials all the time (do they have to show the dang puppy grow into old dog who the owner has to gently help do normal things!?!?) Morris is actually pretty adorable because he wears his heart on his sleeve. It’s obvious how much baseball and getting into the Hall of Fame means to him, and darn it, even I get a little teary eyed. Anyway, Jack is absolutely going to lose his crap at some point during his speech today, if he’s not just sobbing through the whole thing like a smaller, paler version of Frank Thomas. Part of me feels like he might hold it together for maybe 30-ish seconds, but even then, he’ll come to one topic or one person and just absolutely fall apart — which, again, is perfectly fine! Cry all you want, Jack! You’re a Hall of Famer! A lot of Twins sites today are probably going to tell you all over again about how Jack Morris pitched 10 shutout innings in Game 7 of the World Series yadda yadda yadda — but we hear about that like every day. So here at Twinkie Town, I thought we’d do something different, and related to my entire intro above. We’re going to play a game called, “Does Jack Morris Cry?” Here’s the gist: I have seven videos of Jack Morris below. Before each video, I give a little context to what the video is about. Your job is to read the explanation of the video, and then try to guess if Jack Morris cries or does not cry during the video. Then you can watch the video to see if you were right. You win the game if you correctly guess when Jack Morris cries or does not cry, or if you start crying yourself at any point during the game. Let’s go! 1. A carefully edited compilation video of Jack Morris when he finds out he was elected to the Hall of Fame, his press conference, seeing Trammell, etc. 2. Jack Morris talking about when he called his wife to tell her he was elected to the Hall of Fame. 3. Jack Morris getting a private tour of the Hall of Fame after his election. (Harmon would be proud of that signature, Jack.) 4. Jack Morris talking about how he looked at the people in the crowd near the end of Game 7 and thought about the Vikings and got “a shot of adrenaline I’ve never had”. 5. Jim Kaat and Kurt Ritter giving Jack Morris the 1991 World Series MVP trophy immediately following Game 7 of the 1991 World Series. 6. Jack Morris talking about Harmon Killebrew at the press conference following Harmon’s passing in 2011. 7. Alan Trammell gushing about Jack Morris during a live, joint interview on MLB Network. Ha! I bet you thought Jack Morris ALWAYS cried, didn’t you? Fool. He doesn’t... always cry. In case you’re wondering, here is the answer key: Maybe? Yes. Definitely wiping tears, so yes. No, but the idea of Jack Morris pushing himself through Game 7 because he doesn’t want to be like the Vikings is absolutely hysterical. No (looked like he kinda wanted to). Yes. I have never seen him cry harder. Those glasses kinda cover it, but I think this one goes down as a yes. Congratulations, Jack Morris. I am so endlessly proud of you. The state of Minnesota is so endlessly proud of you. We love you so much. Welcome to the Hall of Fame.
Good thing those Oscar statues aren't made out of glass, huh? Rami Malek seemed to be having a great time at the 91st Academy Awards when he took the stage to accept a Best Actor win for his performance in Bohemian Rhapsody. But after the show cut to commercial and Malek was making his way back to his seat, disaster struck. He fell! Off the stage! With the loudest THUD! The explicit details of the moment were thankfully not caught on film, but this video of Malek suddenly disappearing from view tells the whole story. Make sure you have your sound on. We can only wonder what it was that tripped him up. Photographers were on hand to catch the immediate aftermath, and Malek's subsequent chat with an entire squad of visibly concerned paramedics and security types. Image: Kevin Winter/Getty Images Image: Kevin Winter/Getty Images I'm guessing the rest of Malek's night played out a lot like this scene from Best Animated Feature Oscar-winner Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse.<doc-sep>Rami Malek took a tumble off the Oscars stage after accepting the Academy Award for best actor on Sunday night. Malek appears to have accidentally slipped while trying to exit the stage after the live broadcast had panned away from him. The “Bohemian Rhapsody” star had to set his Oscar down on the edge of the stage as audience members sitting in the front row came to his aid. Paramedics were quickly called to the scene, and treated Malek from a seat in the front row. He was later moved to a private area backstage, but did not appear to be visibly hurt when he arrived in the press room later to speak. Malek’s reps declined to comment. Comedian Chelsea Peretti posted a photo of the fall on Instagram, captioned “most important moment for me personally.” When another Instagram user asked what happened, she said, “There was a hole in the stairs w like a 20 foot drop to the orchestra and homeduder almost fell down but caught himself on his arms and was dangling.” After learning he had won the coveted prize for best actor for his portrayal of Freddie Mercury in “Bohemian Rhapsody,” Malek kissed his girlfriend and co-star, Lucy Boynton, who plays Mercury’s ex-fiancée Mary Austin in the film. His mother was the first person he thanked in his acceptance speech. “My mom is in here somewhere, I love you,” he said. “My family, thank you for all of this. My dad didn’t get to see me do any of this, but I think he’s looking down on me right now. This is a monumental moment.” “I might not have been the obvious choice, but I guess it worked out,” he added. “Thank you Queen. Thank you guys for allowing me to be the tiniest part of your phenomenal, extraordinary legacy. I am forever in your debt.” He finished the speech by calling Boynton “the heart of this film.” Later in the press room, Malek took another moment to reflect on the win and to consider how far he’s come. “The one thing I can say about this, as an actor, there are so many of us who dream of one thing. Perhaps it’s not this, it’s just getting a job. The fact that I have this is beyond any expectation that myself or my family could have ever had. I’ll just say that,” he told reporters. “This has been a tough battle and the fact that I’m here is proof that anything is possible. Tonight I’m celebrating with all of you and anyone who has had a dream.”<doc-sep>Rami Malek kissed Lucy Boynton following his Oscar win and Twitter is overjoyed. On Sunday 24 February, the Academy announced that Malek had won the Best Actor gong for his portrayal of singer Freddie Mercury in the 2018 hit film Bohemian Rhapsody. On hearing his name called out, the 37-year-old stood up in astonishment and immediately turned to his girlfriend and co-star Lucy Boynton for a kiss. At the end of the star's speech on stage, Malek paid tribute to his significant other. “Lucy Boynton, you’re the heart of this film, you’re beyond immensely talented. You have captured my heart,” he said, bringing the US-born actor close to tears in the audience. Oscars 2019: Best dressed guests on the red carpet Show all 46 1 /46 Oscars 2019: Best dressed guests on the red carpet Oscars 2019: Best dressed guests on the red carpet Olivia Colman looked regal in an emerald green high-neck dress by Prada with a long grey-coloured train. REUTERS Oscars 2019: Best dressed guests on the red carpet SZA wore a layered asymmetric white corseted dress by Vivienne Westwood on the red carpet. REUTERS Oscars 2019: Best dressed guests on the red carpet Black Panther's Michael B. Jordan, Letetia Wright, Danai Gurira, Winston Duke, Zinzi Evans and Ryan Coogler rocked a cool shade of grey, gold, blush pink and black outfits on the red carpet REUTERS Oscars 2019: Best dressed guests on the red carpet Kiki Layne sported a gigantic bow at the back of her structured baby pink dress, which was custom-made by Atelier Versace. REUTERS Oscars 2019: Best dressed guests on the red carpet Emma Stone shone like a ruby in this burgundy and gold-hued Louis Vuitton dress. REUTERS Oscars 2019: Best dressed guests on the red carpet Rachel Weisz stood out in a bright red lace floor-length dress by Givenchy complete with a latex top. REUTERS Oscars 2019: Best dressed guests on the red carpet Lady Gaga wore a black strapless Alexander McQueen dress with black latex gloves for the event. She teamed the look with the famous canary yellow 'Tiffany' diamond owned by Tiffany & Co. Audrey Hepburn wore the aptly-named diamond in a necklace in publicity photos for Breakfast At Tiffany’s in 1962. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP Oscars 2019: Best dressed guests on the red carpet Sarah Paulson stunned in a wide floor-length fuchsia pink dress by Brandon Maxwell on the red carpet. REUTERS Oscars 2019: Best dressed guests on the red carpet Lucy Boynton epitomized Hollywood glamour in this purple and black off-the-shoulder number by Rodarte. Malek, meanwhile, opted for a black Saint Laurent tuxedo. Getty Images Oscars 2019: Best dressed guests on the red carpet Serena Williams wore a strapless red and black dress by Armani Privé on the red carpet with a slicked back hair do' Getty Images Oscars 2019: Best dressed guests on the red carpet Allison Janney sported a structured V-neck black gown by Pamella Roalnd at the event. Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP Oscars 2019: Best dressed guests on the red carpet Actors Letitia Wright and Danai Gurira complemented each other's metallic looks perfectly on the red carpet. Wright opted for Haute Couture Dior while Gurira's foil-like gown was from Brock Collection. AFP/Getty Images Oscars 2019: Best dressed guests on the red carpet Never one to miss out on an opportunity to ooze her sartorial prowess on the red carpet, Jennifer Lopez looked flawless in this high-neck sleeved silver dress by Tom Ford. REUTERS Oscars 2019: Best dressed guests on the red carpet Laura Dern kept things simple in this coffee-coloured sweetheart neckline number by Rodarte. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP Oscars 2019: Best dressed guests on the red carpet Queen Latifah dazzled in black and midnight blue sequins and Chopard jewellery. Getty Images Oscars 2019: Best dressed guests on the red carpet Glenn Close, nominated for best actress, was seemingly inspired by the Oscar statuette for her head-to-toe gold gown by Carolina Herrera that featured a floor-sweeping cape. AFP/Getty Images Oscars 2019: Best dressed guests on the red carpet Amy Adams wore an understated white column dress for the occassion with Cartier jewellery. AFP/Getty Images Oscars 2019: Best dressed guests on the red carpet Charlize Theron showcased a new darker hairstyle that contrasted beautifully against her duck-egg blue column dress by Dior. AFP/Getty Images Oscars 2019: Best dressed guests on the red carpet Brie Larson opted for a metallic silver dress that featured a thigh-high slit and high neck. It was designed by Hedi Slimane for Celine. AFP/Getty Images Oscars 2019: Best dressed guests on the red carpet Allison Janney wore a plunging structured dress with a tuxedo-style top and trailing skirt and Chopard jewellery. AFP/Getty Images Oscars 2019: Best dressed guests on the red carpet Regina King, nominated as best supporting actress for her role in 'If Beale Street Could Talk', opted for a white Oscar de la Renta dress with thigh-high split. Getty Images Oscars 2019: Best dressed guests on the red carpet Amy Poehler wore a tonal black trouser suit by Alberta Ferretti with a ruffled blouse and wide leg bottoms. AFP/Getty Images Oscars 2019: Best dressed guests on the red carpet Melissa McCarthy opted for a chic monochromatic trouser suit with matching cape for the occasion. Getty Images Oscars 2019: Best dressed guests on the red carpet Billy Porter defied fashion norms on the red carpet with a velvet tuxedo dress designed by Christian Siriano. Getty Oscars 2019: Best dressed guests on the red carpet Maya Rudolph opted for wallpaper florals with this floor-length gown and matching cape. Getty Images Oscars 2019: Best dressed guests on the red carpet Best Supporting Actor nominee Richard E. Grant attended the ceremony with his daughter Olivia wearing a red velvet tuxedo jacket with contrasting lapels. AFP/Getty Images Oscars 2019: Best dressed guests on the red carpet Japanese organising guru Marie Kondo chose a pale pink lace gown with floral embellishments by Jenny Packham. AFP/Getty Images Oscars 2019: Best dressed guests on the red carpet Black Panther star Angela Bassett wore bright pink asymmetric gown by Lebanese designer, Reem Acra.<doc-sep>The 2019 Oscars provided shock and controversy in spades, from Olivia Colman's Best Actress win over Glenn Close to Green Book's surprise Best Picture win. But there were just as many candid moments the broadcast didn't catch. Here's everything you missed from the 2019 Academy Awards—keep checking back for updates.<doc-sep>	Just moments after nabbing a best actor Oscar for his performance in “Bohemian Rhapsody,” Rami Malek bit the dust. The newly minted Oscar winner took a tumble by the stage after he gave his acceptance speech and was attended to by medical staffers, according to reports. Cameras caught Rami Malek after his slip following his best actor win at the Oscars on Sunday. Getty Images The moment happened as the show went to a commercial break, but photographs captured Malek just below the Oscar stage, looking a bit stunned as people around him helped him to his feet. Malek reportedly fell following his acceptance speech and was visited by on-site medics. Getty Images While some reports said the 37-year-old fell off the stage, house medics told The Los Angeles Times that Malek simply slipped. "Domo arigato!" Getty Images Medical staff attended to the "Mr. Robot" actor after he took his seat in the front row. He later walked back up on stage without help and exited into the wings. Malek did not show any effects from the fall when he spoke to press later. Malek (seated) wasn't seriously hurt and looked OK in press appearances later, according to reports. Getty Images Malek won an Oscar for his portrayal of Freddie Mercury in the Queen biopic. He described the win as a “monumental moment,” thanking band members and movie producers for casting him and their support. "I may not have been the obvious choice, but I guess it worked out," he said in his speech. "Thank you, Queen, thank you, guys, for allowing me to be the tiniest part of your phenomenal, extraordinary legacy. I am forever in your debt." To watch more from TODAY download our mobile app
The tariffs could also be a blow to Trump's tax cuts. Middle-class households are saving about $900 this year on taxes, but the tariffs are likely to cause people to pay more for stuff at the store (or car dealership). If Americans end up paying $500 more for a car, that eats into the benefit of the tax cut significantly. Similarly, business executives might get nervous about what's going on with trade and start to pull back on investing in new factories and equipment.<doc-sep>Not so long ago, U.S. leaders predicted that economic development and the birth of a middle class in China would inevitably move that nation toward democracy. Instead, China’s leadership has profited from a weaker West. It has seized on opportunities created by European fragmentation and political dysfunction in Washington to offer China as an alternative model of stability and development. Another mistake by the U.S.: lawmakers doubted that China would ever become technologically innovative. They believed that, like the Soviet Union, China’s state-dominated economic system would hit a wall when it came to developing new ideas. Instead, China learned from Soviet mistakes. At first, the state allegedly helped Chinese companies steal ideas that couldn’t be developed at home. But now China is investing huge sums in the artificial intelligence, robotics and data-management innovations that will determine tomorrow’s balance of power. China’s President Xi Jinping declared in October that the nation must become a technological superpower. He has repeatedly emphasized the need to shed dependence on foreign intellectual property. “Indigenous innovation” and technological self-reliance are now core to China’s development strategy. His Made in China 2025 program, backed with huge state subsidies for its tech sector, is central to Xi’s vision. On May 29, President Trump launched an offensive against that plan. To protect its national security, the White House said in a statement, the U.S. will restrict investment in and control exports of “industrially significant technology.” The Trump Administration proposes to slap 25% tariffs on some $50 billion of Chinese tech imports, including those related to the vaunted Made in China 2025 program. In essence, the battle for the future has been joined. Trump has been trying to strike a delicate balance in U.S. relations with China, and until now has blown hot and cold on trade. He adopted the tough stance he promised voters while blaming the $375 billion goods trade deficit on former U.S. Presidents rather than on Beijing. Trump would love to have warmer relations with China, just as he would with Russia. Trump has praised Xi just as he’s repeatedly saluted Russia’s Vladimir Putin. Yet, as with Russia, a variety of actors in Washington have made it tough for Trump to build the China ties he wants. Trump pledged to save ZTE, a large Chinese telecom-equipment maker banned from purchasing U.S. technology for violating sanctions, as an apparent favor to Xi, but was attacked by lawmakers of both parties. Many fear that Trump fails to see the threat that Chinese tech companies like ZTE and Huawei pose to U.S. national security. Meanwhile, some American companies fear that U.S. trade action will make it tougher for them to do business in China. Trump’s own advisers are divided on how to proceed. Now the voices preaching confrontation with China appear to have won out. Neither side wants a full-blown trade war, but each believes it has a strong negotiating position. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross will travel to Beijing for talks on June 2, but it’s hard to see how Trump can claim victory without Chinese concessions on tech issues, and it’s nearly impossible that Xi will offer him anything of value. This is where the risk of real conflict is most dangerous. This appears in the June 11, 2018 issue of TIME. Sign up for Inside TIME. Be the first to see the new cover of TIME and get our most compelling stories delivered straight to your inbox. 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. Contact us at [email protected].<doc-sep>When Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin warned that Washington was not “going easy” on China by halting the trade war despite the deal reached 11 days earlier, he was not joking. The White House reignited U.S.-China trade conflict on Tuesday by reaffirming its aims to impose tariffs, enforce sanctions and curb China’s “unfair trade practices.” ADVERTISEMENT While analysts have speculated that the Trump administration’s remarkable volte-face on U.S.-China trade policy may serve to increase Washington’s leverage as Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross Wilbur Louis RossCommerce Department unit gathered intel on employees, census critics: report Former Trump officials find tough job market On The Money: Retail sales drop in latest sign of weakening economy \| Fast-food workers strike for minimum wage \| US officials raise concerns over Mexico's handling of energy permits MORE visits Beijing on Saturday, Trump’s inconsistent messaging may compromise the art of the deal. The White House’s belligerent announcement on Tuesday reinstated a 25-percent tariff on goods imported from China, including “industrially significant” technologies that are included in Beijing’s “Made in China 2025” plan. The announcement also called for stricter, punitive measures to prevent unfair licensing practices, safeguard against forced technology transfer and strengthen export controls. Central to Washington’s ambition is the dual desire to reduce its trade deficit with China and to suppress contentious and unfair trade practices aimed at boosting Chinese technological advancement. According to a seven-month-long Section 301 investigation that ended in March, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) decided that such discriminatory practices “put 44 million American technology jobs at risk.” Chinese officials, however, see their technology transfer policies differently. On the same day that U.S. reignited tensions, the Chinese ambassador to the World Trade Organization (WTO) declared that technology transfer is a standard business activity and that China does not have a systematic, compulsory government practice for foreign firms to surrender their technology. Chinese pundits ridiculed U.S. sanction threats as “calling a deer a horse," i.e., Washington is using claims of foul play as a means of targeting Beijing’s successful manipulation of market access. Despite these oppositional narratives, it is unclear whether Trump’s disciplinary measures will alter China’s ambition to increase its position as a global technological leader. Reacting to renewed U.S. coercion, President Xi publicly reasserted its commitment to “Made in China 2025," citing “self-reliance and innovation” as Beijing’s chosen economic precepts for guiding development and trade strategies. Given the Chinese determination to put up a fight, it remains to be seen how Trump could force Xi’s hand. Furthermore, there might come a point where Trump will have to choose between reducing the trade deficit and countering “Made in China 2025." Reports indicated that the U.S. was making headway in increasing Chinese importation of American energy and agricultural products, which allegedly would reduce the trade deficit by $200 billion. Now, Beijing appears to be having second thoughts as Trump is backpedaling on the deal. At the same time, fledgling attempts to compel China into increasing its purchase of American goods has had adverse effects for Washington’s relationship with other countries. If China were to purchase more goods from the U.S., it will accordingly purchase less of those goods from U.S. allies, such as the EU or Australia. Due to these fears, Angela Merkel went to Beijing last week to reaffirm Beijing-Berlin trade relations and technological partnerships. Other countries would likely follow suit if Trump gets China to concede. For example, Australia is concerned about its beef export to China given its rising bilateral tensions. If Washington’s impulsive decision-making does, in fact, negatively impact its allies, those partnerships will likely take a hit, and China may see more of these countries try to become strange bedfellows. What really is hurting Washington is its inconsistency. Trump first declared a hardline approach for reducing its trade deficit and curtailing unfavorable tech policies, then seemingly retracted all threats and eased up on Chinese cellphone maker ZTE, and now is returning to the original antagonism. From this, Chinese analysts have learned two important lessons about Trump’s Washington: Expect the unexpected, and do not ever expect Trump to be satisfied. One Chinese news source proclaimed that “more concessions will not satisfy Trump’s appetite;” that the next tariff Trump seeks will not be for $50 billion, but for “a trillion dollars.” For this reason, many Chinese reports color Trump as a “contract breaker.” This coloring may prove true yet again, however, given the timeline of the White House’s release of finalized announcements of tariffs and sanctions on China. Trump has plenty of time to take back this most recent round of impositions, as the full list of imports hit by the tariff will be released on June 15, and the full list of restrictions and controls on exports will be released on June 30. Even if Trump does backtrack on Tuesday’s announcement, Washington’s consistent inconsistency makes it difficult for Beijing to believe anything that the U.S. says. Judging by Beijing’s reaction to the Tuesday announcement, China is seeing through Trump’s negotiation technique and is determined to put up a fight. Following the White House’s announcement, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying warned, “We don't want a trade war, but we aren't afraid of fighting one.” If a full-out trade war does indeed become an outgrowth of this week’s events, Beijing may just be right. For all of Trump’s cocky tweeting that “trade wars are good and easy to win,” Washington’s inability to streamline a consistent plan of attack is progressively rendering its threats meaningless and denigrating relationships with its allies. Logan Pauley is a Herbert Scoville Jr. peace fellow with the East Asia program at the Stimson Center, a think tank in Washington, D.C.<doc-sep>The widening gulf between the United States and some of its biggest trading partners grew even larger over the weekend. In a rare and striking act, six of the seven countries that make up the G7 (Group of Seven), an informal bloc of some of the nation’s most powerful industrialized countries, came together on Saturday to condemn its seventh member, the US, over Trump’s latest tariffs on steel and aluminum. And on Sunday, the third round of trade talks between the US and China concluded without a breakthrough, which means that the US is currently still on track to impose sweeping tariffs on $50 billion of Chinese goods. China has promised to retaliate against the US’s tariffs, raising the possibility of a trade war between the world’s two largest economies. China also warned on Sunday that US tariffs could torpedo any chance of a future trade deal between the two countries. Still wondering what these new developments mean? Read on. We’ve got you covered. Trump triggered a rare display of division within the G7 On Saturday, finance ministers from six of the G7 nations — Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom — issued a statement expressing “unanimous concern and disappointment” over the tariffs Trump has imposed on their steel and aluminum exports to the US. In the statement, the countries said that Trump’s recent trade policies “undermine open trade and confidence in the global economy” and required “decisive action” in response. Analysts say it was a rare display of division within the bloc — a reaction to an unforeseen scenario. For decades, the US has led the push to establish free trade norms around the world and persuade countries to eliminate their trade barriers. But now it’s other countries that are chiding the US for trying to seal itself off from the global trading system. The US now has heavy tariffs in place on steel and aluminum shipments from every other member of the G7. On Thursday night, Trump imposed 25 percent tariffs on steel and 10 percent tariffs on aluminum from the European Union, Mexico, and Canada. And he had imposed those same tariffs on Japan in March. Now every country that’s been subjected to Trump’s steel and aluminum tariffs is making plans to potentially retaliate with tariffs of their own. Europe is considering targeting American bourbon, jeans, and motorcycle exports. It’s not just the tariffs that are making close US allies upset — it’s also the way the US is trying to justify them. The Trump administration has invoked an obscure bit of US trade law known as Section 232 to argue that the US needs to block foreign steel and aluminum exports and boost domestic production in order to protect its national security needs. But all the countries that Trump is targeting with tariffs are close allies of the US, and object to the idea that they would jeopardize the US’s security. “The idea that we are somehow a national security threat to the United States is, quite frankly, insulting and unacceptable,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told Meet the Press on Saturday. The US and China are playing a dangerous game of chicken On Sunday, the US and China wrapped up their third round of talks. The US is hoping to reach an agreement with China in which it agrees to buy more goods from the US and drop some of its unfair trade practices, like the way it forces US companies trying to do business in China to hand over their technology to Chinese companies. But it appears that the talks broke no new ground — which means the possibility of a trade war between the world’s two largest economies is closer than ever. US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He didn’t release a joint statement after their meeting, the way that the US and China did after the past talk. But China did release its own statement, warning that the US could obliterate any progress made in the talks by moving ahead with the tariffs it’s threatened to impose on Chinese high-tech goods. “All economic and trade outcomes of the talks will not take effect if the US side imposes any trade sanctions, including raising tariffs,” the Chinese government said in a statement. The White House has said a final list of $50 billion worth of Chinese goods that will be subject to tariffs will be announced on June 15, and that the measures will go into effect “shortly thereafter.” China, for its part, has promised to respond with tariffs on $50 billion worth of US goods, which could deal serious damage to the US agricultural industry. Whatever actually happens next, it seems clear that Trump’s proposed tariffs will have far-reaching consequences.<doc-sep>	China warned Sunday after another round of talks on a sprawling trade dispute with Washington that any deals they produce "will not take effect" if President Donald Trump's threatened tariff hike on Chinese goods goes ahead. The warning came after delegations led by U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and China's top economic official, Vice Premier Liu He, wrapped up a meeting on Beijing's pledge to narrow its trade surplus. Ross said at the start of the event they had discussed specific American exports China might purchase, but the talks ended with no joint statement and neither side released details. The White House threw the meeting's status into doubt Tuesday by renewing a threat to impose 25 percent tariffs on $50 billion of Chinese high-tech goods in response to complaints Beijing steals or pressures foreign companies to hand over technology. The event went ahead despite that but Beijing said it reserved the right to retaliate. Tuesday's announcement revived fears the conflict between the two biggest economies might dampen global growth or encourage other governments to raise their own barriers to imports. "If the United States introduces trade sanctions including a tariff increase, all the economic and trade achievements negotiated by the two parties will not take effect," said the Chinese statement, carried by the official Xinhua News Agency. The negotiating process should be "based on the premise" of not fighting a "trade war," the statement said. The American Embassy in Beijing didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump is pressing Beijing to narrow its politically volatile trade surplus with the United States, which reached a record $375.2 billion last year. Tensions eased after China promised on May 19 to "significantly increase" purchases of farm goods, energy and other products and services following the last round of talks in Washington. U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the dispute was "on hold" and the tariff hike would be postponed. That truce appeared to end with Tuesday's surprise announcement. It said the White House also will impose curbs on Chinese investment and purchases of U.S. high-tech goods and on visas for Chinese students. Analysts suggested Trump might be trying to appease critics of his administration's deal to allow Chinese telecom equipment giant ZTE Corp. to stay in business. They said those political pressures mean the technology-related tariff hikes are likely to go ahead. Members of Congress criticized the agreement to lift a ban on sales of U.S. components to ZTE, which admitted violating rules on exports to Iran and North Korea. In exchange, the company is to remove its management team, hire American compliance officers and pay a fine. Trump has threatened to raise tariffs on a total of up to $150 billion of Chinese goods. Tuesday's announcement gave no indication whether the other increases might also go ahead. China has threatened to retaliate by raising import duties on a $50 billion list of American goods including soybeans, small aircraft, whiskey, electric vehicles and orange juice. It criticized Tuesday's announcement but refrained from repeating its earlier threat. Beijing has resisted U.S. pressure to commit to a firm target of narrowing its annual surplus with the United States by $200 billion. Private sector analysts say while Beijing is willing to compromise on its trade surplus, it will resist changes that might threaten plans to transform China into a global technology competitor. Ross was accompanied by agriculture, treasury and trade officials for the meeting at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, a leafy compound on Beijing's west side. Liu's delegation included China's central bank governor and commerce minister. Ross and Liu held a working dinner Saturday ahead of their talks. "Our meetings so far have been friendly and frank, and covered some useful topics about specific export items," said Ross at the opening of Sunday's meeting. The U.S. pressure over technology policy reflects growing American concern about China's status as a potential competitor and complaints Beijing improperly subsidizes its fledgling industries and shields them from competition. Foreign governments and businesses cite strategic plans such as "Made in China 2025," which calls for state-led efforts to create Chinese industry leaders in areas from robots to electric cars to computer chips. Trade analysts had warned Ross's hand might be weakened by the Trump administration's decision Thursday to go ahead with tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada, Europe and Mexico.
Gucci released a new women's sweater this week that immediately sparked backlash. The Italian label's "wool balaclava jumper" is a black turtleneck sweater that features a mouth cutout (like an actual balaclava) when pulled up over the chin. The issue, though, is what surrounds that cutout: a red panel that looks like a pair of exaggerated lips and resembles offensive blackface caricatures. Not surprisingly, users on social media were shocked and incensed. "So @gucci puts out a sweater that looks like blackface......On Black History Month....And then issues an apology because they didn't know that blackface images are racist," Tariq Nasheed wrote on Twitter. Another Twitter user, @fuckrashida, offered a sardonic "Happy Black History Month y’all." The backlash comes at a time when blackface controversies are in the national news thanks to Virginia's governor and attorney general. Governor Ralph Northam is under fire for a racist photo in his medical school yearbook featuring blackface (and someone wearing a KKK hood, to boot). And more recently Attorney General Mark Herring has confessed to wearing blackface when he dressed up as rapper Kurtis Blow for Halloween in 1980. It also comes as another brand, Adidas, drew fire for its Black History month misstep: an all-white version of the ongoing Ultra Boost Uncaged sneaker that, aside from the obvious color issues, suggested that the sportswear brand was completely unaware of how the meaning of "uncaged" might shift to something terrible within the context of black American history. Gucci released a statement saying that the label "deeply apologizes for the offense caused by wool balaclava jumper" and confirming the $890 knit top has been pulled from stores. "We consider diversity to be a fundamental value to be fully upheld, respected, and at the forefront of every decision we make," the statement continues. The Tweets tell it all. 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. So @gucci puts out a sweater that looks like blackface...... On Black History Month.... And then issues an apology because they didn't know that blackface images are racist. 🤦🏿‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/G3HjPTIuuQ — Tariq Nasheed 🇺🇸 (@tariqnasheed) February 7, 2019 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. Balaclava knit top by Gucci. Happy Black History Month y’all. pic.twitter.com/HA7sz7xtOQ — Cocolo Minaj (@evilrashida) February 6, 2019 Esquire reached out to the label for additional comment, but a spokesperson for the brand declined to offer anything further. Here's Gucci's full statement: 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. Gucci deeply apologizes for the offense caused by the wool balaclava jumper. We consider diversity to be a fundamental value to be fully upheld, respected, and at the forefront of every decision we make. Full statement below. pic.twitter.com/P2iXL9uOhs — gucci (@gucci) February 7, 2019 While the exact mechanics that led to this unfortunate incident are unclear, it highlights an ongoing issue of representation and racial awareness within the fashion industry. That Prada was just recently in a similar situation and issued its own statement apologizing for selling accessories that resembled blackface only serves to illustrate the pervasiveness of the problem. From the runway to the boardroom, one glaringly obvious solution is creating greater diversity, providing more platforms for people of color, and listening to what those people have to say. As one Twitter user, Vanessa Veasley, responded, "If you hire more Black people and cultivate an environment where people on all levels of the company feel comfortable to speak up incidents like this will be avoided." 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. If you hire more Black people and cultivate an environment where people on all levels of the company feel comfortable to speak up incidents like this will be avoided. — Vanessa La Rue Veasley (@VanessaVeasley) February 7, 2019 Jonathan Evans Jonathan Evans is the style director of Esquire, covering all things fashion, grooming, accessories, and, of course, sneakers. 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 wait is over, you can finally see this adorable panda cub Viral 'Charlie bit my finger' video to be taken down. Here's why (CNN) — Gucci has apologized and discontinued selling a sweater that social media users said resembles blackface because of its design. In a Twitter post Wednesday, the Italian luxury brand said it “deeply apologizes for the offense caused by the wool balaclava jumper.” The top, which is no longer on the company’s website, is a black turtleneck sweater that pulls up over the bottom half of the face with a cut out and oversized red lips around the mouth. Gucci deeply apologizes for the offense caused by the wool balaclava jumper. We consider diversity to be a fundamental value to be fully upheld, respected, and at the forefront of every decision we make. Full statement below. pic.twitter.com/P2iXL9uOhs — gucci (@gucci) February 7, 2019 “We can confirm that the item has been immediately removed from our online store and all physical stores,” Gucci said in a statement on Wednesday. “We are fully committed to increasing diversity throughout our organization and turning this incident into a powerful learning moment for the Gucci team and beyond.” The sweater had been slammed on social media, with Twitter users saying it resembled blackface and expressing emotions ranging from exasperation to outrage. “Today Gucci released their Balaclava Knit Top. Sigh. Really Gucci? Really?” Keisha Ka’oir tweeted. Today Gucci released their Balaclava Knit Top. Sigh. Really @Gucci? Really? pic.twitter.com/ETWKFhHVEB — K E I S H (@MikeishaDache) February 6, 2019 Michael Bonner tweeted his frustration at the constant depiction of racist imagery in the news recently. “One day I am going to deliver a prolific dissertation on how it feels to live in a continuous cycle of disrespect as a black man,” he said. “Gigantic brands like @gucci create offensive “fashion”, quickly apologize, and then state, ‘We did not know.” I don’t care. This is unacceptable.” One user noted that the controversy was taking place during Black History Month and expressed skepticism that it would stop people from buying the brand. This is not the first time a fashion brand has been accused of using such imagery. Last year, luxury fashion house Prada said it withdrew products after some items displayed in a Manhattan storefront were seen as depicting blackface imagery. The products, part of Prada’s Pradamalia line, were pulled after images surfaced of some merchandise depicting monkey-like figures with black faces and large red lips. The latest controversy also comes as Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam is facing criticism and calls to resign because of a photograph on his page in his medical school’s yearbook showing one person in blackface and another in a Ku Klux Klan robe and hood. Northam initially apologized for the photo, saying he was in it, without specifying which person he was. He later denied he was in the yearbook photo but admitted he had once dressed in blackface during a dance contest in San Antonio. Northam met Wednesday with Southern Christian Leadership Conference President Dr. Charles Steele Jr. and Dr. Bernard LaFayette, chairman of the SCLC board, two well-known black leaders from a group once led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The meeting was an effort to better understand how he can move past the scandal that has engulfed his office, an adviser to the Democrat tells CNN.<doc-sep>Catwalking Many people noted that this happened during Black History Month, and it was a reminder of the scandal in Virginia, which started when it was discovered that a page of Governor Ralph Northam's medical school yearbook included a picture of a man in blackface with another man dressed as a member of the KKK; the attorney general of the state has also admitted to wearing blackface in college. A few hours after the screenshots of the Gucci sweater began circulating, Gucci released an official statement on its Twitter account, apologizing for the sweater. "Gucci deeply apologizes for the offense caused by the wool balaclava jumper," the brand said. "We consider diversity to be a fundamental value to be fully upheld, respected, and at the forefront of every decision we make. We are committed to increasing diversity throughout our organization and turning this incident into a powerful learning moment for the Gucci team and beyond." This isn't exactly an isolated incident in the luxury fashion space: Just last year Prada pulled a monkey key chain that was likened to blackface imagery from its stores. In 2017 Gucci was accused of plagiarizing the work of legendary Harlem tailor Dapper Dan; the brand issued a formal apology and worked on building a relationship with the designer. A year later Gucci released an official collaboration with Dapper Dan and opened a joint atelier in New York. The gaffe prompted a thorough and thoughtful internal response to make sure this doesn't happen again. On March 18, Gucci unveiled its 'Gucci Changemakers' program, which includes a $5 million fund that will invest in non-profit organizations benefitting people of color, as well as a scholarship program for fashion students from underrepresented backgrounds. An external council has been recruited to assist with the program's launch, including Gucci collaborator and critic Dapper Dan. "It is imperative that we have a seat at the table to say how we should be represented and reimagined," Dan said about the Changemakers program in a statement. "Through our work together, Gucci is in a position to lead the overall industry toward becoming a better, more inclusive one." This post has been updated.<doc-sep>	Gucci has removed a controversial sweater from its website and apologized after some people said the sweater resembled blackface. The black turtleneck covers the face and has mouth opening with red lips surrounding it. It originally cost $890, according to screenshots from the Gucci website, taken before the product was removed. Many Twitter users who saw the sweater before it was removed were outraged that Gucci would release such an insensitive garment and tweeted to the company, demanding a change. Several people pointed out that not only did the sweater resemble the racist act of blackface, but it was released during Black History Month. A screenshot taken before the sweater was removed made its rounds on social media, with many people writing to Gucci in outrage over the racist sweater. Gucci Gucci removed the product and released a statement via Twitter on Wednesday. "Gucci deeply apologizes for the offense caused by the wool balaclava jumper. We consider diversity to be a fundamental value to be fully upheld, respected, and at the forefront of every decision we make," the company wrote, sharing an image of a longer statement. Gucci deeply apologizes for the offense caused by the wool balaclava jumper. We consider diversity to be a fundamental value to be fully upheld, respected, and at the forefront of every decision we make. Full statement below. pic.twitter.com/P2iXL9uOhs — gucci (@gucci) February 7, 2019 Gucci said the company is fully committed to increasing diversity throughout the organization. Several people pointed out that if more people of color worked at the fashion house, this insensitive garment may have been flagged as inappropriate and racist before being sold. Lawmakers in the state of Virginia are also embroiled in a blackface controversy, with two top officials admitting to wearing blackface in the past. Several Twitter users pointed out that Gucci appeared to disregard this current scandal and seemed out of touch. So @gucci puts out a sweater that looks like blackface...... On Black History Month.... And then issues an apology because they didn't know that blackface images are racist. 🤦🏿‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/G3HjPTIuuQ — Tariq Nasheed (@tariqnasheed) February 7, 2019 Prada and Gucci finally pulled their $550.00 keychain and $890 sweater after protesters called out racist imagery and deemed them unacceptable. Why didn't the brands see this? https://t.co/vnJJWv61Mp — Nancy Etcoff (@NancyEtcoff) February 7, 2019 Another major fashion brand was recently called out for using racist blackface images. In December, Prada came under fire for using blackface-style imagery in at least one of its New York City storefronts and online. The luxury brand was featuring a black caricature with exaggerated big red lips. Photos of the display brought fierce backlash on social media and prompted the company to get rid of the items.
Last seen in Ucluelet, wife of one man says it’s now a ‘heartbreaking’ disappearance The wife of one of two missing British Columbia sailors says her husband’s dream voyage has become a nightmare as days pass without word from him. Leah Bliss said her friends, and psychics, are telling her to hold onto the thread of hope that her husband, Daniel Archibald, is somewhere safe, but it’s been almost a month since he disappeared. She said she’s had to prepare their two daughters, nine and five years old, for the worst. “It’s really difficult explaining to children a situation like this,” said Bliss. “It’s even difficult for adults to grasp the concept of missing. When I told (my daughters) I tried to be as honest as possible. I explained he was missing but it didn’t look good.” The RCMP said the disappearance of Archibald and Ryan Daley is considered suspicious and is under investigation by the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit. READ MORE: SAR teams join search for missing men last seen in Ucluelet Police said Archibald, 37, and Daley, 43, were last seen May 16 walking from the harbour dock area in Ucluelet on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. The two men can be seen on video carrying their backpacks and duffel bags. The pair had arrived in Ucluelet on May 13 after a lengthy voyage from Panama on board a sailboat. Ucluelet dockmaster Kevin Cortes, who was the last person to see them on May 16, said they had paid for one month of moorage for the boat. Cortes said Archibald and Daley appeared healthy but tired after a long trip, adding he noticed nothing unusual about them during the three days they spent in Ucluelet. RCMP Cpl. Madonna Saunderson said Wednesday police had no new details to report but an active investigation continues. Bliss said she and friends and relatives were on their way back to Vancouver Island Wednesday from where the family lives in Squamish, B.C., to search the many logging roads and ravines along the winding 100-kilometre stretch of the Pacific Rim Highway between Port Alberni and Ucluelet. READ MORE: Police following up on “multiple tips” for missing Vancouver Island men “We have so many psychics telling us that Dan is still alive somewhere,” she said. “You don’t know what to believe. We hope he’s alive out there somewhere but I have no sign of that.” Bliss said her husband sounded in good spirits and nothing seemed out of the ordinary in her most recent phone conversations with him. “Even when I last spoke to him, he seemed really well rested and happy. Just excited,” she said. “I have no idea what’s gone on. That’s just really trying to piece the puzzle together.” Bliss said Archibald and Daley were looking for a ride from Ucluelet to Jordan River, located by car about 350 kilometres south. Daley lived at Jordan River. “Who did they get a ride with? That’s the real question,” she said. “That’s where it ends.” Bliss said her husband was a life-long sailor and the voyage from Panama to the West Coast was a great adventure for him. She said he bought the vessel two years ago in hopes of using it to start a sailing and charter business in B.C. “He’s never done a long trip like that,” said Bliss. “For him it was just a dream to have that time to be able to sail it back up here. The plan was to have it fixed up there for a reasonable rate and bring it back up.” She described her husband as a trusting person who did not create enemies. “He was a soft-spoken, kind-hearted, considerate person who never really pushed anybody’s buttons or anything,” said Bliss. “He’s just a good guy. He’s a hippie. It’s hard to imagine anybody would want to do anything to these guys.” The Canadian Press Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.<doc-sep>Send this page to someone via email Share this item on Twitter Share this item via WhatsApp Share this item on Facebook Police on Vancouver Island say the remains of two people have been discovered near Ucluelet. Investigators are working with the BC Coroners Service to identify the remains, which were found late last week by a woman walking her dog. Police said it is too early to determine whether the remains are of Ryan Daley and Daniel Archbald, two Vancouver Island men who haven’t been seen since May 16. WATCH: B.C. men vanish after sailboat trip from Panama to Ucluelet 2:10 B.C. men vanish after sailboat trip from Panama to Ucluelet B.C. men vanish after sailboat trip from Panama to Ucluelet – May 29, 2018 The pair had returned from a trip and had docked in Ucluelet on May 13. Story continues below advertisement They were reported missing to the police after failing to contact family and friends when they arrived home. RCMP determined the case is suspicious and turned it over to the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit (VIIMCU), who continue to investigate. “We are working with the families of the missing men and ask that their privacy be respected at this time,” the RCMP said in a release.<doc-sep>Police and RCMP are investigating the remains of two people discovered last week near Ucluelet, B.C. Police say a woman walking her dog came across the remains, although the exact location is unclear. A major crime unit comprised of Vancouver Island police departments and the RCMP are working with the BC Coroners Service to identify the remains. Police say it's too early to know whether the remains belong to two missing men. Ryan Daley, 43, and Daniel Archbald, 37, were last seen leaving a marina in Ucluelet on May 16. Daniel Archbald, 37, and Ryan Daley, 43, were last seen leaving the Ucluelet Small Craft Harbour on May 16. RCMP say their disappearance is suspicious. (RCMP) They had just returned to Canada after an eight-week sailing trip from Panama. Family and volunteers have been searching for them since. RCMP say their disappearance is being treated as suspicious. Archbald's wife, Leah Bliss, says autopsies are being done on the remains and that she expects to know more later this week. A Facebook page to help with search efforts for the missing men has been taken down. A GoFundMe page for them was deactivated Monday, but has since been into split into two separate campaigns. Read more from CBC British Columbia With files from Elizabeth McArthur<doc-sep>	Family members and friends of Dan Archbald, 37, and Ryan Daley, 43, have begun a search on Vancouver Island after the two men disappeared on May 16. The pair had just wrapped up an eight week sailing trip from Panama to Ucluelet and were headed to the small surfing hamlet of Jordan River where Daley owns a property. They did not have a car, and it's unclear if they had planned to hitchhike or had arranged a ride. Daley's father, Terry Daley, says they were expecting to lose contact with the two men for a short time because of spotty cell service, but eventually he grew concerned when no one had heard from them. "We didn't really get really concerned until a few days ago ... and they have lots of friends, so maybe they just needed some space after spending so long on a sailboat." Daley says it's unusual for his son to be out of contact for more than two or three days. Correy Matheson travelled to Ucluelet from her home in Squamish after speaking to Archbald's wife Leah on Saturday. "We are all beside ourselves about the time that we've lost, and we just hope that somebody saw something or heard something and that will reach out." Matheson says Archbald is devoted to his two young daughters, and it's very unusual for him to not be in contact with them. Volunteers are distributing missing posters as they search for the two men (Facebook/Find Dan and Ryan) The two men were last seen leaving the Ucluelet Small Craft Harbour on May 16. Kevin Courtes is the harbour manager and says they arrived three days earlier and spent time getting Archbald's sailboat, the Astral Blue, assessed as he worked out import taxes with the Canada Border Services Agency. Courtes says the day before they left, Archbald paid for a month of moorage for his boat. "I have security footage of them, of Dan leaving my office, grabbing the pack and him and Ryan leaving through my parking lot yes, but that's as far as it goes. They go off screen with their packs. I have nothing else." Courtes says he thinks it's unlikely they were hitchhiking given the direction they were headed, but he says they didn't give him any indication of how or where they were travelling. The people looking for Archbald and Daley are co-ordinating with volunteers searching for Ben Kilmer, another man who went missing near Duncan on the same day. The RCMP have opened a missing persons file and are asking anyone with information to contact them.
A new species of spiky-headed dinosaurs has been discovered in Utah, the oldest of its genus ever found in North America. Akainacephalus johnsoni is 75 million years and like its cousin, the Ankylosaurus, had an armored body and an imposing club tail. The dinosaur's scientific journey began 10 years ago in 2008, when a paleontologist with the Bureau of Land Management found what appeared to be a fossil site at the Kaiparowits Formation of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. A hotbed of prehistoric discovery, the Kaiparowits has been called "dinosaur Shangri La." The National Momument was recently shrunk through an order from President Trump, and some of its former land has now been purchased by a mining company. But even in a dinosaur paradise, Scott Richardson's fossil site stood out. "It had bones from a number of different types of animals. And not only individual bones, but associated skeletons,” says Randall Irmis, chief curator of the National History Museum of Utah, where the bones prepped, in a press statement. There were duckbilled dinosaurs, pig-nosed dinosaurs, and then a dinosaur with a face full of spikes that nobody had seen before. The Museum found a lot of dinosaur to study. “We have a large portion of the skeleton, including nearly all of the skull, a lot of the vertebral column, the pelvis, as well as the limbs and ribs, and a lot of the armor, as well. It’s pretty rare to find so much of the skeleton in one place,” Irmis says. The bones were mainly prepped by an expert volunteer named Randy Johnson, for whom the dinosaur is named. Johnson put in hundreds on the preparatory work, which can include everything from industrial diamond burrs to carefully applied acetic acid. 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. “It’s completely different from any other ankylosaurids that we’ve actually seen,” says Jelle Wiersma, a PhD student who has studied Ankylosaurids with Irmis. The most striking difference is up front with that spiky head. Akainacephalus technically means "spiky head," which shows the uniqueness of that built-in helmet. But the dinosaur was covered in osteoderms, bone tissue deposits which forms scales and plates. It's been a big week for the Cretaceous Period. Earlier this week, scientists announced they had discovered the oldest baby snake in known history, trapped in amber 99 million years ago. Source: Gizmodo 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>Artist’s interpretation of the newly discovered armored dinosaur Akainacephalus johnsoni. Illustration : Andrey Atuchin They’re calling this newly discovered dinosaur “thorny head,” and it’s changing what we know of North American ankylosaurs, the heavily armored herbivores that had the misfortune of living alongside Tyrannosaurus rex during the Late Cretaceous. Advertisement Behold Akainacephalus johnsoni, a new species and genus of ankylosaurid dinosaur. It’s considered the most complete Late Cretaceous ankylosaur ever found in Utah—or in the entire southwestern United States for that matter. Unlike other North American ankylosaurs that lived around the same time, this particular dinosaur featured spikes and cones on its head and snout, hence its name, which translates to “thorny head.” The latter half of its name, johnsoni, h onors Randy Johnson, a museum volunteer who helped to prepare its skull. The details of this remarkable new creature were published today in the science journal PeerJ. The fossilized remains of Akainacephalus johnsoni were discovered in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in south-central Utah. Its bones were buried in 76- million-year-old rocks of the Kaiparowits Formation, a geological layer composed of sedimentary rocks deposited by rivers and streams. Artist’s impression of the new ankylosaurid. Illustration : Andrey Atuchin/DMNS 2017 Working in this high desert terrain, paleontologists from the Natural History Museum of Utah and the University of Utah managed to pull out a number of bones, including an immaculately preserved complete skull, bony armor (including neck rings and spiked plates), several vertebrae, a forelimb, various hindlimb bones, and nearly complete tail with the iconic ankylosaur club still attached. In all, it took paleontologists nearly four years to assemble and fully prepare the bones for analysis. Akainacephalus johnsoni had a medium build, measuring between 13 to 16 feet (4-5 m) long and about 3.5 feet tall (1.5 m) at the hips. Its four legs were positioned directly below its body. Like other ankylosaurid dinos, this creature was built for defense; it featured formidable armor from head to tail, including bony plates called osteoderms. Its head was adorned with a crown-like covering of spikes and horns, and the tip of its tail was equipped with a large bony club, which it likely used to ward off predators. Indeed, as its tank-like appearance suggests, A. johnsoni needed these extreme defenses to survive the brutal conditions of Late Cretaceous North America. This herbivore would have come into regular contact with its contemporary Tyrannosaurus rex, among other predators. The dino’s skull being prepared for display. Image : Phase 2 Productions Advertisement This discovery shows that ankylosaurids were more diverse in their physical characteristics than paleontologists thought. These dinosaurs originated in Asia between 125 million to 100 million years ago, but there’s no sign of them in the North American fossil record until about 77 million years ago. The spikes and cones found on the skull of Akainacephalus resemble those of its ankylosaurid cousin, the New Mexican Nodocephelausaurus kirtlandensis, but that’s about it. Other North American ankylosaurids, like Ankylosaurus, Euoplocephalus, and Ziapelta, featured smooth bony armor on their skulls. The authors of the new study, Jelle P. Wiersma from the Natural History Museum of Utah and Randall B. Irmis from the University of Utah, suspect that Akainacephalus and the New Mexican Nodocephelausaurus are more closely related to some Asian ankylosaurids. A working hypothesis is that two separate groups of ankylosaurid dinosaurs existed in North America during this time, and that a second migration wave from Asia, likely via a land bridge, made it possible. Advertisement Skeleton of the new armored dinosaur as represented by preserved bones. Image : Jelle Wiersma/PeerJ Excitingly, casts of the Akainacephalus johnsoni fossil are now on public display at the Natural History Museum of Utah in Salt Lake City If you’re in the area, check it out and leave us a review of the exhibit below. Advertisement [PeerJ]<doc-sep>	A fossil of a new species of armoured dinosaur has been discovered in Utah, changing how scientists believe the animals evolved. It took almost four years to prepare and analyse the medium-sized dinosaur's skeleton, which is 13-16ft long (4-5m) and about 42 inches (1.5m) tall at the hip, and one of the most complete ever discovered in this region of the US. Armoured dinosaurs, or ankylosauridae, existed exclusively in the northern hemisphere before they became extinct 66 million years ago. Image: A crew from the Natural History Museum of Utah excavated the dinosaur's bones. Pic: NHMU Fossils have been found in North America, East Asia and Europe, and the three regions have different forms of armour to differentiate them. But the new species, Akainacephalus johnsoni, breaks the rules for North American ankylosaurids. Instead of the distinctive smooth armour on the skull shown on other North American fossils, the new species has pointed bones protruding in ridges up to its snout - similar to Asian ankylosaurid fossils. Dr Randall Irmis, co-author of the study, said: "A reasonable hypothesis would be that ankylosaurids from Utah are related to those found elsewhere in western North America, so we were really surprised to discover that Akainacephalus was so closely related to species from Asia." "It is always exciting to name a new fossil taxon, but it is equally exciting if that taxon also provides additional insights into the bigger picture of its life, such as its diet or aspects of its behaviour, and the environment it lived in," said lead author Jelle Wiersma. Image: Randy Johnson spent hundreds of hours preparing the skeleton. Pic: Natural History Museum of Utah The species' name was given in honour of Randy Johnson, a dedicated museum volunteer who spent hundreds of hours preparing the fossil's skull by separating it from surrounding rock and debris. He said it was a "once in a lifetime honour" to have the dinosaur named after him. "I'm a retired chemist, but I've always been interested in most of the science disciplines," Mr Johnson said. "I never thought that I would have the opportunity to actually work on fossils that could be important for palaeontologists. "Now that I'm a museum volunteer, I'm getting the opportunity to work on a large variety of fossils and consult with top palaeontologists - it's like a dream second career." Ankylosaurids are a family of four-legged herbivores with powerful tail clubs and armoured plating covering their bodies. The species is believes to have originated in Asia up to 125 million years ago, but did not appear in the North American fossil record until 77 million years ago. The species was announced in the scientific journal PeerJ and unveiled on exhibit at the Natural History Museum of Utah in Salt Lake City.
Cole Sprouse and Lili Reinhart in Riverdale season 3 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. Riverdale: Dramatic season three trailer tease satanic cult What time will Riverdale season 3 be released on Netflix? Riverdale season three premiered on October 10 in the US on The CW with episodes airing on a weekly basis first in the US on American channel The CW on Wednesdays. Netflix will release episodes from season three the next day (on Thursdays) for British fans. Episodes will be airing from 8am on Netflix on the day of release. Season three premiered on The CW on October 10 and then hit Netflix on October 11. The new season's broadcast format follows suit with the previous run which first aired in America before landing on Netflix in the UK. Netflix is headquartered in California and drops episodes at midnight there, which is 8am in the UK. All episodes will be airing on a weekly basis because it’s made by The CW, so binge-watchers will have to patient. Netflix distributes Riverdale outside America, so unlike Originals which are released in one go, it will be dropping episode by episode. WILL THERE BE ANOTHER SERIES OF RIVERDALE? Cole Sprouse as Jughead Jones in Riverdale season 3 How many episodes are in Riverdale season 3? An episode count for Riverdale season three hasn’t been revealed as yet but it’s likely to be around 20-odd instalments or potentially shorter. Season two had 22 episodes with a midseason break over the Christmas period as well as a few mini-hiatuses during the second half of the cycle. Riverdale showrunner Roberto Aguirre Sacasa recently confirmed that the season three midseason finale was at episode eight. He went on to announce that filming was taking place on the second half of the run on location in Vancouver, Canada. RIVERDALE SEASON 3 NETFLIX RELEASE DATE, CAST, TRAILER, PLOT What will happen in Riverdale season 3? The new series will see lots of changes in Riverdale with a shake-up at city hall following the election of Hermione Lodge’s (played by Marisol Nichols) as the new mayor. Her husband Hiram Lodge (Mark Consuelos) will be running roughshod over Riverdale now that he’s got free reign over the town. Despite his sinister plans for Riverdale, he will face opposition from his daughter Veronica Lodge (Camila Mendes) and her friends. The show will pick up with Archie Andrews’ (KJ Apa) arrest after Hiram framed him for murder. HOW TO WATCH RIVERDALE SEASON 3 ONLINE Lili Reinhart as Betty Cooper in Riverdale season 3 Jughead Jones (Cole Sprouse) and Betty Cooper (Lili Reinhart) will be trying to help prove his innocence in court. There will be new villains to deal with in the form of the Gargoyle King as well as the mysterious cult known as The Farm. This season will see the arrival of Jughead’s mother Gladys Jones (Gina Gershon) and his younger sister Forsythia “Jellybean” Jones (Trinity Likins). Fans can also see more from Riverdale’s favourite couple Toni Topaz (Vanessa Morgan) and Cheryl Blossom (Madeleine Petsch). HOW MANY EPISODES ARE IN RIVERDALE SEASON 3? Riverdale: Lili Reinhart says season three is 'scariest yet' Cole Sprouse as Jughead Jones in Riverdale season 3<doc-sep>Tonight is the Season 3 premiere of Riverdale. After all the ups and downs and twists and turns from Season 2, we’re ready to get started with Season 3 and really have no idea what to expect. Here is everything you need to know about how to watch Riverdale tonight. AIR DATE & TIME: The Riverdale premiere episode airs tonight, Wednesday October 10 at 8 p.m. Eastern (7 p.m. Central) for an hour. LIVE STREAM: If you miss the episode, you can watch it later on The CW’s website or app. Or visit Heavy’s story here for more details about watching a live stream. TV CHANNEL FOR RIVERDALE: To find out what channel Riverdale is on for you, click here to go to TV Guide’s listings. Then change the “Provider” (right under TV Listings) to your local provider. You’ll be able to scroll down to see what channel The CW is on for you. OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS: The official synopsis for the episode reads: “As the jury begins deliberations in his murder trial, Archie (KJ Apa) makes a surprising request about how he wants to spend his final days of summer. Betty (Lili Reinhart) is forced to deal with her problems head-on after a heated confrontation with Alice (Madchen Amick) and Polly (guest star Tiera Skovbye) brings up some dark secrets she’s kept hidden. Veronica (Camila Mendes) pleads with Hiram (Mark Consuelos) to step in and help Archie before a verdict is announced. Finally, Jughead (Cole Sprouse) leads the Serpents against the Ghoulies latest attack.” So this episode picks up near the end of the summer, about three months after Season 2 ended. Here’s quick refresher on Season 2. At the end of Season 2, we learned that Betty’s dad, Hal, is the Black Hood. However, Archie also believes there’s a second Black Hood out there. Turns out that second Black Hood was Tall Boy, who died in a shooutout with the police. Jug was beaten up and left in a hospital, but he is going to be OK after the Ghoulies-Serpents showdown. Cheryl has made Nana Blossom her legal guardian and she’s now emancipated from her mother and scheming uncle. But she learns that they were working with Hiram Lodge, which is a big problem. The last piece of Hiram’s plan was to buy Whyte Wyrm. So Veronica gets the $1 million she made ransoming Nick St. Clair. She buys Whyte Wyrm, but agrees to give it to her dad in exchange for Pop’s. Veronica is now on Team Andrews and switched to Fred’s mayoral campaign. She also pulled out of the student council race, just like Betty. And so did Reggie and Josie, leaving the race to Archie vs. Ethel. Near the end, FP announces that he’s retiring and hands the Serpents to Jughead. And Cheryl gets a red Serpent Jacket. Hermione wins the mayor election. But Hiram is planning for Claudius, Penny, and the Ghoulies to run drugs through the new prison, and he’s giving Penny a brothel one of these days. Archie wins the Student Council election, but he’s framed for a murder at Shadow Lake. So the season ends with his arrest.<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 Riverdale fans are no doubt anxiously waiting to find out what is in store for Betty Cooper (played by Lili Reinghart), Jughead Jones (Cole Sprouse) and Archie Andrews (KJ Apa). However, one character fans might not be expecting to see again is Hal Cooper (Lochlyn Munro). Hal was last seen being revealed as the Black Hood killer, who had been terrorising the residents of Riverdale. Fans saw him being locked up to rot in prison but it seems he could be released in a twist no one saw coming.<doc-sep>Riverdale season 3, episode 1 focused on Archie' s trial 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. Riverdale: Dramatic season three trailer tease satanic cult WARNING: This article contains spoilers from Riverdale season 3, episode 1 Archie goes down Episode one of Riverdale opened with the closing statements in Archie Andrews’ (played by KJ app) trial for murder. The high school student’s mother and lawyer Mary Andrews (Molly Ringwald) made valiant effort to save her son from prison. Sadly, it wasn’t looking good for Archie in The CW show as the jury was deadlocked and judge was on the verge of a re-trial. Prosecutor Mrs Wright (Penelope Ann Miller) told the jock that if he pleaded guilty to manslaughter he would only get two years in a juvenile detention centre. Before Mary could say anything, Archie agreed and was quickly on a bus to the centre. Earlier on in the instalment, Archie became an honorary Southside Serpent as FP Jones (Skeet Ulrich) inked him a tattoo that was hopefully going to give him some protection behind bars and help him make friends. HOW TO WATCH RIVERDALE SEASON 3 ONLINE Riverdale season 3, episode 1 focused on Archie' s trial Veronica cuts ties with Hiram After the outcome of the trial, Veronica Lodge (Camila Mendes) cut all ties with her father Hiram (Mark Consuelos) as she lashed out at him for framing Archie. However, he told her that he’d put her through the whole ordeal to punish her for choosing Archie over her own blood. Her mother Hermione Lodge (Marisol Nichols) explained that she couldn’t stop her husband because she didn’t have the same protection Veronica did. WILL RIVERDALE SEASON 3 BE SHORTER? Betty scorns The Farm Meanwhile, Alice Cooper (Mädchen Amick) appeared to have become brainwashed by Edgar, the mysterious cult leader of The Farm. Betty poured scorn on The Farm and Edgar, whom she described as a heaven’s gate community leader for pregnant runaways. Her words angered both Cooper (Tiera Skovbye) and Alice, who appeared to have bought into the cult. On top of that, Betty’s sister Polly stirred the pot as she told her mother that there was more about her younger sibling that she didn’t know. WHERE IS RIVERDALE SEASON 3 FILMED? Madchen Amick as Alice Cooper in Riverdale season 3 Betty's secrets are exposed It was revealed that Betty hadn’t been seeing a therapist after all over the summer. To make matters worse, she had been getting prescriptions for a drug called Adderall as she self-medicated to deal with her father Hal Cooper (Lochlyn Munro) being exposed as the Black Hood. She confessed all to her boyfriend Jughead (Cole Sprouse) and together they decided that things needed to change. But just when it looked like all was going well, Betty came home to find members of The Farm at her home carrying out a strange ceremony involving the twins. The strange sight appeared to trigger Betty who ended up having a fit. RIVERDALE SEASON 3 NETFLIX RELEASE DATE, CAST, TRAILER, PLOT Jughead and Betty in Riverdale season 3 The Serpents versus the Ghoulies Betty took Jughead up on his offer as his queen as she went along to a skirmish between the Ghoulies and the Serpents when his beloved pet Hot Dog was kidnapped by the rival gang. Fans got to see Cheryl Blossom (Madelaine Petsch) back in her element as she took on the Ghoulies with her bow and arrow. The scene is likely to fuel more theories of a DC Comics Arrowverse crossover with Riverdale. However, despite getting back Hot Dog, Jughead invoked the wrath of Penny Peabody (Brit Morgan), who vowed to wage war on the Northside after taking the Southside from the Serpents in season two. We can expect some more run-ins between the Ghoulies and the Serpents this season as Penny will be causing further problems. RIVERDALE SEASON 3, EPISODE 2 PROMO Riverdale season 3, episode 1 focused on Archie' s trial<doc-sep>	Riverdale season 3 release Riverdale: Dramatic season three trailer tease satanic cult What time does Riverdale 3 come out on The CW? Riverdale season three premiered in America on October 10 on The CW in the US. Episodes from season three will be airing on a weekly basis on Wednesdays. Season three episodes will be broadcast in the US at 8/7c which means 8pm Eastern Time and 7pm Central Time. It will be on at 8pm Pacific Time. What time will Riverdale season 3 be released on Netflix? The sexy teen drama drops on Netflix in the UK and Ireland the day after it comes out on The CW. So viewers on this side of the Pond saw the season three premiere on Thursday, October 11. The episode titled Labor Day landed on Netflix at 8am BST. Fans will have to take care to avoid spoilers. New episodes will land at the same time every Thursday on Netflix for the duration of the series. WHO IS IN THE CAST OF RIVERDALE SEASON 3? Riverdale season 3 is back tonight What will happen in Riverdale season 3, episode 1? Here is the official synopsis for the season three premiere to get fans ready for tonight and tomorrow. “AND THE VERDICT IS... As the jury begins deliberations in his murder trial, Archie (played by KJ Apa) makes a surprising request about how he wants to spend his final days of summer. “Betty (Lili Reinhart) is forced to deal with her problems head-on after a heated confrontation with Alice (Mädchen Amick) and Polly (guest star Tiera Skovbye) brings up some dark secrets she’s kept hidden. WILL THERE BE ANOTHER SERIES OF RIVERDALE? Riverdale: Lili Reinhart says season three is 'scariest yet' Riverdale season 3 is back tonight “Veronica (Camila Mendes) pleads with Hiram (Mark Consuelos) to step in and help Archie before a verdict is announced. “Finally, Jughead (Cole Sprouse) leads the Serpents against the Ghoulies latest attack. “Madelaine Petsch, Marisol Nichols, Luke Perry, Ashleigh Murray, Skeet Ulrich, Casey Cott, Charles Melton and Vanessa Morgan also star.” RIVERDALE SEASON 3 NETFLIX RELEASE DATE, CAST, TRAILER, PLOT Riverdale season 3 is back tonight
A new Trump administration visa policy appears to give the partners of same-sex diplomats a difficult ultimatum: get married, or get out. As of Monday, the U.S. State Department will no longer issue visas to the same-sex partners of foreign diplomats or staffers of U.S.-based international organizations like the United Nations, unless they are married. According to a notice posted on the State Department website, the U.S. will now consider applications from same-sex partners of diplomats and international officials the same way it does for heterosexual partners. The shift requires same-sex partners to apply for a spousal visa, also known as the G-4 visa, and is “effective immediately.” But that could put pose a problem for couples ineligible to legally marry in their home country. Only 25 countries recognize some form of same-sex marriage, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW), while in more than 70 others, same-sex relationships are punishable by law. The policy change was announced in July, when the State Department said it would only “accept the accreditation of spouses, both same-sex and opposite-sex,” beginning on Oct. 1. Foreign same-sex partners who wish to remain in the U.S. are advised to submit proof of marriage to the State Department by Dec. 31, 2018, or expect to leave the U.S. within 30 days of that deadline. The new policy is intended “to help ensure and promote equal treatment” between straight and gay couples, a State Department spokesperson said in a statement, according to NBC News. But it also rolls back a practice championed by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to extend benefits to same-sex domestic partners of diplomats or international staff posted in the U.S., even if they were not legally married. The new visa regulations quickly garnered criticism for seemingly coercing same-sex couples to enter into a marriage that could earn them prison time back home. Samantha Power, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, called the new policy “needlessly cruel & bigoted.” “Only 12% of UN member states allow same-sex marriage,” she wrote on Twitter. HRW deputy United Nations director Akshaya Kumar said Monday that the new policy will effectively “tear LGBT U.N. staff” from their partners. “Requiring a marriage as proof of bona fide partnership is a bad and cruel policy, one that replicates the terrible discrimination many LGBT people face in their own countries,” she wrote in a statement. 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 Eli Meixler at [email protected].<doc-sep>The Trump administration will no longer provide visas for same-sex domestic partners of foreign diplomats and U.N. officials serving in the U.S., a policy that went into effect Oct. 1. Only if a same-sex couple is married will the spouse be eligible for a visa, but that could prove problematic for some, as the majority of the world’s countries do not recognize same-sex marriages. The decision is meant to “ensure and promote equal treatment,” according to a State Department spokesperson, as heterosexual domestic partners of foreign diplomats are also not eligible for U.S. visas. That rule has been in effect since 2009, but the Trump administration is saying because same-sex marriage is now legal in the U.S., it’s no longer necessary or fair. The change also matches an update to the policy for U.S. diplomats in same-sex relationships, who must also be married in order to have their spouse join them in a post because same-sex marriage is legal in the U.S. That change was initiated in 2015, according to senior administration officials, after same-sex marriage was legalized across the country by the Supreme Court. The new rule will allow for “limited exceptions,” the officials added, for diplomats from countries where same-sex marriage is not legal, but where American same-sex couples are recognized and given visas to serve there. In those cases, the U.S. will work with countries to recognize foreign diplomats and their same-sex spouses that will serve here. There will not, however, be exceptions for diplomats serving at international institutions in the U.S., such as the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, or the World Health Organization. Critics say the change makes it difficult for same-sex couples in the many countries where marriage isn’t a legal possibility – let alone for those in countries where homosexuality is criminalized. Only 26 countries, or less than 14 percent, have legalized same-sex marriage, per the Pew Research Center, and in 72 countries homosexual activity is still illegal, according to the LGBTI rights group Equaldex. But the majority of same-sex couples currently serving in the U.S. would qualify for exceptions, according to a senior administration official, although they could not say how many or which countries recognize U.S. same-sex couples. It’s also unclear whether it will continue to be the majority, as new LGBTI foreign diplomats from different countries apply to serve in the U.S. There are currently 105 families in the U.S. that will be impacted by this change, including 55 families where the diplomat is serving at an international organization and is ineligible for an exception. For those diplomats, the officials said Tuesday the U.S. is “happy” to talk to their international organization employer about exceptions for their individual case. “It is an unfortunate change in rules, since same-sex couples, unlike opposite-sex couples, have limited choices when it comes to marriage,” said U.N. Globe, a U.N. LGBTI staff advocacy group, in a statement. U.N. Globe urged same-sex couples already in the U.S. to get married in America before their partners’ visa expires, but it’s unclear what options diplomats and their partners who are not yet in the U.S., but will be posted here in the future, have available to them if they don't qualify for an exception. Senior administration officials said the change comes now “to codify the legality and constitutionality of same-sex marriage in the United States,” which in turn means “reciprocity” for foreign diplomats serving here. But there is no firm legal requirement for reciprocity, that the same visa regulations apply to each other’s diplomats. Former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Samantha Power, who served under Barack Obama from 2013 to 2017, called the policy change “needlessly cruel and bigoted” in a tweet last week when news of the policy began to leak. One senior administration official defended against accusations like that, saying, “This is certainly not an attack. It was not meant as an attack. It is not meant to be punitive.”<doc-sep>President Donald Trump's administration began denying visas to the unmarried, same-sex partners of foreign diplomats and officials and employees of the United Nations this week — making marriage a requirement to be eligible for a visa. The policy was made effective Monday. It comes despite the fact that the majority of countries do not recognize same-sex marriage and many same-sex couples face prosecution in their own countries. The shift was detailed in a memo circulated at the United Nations' headquarters in New York last month but unveiled in July, according to the State Department. The policy shift gives the same-sex partners of foreign diplomats and U.N. workers until the end of the year to get married or leave the country. The State Department said in a briefing Tuesday that the policy will affect about 105 families in the USA, 55 of which have links to various international organizations. It was not clear how many foreign diplomats and U.N. employees with pending U.S. posts will be affected by the policy change. Twelve percent of the 193 U.N. member states represented in New York allow same-sex marriage, according to Samantha Power, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations who served under President Barack Obama. The Trump administration said the new policy is more consistent with the Supreme Court ruling in 2015 that legalized same-sex marriage. The heterosexual partners of foreign diplomats and U.N. employees are also not eligible for U.S. visas. Critics of the move argued the policy would create hardship for gay couples from countries that ban same-sex marriage or offer only civil unions. Those who marry in the USA to secure their visa status could face criminal proceedings once they return to their home nations. "Those not yet in the country will need to show they’re married to secure a visa, potentially forcing those living in countries without marriage equality to choose between a posting at UN headquarters or family separation," Akshaya Kumar, deputy U.N. director at Human Rights Watch, wrote in a blog post. UN Globe, which advocates for non-discrimination of LGBTI staff at the United Nations and in its peacekeeping operations, said it was an "unfortunate change in rules, since same-sex couples, unlike opposite-sex couples, have limited choices when it comes to marriage." Power, the former ambassador, described the policy in a tweet as "needlessly cruel and bigoted." The State Department said the rule change would promote equal treatment. It said it recognized that not all countries permit same-sex marriage and it was prepared to work with individual cases to find a solution for those not able to marry. But Diane Klein, a legal scholar at the University of La Verne who first wrote about the policy change in a blog post in July, said: "What remains unclear, both to employees inside affected agencies, and to legal commentators from the outside, is whether visa holders who marry their partners in the U.S., but whose marriages would not be recognized by their home countries, will enjoy continuing access to these partner visas." On Friday, nearly 120 House Democrats signed and sent a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo pressing him and the administration to reverse what they say is a discriminatory policy. “The United States must maintain its historical moral leadership on all human rights issues, including those affecting LGBTQI people,” wrote the lawmakers. “This policy sends the wrong message that the U.S. is not welcoming of all people.” “It also needlessly excludes UN personnel, and places an unnecessary burden on diplomats from countries that do not currently allow same-sex marriage. We urge the State Department to reconsider its decision,” the lawmakers added. Rep. Ted Deutch, D-Fla., who was among the lawmakers to sign the letter, said it is “particularly offensive that [the administration] would dare announce this policy in the name of equality.” “Progress has been made in this country despite, not because of, this Administration,” he said. “Secretary Pompeo should swiftly reverse this decision and lift the burden on partners of foreign diplomats coming from countries where same-sex marriage is illegal." More:Court: Korean-born girl must leave USA because she was adopted by her Kansas uncle a year too late<doc-sep>	Trump Administration to Deny Visas to Same-Sex Partners of Diplomats, U.N. Officials The Trump administration on Monday began denying visas to same-sex domestic partners of foreign diplomats and United Nations employees, and requiring those already in the United States to get married by the end of the year or leave the country. The U.S. Mission to the U.N. portrayed the decision—which foreign diplomats fear will increase hardships for same-sex couples in countries that don’t recognize same-sex marriage—as an effort to bring its international visa practices in line with current U.S. policy. In light of the landmark 2015 Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage, the U.S. extends diplomatic visas only to married spouses of U.S. diplomats. “Same-sex spouses of U.S. diplomats now enjoy the same rights and benefits as opposite-sex spouses,” the U.S. mission wrote in a July 12 note to U.N.-based delegations. “Consistent with [State] Department policy, partners accompanying members of permanent missions or seeking to join the same must generally be married in order to be eligible” for a diplomatic visa. But critics says the new policy will impose undue hardships on foreign couples from countries that criminalize same-sex marriages. Samantha Power, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, denounced the new policy on Twitter as “needlessly cruel & bigoted.” “State Dept. will no longer let same-sex domestic partners of UN employees get visas unless they are married,” she tweeted, noting that “only 12% of UN member states allow same-sex marriage.” In July, the U.S. mission sent out diplomatic notes to the United Nations and representatives for foreign diplomatic missions explaining the new policy, which reversed a 2009 decision by then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to grant visas to domestic partners of U.S. and foreign diplomats. The contents of the diplomatic note were first reported in August by the Washington Blade. The 2009 policy, however, did not allow a heterosexual domestic partner of a U.S. or foreign diplomat to enter the country on a diplomatic visa. The new policy —which enters into force Monday—requires that foreign domestic partners of diplomats and U.N. officials posted in the United States must show the State Department proof of marriage by Dec. 31, or leave the country within 30 days. As of today, domestic partners of diplomats and U.N. officials based abroad will need to show they are married in order to enter the country on a diplomatic visa. The latest policy change, the United States explained in the note, was aimed at ensuring all couples were treated equally. “The Department of State will not issue a G-4 visa for same-sex domestic partners,” the U.N. human resources chief explained in a note distributed to staff last month. “As of 1 October 2018, same-sex domestic partners … seeking to join newly arrived U.N. officials must provide proof of marriage to eligible for a G-4 visa or to seek a change in such status.” There are currently at least 10 U.N. employees in the United States who would need to get married by the New Year to have their partners’ visas extended. The new policy poses a number of risks for same-sex partners, according to Alfonso Nam, the president of U.N. Globe, a U.N. LGBTI staff advocacy organization. Same-sex couples already inside of the United States could go to city hall and get married. But they could potentially be exposed to prosecution if they return to a country that criminalizes homosexuality or same-sex marriages. The United States informed foreign governments that they would allow “limited exceptions” to its new policy in cases involving diplomats from countries where same-sex marriage is illegal. But that government would have to provide documentation proving that same-sex marriage was illegal and commit to accepting same-sex partners of U.S. diplomats. Yet that exception was not offered to U.N. officials. “With this change, the State Department is enforcing parity in the way they recognize opposite-sex partnerships and same-sex partnerships,” U.N. Globe said in a statement. “It is an unfortunate change in rules, since same-sex couples, unlike opposite-sex couples, have limited choices when it comes to marriage.” This story has been updated.
“Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” is heading for a sturdy $133 million opening weekend at 4,475 North American locations, early estimates showed Friday. The Universal-Amblin Entertainment release is performing in line with recent expectations, which have ranged between $130 million and $140 million. Thursday night previews generated a solid $15.3 million, which is counted as contributing to a $54 million opening day on Friday. Disney-Pixar’s second weekend of “Incredibles 2” is pegged to finish the frame with about $80 million, which would give the animated comedy a blockbuster 10-day total of around $350 million — a domestic milestone crossed by only 46 other films. The fifth film in the “Jurassic” franchise carries a production budget of $170 million. The tentople began its overseas rollout two weeks ago and has already pocketed $466 million from 51 international markets, led by $170 million in China. Reviews have been mixed for “Fallen Kingdom,” which currently holds a 53% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Set four years after the events of “Jurassic World,” “Fallen Kingdom” follows Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard’s characters as they attempt to save the remaining dinosaurs on Isla Nublar before a volcanic eruption. J.A. Bayona directed from a script by “Jurassic World” helmer Colin Trevorrow and Derek Connolly. Trevorrow also executive produced alongside Steven Spielberg. “Jurassic World” bowed in 2015 with a stunning $208.8 million domestic opening weekend and became the first movie to generate over $500 million worldwide in a single frame. It went on to earn $1.7 billion worldwide, including $652 million in North America, and is still the sixth-highest-grossing film ever at the domestic box office. Should the $133 million estimate for “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” hold, it will come in around 2016’s “Suicide Squad,” now in 27th place on the domestic opening list. The earnings potential for “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” may be held down by “Incredibles 2,” which had been pegged to earn between $75 million and $90 million this weekend. The animated comedy over-performed last weekend with $183 million, the eighth-best domestic debut of all time. If the $80 million projection holds, “Incredibles 2” would decline about 56% and post the seventh-highest domestic second weekend of all time. Warner Bros.’ third weekend of heist movie “Ocean’s 8” will lead the rest of the pack in third with about $10 million, followed by the second weekend of its R-rated comedy “Tag” with about $7 million. “Ocean’s 8” has grossed $88.7 million domestically in its first two weeks. Fox’s sixth weekend of “Deadpool 2” and Disney’s fifth weekend of “Solo: A Star Wars Story” will be battling for fifth place with about $5 million each. “Deadpool 2” should top the $300 million domestic milestone this weekend, becoming the 76th title to do so. “Solo,” which has been a major disappointment for Disney, will edge past the $200 million mark during the frame. By contrast, 2015’s “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” had generated a domestic gross of $852 million after its first five weekends. “The Force Awakens” is the top domestic grosser of all time with $936 million; last year’s “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” is in eighth place at $620 million; and 2016’s “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” is in 10th with $532 million. The weekend will also mark the first time that two films have debuted back to back with $100 million-plus openings during non-holiday weekends. Back-to-back $100 million-plus debuts have occurred twice on holiday weekends. In 2007 when “Shrek the Third” opened to $121.6 million during May 18-20 and “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” recorded $114.7 million (Friday-Sunday) and $139.8 million (Friday-Monday) over Memorial Day; and in 2018, when “Deadpool 2” grossed $125 million during May 18-20 and “Solo: A Star Wars Story” grossed $84.4 million (Friday-Sunday) and $103.0 million (Friday-Monday) over Memorial Day.<doc-sep>4TH UPDATE/WRITETHRU, SUNDAY AM: Universal this morning is calling Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom‘s opening weekend at $150M, which reps the studio’s second-best opening ever at the domestic B.O. after Jurassic World‘s gargantuan $208.8M start, and also outranks Furious 7‘s $147.1M bow. Fallen Kingdom‘s Saturday came in at $50M, -15% from its combined previews + Friday of $59M, which is the same Friday-Saturday ease posted by JW three summers ago. This is a fantastic start for the sequel, well ahead of its $135M lower-end tracking, and only 28% off from JW‘s 3-day, which before Avengers: Infinity War and Star Wars Force Awakens held the title as the highest domestic opening ever for six months in 2015. Note that’s a better hold between JW sequels than Star Wars, which eased 37% in its opening between Force Awakens ($247.9M) and Rogue One ($155M). Uni is calling the weekend’s demos at 56% under 25. “When you see a Saturday like this easing 15% from that big Friday and preview gross, it means that families are driving business, and that’s why we posted the results that we did,” beamed Universal domestic distribution boss Jim Orr this morning. Fallen Kingdom blasts Uni off for a huge summer, which includes such pivotal pics as The First Purge on July 4, Dwayne Johnson’s Skyscraper, and Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again!. Overall, Imax and premium large format repped 21% of Fallen Kingdom‘s weekend, or $31.5M. Imax alone accounted for nine percent of the seque’s domestic weekend, with $13M at 410 auditoriums. Nine out of the top ten domestic locations featured an Imax screen. RealD has been driving 3D for Fallen Kingdom on a global basis, counting $105M. Meanwhile, Disney/Pixar’s Incredibles 2 drew $31.7M on Saturday, +32% over Friday, for a second weekend of $80.9M, per the studio, and a running 10-day tally of $350.2M, which would make it the fourth-best Pixar film of all-time, ahead of 2003’s Finding Nemo ($339.7M), and behind Finding Dory ($486.2M), Toy Story 3 ($415M), and Inside Out ($356.4M). As we mentioned previously, Fallen Kingdom‘s grosses have grown over the weekend, besting the pic’s $135M lower end of tracking. Heading into the weekend, some rivals believed that Incredibles 2 would have a stronger second weekend hold on par with Dory‘s -46%, versus its -56%. That’s arguably because Fallen Kingdom is stealing some of Incredibles 2‘s thunder: PostTrak shows Fallen Kingdom pulling in more of a general audience than Incredibles 2 (69% vs. 56%), and a decent chuck of parents and kids (30% vs. the Pixar pic’s 44%). As mentioned previously, the Fallen Kingdom marketing partners covered more than double the first film, with an estimated $185M in media. Partners included Doritos, Dr. Pepper, M&M’s, Skittles, and Juicy Fruit, and returning partners such as Jeep, Ferrero, Kellogg’s, and Dairy Queen. TV spots will be running well past this weekend, with some 1.3 billion Fallen Kingdom packages on more than 1.5M displays featured around the world. One big stunt: Sending out the biggest Amazon delivery ever. NBC Universal Fallen Kingdom also ranks up in the studio’s books as their largest media campaign ever worldwide, including a first-ever Turner takeover, a first ever week-long prime-time takeover on Discovery; and custom NBA playoff and World Cup spots. On April 14th, Fallen Kingdom took over Round 1 of the NBA Playoffs as the exclusive film sponsor, with a custom piece in every game and pre-game across ABC and ESPN. Universal partnered with ESPN on a spot featuring NBA All-Star and Toronto Raptor Kyle Lowry coming face-to-face with a Jurassic-sized opponent. Comcast NBCUniversal Symphony efforts included the first-ever episode takeover with NBC’s American Ninja Warrior; a custom Xfinity ticketing spot with the pic’s star Bryce Dallas Howard; and a Jurassic World-themed night on Telemundo. Also, Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon devoted a week to the sequel’s tie-in on his show, called Jurassic World: Fallon Kingdom. As part of the Fallen Kingdom push, Universal Studios Hollywood held a 25th Anniversary event of Jurassic Park over three days, with talent and filmmakers, panels, and JW director, producer and scribe Colin Trevorrow. This was complete with a walk-through exhibit featuring costumes and props from the franchise, as well as booths showcasing Jurassic partners – the new virtual reality experience, the AR game Jurassic World Alive, the park-building game Jurassic World Evolution, photo booth opportunities, and Mattel toy displays. As we mentioned back in 1994, Jurassic Park was responsible for $1 billion revenue in consumer ancillary goods. At the end of the summer, the Jurassic Park ride at Universal Studios Hollywood will shutter with a new Jurassic World Ride to open in its place. 20th Century Fox We already mentioned how it’s an anomaly period at the B.O., with two movies opening back-to-back to $100M-plus, the first time ever during a non-holiday period. Overall weekend ticket sales per ComScore amounted to $278.5M, +3% over last weekend’s huge $270.9M and 96% ahead of the same June period a year ago. Annual B.O. to date at $5.9 billion is pacing close to 9% ahead of the same Jan-June 24 frame in 2017. In addition, a number of summer pics shot past various century mark levels: These include Warner Bros/Village Roadshow’s Ocean’s 8 ($100.4M), Disney’s Solo: A Star Wars Story ($202.6M) and 20th Century Fox’s Deadpool 2 ($304.1M) and, of course, Incredibles 2 going over $300M. AMC boss Adam Aron is right: Not just his theater chain, but summer is truly on fire. Studio-reported Sunday AM figures for weekend of June 22-24: thumb rank film dist scrs(chg) fri sat sun 3-day total week 1 JP: Fallen Kingdom Uni 4,475 $59M $50M $41M $150M $150M 1 2 incredibles 2 Dis 4,410 $24M $31.7M $25.2M $80.9M (-56%) $350.2M 2 3 Ocean’s 8 WB/VR 3,656 (-489) $3.4M $4.7M $3.4M $11.65M (-39%) $100.3M 3 4 Tag NL/WB 3,382 $2.4M $3.3M $2.4M $8.2M (-45%) $30.4M 2 5 Deadpool 2 Fox 2,420 (-792) $1.48M $2.17M $1.6M $5.25M (-40%) $304.1M 6 6 Solo Dis 2,338 (-844) $1.1M $1.8M $1M $4M (-60%) $202.1M 5 7 Hereditary A24 2,002 (-996) $1.1M $1.5M $1.1M $3.8M (-44%) $35M 3 8 Superfly Sony 2,220 $955K $1.4M $995K $3.3M (-51%) $15.2M 2 9 Infinity War Dis 1,456 (-708) $691K $1M $730K $2.48M (-54%) $669.4M 9 10 Won’t You…Neighbor? Foc 348 (+252) $605K $730K $515K $1.85M (-57%) $62M 3 3RD UPDATE, Saturday AM: Universal/Amblin’s Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom continues to improve, now looking at a $59M Friday –including last night’s $15.3M previews– and an estimated $145.6M opening at 4,475 theaters ahead of its projections, putting the dinosaur movie on better footing toward a $1 billion worldwide end-game. That’s projecting that the sequel does around a 2.5x multiple for $300M stateside, with $500M from overseas and $200M from China, and the feeling from our sources is that’s quite do-able. Here’s how the top 10 films are looking per industry estimates for the weekend of June 22-24: thumb rank film studio screens (chg) fri 3-day (-%) total wk 1 JP: Fallen Kingdom Uni 4,475 $59M $145.6M $145.6M 1 2 Incredibles 2 Dis 4,410 $24.3M (-66%) $79.4M (-56%) $348.8M 2 3 Ocean’s 8 WB/VR 3,656 (-489) $3.4M (-42%) $11.3M (-41%) $99.9M 3 4 Tag NL/WB 3,382 $2.4M (-55%) $7.9M (-47%) $30M 2 5 Deadpool 2 Fox 2,420 (-792) $1.48M (-37%) $5.1M (-41%)) $304M 6 6 Solo Dis 2,338 (-844) $1.2M (-52%) $4.3M (-57%) $202.4M 5 7 Hereditary A24 2,002 (-996) $1.1M (-50%) $3.4M (-51%) $34.6M 3 8 Superfly Sony 2,220 $957K (-49%) $3.1M (-54%) $15.1M 2 9 Infinity War Dis 1,456 (-708) $703K (-51%) $2.4M (-56%) $669.3M 9 10 Won’t You…Neighbor Foc 348 (+252) $545K (+74%) $1.8M (+80%) $4.1M 3 As an industry we’ve become quite spoiled, and continually expect that sequels to movies which originally opened to $100M-plus (even $200M-plus) should always fare better at the B.O. than the first installment. Many Marvel sequels have set this precedent. And while some rivals like to ding Fallen Kingdom for opening at 30% less than Jurassic World’s $208.8M, we need to step back and realize a few things. First of all, there isn’t some grand universe character-driven mythology in the Jurassic World/Jurassic Park movies ala Marvel and Star Wars.<doc-sep>Superheroes have come to the rescue of the US box office. The year's box office profits are up 6% from this time last year, thanks in part to the record-smashing hits "Avengers: Infinity War," "Black Panther" and "Incredibles 2." Now it's up to a pack of genetically-engineered dinosaurs in "Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom" to keep the summer box office momentum going. The Universal Pictures creature feature is the sequel to 2015's "Jurassic World" -- a film that introduced a new generation of moviegoers to the "Jurassic Park" franchise 14 years after the original trilogy was completed. "Jurassic World" is now the fifth highest-grossing film of all time globally. Analysts are projecting that "Fallen Kingdom" will rake in around $144 million in its opening weekend, following a $58.7 million opening day on Friday. That would add to the $430 million the film has already made internationally since opening overseas earlier this month. If "Fallen Kingdom" brings in more than $141 million this weekend, it will make more than the combined total of the 105 films that were in theaters on the corresponding weekend last year, according to comScore data. "Anytime the box office is up more than 5%, it's a real-world gain and not just the product of inflation," said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at comScore (SCOR). Two films in particular have given 2018 a boost: The profits for "Black Panther" and "Avengers: Infinity War" combined makes up nearly a quarter of the year's totals, according to Dergarabedian. "2018 has been pretty consistent month to month with more hits than misses," he said. January, a historically sluggish box office month, was down less than 1% from the year before thanks to the success of holiday films such as "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle" and "The Greatest Showman," both of which were released in December, but continued to do well in January. The box office held steady in February with the release of "Black Panther." Spring was a mixed bag in terms of ticket sales, but there were two surprise hits with March's "I Can Only Imagine," a Christian drama that has made more than 11 times its reported budget, and April's "A Quiet Place," a near-silent horror film that has made 10 times its reported budget. After a stagnant 2017 summer box office, which was the worst in over a decade, this summer's windfall has given studios a much needed relief. Late April's "Infinity War" broke multiple records before going on to become the first film released outside of December to make $2 billion worldwide. After "Deadpool 2's" strong return, the summer stumbled with "Solo: A Star Wars Story." The box office then rebounded with "Ocean's 8" and Pixar's "Incredibles 2," which had the biggest opening for an animated film ever. Related: "Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom" review For the most part, 2018 has avoided major bombs. Even the two films that were arguably 2018's biggest disappointments, "February's "A Wrinkle In Time" and "Solo," still made more than $100 million each domestically. Both are also from Disney, the studio that also has the two highest-grossing movies of the year. "Fallen Kingdom" looks to keep the yearly box office roaring along until a pair of sequels due next month, "Ant-Man and the Wasp" and "Mission: Impossible - Fallout." After that, a eclectic mix of potential blockbusters such as "Mary Poppins Returns" and Oscar contenders like "A Star Is Born" should highlight the second half of 2018.<doc-sep>	UPDATED, Saturday AM: Now at play in 48 offshore markets, Universal/Amblin Entertainment’s Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is looking at an estimated full weekend opening of $145.9 million after taking $26.8M on Friday. A clear No. 1 in all hubs since it began its rollout June 6, the J.A. Bayona-helmed sequel to the 2015 classic franchise reboot is landing at the high end of the range that our industry sources saw ahead of the bow. The release pattern on this Chris Pratt– and Bryce Dallas Howard-starrer is differently configured than the day-and-date 2015 film, which smashed records when it bowed everywhere three years ago. Given the pent-up demand for that movie, which came 14 years after the previous Jurassic installment, the industry has been cautious about pinning the same tail on these dinos. In like-for-like markets and at today’s exchange rates, Jurassic World opened to $158.6M in 2015. The $145.9M that JWFK is seeing through this weekend is just 8% off that start and is likely to shift some before we get tighter numbers tomorrow. Estimates for the Top 5 markets are Korea at $26.3M, the UK with $18.9M, France with $9.6M, Germany‘s $9M and Taiwan‘s $8.1M. China is still to release on June 15 in a field by itself, and domestic and Latin America head to Isla Nublar on June 22. Currently, JWFK has scored the fifth-biggest international opening weekend of 2018 behind Avengers: Infinity War, Monster Hunt 2, Deadpool 2 and Black Panther (all of those films launched in more than 60 markets in their opening weekends excluding MH2). It will continue to dominate offshore play as the World Cup soccer tournament gets rolling beginning next week. Here are some other stats that T-Rex has been chewing on: With JWFK, Universal had its biggest opening day ever in Hong Kong and Korea. In the latter, JWFK scored the industry’s best opening day of all time on Wednesday (see earlier updates below). The movie had the top June bow ever in Korea, Turkey, Thailand, Vietnam, Iceland and Mongolia. Across the Jurassic franchise, Fallen Kingdom had the best start in 14 markets including those above as well as Estonia, Lithuania, Serbia, Sweden, Ukraine, Indonesia and the Philippines. We’ll have more updates on Sunday. UPDATED, Friday: Adding 23 offshore markets on Thursday, Universal Pictures/Amblin Entertainment’s Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom has upped its international box office to $39.3M in early play. The J.A. Bayona-directed installment was open in 30 total markets through yesterday. Ahead of the start of overseas rollout, industry sources were placing this film’s debut in a $130-$145M range. We now see it handily ticking past $140M. Unsurprisingly given the legacy, JWFK is No. 1 in all releases so far, including the record-breaking start in Korea on Wednesday (see below). That was a holiday, so Thursday’s number was naturally down, but unofficial local reports have it bouncing back up today. The running come through Thursday in Korea is $11.5M. Hong Kong opened with an excellent $739K to score Universal’s biggest opening day of all time. Russia, where they’re getting ready to host a little soccer tournament, bowed with $2.4M, including previews. Ukraine blasted 63% past the previous film with $175K. In keeping with what we see as increased action in the growing South East Asian markets, Thailand opened to $886K and is 19% ahead of 2015’s Jurassic World. The UK, which opens in earnest today, had a second day of previews on Thursday and has now grossed $4.9M. Apart from the UK, India and Taiwan are also launching today. UPDATED, Wednesday writethru: Universal Pictures/Amblin Entertainment’s Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom started offshore rollout in seven overseas markets on Wednesday and served up $20.2M (including previews) in its first dino-stomping steps at the international box office. In total, the J.A. Bayona-directed sequel to 2015’s reboot of the classic franchise will be at play in 48 offshore markets this weekend, one week ahead of the China release, and two before domestic gets its first bite. There was a roaring start in Korea on the Chris Pratt/Bryce Dallas Howard-starrer which opened to a record breaking $9.7M (10.3B won) and over 1M admissions to become the biggest opening day of all time in both admissions and box office. The local Memorial Day bow beats all previous opening day box office records which were previously held by Universal’s own The Mummy (7.4B won) and in terms of admissions by Avengers: Infinity War (980K). Elsewhere, France opened with $1.7M and is No.
Jay Glazer of Fox Sports is reporting that the New York Giants have fined star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. over his comments to ESPN’s Josina Anderson last week. Just reported on Thursday Night Football on @NFLonFOX that the Giants fined Odell Beckham Jr for his comments last week. — Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) October 11, 2018 Those comments, that Beckham wanted his teammates to match his energy and passion, that he wasn't happy with the check down-happy offense, and what some considered an attack at Eli Manning drew sharp criticism over the last few days. Head coach Pat Shurmur said after the game that the matter had been handled internally. He even made a rare showing of emotion to reporters when pressed on the issue in the post-game press conference. We will see if the matter is truly in the past or if there will be any residual impacts.<doc-sep>Odell Beckham Jr. and the New York Giants handled his controversial comments from last Sunday's ESPN interview behind the scenes. According to FOX Sports Insider Jay Glazer, the Giants fined Beckham for his comments. Beckham's comments about Giants quarterback Eli Manning, the offensive play calling and his lack of targets from an ESPN interview he did with Josina Anderson and Lil Wayne last Sunday have since gone viral. Head coach Pat Shurmur made it clear the team has moved past them and they certainly played like a cohesive unit last Sunday in their 33-31 loss to the Carolina Panthers. However, Shurmur also made it clear he was not pleased with what Beckham said and how he went about it. The Giants showed signs of HEART and the offense finally eclipsed 30, but now they look to steal a key divisional win vs. the hated Eagles this Thursday night, don't miss any of the updates, take a second to sign up for our FREE Giants newsletter! Beckham believes that the result of his comments actually helped bring the team closer together. "I don't regret anything. I don't regret anything that I said," Beckham said to Giants reporters after the game. "If it took that for us to come together as a team like we did today, I can take that every single time. I spoke to the team just to kind of relay the message that sometimes stuff comes off the wrong way. Words can be portrayed in any kind of light. The conversation is between us. But the way we responded as a team to what was said, I felt like it would've been too easy after what was said, and after what I said to them, for us to come in here and have heart, energy and all that stuff. Grit, whatever the words you want to use for that, we had it, and we came up short, but I'm proud of this team, and this is the team that we are going to be for the rest of the season. Like I said, if it took that to get us going, I can take that." Beckham is new to this role as a leader on the Giants football team and he is learning on the go. "I'm trying to be a leader, I'm in a position I've never been in, I'm trying to grow, I'm learning on the way, on the fly, but I'm proud of where we went. We gave it our all, we came against adversity, calls here and there, we can never rely on the referees to win the game, but there was calls here and there, and we can never rely on the refs, but there were calls here and there that were questionable, or this and that, but we kept fighting, kept fighting, and kept fighting. That's all I could ask for." Beckham also addressed a report from Glazer that dropped last Sunday and suggested Shurmur was "livid" with him after the ESPN comments were leaked. Earlier, during his post-game presser, Shurmur vehemently denied this report. "I don't think that happened -- it's a report -- I don't think that happened," Beckham said. The Giants will put this behind them and march on.<doc-sep>Odell Beckham Jr.’s mouth got him plenty of attention this past week — and it also cost him some money. The Giants fined him an undisclosed amount, The Post confirmed via an NFL source, for his comments in an ESPN interview that left the coaching staff, the front office and ownership upset with the star receiver. Beckham then had a quiet game in Thursday night’s 34-13 loss to the Eagles catching just six passes for 44 yards. Beckham, seated next to rapper Lil Wayne in the interview that bothered the Giants, made several remarks the Big Blue considered to be not in the best interests of the team. Beckham did not outwardly support Eli Manning, seemed to question coach Pat Shurmur’s offense and would not even say he was happy to be playing for the Giants. After the Giants signed Beckham to a $95 million contract extension, the expectation was Beckham would keep any unrest he felt in-house. LB Olivier Vernon, who missed the Giants’ first five games with a high ankle sprain, played Thursday for the first time this season and went to work in the first half on Eagles left tackle Jason Peters. Peters left in the second half with a biceps injury and Vernon got his first sack of the season in the third quarter. Vernon left the field with cramping early in the fourth quarter, but was able to return. “It felt great to be back, just gotta get my legs back,’’ Vernon said. “Was expecting a win. Didn’t really go our way, but just gotta recover.” Saquon Barkley’s 55-yard catch-and-run in the second quarter put him over 100 total yards for the sixth consecutive game. Barkley joined the Chiefs’ Kareem Hunt as the only players in NFL history with at least 100 total yards in their first six career games. LB Ray-Ray Armstrong was forced out early in the third quarter with a concussion. … WR Cody Latimer (hamstring) also did not finish the game. … CB Antonio Hamilton left the game in the third quarter with an illness. TE Rhett Ellison came out of the loss in Carolina with a foot injury and was listed as questionable. The short week did not help him and he was one of the Giants’ inactives. With Evan Engram missing his third consecutive game, the Giants were down to the last two tight ends on the roster: Scott Simonson and rookie Garrett Dickerson. Offensive lineman Spencer Pulley received snaps as a tackle-eligible. LB Nate Stupar got his first extensive work on defense, playing alongside Alec Ogletree on the inside. The Giants have the weekend off, and Shurmur will take advantage of the break by heading to Nashville to see his son play for Vanderbilt. Kyle Shurmur is a senior quarterback for the Commodores. Vanderbilt (3-3) faces Florida (5-1) Saturday afternoon. This will be the first time Pat Shurmur will see his son play in person since Nov. 25, 2017, when Vanderbilt beat Tennessee 42-24 in Knoxville.<doc-sep>Getty Images Odell Beckham‘s interview last week was a costly one. Beckham, the Giants wide receiver who made controversial comments about his team last week, was fined by the Giants this week, according to Jay Glazer of FOX Sports. In the interview, with Josina Anderson on ESPN, Beckham said “I don’t know” when asked if the Giants have a problem at quarterback with Eli Manning, and said, “That’s a tough question” when asked if he’s happy in New York. The team reportedly was not happy with Beckham, as reports have indicated that coaches, players and the front office have all told Beckham that he should keep any issues with the team in house.‏ The Giants signed Beckham to a huge new contract this year, so he can afford to say what’s on his mind. Even if this time it cost him.<doc-sep>	The Giants were so unhappy with some of the comments made by Odell Beckham during a recent ESPN interview that the team decided to punish him for it. According to Jay Glazer of Fox Sports, Beckham was fined an undisclosed amount by the team. If the Giants are hoping to mend things with their star receiver, that's probably not going to help. Although it's not clear what specific comments Beckham is being fined for, there are definitely two strong candidates. For one, Beckham basically threw Eli Manning under the bus when he was asked if the Giants have an issue at quarterback. "I don't know," Beckham said when asked if Manning is an issue. "Like I said, I feel like he's not going to get out the pocket. He's not -- we know Eli's not running it. But is it a matter of time issue? Can he still throw it, yeah, but it's been pretty safe and it's been, you know ... cool catching shallow [routes] and trying to take it to the house. But I'm, you know, I want to go over the top of somebody." No matter how they feel about their quarterback, most receivers would probably answer this question with a simple "We don't have any issues. I love our quarterback." However, that's not the route Beckham decided to go. Beckham also raised some eyebrows with his answer when he was asked if he was happy in New York. "It's a tough question," Beckham said. "Obviously, I love, I love seeing the sunshine all the time. I love being in L.A. I just like that atmosphere, but this is where I'm at. I remember before games, I used to get that. I used to get butterflies, like good butterflies. I was anxious. And now when I step on the field, it's something completely different. It's not butterflies." In the end, Beckham did say he wants to be in New York, but he didn't sound thrilled about it. "It's like I want to be here, like I've been waiting to get here this whole time," Beckham said. "I feel like a caged animal who gets this -- it's my 60 minutes of playtime. I can play with other people. We can play nice, or we don't have to play nice. But I get to play, and I get to do all this. This is my time to be out of the cage. If somebody's messing with me during my time to be out of the cage, like, it's going to be a problem." The Giants probably felt the need to fine Beckham because he basically blindsided them with the interview. According to Pro Football Talk, Beckham didn't let the team know that he was going to do it. Although Beckham reportedly apologized for his comments on Saturday night, most players in the locker room reportedly weren't even aware of what he was apologizing for since the interview didn't air until Sunday morning.
Dana White apparently has a sweet tooth. Or he was just in a really good mood when he saw a sales pitch by one of his fighter’s daughters. And who could blame him? The UFC boss tweeted out a video he got from Michelle Waterson’s, a UFC strawweight who will take on Karolina Kowalkiewicz on March 30th, daughter in which she laid out an offer to buy some of her Girls Scout Cookies that was just too tough to pass up. White called it: “This is the cutest sales pitch I’ve ever seen in my life!! !” I just wonder which kind he’ll order. You can check out here sales pitch right here: This is the cutest sales pitch I’ve ever seen in my life!!! This is @karatehottiemma’s daughter. I’m going to buy 1000 boxes of Girl Scout cookies!!! pic.twitter.com/rWbuLFwtRw — Dana White (@danawhite) March 20, 2019 Other UFC fighters loved it, too: Ha amazing!! — Frankie Edgar (@FrankieEdgar) March 20, 2019<doc-sep>This is the cutest sales pitch I’ve ever seen in my life!!! This is @karatehottiemma ’s daughter. I’m going to buy 1000 boxes of Girl Scout cookies!!! pic.twitter.com/rWbuLFwtRw Dana White isn’t known for being a cheapskate outside the Octagon. The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) president once dropped a cool $1 million to celebrate his son’s birthday party, and even tipped a lucky waitress $4,000. Now, the Albuquerque, N.M., chapter of the Girl Scouts is jumping for joy after UFC’s super-generous head honcho purchased a whopping 1,000 boxes of cookies from Michelle Waterson’s daughter. And the sales pitch was as adorable as you’d might expect: “Hey Mr. White, I know you are a tough cookie because you are the boss of UFC. I’m a tough cookie, too, because I’m the boss of Girl Scouts. So, from one boss to another, please help me reach my goal of selling 2,000 boxes of cookies. My dad will make it super easy for you. He is going to throw the link to you, click on the link if you want to buy some cookies, and I think you will, they will deliver right to you. So, if you have any problems with your fighters or your business, let me know, my door is always open.” Put me down for a couple boxes of caramel delites, please! White recently inked a new seven-year deal with UFC, which will see him stay with the promotion for the foreseeable future. The extension came on the heels of the blockbuster announcement that ESPN+ will now serve as a one-stop shop for all things UFC in the United States, pay-per-view (PPV) included, which also came with a contract extension. As for Waterson’s daughter, she just set a one-time sales mark that will be hard to top.<doc-sep>UFC president Dana White has been known to leave enormous tips when he visits casinos along the Las Vegas strip. But he’s also a charitable guy when it comes to sweets. After seeing an adorable pitch from UFC strawweight Michelle Waterson’s daughter Araya, White decided to load up on some Girl Scout cookies. Araya, the self-proclaimed “Cookie Boss,” took to Instagram to ask Dana if he would be interested in helping her reach her goal of $2,000, while also offering up her help in case “Mr. White” ever needs some help keeping fighters in line. Check out the adorable pitch and see if you would be able to resist. https://www.instagram.com/p/BvO0ROJH5Th/ Think UFC President @DanaWhite isn't a man of his word? Well when it comes to his promise to buy 1,000 boxes of Girl Scout cookies from @KarateHottieMMA's daughter, he absolutely delivered. The question is: Will he share? 🍪🍪🍪 Full interview: https://t.co/zct3K551LR pic.twitter.com/tYHe1Afgjn — MMA Junkie (@MMAjunkie) March 28, 2019 Dana saw the video, and immediately offered to help out.“This is the cutest sales pitch I’ve ever seen in my life!!! This is [Michelle Waterson]’s daughter,” he wrote on Twitter . “I’m going to buy 1000 boxes of Girl Scout cookies!”Of course, that is easier said than done. But as it turns out, Dana White really did come through with his promise, as confirmed by Michelle Waterson during UFC on ESPN 2 Media Days — because that’s where all of the important questions are answered. Tip of the hat to ole Uncle Dana. And if you have an extra few boxes of Thin Mints to unload shoot me a message. Waterson, who is riding a two-fight winning streak, returns to action on Saturday, March 30 against former title challenger Karolina Kowalkiewicz at UFC on ESPN 2 in Philadelphia.<doc-sep>“This is the cutest sales pitch I’ve ever seen in my life!!! This is @karatehottiemma ’s daughter. I’m going to buy 1000 boxes of Girl Scout cookies!! !,” White said in a tweet earlier this week. When Araya Gomez, the daughter of UFC fighter Michelle Waterson, needed a big sale for her campaign to sell 2,000 boxes of Girl Scout cookies , one of the people she hit up via Twitter was her mom’s boss. And what do you know, her sales pitch worked. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content This is the cutest sales pitch I’ve ever seen in my life!!! This is @karatehottiemma’s daughter. I’m going to buy 1000 boxes of Girl Scout cookies!!! pic.twitter.com/rWbuLFwtRw — Dana White (@danawhite) March 20, 2019 Waterson offered an explanation for the sales job on Instagram, saying “(she) wanted to give her sale one last push so she thought it would be good to reach out to my boss. I would say she is quite the cookie boss. “As a child, there are movements in your life that shape you into who you will become as an adult!” Waterson said in a second post. “It’s important to encourage confidence, and more importantly encourage relationahips! Reaching out, talking, connecting, taking risks, and growing is so important. Thank you @danawhite for helping us teach this lesson to our little munckin! She is over the moon!” The 34-second video by Waterson’s daughter clearly hit the mark with White, a gruff, no-nonsense dude who doesn’t take crap from anyone. “I’m a tough cookie, too, cuz I’m the boss of Girl Scouts,” the precocious youngster, who goes by the handle @karatecutie on Instagram, said in her pitch to UFC “boss” White. “So, from one boss to another, help me reach my goal of selling 2,000 boxes of cookies … they will deliver right to you. If you have any problems with your fighters or your business, let me know. My door is always open.” Waterson, a 33-year-old from Colorado who goes by the nickname The Karate Hottie and once worked as a Hooter’s waitress, has posted a 16-6 record in MMA. She is 4-2 in six UFC fights and has won her last two, decisions over Felice Herrig and Cortney Casey.<doc-sep>	If you’ve got a hankering for a few Girl Scout Cookies, we’ve got a tip on someone who’s about to have a killer stash – UFC President Dana White. File this under fun news. On Wednesday, Michelle Waterson, a.k.a. ‘The Karate Hottie,’ posted a video on her instagram featuring daughter Araya making a sales pitch for girl scout cookies. Directly aimed at none other than UFC President Dana White. The pitch started with Araya addressing White, saying “Hey Mr. White, I know you’re a tough cookie, because you’re the boss of the UFC. I’m a tough cookie too, because I’m the boss of girl scouts. So, from one boss to another, please help me reach my goal of selling 2,000 boxes of cookies!” We’ll have to fact check whether Waterson’s daughter, known as ‘The Karate Cutie,’ (what else), is actually the boss of girl scouts. However, she is apparently the boss of girl scout cookie pitches, because it’s pretty much impossible not to smile at this attempt. She even finished the video off by saying “If you have any problems with your fighters, or your business, let me know — my door is always open.” This kid has a future in the business world. She might even be gunning for Dana White’s job some day. In the meantime, White, a pretty well-known high-roller, went all in on the cookies. He pledged to buy 1000 boxes of girl scout cookies, which is approximately a bazillion calories. But who’s counting. This is the cutest sales pitch I’ve ever seen in my life!!! This is @karatehottiemma’s daughter. I’m going to buy 1000 boxes of Girl Scout cookies!!! pic.twitter.com/rWbuLFwtRw — Dana White (@danawhite) March 20, 2019 No word on whether the next few Fight of the Night bonuses will be accompanied by free cookies.
Getty Images The Chiefs announced the signings of four free agents, including quarterback E.J. Manuel. They also signed receivers Sammie Coates and Davon Grayson and defensive back Dontae Johnson. Manuel, 28, has not played an NFL game since 2017. The Raiders cut him out of the preseason in 2018. A former first-round choice of the Bills, Manuel has appeared in 30 games with 18 starts. He is 6-12 with a 58.1 completion percentage, 3,767 yards, 20 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. He becomes the fourth quarterback under contract, joining Patrick Mahomes, Chad Henne and Chase Litton. Coates is a former third-round pick of the Steelers. He played 12 games with the Texans last season before they cut him Dec. 19. Johnson is a former fourth-round pick of the 49ers. He played one game for the Bills last season after appearing in 63 games with San Francisco over four seasons.<doc-sep>E.J. Manuel is officially a member of the Kansas City Chiefs. The team announced Friday night that they’d signed the former Florida State star quarterback, who has previously played for the Bills and Raiders. (RELATED: Raiders Could Draft A Quarterback And Not Trade Derek Carr) We have signed the following free agents: WR Sammie Coates WR Davon Grayson DB Dontae Johnson QB E.J. Manuel pic.twitter.com/vayDSH1OLA — Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) February 22, 2019 Well, I guess Manuel’s career isn’t over just yet. It’s amazing how much hype he had coming out of FSU, and it didn’t materialize at all in the NFL. He went in the first round of the 2013 draft, and hasn’t done much at all. He’s thrown for a grand total of 20 touchdowns to 16 interceptions since entering the league. Now, he’s a backup for Patrick Mahomes. View this post on Instagram A post shared by EJ Manuel (@ejmanuel3) on Nov 4, 2018 at 2:55am PST As of right now, there’s no doubt that Manuel has been a gigantic bust on every single level. Quarterbacks picked in the first round are expected to produce a lot more than 20 touchdowns over several years. Luckily for him, he’s still made nearly $10 million over the course of his NFL career. It’s just crazy to me how a guy who had so much hype out of college and appeared to have all the necessary skills didn’t do anything at the next level. Manuel was truly a gunslinger for the Seminoles. I suggest he save as much money as he can because his career could be over at any moment at this point. Follow David Hookstead on Twitter<doc-sep>The KC Chiefs made a move on Friday night, bringing in quarterback EJ Manuel. The signing means that Chad Henne winning the backup quarterback job in 2019 isn’t necessarily a given. Chiefs Kingdom used to obsess about the backup quarterback a lot. That all changes when your team has the reigning MVP at quarterback though. Even with a star at quarterback, the Kansas City Chiefs have proven that they’re continuing to invest at the backup spot, already having Chad Henne on their roster and recently signing EJ Manuel to compete against him for a job. Patrick Mahomes is the starter no matter what happens, but if (knock on wood please) something happens and he can’t play, then the Chiefs need a viable backup to be able to come in and win games for them. We didn’t see much of Chad Henne last year. In fact, the ten-year NFL veteran didn’t see the field until week 17 when he completed two passes for 29 yards. Henne is experienced in the league and he’s signed for another season, so many probably assumed he’d be a sure thing to win the backup job in 2019. The Chiefs have signed former Bills QB EJ Manuel. Some competition to back up MVP Mahomes. — Field Yates (@FieldYates) February 22, 2019 Bringing in Manuel isn’t a bad move by any means, but will it lead to anything? That’ll be something we’ll all be keeping our eyes on this spring and summer. Manuel was a first round pick by the Bills in 2013 (the same year in which the Chiefs had the first overall pick and could have taken Manuel had they been desperate enough at quarterback) and spent the first four years of his career there. His time in Buffalo was underwhelming and the organization parted ways with him at the end of his rookie deal. Manuel spent the last two seasons in Oakland and appeared in two games in 2017, throwing for 265 yards, one touchdown, and one pick. That was the last time we saw the former Florida State signal caller in action during the regular season. Chad Henne more than likely will hold onto the backup job for 2019, but EJ Manuel is a former starter and could give him a run for his money. KC also has Chase Litton on their roster, but he was a rookie last season and spent the entire year on the practice squad. It’s doubtful that Litton jumps both Henne and Manuel on the depth chart. While signing a quarterback always makes headlines, EJ Manuel might not ever see the field for the KC Chiefs. Remember a few years ago when the team brought in Terrelle Pryor? We spent time speculating about what it meant for the quarterback position and Pryor was cut not long after. Want your voice heard? Join the KC Kingdom team! Write for us! Henne is the better backup between the two, but Manuel is a cheaper option. Perhaps that comes into play or the Chiefs simply brought him in to have another body for camp this summer. We’ll see how everything plays out in the coming months!<doc-sep>The Kansas City Chiefs announced the signing of four players Friday afternoon, with one of them being former first-round quarterback selection EJ Manuel. Others to sign with the Chiefs include wide receiver Sammie Coates, wide receiver Davon Grayson, and cornerback Dontae Johnson. In Coates, Johnson and Manuel, the Chiefs are bringing in veteran depth at their respective positions, while in Grayson they're bringing back a young prospect who had a brief stay in Kansas City last year. Here's a quick look at each player. * Sammie Coates: Coates (6-1, 210; age: 25) joined the league in 2015 as a third-round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers out of Auburn. A player with good size and deep threat potential, Coates played in 20 games with Pittsburgh, starting five, and totaled 22 catches for 446 yards and two touchdowns. In 2017 the Steelers traded Coates to the Cleveland Browns, for whom he had six catches for 70 yards in 12 games. Coates played with the Texans in 2018 (one catch for 12 yards in 12 games) after being released by the Browns last March. * Davon Grayson: Grayson (6-1, 199; age: 23) was with the Chiefs for a brief time in May of 2018 as an undrafted rookie signing. He played in 36 games in college at East Carolina, totaling 135 catches for 1,767 yards and 13 touchdowns. At the NFL Scouting Combine in 2018, Grayson was timed at 4.51 seconds in the 40-yard dash, put up 19 bench press reps of 225 pounds, and posted a vertical jump of 34.5 inches and a broad jump of 124 inches. * Dontae Johnson: Johnson (6-2, 200; age: 27) joined the NFL in 2014 as a fourth-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL Draft. He played in 63 games with the 49ers and totaled 158 tackles, 21 passes defensed and two interceptions, both of them returned for touchdowns. Johnson started 16 games for the 49ers in 2017 and totaled 77 tackles and seven passes defensed but failed to stick with a team last season. Johnson began the 2018 season on injured reserve (groin) with the Seattle Seahawks, then had brief stints with the Buffalo Bills and Arizona Cardinals later in the year. * EJ Manuel: Manuel (6-4, 237; age: 28) was a first-round draft pick of the Buffalo Bills in 2013 out of Florida State, but his career didn't pan out there and he wound up with the Oakland Raiders in 2017. Manuel has appeared in 30 NFL games, starting 18, and has a career record of 6-12 with 3,767 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions with a completion percentage of 58.1. The Raiders released Manuel early in September of 2018 after trading for AJ McCarron. Coates and Grayson add some depth to a wide receiver corps that at the moment has Tyreek Hill, Sammy Watkins, Marcus Kemp, Demarcus Robinson, Gehrig Dieter, Josh Crockett, and Byron Pringle under contract for the 2019 season. Johnson brings experience to a cornerback group that has Kendall Fuller, Charvarius Ward, Tremon Smith, and D'Montre Wade under contract for 2019, while Manuel will come in as the fourth quarterback behind Patrick Mahomes, Chad Henne, and Chase Litton.<doc-sep>	The Kansas City Chiefs have signed quarterback EJ Manuel, the team announced via a tweet from their official social media account early Friday evening. The team also announced the signing of three other players. We have signed the following free agents: WR Sammie Coates WR Davon Grayson DB Dontae Johnson QB E.J. Manuel pic.twitter.com/vayDSH1OLA — Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) February 22, 2019 Manuel, 28, is a former 16th-overall pick, originally selected by the Buffalo Bills in the 2013 NFL Draft. Manuel spent five years in Buffalo before moving on to the Oakland Raiders for the 2017 and 2018 seasons. Manuel has a 6-12 record over 18 career starts and a 77.1 career passer rating. Sammie Coates is a 25-year-old wide receiver who originally entered the league as a third-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2015 NFL Draft. After two years in Pittsburgh, Coates was traded to the Cleveland Browns, who eventually released him in March of 2018. Coates had just one catch for the Houston Texans in 2018 before his release by them in December. Coates’ best year was in 2016 when he had 21 catches for 435 yards and two touchdowns. Davon Grayson is a wide receiver who played college football at East Carolina. The Chiefs signed Grayson in May of 2018, but he was eventually waived only 12 days later due to injury. Per his NFL.com draft profile, via Lance Zierlein, “Grayson flashed intriguing ball skills and competitiveness on his 2017 tape.” Grayson missed the entire 2016 season with a back issue, but bounced back in 2017 for 59 receptions, 886 yards and six touchdowns. The Chiefs’ signings of Coates and Grayson indicate the team creating some healthy, cheap competition at the wide receiver position this offseason. Chris Conley is due to become an unrestricted free agent, and the Chiefs don’t have much cap space to spare. Dontae Johnson is a 27-year-old, 6-foot-2, 200-pound defensive back who was originally selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Johnson spent 2014-17 with the San Francisco 49ers before bouncing from the Seattle Seahawks to the Buffalo Bills to the Arizona Cardinals in 2018. Getting production out of Johnson looks to be the first project on the docket for Sam Madison, the first-time pro defensive backs coach who will be focusing on the cornerbacks for the Chiefs. Johnson has 145 career tackles (124 solo).
The pastor was saved after he taken to the hospital just in time. (Source: Barcroft TV/ Youtube) The pastor was saved after he taken to the hospital just in time. (Source: Barcroft TV/ Youtube) A snake-handling pastor in America’s Kentucky was attacked by a rattlesnake during a service. The haunting moment was caught on camera and recently was shared in a newly released documentary by the Barcroft TV. Cody Coots, the pastor at the Full Gospel Tabernacle in Jesus’ Name church in Middlesboro — one of America’s only remaining snake-handling churches, was bitten by the irked animal on his face. The daunting footage shows Coots’ shirt splattered in blood as he keeps singing. According to Barcroft, after being bitten he asked,”to be taken to the mountaintop where God will judge whether he lives or dies.” However, friends from his church rushed him to the hospital, as he seemed quite affected by the venom. [Disclaimer: Video contains disturbing contents, viewers discretion is advised] Watch the video here: Snake-handling churches started appearing in the Appalachian Mountains over a hundred years ago, the report added. And it’s just Coots alone, his father who was a pastor too was bitten by a rattlesnake and killed in 2014.<doc-sep>A pastor whose father died within seven minutes of being bitten by a snake has himself had to have emergency treatment after suffering the same injury. Cody Coots asked his congregation to take him to the mountaintop where God would judge whether he lives or dies. However, a defiant follower takes him to hospital instead where doctors told him the snake came close to severing the temporal artery, which would almost certainly kill him. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Cody Coots allowed the snake to bite him in the middle of the sermon (Picture: Barcroft/Ruaridh Connellan) Big Cody, who took him to hospital, said: ‘Most people bit in the face are dead in five, ten minutes. ‘I mean, his own daddy got bit in the hand and within seven minutes was dead. ‘ exclusive Instagrammer accused in £4,000,000 forex 'scam' finally breaks silence His father Jamie Coots died at the age of 42 when he was bitten by a rattlesnake in 2014 at the same Full Gospel Tabernacle in Jesus’ Name church in Middlesboro, Kentucky. The church is inspired by the biblical verse Mark 16:18: ‘They will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them.’ Pastor Cody can be seen with blood all over his shirt before he is rushed to hospital. He’s now started to re-evaluate his life and faith in wake of his brush with death. He ended up having to be carried out of the sermon when he fell ill (Picture: Barcroft/Ruaridh Connellan) Doctors told him that he was lucky to be alive after he was poisoned (Picture: Barcroft/Ruaridh Connellan) Snake-handling churches started appearing in the Appalachian Mountains over a hundred years ago. The death of Cody’s father thrust him into the pastor’s role at the age of just 23 – making him the fourth generation to take up the snake-handling vocation. Capitol riot probe commission blocked from being created by Republicans Cody said: ‘When the Bible says serpents, it means a poisonous snake. When the old man got bit he died within probably 10 minutes, it’s a nasty bite. ‘Every time he’d ever got bitten, I’d never seen him drop a snake. And I’ve seen the snake hit the floor I thought, “We’ll just take him home”. ‘He walked back to the bathroom and the last words he did say to me was, “My face feels like it’s on fire”. ‘I stepped out of the bathroom and then I heard a scream and when I went back there he just went limp. ‘ His father was killed by a snake when he was bitten during a sermon in 2014 (Picture: Barcroft/Ruaridh Connellan) Big Cody, who took him to hospital, said: ‘Most people bit in the face are dead in five, ten minutes.’ (Picture: Barcroft/Ruaridh Connellan) Cody’s father Jamie Coots’ was killed in 2014, 60-year-old David Brock died after being bitten at a Pentecostal Church in Kentucky in 2015, and 44-year-old pastor Mack Randall Wolford died after being bitten by a timber rattlesnake during an outdoor religious service in West Virginia in 2012. Incredibly, Mack Randall Wolford’s father – who was also a snake handling pastor – also died from a snake bite almost 30 years earlier. Amazon mocked for AmaZen mental health 'cry closets' set up on factory floor But Cody and his congregation’s beliefs mean they continue to risk their health – and lives – at their Sunday services. During the services worshippers lay hands on the sick, pray, sing, and listen to sermons led by Pastor Cody, who often picks up snakes from a box and carries one or two of them aloft while he preaches. As the congregation becomes more and more enraptured by the message, they often shout, sing or even speak in tongues, while praising the Lord. Snake-handling churches started appearing in the Appalachian Mountains over a hundred years ag (Picture: Barcroft/Ruaridh Connellan) Cody said: ‘When the Bible says serpents, it means a poisonous snake. When the old man got bit he died within probably 10 minutes, it’s a nasty bite’ (Picture: Barcroft/Ruaridh Connellan) The service reaches its peak when those who feel moved by the Holy Spirit are invited to come up to the front, and handle fire, drink poisons, or hold up the snakes for themselves, while singing and dancing. Around 14 people regularly worship each Sunday, but services can last between 90 minutes and up to five hours, depending on the fervour and intensity of the occasion. Harry takes new swipe at royals saying families feel 'shame' over mental health Cody’s wife Tammy, 25, said: ‘That church is their blood, you know. It started with their family and it’s going down with their family. ‘It is not for me. I wasn’t raised in this religion. I met Cody through my dad and we just clicked. I was just, like, crazy over him. ‘Me and Cody didn’t talk about religion until after we got married and all I said is, “God, what did I get myself into?” In the past six years there have been three recorded deaths in the US from snake bites during religious services (Picture: Barcroft/Ruaridh Connellan) The death of Cody’s father thrust him into the pastor’s role at the age of just 23 (Picture: Barcroft/Ruaridh Connellan) ‘I do worry that Cody is going to leave this world like his dad did. I don’t ever want that to happen to him because I love him. ‘ The church can be seen as repressive towards women, who are not allowed to wear make-up, and must dress in skirts instead of trousers. Armed police swarm in as 'man with weapon' spotted near schools Meanwhile the women are not allowed to preach in church, although they can handle the snakes, hold aloft fire balls, and drink poison if they feel moved to do so during the weekly services, which can sometimes last up to five hours. The first series of My Life Inside: includes films about devil-worshippers in Oklahoma, and teenage girls in Louisiana who go through intricate ceremonies with their fathers in which they pledge to remain virgins until married. My Life Inside: The Snake Church premieres on Barcroft TV, on YouTube, from Friday August 17. Rattlesnake deaths In the US, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that between 7,000 and 8,000 people are bit by venomous snakes each year, and about five of those people die. Rattlesnake bites are generally not fatal as long as they are treated quickly. In the past six years there have been three recorded deaths in the US from snake bites during religious services. Got a story for Metro.co.uk? If you have a story for our news team, email us at [email protected]. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.<doc-sep>	Even if you have found yourself in the hollers of the Appalachian Mountains, you still may not have come across one of America’s snake-handling churches. While it’s estimated that there are about 125 churches that use snakes during their sermons, most are tucked away in rural areas and serve small congregations that have been involved in the churches for generations. The churches use the venomous snakes to show their devotion and trust in God, and are inspired by the biblical verse in Mark 16:17-18, which reads: “And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” These types of churches aren’t usually in the public eye — except when a pastor is bitten. Cody Coots is a fourth-generation snake-handling pastor at the Full Gospel Tabernacle in Jesus’ Name church in Middlesboro, Ky. In a new documentary, “My Life Inside: The Snake Church,” which premiered on Friday on the YouTube channel Barcroft TV, Coots is seen holding a snake during one of his sermons, which generally has 14 parishioners in attendance each week, when the serpent suddenly bites his ear. His father, Jamie Coots, was 42 years old when he was handling a rattlesnake at the church in 2014. He was bitten on the hand and died “within probably 10 minutes,” according to Cody. In the documentary footage, Cody continues to preach as blood rushes out from his ear. He tells his congregation to “keep playing” their music. “I’m not worried at all,” he says. “God’s a healer, I’m not worried.” Cody Coots, the pastor at the Full Gospel Tabernacle in Jesus’ Name church in Middlesboro, Ky., is bitten by a snake as he preaches to his congregation. (Photo: YouTube) Then, Cody begins to choke and asks to be taken to the mountaintop, where he says God will decide whether he lives or dies. Instead, a man named Big Cody carried him out of the church and drove him to the hospital. Doctors told Cody that he could have been “killed,” as the snake was close to severing his temporal artery. He is reportedly reevaluating his life after the incident. Story continues Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.
EMBED >More News Videos ABC13's Stefania Okolie has brief details on the fire at the ExxonMobil plant. BAYTOWN, Texas (KTRK) -- Officials are still investigating the cause behind a fire at the ExxonMobil refinery in Baytown.Emergency teams are responding to the fire Saturday around 1 p.m. at the complex located 5000 Bayway Drive.ExxonMobil confirmed the fire at the facility, but we are unsure of the cause.Since then, the fire at the refinery was contained and no injuries were reported.Pollution control teams say they are continuing to monitor the air in La Porte and Clear Lake.<doc-sep>Juan A. Lozano AP HOUSTON – A large fire at a Houston-area petrochemicals terminal will likely burn for another two days, authorities said Monday, noting that air quality around the facility was testing within normal guidelines. The fire erupted Sunday at Intercontinental Terminals Company in Deer Park, about 15 miles southeast of Houston. Firefighters were working to control the blaze, and the company said the risk of explosion remained “minimal.” ITC has said all employees have been accounted for and no injuries have been reported. A huge plume of smoke could be seen for miles, including from the Galveston Ferry, about 35 miles (55 kilometers) southeast of the blaze. Officials estimated the plume rose 3,000 feet (914 meters) to 4,000 feet (1,219 meters) into the air. The company said the fire spread to seven storage tanks holding components of gasoline and also used in nail polish remover, glues and paint thinner. ITC initially said the fire had spread to eight tanks, but company official David Wascome scaled back the number Monday, saying one of the tanks was empty. Monday afternoon, ITC spokeswoman Alice Richardson said fire crews had made progress battling the blaze as three of the tanks were now only intermittently on fire. A report done by the Center for Toxicology and Environmental Health, a local environmental consultant hired by ITC, shows the air quality around the facility was below levels that would represent a health concern, Richardson said. Data for the company’s report was collected from multiple locations in Deer Park and in surrounding communities from Sunday through Monday morning. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said Monday the county is monitoring air quality and reviewing data from the state. “The latest information available doesn’t show levels beyond a threshold that would make this dangerous,” she said. Hidalgo, the highest elected official in the county, said if conditions change, residents would be alerted about any potential health hazards. A shelter-in-place order was issued Sunday for Deer Park, which has about 34,000 residents. The order was lifted early Monday after air-quality tests showed no unsafe levels of chemicals, according to the city. But city and county officials warned that smoke from the fire could cause skin and eye irritation, and respiratory issues. Schools in the area were closed Monday as a precaution. Deer Park and the school district in neighboring La Porte planned to resume classes on Tuesday. Fire crews used foam to protect storage tanks that have not caught on fire “We are controlling the fire and keeping it off the rest of the tanks,” said Ray Russell with Channel Industries Mutual Aid, an organization that coordinates rescue and emergency capabilities of the local petrochemical industry. Russell estimated the fire would burn for another two days. He said firefighters were now in a defensive mode. Harris County Fire Marshal Laurie Christensen said investigators from her office are on the scene of the fire and are still determining a cause of the blaze. The fire was the second in as many days at a Houston-area petrochemical facility. A fire at an ExxonMobil plant in nearby Baytown that broke out Saturday has been contained. John Mone, AP writer in La Porte, contributed to this report.<doc-sep>	UPDATE: Eight tanks now on fire at Deer Park plant A fire that broke out Saturday afternoon at Exxon Mobil's Baytown refinery has been contained by emergency officials. No injuries were reported, according to a statement from company spokesperson Sarah Nordin. The company was monitoring air quality but said they did not yet see evidence of "adverse impact." The blaze broke out around 12:30 p.m., affecting a unit that the company said processes motor gasoline. It sent a thick cloud of dark smoke into the sky, captured in videos posted to social media. Exxon and La Porte Office of Emergency Management officials both said that there was no need to find shelter-in-place locations. BREAKING NEWS UPDATES: Get your Houston breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox "Pollution Control is still monitoring the air south of the plant around La Porte and Clear Lake with no reading at this time," Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said. The smoke had spread across much of the Houston skyline and could be seen from miles away. By 4 p.m., it was no longer visible at the site. Exxon Mobil in its statement said the cause of the fire would be investigated. "We deeply regret any disruption or inconvenience that this incident may have caused the community," the statement said. Other safety issues have surfaced at the plant at 5000 Bayway Drive in Baytown. In 2016, a pipeline leak of a highly flammable chemical outside the plant prompted evacuations. It came two months after a shelter-in-place was called due to another release. NEWS WHEN YOU NEED IT: Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message \| Sign up for breaking news alerts delivered to your email here.
By Matthew Geagan, CBS Boston BOSTON (CBS) — Lane Johnson says he’s over the “disrespect” the Patriots showed the Eagles leading up to Super Bowl LII. But that doesn’t mean he’s done talking about it. If there’s one thing the Philadelphia offensive lineman loves to do, it’s talk about the Patriots. With the Eagles set to take on the Pats Thursday night in preseason game No. 2, Johnson is once again yapping about the team they beat for the city’s first Super Bowl. His main beef is that he believes Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick dismissed and talked trash to Eagles owner Jeffrey Luria and head coach Doug Pederson ahead of February’s big game. In the months following that Super Bowl win, Johnson has called the Patriots a “fear-based organization” and criticized their players for acting like robots, though he has a much more colorful description. “I just felt like we weren’t even given a chance going into the game. I felt like we were disrespected, and we were by them,” Johnson said Tuesday, courtesy of ESPN. “I made plenty of comments about why I said what I said. It’s not like I was coming out of the blue just to talk. It’s because I felt like I’ve been disrespected and the team’s been disrespected. It’s not like I’m coming out here running my mouth because I want to. No other teams really came out and ran their mouth. “People can discredit it all they want. I think it’s why I get so much recognition is because a lot of it is true and they don’t want to accept it. At the end of the day, man, I’m over it,” Johnson said. “… It’s a totally different year.” For someone who is over it, he certainly likes to keep bringing it up. And thanks to this endless stream of Patriots bashing, Johnson is ready for a hostile environment when he takes the field at Gillette Stadium Thursday night. “Oh yeah. I hope so. I hope they raise hell,” Johnson said of Patriots fans. “They can cuss me, they can say whatever they want. At the end of the day, I’m not blocking them, I’m blocking guys on the edge, so it really doesn’t matter what they say. “I know that I’m not going to be well-liked, this team is not going to be well-liked going there, so it’s going to basically bring out our best,” he added. Hey, whatever it takes to get fired up for a preseason game.<doc-sep>AP The Eagles play at New England on Thursday night, and Philadelphia offensive lineman Lane Johnson is hoping for a rude welcome. Johnson, who ripped the Patriots this offseason after the Eagles beat them in the Super Bowl, said he’ll love it if Patriots fans get on his case at Gillette Stadium. “Oh yeah. I hope so. I hope they raise hell,” Johnson said. “They can cuss me, they can say whatever they want. At the end of the day, I’m not blocking them, I’m blocking guys on the edge, so it really doesn’t matter what they say. I know that I’m not going to be well-liked, this team is not going to be well-liked going there, so it’s going to basically bring out our best.” Johnson said in February that he was looking forward to spending the offseason reading all the hate mail that was pouring in from New England. On Thursday night the folks in New England can tell Johnson how much they hate him in person.<doc-sep>AP Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson has thrown salt into the Patriots’ Super Bowl wound since the offseason began, repeatedly criticizing the Patriot Way and Bill Belichick. Johnson apparently isn’t approaching Thursday’s game at Gillette Stadium as a meaningless preseason game. “I’m ready,” Johnson told KYW Newsradio, via Ryan Hannable of WEEI. “I’ve been waiting on this ever since the Super Bowl was over with. It’s time.” Belichick was asked about Johnson’s repeated shots at what the Eagles player has called a “fear-based organization.” Of course, the Patriots coach had little to say. “We’re focused on what we’re doing,” Belichick said. “We need to have a good practice today and try to improve our team today. That’s what we’re going to do.” For months this offseason, Johnson took shots at the Patriots.<doc-sep>It’s clear that Philadelphia Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson is not a fan of the New England Patriots. Aside from celebrating his team’s Super Bowl all throughout the offseason, Johnson has also spent time publicly expressing his hatred for the Patriots, particularly for New England’s perceived arrogance. Despite Johnson’s loathing for the Pats getting quite the media mileage, New England head coach Bill Belichick barely had anything to say when asked about it, via Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk. “We’re focused on what we’re doing,” Belichick said. “We need to have a good practice today and try to improve our team today. That’s what we’re going to do.” If you think you have heard this response from Bill Belichick before, it’s because it’s almost the same exact words he uttered a few months ago when reporters tried to get a quote from him with regards to Johnson’s shots. True to his unwavering commitment to a system, Belichick does seem to also follow the same narrative when trying to shield himself from tireless reporters who continue to shoot their shots in inducing quotes from him. This has been Belichick’s way for decades, and it’s unlikely to change anytime soon. Belichick has always made his disinterest to talk about topics which are inconsequential to the goal of his team clear, and Johnson’s comments seem to be one for the multi-titled mentor. Nevertheless, the Patriots’ showdown with the Eagles in Foxboro this coming Thursday will be as much of a must-watch preseason game as there is.<doc-sep>	Chris Szagola/Associated Press Philadelphia Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson isn't afraid of the hostile New England Patriots fans he will surely face in Thursday's preseason rematch of Super Bowl LII. "Oh yeah. I hope so. I hope they raise hell," Johnson said Tuesday when discussing the reaction he expects, per Tim McManus of ESPN.com. "They can cuss me; they can say whatever they want. At the end of the day, I'm not blocking them; I'm blocking guys on the edge, so it really doesn't matter what they say." He continued, saying: "I know that I'm not going to be well-liked, this team is not going to be well-liked going there, so it's going to basically bring out our best." McManus noted Johnson has not shied away from criticizing the Patriots in the past and suggested they are a "fear-based organization" with players who "act like f--king robots." The right tackle defended his previous comments and said they received so much attention because they were coming from a place of truth. "People can discredit it all they want. I think it's why I get so much recognition is because a lot of it is true, and they don't want to accept it. At the end of the day, man, I'm over it," Johnson said. "We are who we were last year. It's a totally different year." Johnson often lets his play do the talking, though, and was a 2017 Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro member and a primary reason the Eagles offensive live helped the team win the title. Video Play Button Videos you might like While he will draw attention during Thursday's preseason game given his past comments, NFL fans may get the opportunity to see him talk about New England at another Super Bowl media day if Las Vegas is to be believed. OddsShark had the Patriots and Eagles as the two favorites to win the championship in the 2018 season, meaning a rematch could be in store. Tom Brady reaching his fourth Super Bowl in five years and Carson Wentz bouncing back from last season's injury to play for the Lombardi Trophy would draw plenty of headlines, but Johnson would figure to be right in the middle of things again with a rematch. He already is for Thursday’s preseason contest.
Can a single, four-centimetre piece of connective tissue change the shape of the AFL as we know it? Most certainly, in the case of Nic Naitanui’s second ACL tear. The West Coast Eagles last night confirmed what we all knew but pretended wasn’t true: Nic Naitanui has suffered a second torn ACL in the space of 24 months. This time, sadly for all concerned, it is in his “good” – as it is ominously described by many in the Western Australian football media – right knee. The previous ACL tear was in his left knee. That’s the injury that saw Naitanui spend 19 months on the sidelines, building strength, suffering a set back, and working to regain the playing condition he spent almost a decade building towards. The workout videos were cool, but Nic Nat would’ve rather been playing. Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Reddit Email Share Now, after 15 games, we are once again set to be without one of the game’s brightest stars – a superlative I do not dish out lightly – for an extended period of time. The implications are numerous, and significant. For Nic Naitanui, and his prime years Nic Naitanui was 26 years, 108 days old when he first injured his knee in 2016. He is now 28 years and 72 days old, facing the prospect of another season or most lost to injury should he and the Eagles go down the path of a traditional knee reconstruction as they did last time out. If we assume Naitanui’s rehabilitation takes as long as it did last time around (583 days), he will be back playing for West Coast in Round 1 2020. At that time, Naitanui will be 76 days away from his 30th birthday. There’s no one definition of a player’s ‘prime age’, but the rule of thumb is 25 to 29. If things go as laid out above, Naitanui will have spent more time rehabilitating than playing during the prime years of his career. No matter which way you cut it, that’s a football tragedy (to the extent football things can be labelled as such). Naitanui’s playing style has been a unique – unprecedented in modern times at least – blend of size, agility and athleticism. At age 30, with two ACL surgeries in his rear view, one can only question whether the agility can remain part of his skill set. This will almost assuredly result in a ‘new’ Nic Nat. Advertisement Advertisement However we shouldn’t necessarily be scared at that prognosis. Naitanui’s size is a comparative advantage, but so is his tap work. At his best Naitanui is the best tap ruckman in the competition, deftly placing the ball in the belly of his Eagles teammate s with striking regularity. Without the freakish agility, we may just see a refined form of Nic Naitanui, like a whisky that’s been maturing in an oak barrel. For West Coast’s 2018 season West Coast will survive Naitanui’s absence. For all of his excellent play, the hulking ruckman had been on the field for 1,026 minutes in 2018, the equivalent of just over eight full games of football. In that time Naitanui took 695 ruck contests, the 13th most in the competition and only 60 more than his teammate Scott Lycett (per AFL Stats Pro). Those ruck contests were generally very good for West Coast. Naitanui was second to Aaron Sandilands for hit out win percentage, and delivered the ball to his team’s advantage 29 per cent of the time – 11th for ruckmen with at least 600 ruck contests on the season. Naitanui is also currently second sixth for total clearances among ruckmen, but is the only player to be inside the top ten for both centre and stoppage clearances. In my 2018 preseason preview mega column, I was salivating at the prospect of Naitanui being allowed to go to work without a third man up getting in his way. He certainly delivered the goods. Champion Data’s AFL Player Rating system had Naitanui as the seventh best player in the competition through Round 16, despite his relatively low utilisation. He was putting together a stellar season, albeit among a crowded field of both Eagles and ruckmen. West Coast will survive without Naitanui for the rest of 2018. Coach Adam Simpson has built a scheme that prioritises ball movement and control, rather than relies on midfield domination or power in stoppage situations. Naitanui is an outstanding player, and one of the most impactful in the league. But to my eye he was not the difference between West Coast winning or losing on a regular basis. Advertisement Advertisement However, it is clear he is capable of producing incredible bursts of influence in short periods of time, be it through his ruckwork, his defensive prowling around the centre of the ground, or with a high mark on the wing. Naitanui is a great ruckman, but he’s also the sort of spark one may need to light a fire in a dark, dreary tunnel. Survive? Yes. West Coast will play September football in 2018. Prosper? That’s more of an open question. For West Coast’s list management This is where Naitanui’s injury could get complex, and quickly, for the Eagles. And it’s not even about Naitanui himself. West Coast has three young restricted free agents to manage in the 2018 off season: Andrew Gaff, Jeremy McGovern and Scott Lycett. Naitanui’s knee affects them all. It affects Lycett more so than the others, at least directly. There has been some talk around the place that Lycett might like to take on the number one ruckman mantle, a title under normal circumstances he is almost never going to hold so long as Naitanui is at the club. Well, never just became now. With Naitanui down, Lycett is the man. But what happens at the end of this season, when Lycett and his management sit down to listen to the offers of half a dozen teams across the league who might like to entertain the notion of the 26-year-old as their number one ruckman? Suddenly, West Coast becomes a more attractive option, at least in the short term.<doc-sep>West Coast coach Adam Simpson says Nic Naitanui will be granted time away from the club as he comes to grips with the prospect of another year on the sidelines. The Eagles confirmed on Monday night that Naitanui would have a traditional knee reconstruction after scans confirmed he had torn the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during their win over Collingwood at the MCG on Sunday. Simpson said he would allow the dust to settle before sitting down privately with Naitanui. “The one thing we do have on our side now is time,” Simpson told SEN. “He’ll probably need to get away from the club now for a little while. “It’s hard to get some space for Nic, as you can imagine, so that’s probably the next goal for us is to try and get him some space to wind down a little bit.” Naitanui missed the 2016 finals series and all of last year while recovering from major knee surgery after rupturing the ACL in his left knee almost two years ago. The 28-year-old faces a big challenge to return to action before the end of next season, when he comes out of contract. But Simpson said he did not fear Naitanui’s best football was behind him. “Not really. That was the fear last time and he was looking all right this year,” he said. Camera Icon Nic Naitanui in the rooms after his injury. Credit: Seven News “It’s the other knee. He’ll go through the process and we’ll see what we get at the end of it. “He might have to change a few things, but he’ll give himself every chance and that’s all we can ask for.” Simpson backed Naitanui to cope with the strain of the setback. “He’s pretty resilient,” Simpson said. “He’s so giving and kind, nothing’s too much trouble. He’s a great ambassador for the AFL. “The initial process he’s got to go through is going to be tough, but once he gets back to rehab and getting around the club and trying to involve himself with the players … the fact he’s gone through it before, he might be able to take some heart from.” Simpson now has to decide whether to continue playing two ruckmen in his team or move to the more common tactic of playing one, with a part-timer in support. The Eagles used Nathan Vardy as the lead ruckman last season when Naitanui and Scott Lycett were injured. “The decision we need to make now is whether we play two rucks with Vardy playing quite well at reserve level or do we, dare I say it, go down the more traditional path where it’s one ruck who rucks a bit longer,” Simpson said.<doc-sep>West Coast Eagles star Nic Naitanui says his “heart hurts” but has vowed to prevail through adversity as he begins the long road back from a second serious knee injury. Naitanui will require a reconstruction on his right knee following an awkward landing against Collingwood, less than two years after an injury to his left knee that needed the same procedure. The 28-year-old was 15 games into his return from the initial injury when he crashed to the turf on Sunday. Naitanui took to Instagram this morning to release his first words since learning he had ruptured his ACL, posting a picture of his late mother Atetha, accompanied by music. “Times like this I wish I had your shoulder to cry on all day or a massive hug to say it’ll all be OK,” Naitanui wrote. “Time to suck it up n soldier on. “My heart hurts right now but if you know me there’s some poor soul confronting tougher trials and tribulations in the world. “God gives His hardest battles, to His strongest soldiers #watchmeprevail.” The post had racked up more than 6000 likes inside its first hour as kind messages and well wishes flooded in. It comes as some of the league’s ruck greats backed Naitanui to return to top form following the second procedure, which will result in at least 12 months on the sidelines. West Coast’s players and coaching staff have rallied around the talismanic ruckman in the wake of the setback, saying Naitanui would be hard to replace on the field. “He’s a spiritual leader for us out there,” Eagles midfielder Luke Shuey said yesterday. “He can get 21 guys going off just one act. That’s a pretty special trait to have. “His first season back from his ACL... he’s been huge for us this year.”<doc-sep>A VISIBLY distraught Adam Simpson has shown his vulnerability, after receiving news that ruckman Nic Naitanui may have seriously injured his right knee. Naitanui ended the match on crutches, with Scott Lycett carrying the ruck load in the second half, as the Eagles steamrolled the Magpies by 35 points at the MCG. “I’m not very good at this stuff, dealing with it,” Simpson said on Fox Footy. “But I think you’ve got to show your emotion at footy clubs. That’s what we’re all about. We’re here to support him and support the players around him.” While the extent of Naitanui’s injury is still unknown, Simpson cut a dejected figure, which could suggest a season-ending injury for the star ruckman. “We don’t know yet, but it doesn’t look great,” Simpson said. “We’ve got our fingers crossed for him. It’s just unfortunate. It’s put a bit of a dampener on the environment. “I’m really proud of the players today to get it done, after a bit of a shaky start and then respond the way they did. I’m just really proud.” While Simpson was on the verge of tears, the man most affected was reportedly in good spirits. “He’s such a loving person,” Simpson said. “No one says a bad word about Nic Nat. He’s resilient. He’ll be OK. “It’s a bitter pill to swallow at the moment.” Naitanui underwent a full reconstruction on his left knee at the end of 2016 that kept him sidelined for the entire 2017 season. While he hasn’t played massive minutes in 2018, Naitanui’s return has coincided with the Eagles resurgence. Four-time premiership player Jordan Lewis suggested that while the Eagles had the luxury of a second ruckman in Scott Lycett, Naitanui’s injury could have massive ramifications for the Eagles’ season. “The ability of their midfielders to adapt their mindset, they would have been more aggressive when Nic Naitanui was in the side,” Lewis said. “When Nic Nat is out of the side they need to be a little bit more defensive than they’d usually be.” Nic Naitanui suffered his injury in the second quarter. Photo: AAP Image/Julian Smith Source: AAP Naitanui’s injury was sustained in a rather innocuous incident, with the big ruckman limping after a ruck contest. Dual North Melbourne premiership player David King was blunt when assessing Naitanui’s injury, suggesting it could put a massive dint in the Eagles’ premiership aspirations. “This is their most influential player,” King said. “He’s a human wrecking ball this guy. He changes the course of games. “It’s a significant loss for them. They’ve tried to manage him throughout the season. “I just think this is a disaster for the West Coast Eagles if it is to be a long-term injury.”<doc-sep>	FOOTBALL can be cruel. So less than 24 hours after Nic Naitanui succumbed to a knee injury, the question is already being asked: Can the Eagles win the flag without their star ruckman? The one soldier in, one soldier out theory certainly doesn’t cut it when it comes to Naitanui. Indeed, according to dual North Melbourne premiership player David King, the ruckman is one of the most influential and inimitable players in the competition. “We know what the loss of Nic Nat does, we saw this last year and the numbers fall away dramatically,” King said on Fox Footy. “They go from first in hit-outs to 15th, they go from third in scores from clearances to bottom three or four. Last year they were second last for clearance differential. “He has the biggest impact that one man can have on any team, there is no doubt about that. “He’s not about numbers, he’s not about disposals, he’s about influence. “He plays 60 per cent game time and he has more influence in that 60 per cent of game time than any other player. This is not just one player, this is someone that disarms a football team.” Nic Naitanui on crutches. Photo: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia As King flagged, Naitanui missed all of 2017 as he recovered from a ruptured ACL sustained late in 2016. His return in 2018 has been nothing short of magnanimous, with the Eagles’ midfield the biggest beneficiary. Naitanui is aggressive and the Eagles’ on-ballers can be equally as proactive when their man is at the coalface. While West Coast had flagged a potential rest for Naitanui towards the end of the year, King suggested the club had managed the 28-year-old any better. “The risk mitigation of playing him in short bursts, he had six or seven-minutes bursts right throughout the first 15, 16 rounds of the season,” King said. “It’s a disaster (but) they couldn’t have done anything in any way shape or form better than what they did. “I feel for the West Coast Eagles and the coaching staff and their strength and conditioning crew, because this has just been one of those things.” Coach Adam Simpson was close to tears as he discussed Naitanui’s potential season-ending injury. While the club was careful not to talk about the specifics of the injury, Simpson’s demeanour left many thinking Naitanui may have ruptured his right ACL. “We don’t know yet, but it doesn’t look great,” Simpson said. “We’ve got our fingers crossed for him. It’s just unfortunate. It’s put a bit of a dampener on the environment. “I’m really proud of the players today to get it done, after a bit of a shaky start and then respond the way they did. I’m just really proud.” The one factor working in the Eagles’ favour is that Simpson has taken two recognised ruckmen into every game this season. Scott Lycett has played 16 matches, averaging 18.6 hit-outs and 12.9 disposals per match. While there’s no doubting the 25-year-old will need to play above himself in order to carry the ruck load, he’s AFL conditioned. And against Collingwood in the second half, Lycett more than held his own against Brodie Grundy. And Melbourne champion Garry Lyon said that was significant. “The saving grace is that Lycett has had game time and has played for most of the year, so it’s not like he’s coming in cold from WAFL Footy,” Lyon said. “But I think Nic exerts so much influence. It makes (winning the flag) really hard. “But against quality opposition, he was off at halftime, they put Collingwood to the sword in the second half so that gives them belief. You can’t rule it out definitively.”
Kaley Cuoco spent the last day of June doing the best thing possible — getting married! The "Big Bang Theory" star and professional equestrian Karl Cook exchanged vows on Saturday. The wedding took place at a horse stable near San Diego, California, PEOPLE reports. Cuoco shared a few photos from her big day, captioning one, "Legally KCSQUARED 6-30-18 ❤." A few videos of the couple reading their vows made their way onto social media and the two definitely didn't stick to tradition. And when it came time to party, Cuoco let loose on the dance floor with pal Brad Goreski as the two performed some type of organized dance. Cuoco and Cook got engaged on her birthday last year after two years of dating.<doc-sep>As Kaley Cuoco writes on Instagram, the actress is "legally KCSQUARED." In other words, she and Karl Cook are officially married. The "Big Bang Theory" star and her equestrian husband tied the knot on Saturday, seven months after their engagement. The two horse lovers (Cuoco is a rider and jumper, too) had been dating for almost two years before Cook popped the question on Cuoco's 32nd birthday. The actress wore a custom Reem Acra lace beaded gown and matching cape by Reem Acra with her hair in a loose bun for the nuptials, then changed in to a ponytail and showed off a Tadashi Shoji lace jumpsuit at the reception. "Ok let’s party!!!" she wrote on Instagram. Cuoco was previously married to tennis player Ryan Sweeting. They wed on New Year's Eve 2013 and split 21 months later. “I honestly thought I wouldn’t get married again. My ex ruined that word for me," Cuoco said in an April interview with "Cosmopolitan." "I knew how much I had to give and how much I wanted to receive (after my first marriage). I knew I just had to be patient. … I had to go through a lot of things, but it brought me to Karl.” On Sunday, Cuoco shared a photo of herself and her new husband in matching denim jackets that said, "KC squared... Together Forever." Johnny Galecki, Cuoco's on-screen spouse and one-time offscreen boyfriend, posted a sweet photo of the two of them at the wedding reception, writing, "I couldn't be happier for my fake wife." Congratulations to the couple!<doc-sep>Big Bang Theory star Kaley Cuoco married professional equestrian Karl Cook on Saturday. The pair have been dating since 2016. Cuoco announced the news via her social media late Saturday night. The pair was married in a barn wedding surrounded by family and friends, People reports. Cuoco fan accounts posted videos of the reception, showing the pair's intimate, self-written vows. Cook can be heard detailing his willingness to take care of any stray bugs in their home, and Cuoco speaks of the lack of words she has for how much she loves Cook. In an interview with People, Cuoco described the unique connection she and Cook have. "He lets me wake up in the morning and say, 'I want to go and rescue rabbits.' And he's like, 'All right, let's get a coffee and let's go.' And that is him," she said. "We are the same, our views are the same, our morals are the same, he is my perfect match." Cuoco wore a lace wedding dress and cape for the ceremony and changed into a lace pantsuit for the reception. The couple were engaged in November 2017, they shared with fans via Instagram. In a video, a tearful Cuoco shows off her ring before Cook explains she had yet to say "yes" to his proposal. Cuoco is most known for her role as Penny Hofstadter on The Big Bang Theory, a girly-girl among a group of scientist friends. The show has been on for 11 seasons. She's the second highest paid actress, only behind Sofia Vergara, and has started her own production company, Yes, Norman Productions. Cuoco was married to professional tennis player Ryan Sweeting from 2013 to 2016. She told Cosmopolitan she didn't expect another marriage after her disheartening divorce. "My ex ruined that word for me," she said. "I married someone the first time who completely changed. The person I ended up with was not the person I originally met. And that wasn't my fault—that was his." When Cook met Cuoco, the pair immediately bonded over their mutual passion of horses, he told US Weekly. "We met at Thermal in 2016 and the day we met, I actually ended up asking her out to dinner," he said. "We met each other because of horses. Horses are a big part of our lives individually and together it's amplified because it's something we share and we can do it together."<doc-sep>	Yesterday was a pretty big day for Kaley Cuoco. The Big Bang Theory star officially tied the knot with her fiancé, equestrian Karl Cook, in San Diego. Cuoco herself confirmed the news on Instagram with two stunning snaps. "Legally KCSQUARED 6-30-18 ," she captioned the first one, which shows Cuoco in her wedding dress and kissing Cook, flower petals scattered on the floor. Cuoco wore a Reem Acra dress for the occasion and her hair done in a gorgeous low bun. (Taking cues from Meghan Markle, perhaps?) "Ok let’s party!!! #kcsquared," Cuoco wrote for her second picture, which shows her grinning ear to ear as Cook makes a kissy face. In this pic, Cuoco's changed into a Tadashi Shoji jumpsuit and switched her hair over to a chic high ponytail, presumably for the reception. Check out both photos for yourself, below: Cuoco and Cook got engaged on November 30, Cuoco's 32nd birthday. Cook posted a video of Cuoco crying happy tears shortly after he popped the question. "Who knew my prior post was oracular. Well after nearly two years I finally got up the courage to ask her to marry me. This is the best night of my life and I think the video shows it is the best night for kaley as well.....if she said yes," he captioned it. Cuoco shortly posted the same video, captioning it, "Still crying 💍 every part of this night has been perfection just like you @mrtankcook I love you forever!" Cook revealed to Sidelines magazine last year the story of how he and Cuoco met. "We met at Thermal in 2016 and the day we met I actually ended up asking her out to dinner. We went to dinner that night and we’ve been together ever since,” he said, according to Us Weekly. “We met each other because of horses. Horses are a big part of our lives individually and together it’s amplified because it’s something we share and we can do it together.” Congrats, you two! Related Stories: Kaley Cuoco Got Engaged to Boyfriend Karl Cook on Her Birthday—See Her Beautiful Ring Kaley Cuoco Just Got Silvery, Ice-Cream-Inspired Hair How Kaley Cuoco Bypassed the Awkward Stages in Growing Out Her Hair
The things a man will do for his granddaughter. Reports surfaced earlier this week that Prince Philip, 97, likely would not be well enough to attend the wedding ceremony of Princess Eugenie on Friday. But come the big day, the Duke of Edinburgh was all smiles as he donned a dapper suit and joined his wife, Queen Elizabeth, at St. George's Chapel. The near-centenarian underwent a hip replacement surgery in April of this year, leading many to assume he wouldn't be able to show up for Prince Harry and Meghan's wedding. And yet in mid-May, there he was. Just days before the ceremony a royal insider told People that the decision hadn't yet been made, but it would be quite unexpected if Philip ultimately chose to attend. "He does what he wants," the source told the outlet. "He made a supreme effort for Harry. I would be very surprised if he did go, because he is so estranged from Fergie. I think he will decide at the 99th hour." Philip's attendance is also notable given mom of the bride Sarah Ferguson's controversial history with the royal family. But it certainly appears that today, bygones are bygones. See Prince Philip and the Queen arriving at Prince Harry's wedding:<doc-sep>Despite the speculation and rumours around whether or not Prince Philip would attend the royal wedding of Princess Eugenie, the 97-year-old was there sitting next to the Queen and directly behind Eugenie’s mother Sarah Ferguson. Fergie and the Duke of Edinburgh are believed to have had a long-standing feud, dating back to 1992, according to reports, and many speculated he would chose not to attend the wedding because of it. She and Andrew may have remained on good terms after their divorce in 1996 – and even continue to live together – but her relationships with other members of the royal family are said to be fraught. Fergie sits in front of Prince Philip at Eugenie’s wedding. Photo: Getty It was unclear if Prince Philip would attend the wedding. Photo: Getty However it appeared she had been welcomed back into the fold of the royal family as she sat pride of place between Princess Beatrice and Prince Andrew in the front row of St George’s Chapel. Prince Philip’s presence and acknowledgement of Fergie, despite the fact that it would have been easy for him to plead illness and skip the wedding, was a huge step according to a behaviour expert. Judi James, who specialises in social behaviour, said Prince Philip showed a warm welcome to his former daughter-in-law, approaching her with a smile, The Express reports. Beatrice was by Fergie’s side for support all day. Photo: Getty Although the Duchess’s older daughter, Princess Beatrice, may have tried to distract her mother when Prince Philip arrived. “She made very strong eye contact with her mother and kept her chatting as Philip arrived, almost as if to say ‘don’t look round now’,” Judi told the Press Association. “It was almost like the sort of behaviour you see at the party when somebody you don’t want to see walks in. She got quite the look from Philip. “He smiled at her at least twice, almost as if he had planned to greet her warmly.” Others however said there was still a a clear tension between the two. Prince Philip attended the wedding of Princess Eugenie. Photo: Getty Royal expert Duncan Larcombe, who spent over a decade working as the royal editor at The Sun, admitted that Philip turning up at the wedding as a “big deal”. Duncan confirmed that this is the closest proximity we’ve seen the pair in years Story continues “There was an issue over whether he was going to turn up. He did turn up, and he sat behind her,” he told Kate Thornton during episode nine of Yahoo UK’s The Royal Box. “But, from what I watched, I didn’t see any eye contact between the two of them or anything at all.” According to insider reports, Prince Philip, 97, was only going to make a last minute decision about whether to attend his granddaughter’s wedding to wine merchant Jack Brooksbank. Prince Philip is said to be on the fence about attending his granddaughter, Princess Eugenie’s wedding to Jack Brooksbank in October — and the reason may shock you. Source: Getty Princess Eugenie is set to marry Jack on October 12, but a long-running feud between her mum and granddad could cause her stress. Source: Getty “The Duke of Edinburgh may not go to the wedding, just as he and the Queen did not attend Prince Louis christening in July,” a source told the Telegraph. “Not unreasonably, when you consider his age, the Duke of Edinburgh will decide on the morning of the wedding if he’s going to be there,” they continued. “He now very much operates on a ‘wake up and see how I feel’ basis.” Interestingly, another unnamed source had previously claimed that the reason behind the Duke’s indecisiveness is his historic beef with the mother of the bride, Sarah Ferguson. Sarah Ferguson was married to the Duke of Edinburgh’s middle child, Prince Andrew for ten years, and he’s said to be still angry about scandals surrounding their divorce. Source: Getty Prince Philip and Fergie back in the early 90s, before their rift began. Source: Getty “It won’t be easy. Philip and Sarah will be in relatively close proximity to each other and Sarah’s very nervous about it,” a source told the Mail On Sunday. “People have been giving her some friendly advice. As long as she doesn’t go over the top on the day, it should all be fine.” Sarah — who’s widely referred to as ‘Fergie’ — and Philip’s feud began when she split from his son, Prince Andrew in 1992 after topless photos of her emerged in the press with another man. It’s claimed that while the rest of the royal family have moved on from the debacle, Philip still holds a grudge. Interestingly, Duke of Edinburgh’s attendance was also in doubt in the lead up to Prince Harry’s wedding to Meghan Markle in May after he had hip surgery, however was there to see them say ‘I do’. Back in 2011, Fergie was missed off the guest list for Prince William’s marriage to Kate Middleton, following a scandal the year before where she accepted money to introduce her ex to a reporter. Got a story tip? Send it to [email protected] Want more lifestyle and celebrity news? Follow Yahoo Lifestyle on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Or sign up to our daily newsletter here.<doc-sep>Royal Wedding: Sarah Ferguson breathes HUGE sigh of relief FREE now and never miss the top Royal stories again. SUBSCRIBE Invalid email Sign up fornow and never miss the top Royal stories again. 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 mother of the bride sat directly in front of the Duke of Edinburgh in St George’s Chapel during the ceremony on Friday. At the end of the emotional ceremony, the 58-year-old looked as if she let out a huge sigh of relief in a sign that their almost three decade feud was over. Sarah’s former father-in-law, is said to have never forgiven her after the infamous “toe-sucking” scandal, which caused the breakdown of her marriage to his son, Prince Andrew. The Duchess of York has been making an attempt to get back into the royal fold as the mother-of-the-bride after she was blacklisted from the firm when shocking pictures emerged of her with Texan billionaire, John Bryan. Sarah Ferguson sat directly in front of Prince Philip Ahead of the big day it was revealed that Sarah was a “bag of nerves” about her showdown with the Duke. A friend of the duchess told the Daily Telegraph: “Sarah is already a bag of nerves and Camilla’s decision won’t help. “She is worried about the reception she will get from Prince Philip and now there will be a bit of a frosty atmosphere with Prince Charles.” Camilla, 71, has decided to stay away from Princess Eugenie’s big day to instead attend a Scottish school event, while other sources claim the real reason for her no-show is because she is hosting a shooting party with her friends at her home. However, Other royal aides claim the duchess was keen to stay away due to strained relations with Eugenie’s parents, Fergie and Prince Andrew. The Duchess of York was anticipating a showdown with Prince Philip Camilla is understood to have “never forgotten” Prince Andrew’s lack of support for her and Prince Charles relationship, while Fergie was close friends with the future king’s ex-wife Princess Diana. However, it was revealed that the Prince Philip agreed to appear in the official wedding photos with the Royal Family and the Duchess of York for Princess Eugenie A royal insider told Richard Eden, Saturday Diary Editor at the Daily Mail: “Prince Philip has agreed to pose in the wedding snaps alongside Eugenie’s mother, Sarah, Duchess of York. “It will be the first time that the pair have been pictured together in 26 years.” The Queen with Philip and Prince Charles The royal insider added: “Her Majesty and the Duke will be in the official photographs, just as they were in those of their other grandchildren, Peter and Zara Phillips, Prince William and Prince Harry. “The Duke loves his granddaughter and wants her big day to be just as special as those of her cousins.” A Buckingham Palace spokesman declined to comment at the time. Sarah, also known as Fergie, was quick to greet royal fans by jumping out of the car and pointing excitedly to well-wishers. Royal Wedding: Prince Andrew and Fergie reunited at service Sarah Ferguson used to be married to Prince Andrew<doc-sep>PRINCE Philip "took quite a big step" in mending his relationship with Sarah Ferguson at Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank's wedding today, signifying that he has no hard feelings towards Duchess of York. According to body language expert Judi James, the Duke of Edinburgh gave his former daughter-in-law a warm greeting as he arrived at St George's Chapel in Windsor. 7 The Duchess of York kept her head down as she walked through the chapel and stayed close to her eldest daughter Beatrice Credit: PA:Press Association Since her high-profile split from Prince Andrew in 1996, The Queen's husband is thought to have had a frosty relationship with Sarah Ferguson. And although the two made progress in mending their thorny relationship for Eugenie's special day, Judi James told the Press Association: "You could tell the tension as soon as the Duchess arrived in the church. "As soon as she walked in she pulled her arms into her side and put her head down." The Duchess of York, who was purposefully excluded from Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding back in 2011, kept close to her eldest daughter Beatrice in a bid to avoid an awkward encounter. 7 Judi James likened Fergie's behaviour to when 'somebody you don't want to' walks into a party Credit: Rex Features 7 Signifying her discomfort, the Duchess largely kept her head down during the ceremony Credit: Getty - Pool 7 Feeling protective of her mother, Beatrice maintained strong eye contact Zara Tindall stumbles on the street as royal family members leave St George's Chapel after Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank's wedding Walking closely next to each other as they approached the royal seating area, Beatrice "made very strong eye contact with her mother and kept her chatting as Philip arrived, almost as if to say 'don't look round now.'" She added: "It was almost like the sort of behaviour you see at a party when somebody you don't want to see walks in." However, Prince Philip was the first to greet his former daughter-in-law which suggests how his opinion of her has changed since the initial days of the painful divorce. 7 However, Philip's smile suggests there are no hard feelings between the pair Credit: supplied by Pixel8000 Signifying that there are no hard feelings on his part, Prince Phillip "smiled at her at least twice, almost as if he planned to greet her warmly." Judi added: "That was quite a big step for the Duke of Edinburgh." 7 Prince Charles also gave his former daughter-in-law a warm greeting Credit: AP:Associated Press Sadly, Fergie may not have even noticed Prince Philip's warm greeting as she barely looked around at The Queen's husband throughout the ceremony. Judi noted: "The Duchess of York was sat in front of Philip, so unless she had eyes in the back of her head, she wouldn't have known. "She probably didn't want to take the risk of turning round." 7 Prince Philip is believed to have been frosty towards his former daughter-in-law since she split from Prince Andrew in 1996 Credit: Getty - Contributor MOST READ IN FABULOUS ROYAL RAGE Meg dramatically FIRED Archie's nanny after mystery 'incident' in the night HAZ ENOUGH Harry 'will be a BROKEN man when breaking Queen's heart finally hits home' MYSTIC MEG May 27: Believe in yourself and people around you will take note Comment MERCY MUROKI Fake tan is not racist. But Meghan Markle, skin bleaching is Exclusive BELLE'S HELL I self-harmed at 13 after being called an ‘ugly s**g’, says Belle Hassan BUMBLE BLUNDER Singleton left mortified after dating app match sends her fat-shaming reply In even more Royal Wedding news, Sarah Ferguson is wearing a hat with wings to Princess Eugenie's wedding... and people think it looks like the Golden Snitch from Harry Potter. And Kate Middleton looks radiant as she arrives at the Royal Wedding wearing bright pink. Plus THIS is what Princess Eugenie's groom Jack Brooksbank whispered as she arrived at the wedding chapel.<doc-sep>	Prince Philip looked in good spirits as he attended Princess Eugenie's royal wedding to Jack Brooksbank today. The Duke of Edinburgh, 97, has officially retired from public duty but looked smart as always as he accompanied the Queen to their granddaughter's wedding ceremony in Windsor this morning. His appearance came after claims that a feud between him and Eugenie's mother, Sarah Ferguson, could have discouraged him from attending. The Duke of Edinburgh looked his usual ultra-smart self as he arrived at the royal wedding The Duke enjoyed a laugh with Prince Charles before taking his seat for the ceremony The Queen, with her husband by her side, beamed with joy as she emerged from the successful service into the Windsor sunshine this afternoon The Duke stood beside his wife as the Royal Family awaited the arrival of the open carriage It has been reported that Philip hasn't been able to forgive Fergie for being photographed having her feet kissed by financial adviser John Bryan in 1992, which ultimately led to her divorce from his son. The feud led to concerns Philip might not attend the ceremony and, as recently as yesterday it was claimed that he was leaving it until the last moment to decide whether or not to go. A royal source told The Daily Telegraph: 'When you consider his age, the Duke of Edinburgh will decide on the morning of the wedding if he's going to be there. He now very much operates on a 'wake up and see how I feel' basis.' But despite the concerns, the Duke looked happy as he arrived for the service at the Queen's side. The Prince has repeatedly bounced back from hospital treatment in the last couple of years It has been reported that the Duke and Sarah Ferguson have a frosty relationship But a body language expert said the Duke seemed smiley towards the Duchess of York The Queen and her consort sat next to their eldest son, Prince Charles, in the Chapel Body language expert Judi James said the Duke of Edinburgh appeared to take steps towards reconciliation with the Duchess of York after arriving at the Chapel. Ms James said: 'Sarah Ferguson got quite the look from Philip, he smiled at her at least twice, almost as if he had planned to greet her warmly. 'That was quite a big step for the Duke of Edinburgh.' However, Ms James said the duchess may not have even been aware of the interaction. She said: 'The Duchess of York was sat in front of Philip, so unless she had eyes in the back of her head, she wouldn't have known. She probably didn't want to take the risk of turning round.' The Prince smiled to crowds outside the church as he and Queen pulled up to the chapel The Queen's consort waved to members of the public from the couple's car as they arrived The Duke of Edinburgh was among the congregation at Prince Eugenie's wedding today Philip was, as always, dressed extremely smartly, in grey trousers, a dark jacket with tails, a beige waistcoat and light tie. Although he has retired from public duties, the Duke was pictured at Windsor yesterday. He received Brigadier Andrew Freeman, Head of the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers at Windsor Castle. A picture of the Duke with the military chief on The Royal Family's official Twitter account. The Prince looked his usual smart self as he walked confidently up the steps into the church The 97-year-old royal took his seat in St George's Chapel, Windsor, next to his wife, The Queen Philip, who retired from public duties last year and spends much of his time at Sandringham, joined the Queen in Scotland for the summer. Despite his advancing years and recent periods of hospitalisation, he was seen driving himself around the Balmoral estate in August. He doesn't respond well to repeated questions about his health and normally answers enquiries about his well-being with a barked: 'Well do I look bloody ill?'. He was hospitalized in April 2018 and had to undergo surgery on his hip. In June 2017, he received treatment as a precaution after contracting an infection stemming from an unknown pre-existing condition.
Woods’s victory means that he could now broker a better contract with Nike Tiger Woods’s Masters triumph came at the perfect time for him to renegotiate his multimillion-dollar endorsement deals, including with Nike, his main sponsor. Within minutes of his final putt in Augusta, Nike had tweeted a video of Woods with the title, “Never stop chasing your crazy dream”. The manufacturer stood by Woods after his infidelity scandal a decade ago and, in 2013, he signed a deal worth a reported $20 million (about £15.3 million) a year — half the size of his contract at the height of his career but still a show of faith. Sponsored The length of that deal is private but one source told The Times that it was for ten years from 2014, with an option to renegotiate in 2019, which means<doc-sep>There may be no more infamous endorsement in sports than the one between Nike and Tiger Woods. One of the most well-known golfers in history has been with the iconic brand since the start of his professional career and has remained with them ever since. There have been a few bumps in the road, but Woods and Nike are a powerful pairing. Since first signing with Nike in 1996 before his pro debut at the Greater Milwaukee Open, we’ve seen commercials with Woods, custom gear and much more. We’re going to take a deeper look into Tiger’s Nike contract and the history behind the brand and the golfer, starting with the various deals he’s signed. Tiger Has Reportedly Signed Four Nike Contracts While the first deal Woods signed with Nike came in 1996, he’s since re-upped that contract four different times, according to John Strege of Golf Digest. The first deal was a five-year agreement worth $40 million, which looks small compared to some of the others signed by the golfer. It was reported that Woods’ second contract came in 2001 when he signed a five-year extension that was worth roughly $100 million, according to Doug Ferguson of ABC News. The third deal was agreed to in 2006 for seven years and was followed by the most recent between Nike and Tiger which is double the size of his second. Tiger Woods’ Current Nike Contract Is Estimated at $200 Million The 2013 contract extension signed by Woods was agreed to during the final year of his previous deal. There was quite a bit of speculation over just how much money it was worth, and Business Insider is among many who have cited the $200 million total. After the deal was done, Woods’ agent Mark Steinberg said he was “confident” the golfer would be with Nike for the rest of his career and addressed the contract, per ESPN’s Bob Harig. “We’re comfortable with where we ended up and the career trajectory that Tiger will be on with Nike,” Steinberg told ESPN.com at Muirfield, where Woods will begin play in the Open Championship on Thursday afternoon. “I’m thrilled we were able to complete this deal.” Woods echoed a similar sentiment roughly a month prior, telling ESPN that “it was just a matter of time” before the contract would be signed. Woods’ Dad Called Nike’s First Contract With Tiger ‘Chump Change’ After Woods signed the $100 million deal over five years in 2001, it was apparent that Nike knew the price to keep him on board would be far bigger than his first contract. The jump in pay was $60 million more over the same amount of time, and Tiger’s father, Earl Woods, was brutally honest about how he knew the second negotiations would go, per ABC News. “The value Nike received on the first contract caused me to come to my conclusion that it would be chump change,” his father, Earl Woods, said of the five-year, $40 million deal that raised eyebrows in 1996. “And this contract will be chump change compared to the next one, because Tiger is only going to get bigger and better.” As we’ve seen since that point, Tiger’s father was spot on with his assessment that the contracts were only going to increase in size. Nike Backed Tiger Woods After Other Sponsors Dropped Him While Nike’s contracts with Woods have only increased in size over the years, they had a big decision to make in 2009. When the news of Woods’ extramarital affairs came to light, multiple sponsors such as Gatorade, AT&T, and General Motors, among others canceled their contracts, per CNBC’s Lucy Handley. But Nike chose to stay with Woods and keep their contract. They also did the same when he was charged with driving under the influence after being found asleep behind the wheel of his car in 2017. This decision was even made in the midst of Woods attempting to return after multiple back surgeries and just one top-10 finish from 2014-17. Woods began reverting back to form in 2018 by finishing No. 2 in the FedExCup Rankings and posting seven top-10 finishes that year. Nike Welcomed Tiger Back at 2018 Masters With Infamous Ad While Woods hadn’t competed in the Masters since 2015 due to injuries and the aforementioned back surgeries, he made his return to the infamous major during the 2018 season. And in doing so, Nike created a commercial titled “Welcome Back,” as Darren Rovell of The Action Network previously showed. FIRST LOOK: Nike's new Tiger spot called "Welcome Back." pic.twitter.com/fWrokiQJdC — Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) April 5, 2018 The partnership between Woods and Nike remains strong as the years roll on, and it doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon. It’s probably a safe bet that if/when his current deal expires, that Woods will remain with the company beyond that point. READ NEXT: Tony Finau’s Cousin, Jabari Parker, Watched Him Play Live at Major<doc-sep>If Tiger Woods weren't Tiger Woods, if his image hadn't been tarnished by a drunken-driving arrest and his back injured so badly that he could barely walk a few years ago, his victory in the 2019 Masters tournament wouldn't have been the same. Not as inspiring for fans, who were thrilled to see the 43-year-old walk away with his fifth green jacket after recovering from four surgeries on his knee and an equal number on his back. And not as lucrative for Nike, the sports-apparel giant that stuck with Woods through a decade of lows to reap millions in free advertising as TV reporters followed the champion's trek toward a comeback. "It's all about the camera shots," said Eric Smallwood, president of advertising consultant Apex Marketing, who estimated that visuals of Woods' Nike-branded hat, shirt, pants, and shoes were worth $22.5 million to the Beaverton, Ore.-based company. "They pretty much followed him around. Every time he swung a club, except four or five times, he was on camera." Monster Energy drinks, whose logo adorns Woods' golf bag, garnered about $958,333 worth of air time, according to Apex. Bridgestone, which makes his golf balls, netted about $134,167. "If anyone else had won, we wouldn't be hearing this story the way we're going to be hearing this story — for a very long time," Eric Yaverbaum, who runs New York-based Ericho Communications and has spent 35 years in marketing and public relations, told the Washington Examiner. "The thing about redemption arcs is people love them. They're dramatic, they're cinematic, they give us someone to root for." With long experience in employing headline-making athletes as representatives, Nike was ready to seize the moment. It posted an ad built around the victory the same day, urging viewers to chase "crazy dreams" and noting that Woods had moved another step closer to his lifetime goal of topping the 18 major wins picked up by Jack Nicklaus. "It's crazy to think a 43-year-old who has experienced every high and every low and has just won his 15th major is chasing the same dream as a 3-year-old," the company says in the spot, which includes black-and-white footage of Woods as a child jumping up and down after sinking a putt. [Related: Trump giving Tiger Woods the Presidential Medal of Freedom for comeback in sports and life] Nike, which signed an endorsement contract with Woods in 1996, has also generated controversy with such arrangement at times. A 2013 campaign with the golfer, who was then rebounding after a 2010 divorce from Swedish model Elina Nordegren and intense media coverage of extramarital affairs, used the slogan, "Winning takes care of everything." Last year, when the French Open banned catsuits like the Nike garment that tennis star Serena Williams wore in May, the company responded with a Twitter post. "You can take the superhero out of her costume, but you can never take away her superpowers," Nike said, a reference to Williams' statement that wearing the suit made her feel like a superhero. President Trump, who has condemned another of Nike's representatives, Colin Kaepernick, the former NFL quarterback who made headlines by kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality, had nothing but praise for Woods, promising to present him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Should Woods be a Masters contender again in 2020, his sponsors stand to reap an even bigger windfall, said Yaverbaum, who routinely advises clients to "show up where the story is already happening." Woods is "a legend," he said, and if his 2019 win represents a return to form, "you can expect that there will be an ongoing narrative." Spoke to @TigerWoods to congratulate him on the great victory he had in yesterday’s @TheMasters, & to inform him that because of his incredible Success & Comeback in Sports (Golf) and, more importantly, LIFE, I will be presenting him with the PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 15, 2019 In the immediate aftermath of Woods' victory, the realization hadn't quite sunk in, the golfer told reporters during a news conference at the Augusta National, the Georgia course where the Masters is played. "I had serious doubts after what transpired a couple of years ago," he said. "I could barely walk. I couldn’t sit. Couldn’t lay down. Couldn't do much of anything. Luckily, I had the procedure on my back, which gave me a chance at having a normal life. Then, all of a sudden, I realized I could swing a golf club again."<doc-sep>Tiger Woods’s Masters triumph will be rewarded with a new Nike deal worth in excess of £150 million, according to leading brand experts who claim he could start closing the gap again on Michael Jordan as the wealthiest sportsman in history. The American’s remarkable comeback from sex scandals, a drug arrest and back injuries comes just months before his deal with the sports kit giant is up for renewal. Shortly after Woods’s triumph at Augusta, Nike shared a new advert, “Never stop chasing your crazy dream”, paying tribute to his feat, and marketing bosses claim the brand will be desperate to keep hold of the star. Following a costly divorce, Forbes estimated Woods’s net worth at $740 million (£580 million) in 2016. He has some way to go to catch up with Jordan, whose estimated fortune of $1.4 billion continues to swell thanks to his named branding deal with Nike. Russell Scibetti, of leading American sports sponsorship firm Kore, told The Daily Telegraph Woods could expect to secure a fresh deal worth in excess of $200 million over six years. Ronn Torossian, chief executive of New York public relations firm 5WPR, estimated Woods’s worth increasing by $20 million this year. In addition, Hollywood filmmakers are expected to come in with offers to chronicle Woods’s recovery from 1,199th in the world rankings, having been close to quitting as he was treated for sex addiction and arrested at the wheel of his car with a cocktail of drugs in his system.<doc-sep>	Tiger Woods celebrates after sinking his putt on the 18th green to win during the final round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on April 14, 2019 in Augusta, Georgia. The value of Woods' Sunday victory for Nike is roughly $22,540,000, according to Apex Marketing. This number is equivalent to the brand value that the athletic apparel company received from Woods' on-camera exposure during the Final Round of the Masters broadcast on CBS, the firm said. The iconic Nike swoosh was featured on Woods' hat, shirt, pants and shoes. Tiger Woods on Sunday achieved his 15th major win, and his fifth Masters, at the 2019 Masters, following a drought of championship victories that lasted more than a decade. By Sunday afternoon, some of the Tiger Woods-branded apparel and accessories for men on Nike's website were sold out. Meanwhile, shortly after Woods' victory was declared on Sunday afternoon, Nike dropped a video on its social media channels starring the golfer. It said: "It's crazy to think a 43-year-old who has experienced every high and every low and has just won his 15th major is chasing the same dream as a 3-year-old." tweet Nike's ties to Woods date back to the debut of the golfer's professional career in 1996 at the Greater Milwaukee Open. At the time, Nike had reportedly just signed a five-year deal with Woods for $40 million. And Woods has since re-signed his contract with the company numerous times. Nike famously stuck by Woods in 2009, when the golfer took an indefinite leave from the sport amid personal issues that landed him on the cover of tabloid magazines calling attention to allegations of his marital infidelity. Sponsors from the likes of AT&T and Accenture dropped him. But, at that time, Nike's brand president said of Woods: "He's got issues he needs to deal with and he's dealing with them. We are looking forward to him getting back on the golf course." Nike stuck with Woods again in 2017 when the golfer was charged with driving under the influence, and found asleep behind the wheel of his car. That bet on Woods is clearly paying off for Nike now. "Nike has always been about iconic athletes," Allen Adamson, brand expert and co-founder of marketing solutions business Metaforce, said. "Consumers want to know not only what you make but what you stand for. It's not just talking about how fast you can make sneakers ... The best brands need to think about the long term." Apex has also estimated that the Monster Energy brand made about $958,333 for being featured on Woods' golf bag, while Bridgestone made about $134,167 for being on Woods' golf ball, which was shown during close-up shots of various putts on Sunday. WATCH: Tiger's win cost sports books millions in payouts
Real life best friends Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King have teamed up for a tell-all video series on dating, loving and sex. The series is called The Oprah Gayle Chronicles and it sees the duo answering personal questions from fans as well as giving their best advice. "We cannot promise any miracles. There are none. But we can promise some opinions," Oprah said in the clip, as seen below. The first story by Oprah revolved around "spicing things ups" in a long term relationship, where she detailed one time she tried to do so herself with her partner, Stedman Graham. "One time I tried this, and this was so many years ago, I got this whole negligee thing and I'm standing at the stairs when he comes in, and he literally comes in -- Stedman -- walks right past me and says, 'What are you doing?'" she said. As for Gayle, she told her own story from when she was married. She explained how she once wrapped herself in saran wrap and a trench coat and when her partner came home, he simply asked: "What is that?" The friends even gave some honest advice to someone who's dating a man who is lying about having a job. Watch the video below for their honest answer.<doc-sep>Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King are the wise BFF duo my girlfriends and I wish we could turn to when the going gets rough. That's why their new series, "The OG Chronicles," on OprahMag.com is so great. The longtime friends plan to tackle a different topic each month, and for January, Oprah and Gayle focused on dating, sex, and relationships. The pair gave their advice to viewers looking to "spice things up" in the bedroom and also encouraged others to say "Boy, bye!" to a deceitful partner. Of course, Oprah slipped in some personal dating advice of her own, citing her long-term relationship with Stedman Graham. Watch the full video above to see Oprah and Gayle's fun-loving dynamic — and learn a thing or two along the way!<doc-sep>MadameNoire Featured Video Oprah Winfrey is the queen of all things TV and media, and now she’s poised to become our favorite relationship expert too. In a new digital series for Oprah Magazine, called ‘The OG Chronicles,’ Oprah and Gayle candidly answer audience relationship questions. One fan wrote in asking about how to “spice things up” in the bedroom for two empty nesters. “For me, I gotta say making cornbread kind of serves the purpose,” Oprah revealed. “I made some cornbread yesterday, and you would have thought I stripped myself butt-naked. Like, a little cornbread and black-eyed peas goes a long way in my house.” Winfrey also confessed she tried to surprise Stedman with some lingerie before, and it didn’t go as planned. “I’m standing at the stairs when he comes in, and he literally comes in, Stedman, walks right past me and says, ‘What are you doing? '” she explained. Another 34-year-old fan asked about whether she should stay with a man who won’t entertain the prospect of getting married or having children in the future. “You need to break up with him, and you also need to harvest your eggs,” Winfrey advised. “If I was a 34-year-old woman out here in the world where it’s hard out here for a pimp as you say, I would be harvesting my eggs.” Gayle agreed, saying that if she was in her thirties and desperate to have a family, she would go after it by any means necessary. “I used to say to my mother, if I hadn’t met anybody by the time I’m 32, I’m gonna go to a bar, I’m going to meet somebody. I’m gonna take him home while I’m ovulating, and I’m not gonna tell him this is what I’m doing. And she would say, ‘Don’t tell me that,’ but I meant that.” You can watch more below:<doc-sep>Never fear! Oprah Winfrey is here! The talk-show queen and her BFF Gayle King are giving fans relationship advice in their new video series, The OG Chronicles. In the series, which launched Tuesday for OprahMag.com, the dynamic duo answer readers' questions about dating and share their personal experiences. For instance, Winfrey tells the story of how her longtime love Stedman Graham reacted after she surprised him by wearing a sexy negligee. "I'm standing at the stairs when he comes in, and he literally comes in, Stedman, walks right past me and says, 'What are you doing?'" she recalls. However, King has an even "better" story. The CBS This Morning host once wrapped herself in Saran plastic wrap and put on a trench coat for her then-husband William Bumpus. "He went, 'What is that?' King says. "So, that's not good for your ego."<doc-sep>	Image : AP Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King have started a video series titled “The OG Chronicles.” According to OprahMag.com, they will answer readers questions and give them advice on a number of topics. The first one is on dating, and while it is my personal belief that almost no one gives good advice, if I were to seek guidance from anyone, it might as well be Oprah. The first question is from someone looking for advice on how to spice up their relationship with their longterm partner, as they are “newly empty-nesters.” A reasonable inquiry. Oprah—who has also taken this video opportunity to remind us she can pull off round eyeglasses—reveals that not all roads lead to sexy town, contrary to popular thinking: “Once I tried this, this was so many years ago, and I got the whole negligee thing and I’m standing at the stairs when he comes in, and he literally comes in—Steadman—and he walks right past me and he says, ‘What are you doing?’” Gayle agrees: Gayle: “I got one better, wrapped myself up with Saran Wrap—” Oprah: “No you didn’t—” Gayle: “Yes I did, when I was married, put on a trench coat, he came home, [I say] ‘Ta-da!’ and he went, ‘What is that?’ So that’s not good for your ego.” Oprah’s real advice on the matter is very sensible, which is that one should ask one’s partner what is sexy to them, instead of assuming it’s wrapping oneself in plastic wrap. She also suggests making food: “For me, I gotta say, making cornbread kind of serves the purpose. I made some cornbread yesterday, and you woulda thought I stripped myself butt-naked.” She goes on here, and it is honestly worth listening to yourself because of how hard she is trying to talk without bursting into laughter: Like, a little cornbread and black-eyed peas goes a long way in my house. I am not going to imagine what went on in Oprah’s household the day she made cornbread, but may we all find as much success in the bedroom as she does.
Thandie Newton gave a moving acceptance speech after being announced as the winner for Outstanding Supporting Actress at this year's Emmy Awards. The Westworld star prompted laughter from the audience at the Hollywood ceremony when she began with "I don't even believe in God but I'm going to thank her tonight". She told the aurdience: "I am so blessed. I am so f***ing blessed..." At this point the actress clapped her hand over her mouth as she realised she'd dropped the expletive – to more cheers from the audience. "To work with the people that I have gotten to work with," she said. "The cast and crew of – I can't believe I'm here – the cast and crew of Westworld, I love you all so much." Newton beat The Handmaid's Tale stars Ann Dowd, Yvonne Strahovski and Alexis Blediel, Game of Thrones' Lena Headey, Millie Bobby Brown from Stranger Things, and Vanessa Kirby from The Crown to win the award. She revealed that the day was all the more special because it was her daughter's 18th birthday. "My family, my daughter Ripley turns 18 today and I get to guide you and love you and protect you, which is my north star, I love you so much baby," she said. "Thank you, thank you for this," she concluded, before walking offstage with The Handmaid's Tale stars Elisabeth Moss and Samira Wiley, who had presented her with the award. It was Newton's second nomination and her first win at the Emmys. She was previously nominated for the same role in Westworld last year. Emmys 2018: Best-dressed celebrities of the night Show all 40 1 /40 Emmys 2018: Best-dressed celebrities of the night Emmys 2018: Best-dressed celebrities of the night Allison Janney She might've been battling bronchitis, but the 'I, Tonya' actor still managed to turn up looking radiant in a fuchsia gown by Prabal Gurung. Getty Images Emmys 2018: Best-dressed celebrities of the night Chrissy Metz The 'This is Us' actor was a vision in this custom emerald green gown by John Paul Ataker. Getty Images Emmys 2018: Best-dressed celebrities of the night Sandra Oh Thanks to her leading role in the acclaimed series 'Killing Eve', Oh is having a moment. Proving her style credentials on arrival, the former 'Grey's Anatomy' star donned a plunging burgundy satin gown by Ralph and Russo. AFP/Getty Images Emmys 2018: Best-dressed celebrities of the night Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake Hollywood couples get no better than Biel and Timberlake, who once again prove that they are quite literally the perfect pairing, romantically and visually. While the 'Can't stop the feeling!' singer kept things slick and simple in a black tuxedo, The 'Sinner' actor evoked regal charm with a muted strapless gown by Ralph and Russo. Getty Images Emmys 2018: Best-dressed celebrities of the night Ann Dowd Trading Gilead for Hollywood, the 'Handmaid's Tale' actor channelled a melancholic aesthetic on the beige carpet via a billowing silhouette and dark, solemn florals. Getty Images Emmys 2018: Best-dressed celebrities of the night Jimmy Kimmel and Molly McNearney The late-night TV host opted for a classic black tuxedo with all the trimmings (waistcoat, bow tie, shiny shoes), while McNearney's gown added a splash of sunshine to the duo's overall aesthetic in a lemon pleated gown. Getty Images Emmys 2018: Best-dressed celebrities of the night John Legend Navy blue never looked so good. Tailored to the nines and paired with a bow tie, the 'Jesus Christ Superstar' performer wore his formalwear with aplomb. Getty Images Emmys 2018: Best-dressed celebrities of the night Alison Brie Switching her wrestling garb for a slightly more upscale ensemble, Brie really did 'GLOW' her way down the beige carpet in a canary yellow column gown by Miu Miu, complete with Swarovski crystals and cut-out detail on the waist. Getty Images Emmys 2018: Best-dressed celebrities of the night Rachel Brosnahan Taking home the award for lead actress in a comedy series, the 'Marvellous Mrs Maisel' star was the epitome of Chris de Burgh's 'Lady in Red', wearing a stunning scarlet gown by Oscar de la Renta complete with off-the-shoulder detail. Getty Images Emmys 2018: Best-dressed celebrities of the night Jonathan Van Ness The 'Queer Eye' TV personality pulled no punches when it came to his red carpet look. The 70s flared Stella McCartney suit is given a flamboyant upgrade via a sheer Prada blouse that has a whiff of Marie Antoinette about it thanks to its high-neck. The deep violet clutch by The Row is the cherry on top. Getty Images Emmys 2018: Best-dressed celebrities of the night Stefani Robinson Wearing one of J.Mendel's more fairytale-like creations, the 'Atlanta' writer offset the girlish glamour of her puffy tulle skirt with a slick of dark burgundy lipstick. Getty Images Emmys 2018: Best-dressed celebrities of the night Evan Rachel Wood You'd be forgiven for thinking the 'Westworld' actor could've been a little more experimental with her occasionwear. But the subtle hints of a floral headpiece uplift her all-black tailored look by Altuzarra with an ethereal nymph-like charm. Getty Images Emmys 2018: Best-dressed celebrities of the night Millie Bobby Brown The 'Stranger Things' star knows a thing or two about red carpet events by now, having been attending them since the tender age of 12. Now 14, the teenager is a total pro, as illustrated by this millennial pink princess frock by Calvin Klein. Getty Images Emmys 2018: Best-dressed celebrities of the night Claire Foy Few could pull off the severity of stiff cream satin, but Foy manages to flourish under such circumstances. Keeping accessories and hairstyling to a minimum, the British rose radiates with natural beauty. Getty Images Emmys 2018: Best-dressed celebrities of the night Elisabeth Moss Sporting a peachy sun-kissed glow, the 'Handmaid's Tale' star opted for a black strapless gown by Vera Wang, allowing her blonde tresses to rest comfortably in gentle waves on her clavicle. Getty Images Emmys 2018: Best-dressed celebrities of the night Thandie Newton Prior to picking up the award for outstanding supporting actress, the 'Westworld' actor scooped a sartorial accolade in a fitted fuchsia gown hot off Brandon Maxwell's New York Fashion Week runway. Getty Images Emmys 2018: Best-dressed celebrities of the night Kirsten Dunst Sometimes all you need is a floor-length deep blue gown and blonde Hollywood waves to make a statement on the red carpet - and Dunst succeeds effortlessly, completing the look with sparkling diamond earrings and a peachy lip hue. Getty Images Emmys 2018: Best-dressed celebrities of the night Chrissy Teigen Not an inch of Teigen's eye-popping ensemble remains unsaturated by sparkle. This Zuhair Murad creation comes complete with a thigh-high slit and a triangular neckline that brings an angular twist to Teigen's perennial goddess vibe. Getty Images Emmys 2018: Best-dressed celebrities of the night Maya Rudolph A romantic blend of black lace, the 'Bridesmaids' actor channelled a sombre mood with her midi Simone Rocha gown, adding only a sliver of colour to the look via a subtle rosy lip shade. Getty Images Emmys 2018: Best-dressed celebrities of the night Sophie Hunter and Benedict Cumberbatch Who needs to wear more than one shade when the hue is so egg-yolky vibrant and the silhouette so sharp? Cumberbatch may look dapper in his three-piece, but it's Hunter whose sartorial prowess prevails here. Getty Images Emmys 2018: Best-dressed celebrities of the night Vanessa Kirby Not usually one for pastels, Kirby beguiles in this fitted satin gown by Tom Ford, which, in a muted shade of rose, highlights the British actor's flawless complexion. Getty Images Emmys 2018: Best-dressed celebrities of the night Dakota Fanning Dior Haute Couture can do no wrong and Fanning wears it with grace. This sea green pleated gown strikes a Shakespearean chord, thanks to the Alienist's 175 carats worth of jewellery by Lorraine Schwartz, proving that all that glitters is not gold, it's actually emerald. Getty Images Emmys 2018: Best-dressed celebrities of the night Scarlett Johansson A darling in Dolce & Gabbana, Johansson is the picture-perfect celebrity guest. Drop earrings - check; dynamic neckline - check; thigh-high slit - check. This look ticks all the boxes and even some circles too. Getty Images Emmys 2018: Best-dressed celebrities of the night Sarah Paulson Only Oscar de la Renta could immerse you in a feathered fantasy so abundant without seeming trite. Quite rightly, Paulson lets her extroverted gown do the talking here, keeping her neck free from the distraction of jewellery and slicking her hair back in a simple bun. Getty Images Emmys 2018: Best-dressed celebrities of the night Kit Harington The 'Game of Thrones' star shunned occasionwear conventions by opting for a slim daytime tie as opposed to its ribbony counterpart. He did, however, still wear a black suit. So that's something. Getty Images Emmys 2018: Best-dressed celebrities of the night Gwendoline Christie Looking like the lady of the manor, Christie cut a statuesque silhouette in this glistening golden robed gown. Getty Images Emmys 2018: Best-dressed celebrities of the night Sarah Silverman In true runway ready fashion, Silverman cinched her voluminous Galia Lahav gown in at the waist with a simple black belt, giving every last poof of fabric either side the attention it deserves. Getty Images Emmys 2018: Best-dressed celebrities of the night Emilia Clarke A vision in Dior, Clarke opted for a darker and twistier look than normal which came complete with a heavily-laced bodice and ornamental floral embellishments. Getty Images Emmys 2018: Best-dressed celebrities of the night Amanda Peet The US actor donned a forest green v-neck gown for the proceedings, complemented by a vibrant slick of red lipstick. Getty Images Emmys 2018: Best-dressed celebrities of the night James Corden and Julia Carey Corden added a bolt of primary pleasure to his tuxedo with his jolly bright blue jacket. Meanwhile, Carey opted for a fitted fishtail gown with ornate lace sleeves. Getty Images Emmys 2018: Best-dressed celebrities of the night Nukaaka Coster-Waldau and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau While mustard is not a colour frequented by many at red carpet events, it works a treat here, particularly when worn alongside your wife's pale lime satin gown. Getty Images Emmys 2018: Best-dressed celebrities of the night Michelle Dockery The 'Downton Abbey' star opted for a sky blue gown by Carolina Herrera. Getty Images Emmys 2018: Best-dressed celebrities of the night Tiffany Haddish Multi-coloured gowns are a rare sight at modern-day award ceremonies, but Haddish demonstrates they are due a renaissance via this Prabal Gurung creation. Getty Images Emmys 2018: Best-dressed celebrities of the night Tina Fey Like many of her fellow attendees, Fey subverted feminine floral norms by wearing a darker and more decorative design. Yes, there are flower-like patterns, but the overriding theme is one of romantic melancholy rather than springtime joy. Getty Images Emmys 2018: Best-dressed celebrities of the night Poppy Delevingne The British model turned heads in a turquoise gown by Giambattista Valli couture, an eternal favourite on award ceremony red carpets. Getty Images Emmys 2018: Best-dressed celebrities of the night Letitia Wright The 'Black Panther' actor maintained a demure aesthetic in this sparkly Pamella Roland gown. Getty Images Emmys 2018: Best-dressed celebrities of the night Mandy Moore The 'This is Us' actor could've led a masterclass in metallics in this Rodarte gown, which complemented the lustrous shine of her brunette locks. Getty Images Emmys 2018: Best-dressed celebrities of the night Kristen Bell Boxy necklines are always a winner when it comes to formalwear and Bell accentuates the sophistication via this long-sleeved Solace London gown, whose stark white shade makes quite the impact. Getty Images Emmys 2018: Best-dressed celebrities of the night Heidi Klum It would be hard for the German model to wear something that doesn't make her look like a Greek statue. With a cinched-in bodice and a sweeping train, this satin Zac Posen gown is no different. Getty Images Emmys 2018: Best-dressed celebrities of the night Alexis Bledel Battenberg cake gets a sartorial re-imagining in this Delpozo gown, whose pastel lemon and pink shades come together in tender tandem. Getty Images This year's Emmy Awards were relatively uneventful, with highlights being off-script moments such as director Glenn Weiss proposing to his partner Jan Svendsen onstage.<doc-sep>The Emmy Awards 2018: The most talked about dresses of the night The red carpet was awash with colour… It was a big night for stars of the small screen on Monday night at the 2018 Emmy Awards. The Crown's Claire Foy won the coveted best actress award and Thandie Newton, who looked gorgeous in pink, accepted her trophy for best supporting actress for her work in Westworld. In the fashion stakes, we have been swooning over lots of dresses - ready to have a look? Jessica Biel The Sinner's Jessica Biel stepped out wearing Ralph & Russo Couture for a night out with her husband Justin Timberlake. We don't know about you but we think she looks like an absolute angel. READ: The story behind Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel's wedding Thandie Newton Pink to make EVERYONE wink. Thandie Newton wore a dress straight from Brandon Maxwell's SS19 runway. Nicely done, TH. RELATED: Thandie Newton reveals Victoria Beckham mistook her for another actress - find out who! Claire Foy Simple, elegant, timeless - just a few words to describe Claire Foy's Calvin Klein dress for her big night. We're rubbing out heads over one shoe being covered in crystals, and the other plain, but she looks gorgeous. OOH! Did you see Claire Foy's amazing dress at the Venice Film Festival? Scarlett Johansson Wow! How incredible does Scarlett Johansson look on the gold carpet?! We're really feeling this Balmain dress with silver accessories. READ NEXT: There's a new name in the 10 best-paid actresses list - can you guess who? Mandy Moore This Is Us actress Mandy Moore matched her dress to her chestnut hair for the Emmys. Wearing custom-made Rodarte, she was the belle of the ball. RELATED: Why Mandy Moore loves wearing '70s fashion Emilia Clarke Game of Thrones actress Emilia Clarke has won rave reviews for her Dior dress - and rightly so. Does she ever put a foot wrong? GoT FANS: Your first look at Game of Thrones season 8 Millie Bobby Brown No surprise here - the Stranger Things star opted for Calvin Klein. Styled by Thomas Carter Phillips looked sweet in her candy coloured frock. SEE PICS! When Millie Bobby Brown channeled a Disney princess Michelle Dockery Stunning! Downton Abbey star Michelle Dockery gave us princess-vibes in her Carolina Herrera Resort dress. GET EXCITED: Michelle Dockery shares first look at Downton Abbey film Poppy Delevingne Actress Poppy Delevingne looked delightful in green Giambattista Valli Couture. It was a daring dress, but she definitely pulled it off. READ ABOUT: The close bond between Poppy and her sister Cara Delevingne Vanessa Kirby Swit swoo! If you want a sexy dress for the Emmy Awards, who do you call? Tom Ford, that's who. DID YOU KNOW? Vanessa Kirby revealed the Queen likes The Crown Sandra Oh Killing Eve star Sandra Oh was one of the only stars to choose red, but we love her Ralph & Russo dress. KILLING EVE: Everything you need to know about your new TV obsession Tracee Ellis Ross We love a red (or gold!) carpet risk taker, and at this year's Emmys, it was all about Tracee Ellis Ross' Valentino pink dress. Not everyone could make this work, but Tracee nailed it. SEE: Remember this 80s look from Princess Diana? Tiffany Haddish Somewhere over the rainbow you'll find Tiffany Haddish twirling in her multi-coloured custom Prabal Gurung dress.<doc-sep>	Thandie Newton dropped an F-bomb while giving her victory speech on Monday at the Emmy Awards in Los Angeles. The 45-year-old actress won the Primetime Emmy award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series during the ceremony at Microsoft Theater downtown. 'I don't even believe in God, but I'm going to thank her tonight,' said Thandie who won for her portrayal of sentient robot Maeve Millay on HBO's Westworld. Victory speech: Thandie Newton used foul language on Monday during her acceptance speech at the Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles Thandie continued: 'I am so f*ing blessed to work with the people I have gotten to work with.' Thandie beat out a tough field that included Lena Headey, Millie Bobby Brown, Ann Dowd, Yvonne Strahovski and Alexis Bledel. The London native also was nominated last year in the same category, but lost out to Ann of The Handmaid's Tale. She sparked laughter as she nabbed the prize for her role in 'Westworld' and made the religious quip as she opened her speech. She said: 'I don't even believe in god but I'm going to thank her tonight. 'I am so blessed. I am so blessed... To work with the people that I have gotten to work with. The cast and crew of - I can't believe I'm here - the cast and crew of 'Westworld', I love you all so much'. Hit show: The 45-year-old actress won the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her work in HBO's Westworld Full recognition: Thandie said that she was 'so f*ing blessed to work with the people I have gotten to work with' Pretty in pink: The actress looked stunning in a pink Brandon Maxwell gown Thandie looked amazing in a long pink Brandon Maxwell gown for the awards ceremony. The outfit featured a long train that flowed from her right shoulder. Thandie completed her outfit with silver open-toed heels and accessorized with sparkling dangling earrings. Her makeup look for the evening was created by celebrity beauty guru Georgie Eisdell for Pat McGrath Labs, who explained that she wanted to complement the beautiful pink shade of Thandie's dress with her cosmetics. 'For Thandie’s look at this year Emmy Awards, we wanted to play up the color of her exquisite Brandon Maxwell gown,' Georgie said. 'I wanted her skin and body to glow and her eyes to pop. We went for a stunning smokey, rose colored eye that brought the whole look together.' To create that smokey, rose eye, Georgie used Pat McGrath's newly launched Mothership V: Bronze Seduction Palette, blending three shades from the product - Entrapment, Blitz Flame, and Rose Gold 005 - to create the perfect shade. For the glowing skin, the makeup artist turned to the brand's Skin Fetish 003: Highlighter + Balm Duo, 'to create the most stunning natural finish to the high points of the cheek bone and brow bone'. Train feature: The pink gown featured a long train that flowed from Thandie's right shoulder Critically acclaimed: Thandie has won critical acclaim for her portrayal of sentient robot Maeve Millay Second nomination: The London native also was nominated last year in the same category Winning role: Thandie previously won the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her work in Westworld The piece de resistance was the lips, which Georgie chose to keep chic and subtle, instead of going big and bold. After lining the lips with the Permagel Ultra Lip Pencil in Bare Rose, she then added a slick of the newly-released Lip Fetish: Sheer Colour Balm in Full Fantasy 'to give a perfectly dewy soft pink tint'. Thandie's win at the Emmys comes after she took home the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her portrayal of a host madam turned self-aware freedom fighter on Westworld. The Emmy Awareds were co-hosted by Saturday Night Live's Colin Jost and Michael Che. Conan O'Brien hosted the Primetime Emmy Awards back in 2002 and 2006, while SNL alums and late-night hosts Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers hosted in 2010 and 2014 respectively. It's a particularly exciting year for Netflix as they finally dethroned HBO by earning the most Emmy nominations scoring 112 nods, beating HBO's 108. Pink power: The actress hit the carpet in Los Angeles in the long pink gown Sci-fi star: Thandie has been portraying a sentient android on Westworld since 2016
LOS ANGELES — Firefighters toiled in stifling heat Saturday on the lines of destructive wildfires across Southern California and the West, making progress against some blazes while struggling to tame others that have forced evacuations of hundreds of homes. In heat-stricken Southern California, powerful winds that sent an overnight inferno hopscotching through the Santa Barbara County community of Goleta calmed in the morning, allowing firefighters to extinguish smoldering ruins of an estimated 20 structures, including homes. Later Saturday, authorities announced that mandatory evacuation orders were being greatly reduced and many of the 2,500 people who fled Friday night would be able to return home. County Fire Chief Eric Peterson thanked residents for heeding the call to evacuate, allowing firefighters to focus on fire suppression rather than rescues. “There very likely would have been fatalities last night had those evacuations not occurred,” Peterson said. The fire’s spread was stopped at about 100 acres in a neighborhood where some houses were in ruins while homes next door were intact. Eric Durtschi stood outside his destroyed house, where a burned-out car stood in the driveway and kids’ bicycles were strewn about. Durtschi, his wife and six children had left Utah and moved in just a few weeks ago. He said he hadn’t yet told his two oldest children their home was gone. Now Playing: As fires blaze across Northern California with varying degrees of containment and dry and windy weather conditions, Cal Fire Information Officer Heather Williams explains fire containment over the phone on July 2, 2018. Video: San Francisco Chronicle Also in Southern California, firefighters increased containment of a central San Diego County fire that rapidly spread over 400 acres and destroyed 18 structures, and a wildfire in the San Bernardino National Forest was holding at 1.5 square miles. It forced the evacuation of about 700 homes in the mountain community of Forest Falls. Fires also burned on the Marine Corps’ sprawling Camp Pendleton base in northern San Diego County. Among new fires Saturday, a blaze erupted on a steep mountain slope just above the Los Angeles suburb of Burbank and helicopters soaked it with water to try to keep it from growing. Southern California fires began erupting Friday as strong high pressure over the West spawned an epic heat wave that saw parts of Los Angeles broil in temperatures up to 117 degrees. Forecasters said the region’s siege of heat would gradually ease through the weekend. In Utah, meanwhile, authorities allowed the return of some residents who fled a wildfire near a popular fishing lake 80 miles southeast of Salt Lake City. The blaze has burned about 75 square miles and destroyed 90 structures, including homes, cabins, sheds and garages, since starting last Sunday. In Colorado, firefighters took advantage of occasional rainstorms to extend their containment lines at several large fires. In the south, crews Saturday contained about 45 percent of a 167-square-mile fire that has destroyed more than 130 homes, while in Rocky Mountain ski country firefighters from 20 states were battling an 8-square-mile wildfire above the Roaring Fork Valley. Commanders said they hoped for one-third containment by late Sunday. Crews also had 50 percent containment of a southwestern Colorado fire that has blackened 85 square miles north of Durango. John Antczak is an Associated Press writer.<doc-sep>The Santa Barbara County declared a local emergency for the destructive Holiday Fire, which has damaged or destroyed at least 20 structures and was continuing to burn in the hills above Goleta on Saturday. “The Holiday Fire is causing conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property within the county of Santa Barbara,” the declaration said. “These conditions are beyond the control of the services, personnel, equipment and facilities of the combined forces of Santa Barbara County Operational Area to combat.” Gov. Jerry Brown also declared a state of emergency for Santa Barbara County due to the fire, and Goleta declared a local emergency. As of 4:30 p.m. Saturday, the fire had blackened an estimated 100 acres and was 80-percent contained, according to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department. No injuries have been reported, and the cause of the blaze was listed as "unknown." Mutual-aid firefighters from local cities and other counties continues to pour into the area, and daylight allows more aircraft to join the effort. Mandatory evacuations orders remained in effect Saturday afternoon for the area between Cathedral Oaks Road and West Camino Cielo Road, and between La Patera Lane and North Patterson Avenue, according to the Sheriff’s Department. An estimated 2,500 people were affected by the evacuation order. Evacuation orders will remain in effect until further notice, authorities said. The blaze started at about 8:45 p.m. Friday when, according to county officials, a structure fire on Holiday Hill Road spread to the vegetation and burned along North Fairview Avenue. The specific cause of the blaze has not been identified. An evacuation center is available at the Goleta Valley Community Center, at 5679 Hollister Ave., and small pets can be taken there as well. Large animals can be evacuated to the Earl Warren Showgrounds in Santa Barbara, 3400 Calle Real, and small animals can be taken to the County Animal Shelter at 5473 Overpass Road in Goleta. Roadway closures in the area of the fire were implemented to keep people out of the way of firefighters, and the California Highway Patrol said Saturday that “all roads northbound from La Patera Lane to Patterson Avenue along Cathedral Oaks Road are closed to the public.” The Goleta area is expected to hit high temperatures again Saturday, with a forecast to peak around 93 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. A Red Flag Warning, denoting extreme fire-weather danger, expired at 10 a.m. Saturday. The Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network evacuated animals from its facility at 1460 North Fairview Ave. late Friday night, the organization said in a Facebook post. “Thanks to some very brave staff and animal control, we have many birds with us now from baby bird room and pelican pools. We had to evacuate, Fairview Road is on fire and winds are very intense. Thought and prayers to our community, firefighters, and animals! !” “From the last report, the center has been burned around the edges, but our facility is still standing. We are so grateful, knowing many of our amazing neighbors have not been as lucky. Still, we have to be evacuated and are still very concerned for the area,” the group wrote on its Facebook page Saturday morning. Staff set up a temporary base at the Santa Barbara Humane Society at 5399 Overpass Road and animals were being evacuated to multiple locations, and the center asked for volunteers, donations and supplies. The Humane Society was housing evacuated animals including more than 100 birds, 10 chickens, three goats, some rabbits, a tortoise, dogs and cats as of Saturday morning, the agency said. Most of the birds came from the Santa Barbara Wildfire Care Network, according to the Humane Society. For fire information, residents can call 2-1-1 or text their zip code to 898.211. Anyone located outside the 805 area code can call 800.400.1572. Click here to sign up for Santa Barbara County Aware & Prepare emergency alerts. Click here to receive Noozhawk breaking news text alerts on your cell phone. The fire is burning in unincorporated areas as of Saturday morning, but the City of Goleta is posting updates on its Facebook page and residents can sign up for city emergency alerts here. The Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District monitors daily air quality and reported conditions that were “unhealthy for sensitive groups” in Goleta as of 9 a.m. Saturday, and “moderate” conditions in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria and Lompoc as of Saturday morning. Click here for the latest air quality conditions. — Noozhawk managing editor Giana Magnoli can be reached at . (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) . Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.<doc-sep>Carrie Givens heard the ferocious winds pick up Friday night, went outside and saw the flames quickly approaching. “I said, ‘We gotta get out of here,’ ” said Givens, 63. She and her husband, John, corralled five cats, and she grabbed a change of clothes, her passport, computer, camera and a pastel painting she had started. She had to leave behind finished paintings, her late mother’s ashes and baby photos of her three children. The couple fled, but the four-bedroom, split-level house they’d lived in for a quarter of a century, built into a hillside overlooking their 10-acre organic vegetable farm, quickly disappeared into the firestorm. Advertisement It was another weekend of terror and loss in Santa Barbara County, which has endured more than its share of calamity in recent months. The Givens’ home was among several structures destroyed in the hills above Goleta on Friday night and Saturday morning when a record heat wave and dangerous winds combined to fuel the Holiday fire. No deaths or major injuries were reported, officials said. It was the perhaps the most destructive of several blazes that broke out across Southern California amid oppressive heat that set temperature records for the day. Santa Barbara has a long history of natural disaster, particularly brush fires. But the last year has been staggering. In December, the Thomas fire, the largest on record in California, ripped through Montecito, Carpinteria and other coastal cities, destroying more than 1,000 structures. Then in January, mudslides in the same area killed 21 people and destroyed more than 100 homes. The mudslides alone resulted in property damage claims of more than $421 million. The ever-present threats to homes and lives and the frightening evacuation alerts are becoming all too familiar, said Santa Barbara County Supervisor Janet Wolf, who lost her home during the Painted Cave fire of 1990. She’s had to evacuate twice since. “Unfortunately it is an occurrence that we have become very used to,” she said. “But that doesn’t take away from the trauma and the fear that people experience.” The situation Friday night was especially terrifying and fast developing, fire officials said. When the Holiday fire broke out after 8 p.m., the temperature in Goleta was still 100 degrees. Then the sundowner winds picked up, a scenario that over the decades has spread many of Santa Barbara County’s most destructive fires. Advertisement “I’m convinced with that quickly advancing flame front, we would have had fatalities last night,” Santa Barbara County Fire Chief Eric Peterson said. “This scene has been repeated far too many times in our county over the last few years, and all of our hearts go out to those people who have lost everything.” In January, very different extreme conditions became deadly. Intense downpours that far exceeded the forecast created massive debris flows in Montecito, a coastal town east of Goleta, burying homes and cars under mud and boulders. By Saturday night, the 400-acre Holiday fire was 80% contained. To the south in San Diego County, a fire in the Alpine area that destroyed 18 structures was 30% contained after burning about 400 acres. Advertisement The largest fire burning in the state was just south of the Oregon border, where it scorched 21,803 acres and destroyed 15 structures, with only 5% containment. One death has been attributed to the fire, but few details were immediately available. As the heat wave eased slightly Saturday, residents in Goleta surveyed the destruction. Eric Durtschi, 42, bent down and picked up the metal bones of three vintage rifles amid the charred remains of his rented hilltop home on Cuesta Verde. “This one’s the 1873 Winchester,” he said, studying one of them before turning to another. “This is my grandfather’s right here.” Advertisement Durtschi, his wife and their six children moved into the house two weeks ago and hadn’t yet arranged for rental insurance. The family had relocated from Utah after the school year. On Friday, two friends from Utah and their three children were visiting when Durtschi’s daughter smelled smoke shortly before 9 p.m. Durtschi walked outside and saw smoke everywhere. He ordered family members to leave, while he and his friend grabbed his father’s guitar and some other keepsakes. “When we came out, there were fist-sized embers falling all over the place,” he said. Advertisement The family stayed the night with friends. Then Durtschi went to Santa Barbara to pick up his two oldest sons, who had been with a church youth group all week and didn’t know what had happened. “I need to come up with a plan and be strong so the kids aren’t more scared than they already are,” he said. “I had no idea the flames could go that fast.” As with many fires, the flames hopscotched neighborhoods in unpredictable patterns, leaving some structures untouched, others burned to the ground. The destruction could have been worse when winds picked up at sundown Friday. But firefighters had been forewarned by a National Weather Service advisory and were already deployed, ready to go into action quickly. Advertisement Peterson, the Santa Barbara County fire chief, commended residents for quickly evacuating their homes. Many fled without being warned, after noticing the wind pick up or smelling smoke. Officials were reluctant late Saturday to verify an early estimate by officials of 20 structures destroyed, calling it guesswork at this stage. The American Red Cross set up a shelter for evacuees at the Goleta Valley Community Center. Sixty-one people stayed overnight, said spokeswoman Cindy Huge. Most were over 65; a few were children. By Saturday afternoon, only a handful remained. Late Saturday, mandatory evacuations still were in effect for 600 people, Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown said. He advised residents to keep cellphones fully charged and be ready to leave again if conditions change. Advertisement The temperature in Goleta reached 102 degrees Friday and 105 degrees Saturday, but was expected to drop 20 degrees Sunday. Record temperatures Friday and Saturday contributed to extreme fire conditions throughout the region, although higher humidity in some areas Saturday also led to a few showers and thunderstorms.<doc-sep>There are 36 large fires in 11 states across the West. Three dozen large fires continue to burn in 11 states across the West on Saturday as dry air and hot temperatures have settled in. Gusty northern winds of up to 45 mph are expected in the Santa Monica mountain region, Santa Clarita Valley, Santa Barbara south coast and San Fernando Valley on Saturday. Relative humidity is as low as 7 percent today in Southern California. The Holiday fire in Goleta, California, north of Santa Barbara, grew rapidly overnight and is now at a size of 100 acres. The Santa Barbara Fire Department said multiple structures had burned and 50 to 100 homes were threatened. Santa Barbara County Fire spokesperson Mike Eliason shared multiple photos and videos on Twitter showing homes engulfed in flames. At least 2,200 people were evacuated in the Goleta area, officials said. Farther south, the West fire, just north of San Diego, was at 400 acres and only 5 percent contained as of 10 p.m. local time Friday. Evacuations and road closures were in place in that area as well. California's record heat There were four record highs set in Southern California on Friday, including Riverside (118 degrees), Van Nuys Airport (117 degrees), Burbank Airport (114 degrees) and University of California-Los Angeles (111 degrees). Downtown Los Angeles reached a daily record high of 108 degrees. Heat alerts are in effect through 9 p.m. local time Saturday night for southwestern California as another hot day is on the horizon. Southern California will see some relief by the end of the weekend as the heat migrates east toward the Four Corners region.<doc-sep>	At least seven wildfires are currently active in the state of California, prompting Governor Jerry Brown to declare a State of Emergency Saturday for for Santa Barbara County. Earlier this week Brown did the same for Siskiyou and San Diego counties. Brown said he issued a State of Emergency because, "This fire has destroyed homes and continues to threaten additional homes and other structures, necessitating the evacuation of thousands of residents and," his emergency proclamation read. "This fire has caused power outages, forced the closure of roadways, and continues to threaten critical infrastructure." At least one person has died as a result of the California wildfires. Unless otherwise specified, all information and official updates have been aggregated from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and the federal government's Incident Information System (INCIWeb). Siskiyou County saw 15 structures destroyed since a fire burned what was last reported to be 21, 803 acred burned in the area. Officials contained five percent of the fire and a small segment of the fire broke off into Oregon. 1,083 personnel have been on the scene since the fire began Thursday afternoon, and officials think there are high chances the forest will spread into nearby Forest Zones. Evacuated areas include the communities of Hornbrook, Hilt, Irongate Reservoir, Iron Gate Estate, and residents straddling the northern state line of California and Oregon. Earlier coverage of the Klamathon fire can be found here. A two-week long fire in Lake County is now 95 percent contained, and evacuations were lifted by the Sheriff on Wednesday. Resources are staying throughout the day on Saturday to maintain control of the area. Started last Saturday and burning approximately 88,375 acres, a Saturday morning update from Cal Fire reported almost half of the fire was contained. A portion of State Highway 16 has been closed between Rumsey Hall and State Highway 20. Residents west of the highway, north of County Road, and South of the Yolo County line have been asked to evacuate the area. Firefighters are battling a 100 acre fire off Irish Hill Road and Carbondale Road, north of Ione (Amador County). #IrishFire https://t.co/EFa9WN11wt pic.twitter.com/hkxLuenfKz — CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) July 6, 2018 A fire slightly southeast of Sacramento is 50 percent contained since the area was ablaze Friday afternoon. Burning through 790 acres, evacuations thus far include only Willow Creek Ranch Estates. Holiday Fire 350 personnel have been assigned to address a fire that started Friday night, according to a tweet on Saturday morning from a Public Information Officer sharing information on the Santa Barbara County Fire. The fire has burned through 50 acres since officials have coordinated a Goleta Valley Community Center a safe place for people to evacuate, and was five percent contained on Saturday morning. The fire is taking place in what Governor Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency across Santa Barbara County. Updated late Saturday morning, The Valley Fire started at approximately 1:30 PM on Friday. Currently zero percent contained, the fire is currently 1,000 acres in size and moving into the San Gorgino Wilderness. A smoke advisory has been issued by the issued by the Southern California Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). Individuals were urged to immediately evacuate from the Alpine Oaks Estate to the Viejas Casino by San Diego County officials Friday night. So far the wildfire that started near midnight destroyed 18 structures and 400 acres of land. It was 18% contained based on an update on Saturday morning, and roads have remained closed as of Saturday afternoon.
Despite Carsen Edwards’ terrific 42-point effort, Virginia moved on to the Final Four, 80-75, in an overtime thriller. Edwards stole the show with his scoring outburst, in which he made 10 3-pointers, while Virginia guards Kyle Guy and Ty Jerome combined for 49 points. Kihei Clark and Mamadi Diakite teamed up to keep Virginia alive and send it to overtime. Clark got the rebound on a missed free throw and passed it to Diakite, who beat the buzzer on a jumper. Guy returned for the second stanza after suffering an ankle injury at the end of the first half and gave the Cavaliers a big boost, breaking out of his tournament-long shooting spell with five 3s. MORE: Watch Virginia vs. Purdue on fuboTV live and on-demand (7-day free trial) Meanwhile, Edwards set the record for most points in an NCAA Tournament through the first four games since 2000. He also scored the most 3s of any player in the first four games of the tournament. A second half lineup change by Virginia made a big difference in swinging the momentum.in the Cavaliers’ favor. Coach Tony Bennett opted to go with Jack Salt over Clark for some more height and the Cavaliers responded with a 12-4 run to open the half, taking control after Purdue dominated most of the first 20 minutes. Virginia will face either No. 2 Kentucky or No. 5 Auburn in the Final Four. Sporting News provided updates and highlights from the Cavaliers' win, which sent them to their first Final Four since 1984. Virginia vs. Purdue: Live score, highlights (All times ET) 11:07 p.m.: Virginia advances to the Final Four! An all-time classic. Virginia is going to the Final Four! pic.twitter.com/FUcpacdfcU — CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 31, 2019 11:07 p.m.: Virginia gets the inbound in successfully and Clark hits the free throws to put the Cavaliers up five. 11:04 p.m.: Purdue turns the ball over with 1.8 remaining and Virginia can wrap it up. 11:02 p.m.: Guy hits them both to put Virginia up three points with 5.7 seconds left. 11:01 p.m.: Edwards misses the 3 and Guy gets the rebound and is fouled. 10:59 p.m.: Hunter responds with a basket of his own and Virginia is ahead again. 26 seconds left to play. 10:59 p.m.: Edwards drives through the lane and puts his team back up by a point. 10:56 p.m.: Eastern hits one free throw and Hunter hits two. Virginia is up one. 10:53 p.m.: Jerome ties it with a layup. 10:52 p.m.: Purdue strikes first in overtime on a Haarms layup. 10:47 p.m.: Wow! Virginia saves it on the rebound and Diakite hits the shot at the buzzer. We are headed to overtime! MARCH MADNESS IS THE GREATEST THING IN THE WORLD pic.twitter.com/TUQchKqswO — CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 31, 2019 10:47 p.m.: Cline hits one free throw and Jerome will head to the line down three with 5.9 seconds left. 10:45 p.m.: Edwards misses a 3 but Grady Eifert gets the offensive rebound and Virginia has to foul. 10:44 p.m.: Edwards banks in his 10th 3 of the game. He has 40 points! CARSEN EDWARDS. MARCH MADNESS LEGEND! pic.twitter.com/iwM5PU4ZMG — CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 31, 2019 10:43 p.m.: Key defensive stop for Purdue and it has the ball down a point with 1:15 left. 10:39 p.m.: Both teams are in the bonus and have taken advantage, with a pair of made free throws apiece. 10:38 p.m.: Guy responds with a layup to put Virginia back up. 10:34 p.m.: Nojel Eastern gets the offensive rebound and layup to put the Boilermakers back up. 3:36 left to play and we heading towards a great finish. 10:32 p.m.: Nine made 3s for Edwards! He's keeping his team in this one with under five minutes to play. 10:30 p.m.: Williams delivers the layup but Jerome hits a 3. 61-57 Virginia. 10:24 p.m.: Guy and Edwards exchange 3s again. This is a shooting clinic! 10:18 p.m.: Trevion Williams and Edwards with back-to-back baskets to cut it to a one-possession game. 10:13 p.m.: Edwards has set the record for most 3s through the first four tournament games. He has 25. Virginia still leads by seven points at the under 12-minute timeout. 10:12 p.m.: Edwards responds with another 3 to cut into the lead. He has 22 points and six 3s. 10:12 p.m.: Ty Jerome and Edwards exchange 3s and Virginia remains in the lead by eight points. 10:06 p.m.: Virginia leads by seven at the first media timeout. Guy has 13 points, including nine in the second half. 10:01 p.m.: Guy hits another 3 and Virginia now leads by five! 9:59 p.m.: Kyle Guy seems to be alright. He hits a 3 out of the half and Virginia has the lead. 9:36 p.m.: Purdue leads 30-29 at halftime. A lot of offense in the first 10 minutes, but that flattened out in the latter part of the half. 9:34 p.m.: Kihei Clark has the goods. Kihei Clark faked out everyone pic.twitter.com/NnbvamKf8W — CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 31, 2019 9:28 p.m.: May be some bad news for Virginia. Kyle Guy appears to be shaken up and is limping. He will be attended to on the bench. 9:23 p.m.: Virginia continues to score but Edwards keeps responding. He's on fire with 16 points. 9:21 p.m.: The Cavaliers' defense is putting the clamps down and they have started scoring on the other end. It's now a four-point Purdue lead. 9:15 p.m.: 25-16 Boilermakers at the under 8-minute timeout. Edwards has 11 points. 9:12 p.m.: Mamadi Diakite is off to a fast start for the Cavaliers. He has eight points on 4-for-4 shooting. 9:10 p.m.: Five more points for Purdue and it leads by 10. The Boilermakers are in total control. 9:04 p.m.: Ryan Cline and Eric Hunter Jr. add to Purdue's parade of 3s and it leads 17-12. 8:54 p.m.: The Boilermakers lead 11-8 at the first media timeout. Edwards has six points. 8:52 p.m.: Nobody can miss! The teams are a combined 6 of 6 and Purdue leads 8-6. 8:50 p.m.: Ryan Cline picks up right where he left off and hits a 3 for the first points of the game. Cline still hot from last game 🔥#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/3BwTfb3cnR — Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 31, 2019 8:45 p.m.: The starting lineups for tonight's contest:<doc-sep>“I don’t care about the critics,” Cavaliers Coach Tony Bennett said, adding: “I just know it was really hard to lose in the first round. It stung. It was, as I said, a painful gift. It was so humbling but it drew me and drew our team closer in a way we couldn’t have gone.” It first appeared as if the game would be played at Purdue’s pace. Both teams scored on their first four possessions, with Purdue taking an 11-8 lead just 3 minutes 30 seconds in. And a Virginia team that had allowed more than 70 points only three times this season appeared to be on its way to yielding far more. But the hot shooting soon ceased, and empty trips became the norm. Virginia scored just 4 points in 7:13, which allowed Purdue to edge clear and take a 22-12 lead. The double-digit advantage prompted raucous “Boiler Up!” chants from the Purdue faithful. They sensed a foe on the ropes, a quick knockout in the offing. The Cavaliers, though, clamped down, giving up just 8 points over the last 9:46 of the first half to get back in the contest. Even Ryan Cline — the Purdue senior guard who seemed as if he could not miss during Thursday night’s regional semifinal, and who on Saturday picked up where he had left off — began to cool off. Only Carsen Edwards found success for the Boilermakers on offense in the first half, putting up 16 points en route to a game-high 42. “Never do I feel like I’m choosing to carry the team,” Edwards said. “It’s just I felt good and had rhythm on the shots I was taking, and they were just able to go in.”<doc-sep>The last time Purdue was in the Elite Eight, in 2000, they lost to Dick Bennett’s Wisconsin Badgers. Nearly 20 years later, the Boilermakers lost to Bennett’s son, Tony. For the first time since 1984, Virginia is going to the Final Four. The Cavaliers punched their ticket with an 80-75 overtime win over Purdue. In Louisville, Kentucky, it was a heavyweight fight that would’ve made Muhammad Ali proud. With the loss, Purdue’s Final Four drought continues. The Boilermakers haven’t been since 1980. It’s the first Final Four trip for Tony Bennett. He and his father Dick make the second father-son duo to take teams to the Final Four, joining John Thompson and John Thompson III, who both took Georgetown there. "We can do anything we put our minds to." Hear from Tony Bennett & Kyle Guy after @UVAMensHoops get the OT win! 🔥#MarchMadness \| #Elite8 pic.twitter.com/GLWUOZkxo7 — NCAA March Madness (@marchmadness) March 31, 2019 Edwards record night While he didn’t cut down the nets at the end of the night, it was still a memorable one for Carsen Edwards. The 6-foot-1 junior dropped swished 10 three-pointers en route to scoring 42 points. No other Boilermaker scored more than seven points. Edwards also grabbed a pair of rebounds. Edwards now holds the tournament record for most made 3-pointers. He scored 10 points in the final five minutes of regulation. Carsen Edwards is in Danny Manning/Kemba Walker territory if Purdue wins this game — Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) March 31, 2019 Purdue's Carsen Edwards has been named the Most Outstanding Player of the South Regional, becoming the first player to win MOP honors despite not being a member of the winning team since Steph Curry of Davidson in 2008. — David Worlock (@DavidWorlock) March 31, 2019 Virginia controlled the boards One of the reasons Virginia was able to stay in the game was because of how well they cleaned the offensive glass. The Cavaliers grabbed 17 offensive boards, and won the overall rebounding battle 39-31. The Cavaliers scored 18 points off second chances. Virginia also notched four blocks and six steals and forced Purdue into 10 turnovers. Guy, Jerome step-up The top performers for Virginia were Kyle Guy and Ty Jerome. Guy had 25 points and 10 rebounds, while Jerome tallied 24 points, seven assists and four rebounds. In overtime, the duo combined for four of Virginia’s eight points. To start the second half, Guy connected on a trio of three-pointers, which gave them a seven-point lead. Kihei Clark put the game on ice by swishing a pair of free throws just before the overtime buzzer. Clark also dished the assist to Mamadi Diakite for his jumper with one second remaining that pushed the game into OT. “We made bad history last year. We’re making great history this year.” — Kyle Guy (That’s gonna be perfect for the documentary.) — Gary Parrish (@GaryParrishCBS) March 31, 2019<doc-sep>	Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images Kyle Guy scored 25 points and Ty Jerome added 24 as No. 1 seed Virginia beat No. 3 Purdue 80-75 in overtime on Saturday in the Elite Eight of the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament. Virginia won despite 42 points from Purdue guard Carsen Edwards, who hit 10 of 19 three-pointers for the 26-10 Boilermakers. Down 70-68 with seconds remaining in regulation, UVA forced overtime after a haphazard sequence that ended with a Mamadi Diakite jumper for the tie: In the extra session, UVA took a 76-75 lead with 28 seconds left on a De'Andre Hunter two-pointer: Edwards missed a three in response, and Guy made two free throws on the ensuing possession. Purdue still had five seconds left to go full court and attempt a game-tying three, but the Boilermakers committed a turnover. Virginia guard Kihei Clark sealed the game with two free throws. It's easy to fall into a recency-bias trap and say this was the best NCAA tournament game played in the past few years. But how can one not after watching what took place Saturday? Video Play Button Videos you might like The South Regional final was a fantastic matchup that featured a phenomenal individual performance, an all-time great play, few mistakes and two teams who hadn't made the Final Four since well before anyone on the court was born. On Edwards' end, what record didn't he match or set on Saturday evening? The fact that Edwards scored 42 wasn't the most amazing part of the night. It was how he scored those points. Who cares if Edwards called bank on his go-ahead three-pointer with 1:12 left: He also made UVA pay for not defending him at the midcourt logo: If you want to see all of his highlights, check them out here via CBS Sports: Edwards scored 34.8 points in four tournament games. He posted 42 twice, having also done so versus Villanova in the second round. It looked all but certain that Edwards and the Boilermakers were headed to the Final Four, but Clark and Diakite had other plans: Clark had the ball in his hands on the UVA side of the midcourt logo with just 2.0 seconds remaining, showcasing just how much needed to go right for Diakite to get the shot off—let alone make it. His pass needed to be fast and pinpoint accurate just to give Diakite a puncher's chance, and it was. Then, Diakite needed the presence of mind to get a controlled shot off before the buzzer, and he came through. Lee Benson of News9 pointed out the most impressive part of the play, however: The freshman guard showed unbelievable poise and maturity, especially considering the rough night he endured before that moment. Clark had more fouls (three) than points (two) and didn't score until his game-sealing free throws. UVA wouldn't have had a chance to get to that point without the dual dominance of Guy and Jerome. Guy, who had made just three of 26 three-pointers in three NCAA tournament games, broke out in a big way by going 5-of-12 from downtown. He also grabbed 10 boards. Edwards and Guy were going bucket for bucket at one point: CBS SportsLine provided an apt wrestling analogy: And Zach Harper of The Athletic was quite excited: Guy, whose slump-breaking performance seemed inevitable considering he was making 42.7 percent of his threes entering Saturday, has a big fan in ex-Virginia football standout and two-time Super Bowl champion Chris Long: The junior also played through an injured ankle, per Jeff Borzello of ESPN: Jerome was fantastic, leading the team with seven assists. Jeff Greer of The Athletic praised his passing in particular: He also provided some clutch buckets, including this one to put Virginia up 61-57: Jerome only committed one turnover, and the two teams combined had only 14 on the evening. The biggest one occurred with seconds left in overtime, when an Edwards pass to Ryan Cline went out of bounds: Edwards explained the decision to pass postgame: Who can even remotely blame him for the Boilermakers losing, though? Both teams played a phenomenal game in a matchup that featured two teams looking to go back to the Final Four for the first time in decades and simultaneously trying to ward off some old tournament demons. Purdue hadn't been to the Final Four since 1980.
Canadians have started to boycott U.S. goods in the wake of 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's war of words with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the recent steel and aluminum tariffs on Canada, the European Union, and Mexico. CTV News reported on Thursday that Canadian shoppers were boycotting Florida oranges, Kentucky bourbon and California wine over the diplomatic rift. Canadians have also employed hashtags such as #BoycottUSProducts, #BuyCanadian and #BoycottUSA. I will be spending my dollars on Canadian products and in stores that do not support the Trump family. Angry Canadians support #BuyCanadian after attacks on Trudeau https://t.co/e9qrpICIEE #buyCanadian #boycottUSproducts — erin abbatangelo (@e3abba) June 13, 2018 Trump lashed out at Trudeau last weekend after the Canadian leader said all members of the Group of Seven (G-7) industrialized nations reached an agreement at the end of their summit. The president said he would not sign the G-7 agreement and called Trudeau "weak" and "dishonest." Canada's Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said on Thursday she was not ruling out potential tariffs against the Trump Organization in response to Trump's recently announced tariffs.<doc-sep>Natalie McLellan no longer stocks Heinz ketchup, Florida oranges or any other foods that come from the U.S. at her home in LaSalle, Ontario. The 42-year-old autism consultant is one of a growing number of Canadians who are boycotting U.S. products, a decision motivated by President Donald Trump's anti-Canadian sentiments and tough trade stance. "I really don't feel comfortable supporting our neighbors," McLellan said. "It seems Trump and the politicians and the people of your country who stand behind him don't want to have a global community." The U.S. has imposed tariffs on Canadian lumber, steel and aluminum. As Trump left the Group of 7 meeting of industrial nations in Quebec last week, he criticized Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a tweet, calling him "very dishonest & weak" for pushing back against the tariffs. Trump withdrew the United States from a joint document that summarized what was agreed to at the G-7 summit. Now, hashtags such as #BoycottUSA, #BuyCanadian and #VacationCanada – and their French equivalents in the bilingual nation – are bubbling among patriotic Canadians. Some in the nation known as much for its politeness as its love of hockey are avoiding everything American, whether it is fresh and packaged food, U.S.-based retailers and chain restaurants, appliances, cars and travel destinations. More:Where are consumers in the U.S. - China trade dispute? Right in the crosshairs More:McDonald's to test plastic-straw alternatives in U.S. later this year More:Pete the Planner: A critical look at health savings accounts, a financial product I like For household staples, McLellan opts for either similar Canadian-made products or does without. She has turned to the internet to help her find non-American products. She's canceling plans for trips to see Detroit's professional sports teams, such as MLB's Tigers, the NFL's Lions and the NHL's Red Wings. Canada is the U.S.'s second-largest trading partner behind China. U.S. goods and services trade with Canada totaled an estimated $673.9 billion in 2017 – $341.2 billion in exports and $332.8 billion in imports – according to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. The U.S. is Canada's biggest trading partner, so a boycott risks veering into "this will hurt me more than it'll hurt you" territory. Yet some Canadians are determined to see it through. For Toronto property developer Vivienne Grace Ziner, the commitment to avoid American building materials and plumbing fixtures for her real-estate projects means spending as much as 50 percent more. Her purchases include Canadian-produced goods targeted by the U.S., such as steel or lumber. "Trump changed the rules. He started slapping on tariffs. It’s illogical, and its detrimental to all of us," Ziner said. "The more intransigent he would get, the more intransigent I would get." The results of mass boycotts are mixed, but they certainly can draw attention to an issue. The bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama, pointed to the civil rights struggle in the mid-1950s. The United Farm Workers union made an impact with its grapes boycott in the late 1960s. The anti-apartheid boycott of South Africa lasted for years, and a boycott was organized around last year's transgender bathroom-bill boycott in North Carolina. Others fail to make a real difference. "They tend to be short-lived, passion-of-the-moment affairs. They certainly do perform an important expressive role," said George Loewenstein, a Carnegie Mellon University behavioral economist. Tony Woodcock of Salmon Arm, British Columbia, hopes he can make a dent on behalf of Canada. He has been looking for a new car and a new computer. But instead of purchasing the Jeep and the Microsoft Surface laptop he has been eyeing, the 70-year-old insurance broker is considering a Toyota or Nissan SUV – "but not one manufactured in the USA" – and a Lenovo computer from China. "I will put off my purchases until the Trump administration deletes the tariffs on Canadian goods," he said in an email. He also is avoiding Walmart, Costco, Home Depot and Starbucks and is thinking about replacing the Hawaiian vacation he has planned at year's end with a trip to Cuba. Robyn Berry, 56, of Courtenay, British Columbia, is shopping for a washer and dryer, but brands such as GE and Whirlpool now are off the table. Recently, when she couldn't find nationally sourced blueberries, she opted for blackberries grown in Mexico. Berry buys strawberries produced in the province for $6.99 – instead of containers twice as big from California that retail for $3.99. "I'm not very happy with what’s going on," the retired bingo caller said. "The only way I can speak is with my dollars." There's even talk of more countries joining Canada in a more generalized boycott. "Trump is playing a dangerous game. He’s getting the world angry at the U.S.," Loewenstein said. "Canada might not be able to unilaterally act against the U.S., but if a lot of countries unite against the U.S., they could do some real economic damage." Follow USA TODAY reporter Zlati Meyer on Twitter: @ZlatiMeyer<doc-sep>Canadians are boycotting American-made products, stores and cancelling trips to the States in protest of President Trump's trade war and bad blood with their prime minister. In defense of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, shoppers are skipping out on Walmart, Starbucks and Florida oranges and instead turning to homegrown Canadian products. The protest comes after Trump said he would punish 'the people of Canada' following Trudeau's criticism of the US president's tariffs at a post-G7 news conference. His comments then sparked a Twitter tirade where Trump called Trudeau 'very dishonest and weak'. In defense of their prime minister Justin Trudeau, Canadian shoppers are skipping out on Walmart and Starbucks and buying homegrown goods Scott Paler, from Winnipeg, said he has contributed thousands of dollars to the US economy, but that ends now with President Trump Maureen Spillane, from Toronto, changed her vacation plans when she learned of US tensions A Montreal woman Tweeted recommendations for shopping Canadian instead of American Hashtags are trending on Twitter including #BuyCanadian and #BoycottUSA Canadians took to Twitter to express their disdain for the US president and described their plans for boycotting their neighboring country. Popular hashtags have taken over Twitter, including #BuyCanadian, #BoycottUSProducts and #BoycottUSA. Canadians are sharing tips via social media for how to shop for homegrown products. One Montreal woman suggested shopping at Tim Horton's instead of Starbucks and going to Rossy instead of Walmart. Another Winnipeg resident said: 'I have traditionally contributed thousands to the US economy each year. Not until this guy is history. #Boycott USA.' Meanwhile, Canadians are buying more expensive products, like strawberries, in order to avoid profiting the US. Some are even cancelling vacations to the US and instead, flying or driving through different regions in Canada. One Toronto resident, Maureen Spillane, said: 'I was planning a road trip that would take me through Maine on my way to NS. Now I can't fathom spending any of my hard earned cash in your country. I don't blame the citizens but I gather you can understand the position the rest of the world is in. #BoycottUSA' Trudeau himself acknowledged the support of the public while at Parliament this week. 'There's a bit of a patriotic boost going on these past few days,' he said. Instead of Walmart, Starbucks and Florida oranges, shoppers are buying locally-sourced items Scott Chamberlain, from Ottawa, tweeted that he's going #TrumpFree Another Toronto woman is spending extra money for either Canadian or Mexican-grown products Speaking at a press conference in Singapore on Tuesday, Trump said he decided to back out of the G7 communique after watching Trudeau's closing summit news conference. It was there the prime minister warned that Canada would 'not be pushed around' on tariffs - a point Trudeau had made several times before. 'He'll learn that's going to cost a lot of money for the people of Canada. He'll learn, he can't do that,' Trump said. The president has imposed tariffs of 25 and 10 per cent on aluminum and steel from Canada and other countries. The president also said the Canadian leader must not have realized that Trump had televisions on Air Force One, allowing him to monitor Trudeau's news conference. 'I think that Justin probably didn't know that Air Force One has about 20 televisions,' he said. Trump recalled watching Trudeau's press conference in an interview with ABC News. 'He talked about how they won't be bullied. And I said "What's this all about? He didn't do that to my face, what's this all about?" But here's what the story is: We have been taken advantage of as a country for decades by friends and enemies both,' Trump said. 'Our trade is a disaster, our trade deals.' Following the president's comments, White House aide Peter Navarro said there is a 'special place in hell' for leaders like Trudeau who engage in 'bad faith diplomacy' with President Trump.<doc-sep>(In this June 12 story, corrects title of Gabe Batstone to board director, not co-chair, in 14th paragraph. Correction is from source) Slideshow ( 2 images ) OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canadians outraged by U.S. President Donald Trump’s attack on their prime minister have called for a consumer boycott targeting the United States, but indignation may be hard to sustain in a nation enamored by U.S. popular culture and larded with American goods. A push for some sort of reprisal in response to Trump’s personal attack on Justin Trudeau has gained force since Canada’s Parliament on Monday condemned weekend broadsides from its ally amid an escalating trade dispute. While Trudeau himself has kept a low profile since the U.S. attacks, Canadians incensed on his behalf have zeroed in on a pocketbook response. How better to signal the national wrath than by cutting trade and travel with the United States? All kinds of targets have been suggested in opinion columns and postings on social media, from companies that sell goods associated with Trump or his family to a broader ban on U.S. vacations. The suggestions come not only in response to the attacks on Trudeau by Trump and his aides, but to the threat of a trade war that could hurt Canada’s economy and sideswipe jobs. “So, if this president insists on punching you in the nose and eating your lunch, why would you continue to pretend he’s still a great neighbor and go over to his place to spend your time and money?” implored an opinion piece in the Toronto Star. “Empty hotel rooms and campsites send a message.” Trump called Trudeau “very dishonest and weak” and withdrew support for a Group of Seven communique reached at the summit Trudeau hosted in Quebec on Saturday, and White House trade and economic advisers added insults on Sunday. But while Canadians will fight to a polite death for the right to consume homegrown beef, beer and maple syrup over what they view as inferior American alternatives, any move to mount a broad boycott could be tough going in a country that reveres U.S. popular culture and consumer goods over all others. “To suggest Canadians are going to stop drinking Coke and Pepsi is a bit of a stretch, given we are so enmeshed in U.S. consumer culture. A bottom line impact is not likely to occur,” said pollster Nik Nanos. “That said, this is going to be a massive headache for U.S. companies doing business in Canada, both from a public relations and consumer relations perspective.” Canada is the most important market for U.S. goods, importing a total of US$98.9 billion in the first four months of 2018, according the official U.S. data. Canada accepted 18.3 percent of U.S. exports, ahead of Mexico and China, and is the top export market for 35 states. That means Canadian stores shelves look a lot like U.S. shelves, and Canadians drink Starbucks while wearing Nikes, talking on their iPhones and munching Doritos. U.S. food and entertainment franchises overwhelm domestic offerings, and movie and music hits differ only slightly from across the border. Underscoring ties that bind the North American neighbors, the United States is the top destination for Canadian vacationers - including hundreds of thousands of retirees who winter in the sun belt. Canadians made 42 million trips to the United States in 2017. Canada’s population is 36 million. While a consumer boycott is a natural first response, it is the wrong decision, said Gabe Batstone, board director of the Canadian American Business Council. “Historically global peace and prosperity have flourished when trade has flourished, so fighting U.S. industrial protectionism with Canadian consumer protectionism makes good copy and little sense,” Batstone said in an email. “Cutting off your nose to spite your face is rarely a great strategy.”<doc-sep>	After President Donald Trump derailed the U.S. relationship with longtime ally Canada, launching a trade war and exchanging barbs with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Canadians decided to boycott Trump in solidarity with their leader. Trump blamed Trudeau for his decision not to sign a joint communiqué with other members of the G-7 during the close of their meeting last week. Canada's leader had announced his intention to impose retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports because Trump establshed tariffs of 25 and 10 percent on aluminum and steel from Canada and other countries. The announcement angered Trump and led to the breakdown of his participation in the G-7 summit in Quebec. Trump called Trudeau "dishonest and weak," and White House aide Peter Navarro said there was a "special place in hell" for leaders like Trudeau who engage in "bad faith diplomacy" with Trump. PM Justin Trudeau of Canada acted so meek and mild during our @G7 meetings only to give a news conference after I left saying that, “US Tariffs were kind of insulting” and he “will not be pushed around.” Very dishonest & weak. Our Tariffs are in response to his of 270% on dairy! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 9, 2018 Now, Canadians have responded by boycotting U.S. products and canceling their planned trips to the U.S. Kentucky Bourbon, California wine, and Florida oranges are all among the products some Canadians now say they won't purchase. Meanwhile, Canadian Twitter has been flooded with hashtags urging shoppers to #BuyCanadian, #BoycottUSProducts and #BoycottUSA. One man even tweeted a photo of his "Trump free" grocery cart filled with Canadian products. U.S. companies like Walmart and McDonalds are also included in the list of companies to be shunned. First trump-free grocery cart. Focusing on great Canadian products and those from countries with stronger leadership. #buycanadian #trumpfree pic.twitter.com/XHgGJNtzcJ — Scott Chamberlain (@scottawan) June 10, 2018 For confused shoppers, at least one Canadian website details whether a product was produced in the U.S. or not. Canada is Washington's second largest trading partner after China, accounting for an estimated $673.9 billion in trade and services last year. U.S. exports of goods and services to Canada supported an estimated 1.6 million jobs in 2015, according to the Department of Commerce. Trump's decision to enter into conflict with one of the U.S.'s most steadfast allies was viewed with concern and occasionally mockery by analysts and experts. "O Canada: You had it coming, eh. They inflicted Nickelback on us. We did nothing. They sent us Justin Bieber. We turned the other cheek. They were responsible for one abomination after the other: Poutine. Diphthong vowels. Hawaiian pizza. Instant mashed potatoes. Ted Cruz. Still, we did not retaliate—until now," Washington Post columnist Dana Milbank joked in a recent op-ed. "Given Canadians' well-known instability—their currency is called the 'loonie'—there can be only one solution: We are going to build a wall from Maine to Alaska—and Ottawa is going to pay." Some pundits, however, took a more somber tone, suggesting that Trump is in fact determined to upend all international trade norms. Canadian media, meanwhile, reported that U.S. and Canada's relationship is now at an all-time low, especially since Trump suggested that Canada constitutes a national security threat for the U.S. Other experts consulted by Toronto-based TV channel CTV indicated that Canadians "need to continue the conversation with American business partners, friends and family," while reminding U.S. voters that "their president has angered an ally." Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney began negotiations with then-President Ronald Reagan to create the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement, which was signed in 1988 and went into effect the following year. At Canada's behest, this treaty was transformed into a trilateral agreement, and it was later renamed the North American Free Trade Agreement—which includes Mexico—in the early 1990s. NAFTA entered into force in 1994 after then-President Bill Clinton signed it into law in December 1993. Today, the deal seeks to protect intellectual property and establish labor and environmental standards. Furthermore, NAFTA has spurred "unprecedented integration between Canada and the United States' developed economies and Mexico, a developing country," according to a report by the Council on Foreign Relations. This article has been updated with new information.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked the Congress government in Rajasthan, saying it is denying the small farmers the benefit of the direct cash transfer scheme of his government by not providing a list of those eligible. There should not be politics on such an issue, he said at a public rally. "Rajasthan has not provided list of farmers for the scheme launched by the Centre. Welfare of poor and farmers is the priority of our government but it is sad that schemes meant for them are subjected to politics," he said. "You should not worry. We are after them and will make sure that they submit the list and the benefits reach the farmers," the prime minister said referring to the recently launched PM Kisan Samman Yojna. "The first instalment of Rs 2,000 was transferred to the bank accounts of more than one crore farmers of the country under the PM Kisan Sammna Nidhi Yojna launched from Gorakhpur of Uttar Pradesh. We are going to give this benefit to more than 12 crore small farmers'' families and more than 50 lakhs farmers from Rajasthan," he said. PM Modi said there is not a single farmer from Rajasthan among those benefited because the state government has not provided a list of beneficiaries to the Centre. He added that states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu have already provided their lists to the Centre. PM Modi said Rs 7.5 lakh crore would be transferred to the bank accounts of small farmers under the PM-Kisan scheme. In the interim Budget 2019-20, the central government had announced the PM-Kisan scheme under which Rs 6,000 per year will be given in three instalments to 12 crore small and marginal farmers holding cultivable land up to two hectares. Referring to the Ayushmaan Bharat scheme, the PM said more than 13 lakh people in the country have received free treatment under the drive but not a single person from Rajasthan was among them as the Congress government has showed no seriousness to associate with the programme. The prime minister said the country was moving ahead with the sentiment of ''Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan and Jai Vigyan'' and his government was working on the ''Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas'' model. "We are trying to achieve such targets which no one could think of achieving before," he said, highlighting the number of affordable houses constructed for the poor in the last four years. PM Modi said the GST council recently decided to slash the GST rate on affordable housing and hence, middle class families were now able to realise the dream of owning a house. He said while the interest rate on home loans was more than 10 per cent during the previous government, it has now come down to 8-9 per cent. Along with this, he said the definition of affordable houses has been revised and now, houses with carpet area of up to 60 square metres in Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai and Kolkata will be considered as affordable houses and houses of up to 90 square metres carpet area in non-metro cities will be considered as affordable houses.<doc-sep>IAF Strike in Balakot, Pakistan: The pilot was in a Mig 21 that crashed after a skirmish (File) The government today said that an Indian pilot was "missing in action" after an Indian Air Force aircraft shot down a Pakistani jet targeting military installations. Later, the Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan was summoned this afternoon by the Ministry of External Affairs to lodge a strong protest at the "unprovoked act of aggression by Pakistan against India earlier today". The government has also strongly objected to Pakistan's "vulgar display of an injured personnel of the Indian Air Force" in violation of all norms of the Geneva Convention. This was after Pakistan claimed in a statement that strikes across Line of Control are "from within Pakistani airspace." The allegations reflect the escalation of hostilities a day after the Indian fighter jets went within Pakistan and destroyed a terror training camp. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is meeting with top officials including Advisor Ajit Doval, the Defence and Foreign Secretaries and intelligence officials. A Pakistani F-16 aircraft crashed on its own territory, in the Lam Valley area along the Indian air space in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch and Rajouri sectors. Amid increasing tension, the entire airspace north of Delhi has been vacated, official sources said, according to news agency Press Trust of India. Earlier in the day, Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj, in a visit to China, said India wants to avoid any "further escalation of the situation" and will "continue to act with responsibility and restraint". The US asked Pakistan to take "meaningful action" against terror groups, with the Donald Trump administration calling for India and Pakistan to "exercise restraint" amid heightened tension between the two. Here are the Updates on Indian Air Force's (IAF) strike on Jaish terror camp in Pakistan Feb 27, 2019 22:58 (IST) Security was stepped up at the sensitive Paradip Port on Wednesday following escalation of tension between India and Pakistan, officials told the news agency PTI . "We are keeping a constant vigil on the crew members of ships landing at the port here. The crew members who want to go outside the port area are being thoroughly checked," said immigration officer at the port, Manas Ranjan Das. Feb 27, 2019 22:41 (IST) Mr. Jaitley, It's BJP & its leadership who require real introspection. Entire opposition stood as one backing the armed forces & the Govt. Still, Amit Shah & entire BJP resorted to credit seeking for the sacrifice of our martyrs & indulged in blaming the Congress provocatively https://t.co/BlOLgX1gwE - Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) February 27, 2019 Feb 27, 2019 22:26 (IST) IAF air strike Pakistan: European Union Warns Over India-Pak Tension The European Union has said that the rising tension between India and Pakistan has the potential to lead to "dangerous consequences" for the two countries and the wider region and called for utmost restraint. European Union Commission Vice President Federica Mogherini said in a statement, "Following the recent terrorist attack in Pulwama, tensions along the ''Line of Control'' between India and Pakistan have escalated militarily during the last days. This has the potential to lead to serious and dangerous consequences for the two countries and the wider region." Feb 27, 2019 22:20 (IST) IAF Air Strike Balakot: "Let The Country Speak In One Voice": Arun Jaitley To Opposition "The Cross Border terror attack in Pulwama was a reality. The Balakot Operation was India's Anti- Terror preemptive strike to defend its Sovereignty. The whole nation has spoken in one voice. Why, then is India's opposition alleging that the Government is politicising our Anti-Terror Operations. My appeal to India's opposition - "Let the country speak in one voice". Please introspect - 'Your ill advised statement is being used by Pakistan to bolster its case'," Arun Jaitley in a series of tweets. Feb 27, 2019 22:15 (IST) Due to the closure of Pakistani airspace by its government, Air Canada has temporarily suspended service to India. One flight en route to Delhi today has turned back over the Atlantic Ocean and is returning to Toronto, while a second flight from Vancouver to Delhi today has been cancelled. Feb 27, 2019 21:33 (IST) We have not yet received any instructions from the authorities about any change to the current running of the Samjhauta Express, we will follow whatever directions are received in this regard: Railway Minister Piyush Goyal quotes as saying by news agency ANI Feb 27, 2019 21:09 (IST) I hope saner counsels will prevail between leadership of India, Pakistan: Ex-prime minister Manmohan Singh Feb 27, 2019 20:11 (IST) Air Strike in Pakistan: Sri Lanka Releases Statement "As a country that has suffered from the scourge of terrorism for nearly three decades, Sri Lanka has unequivocally condemned this terrorist attack in Pulwama and stands firmly by the fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Sri Lanka strongly supports peace and stability in the South Asia region and all endeavours towards the diffusion of tensions, including the resolution of bilateral problems through dialogue and building confidence": Sri Lanka Feb 27, 2019 20:04 (IST) Army personnel deployed at sensitive locations in Mumbai along with local police in view of increased tensions on the India-Pakistan border: Sources told news agency PTI Feb 27, 2019 19:32 (IST) IAF Air Strike: HD Kumaraswamy Says Nation Stands In Solidarity With Armed Forces Deeply pained to hear that one of our #IAF pilots is missing. I pray for his safe and speedy return. The nation stands in solidarity with our armed forces.#IndianAirForce - H D Kumaraswamy (@hd_kumaraswamy) February 27, 2019 Feb 27, 2019 19:30 (IST) UK is deeply concerned about rising tensions between India and Pakistan and urgently calls for restraint on both sides to avoid further escalation. We're in regular contact with both countries, urging dialogue and diplomatic solutions to ensure regional stability: UK Prime Minister Theresa May Feb 27, 2019 19:09 (IST) PM Modi Chairs High Level Meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi has chaired a high level meeting in Delhi. He has met the three services chiefs, along with National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval. Feb 27, 2019 19:04 (IST) In the air strike, neither the Pakistani civilians were hurt nor the Pakistan Army was targeted. Our Air Force soldiers carried out the strike with caution. Despite this, Pakistan has been trying to defame India: Home Minister Rajnath Singh quoted as saying by PTI Feb 27, 2019 18:59 (IST) Here is the Ministry Of External Affairs Statement "The Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan was summoned this afternoon by MEA to lodge a strong protest at the unprovoked act of aggression by Pakistan against India earlier today, including by violation of the Indian air space by Pakistan Air Force and targeting of Indian military posts. This is in contrast to the India's non-military anti-terror pre-emptive strike at a JeM terrorist camp in Balakot on 26 February 2019. It is unfortunate that instead of fulfilling its international obligation and bilateral commitment to take credible action against terrorist entities and individuals operating from its soil, Pakistan has acted with aggression against India. It was clearly conveyed that India reserves the right to take firm and decisive action to protect its national security, sovereignty and territorial integrity against any act of aggression or cross-border terrorism. India also strongly objected to Pakistan's vulgar display of an injured personnel of the Indian Air Force in violation of all norms of International Humanitarian Law and the Geneva Convention. It was made clear that Pakistan would be well advised to ensure that no harm comes to the Indian defence personnel in its custody. India also expects his immediate and safe return. Regret was expressed at continuing denial by Pakistan's political and and military leadership at the presence of terrorist infrastructure in territories under its control. A dossier was handed over to Pakistan side with specific details of JeM complicity in Pulwama terror attack and the presence of JeM terror camps and its leadership in Pakistan. It was conveyed that India expects Pakistan to take immediate and verifiable action against terrorism emanating from territories under its control."<doc-sep>There is mounting pressure on Mr Modi - who will face an election by the end of May - to say something about the current situation. Many have compared his silence to Prime Minister Imran Khan, who addressed the nation on Wednesday and called for dialogue with India.<doc-sep>	Image Source : CISF/TWITTER India-Pakistan standoff Live: Red alert sounded across Delhi Metro network 09:44 pm: Security increased in national capital Security has been bolstered across the national capital amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan, police said. At a meeting chaired by Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik on Tuesday, all police officers were instructed to increase vigil in their respective districts. Patrolling and surveillance have been enhanced in sensitive areas, including railways stations, bus terminals, shopping malls, government institutions and at the national capital's borders, a senior police officer said. Vehicles entering the national capital from the neighbouring states are being checked, the officer said. People have also been sensitised about threats in high footfall areas and are requested to contact police if they come across anything suspicious, police said. 09:35 pm: Air Canada: Due the closure of Pakistani airspace by its government, Air Canada has temporarily suspended service to India. 08:30 pm: Red alert sounded across Delhi Metro network A red alert was sounded for the entire Delhi Metro network on Wednesday by the DMRC, in view of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. "As advised by security agencies, a red alert has been imposed on the entire DMRC network from 6 pm onwards," a senior DMRC official said. The Delhi Metro's current operational span is 327 km with 236 stations, in Delhi and neighbouring cities. "After a red alert is sounded, all station controllers are required to inspect entire station premises for any suspicious items or activity, including in parking lots, and report to the control centre every two hours," he said. The move comes in the wake of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. 08:00 pm: 3 defence chiefs meet PM Modi, brief him about security scenario Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with three defence chiefs has ended. During the meeting, held at PM residence in New Delhi, the IAF, Army and Navy chiefs briefed PM Modi about the developments in the security scenario. Earlier in the day, top security and intelligence officials went into a huddle at the prime minister's office in the wake of fresh developments that followed India's airstrike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Pakistan. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, senior officials of the Navy, the Army and the Air Force and other officers had met to discuss the current security situation, they said. Top defence and security officials had later briefed the prime minister on the latest developments, including aerial confrontation in which one Pakistani jet and an IAF MiG 21 were shot down. 07:00 pm: Ratan Tata congratulates PM, IAF for air strikes on terror camps "We congratulate the PM and the IAF for the successful air strikes on the terrorist training camps which Pakistan has claimed never existed! India is proud of the firm action taken in retaliation to the suicide attack on our soldiers a few days ago. @narendramodi," Ratan Tata said in a tweet. 06:24 pm: Army chief Bipin Rawat reaches 7 Lok Manya Tilak Marg to meet PM Modi 06:20 pm: Pakistan army once again violates ceasefire along the line of control in the Mankote area in the Krishna Ghati sector of Poonch district. Indian side is retaliating effectively. Heavy firing on. 06:50 pm: India expects immediate and safe return of IAF pilot, MEA tells Pak envoy The Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan was summoned this afternoon by MEA to lodge a strong protest at the unprovoked act of aggression by Pakistan against India earlier today, including by violation of the Indian air space by Pakistan Air Force and targeting of Indian military posts. India also strongly objected to Pakistan’s vulgar display of an injured personnel of the Indian Air Force in violation of all norms of International Humanitarian Law and the Geneva Convention. It was made clear that Pakistan would be well advised to ensure that no harm comes to the Indian defence personnel in its custody. India also expects his immediate and safe return, the statement said. 06:31 pm: Pak Army retracts; says there is only one Indian pilot under its custody In yet another U-turn, Pakistan army has retracted its claim that it had two Indian pilots in its custody. In a fresh statement, Pak Army has now claimed that it has detained only one Indian pilot. "There is only one pilot under Pakistan Army’s custody. Wing Comd is being treated as per norms of military ethics," Pak army spokesperson Major Asif Ghafor said in a tweet.
After you download and install the update, you'll find new options in the Bixby Key settings on your device. With these controls, you can choose what a single press of the Bixby button does and what a double press triggers. Just about a week ago, Samsung confirmed something pretty exciting — it was going to finally let users remap the Bixby button on their Galaxy phones. As of February 28, 2019, a software update is rolling out that enables this functionality. Basically, XDA created a Tasker script that enables the functionality and then turned it into an APK. All you need to do is download the app file, select it as the app you want to open with a single press of the Bixby button, and when you do that, you'll get an option to have it always open Google Assistant. Thanks to the folks at XDA , a workaround has been created for remapping the Bixby button to open the Google Assistant. While you still can't completely disable Bixby, you can move it to a double press so that you're less likely to trigger it and have your single press do something more useful — such as turning on your flashlight or enabling Do Not Disturb. You can also use the single press to open up another app on your phone, but as spotted by Dan Seifert from The Verge, Samsung blocks you from remapping it to open Google Assistant. Because of course it does. In any case, if you want to learn how to remap the Bixby button on your own phone when the update lands, be sure to check out our how-to guide below. How to remap the Bixby button on your Galaxy Phone to launch any app<doc-sep>Samsung first introduced the now infamous Bixby button on its Galaxy S8 and in the time since, users have been actively looking for ways to use it for other purposes. Now, Samsung has finally made that functionality available on several devices. Here’s how to remap the Bixby button on the Galaxy S10, S9, S8, Note 9, and Note 8. Remap the Bixby button on Samsung Galaxy S10, S9, S8, Note 9, Note 8 Thanks to an official software update and an app update from Samsung, Bixby button remapping is available on every Galaxy flagship that has the hardware baked in. This means users can easily remap the Bixby button on their shiny new Galaxy S10, or do the same on the Galaxy S9, S9+, S8, S8+, as well as the Galaxy Note 9 and Note 8. Update Bixby via Samsung Galaxy Store Access Bixby button settings Customize Bixby button actions 1. Update Bixby via the Galaxy Store The first thing you’ll need to do is update Bixby itself from the Samsung Galaxy Store. Luckily, doing this is quite easy. Simply head to the app drawer and locate the Store. From there, go to My Page and then Update. On this screen, you’ll likely see a few Bixby apps in need of updates. To do them all at once, simply hit the Update All button at the top of the screen. 2. Access Bixby button Settings After you’ve updated all of Bixby’s apps, head to the Settings menu on your Galaxy device. You should then see a section titled Advanced Features and under that, Bixby Key. This process should be the same for the Galaxy S10, S9, S8, Note 9, and Note 8, but you’ll need to ensure that the device is on the latest system update. If you’re still on a beta version, this won’t work. Note: If you were previously using an app to remap the Bixby button, you’ll need to disable it to access this setting. 3. Customize Bixby button actions The last step to remapping the Bixby button on your Galaxy S10, S9, S8, Note 9, or Note 8 is to pick what action you’d like it to serve. You can customize the button to perform a different action with either a single or double tap of the button. Shame is, you can only do one or the other. If you use the single tap, for example, Bixby Home will still launch on a double-tap. Regardless, a long-press will always open Bixby Voice. Despite that, being able to remap the Bixby button without the need for a third-party app is a welcome change, and something we’ve been waiting a couple of years for. It’s just a shame that you can’t remap it to Google Assistant. More on Samsung: FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More. Check out 9to5Google on YouTube for more news:<doc-sep>How to remap Bixby to Google Assistant on the Samsung Galaxy S10, Note 9, and other One UI devices At Samsung Unpacked, Samsung announced their new Samsung Galaxy S10 series and Galaxy Fold. After the press discovered a new option in Bixby, Samsung confirmed that the button would be natively remappable. With an update released to the Bixby app on older One UI devices today, this is finally possible. However, it wasn’t all good news. Samsung is limiting the apps you can launch with the button. That means the Bixby button can’t natively launch Google Assistant, but we have a solution. Samsung blacklisted other assistant apps from being able to be used by the button. That includes Amazon Alexa and Microsoft Cortana along with Google Assistant. We were able to get around this by using a Tasker script and exporting it as an APK. This means all you need to do is install the app, select it in the settings, and choose Google when you press the button. This app also supports more than just Google Assistant. We were able to also launch the Cortana app, but it doesn’t work with Amazon Alexa. In theory, any app that supports answering voice commands can be remapped to the button with this method. Any phone that supports Bixby button remapping, including the Galaxy S10/S10+/S10e, Galaxy S9/S9+, and the Galaxy Note 9 and Galaxy Note 8 will support using Assistant. Remap Bixby with Bixby Button Assistant Remapper Download the Bixby Button Assistant Remapper APK Install the app Open Bixby Voice Settings Select Bixby key Choose Double press to open Bixby Select Use single press Toggle it on and tap the gear icon to choose an app Find Bixby Button Assistant Remapper and select it Press the physical Bixby button and select the assistant app you want to use (click always so it doesn’t ask every time) That’s it! It is also possible to do this without the required app by setting up a Bixby quick command. You just set a quick command to “open assistant.” I would recommend the app method, though. In my testing of the quick command, it wasn’t as fast and it only worked around 20% of the time. Other users have reported very reliable results, so your mileage may vary. Remap Bixby to Google Assistant with Quick Commands Open up Bixby Voice Go to Quick Commands in the Bixby dropdown menu Create a new Quick Command and call it “Assistant” Set Quick command word or phrase to “assistant” Select “Type a command” In this setting, type “open assistant” Save this Quick Command Go to Bixby Voice Settings Select Bixby Key Select Double press to open Bixby Select Quick Command Go to Quick Command options and select “Assistant” That’s it! It’s nice that Samsung is finally letting users remap the button to something else on the Galaxy S10, Galaxy Note 9, and other One UI devices. While you can’t fully disable Bixby, you can relegate it to a double-press and put your preferred app to the forefront. Hopefully, Samsung doesn’t do anything in the future to break this workaround.<doc-sep>	Earlier this week, Samsung released an update to the Bixby app for its Galaxy S8, S9, S10, Note 8, and Note 9 smartphones that finally addresses something we’ve been asking for since Bixby’s debut: the ability to natively reprogram the hardware button on the side of a Samsung phone to do something other than just launch Bixby. That’s right, you can now use the Bixby button to launch any number of apps, such as the camera, Twitter, Gmail, Google Maps, or whatever you want. But unfortunately, Samsung is blocking the ability to use it for the Google Assistant or other virtual assistants, like Microsoft’s Cortana or Amazon’s Alexa. For that, you’ll still need to rely on a third party app. Here’s how to remap the Bixby button to something more useful: Make sure your Bixby Voice app is up-to-date. You can check within the settings section of the app itself or through Samsung’s Galaxy Apps store. You’ll need to be on version 2.1.04.18 or later for this to work. Launch Bixby Voice and tap the three vertical dots on right side of the screen. Click the Settings option. Scroll down to Bixby key and tap to open the configuration options. Here you have an option to set the key to open Bixby on one press and a secondary function on a double press, or vice versa. Choose which option you prefer and then tap the secondary function to choose which app to launch. Note that you can’t fully disable the Bixby button; it has to be mapped to either a single or double press. You can choose to launch a specific app by tapping the cog wheel on the right. Or you can program a Bixby routine to run when you press the button. As you’ll see when you go to the app selection screen, there’s no way to natively launch the Google Assistant with the Bixby button. To make that work, you’ll need to rely on a third-party app — the folks over at XDA Developers have created one and put together steps on how to make it work. Note that you’ll have to sideload the app, which comes with some security risks, so proceed at your own risk. If you don’t want to deal with sideloading, there’s a 99 cent app called BixAssist available in the Google Play Store that performs the same function. That’s all there is to it — you now have a little more control over what the hardware buttons on your phone do. Hopefully, Samsung will improve this in the future and allow for native support of Google Assistant and the ability to fully disable launching Bixby entirely. But for now, the button is slightly more functional than before. Update, 8:10AM, March 5, 2019: Added information about BixAssist app from the Google Play Store.
The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, changed America forever. They also permanently altered New York City landscape. Over the past 19 years, the site of the World Trade Center has become a memorial to the 2,977 lives lost on 9/11, and new buildings like One World Trade Center have been constructed. Visit Business Insider's home page for more stories. The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, took the lives of nearly 3,000 Americans and transformed the US in countless ways. It sparked the global war on terror (which the US is now fighting in 76 countries) and the invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan, the longest war in US history and one that the Trump administration is struggling to withdraw from. It led to the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Patriot Act. And it also fundamentally changed New York City. To commemorate those lost in the horrific attacks, we compiled photos showing how Manhattan's Financial District and skyline have changed since 9/11 as the city rebuilt ground zero.<doc-sep>EMBED >More News Videos Josh Einiger reports on a ceremony honoring Staten Island residents killed on 9/11. NEW YORK (WABC) -- It is a somber day filled with tears and tributes as New York City and millions across the country mark the 17th anniversary of the September 11th terror attacks.There were moments of silence, volunteer projects and a new monument to victims, after a year when two attacks demonstrated the enduring threat of terrorism in the nation's biggest city.The events of that terrible day and the weeks, months and years that followed are never forgotten, nor are the memories of those killed by terrorists at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania. Additionally, we remember all those who have died from 9/11-related illnesses from their heroic work at ground zero and those who suffer today.Family and friends of the victims, survivors, rescuers and others once again gathered on at the memorial plaza where the World Trade Center's twin towers once stood, this time on a misty Tuesday morning.Margie Miller was among them, having traveled from her home in Baldwin as she does 10 or so times a year to remember her husband, Joel Miller. Only a few fragments of his remains were recovered. "To me, he is here," she said. "This is my holy place. "The ceremony began with a moment of silence and tolling bells at 8:46 a.m., the time when the trade center was hit by the first of two terrorist-piloted planes.Nearly 3,000 people died in the attacks on 9/11, when international terrorism hit home in a way it previously hadn't for many Americans. September 11 still shapes American policy, politics and everyday experiences in places from airports to office buildings, even if it's less of a constant presence in the public consciousness after 17 years.A stark reminder came not long after last year's anniversary: A truck mowed down people, killing eight, on a bike path within a few blocks of the World Trade Center on Halloween. Then in December, a would-be suicide bomber set off a pipe bomb in a subway passageway near Times Square, authorities said. They said suspects in both attacks were inspired by the Islamic State extremist group.The 9/11 commemorations are by now familiar rituals, centered on reading the names of the dead. But each year at ground zero, victims' relatives infuse the ceremony with personal messages of remembrance, inspiration and concern.Hours after the ceremony, two powerful light beams soared into the night sky from lower Manhattan in the annual "Tribute in Light." President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence headed to the two other places where hijacked planes crashed on September 11, 2001, in the deadliest terror attack on American soil.The president and first lady Melania Trump joined an observance at the September 11 memorial in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where a new "Tower of Voices" was dedicated Saturday . Pence is attending a ceremony at the Pentagon.Memorials to 9/11 continue to grow at Shanksville, where the Tower of Voices will eventually include a wind chime for each of the 40 people killed there, and ground zero, where work is to begin soon on a pathway honoring rescue and recovery workers.It will serve as a way to honor those who became sick or died from exposure to toxins released when the Trade Center's twin towers collapsed. Researchers have documented elevated rates of respiratory ailments, post-traumatic stress disorder and other illnesses among people who spent time in the rubble.About 38,500 people have applied to a compensation fund, and over $3.9 billion in claims have been approved.Meanwhile, rebuilding continues. A subway station destroyed on 9/11 finally reopened Saturday. In June, doors opened at the 80-story 3 World Trade Center, one of several rebuilt office towers that have been constructed or planned at the site. A performing arts center is rising. And a new exhibit at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum shows the dramatic impact sports had on the nation's recovery. (The Associated Press contributed to this report)----------<doc-sep>	The World Trade Center poked through the clouds in a photo captured 17 years after the 2001 terrorist attacks World Trade Center Pokes Through Clouds in Powerful Photo Taken from Sky on Sept. 11, 2018 Editor’s note: The story below originally ran on Sept. 11, 2018 to mark the 17th anniversary of 9/11. A powerful image taken from an airborne plane on Sept. 11, 2018 paid tribute to the lives lost 18 years ago. In the picture, all of New York City is obscured by clouds — except for what appears to be the One World Trade Center, which pokes into the sunrise. The plane’s engine takes up the foreground. Peter Lattman said he was flying out of New Jersey on the morning of Sept. 11, 2018, when he claimed to snap the moving photograph. Lattman tweeted, “Just took off from Newark, and there’s One World Trade Center standing tall above the clouds.” One World Trade Center opened 13 years after the attack, in 2014. “The New York City skyline is whole again, as One World Trade Center takes its place in Lower Manhattan,” Patrick Foye, the then-executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, said at the time. 394261_11_tower The Twin Towers under attack on Sept. 11, 2001 \| Credit: Robert Giroux/Getty Airplanes at Newark Liberty Airport One World Trade Center, as seen in the background \| Credit: Gary Hershorn/Getty RELATED VIDEO: Find Out How the ‘National Disaster Search Dog Foundation’ Turns Rescue Dogs Into Rescuers
Hide Transcript Show Transcript WEBVTT >> WHEN THAT BEAR DID HAVE ME BY THE BACK OF THE LEG, I’M THINKING TO MYSELF THAT THIS IS IT. THIS IS MY DEATH. THIS IS HOW I’M DYING. REPORTER: TWO NEW FRIENDS ON A HUNTING TRIP ONLY ONE MADE IT BACK ALIVE. MARK UPTAIN WAS COREY CHUBON’S GUIDE ON THE TRIP IN WYOMING. THEY CAUGHT AN ELK THURSDAY EVENING, AND WENT BACK FRIDAY TO PACK IT UP. WE HEARD ROCKS TUMBL AND WE TURNED AROUND AND SAW GRIZZLY BEAR’S COMING RIGHT AT US. REPORTER THE FIRST BEAR WENT FOR UPTAIN, CLAWING HIM. AS CHUBON TRIED TO LOAD THEIR PISTOL, THE SECOND BEAR ATTACKED HIM. >> HE SWIPED AT ME ON MY ARM AND THEN HE WENT AROUND BEHIND M AND GRABBED THE BACK OF MY ANKLE AND HE SWUNG ME BY HIS JAW I TRIED TO THROW THE GUN TO MARK . IT DIDN’T MAKE IT TO HIM, LAID IT ON THE GROUND. SOMEHOW THE GRIZZLY LET ME GO AND THE CHARGED MARK AGAIN. THAT’S WHEN I MADE THE DECISION TO JUST RUN FOR MY LIFE. REPORTER: RESCUERS AIR LIFTED CHUBON TO THE HOSPITAL IN WYOMING. NOW, HE’S BACK IN NEW SMYRNA BEACH STILL VISIBLY WOUNDED, BUT ABLE TO WALK. EMOTIONALLY, HE’S GOT A LONG RECOVERY AHEAD. >> THE APPROACH THAT HE TOOK IN DEALING WITH THE BEARS PROBABLY SAVED MY LIFE. REPORTER TONIGHT AS HE CONTINUES TO RECOVER, HE TELLS US THA MARK LEAVES BEHIND A WIFE AND FIVE CHILDREN. KELLY: A LOCAL NEWSPAPER IN JACKSON HOLE IS REPORTING TRAPPERS WERE ABLE TO CAPTURE AND KILL THE TWO BEARS BELIEVED TO BE BEHIND THE ATTACK. WE REACHED OUT TO WILDLIFE OFFICERS TO CONFIRM THAT INFORMATION, BUT HAVE NOT HEARD Advertisement 'This is how I'm dying': New Smyrna Beach hunter recalls bear attack that killed guide in Wyoming Share Shares Copy Link Copy A News Smyrna Beach man attacked by a bear on a hunting trip in Wyoming spoke Sunday to WESH 2 News.Corey Chubon survived the attack, but the guide, Mark Uptain, did not.Chubon and Uptain were bow hunting Thursday evening in Jackson, Wyoming and shot and elk. Unable to find the elk Thursday, the pair left and went back to pack it out Friday. As they were preparing to take the animal out, two bears attacked them. "I don't even know if I would ever even imagine seeing something like that happening in my life," Chubon told WESH 2 News. "In probably one of the most poignant moments of all of it, when that bear did have me by the back of the leg, thinking to myself, this is it, this is my death, this is how I'm dying." Chubon was able to break away and call for help but received injuries to his leg, chest, and arm. "I tried to throw the gun to Mark, it didn't make it to him, landed on the ground. Somehow, the grizzly let me go and charged Mark again and that's when I made the decision to just run for my life," Chubon said.Crews flew him to the hospital, and he was able to leave Wyoming Saturday. "The approach that he took in dealing with the bears probably saved my life," Chubon said.Chubon, back in New Symrna Beach, said it feels almost like a dream at this point.He told WESH 2 News that Uptain was a father with five children. A GoFundMe account has been set up for Uptain to help his family with expenses: https://www.gofundme.com/mark-uptain<doc-sep>CORNWALL, New York (WABC) -- An NYPD detective is recovering after being attacked by black bear while off duty.William Orange encountered the bear around 9:30 Sunday night after working on his wife's car.The lights were off when Orange entered his garage. "I heard a growl and saw big teeth and something grabbed my shirt," says Orange who took a swing at the animal. "I hit it with my forearm and just ran. "The father of two was treated at a local hospital after the bear's claws left four long scratches on his chest and stomach. The bear's paw tore through the T-shirt he was wearing.Orange was given a tetanus shot and is being treated with antibiotics. He is awaiting medical clearance to return to work. "I guess it could have been a lot worse. It got me, but it's more of a graze," he says. "I'll be alright. "The state DEC has set up a trap in Orange's yard in case the bear comes back again. If it is caught, they will relocate the bear.----------<doc-sep>Lately, he’d taken to keeping the household garbage in the garage, because bears and other animals would get at it when he left the cans at the top of his garage<doc-sep>	CORNWALL – As an NYPD detective, William Orange has seen his share of danger over the years. He didn’t expect to find it in the garage at his home in Cornwall. But then Orange came face-to-face with a black bear Sunday night. The 46-year-old father of two had been working on his wife’s car and then left the garage for a while. When he returned about 9:30 p.m., it was dark. “I was feeling my way along the wall (for the light switch), when I heard a growl and I saw big teeth,” Orange said Wednesday. The bear swatted at Orange, tearing through his t-shirt and leaving several deep claw marks across his chest and stomach. “I threw a wild swing at him to get him off me, and then I ran wildly out of there,” Orange said. He safely got back inside the house off of Mineral Springs Road, and his wife called 911. The Cornwall Volunteer Ambulance Corps responded. “They treated me there, but they said it was probably best to go to the hospital,” Orange said. At the Newburgh campus of St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital, Orange was given a tetanus shot, and he’s being treated with antibiotics. He got word Wednesday he won’t need rabies shots. “My doctor said if it had been rabid, it probably would have finished me off,” Orange said. Orange lives in a very rural, wooded part of Cornwall, and bears have been spotted in the neighborhood before. About six years ago, a mother bear and two cubs came on his property. But it’s usually a case of live and let live. Orange figures the bear was attracted by garbage they keep in the garage. After a few days off duty, Orange has gotten the all-clear to return to work. “I go back tomorrow,” he said Wednesday. [email protected]
Many firsts of Republic Day Parade 2019 Assam Rifles tableau Participating in the Republic Day parade for the first time in history, the Assam Rifles tableau had women power on full display. An all-women contingent, led by Maj Khushboo Kanwar, marched to the tune Assam Rifles kay Sipahi, Desh ki Humnay Shaan badhai. CISF tableau The CISF, which is also celebrating 50 years of service to the nation, is in the Republic Day parade after a gap of 11 years. Its tableau had elements of its diverse functioning and showcased the role of women in the force. The CISF has the highest percentage of women (6 per cent) among all paramilitary forces. INA veterans In a first, four Indian National Army (INA) veterans took part in the Republic Day parade under the theme ‘Veterans: Accelerators in Nation’s Growth’. All of them were over the age of 90. Click here for more<doc-sep>22 tableaux of states and central departments were showcased during the 90-minute parade. India's 70th Republic Day celebrations began today amidst tight security in the national capital, with the traditional grand military parade on Rajpath. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti memorial at India Gate and along with the three chiefs of the armed forces paid homage to soldiers who lost their lives in combat. President Ram Nath Kovind, the first lady and the South African President Cyril Ramaphosa who is the chief guest this year, arrived in a cavalcade escorted by 46 President's Bodyguards. The open buggy traditionally used to escort the chief guest was done away this year owing to security concerns, news agency ANI reported. Fifty-eight tribal guests from various parts of the country, 22 tableaux of states and central government departments and performance by school children are part of the 90-minute Republic Day parade . For the first time in the history of the paramilitary, an all-women contingent from the Assam Rifles participated in the parade. Here are the highlights on Republic Day celebrations: Jan 26, 2019 20:39 (IST) Over 500 Indians, people of Indian origin and Russians, attended the 70th Republic Day celebrations organised by the Indian Embassy in Moscow. The Indian diaspora in China attended Republic Day celebrations in the Indian embassy at China as well. Over 500 Indians, people of Indian origin and Russians, attended the 70th Republic Day celebrations organised by the Indian Embassy in Moscow. Jan 26, 2019 18:45 (IST) Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the family of Lance Naik Nazir Ahmed who posthumously received the Ashok Chakra today Jan 26, 2019 16:27 (IST) In Gujarat's Palanpur, six children and a woman constable riding a stunt motorcycle were injured when the two-wheeler slipped at a state-level Republic Day parade. The stunt-motorcycle slipped after it lost balance and hit a group of children who were part of the audience, police told news agency PTI In Gujarat's Palanpur, six children and a woman constable riding a stunt motorcycle were injured when the two-wheeler slipped at a state-level Republic Day parade. Jan 26, 2019 16:25 (IST) Bihar Governor Lalji Tandon, addressing a Republic Day fnction at the historic Gandhi Maidan in Patna, said the state government was committed to upholding the rule of law and had zero tolerance for corruption Jan 26, 2019 15:08 (IST) Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke security cordon to walk up to the crowds lining Delhi's Rajpath and greet them at the end of the parade. Amid chants of "Modi, Modi", the Prime Minister - dressed in traditional kurta, pajama and jacket and sporting a yellow and red turban -- walked the length of the VIP enclosure, waving to the crowds at the last big state function before the general elections due by May. Followed by his securitymen, PM Modi started his walk after seeing off the Chief Guest, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and President Ram Nath Kovind. Many rushed to the makeshift barricades to greet him, others captured the moment on their cellphones. This was not the first time the Prime Minister has broken security cordon to greet the people. After last year's Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort, he had walked over to meet school children who had come for the occasion. Jan 26, 2019 13:02 (IST) Tableau of Delhi showcases Mahatma Gandhi's association with Birla House Mahatma Gandhi's 720-day stay in Delhi's Birla House was on display on national capital's tableau at the parade. During his stay at Birla House, Mahatma Gandhi held daily prayer meeting which was attended by people from every section of society. Mahatma Gandhi stayed at Birla House between 1915 and 1948. The tableau showcased Gandhi Smriti, formerly known as Birla House, where the father of the nation spent his last 144 days. The Delhi tableau made a comeback at the parade after an year's gap. During the 2013 parade, it portrayed Delhi''s diverse culture and inhabitants from different backgrounds and regions and its status as the country''s hub for performing and fine arts. Jan 26, 2019 12:44 (IST) Woman power was on a remarkable display at the Republic Day celebrations today with contingents of the Navy, Army Services Corps and unit of Corps of Signals led by women officers. Lieutenant Bhavana Kasturi created history to become the first woman to lead an all-men contingency at the parade. The all-women Assam Rifles contingent participated for the first time in a Republic Day parade. Major Khushboo Kanwar, a 30-year-old mother, lead the contingent of the Assam Rifles, the oldest paramilitary force in the country. "Leading an all-women contingent of the Assam Rifles is a matter of great honour and pride for me. We have practiced very hard...I am a daughter of a bus conductor from Rajasthan and if I can accomplish this, then any girl can fulfil her dream," she told PTI, brimming with pride, after the dress rehearsals on January 23. Jan 26, 2019 11:57 (IST) Shortly after the event, PM Modi went to the stands to greet the crowd. The prime minister spent nearly 10 minutes as he went to either sides of the stand and waved to the crowd. Jan 26, 2019 11:48 (IST) President Kovind and his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa have left the parade ground. Jan 26, 2019 11:28 (IST) Sukhois, MiG fighter jets flew over the crowd at the Republic Day parade. The Indian Air Force flypast ceremony will include aircraft flying on biofuel extracted from jatropha plant seeds. Sukhois, MiG fighter jets flew over the crowd at the Republic Day parade. The Indian Air Force flypast ceremony will include aircraft flying on biofuel extracted from jatropha plant seeds. Jan 26, 2019 11:21 (IST) Army's daredevil motorcycle team displays stunts at Republic Day parade. Army's daredevil motorcycle team displays stunts at Republic Day parade. Jan 26, 2019 11:07 (IST) School children perform at 70th Republic Day celebrations. Jan 26, 2019 11:04 (IST) Tableau of Delhi showcases Mahatama Gandhiji's association with Delhi and Birla House. Tableau of Delhi showcases Mahatama Gandhiji's association with Delhi and Birla House. Jan 26, 2019 11:01 (IST) Republic Day 2019: Soldier Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani Honoured With Ashok Chakra A Kashmiri soldier who died fighting Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives two months ago was honored with the Ashok Chakra, the country's highest peace-time gallantry award, at the Republic Day parade today." A Kashmiri soldier who died fighting Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives two months ago was honored with the Ashok Chakra, the country's highest peace-time gallantry award, at the Republic Day parade today." Jan 26, 2019 10:57 (IST) Tableau of Karnataka rolls down Rajpath. The Karnataka tableau is based on the 39th session of the Indian National Congress held in Belagavi in 1924, which was presided over by Mahatma Gandhi. Tableau of Karnataka rolls down Rajpath. The Karnataka tableau is based on the 39th session of the Indian National Congress held in Belagavi in 1924, which was presided over by Mahatma Gandhi. Jan 26, 2019 10:49 (IST) Punjab tableau rolls down Rajpath as part of the Rapublic Day parade. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre, that took place on Baisakhi day in 1919, is the theme of the Punjab tableau. It will be the third time in a row that Punjab is participating in the Republic Day parade. Jan 26, 2019 10:42 (IST) Sikkim tableau is the first of any state at the event. According to information, the tableau has been selected for participation based on Mahatma Gandhi. The government has instructed that all tableaus should be related to Mahatma Gandhi. Sikkim tableau is the first of any state at the event. According to information, the tableau has been selected for participation based on Mahatma Gandhi. The government has instructed that all tableaus should be related to Mahatma Gandhi. Jan 26, 2019 10:32 (IST) The overall theme for the Republic Day celebrations this year is the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and tableaux of many states, themed on the iconic freedom fighter, are lined up for the occasion. Jan 26, 2019 10:27 (IST) The Veterans tableau-2019, it showcases the theme, 'Veterans: Accelerators in Nation's Growth'.<doc-sep>As India celebrates its 70th Republic Day today, Bollywood celebrities took to social media to wish their fans and followers. Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Anushka Sharma, Sonam Kapoor, John Abraham, Vicky Kaushal and many other B-Town celebs were gripped by patriotic fervour. Sharing a picture of himself dressed as an Indian Navy officer from his upcoming film Bharat, Salman tweeted, "#Bharat wishes every one a happy Republic Day... Jai Hind.. @Bharat_TheFilm." While Aamir simply wrote, "Happy Republic Day." Vicky Kaushal, who is currently basking in the glory of success of his recently released Uri- The Surgical Strike, posted a picture of himself with the national flag and wrote, "Happy Republic Day. Jai Hind!" Actor John Abraham tweeted, "A nation's culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people. Let's strive to keep our flag flying high and spread love & happiness wherever we are.. Team #BatlaHouse wishes everyone a very Happy Republic Day!" Actor Akshay Kumar "woke up at the crack of dawn and went hiking with the family" on the Republic Day. Sharing a picture of them from their impromptu hiking scene, Akshay wrote, "High on #RepublicDay spirit." Anushka Sharma tweeted, "To always respecting our independence, freedom, rights and celebrating virtues of peace and humanity. Happy Republic Day." Here is a look at their wishes: Happy Republic Day! 20 mts to go... then we will be Rubaru...#RubaruRoshni— Aamir Khan (@aamir_khan) January 26, 2019 Happy Republic Day. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/qsjwPPcwcF— Vicky Kaushal (@vickykaushal09) January 26, 2019 A nation's culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people. Let's strive to keep our flag flying high and spread love & happiness wherever we are..Team #BatlaHouse wishes everyone a very Happy Republic Day! 🇮🇳 #ProudToBeIndian #RepublicDay2019 pic.twitter.com/jWSTcIZCeU— John Abraham (@TheJohnAbraham) January 26, 2019 I wish all my fellow Indians a very Happy Republic Day. It's important that we take today, and every day to realize how lucky we are to live in this great country!🇮🇳#HappyRepublicDay— Sonam K Ahuja (@sonamakapoor) January 26, 2019 Woke up at the crack of dawn and went hiking with the family, high on the #RepublicDay spirit. pic.twitter.com/q0yWHloB0n— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) January 26, 2019 To always respecting our independence, freedom, rights and celebrating virtues of peace and humanity. Happy Republic Day 🇮🇳— Anushka Sharma (@AnushkaSharma) January 26, 2019 Happy Republic Day. Jai Hind. pic.twitter.com/2bVFUbH3sN— Farhan Akhtar (@FarOutAkhtar) January 26, 2019 Kareena, Taimur and Saif celebrate Republic day pic.twitter.com/2urATtY8Zj— Kareena Kapoor Khan (@KareenaK_FC) January 26, 2019 Follow @news18movies for more<doc-sep>	The theme for this year's Republic Day parade was dedicated to the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi India is celebrating its 70th Republic Day today. The theme for this year's Republic Day parade was dedicated to the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi as India is celebrating the 150th year of his birth. Republic Day is celebrated every year on January 26 since 1950. The Republic Day holds great importance in the history of India's democracy. It was on January 26, 1950 that the largest constitution of the world came into effect in India. Since then India became a Republic - A nation "For the people, by the people, and of the people." 2019 is a year that not only marks the 70th anniversary of India becoming a Republic, but also marks the 150th year of Mahatma Gandhi's birth. The chief guest for the 70th Republic Day was South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. South Africa and India have shared a special relationship right since the time of Mahatma Gandhi, who had a special connection with the African nation. The 90-minute parade saw 22 larger-than-life tableaux, each one giving a special tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. Those were followed by performances by school students and others, who too danced to songs in remembrance of Mahatma Gandhi. Each tableau and performance highlighted the Mahatma's teachings. Tableaux from various states, union territories and ministries were based on themes dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi The tableaux from various states included those from Sikkim, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Punjab, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Arunachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Tripura, Goa, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Uttarakhand, among others. Uttar Pradesh's tableau, dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, on Rajpath during the 70th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi With many of them having big sculptures of Mahatma Gandhi, the participating tableaux were on various sub-themes pertaining to the Mahatma. These included his role with the Andamanese prison inmates (Andaman and Nicobar Islands), the historical Dandi March (Gujarat), his adoption of the iconic loincloth after seeing farm workers in Tamil Nadu and the Quit India Movement in Maharashtra. The Uttarakhand tableau featured Kausani's Anasakti Ashram where Mahatma Gandhi had stayed in 1929. The tableau showed Gandhi writing his book ''Anasakti Yoga'' at the ashram in the backdrop of mountains and Deodar trees. Uttarakhand's tableau, dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, on Rajpath during the 70th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi Uttar Pradesh's Republic Day tableau had 'Commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi' as its theme, with Mahatma Gandhi at the Kashi Vidyapith. Jammu and Kashmir focused on the theme 'Gandhi's ray of hope - our composite culture'. The tableau showcased Mahatma Gandhi with his charkha and the ethnic diversity of the Valley. Jammu and Kashmir's tableau, dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, on Rajpath during the 70th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi The parade saw an enthusiastic participation from northeastern states Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Sikkim and Tripura. The original plan was to also have a tableau of Manipur, but that had to be dropped due to delay in its arrival. 'Peace Within' was Arunachal Pradesh's theme for their tableau, showing a tribal Monpa placing flowers at Gandhi ji's feet. It also shows the dancing Monpa tribe stressing on peace and cleanliness. Arunachal Pradesh's tableau, dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, on Rajpath during the 70th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi Delhi's tableau showcased the theme 'Mahatma Gandhi and Delhi' and displayed his association with the national capital and the Birla House which is now known as Gandhi Smriti. West Bengal's tableau depicted two phases in Mahatma Gandhi's life - his stay in Kolkata during India's Independence, and his association with Rabindranath Tagore. Punjab made an evocative presentation marking 100 years of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre of 1919, a watershed moment in the independence struggle. #republicdayindia : Tableau of Punjab is based on the theme of Jallianwala Bagh massacre pic.twitter.com/qGyOkInRGc - ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2019 From the ministries and Central departments, the participants were Ministries of Agriculture, Power and Drinking Water and Sanitation, for tableaux titled 'Kisan Gandhi', 'Saubhagya: New Indian Raushan India' and 'Swachh Bharat Mission' respectively. The tableau by the Ministry of Railways was a big hit with the crowd, where people stood up from their seats to cheer and clap as it passed them. It was dedicated on Gandhi ji's journey from 'lawyer' Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi to 'Mahatma' Gandhi.
If you could sum up Fremantle players’ efforts in three words, what would you choose? Read our thoughts and head to our Facebook page to register your own. Hayden Ballantyne: Ineffective before hamstring Sean Darcy: Shaded by Goldstein Adam Cerra: Struggled for impact Reece Conca: Dislocated finger, solid Nat Fyfe: Sublime with sleeve Andrew Brayshaw: Encouraging, oozes class It’s not too late to sign up for tipping and Pick 7 fantasy! There’s great weekly cash prizes and the automatic chance to win a Mazda BT-50... Register to play The Game tipping and fantasy today! Bradley Hill: Dash was pivotal Michael Walters: Silky as always Nathan Wilson: Quiet down back Ethan Hughes: Not his best David Mundy: Shouldn’t ever retire Play Video David Mundy takes it from the centre clearance and kicks a goal during Freo's second-term rampage against North Melbourne. The West Australian Video David Mundy takes it from the centre clearance and kicks a goal during Freo's second-term rampage against North Melbourne. Darcy Tucker: Starred in middle Matt Taberner: Impressive, strong marking Joel Hamling: Helped negate Brown Cam McCarthy: At long last! Play Video Cam McCarthy boots his fifth goal against North Melbourne in his best showing for the Dockers. The West Australian Video Cam McCarthy boots his fifth goal against North Melbourne in his best showing for the Dockers. Alex Pearce: Strong in defence Ed Langdon: Loves Optus Stadium Lachie Schulz: Two on debut Travis Colyer: Solid club debut Rory Lobb: Worked into it Luke Ryan: Blazing start, cooled Bailey Banfield: Disposal needs work Leave your thoughts in the comments on our Facebook post<doc-sep>Who impressed ... Cam McCarthy Stats: 20 disposals, five goals, five marks, four inside-50s A week ago he was at long odds to play. Now he’s going to be hard to displace, even when Jesse Hogan returns. Led full-chested at the ball and to dangerous areas, chased and tackled relentlessly, used the footy well and had confidence in his goal-kicking - particularly from long range. More impressively, only Ben Brown (15.3km) and his opponent Alex Pearce (14.7km) covered more ground than McCarthy (14.6km), who cut a significantly slimmer figure after an enormous body of running over summer. New haircut, new beard and renewed form - a massive fillip for Ross Lyon and Freo’s selection panel. Play Video Cam McCarthy boots his fifth goal against North Melbourne in his best showing for the Dockers. The West Australian Video Cam McCarthy boots his fifth goal against North Melbourne in his best showing for the Dockers. Darcy Tucker Stats: 23 disposals, seven tackles, seven inside-50s, four marks, two goals Was tipped to become Fremantle’s tagger during the JLT Community Series, but enjoyed free-reign on the vast expanses of Optus Stadium. Known for his running and delivered on that front, covering 14.6km playing exclusively through the midfield. Used the ball exceptionally well (78.3 percent efficiency), worked hard defensively (seven tackles) and slotted two goals for his efforts. Also nullified influential on-baller Shaun Higgins during the first half. Break-out season could be on the cards. It’s not too late to sign up for tipping and Pick 7 fantasy! There’s great weekly cash prizes and the automatic chance to win a Mazda BT-50... Register to play The Game tipping and fantasy today! Lachie Schultz Stats: 17 disposals, six marks, two goals Another player who didn’t feature during the JLT Community Series, but flourished when given the opportunity - by virtue of a one-week suspension to Brandon Matera. Consistently ran to dangerous pockets of space and wasn’t afraid to throw himself in-and-under. Didn’t necessarily show off the tricks he showcased during Freo’s intra-club hit-out, but was mighty effective nonetheless. Should play next week due to Hayden Ballantyne’s hamstring injury, though his form warranted selection anyway. Play Video Fremantle small forward Lachie Schultz was swamped by his teammates after slotting his first major in AFL football. The West Australian Video Fremantle small forward Lachie Schultz was swamped by his teammates after slotting his first major in AFL football. Bailey Scott Stats: 21 disposals, eight marks, three inside-50s, two goals Another debutant who showed he belongs at the level. The father-son product was arguably among North Melbourne’s best, particularly during a prolific first half. Was clean below his knees and clever with his running patterns in a link-up role through the midfield. Also kicked two classy goals and used the ball remarkably well (90.5 percent efficiency). Nat Fyfe Stats: 32 disposals, 23 contested possessions, 10 clearances, eight inside-50s, one goal Back to his slicing and dicing best, despite a slightly interrupted pre-season. Had 20 disposals and 16 contested possessions to half-time and carried a fair chunk of the load left by the departed Lachie Neale. Fyfe’s clearance work in combination with Sean Darcy was clinical, while his disposal efficiency (78.1 percent) was pleasingly high. Enjoyed a few well-earned rests during the second half, when the result was well beyond doubt. Brad Hill Stats: 28 disposals, 12 contested possessions, seven tackles, four inside-50s Rest assured, there’s nothing wrong with Hill’s calf. Wasn’t the speedster’s cleanest game, but it was certainly still effective. Broke the lines a few times with incisive sprints through the middle and was threatening when Fremantle rebounded the ball from defence. Also gathered 12 contested possessions - the third-most of any Docker behind Fyfe (23) and Michael Walters (13). Camera Icon Fremantle’s first-game players enjoy a gatorade shower following the club’s win over North Melbourne. Credit: Getty Images, Paul Kane Ed Langdon Stats: 25 disposals, nine inside-50s, eight marks, six rebound-50s Was extremely damaging in space - much like Hill - and gained a team-high 542 metres. Featured at both ends of Fremantle’s transitional play with nine inside 50s and six rebound 50s, and used the ball efficiently 80 percent of the time he had it. Also seems to have developed excellent synergy with the Dockers’ other midfielders and looks to be making similar strides with Freo’s forwards. Re-sign him, quick smart. Alex Pearce Stats: 10 disposals, eight rebound-50s, five tackles, three one-percenters Any player who nullifies Ben Brown is worth a mention, even if he shared the task with Joel Hamling and Luke Ryan. Now that he’s got his defensive capabilities down pat, Pearce has learned to use his blistering pace on the rebound - which he showcased several times throughout the afternoon. Has excellent closing speed, a long reach and football smarts. Will he be in the conversation for an All-Australian jumper at season’s end? Jamie Macmillan Stats: 37 disposals, 13 contested possessions, 12 rebound-50s, four marks By far North Melbourne’s most dominant player. Is developing a reputation for his ball-winning capabilities, which were on show in all their glory on Sunday afternoon. Worked relentlessly but ultimately needed more help from those around him. Could be one of the competition’s most underrated players. Camera Icon Jamie Macmillan - pictured tackling Michael Walters - tried hard for North Melbourne all afternoon. Credit: AFL Media, Daniel Carson And who didn’t ... Hayden Ballantyne Stats: Six disposals, one mark, one inside-50, one goal Applied lots of pressure without the ball and kicked a goal, but that’s largely where his contribution ended. Two of his six touches were ineffective, he failed to lay a tackle from 67 percent game time and lost his feet at crucial moments. Few players show as much passion or appear to try as hard as Ballantyne, but he needs to do more to hold off those coming up from beneath. A hamstring injury won’t help his cause. Mason Wood Stats: Eight disposals, three marks, one tackle, one inside-50 Rarely sighted all afternoon and was comfortably beaten by Joel Hamling and Luke Ryan. Didn’t impact the scoreboard, nor did the tall forward threaten to. Jack Ziebell<doc-sep>Fremantle was on fire on Sunday. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images) This was a Fremantle we haven’t seen in quite a few years. This was a fast, free-flowing Fremantle playing an attractive brand of footy. Heck, it was a Fremantle that could score. And it might be the Fremantle that returns to the finals race. Stream the 2019 AFL Premiership Season on KAYO SPORTS. Live & anytime in HD. Get your 14-day free trial and start streaming instantly > The Dockers got their 2019 season off to an incredible start, ending a dramatic Round 1 with an exclamation point by defeating North Melbourne by 82 points at Optus Stadium. Fremantle got going early, opening up a 39-point lead at the long break. Amazingly, their 75 points at half-time was better than their average score each week last year (70.7 points). “How they have taken the ball from defence to the forward line ... this is a powerful performance from Fremantle. We haven’t seen them play like this in a long time,” North Melbourne champion David King said on Fox Footy. The Dockers did this without the departed Lachie Neale and the ineligible-for-selection Jesse Hogan; and it wasn’t fellow big man recruit Rory Lobb starring up forward either. Instead it was the oft-maligned Cam McCarthy, who kicked just 19 goals last season, matching his Dockers career-best in the first half alone with four goals. He finished with five, adding 20 disposals in his best performance at the club. The mere fact that King was able to proclaim there was “pressure” for spots in the Dockers forward line, given the last couple of years’ performances, was a major positive. But it was the ball movement that was most apparent, and it saw club great Matthew Pavlich speaking glowingly about Ross Lyon’s side. “This is what Fremantle fans have been wanting for a few seasons,” Pavlich said. Get the ultimate AFL experience on your phone with the FOX FOOTY App. Download it NOW for FREE on iOS and Android! “They’ve been able to go from defence to attack really quickly - they’re penetrating. With players ahead of the ball, it’s take the game on and make it up as you go. “When you’re in fast, open play, it doesn’t have to be structured. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s just playing footy. “You look at Brad Hill’s running ability. That’s power running, and that’s why they brought him to the club. “That’s the type of ball movement you could really propel forward up the ladder with.” Hill was excellent, recording 28 disposals, seven tackles and four inside 50s, while Nat Fyfe was back at his best with 32 disposals, 10 clearances and eight inside 50s. Both men kicked a goal as well. The Dockers’ final score of 141 was their highest since 147 in a thumping of Brisbane back in 2016; other than that, you have to go all the way back to the Grand Final side of 2013. Remember back in 2016 when Ross Lyon tweeted for the first time in three years and said “Strap yourselves in”? Perhaps this is what he meant. Re-live Fremantle v North Melbourne in our live blog below. If you can’t see the blog, tap here!<doc-sep>Loading Fremantle will have many questioning their pre-season predictions after they demolished North Melbourne by 82 points at Optus Stadium on Sunday. Despite the rule changes introduced over summer aimed to increase scoring, the opening round returned relatively low totals. Devastating: Fremantle's Cam McCarthy celebrates after kicking one of his bag of five goals against North Melbourne. Credit:AAP But the final game bucked that trend. Fremantle, who averaged just 70.7 points per game last season, had 75 points on the board by half-time on their way to a 21.15 (141) to 9.5 (59) win.<doc-sep>	Forgotten forward Cam McCarthy silenced his knockers with a five-goal haul in Fremantle’s 82-point AFL win over North Melbourne at Optus Stadium on Sunday. McCarthy struggled in his first two years at Fremantle, and had fallen so far down the pecking order over summer that he wasn’t even selected for any of the club’s JLT pre-season games. But Jesse Hogan’s alcohol slip-up and a hamstring injury to Brennan Cox opened the door for McCarthy to earn a surprise recall against the Kangaroos. It’s not too late to sign up for tipping and Pick 7 fantasy! There’s great weekly cash prizes and the automatic chance to win a Mazda BT-50... Register to play The Game tipping and fantasy today! The former Giant made the most of his chance, booting four first-half goals to help set up the 21.15 (141) to 9.5 (59) win in front of 40,033 fans. North Melbourne’s loss was compounded by what appears to be a serious left knee injury to Ed Vickers-Willis, with the defender to undergo scans. Vickers-Willis suffered a season-ending posterior cruciate ligament injury in his right knee last year after crashing into a goal post in round seven, but his latest setback could be even worse. And midfielder Ben Cunnington could come under scrutiny for an off-the-ball hit that floored Nathan Wilson in the last quarter. North Melbourne entered the season with hopes of crashing the finals, but their error-riddled display against the Dockers would be a huge cause for concern for coach Brad Scott. Camera Icon Cam McCarthy had a day out. Credit: AFL Media Fremantle dominated the first half, opening up a 39-point lead by the long break. It would have been even more if it wasn’t for North Melbourne’s accuracy, with the Kangaroos registering 6.0 (36) in the first half. McCarthy was joined by Rory Lobb and Matt Taberner in a three-pronged attack for the Dockers, and he shone the brightest of the lot. The 23-year-old exploded in the second term, booting three goals to tear the game wide open. Play Video Fremantle small forward Lachie Schultz was swamped by his teammates after slotting his first major in AFL football. The West Australian Video Fremantle small forward Lachie Schultz was swamped by his teammates after slotting his first major in AFL football. Fremantle won the inside-50m count 24-10 for the term, with Nat Fyfe and David Mundy winning some crucial clearances to set up the scoring onslaught. Fyfe had 20 disposals and seven clearances by half-time, and Fremantle’s dominance continued in the second half. The Dockers had only cracked the 100-point mark six times during the previous two seasons. But they reached that mark late in the third quarter when McCarthy kicked a booming goal from 50m. Play Video David Mundy takes it from the centre clearance and kicks a goal during Freo's second-term rampage against North Melbourne. The West Australian Video David Mundy takes it from the centre clearance and kicks a goal during Freo's second-term rampage against North Melbourne. McCarthy finished the match with five goals, 20 disposals and five marks, while Taberner (18 disposals, nine marks) was an important link man. Fyfe (32 disposals, 10 clearances, one goal) showed no ill effects from his recent elbow surgery, and was rested for long periods in the second half when the game was already in the bag. Fremantle won the inside-50m count 68-47, and clearances 40-27.
Griffin didn't play in the Pistons' series-opening loss to the Bucks on Sunday. Pistons star forward Blake Griffin is reportedly likely to miss Detroit's entire first-round playoff series against the Bucks due to a left knee injury, according to Yahoo Sports' Vincent Goodwill. Griffin did not play in Detroit's series-opening defeat to Milwaukee on Sunday due to the injury, which the All-Star has dealt with since the final weeks of the regular season. Per Goodwill, there is a "slim chance" Griffin appears this weekend for the Pistons, who will reportedly list him as day to day for the rest of the series. Griffin originally missed three games with a sprained knee prior to returning on April 5. However, his knee flared up again, affecting his availability through the end of the regular season. According to Goodwill, Griffin does not have structural damage in his knee and it remains unclear if he will require any type of minor procedure during the offseaosn. Griffin, 30, averaged a team-high 24.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game this season.<doc-sep>Milwaukee — Maybe. Maybe not. It’s still questionable. It’s a daily conundrum for the Pistons’ medical staff in determining Blake Griffin’s status for the past couple of weeks. It didn’t change ahead of Wednesday’s Game 2 of the playoff series against the Milwaukee Bucks. Griffin again was inactive, missing his third straight game because of knee soreness, another blow to the Pistons’ postseason chances, after a 35-point blowout loss in the opener on Sunday. “It’s his body. He has the situation with his knee that there are good days and bad days. It may feel good in the morning and it may feel bad at night,” coach Dwane Casey said before the game. “It’s not something that can keep him from playing. He played with it in Oklahoma City; he tried to go with it in Charlotte and again in Memphis. “His body and the medical staff will let him know.” Although Griffin had done some light shooting and basketball activities in the morning shoot-around, there was some optimism that Griffin might be able to play. Griffin’s status on the injury report hasn’t changed in the past week, but on Wednesday, he wore a heavy knee brace at Fiserv Forum for the portion of shoot-around that was open to the media. He wasn't jumping with any strength or landing on the knee, so there's no clear sense of how much pounding he can sustain without pain. He said pain management isn't a big issue; it's getting clearance to play from the medical and training staffs. Griffin revealed after Game 1 on Sunday that he was sitting not of his own volition; rather, the team medical staff and others were making the decision. He’s missed five of the Pistons’ last eight games and it seems the medical staff is exercising caution in dealing with the long-term prospects for his knee. “People say it’s a ruse or whatever, but it’s real,” Casey said. “His body will let him know if he can go or not. It’s not like we are trying to play without him. Believe me — he wants to go and I want him to go but it’s a medical decision. Hopefully, at some point (maybe Saturday) he can go.” The Pistons struggled in Game 1 without Griffin, falling behind by 20 in the first quarter, on the way to a 35-point blowout loss. [email protected] Twitter: @detnewsRodBeard<doc-sep>MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 14: Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons stares on during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks during Game One of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on April 14, 2019 at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) Blake Griffin is dealing with what seems to be a serious knee injury. Should the Detroit Pistons just rule him out for the series? The Detroit Pistons suffered an embarrassing 35 point loss in game 1 to Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks. What every Pistons fans was waiting to hear about was the status of Blake Griffin. Griffin has been dealing with a knee injury for a few weeks now, dating back to when he was surprisingly marked as out right before tip-off of a March 30th game against the Portland Trailblazers. Griffin was ruled out for the game, but was not ruled out for the series. He continues to be listed as day-to-day and head coach Dwane Casey continues to respond to questions about their superstar forward with, “we’ll see”. Griffin played what might’ve been the best season of his career this year, and played in the most games (75) he has in the regular season since the 2013-14 season. This must make it even more tough for Griffin to sit and watch his team right now on the biggest stage after such a successful season. It’s been said that Griffin is pushing to play, and Griffin said himself after game one if it was up to him he’d be suited up and ready to play. Casey, however, has said that it’s in the hands of the training staff and described it as a “complex” situation. Which begs the questions, should the Detroit Pistons just rule Blake out for the series? The Pistons, whether Griffin played or not, were very likely to lose this series. The Bucks are being led by The Greek Freak and have been the best team in basketball since the beginning of the season, finishing with a league best 60-22 record. With Griffin, the idea was to keep the series competitive and win a few games to show progress in the franchise. Without Griffin, it’ll be nearly impossible to get a game off the Bucks. Is playing Griffin two games with a seriously injured knee just to win a singular game worth risking his future health? The Pistons have said his injury can’t get any worse and it is just a pain tolerance at this point. I’m not really sure how I feel about that kind of description. What I do know is this. If Blake is sacrificing future health just so the Pistons can try to get a singular game in the first round, he should be ruled out for the series. If Blake is going to look like he did against Memphis if he plays, where he could barely move and bend his left leg due to his injury, just rule him out for the series. If this warm-up posted by Detroit News beat writer Rod Beard of Griffin shooting around, where he barely is moving around is an indicator of what he’ll be capable to do, rule him out for the series. Listen, I played ball my whole life. If I was a star and had led my high school varsity team to districts, but then was being held out by my team because they thought I couldn’t play through injury, I’d be pissed. So, I completely feel for Blake. This must absolutely suck for him, and it must be making him even more mad that the team wont let him go out like he wants to. But, the Detroit Pistons have to think about their future. We saw what Blake looked like after an off-season to work on his game. If he isn’t going to be able to move around at at least 80 percent of normal form, sit him for the series so he can get started on rehabbing before the post-season ends. There was a rumor going around that Griffin was going to need surgery as soon as his season ended. If that’s true, rule him out now, let him get his surgery, so he can get started on his recovery and have some off-season left to work on his game for next year. Blake, we all appreciate what you did this season. We know it must suck for you to sit out and watch your team fight helplessly without you. But, take this one out. Your teammates can bite the bullet here. Sit and get healthy. Get ready for another run next year.<doc-sep>	Blake Griffin didn’t say much Saturday about the left knee injury that forced him to miss four of the final seven games of the regular season. “We’re taking this day by day,” he said when asked about his availability for the Detroit Pistons' playoff opener against the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday. “I’m not looking forward to a day that’s not right here in front of me. “I’ll sit with our training staff and whoever else needs to be in on that decision and make that call.” If the game were Saturday night, could Griffin go? “It’s not Saturday night,” Griffin said. An official status report lists Griffin as questionable, but it’s apparent the Pistons are preparing to be without Griffin — at least for the beginning of the best-of-seven first-round series against the league’s best team. “When you lose him and don’t have him going into Game 1, it’s a huge blow, but we are going to step up, defensively, offensively in all the areas with him not being there,” point guard Ish Smith said. The Pistons were 2-5 in games Griffin didn’t play, so even winning one game against the league’s best team will be tough. Griffin played in 75 games during the regular season, the most he’s played since the 2013-14 season. He tweaked his left knee toward the end of the season, and he took himself out of the lineup after warmups before the Pistons’ 99-90 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on March 30. He missed the next two games before returning to score 45 points at Oklahoma City in a road loss April 5. But he struggled mightily the next two games, culminating in only five points in 18 minutes in Tuesday night’s 100-93 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in the regular-season home finale. More:Detroit Pistons vs. Milwaukee Bucks: Scouting report, series prediction More:Thon Maker fond of Bucks. He needed opportunity with Detroit Pistons He missed the season finale at the New York Knicks, the night the Pistons clinched a playoff spot. Griffin, 30, was an All-Star and averaged 24.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game this season. Before speaking with reporters Saturday, Griffin walked on a treadmill at the practice facility in Auburn Hills. After finishing, he spoke briefly with Pistons public relations personnel before addressing the media. He’s been receiving treatment almost nonstop the past couple days, and it’s obvious he’s determined to return to the floor, but he also expressed satisfaction with reaching the postseason, establishing a foundation in coach Dwane Casey’s first season. “You never want to let your teammates down and not be out there, but at the same time we’ve built a foundation this season and we’ve started to play the right brand of basketball,” Griffin said. “Those types of things carry over. “Our goal was the reach the playoffs and we accomplished that goal so at the end of the day, we’re right where we want to be.” Follow Vince Ellis on Twitter @vincent_ellis56. Read more on the Detroit Pistons and sign up for our Pistons newsletter.
After a fun first first round of 2018 Open Championship action at Carnoustie, the tee times flip for Friday. The action begins just after 1 a.m. ET, and Tiger Woods goes much earlier than he did on Thursday. As with the first 18 holes, some of the better groups are spread out over the course of the day, so no matter when you tune into the 14 hours of coverage, you're sure to hit somebody interesting. CBS Sports will be with you the entire way on Friday covering every moment of action. For now, here's a look at all the tee times with a few of the bigger ones pinned at the very top. Can't get enough golf? Subscribe to The First Cut with Kyle Porter where we take a weekly look at everything in the world of golf. All times Eastern 2018 Open Championship tee times for Friday (Round 2) 2:52 a.m. -- Rory McIlroy, Marc Leishman, Thorbjorn Olesen 2:30 a.m. -- Henrik Stenson, Tommy Fleetwood, Jimmy Walker 3:03 a.m. -- Dustin Johnson, Alex Noren, Charley Hoffman 5:09 a.m. -- Sergio Garcia, Bryson DeChambeau, Shubhankar Sharma 5:20 a.m. -- Tiger Woods, Hideki Matsuyama, Russell Knox 8:04 a.m. -- Phil Mickelson, Satoshi Kodaira, Rafa Cabrera Bello 9:59 a.m. -- Jordan Spieth, Justin Rose, Kiradech Aphibarnrat 10:10 a.m. -- Jon Rahm, Rickie Fowler, Chris Wood 10:21 a.m. -- Louis Oosthuizen, Paul Casey, Patrick Reed 1:35 a.m. -- Brandt Snedeker, Sam Locke, Cameron Davis 1:46 a.m. -- Patton Kizzire, Jonas Blixt, Charles Howell III 1:57 a.m. -- Charl Schwartzel, Daniel Berger, Tom Lewis 2:08 a.m. -- Alex Levy, Ryan Moore, Ben An 2:19 a.m. -- Michael Hendry, Kelly Kraft, Lee Westwood 2:30 a.m. -- Henrik Stenson, Tommy Fleetwood, Jimmy Walker 2:41 a.m. -- Mathew Fitzpatrick, Russell Henley, Jovan Rebula 2:52 a.m. -- Rory McIlroy, Marc Leishman, Thorbjorn Olesen 3:03 a.m. -- Dustin Johnson, Alex Noren, Charley Hoffman 3:14 a.m. -- Zach Johnson, Adam Scott, Brendan Steele 3:25 a.m. -- Francesco Molinari, Branden Grace, Justin Thomas 3:36 a.m. -- Jason Day, Shota Akiyoshi, Haotong Li 3:47 a.m. -- Todd Hamilton, Beau Hossler, Jorge Campillo 4:03 a.m. -- Ryuko Tokimatsu, Chez Reavie, Michael Kim 4:14 a.m. -- Kyle Stanley, Nicolas Colsaerts, Jens Dantorp 4:25 a.m. -- Tom Lehman, Dylan Frittelli, Grant Forrest 4:36 a.m. -- Lucas Herbert, Min Chel Choi, Jason Kokrak 4:47 a.m. -- Padraig Harrington, Bubba Watson, Matt Wallace 4:58 a.m. -- Ian Poulter, Cameron Smith, Brooks Koepka 5:09 a.m. -- Sergio Garcia, Bryson DeChambeau, Shubhankar Sharma 5:20 a.m. -- Tiger Woods, Hideki Matsuyama, Russell Knox 5:31 a.m. -- Jason Dufner, Ryan Fox, Keegan Bradley 5:42 a.m. -- Ryan Armour, Abraham Ancer, Masahiro Kawamura 5:53 a.m. -- Jazz Janewattananond, Fabrizio Zanotti, Jordan Smith 6:04 a.m. -- Brett Rumford, Masanori Kobayashi, Jack Senior 6:15 a.m. -- Matt Jones, Thomas Curtis, Bronson Burgoon 6:36 a.m. -- Sandy Lyle, Martin Kaymer, Andy Sullivan 6:47 a.m. -- Erik Van Rooyen, Brady Schnell, Matthew Southgate 6:58 a.m. -- Danny Willett, Emiliano Grillo, Luke List 7:09 a.m. -- Mark Calcavecchia, Danthai Boonma, Shaun Norris 7:20 a.m. -- Kevin Chappell, Oliver Wilson, Eddie Pepperell 7:31 a.m. -- Ross Fisher, Paul Dunne, Austin Cook 7:42 a.m. -- Tyrrell Hatton, Patrick Cantlay, Shane Lowry 7:53 a.m. -- Thomas Pieters, Kevin Kisner, Marcus Kinhult 8:04 a.m. -- Phil Mickelson, Satoshi Kodaira, Rafa Cabrera Bello 8:15 a.m. -- Brian Harman, Yuta Ikeda, Andrew Landry 8:26 a.m. -- Si Woo Kim, Webb Simpson, Nicolai Hojgaard 8:37 a.m. -- Stewart Cink, Brandon Stone, Hideto Tanihara 8:48 a.m. -- Gary Woodland, Yusaku Miyazato, Sung Kang 9:04 a.m. -- Ernie Els, Adam Hadwin, Chesson Hadley 9:15 a.m. -- Pat Perez, Julian Suri, George Coetzee 9:26 a.m. -- David Duval, Scott Jamieson, Kevin Na 9:37 a.m. -- Darren Clarke, Bernhard Langer, Retief Goosen 9:48 a.m. -- Matt Kuchar, Anirban Lahiri, Peter Uihlein 9:59 a.m. -- Jordan Spieth, Justin Rose, Kiradech Aphibarnrat 10:10 a.m. -- Jon Rahm, Rickie Fowler, Chris Wood 10:21 a.m. -- Louis Oosthuizen, Paul Casey, Patrick Reed 10:32 a.m. -- Tony Finau, Xander Schauffele, Jhonattan Vegas 10:43 a.m. -- Yuxin Lin, Alexander Bjork, Sang Hyun Park 10:54 a.m. -- James Robinson, Haraldur Magnus, Zander Lombard 11:05 a.m. -- Kodai Ichihara, Rhys Enoch, Marcus Armitage 11:16 a.m. -- Sean Crocker, Gavin Green, Ash Turner<doc-sep>The Open Championship is the most unique major in men’s golf. From the venues to the weather to the style to the overnight watch for US fans, so many things make this major different than the others. One more subtle way it’s different that the general fan may not notice is the tee sheet. This time of year in Scotland, there are some 17 hours of daylight. Unless the weather turns grotesque, you can play golf at all hours of the day. This gives the R&A a ton of flexibility to set British Open tee times. There’s no mad dash to squeeze in 156 players from sun-up to sun-down off split tees, as they do at the U.S. Open and PGA Championship. The Masters has a much smaller field, usually around 90 players, that affords them a similar flexibility during a time of year when daylight is much more limited. The Open, however, keeps it rolling all off one tee, unlike the other two 156-player full field majors. It’s a tradition. It also often makes a lot more sense given the in-and-out nature of links golf, where the 9th green and 10th tee don’t always congregate near the clubhouse. The mere suggestion of a two-tee start causes an uproar over there. The R&A made the dramatic, dire move to use two tees on a Saturday a few years ago at Royal Liverpool because of impending storms. Some reacted like they were trashing an inviolable rule of the Open, but the move paid off and play got done before nasty storms hammered Hoylake. Everything finished on time. But that was the first and only time split tees were put in play in the 147-year history of the Open. Embrace the “baked out” life of The Open Like a blizzard game at Lambeau field, we’re getting the Open this week in some extreme conditions that make it feel and look the way it should be. There are no such dire weather forecasts this year so expect one long ass day all rolling off No. 1. It begins at 6:35 a.m. local in Carnoustie, which is 1:35 a.m. ET back in the United States. Golf Channel is keeping up their custom of going live — we’ll do it live dammit! — from the very first group of each day. They will be on the air at 1:30 a.m. ET and offer a menu of streams for what is a 14.5-hour broadcast. To give you an idea of the spread that this Scottish daylight allows, the last tee time does not go until 4:16 p.m. local and plays deep into the night. The R&A also didn’t capitulate to the media or the fans and put all the power names together, as we’re seeing more and more each week on the PGA Tour and at the majors. Instead, they sprinkled them around and across the tee sheet. Tiger doesn’t play with Rory and Justin and DJ and Phil etc. Maybe two big names are together, but it’s usually an international mix and rarely consolidated. It makes for a full day of interesting tee times worth TV time. Tiger will bring up the rear of the broadcast, going with Hideki Matsuyama and Russell Knox at 10:21 a.m. ET on Thursday. Here’s the tee sheet for the opening round at Carnoustie (all times ET! ): 1:35 a.m.: Sandy Lyle, Martin Kaymer, Andy Sullivan 1:46 a.m.: Erik Van Rooyen, Brady Schnell, Matthew Southgate 1:57 a.m.: Danny Willett, Emiliano Grillo, Luke List 2:08 a.m.: Mark Calcavecchia, Danthai Boonma, Shaun Norris 2:19 a.m.: Kevin Chappell, Oliver Wilson, Eddie Pepperell 2:30 a.m.: Ross Fisher, Paul Dunne, Austin Cook 2:41a.m. : Tyrrell Hatton, Patrick Cantlay, Shane Lowry 2:52 a.m.: Thomas Pieters, Kevin Kisner, Marcus Kinhult 3:03 a.m.: Phil Mickelson, Satoshi Kodaira, Rafa Cabrera Bello 3:14 a.m.: Brian Harman, Yuta Ikeda, Andrew Landry 3:25 a.m.: Si Woo Kim, Webb Simpson, Nicolai Hojgaard (a) 3:36 a.m.: Stewart Cink, Brandon Stone, Hideto Tanihara 3:47a.m. : Gary Woodland, Yusaku Miyazato, Sung Kang 4:03 a.m.: Ernie Els, Adam Hadwin, Chesson Hadley 4:14 a.m.: Pat Perez, Julian Suri, George Coetzee 4:25 a.m.: David Duval, Scott Jamieson, Kevin Na 4:36 a.m.: Darren Clarke, Bernhard Langer, Retief Goosen 4:47 a.m.: Matt Kuchar, Anirban Lahiri, Peter Uihlein 4:58 a.m.: Jordan Spieth, Justin Rose, Kiradech Aphibarnrat 5:09 a.m.: Jon Rahm, Rickie Fowler, Chris Wood 5:20 a.m.: Louis Oosthuizen, Paul Casey, Patrick Reed 5:31 a.m.: Tony Finau, Xander Schauffele, Jhonattan Vegas 5:42 a.m.: Yuxin Lin (a), Alexander Bjork, Sang Hyun Park 5:53 a.m.: James Robinson, Haraldur Magnus, Zander Lombard 6:04 a.m.: Kodai Ichihara, Rhys Enoch, Marcus Armitage 6:15 a.m.: Sean Crocker, Gavin Green, Ash Turner 6:36 a.m.: Brandt Snedeker, Sam Locke (a), Cameron Davis 6:47 a.m.: Patton Kizzire, Jonas Blixt, Charles Howell III 6:58 a.m.: Charl Schwartzel, Daniel Berger, Tom Lewis 7:09 a.m.: Alex Levy, Ryan Moore, Byeong Hun An 7:20 a.m.: Michael Hendry, Kelly Kraft, Lee Westwood 7:31 a.m.: Henrik Stenson, Tommy Fleetwood, Jimmy Walker 7:42 a.m.: Matthew Fitzpatrick, Russell Henley, Jovan Rebula (a) 7:53 a.m.: Rory McIlroy, Marc Leishman, Thorbjorn Olesen 8:04 a.m.: Dustin Johnson, Alex Noren, Charley Hoffman 8:15 a.m.: Zach Johnson, Adam Scott, Brendan Steele 8:26 a.m.: Justin Thomas, Francesco Molinari, Branden Grace 8:37 a.m.: Jason Day, Shota Akiyoshi, Haotong Li 8:48 a.m.: Todd Hamilton, Beau Hossler, Jorge Campillo 9:04 a.m.: Ryuko Tokimatsu, Chez Reavie, Michael Kim 9:15 a.m.: Kyle Stanley, Nicolas Colsaerts, Jens Dantorp 9:26 a.m.: Tom Lehman, Dylan Frittelli, Grant Forrest 9:37 a.m.: Lucas Herbert, Min Chel Choi, Jason Kokrak 9:48 a.m.: Padraig Harrington, Bubba Watson, Matt Wallace 9:59 a.m.: Ian Poulter, Cameron Smith, Brooks Koepka 10:10 a.m.: Sergio Garcia, Bryson DeChambeau, Shubhankar Sharma 10:21 a.m.: Tiger Woods, Hideki Matsuyama, Russell Knox 10:32 a.m.: Jason Dufner, Ryan Fox, Keegan Bradley 10:43 a.m.: Ryan Armour, Abraham Ander, Masahiro Kawamura 10:54 a.m.: Jazz Janewattananond, Fabrizio Zanotti, Jordan Smith 11:05 a.m.: Brett Rumford, Masanori Kobayashi, Jack Senior 11:16 a.m.: Matt Jones, Thomas Curtis, Bronson Burgoon<doc-sep>	The 147th Open Championship at Carnoustie has officially begun, and there are some intriguing threesomes linking up just off the North Sea in Scotland over the first two rounds of the year's third major championship. Stars are littered throughout the 52 groups that will tee off on the first two days. (Just take a look at the top nine groups featured below.) One thing The Open does correctly is not slotting together mega-groups where, say, six of the top nine players in the world are all in just two different groups. The R&A (as well as Augusta National) does a great job spacing the top guys out but keeping the groups interesting throughout the day. I also love that players only tee off on the first hole at those two events. The most eye-opening groups for me this year are the Rory McIlroy-Marc Leishman-Thorbjorn Olesen game or the Sergio Garcia-Shubhankar Sharma-Bryson DeChambeau trio. I'm also into that Jordan Spieth-Justin Rose-Kiradech Aphibarnrat group and the Jon Rahm-Rickie Fowler-Chris Wood one as well. Here's a look at some of the top groups as The Open begins on Thursday, followed by the compete set of 52 tee times ahead of Round 1. Click here for a look at the full slate of odds heading into the 2018 British Open.
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Latest on a major snowstorm and the expected frigid weather in the Midwest (all times local): 4:15 p.m. Parts of southeastern Minnesota and southeastern Wisconsin have seen more than a foot of snow fall as a powerful storm that's expected to bring frigid temperatures moves through the Midwest. In Sheboygan, Wisconsin, 15 inches of snow (38 centimeters) had fallen by Monday afternoon. In Rochester, Minnesota, nearly 9 inches (23 centimeters) had fallen. It's all part of a weather system that has blanketed both states with snow amounts ranging from 6 inches (15 centimeters) to a foot of snow (30.5 centimeters) in some areas. But it's the plunging temperatures expected later this week that have forecasters especially concerned. Wind chills could dip to negative 55 degrees (negative 48 degrees Celsius) in northern Illinois. ___ 3:55 p.m. Schools in Minneapolis are shutting down through Wednesday as dangerous cold hits the Midwest. The school district had already canceled classes Monday due to a snowstorm. Forecasters are warning of temperatures 30 below (minus-34 Celsius) by midweek, with wind chills to 60 below (minus-51 Celsius). Gov. Tim Walz said Monday he wouldn't close schools statewide but would instead leave it up to individual districts. Many metro districts take their cue from the Minneapolis schools. ___ 2:45 p.m. The Chicago Zoological Society says it's closing the Brookfield Zoo on Wednesday and Thursday because of frigid, potentially record-breaking weather. Chicago Zoological Society CEO Stuart Strahl says the closure will ensure the safety of employees and animals. Strahl says only a few employees will be on-site to "provide basic core functions." It's only the fourth time the zoo has been closed during its 85-year-history. Zoo officials say they expect to reopen the zoo on February 1. Heavy snow and gusting winds have also created blizzard-like conditions in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and other Midwestern states where officials have closed schools, courthouses and businesses. Story continues But it's the plunging temperatures expected later this week that have forecasters especially concerned. Wind chills could dip to negative 55 degrees (negative 48 degrees Celsius) in northern Illinois. ___ 12:25 p.m. Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has declared a state of emergency because of snow and impending dangerously cold temperatures. Evers signed the order Monday that directs all state agencies to assist if any emergency response and recovery efforts are needed because of the snowstorm and cold that has hit Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan and other Midwestern states . Evers is also activating the Wisconsin National Guard to assist with local emergency responders, if necessary. Many parts of Wisconsin had received up to 7 inches of snow as of Monday morning, with forecasts calling for a foot or more in some areas. The snow was to be followed by temperatures not rising above zero through Thursday, with wind chills as low as 50 below zero. Wisconsin state offices remained open on Monday. ___ 12 p.m. More than 1,000 flights have been canceled at Chicago's largest airports as a snowstorm crawls through several Midwestern states ahead of frigidly cold weather. The Chicago Department of Aviation said about 790 flights were canceled at O'Hare International Airport and about 220 were canceled at Midway International Airport as of Monday morning. O'Hare had delays of about 50 minutes, while delays were about 15 minutes at Midway. Heavy snow and gusting winds have also created blizzard-like conditions in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and other Midwestern states where officials have closed schools, courthouses and businesses. But it's the plunging temperatures expected later this week that have forecasters especially concerned. Wind chills could dip to negative 55 degrees (negative 48 degrees Celsius) in northern Illinois, which the National Weather Service calls "possibly life threatening." ___ 9:40 a.m. Heavy snow has led to the closure of Michigan's state government, including the Capitol building and legislative offices, as a snowstorm moves across the region ahead of frigidly cold weather. Most state government offices in the Lower Peninsula were closed Monday morning except for offices handling critical functions. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is encouraging motorists to stay off the roads. Heavy snow and gusting winds have also created blizzard-like conditions in Minnesota, Wisconsin, northern Illinois and other Midwestern states where officials have also closed schools, courthouses and businesses. But it's the plunging temperatures expected later this week that have forecasters especially concerned. Wind chills could dip to negative 55 degrees in northern Illinois, which the National Weather Service calls "possibly life threatening." ___ 9:20 a.m. A winter storm brought several inches of snow to northern Illinois as the region braces for record-low subzero temperatures. The Chicago suburb of Palatine saw more than 5 inches (13 centimeters) Monday morning as the storm created slick roadways. A National Weather Service warning says up to 8 inches (20 centimeters) were possible by midday. But Monday's snow is just a precursor to what's in store for Illinois starting Tuesday. Forecasters warn of record cold temperatures and wind chills that could be "possibly life threatening." The weather service says the Rockford area could get colder than the record low of minus 27 degrees (negative 32.8 degrees Celsius) on Wednesday. Chicago looks a few degrees above its record. But wind chills could dip to 55 degrees below zero (negative 48.3 degrees Celsius). ___ 6:30 a.m. Heavy snow and gusting winds have created blizzard-like conditions across the Upper Midwest, prompting officials to close hundreds of schools, courthouses and businesses, and ground air travel. Even snowplow drivers are having trouble keeping up with conditions Monday . And once the snowstorm is over, forecasters say record cold is expected to settle into the region. More than a foot (30.5 centimeters) of snow was expected to accumulate Monday in southeastern Wisconsin and southeastern Minnesota. The largest public school districts in both states are among those closed, including districts in Milwaukee, Minneapolis and St. Paul. In Wisconsin, courthouses and most offices are closed in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Columbia and Washington counties. More than three dozen flights were canceled early Monday at Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee County. In eastern North Dakota, officials have issued travel alerts because of blowing snow. ___ 12 a.m. A winter storm pushing across the Upper Midwest is expected to dump more than a foot of snow in parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin. The National Weather Service says blizzard conditions were reported Sunday in eastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota. Officials have issued a travel alert for north-central and eastern North Dakota due to snow and blowing snow, while no travel is advised in the south-central part of the state due to freezing rain and snow. In Wisconsin, Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele has declared a local snow emergency. The county's courts and nonessential services will be closed Monday. Milwaukee Public Schools and Minneapolis Public Schools also will be closed. Chicago could see 6 inches (15.24 centimeters) of snow, followed by arctic cold. Meteorologist Tyler Hasenstein of the National Weather Service says parts of far southeastern Minnesota into western Wisconsin could see up to 14 inches (35.5 centimeters) of snow.<doc-sep>"With the very cold temperatures, salt will not be an option for us," Romines said. "People who do have to get out should expect to see snow-covered roads." Police Chief Mike Koval anticipated the department will go on priority-only calls throughout the snowstorm, limiting responses to crashes with injuries or those blocking major thoroughfares. Additionally, Soglin said non-essential city offices and services, such as libraries, might not be open Monday, but the decision won't be made until the morning. Romines said he anticipates "for the first time in a number of years, we're going to have to do some major snow hauling from the Downtown area." Garbage and recycling collection in Madison will not occur Monday to free staff for snow removal operations, Romines said. Curbside, large-item collection is suspended for the entire week, and the city's two yard waste drop-off sites at 1501 W. Badger Road and 4602 Sycamore Ave. will be closed all week as well, he said. Residents who have waste collected on Monday should either try to hold it until next week or put their carts at the curb by 7 a.m. Thursday to either be collected by city staff Thursday or Friday. The drop-off sites are anticipated to reopen on Feb. 4.<doc-sep>	Gov. Tony Evers has declared a state of emergency in response to Wisconsin's ongoing winter storm and potentially life-threatening temperatures. Evers has also directed state agencies to close state government offices for public business with limited exceptions. "It's critically important that we're ensuring the people of Wisconsin and our public employees are safe in these dangerous weather conditions," Evers said Tuesday. "I am urging people to prepare for this severe weather and to exercise caution when traveling or going outdoors." The governor's executive order on Monday directs all state agencies to assist if there are any emergency response and recovery efforts associated with the snowstorm and cold. The order also gives Wisconsin’s Adjutant General Don Dunbar the authority to call to state active duty soldiers and airmen of the Wisconsin National Guard to support local emergency responders if needed. This could include security, response and recovery missions.Evers' order on Tuesday directs state agencies to close state government offices for public business on January 30, 2019, excluding essential emergency response, public health, and public safety employees. The Executive Order also directs all state agencies utilize all available means to ensure employee safety including alternative work options. The Wisconsin State Capitol will remain open to the public Wednesday. Gov. Tony Evers has declared a state of emergency in response to Wisconsin's ongoing winter storm and potentially life-threatening temperatures. Evers has also directed state agencies to close state government offices for public business with limited exceptions. "It's critically important that we're ensuring the people of Wisconsin and our public employees are safe in these dangerous weather conditions," Evers said Tuesday. "I am urging people to prepare for this severe weather and to exercise caution when traveling or going outdoors." The governor's executive order on Monday directs all state agencies to assist if there are any emergency response and recovery efforts associated with the snowstorm and cold. The order also gives Wisconsin’s Adjutant General Don Dunbar the authority to call to state active duty soldiers and airmen of the Wisconsin National Guard to support local emergency responders if needed. This could include security, response and recovery missions. Evers' order on Tuesday directs state agencies to close state government offices for public business on January 30, 2019, excluding essential emergency response, public health, and public safety employees. The Executive Order also directs all state agencies utilize all available means to ensure employee safety including alternative work options. The Wisconsin State Capitol will remain open to the public Wednesday.
It’s unclear how good Chris Archer actually is. It’s unclear how good Austin Meadows actually is. And it’s unclear how good Tyler Glasnow actually is. But put those three names together and the Rays and Pirates have consummated the most fascinating deal of the MLB trade deadline. Let’s start with Archer, the Rays’ longtime ace, who is finally leaving Tampa Bay after years of trade speculation. He’s on one of the most team-friendly (or, for Archer, least player-friendly) contracts in the majors, and Pittsburgh will gain club control for the next three seasons for just $27.5 million. He’ll help with the Pirates’ current playoff push, and he’ll help in the future — but perhaps not by nearly as much as his reputation implies. Since the start of 2016, over the course of 498 1/3 innings, Archer has amassed a collective 99 ERA+, meaning his ERA has been 1 percent worse than average. Out of 108 pitchers with 300-plus innings pitched in that span, Archer ranks 70th; for comparison, new teammate Iván Nova, who embodies back-end competence but nothing greater, has a perfectly league-average 100 ERA+ in that span. More advanced stats agree that Archer is better than that statistic suggests, but his DRA — a Baseball Prospectus ERA estimator that accounts for a variety of external factors when judging pitchers, like catcher framing and opponent quality — has grown worse every year since 2015, too, and there are legitimate question marks about his peripherals even beyond what he’s displayed during this frustrating, injury-interrupted season. He’s essentially a two-pitch pitcher, throwing his fastball and slider a combined 87 percent of the time this season, which has consistently limited his ability to retire opposite-handed hitters; he has struggled to finish innings with men on base; and since the start of last year, he’s allowed the highest hard-contact rate and lowest soft-contact rate of any qualified starter. Bad luck is a useful explanation for statistical struggles for most talented pitchers, but it’s not bad luck if a pitcher just gets pounded game after game. Archer runs high strikeout and low walk rates and has all the sorts of loud skills a pitcher could want, yet he’s already — surprisingly — going to turn 30 in two months, and he’s now three full seasons removed from his last stint as a veritable awards contender. Yet he’s not the only member of this trade whose valuation has declined in recent years; the players going to Tampa Bay fit that profile, too. Meadows peaked as the sport’s no. 6 prospect before last season, but he’s essentially stalled since. In roughly a full season’s worth of Triple-A at-bats, the oft-injured outfielder had just a .701 OPS, and after a hot first 11 games in the majors this season, he’s hit .239/.293/.327, with four times as many strikeouts as walks. Glasnow, too, has lost a portion of his prospect luster, after thundering onto MLB’s top-10 prospect lists before both the 2016 and 2017 seasons. In the majors, though, the 6-foot-8 fireballer with a trebuchet for an arm has proved irrepressibly wild, with high walk totals every season: Since the start of 2016, more than 400 pitchers have thrown at least 100 innings, and Glasnow has the group’s second-highest walk rate. Still, Meadows is just 23 years old, Glasnow 24, and each boasts a half-decade or more of team control. This is a typical Rays move, as they shuffle established major leaguers for yet more youngsters with upside — Tampa Bay’s full reported return is Meadows and Glasnow plus a player to be named later — and trading for prospects with a “post-hype” tinge makes sense if Tampa thinks their flaws are fixable. The Pirates’ perspective is less crystalline. Pittsburgh has parlayed a 16–9 July record into actual contention and sits 3.5 games back of a wild-card spot. Given the relative weakness of their roster and crowd of teams surrounding them in the race, their playoff odds this year are still low (13.1 percent at FanGraphs, though that number will rise with the addition of Archer) — but that’s OK, at least on the surface, because Archer offers years of control and, importantly for Pittsburgh, years of cheap control. The logic falters, though, when this trade is considered in context, as the latest link in a chain of rather inexplicable moves. Pittsburgh traded Gerrit Cole in the offseason, receiving a light package from Houston in return that included zero top prospects and has brought Pittsburgh a total of 0.8 WAR this year. Joe Musgrove has shown flashes as a mid-rotation starter, but third baseman Colin Moran has been a slightly-below-league-average hitter and abysmal defender, and Michael Feliz has an ERA north of 5 in relief. Again, those players offer years of cheap control, and Pittsburgh’s version of Cole wasn’t the Cy Young–contender version to which he’s blossomed in Houston, but that deal looked bad for Pittsburgh at the time, and Tuesday’s trade seemingly compounds that frustration. Archer is durable and reliably decent, at a minimum, and removed from the horrors of the AL East, he might well reclaim his dominance from earlier this decade. But six months ago, the Pirates traded an ace-potential pitcher for an unsatisfying group of prospects; today, they exchanged better prospects for a probably worse pitcher. One wonders whether, had the Pirates made neither noteworthy move, they would have been in better shape for both the rest of 2018 and beyond.<doc-sep>For years, Rays starting pitcher Chris Archer had been a constant in terms of the rumor mill. Much of that was just that other teams wanted to pry him from the Rays instead of the Rays shopping him, but this time it turned out different. Archer has finally been dealt, and it's to the surprise-buyer Pittsburgh Pirates. Archer, 29, is 3-5 with a 4.31 ERA (93 ERA+), 1.39 WHIP and 102 strikeouts in 96 innings. Archer is a big name, but he's only been around league average in run prevention since the start of the 2016 season (4.10 ERA, 99 ERA+). He's still a big strikeouts guy, and durability is major plus here, as he's worked at least 194 innings in each of the last four seasons. Pirates pitching coach Ray Searage has a track record of success in working with guys acquired from outside the organization. The league switch is a plus as well. Further, Archer isn't just a rental piece here. He works well for the Pirates because he's cheap and under team control for several seasons. 2019: $7,666,667 2020: $9 million club option 2021: $11 million club option Per Jim Bowden of CBS Sports HQ, Austin Meadows and Tyler Glasnow are headed back to Tampa Bay. There's also a player to be named later included in the package. Meadows, 23, has played all three outfield positions this year. Most of his work in the minors came in center. In 165 plate appearances as a rookie this season, he's hitting .292/.327/.468 (115 OPS+) with eight doubles, two triples, five homers and four steals. Baseball America pegged him as the 44th-best prospect in baseball entering the year. Glasnow is a 24-year-old right-handed pitcher. In 141 1/3 career big-league innings, he's pitched to a 5.79 ERA, 4.90 FIP and 1.71 WHIP. This season, he's at a 4.34 ERA along with 72 strikeouts in 56 innings. Walks are an issue, though, as he's offered 5.8 free passes per nine innings through his career.<doc-sep>The Pittsburgh Pirates pulled off a surprising trade just before Tuesday’s deadline, acquiring pitcher Chris Archer from the Tampa Bay Rays for top prospects Austin Meadows and Tyler Glasnow. Yahoo Sports’ Jeff Passan confirmed the deal was completed and reported the impressive return for Tampa Bay. Sources: The Rays will be getting Austin Meadows and Tyler Glasnow back in the deal for Chris Archer. @JimBowdenGM first mentioned them as possibilities. — Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 31, 2018 [Yahoo Fantasy Football leagues are open: Sign up now for free] Momentum toward a deal started picking up over the weekend when it became clear Tampa Bay was more open to trading Archer. The asking price remained high, but the Pirates met it. Archer, 29, was among the few true frontline pitchers available. Making him more appealing to inquiring teams is the fact he’s under control for another three seasons and will cost only $27.5 million. The Rays realized teams will pay more for more control, so it made sense for them to dive in. Archer isn’t having his strongest season. He finished April with a 6.61 ERA, but has since lowered that to 4.31. Through 17 starts, he’s posted 102 strikeouts over 96 innings. He also missed five weeks with an abdominal muscle issue, but has been remarkably durable over his career. He made at least 32 starts every season between 2014 and 2017. Does Chris Archer make sense for the Pirates? For Archer, this feels like a lateral move to what many would consider the National League’s version of the Rays. From Pittsburgh’s standpoint, it fills the void atop their rotation following the offseason trade of Gerrit Cole to Houston. Another key for Pittsburgh is control and affordability. Archer is set to make $7.6 million next season, which is quite a bargain for a No. 1 or No. 2 starter. Archer then has team options for $9 million in 2020 and $11 million in 2021, meaning Pittsburgh could retain him for more than three seasons at a great rate even for them. Story continues The cost was steep. Both Austin Meadows and Tyler Glasnow were considered top prospects before graduating to the big leagues. With Pittsburgh not seemingly positioned to seriously contend this season, it’s easy to question why they would part with two potential building blocks now. In Archer, they clearly feel they’ve added a foundation in which that building will be constructed. Whether it works out will be determined in the years ahead. Tampa Bay Rays trade ace Chris Archer to the Pirates. (AP) What does this trade mean for the Rays? The Rays get younger and deeper with this deal, and of course the payroll gets a little lighter too. It’s the same pattern we’re used to with the Rays, who now only have $10 million committed to their payroll next season. The Rays' payroll commitments for next year now stand at ~$10M. That's $8.167M for Kiermaier, $2M they're still paying Longoria. Everyone else is in arb, or pre-arb. LOL. — Andrew Stoeten (@AndrewStoeten) July 31, 2018 Archer is certainly one of the biggest names they’ve dealt. The big return helps justify it in this case. Meadows, 23, might be the top prospect to be moved at this deadline. He spent some time in Pittsburgh earlier this season, hitting .292/.327/.468 slash over 165 plate appearances. His power game hasn’t developed yet, but Meadows has impressed with his ability to use the entire field and handle both right-handed and left-handed pitching. He figures to be a Rays regular right away. Glasnow, 25, hasn’t quite turned the corner yet in his development. He’s a big talent with a good mix of pitches and an aggressive approach. However, his command has let him down at times. He’s yet to receive a real chance to start consistently in the big leagues. That opportunity might be what finally helps him get over the hump. More from Yahoo Sports: • Jeff Passan: Astros reveal their character in trade for closer Roberto Osuna • 49ers’ Richard Sherman rips Jerry Jones and his ‘plantation mentality’ • College hoops scandal is far from over: 5 pressing questions • Pat Forde: 40 things to know about the college football schedule<doc-sep>On a quiet trade deadline, a sneaky team is on the verge of nabbing Chris Archer. The Pirates have a deal in place that would send the Rays frontline starter to Pittsburgh, The Post’s Joel Sherman reported. Reliever Tyler Glasnow, outfielder Austin Meadows and an unknown third player are headed to the Rays in exchange. It’s an odd move for the Pirates, who sit in third in the NL Central, back seven games of the Cubs, and 3 1/2 back of the Diamondbacks of the second wild card. But Archer is likely a more long-term play, as he’s under contract through 2021 for a reasonable $21.75 million. Archer seemingly lived on the trade block the last few years, yet Tampa only bit now. The 29-year-old right-hander is 3-5 with a 4.31 ERA this year, but has been an All-Star twice and had the best pedigree on the trade market.<doc-sep>	Once upon a time, in a galaxy far, far away, the Pirates were being hounded for trading away Andrew McCutchen and Gerrit Cole. Now, they're 3.5 games back of a wild card with Chris Archer heading to Steel City to don the gold and black. Ahoy, mateys! Thar she blows, take a gander at the grades of the booty! (I'm sorry.) MORE: MLB trade deadline — See who went where with comprehensive trade tracker Pittsburgh Pirates: A- Batten down the hatches! The Pirates' fire sale is no more after sailing into the trade deadline with a clear plan. It wasn't long ago when the fire sale was on, as Pittsburgh traded Cole and McCutchen for what many considered to be a bad return. Now, they get their Robin to Jameson Taillon's Batman. The Steel City got the hero it deserves in Archer, even though he may not be the one they need right now. Archer is many, many things: He's a workhorse: He has pitched 200 innings each of the past three years and has made 30-plus starts each of the past four years. He has pitched 200 innings each of the past three years and has made 30-plus starts each of the past four years. He's cost-effective: Archer is under team control through 2021. He has an $11 million team option. Archer is under team control through 2021. He has an $11 million team option. He's damn good: Make no mistake, Archer is good. Is he an ace? We'll see whether the whole "change of scenery" theory holds up. He has finished in the top five of AL Cy Young voting once, has nasty stuff and will probably benefit from playing in meaningful games. Whenever you're getting a sure thing, a top-of-the-rotation type like Archer, it's going to hurt, and hurt it did. The Pirates parted with former wunderkind Austin Meadows and the up-and-down Tyler Glasnow in the deal. The Pirates have a loaded outfield, so parting with Meadows won't hurt as much, but it's still a blow for their major league depth. A rotation that now includes Taillon, Joe Musgrove and Archer is a tantalizingly good top three, should they develop and stay healthy. Musgrove and Taillon are both under team control through 2022, while Archer comes off the books following 2021. That's potentially three good years of contention for the Pirates. Oh, and not to mention, their rebuilt bullpen features some serious power arms like the deadline-acquired Keone Kela, Kyle Crick (acquired in the McCutchen trade) and All-Star Felipe Vazquez. The Bucs have navigated treacherous seas in 2018, but now it's time to set sail for October. Archer helps them inch toward that goal. Tampa Bay Rays: A Meadows and Glasnow are Rays of hope, to say the least. It's hard to say who won this trade right now, but anytime you can net a recent high first-round draft pick and a former top pitching prospect, both of whom are major league-ready, that's a big, big coup. Meadows and Glasnow both can play right now for the Rays. Meadows, 23, is hitting .292 with a 115 OPS+ in 49 games this season. Injuries have hindered his ascent to the majors, but this year he has proven he can hang with the big boys. Glasnow, 24, has had an up-and-down career, pitching to a 5.79 lifetime ERA in 141 1/3 innings. The Rays feel confident in their staff in 2019 and beyond with Blake Snell emerging as the star of the rotation, meaning Archer's presence was no longer necessary. Should Brent Honeywell recover from Tommy John surgery, the Rays will have a solid 1-2 punch next year. It remains to be seen whether Glasnow will be moved back into a starting role, but presumably, he will pitch out of the Rays' bullpen for at least the rest of 2018. He may even start — as an "opener." This is a great move for the Rays, albeit a bit of a surprising one, considering they didn't deal for lower-level prospects and are seemingly focused on keeping their window cracked open — maybe not for 2018, but 2019 and beyond.
Today’s Headlines The most important news stories of the day, curated by Post editors and delivered every morning. By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy<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>JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- During a 12-hour luxury bus ride for the Texans' road game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, quarterback Deshaun Watson had plenty of time to sleep, watch film and play video games. Due to concerns about how cabin pressure might affect his lungs as he continues to recover from a chest injury that includes his ribs, sternum and lungs, Watson traveled separately from his teammates. He was accompanied by strength and conditioning coach Luke Richesson and assistant trainer Uriah Myrie. "It was smooth," Watson said. "We just kind of hung out. I was cool with it. Whatever it took for me to be here with my teammates and do what I do." Texans defensive end J.J. Watt said he'd like to ride on the bus with the injured quarterback. GAME RECAP: Texans roll over Jaguars to take AFC South lead Watson has been playing through pain ever since absorbing some crushing hits during an overtime win over the Buffalo Bills. He completed 12 of 24 passes for 139 yards with a touchdown during a 20-7 win Sunday. "Give credit to Deshaun," Texans coach Bill O'Brien said. "He's a very tough individual. He's sacrificed a lot over the last couple of weeks to be able to put himself in a position to play. Great teammate, loves to play, loves to win and I think the world of the guy." Watson was sacked once and hit five times Sunday, less than usual. He has been sacked 26 times and hit 71 times overall. "We talked about how we need to do everything we can to protect this guy," left tackle Julién Davenport said. "Him having to take a bus to come play a football game shows how tough he is and that we have to keep him upright. "You got to do what you got to do. You don't want that obviously. You want everyone on your team to travel together. You want to make sure your safety is good." Watson says his health is improving. "A lot better," he said. "I felt comfortable. I was able to do what I do."<doc-sep>Deshaun Watson rides 12-hour bus ride to avoid air pressure on Texans' plane Tony Crumpton by Assoc. Editor - The Houston Texans got their fourth consecutive win of the season in a 20-7 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. It was quite remarkable that Deshaun Watson was able to lead his team to the win as he had to take a 12-hour bus ride to get to the game instead of the team plane. The Texans thought the air pressure could have harmed his bruised lungs and injured ribs. CBS Sports NFL insider Jason La Canfora had the inside details of Watson's precautionary travels to Jacksonville. "The team was concerned about putting Watson through the air pressure of a plane flight as the quarterback is dealing with the team has called a chest injury," he said. "Watson, who has been playing with the injury since Week 5, practiced in full this week and was not in doubt for the game. Watson said after the game he watched football on his bus ride to Jacksonville and slept a lot. Coach Bill O'Brien said his quarterback "is playing hurt" but did not elaborate." According to multiple reports, Watson watched film and slept most of the bus ride. "Whatever it takes to get me down here to be able to be with my teammates and be able to play and do what I do to help this team win," Watson said to reporters after the game. During the contest, Watson completed 12-for-24 for 139 yards and a touchdown for a QB rating of 81.8. For the season, he has thrown for 1,937 yards (10th in NFL) and 10 touchdowns.<doc-sep>	Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson arrived back in Houston on Monday via a luxury bus, completing a lengthy travel odyssey necessitated by his chest injury. As a precautionary measure, the Texans had Watson travel to their road game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on a bus. Medical journals suggest that anyone who's suffered a lung injury to not fly on an airplane for at least two weeks due to potential issues arising from cabin pressure on the lungs. Watson got hurt Oct. 7 against the Dallas Cowboys, suffering damage to his ribs, lung and sternum. He hasn't missed a game. "The first thing if you can't fly, let's talk to Deshaun about what he wants to do," Texans coach Bill O'Brien said Monday. "You can't fly, but there are other modes of transportation. We had choices of Amtrak, rock and roll tour bus, horse and buggy." Watson wanted to play all along. So, he went to Jacksonville on a bus with an entourage that included strength and conditioning coach Luke Richesson, assistant trainer Uriah Myrie and security official John Lewis. 'What his injury consisted of, the best thing for him was to go on a bus," O'Brien said. "This was what we had to do to get Deshaun to the game. He wants to help this team any way he can." The bus included amenities for Watson to watch film, television, play video games and get plenty of sleep. "It was smooth," Watson said. "We just kind of hung out, watched the film, recovery stuff, played a game, watched TV, slept, stopped and got something to eat. "I was cool with it, you know. Whatever it takes to get me down here to be able to be with my teammates and be able to play and do what I do and help this team win, I’m up for it.”
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. Power new episode trailer 'There's a snitch among us' ALERT: Spoilers for Power season 5 are contained in this article Power season 5 comes to an end on Sunday, (or Monday if you're watching on Netflix UK) but fans are still shook over the dramatic death of Kanan (played by 50 Cent) a few weeks ago. This was not helped by 50 Cent himself, who responded to the reported season 5 finale leak by saying: "Now STARZ is mad at me because they think I leaked the last episode of POWER. well it’s not like I’m acting in it" Here's what else 50 Cent and Power showrunner Courtney Kemp have said about Kanan's death in Power. Why did Kanan get killed off in Power season 5? Showrunner Courtney Kemp has said in a number of interviews that she believes the show is more affecting if the audience believes that any character can die at any time. This means that occasionally a lead character has to be killed off. Kemp told TV Insider: "Look, no-one's been safe on our show for quite some time, but obviously, the main characters have had longer lives.” Kemp also noted that coming to the end (she has said she intends to end the drama in season seven) of the show gave her more confidence that she could kill off main characters. HOW TO WATCH POWER ONLINE Kanan (Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson) was killed in Power season 5 episode 8 Anyone can go, there’s no one in the show that can’t die Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson She said: "We are reaching the end of this journey, so the main characters are less safe than they have ever been before." In an interview with Deadline, executive producer and Kanan actor Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson agreed with this, saying: ““We’ve created a template for the show that is non-Hollywood... Anyone can go, there’s no one in the show that can’t die.” This was the same logic that led to the death of Raina (Donshea Hopkins), the daughter of series lead James “Ghost” St. Patrick (Omari Harwick) in season four. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Kemp said of this earlier death: “It had a lot to do with the inevitable, which was that Tariq (Michael Rainey Jr.) was getting more and more over his head in dealing with a world he doesn’t understand...Unfortunately, she’s the one who gets hurt.” WHERE IS POWER FILMED? Kanan's death follows the tragic demise of Raina last season 50 Cent has also revealed that his character’s death has been planned for a while. He told Deadline: “The decision was made early on when Courtney and I discussed how the arc of Kanan’s story would end.” Another reason that it was time for Kanan to die was to set up season five, episode nine and episode ten. Jackson said: “The death of Kanan at this point, it ramps up everything. HOW MANY EPISODES ARE IN POWER SEASON 5? Tommy and Ghost lose trust with each other in the last two episodes of Power season 5<doc-sep>Note: The following article contains spoilers for Power fans not up-to-date on last weekend's episode, but no finale spoilers. Ghost isn't just dealing with snitches in the fictional world of Power — he's dealing with a serious breach in real life now too! Four days ahead of the show's fifth season finale premiering on Starz in the US, a crucial scene from Sunday's finale has leaked online and sent shockwaves through the show's hugely passionate fan community. Starz Digital Spy will not be revealing any spoilers from the episode, but has reached out to Starz representatives to find out if an internal or criminal investigation into the leak is underway. Several other high-profile shows have faced similar fates over the last few years. Earlier this year, the BBC went to court over a leaked scene from the upcoming Doctor Who series while HBO has upped its own internal security with self-destructing scripts after a series of Game of Thrones breaches. Starz What the producers of Power have revealed about the finale is that it will largely centre around Angela (Lela Loren) and Ghost (Omari Hardwick), following last week's twist that Angela's colleagues had discovered she'd been complicit in Ghost's criminality. "If you want to know where they end up for the rest of their lives, that's answered in the finale," co-showrunner Gary Lennon promised TVGuide earlier this week. Power airs on Sunday (September 9) at 9pm ET on Starz in the US and on Netflix in the UK. A sixth season has already been ordered. Want up-to-the-minute entertainment news and features? Just hit 'Like' on our Digital Spy Facebook page and 'Follow' on our @digitalspy Instagram and Twitter account. 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>With only two episodes left until the “Power” Season 5 finale airs, viewers will be forced to wait an additional week to find out if Ghost will finally kill Dre. The Starz drama will not be coming on tonight. Instead of releasing “Power” Season 5, episode 8, the network is scheduled to air back-to-back episodes of “Survivor’s Remorse,” Seasons 1 and 2. The series, which was executive produced by LeBron James, followed the life of newly signed basketball player Cam Calloway (Jesse T. Usher) as he and his family adapted to their new life of luxury thanks to his pro athlete salary. “Survivor’s Remorse” was canceled in October ahead of its Season 4 finale due to poor ratings, according to TV Line. “While this may be the end of the Calloways’ story, we do believe that the themes Survivor’s Remorse confronted over the seasons, through a unique mix of humor and sober observation, will be appreciated for the insightful, heartfelt way they were addressed. We are proud of the show,” Starz president and CEO Chris Albrecht said in a statement at the time. While supporters of “Survivor’s Remorse” will have a chance to relive a portion of the series, “Power” fans will have to find something else to do during the show’s Sunday night time slot. When Starz finally airs Season 5, episode 8, viewers will see Angela (Lela Loren) work to save her career. Angela’s office is close to bringing her down, but after receiving a warning from Donovan (Ty Jones), she may be able to cover her tracks and avoid prosecution for the crimes she committed. Meanwhile, Ghost (Omari Hardwick) and Tommy (Joseph Sikora)will come together in another attempt to kill Dre (Rotimi). As Ghost focuses on taking out one enemy, Kanan (Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson) will be hard at work convincing Tariq (Michael Rainey Jr.) to turn to a life of crime. “Power” Season 5, episode 8 is expected to air on Sunday, Aug. 26 at 8 p.m. EDT on Starz.<doc-sep>Major Spoilers Ahead! Remember the moment in the last episode of Power when Kanan told Tariq that some people claim that you're not a real killer until you murder someone you love? Tommy Egan must be the realest killer ever then. This week’s episode of Starz's hit drama was completely reliant upon critical information. Maybe that’s why the showrunner named 509 “There’s A Snitch Among Us.” The penultimate episode deals with the immediate fallout of Kanan’s death, and we finally get to see the collision of Tommy’s love and his father’s snitching come to a head. All throughout “There’s A Snitch Among Us,” each one of Power’s main players makes a big chess move because of information they received. The most important piece of information discerned here is that Teresi is a snitch. There are two key moments that foreshadow his death at the hands of his own son. The first is when Lakeisha asks Tommy if he has ever killed anyone. “I mean, I know you move weight and all, but you never killed anyone right?” she slyly questions. Tommy doesn’t answer, and I doubt Lakeisha will even know her boyfriend murdered his last girlfriend when she turned into a snitch. Later, Ghost meets up with Tommy while he’s with Teresi. After carefully avoiding talking in front of the old man, Ghost warns Tommy about his dad. He gives him the “I can’t wait to say ‘I told you so,'’’ speech just moments before Angela alerts him about Teresi's true motives. The moment that Angela tells Ghost about Teresi, his fate was sealed. After getting Dre to snitch on Cristobal and Alicia Jimenez, which was another power move reliant on inside information, Angela arrests them both and notches a big win. She then snoops into Mak’s office, learns about his snitch, and questions the lawyer about his name. Mak hands over Teresi’s name, which then gets to Ghost, who turns the evidence over to Vincent. This exchange of information is key. Just like Mak and Sax have a snitch on the outside, Ghost has a snitch on the inside. Actually, he has two. Proctor becomes another vital source of knowledge in this episode. Proctor wears a wire after pressure from Mak and Saxe, and visits Ghost at his club. The shifty lawyer alerts Ghost to the wire though, allowing him to alter his statements. After a brief altercation between the two, Proctor foreshadows what will happen by the end of “There’s A Snitch Among Us.” He warns Ghost that Angela is going to flip on him, and that the Feds are in their final push to lock them all up. Angela and Proctor’s information, both given to Ghost, end up guiding the entire narrative of the episode. Angela’s dime on Teresi gets him killed, but also implicates her, which subsequently makes Proctor’s words of wisdom to Ghost so powerful. While the world is falling down around Ghost, his son is setting himself up to be his successor. Tariq admits to his parents and Tommy that he knew Kanan would die, and that he took a loss so they could win. After instructing his father to teach him the drug game, Tariq goes on a mission to become his father. Much like Poppa St. Patrick, his seed finds himself in the presence of Vincent, who strikes an unwilling deal with the kid. Ghost would walk through those same doors later in the episode and strike an unsettling deal himself. Tariq’s metamorphosis into his father continues to move at a rapid pace, but I guess watching your twin die and learning your parents are drug dealers may force you to grow up fast. He has a moment where he illegal obtains Kanan’s ashes, which would look suspicious on any camera in the area. Fake ID’s aren’t necessarily fool-proof. Expect that to play out at a later date. Ghost and Tariq are the good examples of a father-son relationship this episode though, since neither one of them kill the other. When Vincent tells Tommy about his father's snitching (based on the information he got from Ghost via Angela), I really felt Mr. Egan’s pain. We watched this man murder a pregnant Holly, and the moment he believed his father was a snitch, I knew we were set to watch another emotional killing. After taking Teresi to see Connie one last time in Hospice, Tommy shoots his father and leaves his body on the tombstone he promised for him and his wife. Teresi’s death immediately implicates Angela, who is teary-eyed as she is shown the criminal flow chart with her face plastered in the center. Proctor’s prophetic warning to Ghost hangs in the air by the time “There’s A Snitch Among Us” ends. Will Angela give up Ghost, or will she take the fall? Meanwhile, back in the safety of his mother's home, a broken Tommy curls up in his only living parent's arms and admits his sins. “You did the right thing,” whispers his mother after Egan breaks down. That's one gangster mom. All that is left now, is for Power to show us how Ghost and Angela deal with being pitted against each other.<doc-sep>	SPOILER ALERT If you’re looking for some answers after watching season 5 finale of ‘Power,’ you have come to the right place. First it was the unimaginable death of Kanan (portrayed by 50 Cent), the death of Tommy’s (portrayed by Joseph Sikora) birth father at his own hands and in Sunday night’s episode, [seriously, turn back now if you haven’t watched the finale] it was the unintended bullet that killed Angela (portrayed by Lela Loren) that has truly made us consider the possibility of ‘When This Is Over.’ That is exactly where the show is headed, with everyone around Ghost (portrayed by Omari Hardwick) falling like flies. The last few episodes of season 5 foreshadow the remainder of the show, in which Ghost will finally learn that he has no control over the things he thought he did. He first got a taste of powerlessness in season 4 when his daughter Raina (portrayed by Donshea Hopkins) died. The episode in itself was spectacular for other reasons as well. It truly chronicled the paranoia that has been looming over Tommy and Ghost’s relationship for a long time now. ‘When This is Over’ took the viewers on a tense 24-hour journey with Tommy, Angela, Ghost and Tasha (portrayed by Naturi Naughton), where we experienced contact anxiety from watching them race against time to prove their innocence. What now? Source Power.Starz Angela plan to close any gaps the Assistant US Attorney’s office may have worked, however, Saxe (Shane Johnson) had Tommy eating out of his palm after revealing that Ghost has manipulated him to kill his father Teresi (William Sadler). A furious Tommy decides to end all ties to Ghost one and for all, and tracks him down to where he is conveniently lying to the woman he claims he loves. It is unfortunate that the last thing Ghost told Angela is a point-blank lie about killing Terry (portrayed by Brandon Victor Dixon). Even as he said this, the viewers saw a flashback of him choking the life out of him in a parking garage after watching he and Tasha have sex. Soon after this he tells her he loves her, and probably from the high of that, she pushes him away when Tommy’s bullet speeds towards him. While Angela’s death is a devastating blow to the fans, there is still a possibility that she survives the bullet, especially considering it hit her in the chest a little to the right, meaning slightly away from the heart. Tommy’s actions and his complete disregard of whether Ghost saw him killing his woman also set the path for the upcoming season, wherein he will possibly align himself with one of his enemies – or someone who has a personal vendetta against him. Joining his son Tariq’s (portrayed by Michael Rainey Jr.) gang would hit Ghost where it hurts, if killing the love of his life wasn’t good enough, that is. We are prediction a strong presence of Dre (Rotimi Akinosho) and Tariq in the upcoming season. It has been just hours since season 5 ended, but we are already experiencing ‘Power’ withdrawal symptoms. Don’t forget to check back here for all your updates and news about ‘Power’ season 6.
The FBI and two dozen agencies are working to locate a missing 6-year-old boy with special needs who went missing in North Carolina on Saturday. Maddox Ritch was last seen by his father and another adult at Rankin Lake Park in Gastonia, according to local police. The FBI arrived in Gastonia Sunday to assist the city's police and fire departments, along with other local agencies, with the search. Around 100 people searched the more than 1,400 acres in and around the park on Sunday. The FBI has joined in on the search for Maddox Ritch. Gastonia Police Dept. GPD also had search and rescue teams working overnight, according to the agency's Facebook page. Neighboring Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department also sent in their helicopter to help with an aerial search through the night. Gastonia Police were also told informed that Maddox has autism and is nonverbal. Maddox was last seen wearing an orange T-shirt with "I am the man" written on the front. "Maddox's family has been interviewed and is working closely with us," Gastonia Police Chief Robert Helton told local NBC affiliate, WCNC. "At this time, they ask for privacy and prayers. Every second counts when a child is missing. Our focus is to find Maddox as quickly as possible and to bring him home." Authorities have issued a tip line for anyone who has any information or was at the park at the time of the boy's disappearance. An AMBER Alert has not been issued because Ritch's disappearance "has not fit the criteria," FBI special agent Jason Kaplan told WCNC. Local police have canceled all activities at the park as it will remain closed to the public until further notice.<doc-sep>(CNN) — The mother of a missing autistic North Carolina boy tearfully pleaded Tuesday for anyone to come forward with information that might help find her son. “I would appreciate it if you were at the park Saturday and saw Maddox, to please, urgently, please, call the tip line, please,” Carrie Ritch said, reading a statement as the search for Maddox Scott Ritch, who is nonverbal, entered its fourth day. “Continue praying for him because I just want my baby home, please. Whatever you can do.” Ritch appeared at a press conference with authorities who urged any potential witnesses to come forward. The FBI also announced a $10,000 reward for information in the case. The 6-year-old was last seen Saturday in the Rankin Lake Park in Gastonia. Local, state and federal authorities had expanded their search two miles beyond the park’s boundaries, city police said. Hundreds of investigators, analysts and others have joined in the search for the boy in about 250 acres of the park area. Earlier, police pumped prerecorded messages from his parents into the sprawling park in hopes of drawing out the youngster. “If he’s lost in the woods, he’ll be able to hear those messages played, and we’re hoping that he’ll come to the words of his mother and his father,” FBI supervisory special agent Jason Kaplan told reporters on Monday. Gastonia Police have issued an updated missing child poster with a new tip line number in the search for a missing... Posted by Gastonia Police Department on Sunday, September 23, 2018 The park’s grounds include trails and paved walking paths, an 80-acre lake, about a dozen picnic shelters and an 18-hole disc golf course, according to city of Gastonia’s website. The expanded search effort includes ground teams with canines and aircraft, including drones. Police are also employing sonar and infrared technologies. Authorities are draining water from the lake to expose more of the shoreline for examination, and police are contacting businesses around the park to see if they have useful surveillance video, Gastonia police Chief Robert Helton said. “We want to make sure that we’re checking every possible spot to find this child,” he said. Helton said agents and detectives from more than a dozen local, state and federal agencies are conducting interviews and have generated more than 150 leads. Maddox was last seen with his father and another adult at the park around 1:30 p.m. Saturday, according to CNN affiliate WSOC in Charlotte. “They were walking around the lake,” Gastonia city spokeswoman Rachel Bagley told WSOC. “They got around to the back side of the lake. He started running, according to the parents, and when they started running after him, they lost sight of him, and no one has seen him ever since.” So many people are helping in the search for 6-year-old boy, Maddox Scott Ritch, who is missing since yesterday from... Posted by Gastonia Police Department on Sunday, September 23, 2018 Helton said authorities would like to talk to an unidentified jogger who was in the park at the time, and to a professional photographer who witnesses said was taking photos of other children dressed in Dr. Seuss costumes. On Sunday, police canceled all activities at the park and closed it to the public until further notice. Authorities said they are investigating all possibilities into what led to Maddox’s disappearance. “No piece of information is too small. Something you may think is insignificant could be helpful to our case,” Helton said Sunday. Police said Maddox is 4 feet tall and weighs 45 pounds. He has blond hair and blue eyes. Maddox was last seen wearing an orange T-shirt with the words “I am the man,” along with black shorts and closed-toe sandals. Helton said there were a lot of children in the park on the day Maddox disappeared, including other blond-haired boys wearing orange T-shirts. “We need to know if you saw our blond-haired boy with the orange shirt,” Helton said. Ritch said her son “is my whole world and my reason for living. He’s momma’s boy.” “Maddox loves the park. He loves Bouncy Balls and he loves his teddy bear,” she said. CNN’s AnneClaire Stapleton, Darran Simon and Hollie Silverman contributed to this report.<doc-sep>Federal authorities have joined the frantic search for a missing 6-year-old boy with autism who was last seen at a North Carolina park Saturday. The Gastonia Police Department said Maddox Ritch, who has non-verbal autism, was last seen Saturday at 1 p.m. at Rankin Lake Park, located about 20 miles west of Charlotte. One of Ritch's parents and two other adults were walking on the backside of the lake at the park when Maddox took off running and got out of their sight, police told FOX46. When the group of adults weren't quickly able to locate the 6-year-old, they called 911. Since Saturday, authorities have searched more than 1,400 acres around the Rankin Lake Park using a helicopter from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and boat from the Charlotte Fire Department. Police are asking anyone near the popular park on Saturday to try to remember any details that could help them find the boy. "We know a lot of people were in the park and we have spoken to many of them, but we have not spoken to everyone," Gastonia Police Chief Robert Helton said at a news conference. "No piece of information is too small. Something you may think is insignificant could be helpful to our case.” NAVY VET'S BODY FOUND AFTER HE'S REPORTED MISSING DURING HAWAIIAN HONEYMOON On Sunday, federal agents also joined the search for Ritch. “The FBI has very specially trained teams that are especially focused on finding missing children," FBI Supervisor Jason Kaplan said. Ritch is described as being 4-foot, 45 pounds with blonde hair and was last seen wearing an orange "I am the man" t-shirt and black shorts with a white stripe. Anyone with information is asked to contact a special tip line established by Gastonia Police, 704-869-1075.<doc-sep>A body believed to be that of a 6-year-old boy with special needs who went missing in North Carolina over the weekend was found Thursday in a creek near the park where he was last seen, authorities said. Gastonia Police Chief Robert Helton said at a Thursday afternoon news conference that he was "heartbroken" over the grim discovery five days after Maddox Ritch disappeared. "This is not the end that we hoped for," Helton told reporters, fighting back tears. "I've lost a lot of sleep this week worrying about Maddox." Authorities have notified the parents of the boy, FBI special agent Jason Kaplan said at a news conference on Thursday afternoon. Ritch, who has autism and is nonverbal, went missing at Rankin Lake Park in Gastonia on Saturday, police have said. He was last seen by his father and another adult. "The investigation is not over," Kaplan told reporters, adding that law enforcement officials still want to speak with people who were in the park. The body was found partially submerged in the creek by a member of a team of 15 searchers, Gastonia fire chief Phil Welch said at the news conference. The depth of the creek, located more than a mile east of the park, was about two to three feet, Kaplan told reporters. "There is no sense of accomplishment here today," Welch said. "There is grieving down at our command post." With heavy hearts we announce a body believed to be 6-year-old Maddox Ritch was found at approximately 1 p.m. off of Marietta Street/Old Dallas Highway in Gastonia. Maddox’s parents have been notified of the discovery. The investigation is ongoing. — FBI Charlotte (@FBICharlotte) September 27, 2018 The FBI and two dozen agencies had worked to locate him, with around 100 people scouring more than 1,400 acres in and around the park over the weekend. The identification of the body will be done by the medical examiner's office, Gastonia police said in an statement.<doc-sep>	Maddox Scott Ritch, 6, who is nonverbal, has been missing since Saturday. (CNN) — Police hope a missing boy who has autism will respond to his parents’ voices, and they’re pumping prerecorded messages into the woods of a sprawling park in Gastonia, North Carolina, in hopes of drawing out the youngster. The search for Maddox Scott Ritch, who is nonverbal, entered its fifth day early Wednesday as search crews patrolled overnight on foot and ATVs for the missing 6-year-old boy. Gastonia Police Department said investigators got additional tip calls from people who were at the park Saturday when the boy vanished, and will continue using search drones. He was last seen in the city’s Rankin Lake Park. On Monday, local, state and federal authorities expanded their search 2 miles beyond the park’s boundaries, city police said. Maddox’s parents, who have not been identified, worked with law enforcement to record messages that search teams are piping into the park to coax him out, FBI supervisory special agent Jason Kaplan said. “If he’s lost in the woods, he’ll be able to hear those messages played, and we’re hoping that he’ll come to the words of his mother and his father,” FBI supervisory special agent Jason Kaplan told reporters on Monday. Gastonia Police have issued an updated missing child poster with a new tip line number in the search for a missing... Posted by Gastonia Police Department on Sunday, September 23, 2018 The expanded search effort includes ground teams with canines and aircraft, including drones. Police are also employing sonar and infrared technologies. Authorities are draining water from the lake to expose more of the shoreline for examination, and police are contacting businesses around the park to see if they have useful surveillance video, Gastonia police Chief Robert Helton said. “We want to make sure that we’re checking every possible spot to find this child,” he said. Helton said agents and detectives from more than a dozen local, state and federal agencies are conducting interviews and have generated more than 150 leads. Maddox was last seen with his father and another adult at the park around 1:30 p.m. Saturday, according to CNN affiliate WSOC in Charlotte. “They were walking around the lake,” Gastonia city spokeswoman Rachel Bagley told WSOC. “They got around to the back side of the lake. He started running, according to the parents, and when they started running after him, they lost sight of him, and no one has seen him ever since.” So many people are helping in the search for 6-year-old boy, Maddox Scott Ritch, who is missing since yesterday from... Posted by Gastonia Police Department on Sunday, September 23, 2018 Helton said authorities would like to talk to an unidentified jogger who was in the park at the time, and to a professional photographer who witnesses said was taking photos of other children dressed in Dr. Seuss costumes. Authorities said they are investigating all possibilities into what led to Maddox’s disappearance. “If you were at Rankin Lake Park on Saturday and saw Maddox or took video or photos of their outing at the park, call us,” Helton said Sunday. “We know a lot of people were in the park, and we have spoken to many of them, but we have not spoken to everyone. No piece of information is too small. Something you may think is insignificant could be helpful to our case.” Police said Maddox is 4 feet tall and weighs 45 pounds. He has blond hair and blue eyes. Maddox was last seen wearing an orange T-shirt with the words “I am the man,” along with black shorts and closed-toe sandals. The FBI is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to his location. CNN’s AnneClaire Stapleton contributed to this report.
On Sky Sports, the former world No. 4 Greg Rusedski previewed the upcoming quarter-finals meeting between Stan Wawrinka and Roger Federer in Cincinnati. Rusedski thinks Federer is the favorite to win, but he expects a balanced match. 'Of course Stan believes he can beat him. Wawrinka has won three major titles. There are very few players who have done that. The only one missing from his resume is the Wimbledon Championship. That in itself is impressive. I think Stan will be very pleased. The first time he has won three matches since coming back from the knee surgeries. To play Federer, all the pressure is on Roger. Everybody is expecting him to win. When Stan can roll out there he is dangerous. Don’t forget that French Open final when he played Djokovic and everybody says Djokovic is going to win But Stan blitzed him and won in four sets to win the French Open title. So don’t underestimate Stan the Man.' Rusedski added: 'I am going to stick with Federer but would I be surprised if it goes tight that he has got a shot? He has got a shot. A legitimate shot.' Commenting on Federer's straight-set win against Leonardo Mayer, Rusedski added: 'His forehand was firing all through the game. His movement is ridiculously good. His hands and half-volley were beautiful.”Only Federer does that on the tour - and his serve as sensational. Look at that angle he completes. 69 per cent on second serve.'<doc-sep>Roger Federer set up an intriguing all-Swiss quarter-final encounter against Stan Wawrinka with a dominant victory over Leonardo Mayer at the Cincinnati Masters. The world No 2 was the headline act of a busy schedule as the rain-hit Masters 1000 tournament was left with a backlog of last-16 matches to complete due to Thursday's early suspension to play. Federer, a seven-time Cincinnati champion, defeated Mayer 6-1 7-6 (8-6) in 72 minutes to complete the first part of a likely double-header. Federer needed only 72 minutes to defeat Leonardo Mayer in their third meeting Two matches in a day? Unusual for Federer! Roger Federer last played two matches on the same day at the Swiss Open in Gstaad in July 2004. The 37-year-old breezed through a one-sided first set in 23 minutes, winning five games on the bounce against the world No 50. Mayer offered greater resistance in the second set forcing Federer into a tie-break and, despite surrendering a 5-1 advantage, the Swiss player avoided a deciding set by closing out the match with his 10th ace. The 20-time Grand Slam champion, preparing to bid for a sixth US Open title and first at Flushing Meadows in a decade, will next meet Wawrinka after his compatriot completed his held-over encounter against Marton Fucsovics in straight-sets. Playing against Stan obviously is a treat. Ten years and two days ago we won the Olympic gold together and we're still playing. I'm very excited to play against him and its great for him, I am happy to see him back again. Roger Federer Federer v Wawrinka: Head to head Roger Federer has won 20 of his 23 matches against Stan Wawrinka, last losing to his compatriot at the French Open in 2015. Wawrinka, returning to form and confidence, was involved in a three-set thriller with his Hungarian opponent in Toronto last week but this time enjoyed a rather more routine 6-4 6-3 victory. Cincinnati Masters - Quarter-finals Milos Raonic v (10) Novak Djokovic (13) Pablo Carreno Busta v (7) Marin Cilic (11) David Goffin v (4) Juan Martin del Potro (WC) Stan Wawrinka v (2) Roger Federer Novak Djokovic, chasing the Cincinnati title to complete the Masters 1000 collection, concluded his weather-affected encounter with defending champion Grigor Dimitrov, winning 2-6 6-3 6-4 to book a meeting with Milos Raonic. Novak Djokovic completed a three-set win over defending champion Grigor Dimitrov The opening match of the day saw Juan Martin del Potro defeat Nick Kyrgios 7-6 (7-4) 6-7 (6-8) 6-2. After the first two sets were decided in tight fashion, with neither player being broken, Kyrgios appeared to lose focus after Del Potro took a nine-minute bathroom break prior to the deciding set. Juan Martin del Potro proved too strong for Nick Kyrgios Del Potro will next meet Belgium's David Goffin in the last-eight after he secured an impressive 6-2 6-4 victory over Wimbledon finalist Kevin Anderson. Marin Cilic also returned to book safe passage to the quarter-finals, where he will meet Pablo Carreno Busta, as he defeated Karen Khachanov 7-6 (7-5) 3-6 6-4. 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. Watch the scheduled semi-finals from the Cincinnati Masters, live on Sky Sports Action from 7pm and Sunday's final on Sky Sports Arena from 9pm. 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>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 forfor news on the biggest players and tournaments Federer and Wawrinka will play their second match of the day later tonight after both booking their place in the quarter-finals. Three-time Grand Slam winner Wawrinka is the massive underdog after only recently returning from a long-term injury. The world No 151 beat Novak Djokovic to win the French Open final in 2015 and such experiences should help him in his quest to overthrow Federer tonight, says Rusedski. “Of course Stan believes he can beat him,” Rusedski told Sky Sports.<doc-sep>	Roger Federer vs Stan Wawrinka live stream Federer will return for his second match of the day tonight when he takes on Wawrinka in the quarter-finals. The world No 2 was frustrated when he was unable to get on court on Thursday because of the rain, meaning he was forced to play twice today. But he made light work of Leonardo Mayer by wrapping up the win in just one hour and 13 minutes - of which the first set was completed within 23 minutes. Federer will return to court after Novak Djokovic vs Milos Raonic and Madison Keys vs Aryna Sabalenka, which is expected to be completed by 2am (BST) Saturday morning. Roger Federer vs Stan Wawrinka TV channel Amazon Prime are going to be a major disruptor in the world of tennis broadcast rights when they take over the lion’s share of ATP events from next season. They bid around £10million a year for the privilege, outstripping Sky who paid £8million a year for the deal which expires this year. In 2019, tech giants Amazon will exclusively show 38 ATP events including all 1000 level events like the Cincinnati Masters and have also taken the rights to the US Open. However, this year’s Western and Southern Open, to use its officially sponsored name, will still be on Sky with coverage on both Sky Sports Arena and often on Sky Sports Main Event. Federer is hoping to book his place in the semi-finals But Federer and Wawrinka’s clash will be shown on Sky Sports Arena at around 2am (BST). Roger Federer vs Stan Wawrinka live stream Sky subscribers can stream the action online via SkyGo and the SkyGo app. This means that all the tennis can be followed on your desktop or laptop via the Sky Go app, which if you’re an existing customer, is also available on iOS and Android smartphone and tablet devices. Sky Go is also available on a number of platforms including Amazon Fire devices, iPad, Mac computers and laptops, Playstation 3, PS4 and Xbox One. The world No 2 is the favourite to win the Cincinnati Masters
MANCHESTER UNITED will look to build on recent wins after an inconsistent start to the season when they welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers. An opening victory over Leicester City was undone by defeats to Brighton and Tottenham - but now host Wolves after three wins in a row in all competitions. 1 Anthony Martial, left, scored in Man United's 3-0 win over Young Boys, with Luke Shaw also making his return from injury Credit: EPA When does Man Utd vs Wolves kick off? This Premier League fixture will take place on Saturday, September 22. It will kick off at 3pm. The game will be held at Old Trafford. Which TV channel is Man Utd vs Wolves and can I live stream it? Unfortunately, this fixture will not be shown on television in the UK. Instead, you can follow all the action on our dedicated SunSport LIVE BLOG. What is the team news?<doc-sep>HERE for the latest MUFC breaking news and transfer updates SUBSCRIBE Invalid email Sign upfor the latest MUFC breaking news and transfer updates 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. Manchester United will be missing five players for clash against Wolves, with Diogo Dalot to be rested, Marcos Rojo and Ander Herrera not fully fit and Nemanja Matic and Marcus Rashford suspended. Dalot, who was signed from Porto during the summer, impressed on his United debut in their 3-0 Champions League win over Switzerland's Young Boys on Wednesday. MANCHESTER UNITED vs WOLVES: LIVE GOALS AND UPDATES! However, manager Jose Mourinho plans to ease the full-back into the side with his next run-out expected to be in the League Cup against Derby County on Tuesday. "I want him in this process of adaption to play totally fresh, so he's not playing tomorrow, he plays on Tuesday again," Mourinho said. "To play for Manchester United is difficult enough for a kid of 19 years old coming from another country and after an important injury and surgery... he doesn't need to face more difficulties from the accumulation of matches." United have recovered well after hitting a rough patch in August when they were beaten twice in succession in the league, but they have won three matches in a row in all competitions this month. Mourinho is particularly pleased by his team's defensive improvement, which he attributes to a collective effort rather than any particular combination of players. "I think the team as a team is resolving the defensive problems better than before," he added. "I don't want to say it was (Eric) Bailly or Jones and is now (Chris) Smalling or (Victor) Lindelof. "I think the team is more compact, more solid. The spirit, the cooperation, the empathy, the communication, all of that has improved and good results bring confidence.” Man Utd vs Wolves live stream: Is the match on TV? Man Utd vs Wolves live stream: Wolves have made an impressive start to Premier League life What time does Man Utd vs Wolves kick-off? The Premier League clash kicks off at 3pm BST. United start the day in eighth place on nine points with Wolves just behind them on eight points. Can I watch Man Utd vs Wolves on TV? Unfortunately, the match will not be shown live in the UK. A rule enforced by the FA dictates that live football in the UK cannot be broadcast between 2.45pm and 5.15pm on a Saturday. However, Sky Sports customers can see in-play clips of goals and major incidents through their official app. Fan will be able to see highlights of all the Premier League’s action on BBC’s Match of the Day every Saturday night. Man Utd vs Wolves live stream: Can Romelu Lukaku continue his fine scoring form?<doc-sep>The Red Devils are building momentum, but Jose Mourinho will not have things all his own way against fellow Portuguese Nuno and another in-form side Both Manchester United and Wolves will be looking to secure a fourth successive victory across all competitions when they meet at Old Trafford on Saturday. The Reds stumbled their way out of the blocks in 2018-19, but Jose Mourinho has seen his side start to build momentum through their Premier League and Champions League campaigns. Fellow Portuguese Nuno has been enjoying similar success at Molineux, with Sheffield Wednesday seen off in the Carabao Cup before overcoming West Ham and Burnley in the English top flight. Wolves have kept clean sheets in all of those outings and will head to Manchester buoyed by the fact that they have already taken a point off reigning champions City this season. Game Manchester United vs Wolves Date Saturday, September 22 Time 3pm BST / 10am EST TV Channel, Live Stream & How To Watch In the United States (US), the game will be available to watch live on television via NBC Sports Gold and streamed live online using the NBC Sports Gold app. US TV channel Online stream NBC Sports Gold NBC Sports Gold app The game will not be shown live on television in the United Kingdom (UK) due to the 3pm kick-off blackout. UK TV channel Online stream N/A N/A Squads & Team News Position Man Utd players Goalkeepers De Gea, Romero, Grant Defenders Lindelof, Bailly, Jones, Smalling, Young, Shaw, Valencia, Darmian, Dalot Midfielders Pogba, Mata, Lingard, Fellaini, McTominay, Fred, Pereira, Chong, Gomes, Hamilton Forwards Sanchez, Lukaku, Martial Antonio Valencia slots back in at right-back despite Diogo Dalot’s impressive debut against Young Boys, with the United captain having not been risked on an artificial pitch in Europe. Marcus Rashford and Nemanja Matic are both serving suspensions, while Ander Herrera and Marcos Rojo miss out, but Alexis Sanchez, Marouane Fellaini and Jesse Lingard have all been recalled. Potential Man Utd XI: De Gea; Valencia, Lindelof, Smalling, Shaw; Fred, Fellaini, Pogba; Sanchez, Lingard; Lukaku. Position Wolves players Goalkeepers Patricio, Ruddy, Norris Defenders Doherty, Bennett, Coady, Hause, Boly, Vinagre, Jonny Midfielders Neves, Gibbs-White, Saiss, Jota, Moutinho, Dendoncker, Giles, Watt, Pote Forwards Costa, Bonatini, Jimenez, Traore, Ashley-Seal Wolves’ success to this point has been built around a settled selection, and they have named the same starting XI will be named for a sixth successive fixture. Adama Traore remains on the bench, with Nuno having resisted the temptation to shuffle his pack. Ivan Cavaleiro is the only player on the sidelines. Potential Wolves XI: Patricio; Bennet, Coady, Boly; Doherty, Moutinho, Neves, Jonny; Jota, Costa; Jimenez. Betting & Match Odds Manchester United are overwhelming favourites to emerge victorious, with bet365 pricing them at 4/7 to collect all three points. Wolves are considered to be 11/2 shots to secure a notable scalp on their travels, while a draw is available at 10/3. Click here to see all of bet 365's offers for the game, including goalscoring markets, correct score predictions and more. Match Preview Mourinho has seen some of the pressure which had been building on him prior to the international break start to ease, with United enjoying a welcome return to form. The Red Devils have conceded just once during their recent three-game winning run, with that solitary effort coming during a victory at Vicarage Road which ended Watford’s faultless opening to the season. There is, however, a need to start making Old Trafford a fortress again, with an opening weekend win over Leicester representing their only success on home soil this term. Having enjoyed a productive period on the road, six of United’s next eight games are set to be staged in front of their own supporters, making it imperative that they start to inspire confidence. Article continues below Wolves, though, promise to be a tough nut to crack on Saturday, with an ambitious outfit having settled quickly back among English football’s elite. They boast a number of highly rated performers on their books, including reported United target Ruben Neves, with stability and continuity being rewarded on the field. In Nuno, they also boast a manager making quite a name for himself, with the former goalkeeper a man who should know all about Mourinho’s tactics having previously played under him at Porto.<doc-sep>	Follow live coverage from the game here. A 3-0 win against Young Boys during the week made it three wins from three for Manchester United, easing pressure on manager Jose Mourinho that had been building following a poor start. Two goals from Paul Pogba and one from Anthony Martial not only gave United a valuable three points, but provided both with a much-needed confidence boost after reports over the summer linked the pair with the Old Trafford exit door. Captain Antonio Valencia and midfielder Jesse Lingard did not travel to Switzerland for the victory in Bern, but are available again on Saturday as attention now turns back to the Premier League. United host a Wolves side who have impressed after gaining promotion from the Championship last season, taking a point off champions Manchester City and losing just one game so far this season. What TV channel is Manchester United vs Wolves on? The game will not be shown live in the UK as the game at Old Trafford kicks off at 3pm on Saturday 22 September. We'll bring you all the action in our live blog of the game here on the Manchester Evening News. Live radio commentary is provided by BBC 5 Live, and highlights will be broadcast on the BBC's Match of the Day programme, which starts at 22:30. Team news for Manchester United vs Wolves Luke Shaw starts again for United at left-back after recovering from a head injury sustained while playing for England during the recent international break. Alexis Sanchez comes back into the team for the Premier League game at Anthony Martial's expense. Marouane Fellaini, Jesse Lingard and Antonio Valencia also return to the starting line-up. Forward Marcus Rashford is serving a three-game domestic ban following his sending off for clashing with Phil Bardsley in the Burnley fixture and misses out, as does Nemanja Matic who is also suspended. Summer signing Diogo Dalot is rested after making an impressive comeback following injury. United team: De Gea, Valencia, Shaw, Smalling, Lindelof, Fellaini, Fred, Pogba, Lingard, Sanchez, Lukaku. Subs: Romero, Bailly, Young, Pereira, Mata, McTominay, Martial. Odds for Manchester United vs Wolves United are favourites for the game at Old Trafford, but will still have to be on their guard against a talented Wolves side. Manchester United win 8/15 Draw 14/5 Wolves win 11/2 Odds from Bet365.
Major wildfires burning across California are spreading hazardous levels of smoke across the West, turning skies across the Bay Area into what’s becoming the Summer of 2018’s familiar hue: sun-streaked gray. On Tuesday, the National Weather Service office in Boise, Idaho, released a map showing how the smoke is expected to spread through Wednesday, well into Canada and deep into Colorado. Smoke across California led to air quality advisories in the Sierra and Central Valley. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District extended an air quality advisory through Thursday, urging people who smell smoke to stay inside with windows and doors closed and set air conditioning systems in their homes and cars to re-circulate to prevent outside air from moving inside. The thick gray obscured foothills throughout the Bay Area and raised the gloomy prospect of smoke fouling major music festivals this weekend with Outside Lands set for San Francisco and the Jazz Summer Fest in downtown San Jose. “We’re hoping the air quality doesn’t affect people’s desire to go outside,” said Vanessa Burchell, an employee at The Glasshouse, an event venue for San Jose’s jazz festival, which starts Friday. As of mid-day Tuesday, at least 16 major fires were burning across the state, with the largest being the Mendocino Complex Fire in Lake County, the Carr Fire near Redding and the Ferguson Fire near Yosemite. By Tuesday morning, the Mendocino Complex Fire, burning mostly in grasslands around Clear Lake, had charred 290,692 acres — an area larger than the cities of San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland and Sacramento combined — making it the largest wildfire in recorded California history. Plumes of billowing smoke from the #CaliforniaWildfires stretch eastwards toward to the Rocky Mountains. pic.twitter.com/hGNO9XQbjB — Ricky Arnold (@astro_ricky) August 6, 2018 Hazardous levels of soot in the air are a large part of the reason that national parks officials announced Sunday that Yosemite National Park would remain closed indefinitely while fire crews continue to battle the Ferguson Fire. GOES-East 🛰️ Geo-Color snapshot at 7:47 am PDT reveals #smoke blanketing the vast majority of central and northern California this morning. Additionally, low clouds are covering the coast and Salinas Valley. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/jLNBpMu9sM — NWS Bay Area (@NWSBayArea) August 7, 2018 The Bay Area Air District first called a “Spare the Air” alert on Monday, urging people to drive less, ride public transportation, refrain from outdoor barbecues and take other measures to limit air pollution. Ton Flannigan, a spokesperson for the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, said that temperatures pushing 90 degrees Wednesday and winds out of the north will switch the region’s air quality to unhealthy. Inland areas such as Livermore, the Santa Clara Valley and parts of the East Bay like Walnut Creek will be the most adversely affected by the Mendocino Complex Fire smoke. Start your day with the news you need from the Bay Area and beyond. Sign up for our Morning Report weekday newsletter. High levels of soot in the air, called particulate pollution, can exacerbate breathing difficulties for people with asthma and other respiratory problems. It can also increase the risk of heart attacks and other ailments. “I can already tell the difference,” said Paul Parson, a Doordash delivery man who said the smoke combined with his asthma have made it particularly hard to jog outdoors. “The air is much thicker, it’s harder to breathe.” This isn't stratus this morning looking west from the @LickObservatory, it's smoke. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/dcAMDwShCG — NWS Bay Area (@NWSBayArea) August 7, 2018 Here was the same view on Sunday morning. pic.twitter.com/5menkmN88S — NWS Bay Area (@NWSBayArea) August 7, 2018<doc-sep>This story originally appeared on High Country News and is part of the Climate Desk collaboration. At the end of July, Twitter user Alicia Santana posted a photo of a man sitting in a plastic folding chair in his yard. He’s looking away from the camera, towards a monstrous, orange cloud of smoke filling the sky beyond a wire fence. “My dad not wanting to leave his home,” Santana wrote, ending it with #MendocinoComplexFire. As wildfires spark, parts of the internet glow with them. The #CarrFire, #FergusonFire, #RanchFire and other hashtags spread quickly this summer on Twitter. If past seasons are any indication, there will be thousands more tweets like this, and they will continue as smoke—the insidious second wave of wildfires—spreads across the West. They can also be used for data. In a recently published study, US Forest Service researchers Sonya Sachdeva and Sarah McCaffrey found that, when analyzed in large numbers, tweets about wildfires can accurately model the way smoke moves. In their study, published by the International Conference on Social Media & Society, Sachdeva and McCaffrey analyzed close to 39,000 tweets posted between May and September 2015 in California. They stripped the tweets to reveal their core subjects: smoke in the air, fallen ash, haziness, smell. By tagging the tweets with the location in which they were posted, the researchers created a verbatim map: a landscape of fire based on the people who experienced it. Their modeling proved accurate when compared to figures from air quality monitors. Their results show that what we write online could fill the gaps that traditional data collection leave behind. While still nascent, using social media to study environmental events is a growing field. Images from Flickr can help researchers understand tourism rates in natural areas, and social media often acts as a crucial tool in disaster relief. “Social media is everywhere people are,” Sachdeva said. “Physical monitors of any kind, by virtue of them being physical, can’t do that.” The 2015 wildfire season, including the Rough and Butte fires, burned nearly 900,000 acres in California alone. The smoke-related tweets Sachdeva and McCaffrey used reflect the air pollution’s wide impact. “Abandoned my 2015 #johnmuirtrail attempt… due to Rough Fire smoke. Poor visibility and headache the culprit,” one Twitter user wrote. Another simply read: “#airquality #cantbreathe #roughfire #California.”<doc-sep>Anthony Wexler, the director of the Air Quality Research Center at the University of California, Davis, packed his bags and drove his family out to the coast. They're escaping the smoke. Davis, California, sits amid a layer of wildfire smoke in Northern California. To the northwest, the largest fire in state history, the Mendocino Complex Fire, continues to burn. To the southeast, the Ferguson Fire has closed down smoke-choked Yosemite National Park indefinitely. And to the North, the Carr Fire, infamous for its towering fire tornado, still burns. The air quality in the region around the fires — whose spread has been enhanced by extreme heat parching the land — is some of the worst in the world. "I decided to go out to the coast for a couple days because it was so ridiculous," Wexler said. On Wednesday, the National Weather Service illustrated how winds have lifted bounties of smoke across the entire U.S., bringing pollution even beyond the East Coast. Smoke from the western fires is making it all the way to the East Coast and beyond (at least aloft—mostly above a mile above the surface). Here's the vertically integrated smoke (HRRR model from last night). Another map showed some smoke near the surface even in New England. pic.twitter.com/0Jl6WDAFjg — NWS San Diego (@NWSSanDiego) August 8, 2018 That said, it's not as if these smoke particles are harmful to those on the East Coast. By the time that smoke arrives in Boston and New York, the particles have been diluted with fresh air, and certainly can't be seen, nor are concentrations unhealthy. It's normal for pollution to waft from west to east across the country, just like pollution from China is regularly transported over the Pacific Ocean into the U.S. That's how air generally moves over the Northern Hemisphere, said Wexler. But it's much rarer for even low concentrations of smoke to find their way across the nation. "It doesn’t happen every day," Gabriele Pfister, deputy director of the National Center of Atmospheric Research’s atmospheric chemistry lab, said in an interview. "But, it can happen." "Normally, the pollution isn’t so great that it’s noticeable when it gets east," added Wexler. This isn't stratus this morning looking west from the @LickObservatory, it's smoke. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/dcAMDwShCG — NWS Bay Area (@NWSBayArea) August 7, 2018 But just how bad is the air pollution in large regions of the West? "It's been like a reasonably decent day in Beijing," said Wexler. "That's really telling. It’s really awful there." "It’s unbelievable," said Pfister. She noted that planes flying over the area, as part of a National Science Foundation-funded wildfire study, have picked up some alarming pollution numbers. It's expected that particulate matter — tiny fragments of pollution 30 times thinner than a human hair — would be bad. But the flights even picked up abnormally high concentrations of carbon monoxide, an odorless gas that can be dangerous to human health in enclosed spaces, and at worse, lethal. However, some of the measured values around the fires are about 5 parts per million, or ppm, which are not considered nearly dangerous — but it's still telling. The amount of smoke over the West tonight is nothing short of astounding. pic.twitter.com/Mya0rZauMl — Dan Satterfield (@wildweatherdan) August 8, 2018 "These are values you don’t typically find near the surface in the U.S.," said Pfister. "Maybe you’ll find that if you stick your head into the exhaust of a car." It's not carbon monoxide, however, that people in burning regions need to be concerned about. One of the main factors that's figured into air quality ratings is particulate matter. Both U.S. government and university researchers have repeatedly shown that breathing this stuff is bad for your heart, as it accelerates plaque build-up in blood vessels. In some areas of Oregon, the Air Quality Index currently registers as "Hazardous." In Redding, California, where a fire tornado spun for 80 minutes last week, the air quality is rated as "Unhealthy." But out near the windswept coast, like in San Francisco, the air quality is "Good." Here is what the #smoke looked like over the Central Valley and affecting #AirQuality today. Deep smoke up to 10,000 feet AGL with multiple layers of smoke caused by transport of different #wildfire plumes. Thanks to @MBrewerWX @weather_jack #MendocinoComplexFire #CarrFire pic.twitter.com/aOlNqLLJNV — SJSU FireWeatherLab (@FireWeatherLab) August 9, 2018 It's likely that the West will be intermittently blanketed in unhealthy to hazardous air for months ahead, as the fire season is not nearly over. Rains aren't expected for months, and more temperature and fire records might be broken. Many Westerners aren't near the fires themselves. But it's harder to outrun the smoke. "In my experience, it's never been this bad," said Wexler.<doc-sep>Smoke from California's many wildfires spreads as far east as Salt Lake City in this image, which was captured by NASA's Aqua satellite on July 29, 2018. A dramatic new satellite photo shows the destructive reach of the wildfires raging across California. The image, which was captured Sunday (July 29) by NASA's Earth-observing Aqua satellite, depicts smoke blanketing much of the Golden State and spreading as far east as Salt Lake City. Much of that smoke is coming from the Carr Fire, a dangerous and fast-moving blaze centered near the Northern California city of Redding. As of Monday morning (July 30), the Carr Fire had scorched nearly 100,000 acres (40,500 hectares) and was just 20 percent contained, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). The Carr Fire has killed six people to date. To the southwest of the Carr conflagration are the River and Ranch fires, which together form the "Mendocino Complex." These two blazes have consumed a combined 56,000 acres (22,700 hectares) to date, and each one is just 5 percent contained, according to Cal Fire. Then there's the Ferguson Fire, which has been burning near Yosemite National Park since July 13. Ferguson has blackened nearly 56,700 acres and is 30 percent contained, Cal Fire reports. Two firefighters have been killed battling the blaze to date. And those are just the biggest, most prominent blazes; numerous other fires have broken out around California, and throughout other Western states. To get the latest updates, go to Cal Fire's "Incidents" page. The Aqua satellite launched in May 2002, tasked primarily with studying Earth's water cycle. But the spacecraft can make a variety of other observations as well — helping researchers and first responders keep tabs on wildfires, volcanic eruptions and other natural disasters, for example. Aqua's sibling satellite, Terra, has also been monitoring the California wildfires lately. Follow Mike Wall on Twitter @michaeldwall and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com.<doc-sep>	Smoke billowing from the destructive fires burning through California this summer has spread far beyond the Golden State — reaching the East Coast. The National Weather Service says smoke from the raging fires out West has impacted cities thousands of miles away — and the atmosphere above them. Residents in states like Missouri, Ohio, Mississippi, Virginia and even New York and Massachusetts can see the smoke manifest itself through grey skies and vibrant sunsets, the National Weather Service says. And those in fewer states throughout the Midwest, South and East Coast are breathing in air that has been impacted by the smoke as well. But how exactly does smoke travel this far? Andy Edman, chief of the science technology infusion division at the National Weather Service, says small particles of smoke that come from the fires can stay in the air and move through the Earth’s atmosphere — all the way to the East Coast. The smoke sits more than a mile above the Earth’s surface, but can move down through strong winds called jet streams and have an impact on air quality. “Where the smoke is in the atmosphere will make a difference on the impact a human being will receive,” Edman says. For example, with the smoke far from the Earth’s surface, Edman says, “if you’re in D.C. or New York, if you walk outside, it will all seem sunny but if you look up at the sky, it will be grey.” The National Weather Service has two relevant maps that explores the issue. One shows the path of “vertically integrated smoke” — that is, the smoke that sits far above Earth’s surface in the atmosphere and impacts the sky you see above you. Courtesy of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration The other map shows the movement of “near-surface smoke,” which, as its name suggests, shows the levels of smoke near the Earth’s surface that have an impact on air quality. Courtesy of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Particles from smoke near the Earth’s surface can cause a range of health issues, including respiratory problems, and aggravate lung and heart issues. Officials advise people living in areas impacted by the smoke to take safety measures by staying in doors and running air conditioning units. Astronauts aboard the International Space Station captured images of smoke from these fires from space earlier this week, showing the smoke’s eastward shift and massive reach. Edman, of the National Weather Service, says not all fires can create this long-ranging stream of smoke, but the cumulation of fire after fire after fire in the state has made it possible this time around. “When you have that many fires, it’s not uncommon for that smoke to go fairly long ways downstream,” Edman says. Smoke particles from fires in California traveled far last year, too, when satellite images from NASA showed the smoke traveling over to the East Coast. Thanks to new technology, Edman says, the National Weather Service has been better able to track the movement of smoke across the U.S. from fires based in California, capturing it in visualizations and maps for just a few years now. Meanwhile, in California, 15 active wildfires are burning throughout the state as a destructive and record-breaking fire season rages on. The Mendocino Complex fire just north of San Francisco became the largest fire in state history earlier this week, scorching through 307,447 acres and destroying 119 homes as of Friday morning. Other fires have blazed through tens of thousands of acres across the state. That includes the 181,000-acre Carr fire, which has destroyed more than 1,000 homes in Redding, Calif., and taken at least eight lives. The Ferguson fire blazing near Yosemite National Park prompted park officials to close popular sections of it for the first time in 20 years (and during peak season), and the Holy fire down in Orange County forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate their homes. Fueled by extremely dry vegetation, record-setting temperatures and the aftermath of a years-long drought, fire seasons in California have grown more intense in recent years and death and destruction has become the norm. Contact us at [email protected].
Coming off a disappointing loss to the Kentucky Wildcats, the Florida Gators hope to bounce back this weekend at home against the Colorado State Rams. After beginning the season 0-2, Colorado State overcame an 18-point, third-quarter deficit to beat Arkansas 34-27 last week in Fort Collins. Now, the Rams will look to make it two in a row against the SEC by handing the Gators a second straight loss in the The Swamp. Saturday's meeting will be the first ever between these two schools. Colorado State at Florida Kickoff: Saturday, Sept. 15 at 4 p.m. ET TV: SEC Network Spread: Florida -20 1. Gators' offense In their season-opening victory over FCS opponent Charleston Southern, the Gators were able to pile up 444 yards of total offense. But last week, Florida's offense wasn't as proficient against Kentucky. The Gators gained 360 total yards but managed just 16 points as the Wildcats ended their 31-game losing streak to their SEC East rivals. Florida quarterback Feleipe Franks had an OK game as he threw for 232 yards and two touchdowns against one interception. But the Gators' offensive line was inconsistent, as Florida averaged 4.4 yards per carry and gave up a pair of sacks. Colorado State has had its share of issues on defense through its first two games. Even in defeat, Arkansas had 437 yards of offense against the Rams, including 299 on the ground, so Florida should have opportunities to do some damage on that side of the ball. 2. K.J. Carta-Samuels In last week's win against Arkansas, Carta-Samuels put together a second half for the ages. After Colorado State had just three field goals in the first half, the graduate transfer from Washington lit it up in the final two quarters, completing 22 of 27 passes for 291 yards and two touchdowns. For the game he finished with 389 passing yards, those two scores and an interception. Against Kentucky, Florida's defense surrendered 454 yards, most of that coming on the ground (303). But the Gators also didn't record a sack as Wildcats quarterback Terry Wilson competed 11 of his 16 pass attempts for 151 yards, a pair of TDs and an interception. Carta-Samuels enters this game fifth in the nation in passing at 367.3 yards per game and fourth in completions with 28 per contest. It's no secret that the Rams will try and attack Florida through the air, so it's critical that the Gators find a way to get pressure on Carta-Samuels. Colorado State has allowed four sacks in its first two games and Florida did register three in its season-opening win over Charleston Southern. 3. Florida's defense The Gators have done a good job against the pass thus far, as they rank second with just 77 yards per game allowed but it doesn't matter when your opponent runs roughshod all over you. That was the case last week, as Kentucky piled up 303 rushing yards in its streak-busting victory over Florida. The Wildcats averaged 7.4 yards per carry and not surprisingly had more than twice as many rushes (41) as pass attempts (19). How Kentucky's ground game was so effective that its top running back and quarterback both finished with more than 100 yards. Colorado State hasn't done a lot of damage on the ground through two games (86.3 ypg), but that's because the Rams haven't had to. Behind Carta-Samuels, CSU has the nation's 10th-ranked passing attack (369.0 ypg). Wide receiver Preston Williams has emerged as the team's top target. He is fourth in the FBS in receptions per game with nine and is coming off of a 12-catch, 154-yard and two-TD performances in last week's come-from-behind win over Arkansas. Florida's pass defense has done its job through two games, but Saturday will be the unit's toughest test by far. Final Analysis Although last week's loss to Kentucky undoubtedly still stings, Florida has an excellent opportunity to get back on track against a Colorado State defense that has been very generous to opponents through its first two games. The key for the Gators is to find a way to contain and slow down a Rams offense that overwhelmed Arkansas in the fourth quarter last week, outgaining the Razorbacks 195-16 to complete the comeback. While this could be an entertaining game for a bit, Florida's defense will be the difference as the Gators should be able to get enough pressure on Colorado State quarterback K.J. Carta-Samuels to disrupt his effectiveness in the pocket. Prediction: Florida 41, Colorado State 28 — Written by Antwan Staley, who is part of the Athlon Contributor Network and has extensive experience covering Florida sports teams. Staley has written for Bleacher Report, the Miami Herald and the Palm Beach Post and is a reporter for Pro Player Insiders. Follow him on Twitter @antwanstaley.<doc-sep>GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- The Florida Gators will look to rebound from last weekends loss to the Kentucky Wildcats as they host the Colorado State Rams on Saturday afternoon. The Gators will switch up their uniform combination for the first time this season, as the teams Twitter account that the Gators will wear Orange tops, white pants, and traditional Orange helmets against the Rams. The Gators released a video unveiling their threads combination, which can be viewed below. Kickoff will be at 4:00 p.m ET on SEC Network from The Swamp. The Gators are coming off a 27-16 loss to the Kentucky Wildcats last weekend, which snapped a 31 game winning streak agains the SEC East foe in new head coach Dan Mullen's SEC debut. After a hot start in week one of the college football season, UF quarterback Feleipe Franks took a step back in week two's loss, completing 17 of 38 passes on the night with two touchdowns and an interception. Franks also lead the team in rushing in the loss with 11 rushes for 44 yards. The Gators defense was already banged up heading into last weekend's game and took another hit with sophomore cornerback Marco Wilson tearing his ACL in the game. The Gators know the Rams are very capable on offense as well and defensive coordinator Todd Grantham is working hard this week to rally the defense. "They’re good. They've got talented wideouts, they have a quarterback that can spin it, their running is solid, their tight end is really athletic," Florida defensive coordinator Todd Grantham said. "I think they’re a really good team. They’ve been in SEC stadiums before. They went to Alabama last year and put 23 points on them. They just beat an SEC West team in Arkansas. So we understand we have a challenge and need to play well." Stay tuned to 247Sports and Swamp247 with continuous team and recruiting updates from The Swamp.<doc-sep>The Florida Gators will welcome Colorado State to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium this weekend in an unlikely non-conference game for the Gators. Florida and Colorado State have never played each other on the field and had no plans to do so until four years ago. When the decision was made to part ways with Will Muschamp — after a 28-21 record through four years — the Gators went searching for a new coach. A hot name at the time was Jim McElwain, who had been the offensive coordinator at Alabama when the Tide won a National Championship and then turned Colorado State around. The issue was McElwain’s $7.5 million dollar buyout, a figure that Florida was unlikely to foot the entire bill for. At the time Florida owed Will Muschamp and his staff more than $8 million dollars, with $6 million still owed to Muschamp alone (Florida has one more payment of $787,500 due to Muschamp this year to complete his buyout). Still, Foley and a contingent of Florida decision makers made the trip to Fort Worth to meet with McElwain and his wife Karen. Florida wanted McElwain and, at the time, McElwain wanted to be at Florida, a place he viewed as the next step, a huge step up, in his coaching career. They struck a deal. Florida would pay Colorado State $3 million of the $7.5 million dollar buyout; McElwain would pay CSU $2 million in six annual installments of $333,333. That still left $2 million, which Florida agreed to pay CSU for playing a game in Gainesville. Florida could have terminated the contract to play CSU this season but would have still been on the hook for the $2 million they owed. CSU declared it “the largest such buyout [from one school to another] in college football history.” The buyout helped wrap up a funding project that sealed a new football stadium for the Rams. Florida’s $3 million dollar payment is being made in annual installments of $500,000 through the year 2020. This should have been a big week for the Gators, Rams and McElwain. Instead, McElwain is getting paid by Florida and Michigan to coach receivers at Michigan and the Gators are trying to bounce back from a loss to Kentucky, the first since 1986. “I know the game was kind of scheduled like through (McElwain) in a way, but not really,” receiver Josh Hammond said this week. “I don’t think it makes a difference. Just another team that we have to come out and be ready to play.” When Florida parted ways with McElwain they were able to negotiate down his buyout from $12.9 million to a more reasonable $7.5 million. That buyout included a $3.75 million dollar payment on December 1, 2017. McElwain received another $250,000 on on February 25. McElwain will receive $1 million dollars on July 1 until the year 2020 and a final $500,000 on July 1, 2021. So, technically, McElwain is costing Florida $3 million this year alone for one game against a school he spent just three seasons at. Mullen was asked if this week would be odd for him. “I’ll be honest. I look at who we gotta play, and let’s go find a way to go play them. So I never really thought of it that way. I think they’re just coming here right, we don’t return the favor? There we go,” Mullen joked. “I didn’t (pay CSU) personally. That’s a big benefit for me. I’m grateful I didn’t have to do that.” Still it’s an odd week for Florida and Florida fans and one that Florida is footing a pretty healthy bill for.<doc-sep>	The Florida Gators take on the Colorado State Rams on Saturday inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida will look to get back on the winning track after falling to Kentucky a week ago. Below is information on how you can follow UF's game against CSU. [What's next for the Gators? Make sure you're in the loop by signing up for our FREE Gators newsletter now!] Florida (1-1) vs. Colorado State (1-2) Kickoff: 4:00 p.m. ET at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium TV: SEC Network Live Stream: WatchESPN.Com Radio: Gators IMG Network (Station List) Listen Online: HERE Live Stats Update Online: HERE *GAME NOTES* • Florida and Colorado State will meet for the first time Saturday, with the Gators coming off a loss to Kentucky and the Rams fresh off a fourth-quarter surge to beat Arkansas in Fort Collins, Colo. • The Gators have won 17 consecutive games against first-time opponents, a streak that dates all the way back to the 2003 Outback Bowl, when Florida lost its first-ever meeting with Michigan. • Florida’s passing defense ranks second nationally, yielding a paltry 77.0 yards per game. Conversely, Colorado State’s passing offense ranks 10th nationally, averaging 369 yards per game. • This is not just a happenstance year either. Florida’s passing defense ranks second among all FBS teams since 2013 (178.1 yards allowed per game), while Colorado State’s passing offense ranks 21st nationally (274.8 yards per game) over the same span. • Florida has a pair of interceptions this year, and sophomore CJ Henderson snagged his fifth career pick last Saturday. Henderson is one of 24 active FBS players with five interceptions since the start of 2017. • In his final four seasons at Mississippi State, Dan Mullen went 10-5 in games following a loss. • The Gators have not finished in the top 100 in scoring offense since 2014, have not finished higher than 96th in total offense since 2010 (when they were 83rd), and their only passing offense to rank higher than 85th after the 2009 season checked in at 79th (2016). • Florida appears to have the perfect man for the job of reviving its offense, though. Mississippi State ranked 42nd (420.4 yards per game) among FBS teams in total offense from 2009-17. The nine seasons before Mullen’s arrival, the Bulldogs were 114th (313.3 yards). • In Florida’s loss to Kentucky, its defense surrendered more than 450 total yards for the ninth time since the start of the 2014 season. • Florida surrendered 300-plus rushing yards for only the sixth time since 1996 in its loss to Kentucky. The Gators last gave up more than 300 rushing yards in a loss to Georgia Southern on Nov. 23, 2013. • The Gators’ 99-yard touchdown drive in the fourth quarter against Kentucky was just their third scoring drive of 95-plus yards since the start of 2011. • Florida snapped a 15-game drought of scoring a touchdown on its opening drive with an 8-play, 75- yard touchdown drive on the first possession of the win over Charleston Southern.
The world is still waiting to hear the legal ramifications of Conor McGregor’s alleged bus assault in Brooklyn before UFC 223. However, on Wednesday, “The Notorious” revealed at least part of the sporting ramifications for his unprovoked freakout. In an Instagram post hyping the fact that he placed fourth on Forbes’ annual list of the 100 highest paid athletes, McGregor cryptically boasted he’d be higher on the list, “If I had of fought on the agreed May 12th bout in Rio De Janeiro.” UFC 224 went down on that day in Rio and well-connected MMA journalist Ariel Helwani went on to reveal exactly what McGregor was going on about. The scenario Helwani and McGregor describe goes something like this: Had McGregor not gone nuts before UFC 223, he would have fought Rafael dos Anjos for the interim welterweight title at UFC 224 in Rio. The fight between dos Anjos and McGregor would have been a fascinating one on a number of levels. For starters, it would have been an opportunity for McGregor to once again make history. The Irishman is already the first man in UFC history to hold two belts at the same time, but if he’d beaten dos Anjos for the interim welterweight title, McGregor would have been the first person in UFC history to win titles in three different weight classes (featherweight, lightweight and welterweight). He also could have made the case that he’s currently the best fighter in all three divisions because the featherweight and lightweight titles were stripped due to inactivity, not because McGregor lost them. Furthermore, the fight would have been a call back to the exact moment McGregor became a mainstream superstar. Way back in 2016, McGregor was booked to move up from the 145-pound featherweight division, where he held the championship, to challenge dos Anjos for the Brazilian’s 155-pound lightweight belt. During the lead-up to the fight, McGregor also casually mentioned that he would challenge for the 170-pound welterweight title once he had dos Anjos’ belt, but nobody believed him at the time. The boast, like much of what McGregor said, seemed absurd. Then, just days before the fight with dos Anjos at UFC 196, the Brazilian pulled out because of an injury. Nate Diaz, of all people, stepped in on less than two weeks notice to take the fight with McGregor, which ultimately was contested in the 170-pound welterweight division. In that first fight, Diaz towered over the much smaller McGregor, and the man from Stockton shocked the world by winning via rear naked choke. McGregor, however, became a legend by being conciliatory in defeat and then calling for a rematch at 170 pounds even though Diaz normally competes at 155 pounds. McGregor, in essence, was telling the world that he, as David, wanted to fight Goliath again. The rematch turned out to be one of the best fights in UFC history, which McGregor won via a five-round decision. Since then, McGregor has become a worldwide phenomenon while dos Anjos, never one to trash talk, has quietly rebuilt his career. After he pulled out of the McGregor fight, dos Anjos lost his lightweight belt to Eddie Alvarez — who then lost it to McGregor — and eventually decided to move up to welterweight, where he has looked like an absolute monster. Now, dos Anjos is set to fight Colby Covington for the interim welterweight title at UFC 225 in Chicago on Saturday night. The irony for dos Anjos is that Covington is America’s answer to McGregor. The only real difference being that Covington is a wrestler who adds racially charged language to his barrage of verbal attacks. There would have been other ramification had the McGregor-dos Anjos fight happened at UFC 224. UFC 225, for example, would have lost its most interesting fight: the one between dos Anjos and Covington. That would have put Covington in the position of needing a fight, and a matchup with fellow rising star Darren Till could very easily have been made. Similarly, had McGregor moved to welterweight, the future of the lightweight division would have become uncertain. As it is, newly crowned king Khabib Nurmagomedov doesn’t have a next fight lined up, and many, including UFC president Dana White, say McGregor is the fight to make. After all, McGregor’s UFC 223 freakout was supposedly triggered by a scuffle between McGregor and Nurmagomedov’s camps. Again, though, if McGregor had won the interim welterweight at UFC 224, Nurmagomedov would probably have been put to the side because McGregor is only looking for the biggest fights possible. And the biggest fight possible would have been a matchup with Georges St-Pierre, the greatest welterweight of all time. All these various scenarios and what-ifs are completely moot, however, because of McGregor’s bus freakout. The only thing that matters is McGregor’s June 14 court date. Until America’s justice system decides McGregor’s fate, everything in the UFC is up in the air.<doc-sep>Conor McGregor and Rafael dos Anjos stare each other down FREE for news on the biggest players and tournaments SUBSCRIBE Invalid email Sign up forfor news on the biggest players and tournaments 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. Last night, the former UFC lightweight champion claimed he was scheduled to make his return to the Octagon at UFC 224 before his antics at the UFC 223 media day in New York, where he threw a dolly through the window of a bus carrying his fellow fighters. Moments after McGregor dropped that bombshell, MMA Fighting's Ariel Helwani claimed the Irishman's comeback fight was supposed to see him take on dos Anjos, with the winner of the bout being crowned interim welterweight champion. Dos Anjos was asked about the revelations during the UFC 225 open workout media scrum and claimed the UFC brass never contacted him about a potential fight with 'The Notorious'. "Not that I know (of),” the former UFC lightweight champion told the assembled media. Conor McGregor bus attack in pictures Sun, April 8, 2018 View the gallery to see how the shocking incident unfolded. Play slideshow TMZ/MEGA 1 of 8 Conor McGregor and his entourage going berserk "I heard some rumours that the UFC were trying to do that announcement in New York in the last press conference. "But the UFC did not contact me directly to talk about this fight." In an interview with Helwani, dos Anjos added: "The UFC didn’t contact me to talk about that fight at all. "Everything that I’ve been hearing is from other people, other sources. "I saw rumours, but nothing directly about the fight. Dos Anjos, who will face Colby Covington for the interim welterweight crown this weekend at UFC 225, was supposed to fight McGregor in the main event of UFC 196 back in March 2016. Conor McGregor goes on wild rampage during UFC media day the UFC did not contact me directly to talk about this fight Rafael dos Anjos on if he was offered a fight with Conor McGregor The bout ended up falling through with 11 days to go as dos Anjos suffered a foot injury, which paved the way for Nate Diaz to hand McGregor his first UFC loss. Should McGregor still be keen to face him, dos Anjos is more than willing to lock horns with Ireland’s first UFC belt holder. "But I'll be there," the Brazilian said when asked if he's still interested in fighting the UFC's poster boy. "After Saturday, I'll be there. If the Irish boy wants to try his third belt, I'll be there too.” When pressed further by Helwani, dos Anjos added: “If the Irish boy wants to try for his third belt, I’ll be there. I’m sure I will win. I have no doubts in my mind. I’ve come this far. Conor McGregor wasn't offered to Rafael dos Anjos CONOR MCGREGOR: Rafael dos Anjos takes on Colby Covington in the co-main event of UFC 225<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 forfor news on the biggest players and tournaments Conor McGregor's return revelation Conor McGregor has claimed he was set to make his eagerly-anticipated return to the Octagon at UFC 224 before his rampage at the UFC 223 media day, where he threw a dolly through the window of a bus carrying his fellow fighters. While discussing his placing on Forbes’ Highest-Paid Athletes list on Instagram, McGregor said: “Made it to number 4 on the Forbes list this year. "If I had of fought on the agreed May 12th bout in Rio De Janeiro, I would have surpassed Ronaldo and Messi to take 2nd place. “Something came up however... Ah well, still under 30.”<doc-sep>	Conor McGregor recently revealed on social media that he had agreed to his first UFC fight in over a year and a half and it was supposed to take place at UFC 224 in Rio de Janeiro. It was supposed to be against Rafael dos Anjos for the interim UFC Welterweight Championship. Notorious hasn't stepped foot inside the Octagon since he faced Eddie Alvarez for the UFC Lightweight Championship at UFC 205. Since then, a lot has happened for McGregor, including a boxing match vs Floyd Mayweather, as well as his involvement in a bus attack on the weekend of UFC 223 in New York. It was this bus attack that caused his agreed fight at UFC 224 to be cancelled, and dos Anjos was booked instead for an interim title bout vs Colby Covington. The fight later was moved from Rio to this Saturday's UFC 225 card in Chicago. Dos Anjos was recently interviewed by MMA Fighting’s Ariel Helwani ahead of his interim title bout vs Covington this weekend where he was asked about McGregor's agreed fight reveal on social media and what his thoughts are about it. The Brazilian has replied to Notorious' social media post, saying that if he wins this weekend and if McGregor wants to make the fight to happen and make history, he will be there. Watch from the start of the video further down in this article. He said: "If the Irish boy wants to try for his third belt, I will be there." McGregor vs dos Anjos It would be quite interesting to see McGregor vs dos Anjos later this year if the Brazilian is successful this weekend, as it would settle an old rivalry between the two that stretches back all the way to 2016. McGregor and dos Anjos were originally supposed to fight at UFC 196 for the UFC Lightweight Championship before a foot injury forced the Brazilian to withdraw from the fight. Notorious would go on to fight replacement Nate Diaz in a welterweight bout at the pay-per-view. McGregor vs dos Anjos could still happen later this year, but most likely, the Brazilian will have to be successful this weekend and win the interim UFC Welterweight title in order to lure the Irishman into a fight. As well as this, we'll have to wait and see how McGregor's court case for his bus attack on the weekend of UFC 223 concludes to see if he is available for a fight as well. News Now - Sport News
It’s Bryce Harper’s return to Washington for the first time since joining the Phillies and becoming much, much happier! Do you think the D.C. populace will turn out to hiss at him? I don’t; I think they’ll all stay home and there will be many empty seats. Just the kind of town they are. Is not broke, do not fix McCutchen 7 Segura 6 Harper 9 Hoskins 3 Realmuto 2 Herrera 8 Hernandez 4 Franco 5 Eflin — The Good Phight (@TheGoodPhight) April 2, 2019<doc-sep>Want to know something cool? The Phillies absolutely OWNED Max Scherzer tonight. The team got off to a hot start on singles by Andrew McCutchen and Jean Segura in the 1st, but failed to convert and exited the 1st inning, runless. That was neither here nor there, however, as Eflin locked up the Nationals offense, and even broke Trea Turner’s finger in the process (we wish him a speedy recovery.) The game didn’t stay scoreless for long, either, as Maikel Franco launched one to left field with two outs in the 2nd, giving the Phillies a 1-0 lead. Eflin answered Franco’s homer by striking out the side in the bottom of 2nd. I’ll say it, the kid looked brilliant. After a scoreless 3rd, Odubel led off the 4th with a double, and proceeded to score on a passed ball by Nationals’ catcher Yan Gomes. The Phillies continued to light up Max Scherzer in the 5th, as a single by Jean Segura and double by Bryce Harper gave the Phillies men on, but, once again, the Phillies couldn’t quite plate a run. In the bottom of the 5th Scherzer was tugged for pinch hitter Andrew Stevenson, thus ending his night. AND SCHERZER IS NO EXCEPTION. He exits after 5 innings of work. The #Phillies induced baseball’s premiere pitcher exit early. https://t.co/1xSlpWqWqM — Alex Carr (@AlexCarrMLB) April 3, 2019 The aforementioned failed conversions? Who needs ‘em! In the 6th inning, the Phillies broke this one wide open. Odubel Herrera doubled, again, to lead this one off, and Maikel Franco was intentionally walked(!) Then, Andrew McCutchen drew a walk to load the bases for Jean Segura, who smacked a bases clearing double that squibbed fair and dribbled down the right field line. He would come around to score on a ripped single by Bryce Harper. All of a sudden, the Phillies were up by a score of 6-0. Zach Eflin was pinch-hit for in the 6th, thus ending his magnificent outing, albeit early. His final line: 5 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 9K. All of his secondaries were moving like whiffle balls, and he was painting with his fastball. If the Zach Eflin that we saw today can stick around for the rest of the season, he’s going to prove quite the weapon as the season progresses. Eflin was relieved by Jose Alvarez, who stuck around a little too long to face Anthony Rendon, who hit a two run shot, and FINALLY gave Nationals fans, most of which had already left at this point, something to cheer about. They cut their deficit down to a mighty 6-2. Juan Nicasio then took to the bump, and cut down the rest of the Nationals hitters to end the inning. The 7th inning had potential, as Odubel Herrera doubled AGAIN, and Maikel Franco was intentionally walked AGAIN, but, deja vu, the Phils failed to convert — AGAIN. Edubray Ramos took over for the bottom of the 7th, and looked absolutely nasty. He could be a real bright spot in the bullpen, should he hold his position when Tommy Hunter returns. Then, in the 8th, you guessed it, Bryce did it again. The King of Philadelphia walloped a two-run shot to right field, where a chorus of Philly fans erupted into screams of delight and “MVP” or “WE GOT HARPER” chants. Adam Morgan and Vince Velasquez came out of the ‘pen to shut this one down, and the Phillies topped the Nationals by a final score of 8-2 to remain the lone undefeated team in baseball. The Phils erupted for a total of 14 hits, 11 of which came from the combination of Bryce Harper, Jean Segura, Odubel Herrera, and Maikel Franco all of whom have been BLAZING hot of late. Bryce Harper is now slashing a disgusting .429/.556/1.214 with 3 Homers and a 1.770 OPS over his first 4 games with the Phillies. Is he worth the $330 Million yet? Oh, and if I hadn’t mentioned it before, Zach Eflin was spectacular. This team is really, really fun.<doc-sep>Bryce Harper was booed, loudly, when his name was announced as part of Philadelphia’s lineup. Harper told reporters before his first game in Nationals Park as part of the Phillies’ organization, that he expected as much, after he left the nation’s capital and signed a 13-year/$330M free agent deal to play for the City of Brotherly Love, though he also said he thought he might hear some cheers. “I mean it’s baseball. It’s part of the game,” Harper said of what he expected in terms of a reception in Washington. “It’s part of sports. I hope I get a great one. Of course I think there will be some boos and things like that, but that’s part of the game and I think I’ll get some cheers as well. “Like I said, I’ll always remember the memories we had here and the excitement and things like that and all the screams and the cheers. I’ll always remember that.” He can add a chorus of boos to his memory bank. Loud boos. Followed by cheers as he fell behind 0-2 against Max Scherzer. Harper spit on a cutter, then a change, low and out of the zone, then K’d swinging over a 2-2 changeup to the excitement of the crowd in D.C. Yo homes, smell ya later. pic.twitter.com/3Jf1aR8mJq — Washington Nationals (@Nationals) April 3, 2019 Scherzer got him again in the third, with a 3-2 cutter in under the hands that Harper K’d on, 0 for 2, 2 Ks. Harper doubled on a 1-2 curve up in the zone in his third at bat, putting two on with one out, but Rhys Hoskins K’d swinging over an 0-2 changeup, and J.T. Realmuto K’d looking at a 2-2 fastball to end the threat. The atmosphere in those at bats, and the overall vibe in the ballpark was electric, but it was Harper’s Phillies who came out on top, 8-2, in the first game of 2019 between the divisional rivals. Scherzer vs the rest of the Phillies: Maikel Franco got the Phils on the board in the second, hitting a 2-2 change that drifted in on his hands out to left field for a two-out solo shot that gave the Phillies a 1-0 lead. Scherzer kept it there through three, but a two-out rally, and a bases-loaded passed ball got another run on the board for the visiting team, 2-0. Max Scherzer’s Line: 5.0 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 9 Ks, 1 HR, 96 P, 65 S, 2/2 GO/FO. Eflin not Elfin: Zach Eflin kept the Nationals hitless through 3 2⁄ 3 , and scoreless through five, and he worked out of a two-on, no-out jam in the bottom of the fifth inning. Zach Eflin’s Line: 5.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 9 Ks, 85 P, 57 S, 1/2 GO/FO. Trea Turner Leaves Game: Trea Turner squared to bunt on an 0-1 fastball from Philly righty Zach Eflin, and took a 94 MPH fastball off the index/pointer finger on his right hand, which appeared to be dislocated as the MASN broadcast noted the trainer was trying his best to pop it back into place as the shortstop sat in the dirt behind home plate. Turner left the game at that point, replaced by Wilmer Difo, and headed for an X-ray. Matt Adams Out: Matt Adams got his first start of 2019 tonight, but a few innings after he went after a pop down the first base line and ended up going head over heels over the railing and into the stands, the Nats’ big first baseman left the game, replaced by Ryan Zimmerman. Back spasms for Adams according to the Nationals. BULLPEN ACTION: Wander Suero replaced Max Scherzer on the mound in the top of the sixth, well, technically he replaced Andrew Stevenson, who hit for Scherzer in the fifth. Suero gave up a leadoff double by Odubel Herrera in the first at bat of the inning, and a wild pitch moved Herrera to third with no one out. Suero struck Cesar Hernandez out with a two-strike changeup, and after an intentional walk to Maikel Franco, Matt Grace came on to face Phillies’ left-hander Nick Williams with runners on the corners and one out. Grace got up 0-2 on Williams, and threw a 1-2 sinker inside under the hands for a swinging third strike and out No. 2. Davey Martinez left Grace in to face Andrew McCutchen as well, and the southpaw walked the outfielder to load the bases in front of Jean Segura, who hit .313 vs LHPs in 2018, and hit an 0-1 sinker by first for a base-clearing double, 5-0. Bryce Harper followed with an RBI single to left, 6-0. Plus, I met someone else We havin' better discussions pic.twitter.com/KJnLKqAUKF — Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) April 3, 2019 Philly lefty Jose Alvarez took over on the mound in the bottom of the sixth, and gave up a leadoff single by Wilmer Difo and a one-out, two-run home run to left by Anthony Rendon, 6-2. Rendon’s first of 2019 Juan Nicasio came on and gave up a Ryan Zimmerman single, but got the final out of the inning. Odubel Herrera’s third double on the night was a pop to right that fell in in-between Brian Dozier going back and Adam Eaton charging, but Kyle Barraclough walked Maikel Franco intentionally, and retired Aaron Altherr to end the top of the seventh. Edubray Ramos retired the Nationals in order in the bottom of the seventh inning. Jeremy Hellickson made his 2019 debut in the top of the eighth, and faced Harper with a runner on and one out, and gave up a two-run home run on a 2-2 fastball Gone, 8-2 Philly. And that bat flip... We were saying Boo-ryce... pic.twitter.com/Gvo08aZykq — Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) April 3, 2019 458 feet. A bat flip toward the Nats dugout. Wow. pic.twitter.com/6HTrZfIvER — Jamal Collier (@JamalCollier) April 3, 2019 Hellickson tossed a scoreless top of the ninth, but the Nationals came up empty against Vince Velasquez in the bottom of the inning. 8-2 Phillies final. Nationals now 1-3<doc-sep>Outfielder Bryce Harper makes his return to Washington D.C. for the first time since he signed with the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday, April 2, 2019 (4/2/19). There, he’ll face the Washington Nationals and starting pitcher Max Scherzer at Nationals Park, where first pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m. EDT. Fans can watch the game online via fuboTV, which is offering a free trial. In addition to MLB games, fuboTV offers NHL, AAF, international soccer, college football, college basketball, tennis, golf and more. MLB games on fuboTV are subject to the league’s blackout rules. Here’s what you need to know: Who: Philadelphia Phillies at Washington Nationals When: Tuesday, April 2, 2019 Where: Nationals Park Time: 7 p.m. Eastern TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia+, MASN2 Channel finder: Verizon Fios, AT&T U-verse, Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum/Charter, Optimum/Altice, DIRECTV, Dish, Hulu, fuboTV, Sling Live stream: fuboTV (free trial) Line: Nationals -1.5 *** From the moment Bryce Harper signed his $330 million, 13-year deal with the Philadelphia Phillies, this game is the one everyone has been thinking about. Tuesday night marks Harper's initial visit to Nationals Park to face his former team. What will the crowd's reaction be the first time he steps to that plate in a uniform other than Washington's? What sort of tribute will there be from the Nationals? What sort of gesture will the outfielder himself make? And how will Harper, who loves the spotlight, fare in the reunion — especially against Max Scherzer? “I’ll always remember and cherish all the screaming and yelling and the exciting times that we had the last seven years. Like I’ve said before, I wish them nothing but the best, all the players in that clubhouse. It’s a great fan base. Great city to live in,” said Harper, who announced Monday on social media that his wife is expecting the couple’s first baby. “Excited to go back. And excited to compete.” He is off to a good start in his new home, helping the Phillies go 3-0 — they are the only unbeaten team in the majors — with a pair of homers against the Atlanta Braves, each marked by elaborately choreographed celebrations with teammates. The Nationals, meanwhile, are 1-2 with some serious bullpen issues after avoiding a sweep against the New York Mets thanks to a ninth-inning homer Sunday by Trea Turner. There has been something of a parlor game in both the nation's capital and Philadelphia lately, trying to guess how Harper will be greeted upon his return. He did, after all, win 2012 NL Rookie of the Year and 2015 NL MVP honors with Washington. He helped the club make four playoff appearances. He thrilled spectators by winning last year's All-Star Home Run Derby in his home ballpark. But he also left as a free agent to join a division rival. "I love all human psychology," Phillies manager Gabe Kapler said. "I love to see how people respond to moments like that — the players, the fans and the cities." Harper said he expects "some cheers, some boos, as well." Thousands of Phillies fans are expected to make the trek down Interstate 95. "Bring it on, if that's the case," said Nationals lefty reliever Matt Grace, who said he has thought about what it might be like to pitch to his ex-teammate. "Treat it just like any other situation: Go after him," Grace said. "Not going to treat it like anything else. I'm sure he'll do the same." Scherzer (0-1, 2.35 ERA) will make his second start in Washington's first four games of 2019. The three-time Cy Young Award winner said it will be "weird" to see Harper in a No. 3 Phillies jersey instead of his old No. 34 Nationals uniform. "He's signed there forever, basically. At least 'forever' in my career. We're going to be facing each other a lot; this is just the first," Scherzer said. "So whatever happens on Tuesday, it's going to be the course of a career facing him. This is just Round 1." (The AP contributed to this report.)<doc-sep>	How different would things have been tonight if the Washington Nationals were heading into the series opener with the Philadelphia Phillies 0-3 after getting swept last weekend? “I don’t know, we won,” Trea Turner said after hitting a walk-off home run to beat the New York Mets in the finale of the season-opening series. “I’m not going to think about that, I’m going to think that, ‘Hey, we won.’” Davey Martinez said, refusing to bite on the possibility that the Nats were one loss away from a sweep on Sunday. Max Scherzer, who started on Opening Day, is going again tonight, and he will end up pitching three times in the first eight games. While the focus is going to be on Bryce Harper’s return, and the Scherzer vs Harper head-to-head matchup, the Nationals’ ace said he’s focused on facing the entire Phillies’ roster. “They got a solid lineup with the additions they brought to their lineup,” Scherzer said on Sunday. “They’ve got good hitters from the right side and from the left side. It tests you in every which way. You have to have all your pitches working. And you’ve got to be locating. “You just have to have the sequences right and you have to be on.” Scherzer didn’t seem too concerned that the circus that will be Harper’s return to D.C. will end up being a distraction from what he needs to do. “You’re cognizant of everybody - it’s not just him - and of all great hitters in the game,” he said. “You’re always aware of the context of the game, situation of the game, the score of the game, outs, inning, who’s up, what you’ve done to him in the past. “All those little things matter. You take that into account and you just try to execute your pitches within that moment. “When you try to get outside that moment, things get sideways. For me, that’s how I approach the game and how I try to pitch.” No one in Washington wanted to think about what it would have been like going into the first of two with Philadelphia winless in three games, but the Nationals’ manager said he was happy to get that first win in the books before going up against the Phillies. “It feels good,” Martinez said. “The boys battled all day, and to get that first one out of the way, now we’ve got a day off, get to relax a little bit and come back Tuesday. The Phillies are another big opponent, so we’ve got to be ready to play.” Martinez switched this up a little bit in tonight’s lineup, with Matt Adams starting in place of Ryan Zimmerman, and Anthony Rendon and Juan Soto flipping between third and fourth in Game 4 of 162 after Soto hit fourth in the first three in D.C. HERE’S THE NATIONALS’ LINEUP FOR TONIGHT’S GAME:
They were the symbols of Arsenal under Arsene Wenger for so many years but on Wednesday evening Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira will go head-to-head in the dugout for the first time as Monaco host Nice in Ligue 1. But how are they getting on as managers? The Frenchmen went through so much together at Arsenal and playing for France. They won two FA Cup and Premier League doubles together in North London, including going through the 2003/04 season unbeaten. They repeated that success on the international stage, winning the World Cup in 1998 and the European Championships in 2000. Image: Henry (L) and Vieira (C) celebrate an Arsenal title success with Arsene Wenger (R) But with their playing days now firmly behind them, the pair have both turned to management, following their mentor Wenger into the dugout. Vieira, who had a spell in charge of MLS side New York City FC, moved to Nice last summer to take his first high-profile job in Europe and he has led the club to eighth in Ligue 1. Meanwhile, Henry, who was an assistant coach to Roberto Martinez with Belgium, left the Sky Sports studio behind to answer struggling Monaco's call in October after the sacking of Leonardo Jardim. 0:49 Vieira says he is excited to be up against Henry as managers for the first time when Nice play Monaco in Ligue 1 on Wednesday So how have they done as managers? Here, journalist Tom Williams - who specialises in French football - takes an in-depth look at how Henry and Vieira have started at Monaco and Nice respectively, how their playing and management styles are developing and how they are viewed by the French media and the fans… What are the early signs at Nice? Nice started the season very slowly. They didn't win any of their first three matches but after that, Vieira hit on a formula during a 1-0 win over Lyon that has served him ever since. They played with a back five in that game and hit Lyon on the counter-attack to pick up an impressive win. They've been playing with that system ever since. Image: Vieira joined Nice last summer Their strengths are that they are very strong defensively, but they do have the joint-worst attack in Ligue 1. They've only scored 14 goals in their 20 matches this season, which is the same number as Guingamp, who are bottom of the table. However, despite the shortage of goals they are still in a decent position in the table and having a pretty decent season. And how has Henry started at Monaco? Image: Henry took charge of Monaco in October The big issue Henry has had at Monaco is this completely implausible injury glut that he's had to put up with since he arrived. There were times in the build-up to Christmas when he could barely put a squad together. There was very little scope for testing things out. He's been forced to experiment because he's had so few players at his disposal. It is starting to clear up now though, plus they have been able to get some new recruits in which has helped them stay unbeaten at the start of 2019 in all competitions. Like Vieira, he would clearly like to be playing attacking football. I noticed during the game against Marseille that his defenders insisted on playing the ball out from the back and that's something that he's keen for them to do. Image: Henry side are in the relegation zone after 19 games However, Monaco's form during the first half of the season was disastrous, although there's an awareness that Monaco had completely messed up their summer transfer window in that they sold seasoned Ligue 1 players and replaced them with a bunch of unproven kids. To add to that you had all the injury issues, so it was a really challenging situation for Henry to take on. If you were being critical you might have expected him to settle on a tactical strategy sooner than he has. So, Henry's continually tinkered with his playing style? Image: Henry has chopped and changed his system regularly at Monaco If you look at the performance Monaco put in against Marseille last Sunday, they played quite well. They played in a 3-5-2 formation, but Henry had to innovate because he had no strikers due to an illness to Falcao. In terms of personnel it's been taken out of Henry's hands to a certain extent, but the amount of different formations he has used and the amount of different systems he has tested is massive, there's been very little consistency in the way Monaco have approached their matches. 1:03 Monaco head coach Thierry Henry says he 're-learned' the game under Pep Guardiola at Barcelona, while Arsene Wenger was also a huge influence on him. They used a back four, they used a back three and it has felt like he's a coach desperately testing for a solution that will work in the face of an injury crisis and a deep lack of confidence. Monaco ended 2018 on a real low note with defeat to Guingamp, the only team beneath them in the table. They've started 2019 more convincingly, but the jury is still out. Even though the circumstances have been extremely trying and very unfavourable, we've not seen all that much to suggest Henry has got a clear plan. What about Vieira's playing style? Nice are a team that reflect the player that Vieira was. His desire ultimately is to play more attractive football. I've spoken to people who were on his coaching course - he did his coaching badges with the Welsh FA - and they said he was someone who was attached to proactive football. Obviously, he played under Wenger and had that experience of playing very attacking football and he generally played in attack-minded teams throughout his career. That's the kind of football he'd like Nice to play in the long run but he's pragmatic enough to realise that he doesn't quite have the players at his disposal now to play in that way. So, it's not the style of football he hoped to be playing but he's still managing to get results nonetheless. Image: Vieira's success at Nice has been built on defensive strength A big issue has been the form of Mario Balotelli. He hasn't scored a single goal this season which is pretty remarkable when you consider how talented he is and how well he did in first two seasons at Nice. This has been a recurrent issue for Vieira because they've rubbed up against each other the whole time. Balotelli is currently out of the squad and the expectation is that he's going to leave sooner rather than later. If you stick a fully functioning centre-forward into that Nice team they'd probably be even higher up the table. What about off the pitch? Image: Henry has had a huge injury crisis to deal with at Monaco Vieira has been quite reserved off the pitch. He seems to be much happier keeping his own council whereas Henry is a much livelier presence on the touchline. At Nice, Vieira has tried to instil some discipline. There was an example early in the season ahead of the win at Lyon back in August where Patrick Burner turned up five minutes late for a team meeting. He was then dropped as a punishment and if you also look at the way he has handled the Balotteli situation. Balotelli didn't show up for pre-season training and when he did finally report for training at the start of the season he was overweight. Vieira has taken his time with him, getting him to do fitness drills and more. He's also criticised him in the press and there was an interview quite recently where he said he felt like holding Balotelli up against a wall. He was that frustrated by him. Image: Mario Balotelli's form has been a problem for Vieira<doc-sep>How can Arteta strengthen this summer? Get all your latest Gunners news Invalid Email Something went wrong, please try again later. Sign me up! Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Monaco remain without a home win in Ligue 1 after failing to beat 10-man Nice - leaving Arsenal legends Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira to share the spoils in the Cote d'Azur derby. Two years after being Champions League semi-finalists, Monaco are deep in the relegation mire and a failure to beat their south coast rivals leaves them three points from safety. Another former Gunner, Cesc Fabregas, was one of four Monaco players ineligible for the game having joined since the transfer window opened. And Nice, themselves without Mario Balotelli - as he continues to be linked with a move away from the Allianz Riviera - took the lead. Moments after Rony Lopes should have scored for the hosts, Allan Saint-Maximin beat Jemerson to a bouncing ball and stroked home a calm finish to open the scoring. (Image: AFP/Getty Images) The goal stood after a video assistant referee review, with Henry visibly unhappy with the defending from his side. But before the half was up, Nice were reduced to 10 men. Ihsan Sacko was dismissed as referee Benoit Bastien consulted VAR before showing the red card after a high challenge on Benjamin Henrichs. (Image: SEBASTIEN NOGIER/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock) Monaco drew level soon after the interval, with teenage defender Benoit Badiashile's first senior goal. Badiashile headed home Lopes' corner despite the best efforts of Walter Benitez, who clawed the ball away only for the goal-line technology to confirm it had already crossed the line. The 10-man visitors had the chance to claim all three points late on, when Badiashile was deemed to have tripped Youcef Atal - VAR again coming into play. But Saint-Maximin was denied by Diego Benaglio before Benitez produced a stunning save to deny Radamel Falcao, the substitute's curling effort brilliantly tipped onto the post.<doc-sep>Monaco coach Thierry Henry admitted it was 'really, really weird' to see Nice boss Patrick Vieira in the opposite dugout as the former Arsenal and France team-mates faced off as managers for the first time. The pair were part of Arsene Wenger's all-conquering 'Invincibles' side that went unbeaten during the 2003-04 season. They also played alongside each other for France as they won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000. But on Wednesday night they were in opposite corners as Monaco and Nice drew 1-1 in Ligue 1 at Stade Louis II. Thierry Henry (left) and Patrick Vieira (right) squared off as managerial rivals on Wednesday Monaco manager Henry admitted it was 'really, really weird' to face Nice boss Vieira And when asked how it felt to come up against Vieira, Henry said: 'Weird, really weird. When I saw him coming out of the locker room, it felt weird. 'We walked the steps together, we used to climb them together when we played. It was really good, a wink. But then there's the game and you do what you have to do. 'He did what he had to do, but it felt weird. We talked, we said a few things to each other.' Allan Saint-Maximin gave Nice the lead before they were reduced to 10 men as Ihsan Sacko was sent off for nasty tackle and Benoit Badiashile later secured the home side a point. Allan Saint-Maximin broke the deadlock for the visitors after a poor defensive error Monaco's equaliser just crept over the line and was given after the referee checked VAR On the sidelines, the two managers shared a long embrace before kick-off. Vieira was asked about their chat and revealed: 'We both just wished each other luck, that's all.' He added: 'Monaco could have won at the end. In the first half, they had two chances where we put ourselves in danger by losing the ball. But Thierry can also be happy with the draw. 'There is still pride in having held on with 10 against 11. The players showed lots of desire, they didn't want to lose, they doubled their efforts.'<doc-sep>	THIERRY HENRY claimed it was “weird” taking on former Arsenal team-mate Patrick Vieira in the Derby de la Cote d’Azur. And the pair had to settle for a point each with Nice boss Vieira the happier as his team were forced to play for the entire second half with 10 men. 5 Former Gunners legends Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira went head-to-head as Monaco and Nice played in Ligue 1 Credit: Reuters For Henry, it is a case of va va doom. He has won just two of his 11 Ligue 1 matches since taking over in October and incredibly Monaco, who are second from bottom and three points off safety, have yet to win at home this season. Asked about the experience of facing Vieira, Henry said: “Weird. When I saw him coming out of the changing rooms it was strange. “Then we walked up the steps together. We were used to doing that as players and this time it was to meet each other. 5 Vieira watched as his Nice side earned a draw despite being down to ten men Credit: Reuters “We spoke to each other and said two or three things. I think I will see Pat again soon enough. “A point isn't enough but we could have been sat here talking about a defeat. We weren't far away from losing. "You've got to be confident whatever the situation, but you have to have points to feel more confident.” Henry’s big January signing, Cesc Fabregas, was ineligible and Monaco wasted some decent chances before Allan Saint-Maximin fired the visitors ahead. 5 Allan Saint-Maximin broke the deadlock for Nice Credit: Reuters 5 Benoit Badiashile headed Monaco level with a little help from goal-line technology Credit: Reuters Nice were reduced to 10 men in first half injury time when Ihsan Sacko’s caution was changed to a red card after consulting VAR. Benoit Badiashile headed Monaco level after goal-line technology ruled the ball had crossed the line. Monaco keeper Diego Benaglio saved a penalty from Saint-Maximin and Radamel Falcao came close to grabbing a late winner for Henry but his shot hit the post. 5 Monaco keeper Diego Benaglio later thwarted Saint-Maximin from the spot to seal a draw Credit: AFP or licensors Vieira said: “The players showed a lot of desire and we can proud to have held on with 10 against 11. “We weren't missing much but we could have lost at the end when they hit the post. “There's a lot of frustration as well and questions about the referee's decisions. “The red card is very harsh. It's not a dangerous action and it had a negative impact on our team.”
Up next? The short—yet sweet—animated films. During tonight’s 91st annual Academy Awards, Bao won the highly coveted Oscar for Best Animated Short Film. The film beat out a slew of worthy nominees, including Animal Behaviour, Late Afternoon, One Small Step and Weekends. The Academy first introduced the Best Animated Short Film category back in 1932, when Walt Disney swept the genre. No, really. Not only did he win the award eight years in a row, but he also holds the record for most wins (15) and nominations (49). Other winners include Dear Basketball, Piper, Bear Story, Feast, Mr. Hublot, Paperman and The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore. Now that deserves a standing ovation. RELATED: Oscar Nominations 2019: Here’s Who Made the Cut<doc-sep>VALENCIA, CA -- Everything you need to know about alums of California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) and the Oscars: Best Animated Feature nominees Incredibles 2, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and Ralph Breaks the Internet were directed or co-directed by CalArts alumni CalArts alumni have won 11 Best Animated Feature Oscars. Box office revenue from films directed by CalArts Character and Experimental Animation Program alumni is more than $46 billion dollars (click here for infographic) This year’s “Calartian” Oscar contenders: Two-time Oscar winner Brad Bird (Ratatouille) helmed Pixar Animation Studios’ Incredibles 2. Looking towards his second Oscar, Rich Moore (Zootopia) co-directed Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Ralph Breaks the Internet. And Bob Persichetti co-directed Sony Pictures Animation’s Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Past winners: Last year, Coco, co-directed by first-time feature director and CalArts graduate Adrian Molina (with Lee Unkrich), won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Earlier award-winning films from alumni directors include The Incredibles (2004) and Ratatouille (2007) directed by Brad Bird; Finding Nemo (2003) and Wall-E (2008) by Andrew Stanton; Brave (2012) by alumni duo Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman; Pete Docter’s Up (2009); Frozen by alumnus Chris Buck (with Jennifer Lee and Peter Del Vecho); Inside Out (2015) by Pete Docter (with Jonas Rivera), and Zootopia (2016) by alumnus Rich Moore (with Byron Howard and Clark Spencer). CalArts is ranked #1 one among the Top 50 Animation Programs in the U.S. by Animation Career Review. Its Experimental and Character Animation programs are unrivaled in the world -- educating successive generations of filmmakers who define the industry. California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) has set the pace for educating professional artists since 1970. Offering rigorous undergraduate and graduate degree programs through six schools—Art, Critical Studies, Dance, Film/Video, Music, and Theater—CalArts has championed creative excellence, critical reflection, and the development of new forms and expressions. As successive generations of faculty and alumni have helped shape the landscape of contemporary arts, the Institute first envisioned by Walt Disney encompasses a vibrant, eclectic community with global reach, inviting experimentation, independent inquiry, and active collaboration and exchange among artists, artistic disciplines and cultural traditions. Source: California Institute of the Arts<doc-sep>The Best Animated Feature category at the Oscars might as well be called the “Pixar Award.” The trophy has been handed out just 18 times, since the 2002 Oscars ceremony (which honored the films of 2001), when Shrek — yes, Shrek — won. At nine of those 18 ceremonies, Pixar took home the prize, including winning four years in a row, from 2008 to 2011 (for Ratatouille, WALL-E, Up, and Toy Story 3). Pixar is also the most recent winner in this category, with Coco as the reigning champion. But there’s a challenger on the horizon. Going into the 2019 Oscars, Sony Pictures Animation’s Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse has won every major precursor award, including a clean sweep of the animation industry’s Annie Awards. Boasting critical plaudits and a long, successful run at the box office, Spider-Verse swooped into the race in December and stole the thunder of Pixar’s Incredibles 2, which also boasted great reviews and an even better box office take, but came out in June and feels a little like old news. (That two superhero movies are squaring off in this category feels like a thing that will never happen in, say, Best Foreign Language Film.) Then, just to complicate things, the Cinema Audio Society’s award for animated sound mixing — which, as awards expert Ben Zauzmer points out, has gone to the winner of the Best Animated Feature Oscar for five out of the last six years, including predicting upset wins for Brave in 2013 and Big Hero 6 in 2015 — went to another movie entirely: Wes Anderson’s stop-motion Isle of Dogs. (That the two awards have lined up like this in the past few years is probably just a coincidence, as the voting bodies for CAS and the Oscars are very different, but hey, anything to make the race more exciting!) Really, all five nominees in 2019’s Best Animated Feature race would make worthy winners, though (to me) Spider-verse stands head and shoulders above the rest. The others are still movies worth watching. Here’s a quick look at each one. It took almost 15 years for writer-director Brad Bird to follow up his marvelously thrilling The Incredibles (which won Best Animated Feature at the 2005 Oscars) with the sequel it all but demanded. As with so many projects launched after their creators had years and years to think about them, Incredibles 2 feels like it has thousands of ideas in its head. Not all of them land, but enough of them do. And the ones that don’t still contribute to a complicated examination of just why our culture is so gaga for superheroes. This sequel reverses the structure of the first film, leaving Mr. Incredible at home with the kids, while Elastigirl goes out to battle evil and further the good name of superheroes (who are still outlawed in the Incredibles universe). The two also meet eerie mirrors of themselves in a brother and sister duo who have ideas about how to create a new world brimming with superheroes. Overstuffed with action sequences, comedic bits, and great character moments, Incredibles 2 somehow brings its seemingly dozen plotlines together into a rousing climax. If it’s not quite at the level of the first film, well, the first film is maybe the best movie Pixar ever made, so ... that’s not really a problem. In short: Watch Incredibles 2 if you love superhero deconstructions, family comedy, or Pixar at its best. Where to watch: Incredibles 2 is available to own and rent in both physical and digital formats. It’s also streaming on Netflix. Wes Anderson’s occasionally delightful, occasionally cumbersome, always eyebrow furrow-inducing Isle of Dogs stands as the aesthetically precise director’s second stop-motion animation film (after 2009’s Fantastic Mr. Fox, which lost at the Oscars to Pixar’s Up). It’s also his tribute to Japanese cinema, it’s set in Japan, and it makes the very odd choice to have the titular dogs (who have been banned from futuristic Japanese society) speak English while the human characters largely speak untranslated, unsubtitled Japanese. If that doesn’t sound like at least a recipe for thinkpieces to you, I don’t know what internet you think this is. Isle of Dogs was the subject of the best film writing of 2018, much of it from Asian-American critics grappling with the movie’s obvious craft but also finding themselves put off by how it unintentionally turned Asian characters into alien outsiders. (See: Mashable’s Angie Han; the Los Angeles Times’s Justin Chang; Karen Han at the Daily Beast.) Anderson’s obvious love of the films of Akira Kurosawa, Hayao Miyazaki, and many, many, many other famous Japanese directors is impossible to ignore. But it’s also hard to ignore what Karen Han dubbed his “cultural tourism.” Even with its weird cultural appropriation aside, the movie is less tightly constructed than many of Anderson’s earlier films (particularly Fantastic Mr. Fox, which plays in similar thematic territory, obviously). But it boasts strong voice work from a massive cast that features everybody from Bryan Cranston to Yoko Ono and — as always with Anderson — a visual design worth getting lost in. So you should definitely check it out. Just be prepared to wrestle with it a bit. In short: Watch Isle of Dogs if you love Wes Anderson or want to check out one of the year’s more fascinating cinematic controversies. Where to watch: Isle of Dogs is available to own and rent in both physical and digital formats. It’s also streaming on HBO. If you are, for some reason, watching the Animated Feature nominees in alphabetical order, then Mirai will serve as a fascinating counterpoint to both Incredibles 2 and Isle of Dogs. Most obviously, this film can be compared to Isle of Dogs. While Mirai is also set in Japan and while it also features a dog as a character (granted, a supporting one), it was actually made by a Japanese filmmaker: Mamoru Hosoda, well known to anime fans for movies like The Girl Who Leapt Through Time and The Boy and the Beast. (This is his first Oscar nomination, despite how frequently films from Japan are nominated in this category.) But comparing Mirai to Incredibles 2 is also instructive, because where Incredibles 2 does a dozen things pretty well, Mirai does just one thing very well. It follows a young boy named Kun in the emotionally fraught months after his new baby sister, Mirai, enters his life, as his parents try to juggle the demands of two children, their jobs, and their attention-starved dog. Kun begins to have imaginary-or-are-they visits from figures from his family’s past and future, which help him learn to better understand his own emotional outbursts. There are times when Mirai feels a little samey, even at a short running time of barely 90 minutes. But that’s Hosoda’s design, ultimately. The last 15 minutes of Mirai are so dazzling, on both a technical and a narrative level, that they will make you realize why the rest of the movie fell so readily into the rhythms of a child’s day-to-day life. This is a movie for patient viewers, but trust that you will be richly rewarded. In short: Watch Mirai if you love Calvin & Hobbes (this is high, high praise! ). Where to watch: Mirai is still in theaters, though only a handful at any given time. See when it comes to your city here. It’s indicative of the quality of this category that this terrific sequel to 2012’s Wreck-It Ralph is probably going to struggle to scrounge up votes when Academy voters turn in their ballots. Just 10 to 15 years ago, when the Best Animated Feature category frequently found itself filled with the likes of Shark Tale and Surf’s Up (though the surfing penguin movie is a little underrated — gets dragged offstage by a hook), Ralph would have been an easy winner or strong second. Now, it’s an also-ran. But hopefully you registered the part where I said the movie is “terrific,” because it is.<doc-sep>	Spider-Man: Into the Spider Verse wins best animated feature at Oscars 2019 Sony's Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse emerged as the biggest superhero in the animated feature film category as it took home the Oscar trophy at the 91st Academy Awards. With its win, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse broke Disney-Pixar's dominance at the Oscars in the category. "There are 800 filmmakers who push boundaries to make people feel powerful and seen. So when we hear somebody's kid watching the movie turn to them and say 'he looks like me' or 'he speaks Spanish', we feel like we have already won," producers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller said in the acceptance speech. Look who stopped by the #Oscars Thank You Cam, presented by @Cadillac! Best Animated Feature winners for Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse! #KeepRising pic.twitter.com/o1MjGW7u1N The Academy (@TheAcademy) February 25, 2019 They were joined on the stage by co-producers Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey and Rodney Rothman. Since opening last year in December, the feature created by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, has been widely praised both for its fresh story and visual style. The film, which secured its position at the Oscars following its Golden Globe and Annie Award wins, was nominated in the category alongside Ralph Breaks the Internet, Mirai, Incredibles 2 and Isle of Dogs. Watch the trailer of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse ALSO READ\| Oscars 2019: Mahershala Ali named Best Supporting Actor for Green Book ALSO READ\| Hannah Beachler wins Oscars 2019 as the best production designer for Black Panther
Acosta landed in Kolkata two days prior to the press conference for East Bengal on Wednesday. (@EBRPFC Photo) East Bengal were left red-faced after the first press conference of their high-profile signing of Costa Rican World Cup player Acosta fell flat because they did not have a translator for him. Just a few days ago, East Bengal roped in a big investor but their casual attitude came to the fore when his press conference had to be cancelled due to non-availability of a translator. Acosta, who played all the three Group E matches for Costa Rica at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, came to Kolkata two days ago and was slated to address the press for the first time on Wednesday. However, the much-awaited press conference left a lot to be desired for both East Bengal and the media. Soon after the press settled down at the East Bengal media room in the club premises and the 35-year-old defender took the hot seat, the absence of an interpreter struck one and all. "Acosta speaks only Spanish, so please make your questions to the point so that it is easier for us to make him understand," newly-appointed club CEO Sanjit Sen said at the beginning. After the first question was asked, Sen started answering on the player's behalf to which the journalists objected. "We want him to do the talking," said one of them and the downfall of the event started. The East Bengal bosses first tried calling former player and club official Alvito D'Cunha who speaks Portuguese due to his Goan roots, but to no avail. Acosta tried his best taking the help of Google Translate, the widely used tool that instantly translates phrases and words. But all his efforts went in vain as there was no internet connection. East Bengal officials tried to shift the interaction to another room with better connectivity but only to be left more embarrassed. "We will have the interaction later," said an official and the 50-odd anxious media persons had to leave dejected. East Bengal meanwhile revealed that Acosta would don jersey number 2, the same number that he wore for the national side in the recently concluded World Cup. Acosta landed here on August 6 and also watched East Bengal's local league match against WB Police. Johnny Acosta was received by the QUESS East Bengal management at the belt section of Kolkata Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport ( Dumdum Airport ) pic.twitter.com/yUgoGEF0UO EAST BENGAL the REAL POWER (@EBRPFC) August 6, 2018 "After the World Cup, I have had regular gym sessions to keep myself fit. I'm a professional player. If the coach wants me, I'm ready to play. I'm raring to go in East Bengal jersey," he had said after the arrival. "I'm glad to be part of Indian football. It's a new challenge for me. I've heard a lot about East Bengal from my agent and other friends. Hopefully, I'll be able to help my team win trophies," he said. Acosta has played 71 matches for Costa Rica and was plying his trade for Colombian premier league side Rionegro until the Russia World Cup. Although his team failed to progress from the group stage, he was impressive against Neymar's Brazil, who required two stoppage-time goals from Coutinho and Neymar to beat them 2-0. He was also part of Costa Rica's team in the 2014 World Cup. (With inputs from agencies)<doc-sep>East Bengal officials confirmed that the club has shortlisted a foreign striker and they are in talks with the player's club.... Former Minerva Punjab midfielder Kassim Aidara officially signed for East Bengal on Thursday evening. The Senegalese midfielder who was doubtful for Friday’s Calcutta Football League (CFL) season opener against Tollygunge Agragami as the club had not received a no-objection certificate (NOC) from his former employers. On Thursday evening after a meeting by the board of directors, board member and senior official Debabrata Sarkar said that they have finally received the clearance from Minerva and Aidara signed on the dotted line. Kassim Aidara was the captain of Minerva Punjab last season and under his leadership, the club scripted history by winning their maiden I-League trophy. Now as the midfielder has officially completed his move, he is likely to start for the club against Tollygunge in CFL on Friday. Debabrata Sarkar also mentioned that they have shortlisted a new foreign striker and the club is in talks with the players’ club. He said, “We have shortlisted a foreign striker. I cannot reveal his identity, we are in talks with the player’s current club and a decision will be taken shortly.” East Bengal currently have three foreign players in their squad - Kassim Aidara, Mahmoud Al Amna and Costa Rican World Cupper Johnny Acosta. Acosta was a part of his national side in the 2018 World Cup. On Acosta’s move, Sarkar mentioned, “Acosta’s formalities have been completed. We will soon book his tickets to Kolkata.”<doc-sep>Sanjit Sen has been appointed chief executive officer of I-League team Quess East Bengal Football Club (QEBFC). The recent appointment comes in the wake of East Bengal FC and Quess Corp Limited, a city-based leading business service provider, coming together and forming QEBFC. Sen, who comes with an overall experience of over 25 years, served as the COO of East Bengal Club in his last assignment and played a significant role in the formation of QEBFC, a statement from Quess Corp said. He will oversee all investments to enhance the player base, training facilities and building QEBFC as the premium football brand in the country, it said. Sen will spearhead initiatives aimed at creating new branding opportunities for QEBFC and tap possibilities of increasing its fan base. He has donned various hats across business leadership, corporate strategy and advisory functions, and has had an exemplary track record in each of them, the release said. Sen is a qualified Chartered Accountant and holds professional certifications in corporate finance from IIM Kolkata and Customer Relationship Management from Management Development Institute, Gurgaon. Quess Corp chairman and managing director Ajit Isaac said, "we are delighted to welcome him to Quess and this appointment will contribute to our strategic investment towards development of sports in the country."<doc-sep>	East Bengal had created quite a stir in Indian football when they signed 35-year-old Johnny Acosta, who played all three games for Costa Rica at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. East Bengal had created quite a stir in Indian football when they signed 35-year-old Johnny Acosta, who played all three games for Costa Rica at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Costa Rican defender Johnny Acosta on Thursday said he had no idea about Indian football and it was only the rich history of East Bengal that drew him to sign up with the prestigious club. East Bengal had created quite a stir in Indian football when they signed 35-year-old Johnny Acosta, who played all three games for Costa Rica at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. “When I signed, I only knew that East Bengal are a big club with great history. I have no idea about ISL or any other tournament. I came here because East Bengal are a big club,” said the Spanish-speaking Costa Rican centreback. Having got a sponsor, East Bengal were in talks to take part in the ISL but reports claim that the number of teams may not be increased this season. “I have not seen any Indian football matches before. The one I saw on October 6 (East Bengal’s Kolkata league match against WB Police) was my first. I don’t know anything about the leagues in India as well,” said Acosta, who once played against Lionel Messi back in 2011 in the Copa America. A fan of Paolo Maldini, Acosta further said he is ready to take the field for East Bengal. “I am ready. I am just waiting for my paper works. Once they are ready I will start playing,” the defender, who will sport his usual No 2 jersey, said. Asked if the language would be a concern, Acosta said: “Language has never been a problem for me. I will not face any problem adjusting here as football has only one language. This is football.” Acosta said it was disappointing that Costa Rica finished last in group E and crashed out early despite an impressive show in Russia World Cup. “It was disappointing definitely. We were playing against such a top side like Brazil and we had almost managed to get a draw against them,” he said during the media conference which was called off yesterday as East Bengal had forgotten to hire an interpreter. “Unfortunately, they scored and we were left heartbroken.” Acosta, with 71 International matches for Costa Rica, was impressive against Neymar’s Brazil, who required two stoppage-time goals from Coutinho and Neymar to beat them 2-0. Asked about playing against Neymar, he said: “It was a very good experience for me. Not only I had a great experience of playing against the entire Brazil side. “Overall a very good experience playing against Switzerland, Serbia and Brazil. Our entire team played very well,” Acosta said. Costa Rica drew 2-2 with Switzerland, and had lost their opening game 1-0 against Serbia.
The heat is being fostered by sprawling and long-lasting high pressure. Under high pressure, rain tends to be tough to come by. This has led to an increase in drought in the United Kingdom, which had its driest first half of summer on record, and contributed to a record wildfire season in Sweden. A significant concern is that the blistering heat could stoke explosive wildfires over Portugal in the days ahead, and it is also anticipated that fire conditions will grow in other parts of Europe including Scandinavia heading into next week.<doc-sep>EUROPE is braced for its hottest day since records began today with temperatures likely to soar above the 118F high set 40 years ago. Thousands of Brit holidaymakers and expats in Spain and Portugal will pile on to packed beaches as the heatwave peaks. 24 Busy Benidorm will be too hot for many Brits abroad on Scorchio Saturday Credit: EPA 24 Brits could bake in sizzling temperatures this weekend as thousands descend on Bestival in Dorset Credit: Apex News Bestival kicked on Thursday and revellers are set for a sizzling weekend A Spanish plume has called temperatures to soar 24 Thousands lapped up the sunshine yesterday at the Dorset festival Credit: Apex News The blistering sunshine is widely tipped to pass the 118.4F (48C) recorded in Athens, Greece, on July 10, 1977. And the deadly scorcher — driven by an African plume carrying Saharan dust with it — will spark a mini-revival of Britain’s heatwave with temperatures of 88F (31C) expected all weekend. But it could also lead to a humanitarian crisis across Europe with the number of heat-related deaths likely to rise among the old and sick. 24 Adults and children make the most of water jets in Madrid to cool off Credit: AP:Associated Press European heatwave on verge of all-time record temperatures as health warning issued of Sahara Desert dust 24 Cooling off... Two women jump into the sea in San Sebastien, Spain Credit: AP:Associated Press Heatwave warning for Brits in southern Spain as experts predict Europe could see HOTTEST EVER day with temperatures topping 48C 24 A temperature of almost 122F (50C) was recorded in Badajoz, South West Spain yesterday The Red Cross has already sent volunteers to the areas most at risk in southern Spain and Portugal. And their emergency services have issued a red alert, drafting in extra medical staff and firefighters to cope with the threat. The highest temperature recorded to date in Spain is 117F (47.3C). It'll be a Brit hot TEMPERATURES will rocket in Britain this weekend and well into next week as the heatwave heads north. They were already climbing yesterday, with London and the South East reaching 91F (32.8C). However, thunderstorms hit parts of the North, with up to 1.5in of rain falling in just three hours. Met Office forecaster Becky Mitchell said: “It’s going to be dry and sunny, particularly in the South East, for the weekend. The North will be a little cloudier.” Meanwhile, it has been so hot that gran Millie Smith has grown bananas in her North London garden. Millie, 82, from Edmonton, said: “I was very excited.” And naked tombstoner Luke Harris, 24, was fined £250 for jumping into the sea at Ilfracombe, Devon. The Sun’s Amy Jones was in Badajoz, South West Spain yesterday — where her thermometer recorded a temperature of almost 122F (50C) in the sunshine. Official temperatures are taken in the shade. Amy said: “Stepping from our air-conditioned car, I’m almost immediately drenched in sweat. 24 The Sun's Amy Jones took a thermometer to Spain to test the heat Credit: Paul Edwards The Sun Hollie Foster and Millie Stibbs enjoy the sunshine 24 A holidaymaker applies sun cream during a heatwave in Lisbon Credit: Paul Edwards The Sun “The thermometer reads almost 50C and my skin prickles like I’m in a dry sauna. It’s utterly scorchio. “There’s no one to be seen and the streets are silent and empty. With the unbearable temperature it feels a bit like I’m in a post-apocalyptic movie. “A town usually buzzing with locals and tourists is empty as everyone cowers inside. “After just ten minutes exposed to the sunshine I was starting to feel woozy and ever so slightly delirious. 24 A man holds a bottle of water up to refresh himself in Toledo, Spain Credit: EPA A bikini-clad woman basks in the searing heat on a Lisbon beach 24 A sunbather makes the most of the weather in Hyde Park Credit: WENN “It was as though my brain was being gently cooked, and slowly, slowly, beginning to stop working properly. "There’s only one way to beat this heat — and that’s to stay out of it.” More than a million Brits could be caught up in the heatwave. That includes nearly 300,000 expats in Spain. The Association of British Travel Agents urged tourists to take greater care amid the heatwave. An Abta spokesman said: “Take a lead from the locals and avoid spending time in the sun during the hottest part of the day, drink lots of water and apply plenty of sun cream. 24 A man takes action to cool down in Valencia, Spain Credit: Reuters 24 Portugal and neighbouring Spain's southern coasts are set to turn into a furnace as hot African air blows northwards Credit: Alamy 24 Temperatures across Southern Spain are set to hit 48C this week as the European heatwave continues Credit: EPA “If you go to the beach, go early and when it feels like it’s getting too hot, leave — just as the locals do — and have a nice lunch in the shade. “They do this because they know how powerful the sun can get in the hottest part of the day and they do everything they can to avoid it.” 24 La Concha beach in Spain was packed on Friday Credit: AP:Associated Press Brits enjoy the warm Summer weather at Bournemouth beach In neighbouring Portugal, where almost 50,000 British expats live, nearly 11,000 volunteer firefighters, police and soldiers were ready to deal with wildfires. The country is desperate to prevent a repeat of last year’s devastating fires, which killed 114. 24 Wildfires took off in Portugal on Friday night Credit: EPA 24 Authorities in Portugal were well prepared and tried to immediately douse the fires Credit: EPA Elsewhere in Europe, France is expected to see highs of 104F (40C), with other Mediterranean areas close to 100F (37C). In Paris yesterday, Brit David Jones and his wife ignored “no bathing” signs outside the Louvre Museum to cool off in the fountains. He said: “We’re here for two days, so we’re going for it.” 24 A young girl freshens up in a fountain in Paris Credit: Reuters 24 Children in Paris splash about to escape the burn of the intense city heat Credit: Reuters In Switzerland, mountain railways reported booming business as city workers fled to the Alps to cool off. Swiss soldiers will also be allowed to wear shorts and T-shirts instead of their regular uniforms. Even Scandinavian countries are being affected. 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Simple thumb tests can reveal if you’re at risk of deadly heart problem 24 Albufeira beach in Portugal in Friday's blazing heat Credit: Rex Features Sweden has warned of a high risk of wildfires amid rising temperatures and strong winds. Officials at the country’s Civil Contingencies Agency are also warning of a “greater danger to life and health”. And in Finland’s capital Helsinki temperatures have soared well above the 66F (19C) average and hit 86F (30C). It was so hot that one supermarket invited 100 customers to spend a night in its air-conditioned aisles. 24 People enjoy a hot summer day in Helsinki Credit: Lehtikuva<doc-sep>	Portugal's weather agency said Friday that eight places in the center, south and east of the country experienced record-breaking local temperatures the previous day, as the Iberian peninsula bears the brunt of a heat wave across the European continent. Two people in neighboring Spain are reported to have died amid the heat, with climate scientists saying such periods of scorching temperatures in Europe have been made twice as likely by the effects of global warming caused by human activity. Temperature records broken The temperature reached 45.2 Celsius (113 Fahrenheit) near Abrantes, a town 159 km (99 miles) northeast of Lisbon Portugal's highest-ever recorded temperature was in 47.4 Celsius in 2003 The record for continental Europe is 48 Celsius in Greece in 1977 Forecasters say temperatures in Portugal are expected to peak at 47 Celsius in some places on Saturday Two men, a 40-year-old and a 78-year-old, have died this week in Spain, both after working outside Prolonged heat wave Many other European countries are also suffering unusually extended periods of very hot weather. The current heat wave in the Netherlands is the longest-ever recorded, while Sweden has experienced its hottest July in more than 250 years, accompanied by wildfires across the country. Germany has also been hit by hot weather, with fires breaking out in the national park of Saxon Switzerland in the eastern state of Saxony on Thursday evening. The drought is so bad in northern Germany that a kindergarten burned down in the far north after firefighters couldn't get enough water. No one has been killed or injured. Some 140 firefighters are involved in putting out the flames in Saxon Switzerland tj/kms (AP, 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.
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady detailed some of the. .. unique methods his wife employs to ensure the future Hall of Famer succeeds on the field during a charity event Thursday, according to WBZ-TV. Brady, who just won his sixth Super Bowl over the Los Angeles Rams, said his wife Gisele Bündchen, who has described herself as a "witch," has a series of rituals she performs at games. "She always makes a little altar for me at the game, because she just wills it so much," Brady said. "So she put together a little altar for me that I can bring with pictures of my kids, and I have these little special stones and healing stones and protection stones, and she has me wear this necklace, and take these drops she makes, and I say all these mantras, and I stopped questioning her a long time ago." The audience was laughing as Brady talked, seemingly unsure whether or not he was joking. But Brady wasn't finished. He went on to detail that he talks to his wife before the season or before games to see if she is predicting that the Patriots will win or not—and he claims she gets it right. "About four years ago we were playing the Seahawks and she said 'you better listen to me, this is your year, but this is all the things you're going to have to do to win,' and I did all those things and by God, you know, it worked," Brady said. Brady said Bündchen has told him he's lucky he married a "good witch." Watch the video below: (H/T The Daily Wire)<doc-sep>By Michael Hurley, CBS Boston BOSTON (CBS) — In this 24/7 world of sports media, there’s always someone out there dishing a hot take just to get attention. Generally, it requires a unique slant in order to really hit home. But leave it to an outsider to lob the hottest take of them all: Gisele Bundchen is a witch. And Tom Brady’s life is now doomed. That is, apparently, a sincere concern of Rick Wiles, a radio host and the founder of TruNews. Wiles caught wind of what Brady said — to a laughing crowd at Gillette headquarters last week — about his wife believing in some superstitious methods to help him to achieve great success on the football field. Wiles was appalled at what he heard, and his comments from his radio show were found by WEEI’s Mut & Callahan Show, and they were … they were something else. Here’s what Wiles had to say: “It’s obvious Tom Brady has no spiritual discernment at all. It’s obvious that he’s spiritually lost. He’s being led through life by a witch. He thinks it’s cute. He thinks it’s — pardon the pun — charming. And he thinks it works, because he keeps winning.” … “And he sleeps with her. He’s sleeping with a witch. There’s deep spiritual ramifications for that. He’s sleeping with a witch. His soul is defiled, because he’s having intimate relations with a witch. She’s a witch. She’s not just … somebody who has some goofy new-age ideas. She’s a witch.” That sound you just heard was Max Kellerman slapping himself on the forehead, bemoaning the fact that he didn’t think of this angle first. Rick actually did make an exceptional point during “The godcast”: “I was just thinking, last weekend in a humorous way, a local pastor in I don’t know what town it was jokingly quoted Daniel and said that the Super Bowl was a battle between a ram and a goat. K? So he was equating Tom Brady as the GOAT, K? Just think about what we now know.” Wow. That really was a remarkable point. Makes you think. Thank you, Rick. (The “godcast,” featuring Wiles and co-hosts Doc Burkhart and Kerry Kinsey, is the show where these comments came to light. The fellas were really broken up about this whole revelation. It’s a tough watch. Heart goes out to those guys.) Wiles joined Mut & Callahan to try to explain himself further. This hot take only burned brighter. “Yes there are witches, but they’re all bad. There’s no such thing as a good witch,” Wiles told the show. “These are people who practice sorcery or witchcraft by communing with demonic spirits. It’s as simple as that.” Wiles managed to get in a jab at Gillette, calling it a company that “despises masculine men” because of an a recent advertisement that urged men to fight back against sexual harassment, bullying, and violence. And he noted that Brady’s soul is now doomed forever — unless he repents and begs for forgiveness. “Everything that Mr. Brady described his wife doing is paganism, it is witchcraft,” Wiles told the show. “What he described was witchcraft, and he said, ‘My wife is a witch.’ His wife said, ‘You married a witch; you married a good witch.’ That’s witchcraft. She’s practicing witchcraft and Tom Brady is allowing it is in home.” Warning that all people have come into contact with witches, Wiles said he did not sense any sarcasm in Brady’s statement. Wiles said he’s just taking Brady at his word that sorcery and witchcraft is at the root of Brady’s most recent three Super Bowl wins. “It’s working in his life but it’s going to be a miserable [afterlife] when he dies,” Wiles said. “Hey, I’m just going by what he said.” As for that afterlife, Wiles noted that the only chance at salvation for Brady and Gisele is for them to repent, turn from their sin, and ask God for forgiveness. Otherwise … it’s the lake of fire for them both. “Witches will be assigned to the lake of fire. When they die, they’re going to spend eternity in the lake of fire with murderers, adulterers, liars. Witches are mentioned right there with murderers and adulterers and liars,” Wiles said. “It is an eternal damnation in the lake of fire. You don’t play games with witchcraft.” To reiterate: “The Bible says [those who practice] witchcraft will be in the lake of fire with murderers. You have to understand the seriousness of witchcraft.” While most people would hear such commentary and marvel at the lunacy of the message … Brady has to hope that nobody passes the story along to Roger Goodell. The commissioner’s suspended Brady for something that didn’t really exist before in order to try to achieve a competitive balance in the league, and there’s nothing stopping Goodell from dialing up Ted Wells and Exponent before promptly deciding to ban Brady for six games for witchcraft and sorcery. That would surely be unjust, but it would also be misguided. As everyone knows, if there’s any member of the Patriots who might be able to make magic out of nothing, or how to turn a roster devoid of All-Pros into a championship team, or how to continually defy the constructs of the NFL to prevent one team from sustaining success for five years — let alone two decades? We all know that’s not Tom Brady. That would be someone else … someone who wears a wizard’s hood in plain sight for all to see. Dear God. We just cracked this case wide open.<doc-sep>	Advertisement Tom Brady opens up about his superstitious wife Gisele, 'protection stones' Share Shares Copy Link Copy Six-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady spoke about how his wife Gisele Bundchen has used some unusual ways to keep luck on her husband's side.Brady opened up Thursday at the Gillette’s World Shaving Headquarters in South Boston, shedding his playoff scruff for the benefit of three nonprofits.While at Gillette, Brady faced several questions, including one asking him if he had any Super Bowl superstitions, or brought anything with him for luck. "I've learned a lot from my wife over the years," Brady said while laying down in a barber's chair. "She's about the power of intention, believing that things are really going to happen. "Brady said Bundchen put together a little altar for him that he could bring with pictures of his kids.He then went into a bit more detail about how elaborate Bundchen's superstitions are. "I have these little special stones, healing stones, protection stones and she has me wear a necklace, take these drops she makes, say all these mantras," he said to a captivated audience listening to the future NFL Hall of Famer. "I stopped questioning her a long time ago. I just shut up and listen," Brady said. "At first I was, 'This was kind of crazy,' but about four years ago, we were playing the Seahawks, and she said, 'You better listen to me, this is your year, but this is all the things you're going to have to do to win and I did all those things and my God, it worked," Brady said, laughing at the end. He said his supermodel wife's predictive powers also saw the trouble ahead the following season. "In 2015, it was about early January, and she said, 'You know how much I love you,' and I said 'yeah' and she said, 'I just wanna let you know, this is not going to be your year,' and of we lost," Brady recounted. "I said, 'what does 2016 look like?' and she said, '16 is going to be your year," he said. Brady said Bundchen predicted success for the team this season. "It was early January this year, and I said, 'I'm asking... do we have a chance?'" Brady recounted what Bundchen said: "Yeah, but you're going to have to do a lot of work and you're really going to have to listen to me. ""I listen to her. Right after the game, she said, 'See I did a lot of work. You do your work, I do mine! '"Brady finished the story recounting one last thing his wife said to him. "She said, 'You're lucky you married a witch, I'm just a good witch!'"
Luol Deng is set to become a free agent after he and the Lakers agreed to a buyout on the remaining two years of his contract. (AP Photo) Luol Deng has been set free. According to multiple reports, Deng and the Los Angeles Lakers have reached a buyout agreement on the remainder of his contract. Sources: The Los Angeles Lakers and forward Luol Deng are finalizing a contract buyout as part of waive-and-stretch provision. — Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 1, 2018 The Lakers signed Deng to a four year, $72 million contract in 2016. The stretch-and-waive allows them to free up more space by paying out the remaining $36.8 million on Deng’s contract over several years. The $18 million he’ll be paid for 2018-2019 is already committed, but since the Lakers chose to do the stretch-and-waive after Aug. 31, they will be able to stretch the remaining $18.8 million Deng is owed over the next three years. This move has a big impact for Deng. He’s now a free agent, which is great for him since things never quite clicked with the Lakers. But it also has serious implications for the Lakers’ future. The Lakers will pay Deng just $6.27M a year over the next three years, which will give them over $35 million in cap space for the 2019-20 season. That cap space gives them enough money to go after a big free agent to complement LeBron James, and they’ll definitely find one. Kawhi Leonard will be on the market, and so could Klay Thompson, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant and Jimmy Butler. Any one of those guys could help the Lakers in the future. – – – – – – Liz Roscher is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter at @lizroscher. More from Yahoo Sports: • Reports: Raiders agree to trade Mack to Bears • Yankees manager has epic meltdown • Serena overcomes ankle injury in match against Venus • Kevin Iole: Can Conor-Khabib sell 3 million PPVs?<doc-sep>Be afraid of the Los Angeles Lakers. Not only do they have Magic Johnson and LeBron James. But this front office is legit. Witness the Luol Deng buyout. As foreshadowed by the prescient Mark Deeks earlier this week, the Lakers indeed reached a buyout agreement with the veteran Deng that went into effect on September 1. They used the stretch provision to do it, shrinking the salary cap burden of the contract on an annual basis by extending the pain over a longer time period. That’s important, because it helps the Lakers in their quest to add another superstar free agent next summer. By buying out Deng with the stretch provision, the Lakers immediately enter the race for Kawhi Leonard or DeMarcus Cousins with no further moves necessary. But it gets even better. Pulling off this buyout with the stretch provision after August 31 allowed the Lakers to keep the cap hit for Deng’s 2018-19 salary full while stretching only salary due to him in 2019-20. That shrinks the dead cap on the Lakers’ books going forward substantially. The stretch provision allows you to waive the player and for salary cap purposes only charge the amount owed in equal installments over a term equal to twice plus one the years left on the deal. The Lakers owed Deng $36.8 million over two years thanks to the largesse of the team’s previous front office. Had the Lakers waived and used the stretch provision on August 31, L.A. would be carrying $7.36 million in dead cap space for five years, a huge burden. However, shrinking the Deng’s cap hit for 2019-20 would give the Lakers $35.8 million in cap space in the critical summer of 2019: enough for a max contract for a player with less than 10 years of service, like Leonard, Cousins, Jimmy Butler, Klay Thompson, or Kemba Walker. By waiting until September 1, Deng’s 2018-19 salary became fully committed, meaning the Lakers could only stretch his 2019-20 salary. This is fine, because there’s no reason for the Lakers to clear 2018-19 cap space now: all the players you’d use it on are signed! The other reason a team might use it — to minimize luxury tax payments — are irrelevant to the Lakers. By waiting, the Lakers would instead count $18 million of Deng’s contract against the 2018-19 sheet and carrying $6.27 million in dead cap space for three years. That’d get the Lakers’ 2019 cap space to $36.9 million — a little bit more cushion for signing a player with less than 10 years of service to a max contract. Those players are projected to sign for $32.7 million in starting salary next summer. But what about players with 10 or more years of service, like, say, Kevin Durant? Their projected max starting salary next year is $38.2 million. So stretching Deng over three years wouldn’t quite do the trick. There would need to be another move to make the space. Unless the Lakers convinced Deng to take a discount to get out of his contract. Which they did. ESPN reporting with @ramonashelburne: In buyout with Lakers, Luol Deng walked away from $7.5M on the $36.8M left on his contract. With waive and stretch provision, Lakers have cleared $38M in salary cap space in 2019 free agency. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 1, 2018 Deng agreed to give up $7.5 million off the $36.8 million owed to him. It’s not cap trickery: it’s real salary that Deng will relinquish just to free himself from the contract and join another team. That buyout discount — which is steeper than normal, as players aren’t usually willing to give up substantially amounts contractually owed to them for obvious reasons — is split over the two years even though Deng’s full salary will count against the cap this season. So the Lakers’ irrelevant Deng cap hit for 2018-19 becomes $14.3 million, and the amount to be stretched over the subsequent three years becomes $15 million, which becomes an annual dead cap weight of $5 million per year. A $7.5M buyout for Luol Deng would mean Lakers’ decision to waive-and-stretch him this early saved an extra $1.3M on his dead-money cap charge for 2019-20 (and the following two seasons), decreasing it to $5.0M. Lakers (pre-draft) cap room would, in turn, increase to $38.2M. — Albert Nahmad (@AlbertNahmad) September 1, 2018 Remember, Durant’s 2019-20 starting max salary is $38.2 million. The timing of the stretch provision down to the day, plus the buyout discount Deng agreed to down to the dollar, give the Lakers projected 2019-20 cap space of ... $38.2 million. Is Durant remotely interested in joining LeBron on the Lakers? No one knows. But on the chance that he is, the Lakers are ready to give him every dollar he deserves ... just like they were prepared to do for LeBron this summer. Preparation is the mother of success. The Lakers’ front office drew guffaws when it followed up the LeBron coup by signing Lance Stephenson, Michael Beasley, and JaVale McGee. No one should be laughing anymore. The Lakers are worth fearing again.<doc-sep>Ron Jenkins/Associated Press The Los Angeles Lakers are working on finalizing a buyout with Luol Deng through the stretch provision, Stadium's Shams Charania reported Saturday. At the time it was signed, Deng's four-year, $72 million contract with Los Angeles was a head-scratcher. The Lakers' 2016 offseason was even more puzzling when adding in the four-year, $64 million deal given to Timofey Mozgov. The team paid Deng and Mozgov $34 million to help win 26 games. Los Angeles found a taker for Mozgov's unwieldy contract when it traded him and D'Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets for Brook Lopez and the draft rights to Kyle Kuzma. One assumed it was only a matter of time before Deng joined Mozgov out the door. Lakers head coach Luke Walton made it clear he didn't envision the 32-year-old forward playing a big role for the team on the court. "We've talked," Walton said in October, per the Orange County Register's Bill Oram. "It's 82 games. There's a lot that's going to change, but for right now we've asked him to stay sharp, to keep working to stay ready for when he gets called on and continue mentoring our young players." Walton was true to his word, as Deng played just 13 minutes for the entire season. Video Play Button Videos you might like This move benefits all parties involved. Deng clearly had little value to a rebuilding team, and he was unlikely to significantly help the Lakers when they're in a better position to contend. Shedding even part of his contract also frees up much-needed salary-cap space for when Los Angeles wants to pursue a marquee free agent or two. Deng, meanwhile, has the luxury of selecting his next destination. He could chase his first NBA title on a contending team, or he could opt for a franchise where he's likely to have the most playing time. Deng averaged 10.3 points per 36 minutes and made a career-low 38.7 percent of his shots in 2016-17, according to Basketball Reference. His 30.9 percent clip on three-pointers was also a noticeable drop from the two years before (35.5 percent in 2014-15 and 34.4 percent in 2015-16). Still, the Lakers were 1.2 points better per 100 possessions with Deng on the floor two years ago, according to NBA.com. He remained a solid perimeter defender, holding opponents to 32.2 percent shooting on three-pointers and 35.5 percent on shots from more than 15 feet, per NBA.com. Although he's never going to be the player who reached back-to-back All-Star Games in 2012 and 2013, Deng is good enough to be a productive bench option for an NBA team.<doc-sep>	Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press Luol Deng's run with the Los Angeles Lakers is officially over. The veteran forward earned a staggering $17.2 million last year for what proved to be a single 13-minute stint in the season opener (call it $8.6 million per point scored). On Saturday, the Lakers officially set the 33-year-old free, waiving him despite another two years and $36.8 million left on his contract. According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne, Deng will give up $7.5 million to pursue other opportunities, dropping the figure to a still-expensive $29.3 million. It's important to understand the nuances, but big picture, the Lakers finally finished cleaning up their books enough to try to lure Kevin Durant to play with LeBron James in Los Angeles next summer. Finally, the mistakes of 2016—notably the two significant investments in Timofey Mozgov and Deng—are history. The moves led to the firings of Jim Buss (still a part owner of the franchise) and Mitch Kupchak. Now, only Brandon Ingram and Ivica Zubac remain from the previous regime. Video Play Button Videos you might like The natural question of the Deng move is, "Why now?" The answer lies in the NBA's rules on the stretch provision. The deadline to waive and stretch Deng for the 2018-19 season was Aug. 31. Had the Lakers cut him one day earlier, his full $29.3 million would have been paid out over five seasons at $5.9 million per year. Instead, Deng's full salary, an estimated $14.3 million after applying $3.7 million of the buyout, will stay on the Lakers' books for the year. Los Angeles was already over the league's $101.9 million salary cap; shedding Deng doesn't change that. It's Deng's second year, reduced to $15 million, that will stretch over three seasons through 2021-22 at $5 million per season. By waiting until September, the Lakers took the brunt of Deng's salary on this year's books while trimming $13.8 million from next summer's payroll. The sacrifice is $5 million in lost spending power for the following two seasons, but that shouldn't be a significant factor. If the team lands a second star next summer as it hopes, the Lakers won't have to worry about protecting cap room for several years. After snagging James—the biggest free-agent acquisition by any franchise this summer—executives Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Rob Pelinka quickly committed one-year contracts to Rajon Rondo, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Michael Beasley, JaVale McGee and Lance Stephenson. The quest for a big-name partner for James will probably have to wait until the summer of 2019. While waiting, the team hopes one or more of its young prospects like Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma and Ingram step into that role. John Locher/Associated Press Based on the NBA's current $109 million cap projection for 2019-20, Durant (the most expensive at $38 million) headlines the list of potential free agents. He may not leave the Golden State Warriors, but if he is interested, the Lakers will have just enough to pay him. With a roster of eight players next July—Josh Hart, Moritz Wagner, Svi Mykhailiuk, Isaac Bonga, James, Ingram, Ball and Kuzma—the Lakers project to have $38.2 million in cap space. To get to that figure, the Lakers would have to renounce the free-agent rights to everyone else on the roster. The team's 2019 first-round pick would shrink that number by $1 million to $2.4 million, assuming L.A. makes the playoffs, but that's a much smaller obstacle than Deng's salary. If needed, the Lakers can trade down or out of the draft, or they can select a player who is committed to playing overseas for a year. The price for the other high-level potential free agents such as Kawhi Leonard, Klay Thompson, DeMarcus Cousins, Jimmy Butler, Kemba Walker and Kyrie Irving will be nearly $33 million next year, giving the Lakers up to another $5 million to play with. Eric Gay/Associated Press/Associated Press Regardless, Deng had to go for the Lakers to afford a second star. The team could have waited, but a $7.5 million reimbursement is something. It cost losing Deng as a trade asset, but in real-world terms, he was a trade liability. The Lakers knew the market well, and the cost would have undoubtedly been prohibitive. Why deal Ingram, Kuzma or Hart when you can just pay Deng to go away? Los Angeles has drafted well in recent years, and the franchise is better off using its picks for roster depth.
Amy J. Vellucci Knoxville News Sentinel Had enough of the rain, East Tennessee? Well, prepare for more. Heavy rains are forecast for Sunday through Thursday across much of East Tennessee, with flooding and flash flooding possible mid-week, according to the National Weather Service. Fortunately, Knox and Sevier counties may see fewer drivers on the roads for the next several days, as schools are closed through Wednesday due to illness. Campbell County Schools are closed Monday for widespread sickness as well. Additionally, Monday is Presidents Day, so some may have the day off work. Showers and downpours through Sunday night are expected across East Tennessee, far Southwest North Carolina and Southwest Virginia, with 1 to 1 1/2 inches possible across the southern Tennessee Valley and the Great Smoky Mountains. But Tuesday night through Thursday will see the worst of it. "Due to the saturation of the ground from previous rain events, most of the rainfall is expected to result in excessive runoff with some areas of localized flooding possible. Stream flooding, roadway flooding, ponding of low-level areas and potential mud slides are all possible," according to the NWS website. Heavy rain, flooding late Tuesday-Thursday Lots of rain and possible thunderstorms are expected to hit Southeast Tennessee and Southwest North Carolina beginning late in the afternoon Tuesday. Periods of heavy rain will spread across the rest of East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia Tuesday night and continue through Thursday, according to the NWS. The heaviest rains are expected to fall across the Plateau, central and southern sections of East Tennessee, and Southwest North Carolina where 5 to 7 inches are possible. Across Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee, 2 to 4 inches of rainfall is possible. Record-breaking rainfall has plagued parts of East Tennessee over the past few days, especially around the Chattanooga area. "Since the ground is already saturated and streams are high, any additional heavy rainfall will likely cause flash flooding. Major river flooding is also a concern for mid to late next week," according to the NWS. In recent weeks, heavy rains led to landslides that added to headaches for drivers in Hancock and Anderson counties. A gaping, non-traversable hole in State Road 66 straddled the Hancock/Hawkins County line, creating a new, longer commute to get around the wreckage. It has since been repaired. Elsewhere, State Road 116 in Anderson County also experienced a slide a few weeks ago, with portions of the road breaking and falling away, also attributed to the heavy rains. This story is being provided free to all readers as a public service by the News Sentinel. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing.<doc-sep>Natalie Allison Nashville Tennessean After days of record-setting February rainfall, it was a mostly sunny Sunday in the Nashville area. Recent rainfall brought the month's total to 13.5 inches, a new record for February that surpassed the previous record set in 1880. It's also the seventh-wettest month on record in the city. Nearly 3 inches of rain fell in Nashville on Friday and Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. Rain is in the forecast for Middle Tennessee during the latter half of the week into next weekend, though NWS meteorologists say a few days of dry weather mean it's unlikely there will be additional flooding. Deaths reported around Tennessee since heavy rains began earlier this month While there were scattered reports of water rescues at homes and from cars, no fatalities were reported over the weekend in Middle Tennessee as a result of the flooding. A man was killed in Knoxville early Sunday when his car was submerged in floodwater. In Chattanooga, a police officer was inspecting a manhole cover Saturday night when a vehicle fatally struck him and fled the scene. Earlier this month, two other individuals died as a result of heavy rains and flooding that began Feb. 6, including a woman who was swept away by floodwaters in Cheatham County and a man killed in a mudslide in Hawkins County, TEMA reported. "It appears most of the flooding involved roads and generally minor property damage and not destroyed homes," said NWS meteorologist Sam Herron of the weekend's rain. "That’s really been the good news here." Gov. Bill Lee, who declared a state of emergency in Tennessee on Saturday and returned early from a National Governor's Association event in Washington, will survey damage on Monday with the Department of Military, according to his office. The state of emergency remains in effect, and Lee may return Sunday to the state emergency operations center at TEMA headquarters in Nashville, as he did on Saturday night. Across the state, 13 counties have declared local states of emergency, including Cheatham and Maury counties in Middle Tennessee. At flooded RV park, 'today's a work day' Rainfall also displaced weekend residents at the Grand Ole RV Resort and Market in Goodlettsville on Saturday night, where a surge of flash flooding sent residents fleeing as water rose to waist level. On Sunday morning, campers were taking stock of their belongings. “Today’s a work day,” said Stephen Brown, who was cleaning out the compartments on the bottom of his RV while his dog Buddy sat nearby. The mood was calm, a far cry from a chaotic Saturday night. The water had subsided, leaving a pasty layer of mud over the gravel throughout the property. “The water came up so fast a lot of us couldn’t get out in time,” Brown said. “Hard to believe it’s all gone.” At the main office of the RV park, residents streamed in to drink coffee and compare notes. One woman said she thought her RV was totaled. Others said they hadn’t seen much damage. Owner Tommy Cunningham, who was frying eggs and bacon in the kitchen, said he was having new gravel brought in and expected residents who had left to stream back in throughout the day. “We’ve flooded before, but this is the worst it’s ever been,” Cunningham said. “When it comes as fast as it did last night, it catches you off guard.” Army Corps of Engineers release water from Cumberland Lake On Sunday, the Cumberland River in downtown Nashville was below the moderate flood stage level of 42 feet — lower than the NWS initially predicted — though water being released from high rivers and lakes upstream will continue to move down in the coming days, Herron said. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are working this weekend to release water from the Cumberland Lake in Kentucky at Wolf Creek Dam to alleviate high water levels. "The Cumberland River is going to maintain a very high level for several days because of all the water coming in from various sources," Herron said. While most of the flash flooding had subsided Sunday morning, wind gusts of up to 45 miles per hour were being measured in Nashville. No flood damage had been reported to structures along the Harpeth River in Williamson County. In Maury County, several roads were flooded along the Duck River, though Columbia Fire Chief Ty Cobb said the department was calling off evacuations after knocking on more than 115 doors and assisting 15 residents overnight along the river. Several buildings were flooded in Columbia along the Duck, but Cobb said he felt as if the worst was over. Cobb said he expected some roads to remain closed for several days due to the high water level. Crews rescue families from homes, though major flooding not widespread The heaviest rainfall in recent days has been southwest of Nashville, particularly in areas around Columbia, Lawrenceburg and Waynesboro, where some places received more than 6 inches of rain on Friday and Saturday. In Giles County, a woman, three children and several dogs were rescued Saturday from a home in the Prospect community, NWS reported. A water rescue in Coffee County allowed officials to remove an elderly couple from their home, while crews in Davidson County had to rescue someone unable to come to shore while on a house boat at Four Corners Marina. Multiple people trapped in cars were pulled out of water Saturday in the Murfreesboro area. Across Nashville, the fire department responded to at least 60 water rescue calls Saturday evening, though none involved serious injuries. Mudslide closes portion of Interstate 24 in Nashville for a week The rainfall caused a landslide overnight Saturday on Interstate 24 near the Whites Creek area north of Nashville, prompting a portion of the eastbound interstate to close for at least the next week, according to the Tennessee Department of Transportation. As geotechnical engineers began to assess the situation Sunday, TDOT officials reported that contractors working around the clock would need at least a week to secure the area and clear the interstate. Cindy Fleenor, of Clarksville, was among those forced to take a detour as she was traveling along I-24 headed to Chattanooga for an overnight trip with a friend. "Now we are just going to Nashville," she said Sunday morning from the parking lot of a gas station near the I-24 detour. "It was crawling most of the way. I expect it will be this way all day.” Evacuations, water outage reported elsewhere Meanwhile, an American Red Cross shelter that opened Saturday at McGavock High School closed Sunday morning, according to the Nashville Office of Emergency Management. The Metro Nashville Police Department had urged residents in the Pennington Bend Road, Opryland and Miami Avenue neighborhood and those at the KOA Campground an Old Hickory areas to evacuate Saturday evening before water levels rose. In Murfreesboro, flooding made a number of roads impassable. Water had entered homes around the Steelson Way and Royal Glen Boulevard area in Murfreesboro on Saturday, according to the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office. Residents in the Dickson County town of Vanleer are under a water boil advisory due to several underground water main breaks over the weekend, according to county emergency management director Rob Fisher. Fisher said water from the system might not be usable for three to four days. TEMA estimates 200 residents are without water. Staff with the Dickson County Emergency Management Agency and other Vanleer volunteers are handing out bottled water Sunday at the Vanleer Fire Department. This is a developing story. Check back for more information. Adam Tamburin, Jason Gonzales, Stephanie Ingersoll and Mariah Timms contributed to this story. Reach Natalie Allison at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter at @natalie_allison. This story is being provided free to all readers as a public service by the Tennessean. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing.<doc-sep>	Following a rainy and dreary Sunday, Nashville woke up to dry skies Monday morning. But the stint isn't expected to last long, the National Weather Service in Nashville is predicting. Although a high of 43 degrees and clear skies are anticipated during the day, a round of heavy rain will move into Middle Tennessee Tuesday afternoon and continue off and on through early Thursday, the NWS reported. "Rainfall amounts from Tuesday through Thursday are forecast to reach 2-4", which could easily cause flooding," NWS tweeted. Nashville Mayor David Briley on Sunday afternoon urged residents to exercise caution ahead of the rainy weather. The city is working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Office of Emergency Management and Metro Water Services to monitor the expected rainfall and its impact on area rivers, creeks and other waterways. “Today, I convened a call with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Metro Water Services so that we are best prepared for the week ahead,” Briley said in a statement Sunday. “I want the residents of our city to know that we are taking this situation very seriously. It is imperative that everyone be careful as we move through this week and stay updated on any weather developments.” In his statement, Briley said: The Corps of Engineers is monitoring the forecast and will be proactive in how it manages the Cumberland River reservoir system to lessen flooding concerns. Weighing the need to recover storage upstream with the risk of releasing water into the river below dams is a "carefully calculated decision made by the Corps," the mayor's office said. The city's Office of Emergency Management will have swift water rescue crews and volunteers available to respond and will work closely with Metro Water Services and Metro Public Works to respond to any flooding. Metro water crews will focus on clearing debris from storm drains in known flooding areas. The mayor urged residents to help by making sure their property is clear of debris and yard waste and by checking nearby storm drains and removing any trash or debris on the top of grates. To report problems, residents should call 615-862-4600. The weather pattern will continue to affect Middle Tennessee over the next week, with repetitive rounds of rain and thunderstorms expected almost every day. Additional heavy rain is also anticipated for next weekend. Several more rounds of heavy rain totaling up to 4 inches are forecast from Friday through Sunday. The latest forecast rainfall totals over the next seven days range from 4 inches over northwest Middle Tennessee to more than 9 inches in southeast Middle Tennessee. Over the next week Nashville could see nearly 7 inches of rain, forecasters say. Clarksville could see more than 6 inches, Cookeville could see nearly 7.5 inches and Lawrence County could get more than 8.5 inches. "The anticipated rain coupled with the unusually wet start to the year and already saturated ground, will likely lead to flooding along area rivers, creeks, and streams, as well as some roadways, low lying areas, and other poor drainage locations," NWS wrote in a statement. "Residents throughout Middle Tennessee should continue to closely monitor the potential heavy rainfall and flooding this week." Through Saturday, Nashville had received 6.83 inches of rainfall this month. The most rain the city has received in February was 12.37 inches in 1880, followed by 10.95 inches in 1820. Last year comes in third place with 10.91 inches of rain in February. "At the rate we're going now, we have a chance of breaking the all-time record for February," said Mark Richards, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Nashville. Reach Natalie Neysa Alund at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter @nataliealund. This story is being provided free to all readers as a public service by The Tennessean. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing.
UPDATE: Adventurers killed in Shannon Falls tragedy shared joys of travel online One of the three hikers who died Tuesday in the waters of B.C. 's Shannon Falls has been identified as a social media personality known for often-daring travel videos. Rob Mangelsdorf told CBC News that his cousin, 30-year-old Ryker Gamble, was among those who died in an incident at a provincial park 60 kilometres north of Vancouver. An RCMP spokesperson said the families of the other two deceased requested they not be publicly identified at this time. This RCMP helicopter was part of a recovery effort Wednesday for the bodies of Ryker Gamble and two others. (CBC) High-octane travel videos Gamble, born in Richmond and living in Vancouver, was one of several people in a popular YouTube travel vlog called High On Life. The videos saw him and others perform high-octane stunts in exotic locations in B.C. and around the world. The videos earned the High On Life crew hundreds of thousands of subscribers, and tributes poured in to Gamble's Instagram account Wednesday. Charged for 2016 incident Gamble was among a group of young men who earned international headlines in 2016 after being charged by authorities in Wyoming with misdemeanours for walking off a boardwalk in Yellowstone National Park to get closer to the landmark's iconic Grand Prismatic Spring. Gamble and another man were sentenced to seven days each in prison after returning to Wyoming to face justice. The High On Life crew ran afoul of the law for wandering off the pathway to see the Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park in 2016. (Jill Thompson/YouTube) "We acted in a way that doesn't reflect our respect for the environment we were trying to capture," Gamble told CBC News at the time. "It was the wrong decision to make." In recent years, he also worked as an instructor in a business that aims to teach people how to build a popular account on Instagram. Bodies recovered Wednesday Crews recovered the bodies of Gamble and two other hikers from Shannon Falls Wednesday afternoon. All three bodies have now been recovered at #ShannonFalls. RCMP and SAR will now be making their way out now via helicopter. SAR tells me it's been a long two days for members and they will have counselling available. —@anitabathe Teams spent the afternoon looking for them before their bodies were discovered Tuesday night in a steep section that is very challenging to access. "At around 8:30 p.m. last night, teams were able to confirm the location of the three people in one of the lower pools," said a statement released by the RCMP on Wednesday morning. RCMP said they were able to confirm the location using cameras and a crew member who managed to reach the pool. 'Extremely dangerous spot' The bodies were in the third of a series of pools at the top of the falls that can only be accessed by ropes. Shannon Falls is located about 60 kilometres north of Vancouver. (CBC News) RCMP called in a swift water rescue team and an underwater recovery team, the RCMP said. "The terrain is extremely difficult, very dangerous, and the water flow will be heavy with the warm temperatures today increasing the risk to those in the recovery effort," Cpl. Sascha Banks said before the bodies were recovered. Woman slipped into water Accounts of what happened to the three people vary slightly. Squamish RCMP said they received a call from BC Ambulance just before noon Tuesday regarding three people who were swimming in one of the pools at the top of the falls. The individuals, who were part of a group of seven friends, were walking along the edge of the falls when they slipped and fell into a pool 30 metres below, paramedics told Banks. Shannon Falls Provincial Park is about two kilometres south of Squamish, on the Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler. (Shutterstock) On Tuesday John Willcox, a manager with Squamish Search and Rescue, said witnesses reported one woman was standing at the edge of the water at the top of the falls when she slipped and fell into the strong current. Her boyfriend and another hiker jumped in to try to save her but they were all swept over the edge, Willcox said. "The other friends said that they saw the three people go over, out of view from the one pool they were at," he said. The three victims have been identified and RCMP have confirmed they are all from B.C. and in their late 20s and early 30s. Gondola increases tourism According to the provincial parks service, the falls are 335 metres at their highest point. They are located in Shannon Falls Provincial Park, which is a popular hiking spot near Squamish on the Sea-to-Sky Highway. The area is accessible from the Sea-to-Sky Gondola and by hiking trails in the provincial park, but Sascha said the area can be dangerous. "Unless you have knowledge and the right equipment you should not be up there," she said. Willcox said he's never heard of someone being swept over the falls, but there have been previous incidents where people and dogs had to be rescued after falling on the slippery rocks. "The Sea to Sky Gondola has certainly brought a lot of tourism to Squamish ... but along with that comes some pretty serious terrain," said Willcox. Squamish Mayor Patricia Heintzman said in an interview she hoped the increasing numbers of people visiting the backcountry would come prepared. "I don't want to get the impression that this is a disaster waiting to happen every time someone hikes up there," she told On The Coast host Gloria Macarenko. "Obviously as you invite more people into the backcountry just by nature of numbers you're going to have more situations where this type of thing may happen." Officials have closed the trails around the top of the waterfall until further notice. Rescue crews search for three missing people at Shannon Falls on Tuesday: Search and rescue teams scour Shannon Falls CBC News BC 0:48 A search is underway for three people who fell into the waters of the Squamish-area park. 0:48 Read more from CBC British Columbia<doc-sep>They were three people who lived their lives online, sharing the thrills of world travel with an army of followers on social media. But on Tuesday, those well-documented lives ended when all three were killed in an accident at Shannon Falls near Squamish, B.C. The trio of young people have been identified as Ryker Gamble and, according to reports, Alexey Lyakh and Megan Scraper. Gamble's death was confirmed by his family. The families of Lyakh and Scraper have not commented. All three were from the Vancouver area. In one of his last Instagram posts, Vancouver-based Gamble spoke about the lessons of the past year and the joys of a life spent exploring the world with his childhood friends. He was only 30, but he still spoke about the things we can all learn from "our younger selves." "Life isn't about responsibilities, tough decisions and hard work, it's about feeling bliss and living in the moment," he wrote. "My plan is to not [stifle] the kid in me ... the kid that wants to do weird and wacky things." Gamble, Lyakh and Scraper's deaths will inevitably cast a spotlight on the sometimes uneasy relationship between social media and lovers of outdoor adventure. Witnesses reported seeing Scraper slip and fall from the rocks at the top of the falls, into the strong current. The two men apparently jumped in the water to try to save her. The area is accessible from the Sea-to-Sky gondola and by hiking trails in Shannon Falls Provincial Park, but search and rescue officials say it can be dangerous. Shannon Falls Provincial Park is about two kilometres south of Squamish along the Sea to Sky Highway. (Shutterstock) Locals have complained that the area is being visited by people unprepared for the dangerous terrain. Those concerns have been echoed in other parts of the province by hikers and wilderness enthusiasts who are increasingly seeing their private spots invaded by tourists in search of sites they've seen on Instagram. Gamble and Lyakh first earned headlines locally through High On Life, a YouTube channel and business they started with two childhood friends. Together, the four young men built a significant online following based on a passion for world travel and adventure. They filmed themselves wearing costumes, doing acrobatics and posing with each other while inviting their fans to join in the fun. But they also wound up making international headlines on a U.S. road trip after authorities in Wyoming accused them of disrespecting Yellowstone Park by wandering off a boardwalk to film themselves next to the iconic Grand Prismatic Spring. Three members of the High on Life crew were charged with a misdemeanour, but had already returned to Canada by the time the news hit. The allegations sparked a global backlash as people went online to comb their social media channels for evidence of more infractions. Tips sent from the public resulted in tickets for violating the rules in Death Valley, Zion National Park, Mesa Verde and the Bonneville Salt Flats. Gamble and Lyakh returned to a Wyoming courtroom, where they were each sentenced to seven days in prison. At the time, Yellowstone's park superintendent, Dan Wenk, said the jail time was intended to send a "strong and poignant message" about safety. "We implore all visitors to learn about the rules in Yellowstone, respect the rules and follow them," Wenk said. Lyakh, who was from Richmond, also posted numerous shots of B.C. 's natural beauty on Instagram in the days before his death, and of his travels with Scraper, a former field hockey star who worked as a social media consultant. In one entry, posted less than a month ago, he spoke about struggling with the desire to go exploring back in Canada. "It's something that comes so naturally when travelling," he wrote. "But here I tend to take my surroundings for granted." He said he spent the following day looking up a list of places he planned to visit in B.C. and Alberta this summer. West Vancouver native Scraper spoke of her relationship with Lyakh in a Facebook video earlier this year, talking about how they travelled the world together, getting paid to stay at luxury resorts in exchange for social media content. "It barely felt like work, because we were doing exactly what we loved to do," she said. Scraper said she found her calling in social media after quitting an unsatisfying job and travelling the world. She described the experience in the short e-book Not Cut Out for the 9-5. Her friend Sunny Lenarduzzi described Scraper, who went by the name "Mindy the Lion" online, as an inspiration. "I always had such a mad amount of respect for how great she was at what she did," Lenarduzzi said. "The thing with Mindy is that she lived such a full life. If there's any solace in this, it's that she did more than most people do by 80 in her short time here on Earth." Read more from CBC British Columbia<doc-sep>Share this Story: 'They wanted everyone to live their best lives': Friends, family share tributes to three killed in Shannon Falls 'They wanted everyone to live their best lives': Friends, family share tributes to three killed in Shannon Falls Photo by Submitted / PNG Article content Rose Huet woke up to the tragic news of her friends’ deaths on Thursday morning, local time, in Spain. A friend had messaged her on Facebook informing her that Ryker Gamble, 30, and Alexey Lyakh, two of her high school classmates, along with Megan Scraper, someone she had recently collaborated with on a project, had died in a devastating accident this week at Shannon Falls south of Squamish. We apologize, but this video has failed to load. tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or 'They wanted everyone to live their best lives': Friends, family share tributes to three killed in Shannon Falls Back to video “It was immediate sadness,” Huet said. “I was always so impressed with how they wanted to live their life to the fullest.” Like thousands of others, Huet was familiar with the travel vlogging her high school friends were doing, which enabled them to visit Europe, South America and Southeast Asia — something she always dreamed of doing. “I always wanted to travel, but I was always a little scared to actually do it,” she said from a hostel in Spain. On Friday, the social media group that Lyakh, Scraper, and Gamble’s belonged to called High on Life posted a video on YouTube, saying they will continue to promote their friends’ goal of living life to the fullest. Advertisement Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content We apologize, but this video has failed to load. tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or In May, with their encouragement, Huet decided to live out what she had long hoped to do, and has since been travelling to a number of destinations. It was their mentality of “living life to its fullest” that brought her there. The sudden news of their passing made her reflect on their time at Hugh McRoberts Secondary School in Richmond amid years of life apart. “Not only were they everyone’s friend, but they were genuinely nice guys to their core and made a point of including everyone. They wanted everyone to live their best lives, even back then,” Huet said. “There wasn’t anybody that was excluded; high school can be cliquey, but not with them.” Photo by FACEBOOK / PNG In December 2017, a project in partnership with a local magazine brought Huet to collaborate with Megan Scraper as well. As an owner of her own social media marketing business, Scraper was lovely and helpful and strongly motivated, she said. “When I found out (Megan and Alexey) were going out, I thought it couldn’t have been more perfect that they were together,” Huet said. The couple had recently celebrated five years together. On Tuesday, when the three were walking along the edge of a pool system above Shannon Falls, Scraper slipped — and as Lyakh and Gamble went to help, they fell as well. Photo by Francis Georgian / PNG Rob Mangelsdorf, Gamble’s cousin, said Gamble lived an adventurous life travelling the world, but will ultimately be remembered for attempting to help his best friend before he died. Advertisement Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content “Even in his final act on this Earth he was trying to save the life of his very best friend,” Mangelsdorf said. “He’d known (his friend) his whole life, since they were little, little kids. They were inseparable, absolutely inseparable their whole lives.” Mangelsdorf said a fourth friend who was on that hike and saw what happened notified Gamble’s mother of the tragic news. “My understanding is they just went for a hike, they weren’t doing anything silly,” Mangelsdorf said. Photo by Francis Georgian / PNG Gamble did a prolific amount of volunteer work that included training youth at a Vancouver boxing facility and helping to raise money for orphaned children. As the families try to cope with the deaths, tributes and messages from friends, followers and travel vloggers alike continue to pour into social media. “All three had a fearlessness about them in the pursuit of their own happiness, and an inclusiveness about them that said, ‘hey you! I see you! Adventure is waiting for you. Go out there in the world and get yours.” — With a file from The Canadian Press [email protected] Share this article in your social network Latest National Stories Advertisement Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Vancouver Sun Headline News Sign up to receive daily headline news from the Vancouver Sun, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. Email Address There was an error, please provide a valid email address. By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. You may unsubscribe any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of our emails. Postmedia Network Inc. \| 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4 \| 416-383-2300 Thanks for signing up! A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it please check your junk folder. The next issue of Vancouver Sun Headline News will soon be in your inbox. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again Trending<doc-sep>	Share this Story: Three video bloggers dead after accident at Shannon Falls Three video bloggers dead after accident at Shannon Falls Photo by Facebook Article content Members of a popular YouTube travel blogging collective are among the three people who died after being swept into one of the pools at Shannon Falls in Squamish Tuesday. Family members of Ryker Gamble confirmed his passing to Postmedia in a statement. Friends and social media posts identified Alexey Lyakh and Megan Scraper as the others killed. The trio were all in their late 20s and early 30s. We apologize, but this video has failed to load. tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Three video bloggers dead after accident at Shannon Falls Back to video Gamble was part of a travel vlogging group known as High on Life SundayFundayz that counted more than a million followers on Instagram alone. The group aimed to inspire those watching to “embrace all of life’s opportunities with a positive outlook and energy.” Photo by Submitted / PNG Messages of condolences and tributes poured in online from friends, family and followers. “The world has lost a great human being with the passing of Ryker Gamble. Your bright personality will be greatly missed,” one person wrote on Facebook. Article content “May you have many adventures where you are now,” another wrote. Photo by Facebook The adventure group’s core members were a trio consisting of Gamble, Lyakh and a third surviving friend. They began making videos in high school and maintained their friendships despite attending separate universities. Their lifelong bond eventually rose to success when they began travelling and compiling footage of their adventures, posting it for millions of viewers. Gamble, Lyakh and another group member, Justis Price Brown, made headlines in 2016 and earned bans from U.S. federal lands after they participated in an out-of-bounds excursion on a sensitive hot spring in Yellowstone National Park. They were ordered to pay fines and served a week in jail. Photo by Jenelle Schneider / PROVINCE Scraper, Lyakh’s girlfriend, launched her own social media marketing business that came with travelling around the world. A post last month showed Scraper and Lyakh celebrating five years together. On Tuesday, the three had hiked up Shannon Falls and went into one of the pool systems to swim. When Scraper slipped and fell, Lyakh and Gamble attempted to save her but were all also swept away into a pool system 30 metres below A delicate search and rescue operation stretching into two days turned into a recovery mission. Wednesday evening, Squamish RCMP confirmed that emergency crews made an aerial drop into the steep mountainside area with rope access, and recovered the bodies. “Currently all teams are being cleared from the area until then the park remains closed. I can’t say enough about the incredible skilled work done today by the RCMP teams along with Squamish SAR,” said Cpl. Sascha Banks in a statement. Article content Heavy water flow and an extremely difficult terrain were a challenge for the crew involved in the efforts. Shannon Falls runs through a number of pool systems, and the one which the three had gone into was accessible, Banks said. “There’s some accessible trails from the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola as well as you can hike up the sides of Shannon Falls to get to that area,” she said. “It looks beautiful, it’s a sunny day, but given the extensive water flow that comes off the mountains, and the number of incidents that we’ve had in the Squamish area lately, people just need to be prepared.” Photo by Francis Georgian / PNG Since the Sea to Sky Gondola opened in 2014, the location has been gaining popularity from both locals and tourists. But in light of this tragedy, the RCMP and Squamish SAR are reminding the public that the pool systems and hard to reach areas can pose a serious risk. “Unless you have the knowledge of that area, the expertise and the right equipment you should not be up there,” Banks said. John Willcox of Squamish SAR, said they have responded to a number of accidents in the pools, though adds that this is the first fatality he has responded to. “We’ve had a number of dogs that have gone into the water, and people that have slipped into the water as well. Fortunately in the past they have been able to be rescued,” Willcox said.
Head of the Palestinian Liberation Organization Saeb Erekat on Thursday slammed the Israeli prime minister’s United Nations speech, saying it “blames the victim”. Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday lashed out at the Palestinian leadership at the UN General Assembly for saying the controversial Nation-State law is racist. Erekat: Netanyahu’s Speech Blames the Victim; U.S. Has Closed the Door to Peace https://t.co/UfmpHeZZTD pic.twitter.com/uiUerUkl6A — IMEMC News (@imemcnews) September 28, 2018 After Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Israel’s nation-state bill will nullify the two-state solution, Netanyahu commented: “President Abbas, you proudly pay Palestinian terrorists who murder Jews. In fact, the more they slay, the more you pay. That’s in their law too. And you condemn Israel’s morality? You call Israel racist?” He added: “This is not the way to peace. This is not the way to achieve the peace we all want and need and to which Israel remains committed. This body should not be applauding the head of a regime that pays terrorists. The UN should condemn such a despicable policy.” Erekat in his response scolded Netanyahu, accusing him of “victimizing the criminal” and denying Palestinians their right to exist. In a forty-minute speech addressing the United Nations General Assembly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed the presence of another undeclared Iranian nuclear site, and blasted Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas for hypocrisy. https://t.co/UOJQ50sZFQ pic.twitter.com/52NbOr22Pk — The Tower (@TheTowerDotOrg) September 27, 2018 According to Palestinian Authority news agency WAFA, Erekat said: “Netanyahu’s speech is a combination of old and well-known talking points that conclude on victimizing the criminal and blaming the victim … His speech further exposes Israel’s systematic denial of our right to exist, to live in freedom and to celebrate our national identity.” He added: “Despite the oppression, racism and daily violence, the proud and resilient people of Palestine will continue to remain steadfast and to believe in the achievement of our inalienable rights, to live in freedom and in dignity. For the Israeli government, not only are the issues of Jerusalem and the Palestinian refugees off the table, but also Palestine’s very existence.” Israeli defence chief says Palestinian state 'simply doesn't interest' him ahead of Abbas, Netanyahu speeches at United Nations General Assembly https://t.co/rsnBWy0RP0 pic.twitter.com/T7BNAMITzP — Al Jazeera News (@AJENews) September 27, 2018 The nation-state law passed in July declared Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people, provoking fears it could lead to blatant discrimination against Arab citizens. (Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, PC, Social Media)<doc-sep>Placard after placard, aerial photo after aerial photo, sensational revelation ahead of dramatic expose – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech Thursday at the United Nations was one of his most professional, persuasive and effective appearances. Well equipped with Israeli intelligence achievements, he formulated a precise and credible indictment against Iran and its proxies in the Middle East. >>FULL TEXT: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's 2018 UN General Assembly speech Netanyahu has apparently fallen in love with the effect he had with his document and CD show in the Prime Minister’s Office in May. He makes public use of the Mossad’s achievements more than any other prime minister in recent history. This has political significance, of course: in the collective imagination, the prime minister is seen as the person without which this would not have happened. And indeed, Israeli intelligence has chalked up considerable achievements in the past. Previous prime ministers did not run to the UN General Assembly waving these secret materials like a cheerleader waving pompoms. >> Abbas' UN address: A speech laced with helplessness and lack of strategy \| Analysis ■ The two words Netanyahu is afraid to repeat out loud \| Analysis ■ Netanyahu backs future Palestinian state, reigniting the leftist’s dilemma \| Analysis Israelis watching Netanyahu certainly did so with mixed feelings. On the one hand, they appreciated his phenomenal skills as a presenter on an international level of the Israeli case. On the other, fear crept into the hearts of some: Where is all this good, in the bad sense, leading us, if not to all-out war in the north? Netanyahu could not have been clearer in his threats against Hezbollah, which is hiding facilities to upgrade precision missiles within spitting distance of Beirut International Airport. “We won’t let them get away with it.” He will have to make good on the check he waved publicly. An attack on these facilities will certainly lead to a response that could develop into an all-out conflict. Netanyahu’s speech was 40 minutes long. Most of it was devoted to Iran. The evidence that indicates the presence of a nuclear storage facility in downtown Tehran, not far from the storage facility from which hundreds of CDs and notebooks were taken by the Mossad in February, will have to be checked. It may be assumed that the Mossad operatives will get fed up with the many emails that will be circulated in the coming days and weeks among European capitals in an attempt to persuade their leaders who are still holding fast to the nuclear agreement to wake up and listen to the music Netanyahu is playing for them. This will be the push that comes after the revelation. Netanyahu has appeared many times before the UN General Assembly over the past decade. His speeches are usually about Iran. As long as a Democratic president was in the White House, leading a different policy, Netanyahu looked and sounded like a stubborn child, a rejected nudnik, repeating his frightening apocalyptic messages like a broken record. Open gallery view Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Prime addresses the General Assembly at the United Nations in New York September 27, 2018. Credit: AFP Over the past two years, and more so over the past year, the world has changed. President Donald Trump has taken his country out of the nuclear agreement, imposed paralyzing sanctions on the Iranian government and transferred the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem. Netanyahu could appear this time self-assured and arrogant, like a rooster atop the mud of his poultry run. Trump is behind him, one hundred percent. He gave the American president the reward of his sustained applause during Trump’s speech. In the visitors’ gallery, the prime minister’s entourage gave a standing ovation to their “Donald.” This embarrassing show of Israeli provincial sycophancy, with the notable absence of Sheldon and Miriam Adelson, the casino owners, for whom Netanyahu’s charm has faded in the shadow of Case 2000. Anyone expecting a statement heralding even the slightest hope of renewed negotiations with the Palestinians was disappointed. The right wing declared business as usual. The all-clear was sounded in the settlements. It could be seen that peace-shmeace with the Palestinians was of interest to him like his speech interested the American TV channels on Thursday, riveted as they were to the hearing on Capitol Hill. For a moment, the day before yesterday, it looked as though something good was threatening to move on the Israeli-Palestinian front. The American president expressed his love for the idea of two states (and afterwards did a reversal in a typical act of shallow trickery). The Israeli prime minister uttered the word “state” for the first time in a while spiced with a thousand reservations and conditions. Suspicious minds immediately accused him of moving to the left in order to buy the hearts of the legal elites soon deciding about his three bribery cases. The schedules definitely match: the investigations will near completion around the beginning of 2019. Trump’s peace plan is supposed to be presented at around the same time. Elections will be held either before or after or in tandem. But this train, the investigations train, cannot be stopped, even if Netanyahu disguises himself as Shimon Peres.<doc-sep>cnxps.cmd.push(function () { cnxps({ playerId: '36af7c51-0caf-4741-9824-2c941fc6c17b' }).render('4c4d856e0e6f4e3d808bbc1715e132f6'); }); if(window.location.pathname.indexOf("656089") != -1){console.log("hedva connatix");document.getElementsByClassName("divConnatix")[0].style.display ="none";} Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,When I spoke here, three years ago, Israel stood alone among the nations. Of the nearly 200 countries that sit in this hall, only Israel openly opposed the nuclear deal with Iran. We oppose it because it threatens our future, even our very survival. We oppose it because the deal paved Iran’s path to a nuclear arsenal. And by lifting the sanctions, it’s fueled Iran’s campaign of carnage and conquest throughout the Middle East.We oppose it, we oppose it because the deal was based on a fundamental lie—that Iran is not seeking to develop nuclear weapons.Now, Israel exposed that lie earlier this year. Last February, Israeli conducted a daring raid on Iran’s secret atomic archive. We obtained over 100,000 documents and videos that had been stashed in vaults in an innocent looking building in the heart of Tehran.In May, I presented a short summary of what we obtained to the international media. I provided hard evidence of Iran’s plans to build nuclear weapons and its plans to deceive the international community. Israel shared this information and even more damning evidence that we found with members of the P5+1, and with the International Atomic Energy Agency.Months have passed. The IAEA has still not taken any action. It has not posed a single question to Iran. It has not demanded to inspect a single new site discovered in that secret archive.So, given this inaction, I decided to reveal today something else that we have shared with the IAEA and with a few intelligence agencies.What I’m about to say has not been shared publically before.Today, I am disclosing for the first time that Iran has another secret facility in Tehran—a secret atomic warehouse for storing massive amounts of equipment and materiel from Iran’s secret nuclear weapons program.In May, we exposed the site of Iran’s secret atomic archive, right here, in the Shor-abad District of Tehran. Today I’m revealing the site of a second facility— Iran’s secret atomic warehouse. It’s right here, in the Turquz-abad District of Tehran, just there miles away.Let me show you exactly what the secret atomic warehouse looks like.Here it is. You see, like the atomic archive, it’s another innocent looking compound. Now for those of you at home using Google Earth, this no-longer-secret atomic warehouse is on Maher Alley, Maher Street. You have the coordinates, you can try to get there. And for those of you who try to get there, it’s 100 meters from the Kalishoi, the rug cleaning operation. By the way, I hear they do a fantastic job cleaning rugs there. But by now they may be radioactive rugs.This is the second secret site.Now, countries with satellite capabilities may notice some increased activity on Maher Alley in the days and weeks ahead. The people they’ll see scurrying back and forth are Iranian officials desperately trying to finish the job of cleaning up that site. Because, you see, since we raided the atomic archive, they’ve been busy cleaning out the atomic warehouse.Just last month, they removed 15 kilograms of radioactive material. You know what they did with it? They had 15 kilograms of radioactive material, they had to get it out of the site, so they took it out and they spread it around Tehran in an effort to hide the evidence. The endangered residents of Tehran may want to know that they can get a Geiger counter on Amazon for only $29.99. As of today that’s just 4 million Iranian rials, but we’ll get to that later. I’ll talk about the Iranian economy in a minute. They took this radioactive material and spread it around Tehran.Now, the Iranian officials cleaning out that site still have a lot of work to do because they’ve had at least, at least 15 ship containers, they’re gigantic, 15 ship containers full of nuclear related equipment and material stored there. Now, since each of those containers can hold 20 tons of material, this means that this site contains as much as 300 tons, 300 tons of nuclear related equipment and material.Right here.So, Distinguished Delegates,You have to ask yourself a question. Why did Iran keep a secret atomic archive and a secret atomic warehouse? Because, after all, when South Africa and Libya, when they gave up their nuclear programs, the first thing they did was to destroy both the archives and the material and equipment.And the answer to the question is simple. The reason Iran didn’t destroy its atomic archive and its atomic warehouse is because it hasn’t abandoned its goal to develop nuclear weapons. In fact, it planned to use both of these sites in a few years when the time would be right to break out to the atom bomb.But, Ladies and Gentlemen, rest assured, that won’t happen. It won’t happen because what Iran hides, Israel will find.Ladies and Gentlemen,I have a message to the head of the IAEA, Mr. Yukiya Amano.I believe he’s a good man. I believe he wants to do the right thing.Well, Mr. Amano, do the right thing. Go inspect this atomic warehouse, immediately, before the Iranians finish clearing it out.Distinguished Delegates,Do you remember when we were promised that inspections could take place anytime, anywhere? Remember that? Anytime, anywhere?Well, how about inspections right here, right now.And Mr. Amano, while you’re at it, inspect the other secret sites we told you about. Once and for all, tell the world the truth about Iran.Now, I also have a message today for the Tyrants of Tehran:Israel knows what you’re doing, and Israel knows where you’re doing it. Israel will never let a regime that calls for our destruction to develop nuclear weapons. Not now, not in ten years, not ever.And Israel will do whatever it must do to defend itself against Iran’s aggression. We will continue to act against you in Syria. We will act against you in Lebanon. We will act against you in Iraq.<doc-sep>The speech delivered by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the UN General Assembly on Thursday was perhaps the best he has ever given outside of Israel’s borders. Not only because of his eloquent English and exceptional talents of rhetoric, but also because of his almost perfect ability to communicate practical and ideological messages to different target audiences in such a way that his messages bring about practical results and have the desired psychological impact that he is seeking. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter The most striking example was his claim about the warehouse storing nuclear equipment and material in Tehran. Netanyahu took the intelligence material and used it to challenge the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and portrayed it as a toothless and untrustworthy organization that is unable to fulfill its mandate. PM Netanyahu speaking at the UN (Photo: Reuters) Netanyahu said that he had conveyed the information about the atomic warehouse to the IAEA and its director, Yukiya Amano. In principle, his message was unambiguous: Our speaking quietly and transferring information to you has not encouraged you to take action. He was saying that he wants to see the IAEA face the international community and the world media when the Western world at least knows that they have the authority to carry out inspections of nuclear sites whenever they want, according to the terms of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Netanyahu talking about Hezbollah weapons warehouses (Photo: AFP) But Netanyahu was not content with merely challenging the IAEA in the hope that it would act. He also told the world about the 50 kg of radioactive material that the Iranian regime spread throughout Tehran in a bid to cover up its plans, stressing that any of the capital’s residents could be harmed. In doing so, he added fuel to the fire of resentment towards the regime which is burning in the hearts of many Iranians. Netanyahu was also not content with exposing the atomic warehouse in Tehran. He also issued a red card to the civilians of Lebanon, emphasizing that Hezbollah has facilities in the vicinity of Shi’ite neighborhoods for upgrading the accuracy of missiles and rockets. He showed exactly where these facilities were situated and warned that anybody living near them is in harm’s way. In highlighting his points, Netanyahu laid out before the international community an important aim. Israel does not want to bomb from the air or openly sabotage these facilities in order to avoid sparking a war with Hezbollah in Lebanon. The exposure of these facilities, nevertheless, obliges Hezbollah to make a decision: either move them elsewhere or endanger the civilians in the area. In any event, it will certainly interrupt the activities of the facilities and will force Hezbollah to move them to less populated areas where they are easier to hit. Netanyahu talking about Iran (Photo: AFP) In order to ensure that these goals are achieved, Netanyahu coordinated in advance a statement from the IDF Spokesperson's Unit, which provided Lebanese citizens with the information they lacked in order to humiliate Hezbollah and instill fear into the civilian population. Netanyahu’s clever use of the sensitive intelligence information for diplomatic purposes and in the war for public opinion can be considered groundbreaking in the current era and it will likely prove to be efficient. At the same time, Netanyahu managed to shame Europe for their stance of appeasement toward Iran. In doing so, he helped Trump and perhaps even complicated European efforts to sabotage the US sanctions against Iran. Netanyahu did this by drawing a clear parallel between the EU’s appeasing of Iran today and the policy of appeasement by UK Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain towards Hitler in 1938. This shaming has a goal and there is no doubt that some leaders in Europe were shuffling uncomfortably in their seats when the content of Netanyahu’s speech was brought to their attention. PM with UN Gen. Sec. Antonio Guterres (Photo: AP) The rest of the speech was a debate about the Palestinian, and liberal and leftist circles in the West accusations, accusing Israel of racism and apartheid for passing the Nation-State Law. Netanyahu skillfully raised argument after argument while strengthening his political support base from his own party and others. The other target audience for his speech was President Trump, who Netanyahu praised and furnished with compliments. Netanyahu meeting Trump (Photo: Avi Ohayon/GPO) He did not only say the things he said as a price to be paid for Trump’s pro-Israel stance, but also to cajole him by applauding the continuance of his unequivocal pro-Israel policies, designating him as worthy of praise and honoring him with applause from the UN podium. The Evangelicals supporting Trump also received their own message, meant to remind them, by quoting from the bible, that Israel is still the one worthy of their support. Every message was thoroughly calculated to present two or three goals and when Netanyahu aimed his remarks at the Evangelicals, he also adopted the style of language employed by Evangelical preachers. There is no doubt that this speech was a work of art that few leaders in the world could pull off; experience teaches us that we cannot overstate the importance of speeches delivered at the annual UN General Assembly.<doc-sep>	Overshadowed by the high-scale drama that was taking place in a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing room in Washington, D.C., last Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was delivering a powerful and effective condemnation of the Iran regime at the United Nations, one that should not be lost on us as we focus on the Supreme Court crisis. It’s not the first time the Israeli leader has used his annual U.N. Security Council appearance to warn of the danger Iran represents to Israel, the region and the world. He has done so consistently over the last decade. But this speech was different for two primary reasons. First, Netanyahu was no longer speaking as the weary whiner, out of sync with Washington regarding Iran. While the Obama administration sought from the outset to engage Iran in diplomacy rather than confrontation, most notably through the 2015 nuclear deal, the Israeli leader was always the odd man out, insisting that Iran could not be trusted to play by the rules. Netanyahu’s speech before Congress in March 2015, openly castigating Obama as being duped by the mullahs, did not sway the president. Instead it angered him and deepened the rift between many Democrats and the Netanyahu government, which continues. But as Netanyahu spoke at the U.N. last week, he knew he had the full and vocal support of President Trump, who, heeding the prime minister’s advice, withdrew the U.S. from the nuclear deal with Iran earlier this year. The move further isolated Israel and the U.S. in the world community, but it appears to have weakened the Iran regime financially. The other key difference in Netanyahu’s U.N. speech last week is that he offered proof that Iran lies when it insists it is no longer seeking to develop nuclear weapons. He asserted that Iran has “a secret facility in Tehran — a secret atomic warehouse for storing massive amounts of equipment and material from Iran’s secret nuclear weapons program.” Don't miss our top stories. Get The Jewish Week in your inbox. FREE SIGN UP In May, Israel exposed another site of Iran’s secret atomic archive, also in Tehran. The information about both sites is believed to have come from a bold raid Israel conducted in Tehran in February, making off with more than 100,000 documents and videos hidden in a secret atomic archive. A confident Netanyahu told the U.N. audience that “what Iran hides, Israel will find,” and he called on the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the U.N.’s nuclear watchdog organization monitoring Iran’s compliance with the deal, to “go inspect this atomic warehouse, immediately, before the Iranians finish clearing it out.” A few days later, the IAEA issued a statement saying that it does its own independent reviews and doesn’t rely on information presented to it from third parties. The IAEA says Iran has been in compliance with the restrictions placed on it through the nuclear deal and that the agency “sends inspectors to sites and locations only when needed.” The response from Netanyahu’s office was that “there is no reason to wait. The IAEA should check the site immediately and send inspectors with a radiation detector, and the prime minister’s statement will be found to be the truth.” The incident was a reminder that Iran cannot be trusted and that the stakes are highest for Israel. The confrontational aspect of Netanyahu’s speech, and response to the IAEA, makes many pro-Israel supporters proud of Israeli ingenuity and a leader willing to call out the world’s weakness in responding to a perceived threat. Others feel the prime minister is increasing the chances of war, as in his warning to Hezbollah that Israel will not tolerate its stockpiling of precision missiles. Over the years, Netanyahu has been admirably cautious about pulling the trigger. Even with a brutal civil war to the north in Syria, and with Iran and Russia an increasing presence there, he has not taken his country to war. In the end, Israel’s government must do all it can to protect its citizens and let the world know that it will not tolerate situations that put the Jewish state in danger.
The Patriots threw out a low-risk, high-reward bet in September. To try to boost their beleaguered receiving corps, they shipped a fifth-round pick to the Cleveland Browns for former All-Pro Josh Gordon and a seventh-rounder. For 11 weeks, the move paid off dividends. Gordon was a field-stretching threat who opened up passing routes for the rest of New England’s receivers. He also proved to be a productive, Pro Bowl-caliber target; his 40 catches for 720 yards as a Patriots receiver put him on pace for a 58-catch, 1,047-yard 16-game season while averaging a whopping 18.0 yards per catch. His tenure in New England ended with an abrupt leave of absence and another violation of the league’s substance abuse policy, but that doesn’t mean he’s not officially a member of the Patriots. Now that New England has won Super Bowl 53, he’ll receive a championship ring like all the rest of the current members of the organization. Gordon even celebrated with an Instagram post: Gordon reportedly watched the Super Bowl from a treatment facility in Florida, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. His football future is in doubt, but Rapoport said that Gordon is hoping to be reinstated by the NFL. The league is trying to support Gordon during his indeterminate break from football New England attempted to pay for Gordon’s treatment program while he spent time away from the team, according to NESN’s Doug Kyed. However, those plans were rebuffed by the league’s substance abuse policy, which diverts funds from fines and suspensions to fund these programs. As NFLPA guidelines point out, “payment for treatment services rendered to players participating in the Intervention Program shall be governed by the terms and conditions set forth in the NFL Player Insurance Plan.” He’s got support in other high places across the league. “Right now the focus is what can we do to help Josh to get to that place [where he can play football],” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said at his pre-Super Bowl press conference. His New England teammates have been on his side even after after his suspension, which sources told Kyed was due to a diluted sample during the league’s drug testing protocol. “He’s a really good person,’’ Patriots wide receiver Phillip Dorsett said during the run-up to the Super Bowl. “We got really close during his time. I mean, it’s hard to not be close to a player. We see these guys every day. We see these guys more than we see our wives sometimes. So, it’s hard to not be close to a player.’’ “It was just unfortunate how things went down and what happened,’’ Chris Hogan added. “All I can say is Josh is a great teammate. He worked really hard from the second that he got there. You could tell how hard he wanted it. You could tell how much enjoyed playing this game.’’ The club followed through with that support by earning him a Super Bowl ring for his 2018 efforts — even if he has yet to play in the postseason in a seven-year career.<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>The Patriots captured their sixth Super Bowl in franchise history Sunday when they defeated the Rams 13-3 in Super Bowl LIII. Despite not playing in the game, wide receiver Josh Gordon will still receive a Super Bowl ring with the rest of the team, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. Gordon was suspended indefinitely back in December, coinciding with when he stepped away from the team to address his mental health. The suspension was for "violating the terms of his conditional reinstatement" after he already had multiple offenses regarding the league's substance abuse policy. However, Gordon still gets a ring as he was never released by the team despite stepping away to go to rehab. Celebrate the Patriots' Super Bowl win with Sports Illustrated's commemorative package Prior to the game, it was reported that Gordon could potentially be reinstated by training camp next season. He played 12 games in 2018 and 11 of those with New England. In those 11 contests, he had 40 catches for 720 and three touchdowns. In Super Bowl LIII, wide receiver Julian Edelman took home MVP honors for snagging 10 catches for 141 yards in the win.<doc-sep>A real ring now, and perhaps a positive ring on the phone from the NFL soon. For a player who reportedly was still getting treatment at an inpatient facility in Florida as of last week while the team he left behind was preparing for the Super Bowl, it was a good weekend for Josh Gordon. The troubled NFL star, who played 11 games with the Patriots this season before stepping away for both mental health reasons and because the league suspended him indefinitely for violating the drug agreement, is getting his jewelry. He’ll have his piece of the Super Bowl LIII title despite not being with New England since Dec. 20. “Big & shiny, just like you said! #lfg,” Gordon wrote on Instagram after the 13-3 Patriots victory, attaching an emoji of a ring. The question is now whether he’ll get a chance to earn another. NFL Network reported this weekend that he could be reinstated by training camp, a surprise for a player who missed the entire 2015 and ’16 seasons (along with some of this season) due to drug bans. “I understand the struggles and challenges that [Gordon has] had to go through,” commissioner Roger Goodell told reporters last week. “And he is working at it. He understands what he has to do and this is well beyond football. This is for his life.”<doc-sep>	New England Patriots wide receiver Josh Gordon wasn’t with the team at Mercedes-Benz Stadium when they won the Super Bowl on Sunday in Atlanta. That doesn’t mean, however, that the 27-year-old isn’t celebrating about his impending championship ring. Gordon — who had 40 receptions for 720 yards and three touchdowns in 11 games for the Patriots this year — will indeed receive a championship ring after the Patriots’ 13-3 win in the Super Bowl against the Los Angeles Rams, despite his suspension. He posted about his new ring on Instagram after the game, too. Gordon is currently in rehab in Florida after he was suspended indefinitely in December for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, his fifth suspension in his career. While his issues with drugs and alcohol are well known, it wasn’t just marijuana that led to his suspension this time, but rather multiple violations that stemmed from diluted samples. [Super Bowl gear: Get your New England Patriots title merchandise here!] Gordon’s NFL career could certainly be over, but both he and the Patriots aren’t ruling out a return. The Patriots, who were unaware that the suspension was coming, have been paying for his rehab in Florida. The entire team seemed to embrace Gordon fully this season, too, and many Patriots players tweeted support for him when he was initially suspended. He was third on the team in receiving yards, and played a big part in the Patriots’ success this year. Gordon also broke his social media silence after the Patriots won the AFC championship game to congratulate the team on Instagram — his first post since just before the suspension. Even though he’s suspended, Patriots wide receiver Josh Gordon will still receive a Super Bowl ring after their win against the Rams on Sunday. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images) For him to return, he will likely have to show both the NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell that he’s been “clean for a sustained period of time,” given his prior drug issues. Story continues Only time will tell to see if Gordon gets another shot in the league and is allowed to report to training camp in July. Regardless, however, it’s undeniable that Gordon deserves a Super Bowl ring. He’s more than earned it. More Super Bowl coverage from Yahoo Sports: • Patriots grind out Rams in lackluster Super Bowl • LeBron among the many confused by halftime show • National anthem performance sparks different controversy • Grading the best and worst Super Bowl ads
Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris of California continued to tease her potential 2020 US presidential run during an appearance on CBS' "The Late Show" Thursday night, smiling and telling host Stephen Colbert two words: "I might." Harris' response drew raucous cheers and applause from the audience. The former California attorney general, who has been promoting her book, has made waves lately, amid speculation she may seek the White House. She is one of several prominent Democrats in a growing field of potential candidates vying to challenge President Donald Trump in the next election. Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris of California continued to tease her potential 2020 US presidential run during an appearance on CBS' "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" Thursday night, smiling and telling Colbert two words: "I might." Colbert pointed to the striking clues about her potential presidential bid, namely her media blitz and book tour after the publication of her memoir: "The Truths We Hold: An American Journey." "Many people who put out books two years before a presidential election do so to introduce themselves in a broad way to the American people," Colbert said. "Um, are you going to run for president?" The audience cheered and applauded loudly as Harris pondered her answer. Watch the moment here » —The Late Show (@colbertlateshow) January 11, 2019 Harris is one of several prominent Democrats in a growing field of potential candidates vying to challenge President Donald Trump in the next election. Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts announced her candidacy earlier in January, and former Housing and Urban Development secretary Julián Castro has formed a presidential exploratory committee. Other potential candidates include Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, and Rep. Beto O'Rourke of Texas. Harris is currently serving her first term in the Senate, similar to former President Barack Obama, who, as a first-term senator, was initially criticized for his inexperience after he announced his 2008 presidential campaign. Prior to her role in the Senate, Harris was California's attorney general and served as the district attorney of San Francisco. Harris, an Indian American, rose to prominence within the Democratic Party after becoming an outspoken critic of Trump's immigration policies and political nominees, namely Justice Brett Kavanaugh. "When we talk about the immigration debate, there are powerful forces — including this president — that are attempting to vilify immigrants because they were born in another country," she said during a CNN interview on Wednesday. "This should offend all of us."<doc-sep>California Sen. Kamala Harris added fuel to the speculation over whether she will run for president in 2020 in an appearance on The Late Show. Colbert directly asked Harris, who appeared on his show Thursday, if she had plans to run for president. “I might,” Harris said, smiling and nodding, before breaking out into laughter. “All right, there you go,” Colbert said. “There’s your headline right there.” Colbert addressed reports that Harris plans to announce a presidential run on Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Jan. 21. “Should I keep my schedule open that day?” he asked. “Well, we should always honor the great Martin Luther King,” Harris responded. While Harris has not confirmed plans to run, she is widely considered to be a potential 2020 candidate, along with Sen. Cory Booker, Sen. Bernie Sanders and former Vice President Joe Biden. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren became the first major Democratic candidate for 2020 when she announced her run in December. Get our Politics Newsletter. The headlines out of Washington never seem to slow. Subscribe to The D.C. Brief to make sense of what matters most. 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 Mahita Gajanan at [email protected].<doc-sep>We're still nearly two years out from the 2020 elections, but this is precisely the time that Democratic challengers are beginning their campaigns for president. Sen. Elizabeth Warren was the first to announce her exploratory committee on New Year's Eve, and it looks like we might have another one coming down the pipe. On Thursday's Late Show, Stephen Colbert asked Kamala Harris about her 2020 aspirations, and you might just take her brief answer as a hint. "Let’s talk about the highest office in the entire land," Colbert began, displaying a copy of Harris' brand new memoir, The Truths We Hold, on his Late Show desk. "Many people who put out books two years before a presidential election do so to introduce themselves in a broad way to the American people." Then he cut right to the chase. "Are you gonna run for president?" he asked. Holding back laughter and sheepishly nodding, Harris replied, "I might." As one would expect, Colbert's surprised audience broke out in cheers. For months, she's been speculated to be planning a run for president in 2020, along with other Democratic senators like Warren, Cory Booker, and Kirsten Gillibrand (though Warren is the only one who has announced so far). The New York Times reported in December that Harris' team has been scoping out possible campaign headquarters in Baltimore and Atlanta. Then on Wednesday, KCBS radio in San Francisco reported anonymous sources said Harris plans to announce her presidential bid on or near Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 21, 2019. Harris has been making the rounds on talk shows like Colbert's to promote her memoir, along with a new children's book entitled "Superheroes are Everywhere." At each appearance, she's danced around the idea of running for president — though nothing as definitive as her hint on The Late Show on Thursday — while still making the case for why 2020 could be her moment. At an appearance on ABC's The View earlier this week, Harris teased, "I’m please to announce on The View," she paused, "that I’m not ready to make my announcement yet." She continued more seriously, pushing back on the challenges of running as a female presidential candidate. "The attributes of a leader are not particular to gender," she said. "They are about qualifications, they are about one’s desire to lead. It is about one’s ability to actual be relevant to the people they represent." Representation is a topic Harris has addressed pretty frequently over the last week. "Is this country, after what Trump has unleashed and what we have seen, ready for the first woman of color president?" The View co-host Garcelle Beauvais, asked Harris. "Absolutely," Harris replied, before modifying her response a bit. "Listen — I’m not saying that about myself, but I am saying that about the capacity of the American public." Harris echoed her response in a conversation with George Stephanopoulos on Good Morning America on Tuesday, explaining that in such a dynamic world, many populations feel unrepresented and pushed to the edges. "What we need in this country is leadership that has a vision of the future in which everyone can see themselves."<doc-sep>Despite the word “might” in her response to Late Show host Stephen Colbert on Thursday, Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA_ made it more than clear that she does indeed intend to run for President in 2020. In the shared ‘wink-wink’ moment, Colbert asked his guest after the break about why she would write a book before a big election, and could it hint at anything. “Senator, let me ask you this — many people who put out books two years before a presidential election do so to introduce themselves in a broad way to the American people,” he said. “Um — are you going to run for president?” It was the context of the reply that made the sale. Laughing with a sort of ‘you know the answer’ face, Harris nodded several times and finally replied, “I might!” “You might,” said Colbert as Harris’ continued to laugh. “Alright, there you go, there’s your headline right there,” he said, laughing with her. Colbert made a point of looking intently at his notes as if reading, and said “there’s been some reporting that you will announce this on MLK Day, January 21st. Should I keep my schedule open that day, or should I drink a lot of cough syrup on the 20th and wake up on the 22nd?” “We should always honor the great Dr. Martin Luther King January 15th and on MLK weekend, so…” said Harris as they continued tossing around the unannounced announcement. The audience applauded to signal their own support. The two continued the discussion by talking about her book and her vision for the future. She spoke about the “noble ideals” that the country was founded on, calling back to the first half of the interview before the break when she said she hoped to bring back the idea of the “nobility of public service.” “I remain optimistic that this is worth fighting for, our country is worth fighting for, and these ideals are worth fighting for,” she campaigned, “And if something is worth fighting for, then it’s a fight worth having.” They also talked about her children’s book. As Colbert closed the interview, he said “please join us again when you may run for president. I look forward to maybe hearing about it.” You don’t have to take affirmative nodding’s word for it, though. The next guest, actor Bradley Whitford, really hung the flag on it. “She’s running,” he said. He made the pretense of joking, but… come on. Watch the clip above, courtesy of CBS. [Featured image via screengrab] — Follow Caleb Howe (@CalebHowe) on Twitter Have a tip we should know? [email protected]<doc-sep>	Sen. Kamala Harris Kamala HarrisBiden, Bass press for police reform after meeting Floyd family Biden, Harris condemn surge in antisemitic incidents Mexican president: FAA safety downgrade meant to benefit US carriers MORE D(-Calif.) on Thursday night teased a possible presidential run during an appearance on late-night host Stephen Colbert's "The Late Show." "Let’s talk about the highest office in the entire land," Colbert said to Harris in a clip posted to the "Late Show" Twitter account earlier on Thursday evening. ADVERTISEMENT "Many people who put out books two years before a presidential election do so to introduce themselves in a broad way to the American people," Colbert said, setting Harris's new memoir "The Truths We Hold" on the desk in front of him. "Are you gonna run for president?" he asked the grinning senator. The crowd cheered as she paused. "I might," she replied with laughter. "Alright, there you go," Colbert said. "There’s your headline right there." Harris launched a book tour and media blitz this week as speculation mounts over a possible 2020 White House campaign. She has said that she is "not prepared" to make any announcement yet. Sources told KCBS Radio, a station in her home state of California, that Harris will formally announce her bid for the White House on or around Martin Luther King Jr. Day. A spokesperson for Harris told The Hill, however, that no announcement is imminent. In an interview with NPR broadcast Tuesday, she said she is considering a "collection of factors" related to a possible presidential campaign. The multi-state swing for her book tour is providing Harris with an opportunity to test out potential campaign messages. The tour came just after Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) became the first major Democratic name to jump into the 2020 presidential race, announcing that she is forming an exploratory committee to run for the White House. Several possible Democratic candidates are expected to announce their bids within the next few weeks or months.
On Thursday, the Connecticut Supreme Court put the gun industry on notice: If you advertise your weapons as alluring tools for mass slaughter, you will face consequences—at least in this state. By a 4–3 vote, the court revived a lawsuit by the families of Sandy Hook victims alleging that Remington recklessly marketed its Bushmaster AR-15–style weapon for “illegal, offensive purposes,” contributing to Adam Lanza’s murder of 26 people at their elementary school. The majority ruled that a federal law does not shield Remington from liability for wrongful advertising, permitting a jury to determine whether Remington can be held liable. Its decision is a stunning blow to the firearms industry, which has long claimed near-absolute immunity from such lawsuits. And it allows the plaintiffs to uncover private, potentially damning communications that will reveal how Remington peddles its lethal products to the public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thursday’s ruling in Soto v. Bushmaster revolves around two laws: the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act (CUTPA) and the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA). CUTPA is a straightforward state regulation that prohibits wrongful advertising—marketing a product in an unfair, unethical, or dangerous manner. The PLCAA, by contrast, is a highly unusual federal statute that limits Americans’ ability to sue gun manufacturers and sellers. Under this law, the gun industry is largely immune from suit in cases when its products are used illegally, even when its own negligence leads to firearm injuries and deaths. Passed in 2005, the PLCAA was designed to shield the gun industry from the kind of lawsuits filed against tobacco companies in the 1990s. These suits accused cigarette manufacturers of creating a public health crisis by violating consumer protection statutes. The National Rifle Association, which described PLCAA as its No. 1 legislative priority, did not want the firearm industry subject to similar liability. The organization hoped that courts would interpret the law as a sweeping grant of immunity from the liability that every other industry, even nonlethal ones, must guard against. For instance, car companies include disclaimers in commercials advising viewers not to try various dangerous stunts themselves. Pharmaceutical companies list possible side effects in each ad. But firearm advertisements rarely, if ever, warn viewers against unsafe use of weapons because they believe federal law absolves them of their obligations to consumers. Advertisement Advertisement Because of the PLCAA, families of the Sandy Hook massacre and other mass shootings cannot sue gun shops and manufacturers for negligently making or selling assault weapons. But the Sandy Hook families pursued a different legal theory: They argued that Remington’s advertisements for the AR-15–style weapon ran afoul of CUTPA by promoting unethical and illegal use of the weapon. Their lawsuit cited multiple ads that depicted the gun not as a tool of home defense, hunting, or sport, but as a weapon of war meant to kill a large number of people in a small amount of time. Remington advertised the gun as “the ultimate combat weapons system” used by the armed forces in theaters of war. It depicted a close-up of the gun with the slogan “Forces of opposition, bow down. You are single-handedly outnumbered.” It touted the weapon as an “uncompromising choice” with “military proven performance.” As the Connecticut Supreme Court explained, the thrust of Remington’s ads was that the gun would “enable a shooter to inflict unparalleled carnage.” Advertisement The lawsuit cited multiple ads that depicted the gun not as a tool of home defense, hunting, or sport, but as a weapon of war. The plaintiffs relied on CUTPA in an effort to work around the PLCAA, because the federal statute includes an important exception. While it bars most negligence suits, the PLCAA permits claims alleging that a gun manufacturer or seller “knowingly violated a State or Federal statute applicable to the sale or marketing of the [firearm], and the violation was a proximate cause of the harm for which relief is sought.” If CUTPA is “applicable” to the sale of firearms, then, the plaintiffs’ wrongful advertising suit is not prohibited by the PLCAA. Advertisement Federal judges have been divided on the question of whether a broad regulation of trade and public safety is “applicable” to the “sale or marketing” of guns. Some have held that a law must be designed to regulate firearms in order to qualify; others assert that any law that can be reasonably interpreted to regulate the gun trade counts as “applicable.” The Connecticut Supreme Court chose this latter interpretation, finding that the word’s “ordinary, dictionary meaning” is simply “capable of being applied.” Advertisement From there, the majority easily concluded that CUTPA is “applicable” to gun marketing by forbidding the advertisement of weapons for “illegal, offensive purposes.” This wrongful advertising, moreover, may have been “a causal factor in increasing the casualties of the Sandy Hook massacre.” As the majority explained, the plaintiffs allege that Remington sought to “expand the market for [its] assault weapons through advertising campaigns that encouraged consumers … to launch offensive assaults against their perceived enemies.” PLCAA does not stop these plaintiffs from asking a jury to hold Remington “accountable for the injuries wrought by such unscrupulous marketing practices.” As the Sandy Hook families’ attorney said at oral arguments, “Remington may never have known Adam Lanza, but they had been courting him for years.” Advertisement Advertisement What happens now? As the court repeatedly pointed out, the plaintiffs have not actually won their lawsuit; they’ve merely secured the ability to make their case to a Connecticut jury. In the process, they will seek extensive discovery from Remington, poring over its strategy for selling guns. The company has fought to keep its internal communications secret, and gun rights advocates have long hoped to expose the industry’s alleged disregard for life and safety when marketing weapons. Now, at long last, the Sandy Hook families may reveal its tactics in court. There remains, however, a possibility that the U.S. Supreme Court could first intervene. Would the court’s conservatives dare deny justice to the grieving families of a notorious massacre? It seems possible, though Chief Justice John Roberts must recognize the atrocious optics of the court’s intervention.<doc-sep>A gun found at the home of Newtown mass murderer Adam Lanza. Photo: Connecticut State Police via Getty Images Long-frustrated efforts by the families of kids killed by gun violence to hold manufacturers responsible for their deadly wares struck at least temporary pay dirt in a Connecticut Supreme Court decision today. The court allowed a suit against the manufacturer of the weapon used by Adam Lanza in the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre in Newtown go forward despite federal statutes shielding gunmakers from liability. It vindicated a novel legal strategy involving separate state laws, as the New York Times explained: The court agreed with the lower court judge’s decision to dismiss claims that directly challenged the federal law shielding the gun companies from litigation, but found the case can move forward based on a state law regarding unfair trade practices. Justices wrote in the majority opinion that “it falls to a jury to decide whether the promotional schemes alleged in the present case rise to the level of illegal trade practices and whether fault for the tragedy can be laid at their feet.” A 2005 federal law that was a high priority for the National Rifle Association and the gun lobby generally greatly restricts suits holding manufacturers and dealers liable for the death and injury caused by guns. But there are exceptions for violations of state laws, and that’s what the Connecticut court will now allow a state court trial to examine. Lawyers pointed out advertising — with messages of combat dominance and hyper-masculinity — that resonated with disturbed young men who could be induced to use the weapon to commit violence. “Remington may never have known Adam Lanza, but they had been courting him for years,” Joshua D. Koskoff, one of the lawyers representing the families, told the panel of judges during oral arguments in the case in 2017. The weapon used by Mr. Lanza had been legally purchased by his mother, Nancy Lanza, whom he also killed. Because this decision involves interpretation of a federal statute, the gunmaker will almost certainly appeal it to the U.S. Supreme Court, and Remington could also prevail at a trial, so this is just a first step toward manufacturer liability. But unless SCOTUS steps in to stop a trial, it could represent a blow to the gun industry even if it eventually wins the case, as the Hartford Courant noted: It also paves the way for the families to subpoena internal documents on how the gun companies have marketed the AR-15, which has become the weapon of choice for mass shooters. The gun manufacturers have closely guarded information on how they market the assault weapons … “The families’ goal has always been to shed light on Remington’s calculated and profit-driven strategy to expand the AR-15 market and court high-risk users, all at the expense of Americans’ safety. Today’s decision is a critical step toward achieving that goal,” [attorney Josh] Koskoff added [in a statement]. In the long-running war between the gun lobby and gun safety advocates, the Connecticut battle could possibly represent a turning point.<doc-sep>"There is a reason why this particular consumer product is the one that is used by people who want to inflict the most damage and we have seen it time and time again since my son and his classmates were killed,'' said David Wheeler, whose son Ben was killed in the Sandy Hook attack. "That reason very likely potentially resides in the documents that we have been unable to look at until now."<doc-sep>A customer tries out a Remington 1911 equipped with a silencer at Blue Ridge Arsenal in Chantilly, Va. A divided Connecticut Supreme Court has ruled gun-maker Remington can be sued over how it marketed the Bushmaster rifle used to kill 20 children and six educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012. Justices issued a 4-3 ruling that reinstated a wrongful death lawsuit and overturned a lower-court ruling that the lawsuit was prohibited by a 2005 federal law that shields gun manufacturers from liability in most cases when their products are used in crimes.<doc-sep>	Image : Getty Images The Connecticut Supreme Court has ruled by a 4-3 decision to revive a lawsuit brought by the families of Sandy Hook alleging that firearm manufacturer Remington recklessly marketed its Bushmaster AR-15-style weapon for “illegal, offensive purposes.” Remington’s gun was used by Adam Lanza to murder 26 faculty and children at Sandy Hook Elementary School. A majority ruled in Soto v. Bushmaster that federal law failed to prohibit Remington from liability for wrongful advertising, thereby permitting a jury to determine whether or not the manufacturer can be held liable. The decision is doubtlessly stunning to the firearm industry, which has long claimed immunity from such suits. Thursday’s ruling centered on the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act along with the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms. CUTPA, the more straightforward of the two, prohibits wrongful advertising, defined in part as marketing a product in an unethical, dangerous or otherwise unfair manner. The PLCAA, passed in 2005, limits the ability of Americans to sue manufacturers and sellers, guarding the industry against cases when its products are used illegally, even when their own negligence leads to injury or death. Due to the PLCAA, Sandy Hook families and loved ones of other mass shooting victims cannot sue gun sellers or manufacturers for negligent marketing or selling firearms. Soto, however, revolved around a different legal theory, in which Sandy Hook families argued that Remington’s advertisements for their weapon ran afoul of CUTPA by promoting illegal use of their product. The families cited multiple ads that depicted the gun as a weapon of war meant to kill multiple targets in a small window of time. According to Slate, Remington advertised its Bushmaster as “the ultimate combat weapons system” used by armed forces, depicting its weapon alongside the slogan “Forces of opposition, bow down. You are single-handedly outnumbered.” Connecticut’s Supreme Court agreed with the Sandy Hook families, stating in its decision that Remington’s ads pitched a weapon that would “enable a shooter to inflict unparalleled carnage.” While the PLCAA bars most negligence suits, it permits claims which allege that manufactures or sellers knowingly violated state or federal statutes applicable to the sale or marketing of firearms in which the violation was the proximate cause of harm. In short, if CUTPA applies, PLCAA would not prohibit suit. While federal judges remain split on which laws apply to firearm manufacturers, Connecticut judges have drawn a line in the sand. While U.S. Supreme Court intervention on behalf of Remington is a distinct possibility, Connecticut’s decision could inspire lawmakers and lawyers to take a hard look at PLCAA. The quicker it can be repealed, the better.
Wellness Why Wasn’t I Warned How Much My Brain Would Change During P... Emma Jane Unsworth is an award-winning novelist and screenwriter whose novel Animals is now a major motion picture. In her first nonfiction work, After The<doc-sep>Ariana Grande wants fans to know that her post-traumatic stress disorder is “not a joke,” and she documented her mental health struggle with brain scan images posted to her Instagram Stories on Thursday, April 11. The post displays images of a typical brain scan, a brain scan from someone suffering from PTSD, and Grande’s brain scan. The scan of the PTSD-affected brain showed more highlighted areas than that of the typical brain, but Grande’s brain scan showed even more highlighted areas than either of them. In her caption, the 26-year-old called her scans “hilarious and terrifying.” The pop star elaborated on the post the following day. “Didn’t mean to startle anyone with my brain thingy. it just blew me away. i found it informative and interesting and wanted to encourage y’all to make sure you check on your brains / listen to your bodies / take care of yourselves too,” she wrote on Instagram on Friday, April 12. She continued: “I love science and seeing the physical reality of what’s going on in there was incredible to me. i mean i feel it all the time, but seeing it is totally different and super cool. someday, when i’m feeling ready or when i’m more healed up, we can talk about it. i am constantly working on my health / learning how to process pain (aren’t we all). everyday is different but i’m doing my best. jus know i will continue showing up and giving as much of my energy as i can and do my best even tho my brain looks like the world map. (that’s why her hairs so big it’s full of trauma…. k ariana, log off) love u.” Grande didn’t provide any context, but her PTSD likely relates to the suicide bombing at her May 2017 concert in Manchester, England, which killed 22 attendees and injured more than 100 more. The singer opened up about the trauma in a TIME interview published in May 2018, nearly a year after the attack. “There are so many people who have suffered much loss and pain,” she told the magazine. “The processing part is going to take a forever. … Music is supposed to be the safest thing in the world. I think that’s why it’s still so heavy on my heart every single day.” She also said at the time that she thinks about the attack and its victims every day. “I wish there was more that I could fix,” she explained. “You think with time it’ll become easier to talk about. Or you’ll make peace with it. But every day I wait for that peace to come, and it’s still very painful.” Grande touched on the tragedy again during a Beats 1 Radio interview that August as she described her track “Get Well Soon” and emphasized the need for mental health awareness. “It’s just about being there for each other and helping each other through scary times and anxiety,” she told DJ Ebro Darden. “I wanted to do something to make people feel good and less alone.” “It’s also about personal demons and anxiety and more intimate tragedies as well,” the Grammy winner continued. “Mental health is so important. People don’t pay enough mind to it because we have things to do. We have schedules, jobs, kids and places to be, pressure to fit in, Instagram Stories — whatever the f–k facade you’re trying to put on, trying to keep up. People don’t pay attention to what’s happening inside.”<doc-sep>Ariana Grande shared photos of her brain scan showing how post-traumatic stress disorder has affected her brain on Instagram Stories Thursday. Ariana revealed in 2018 she suffers from PTSD following a terrorist attack on her Manchester Arena concert. It's unclear what type of brain scan Ariana had, but a certain type of scan, magnetoencephalograhy (MEG), can help determine differences in the brains of those affected by PTSD. Ariana Grande has consistently been a champion of mental health awareness. On Thursday, the singer revealed the impact post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has had on her brain. Ariana, 25, posted a photo on her Instagram Stories of what looked to be a group text among her and friends. Ariana opens the text by saying "guys...." followed by a side-by-side photo of two brain scans that show what a "healthy brain" and "PTSD brain" look like. The "PTSD brain" has several highlighted areas, where the "healthy brain" has hardly any. Below that shot, Ariana shows what her actual brain scans look like—all four images have several significantly highlighted areas. Ariana adds that the photo of her texts is "hilarious and terrifying" and "not a joke." Hold on, Ariana Grande has PTSD? A screenshot of Ariana Grande’s Instagram Story. Ariana Grande Instagram In an interview Ariana did with British Vogue in June 2018, she revealed she suffers from PTSD following the May 2017 terrorist attack during her concert at the Manchester Arena in England. According to ABC News, the attack occurred when a suicide bomber motivated by ISIS detonated an explosive device killing at least 22 people and injuring many others. In her Vogue interview, Ariana revealed that the dizziness and anxiety she felt after the Manchester bombings were very much signs of PTSD. "That's what everyone was telling me," she told Vogue. "It's hard to talk about because so many people have suffered such severe, tremendous loss. But, yeah, [PTSD is] a real thing. I know those families and my fans, and everyone there experienced a tremendous amount of it as well." She later added, "I don't think I'll ever know how to talk about it and not cry." What exactly is PTSD? PTSD is a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Symptoms of PTSD—like flashbacks, avoiding certain situations, and feeling tense or on edge all the time, among many others—typically occur within three months of a traumatic incident. PTSD is also pretty common; per the National Center for PTSD, about seven or eight out of every 100 people will develop PTSD in their lifetimes. Women are also more likely to experience PTSD than men, but genes also play a role in PTSD risk factors. According to the NIMH, the most common treatments for PTSD include antidepressants along with psychotherapy. As for PTSD's affects on the brain—and Ariana's brain scans—it's unclear what type of brain scan Ariana underwent, but according to a 2010 study in the Journal of Neural Engineering, a type of brain scan called magnetoencephalograhy (MEG) can help determine differences in the brains of those affected by PTSD. For the study, researchers were able to differentiate PTSD patients from control subjects with 90 percent accuracy using the MEG, which as 248 sensors that record the interactions in the brain on a millisecond by millisecond basis (much faster that typical functional magnetic resonance imaging). Along with diagnosing those with PTSD, the researchers were also able to judge the severity of the patients' PTSD. 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>Ariana Grande backstage at the 2018 iHeartRadio Wango Tango by AT&T at Banc of California Stadium, Los Angeles, Calif., on June 2, 2018. (Jesse Grant/Getty Images) Ariana Grande Posts ‘Terrifying’ Brain Scan That Appears to Show PTSD Pop singer Ariana Grande posted a photo of a scan of her brain that appeared to show levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Grande was present during a terrorist bomb attack that took place at one of her concerts in England in 2017. Posting on Instagram stories, she wrote that it was “hilarious and terrifying.” She included photos of a healthy brain and a brain with PTSD. On a recent Instagram Stories update, Ariana Grande showed the results of her PTSD (a mental disorder that develops after a person is exposed to a traumatic event) affected brain compared to a healthy one. pic.twitter.com/6EVmybMP6l — Ariana Grande Access (@arianaaccesscom) April 11, 2019 “Not a joke,” she added, reported the New York Post. “It’s hard to talk about because so many people have suffered such severe, tremendous loss. But, yeah, it’s a real thing,” she told Vogue last year about the incident. She added: “I know those families and my fans, and everyone there experienced a tremendous amount of it as well. Time is the biggest thing. I feel like I shouldn’t even be talking about my own experience—like I shouldn’t even say anything. I don’t think I’ll ever know how to talk about it and not cry.” Two years after the terrorist attack on her Manchester concert. Posted by Daily Mail on Friday, April 12, 2019 “I think a lot of people have anxiety, especially right now. … My anxiety has anxiety… I’ve always had anxiety. I’ve never really spoken about it because I thought everyone had it, but when I got home from tour it was the most severe I think it’s ever been,” she said. After the attack, Grande, 25, told Elle about physical problems she had suffered. “When I got home from tour, I had really wild dizzy spells, this feeling like I couldn’t breathe. I would be in a good mood, fine and happy, and they would hit me out of nowhere,” she told the publication. “I’ve always had anxiety, but it had never been physical before. There were a couple of months straight where I felt so upside down.” In the bombing, 23 people died and more were injured when a suicide bomber detonated a homemade bomb in the Manchester Arena. The bomber was identified as 22-year-old Salman Ramadan Abedi. Reports said he had met with ISIS members in Libya, and at the time, ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack. “This is just the beginning,” the terrorist group said. PTSD? Daniel Amen, a doctor who specializes in brain scans, said Grande’s brain scan showed she had PTSD. “Trauma can leave a lasting impact in your brain and we can see it with SPECT imaging. And you can treat it with medication or therapy! But without pictures, you’re throwing darts in the dark at people,” Amen told the Daily Mail. “Most people are just diagnosed on symptoms, and you don’t know what’s really going on in their brain, which makes treatment difficult,” he added. “This gives [Grande’s] doctors a map to work with.” According to the Mayo Clinic, many “people who go through traumatic events may have temporary difficulty adjusting and coping, but with time and good self-care, they usually get better. If the symptoms get worse, last for months or even years, and interfere with your day-to-day functioning, you may have PTSD.” It recommends that people seek treatment if PTSD signs appear.<doc-sep>	The celebrity says the images of her brain activity share similarities to someone suffering from PTSD. US singer and actress Ariana Grande shared images of her brain scan that she says show effects of a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In the images she posted, a healthy brain is compared to a PTSD-affected one, with a healthy brain being almost entirely dark and the affected one having numerous illuminated areas. Grande's own brain is seen having numerous highlighted areas as well. "Hilarious and terrifying", she captioned the photo, adding that it is "not a joke". On a recent Instagram Stories update, Ariana Grande showed the results of her PTSD (a mental disorder that develops after a person is exposed to a traumatic event) affected brain compared to a healthy one. pic.twitter.com/6EVmybMP6l — Ariana Grande Access (@arianaaccesscom) 11 апреля 2019 г. "Didn't mean to startle anyone with my brain thingy", she wrote in a follow-up post on Instagram. "I love science and seeing the physical reality of what's going on in there was incredible to me. Someday, when I'm more healed up, we can talk more about it". Grande says she still experiences post-traumatic disorder after a 2017 suicide bombing that killed 22 people in Manchester as the fans were leaving her "Thank U, Next" show. After all the controversy around the PSTD topic, Ariana Grande revealed what made her share her brain scans publicity on her Instagram Stories: “I found it informative and interesting and wanted to encourage y’all to make sure you check on your brains / listen to your bodies”. pic.twitter.com/wlrt4AJqhf — Ariana Grande Access (@arianaaccesscom) 12 апреля 2019 г. "I know those families and my fans, and everyone there experienced a tremendous amount of it as well", Grande said in a 2018 interview, referring to the PTSD. "I feel like I shouldn't even be talking about my own experience — like I shouldn't even say anything". However, some researchers doubt a brain scan is a reliable way of diagnosing this kind of disorder. "There is no doubt that PTSD changes the way the brain responds to trauma-related and other emotional stimuli", says Charles B. Nemeroff, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Psychiatry at The University of Texas at Austin, according to CNN report. "However there are not brain imaging tests that are diagnostic of PTSD". Not dismissing that she has ptsd due to the obvious incident she experienced.. but that scan doesn’t prove ptsd — petr🇮🇹 (@Petr_949) 12 апреля 2019 г. I believe it! I have been treating trauma for 10 years and know how much energy it requires of the brain to be so hypervigilant. Anyone who has experienced trauma should look into EMDR therapy, it was created to treat veterans with PTSD and is by far the best! — Superkirsten1 (@mssocialwelfare) 12 апреля 2019 г.
Australia has barred Chelsea Manning, convicted of aiding the enemy by leaking sensitive U.S. military documents, from entering the country for a speaking tour, her tour organizer announced on Thursday. Think Inc., the group organizing the tour, said it had received a notice of intention from the Australian government to deny Manning’s entry, “which after a little bit of research and speaking to our legal counsel, we understand is potentially an imminent refusal of her visa,” Think Inc. director Suzi Jamil told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. The group has responded to the decision by calling on Manning’s supporters to lobby the government into reversing the decision. Australia’s new Prime Minister Scott Morrison has indicated the decision will be left at the discretion of his newly appointed immigration minister David Coleman. Private Bradley Manning, who worked as an intelligence analyst for the U.S. Army before leaking classified military and diplomatic documents to Wikileaks, was jailed for 35 years on charges of aiding the enemy. Manning came out as transgender during that sentence and underwent sexual reassignment surgery after going on a hunger strike. President Barack Obama granted Manning clemency shortly before he left office in January 2017. Manning served seven years, or a fifth, of the sentence issued. Amnesty International has supported Manning’s appeal. National director Claire Mallinson claimed that Australia refusing entry would “send a chilling message that freedom of speech is not valued by our government.” Claire Mallinson from @amnestyOz responds to the Australian government threatening visa denial to #ChelseaManning. “By refusing her entry, the Australian government would send a chilling message that freedom of speech is not valued by our government." https://t.co/MV6JBYt8NH — AmnestyInternational (@amnesty) August 30, 2018 The government of New Zealand is still considering whether to grant Manning a “special direction” visa, which would bypass laws preventing entry due to a criminal conviction within the past ten years. The country’s right-wing National Party opposition has urged the government not to grant the request, although Manning could still appeal the decision should it be rejected. The 35-year-old was scheduled to speak in cities across Australia and New Zealand, including Melbourne, Auckland, and Wellington, and Brisbane, although it now appears the entire tour may be canceled. Manning, now a far-left transgender activist, has adopted a number of controversial political positions including support for the abolition of prisons, police, borders, and tradition, and recently ran an unsuccessful campaign for the U.S. Senate in Maryland. In May, Manning threatened to commit suicide by posting a suicide note and a picture of a rooftop ledge. Follow Ben Kew on Facebook, Twitter at @ben_kew, or email him at [email protected].<doc-sep>Chelsea Manning speaks at an event in Berlin on May 2, 2018 during her first trip outside of the U.S. after being imprisoned Photo : Getty Whenever Edward Snowden “appears” at conferences around the world, he does so via livestream video from his home in Russia. And it looks like that’s the future that might be in store for whistleblower Chelsea Manning after she was denied a visa to visit Australia. Manning will have to appear by video link from Los Angeles at her next event in Australia because the government hasn’t approved her visa in time . Advertisement Manning was scheduled to speak at the Sydney Opera House’s Antidote festival this coming Sunday. But the festival organizers tell Gizmodo that she hasn’t been granted a visa in time for her arrival. The Australian government, still in turmoil after a messy leadership change last week, has been dragging its feet about giving her a visa based on Australia’s Migration Act of 1958, which prohibits entry into the country based on bad “character.” “We are disappointed that Chelsea will not be able to make it to Australia in time to speak live on stage at the Sydney Opera House Antidote festival on Sunday 2 September,” Think Inc.’s director Suzi Jamil told Gizmodo via email. But organizers still hold out hope that she might be allowed entry into Australia for her two other speaking engagements in Melbourne on September 7th and Brisbane on September 11th. “I hope Chelsea will be allowed to speak live on stage for the remainder of her Australian and New Zealand appearances about timely and interesting topics such as data privacy and surveillance, imprisonment, the suppression of information and ideas by power-structures, and transgender rights,” Jamil told Gizmodo. Manning was convicted in 2010 after she, as an Army private, leaked classified information to WikiLeaks, including a video from 2007 that showed civilians being slaughtered in Iraq. The video is now known by the title “Collateral Murder.” Manning was sentenced to 35 years in prison but President Obama commuted her sentence shortly before leaving office in 2017. The whistleblower and activist has been granted a visa to enter New Zealand to speak in Auckland on September 8th and Wellington on September 9th. Conservatives in New Zealand had called for her to be banned from that country as well but she was ultimately given a visa to speak.<doc-sep>Chelsea Manning, a transgender rights activist who was convicted of leaking U.S. classified documents, will not be allowed to enter Australia for a five-city speaking tour, including stops in New Zealand, her event organizer said Thursday. Think Inc. said it had received a notice of intention from the government to deny Manning entry. Manning was scheduled to open a speaking tour at the Sydney Opera House on Sunday. Other stops in Australia included Melbourne and Brisbane, and two appearances were planned in Wellington, and Auckland, New Zealand. The event organizer called on Manning's supporters to lobby new Immigration Minister David Coleman to allow her into Australia. While she can appeal, past precedent suggests the decision has already been made. Think Inc. said it had given the government more than 10 letters of support from individuals and organizations who defend Manning’s entry to Australia. “Ms. Manning offers formidable ideas and an insightful perspective, which we are hoping to bring to the forefront of Australian dialogue,” Think Inc. director Suzi Jamil said in a statement. A change.org petition appealing to the government to reverse the decision has received over 12,000 signatures. Amnesty International accused the government of trying to silence Manning. “By refusing her entry, the Australian government would send a chilling message that freedom of speech is not valued by our government,” Amnesty International national director Claire Mallinson said in a statement. More:Chelsea Manning is running for the U.S. Senate More:In 1st interview since release, Chelsea Manning thanks Obama for 2nd chance Manning was to be interviewed by Peter Greste, an Australian journalist who was jailed for a year in Egypt for allegedly spreading false news and aiding the banned Muslim Brotherhood. Greste said on Twitter that the government "shows a lack of self-confidence in the integrity and the strength of our democracy" by denying her entry. One alternative could be holding the interview via Skype, The Canberra Times reports. Manning was an intelligence analyst for the U.S. Army when she leaked military and diplomatic documents to the anti-secrecy website WikiLeaks. She served seven years of a 35-year sentence before then-President Barack Obama granted her clemency in 2017. The Department of Home Affairs said while it does not comment on individual cases, all non-citizens entering Australia must meet character requirements set out in the Migration Act. The reasons a person might fail the character test include a criminal record or a determination they might be a risk to the community, according to the department. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the decision was up to Coleman, who was sworn in Tuesday as immigration minister. Penny Wong, a foreign affairs spokeswoman for the opposition Labor Party, said the government should be transparent about the reason if Manning is denied entry. Lawyer Greg Barns, who has represented Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, said people with criminal records have been allowed into Australia in the past. He said no one would seriously suggest Manning was a risk to the Australian community. Immigration in New Zealand expects to make a decision by Friday on whether to grant her a “special direction” visa. She doesn’t qualify for entry otherwise because she has a criminal conviction within the last 10 years for which she had a sentence exceeding one year, according to the country’s visa rules. New Zealand’s center-right National Party opposition has urged the government to decline her visa request. Contributing: The Associated Press<doc-sep>	CANBERRA, Australia — Convicted classified document leaker Chelsea Manning will not be allowed to enter Australia for a speaking tour scheduled to start Sunday, her event organizer said on Thursday. Think Inc. said it had received a notice of intention from the government to deny Manning entry on Wednesday. The group is calling on her supporters to lobby new Immigration Minister David Coleman to allow her into Australia. While she can appeal, past precedent suggests the decision has already been made. Think Inc. said it had given the government more than 10 letters of support from individuals and organizations who support Manning's entry to Australia. "Ms. Manning offers formidable ideas and an insightful perspective which we are hoping to bring to the forefront of Australian dialogue," Think Inc. Director Suzi Jamil said in a statement. Manning was an intelligence analyst for the U.S. Army when she leaked military and diplomatic documents to the anti-secrecy website WikiLeaks. She served seven years of a 35-year sentence before then-President Barack Obama granted her clemency in 2017. The transgender activist who recently lost a long-shot bid for a U.S. Senate seat in Maryland is scheduled to speak at the Sydney Opera House on Sunday and has subsequent events in Australia and New Zealand. The Department of Home Affairs said while it does not comment on individual cases, all non-citizens entering Australia must meet character requirements set out in the Migration Act. The reasons a person might fail the character test include a criminal record or a determination they might pose a risk to the community, according to the department. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the decision was for Coleman, who was sworn in as immigration minister on Tuesday. A foreign affairs spokeswoman for the opposition Labor party, Penny Wong, said the government should be transparent about the reason if Manning is denied entry. Amnesty International accused the government of trying to silence Manning. "By refusing her entry, the Australian government would send a chilling message that freedom of speech is not valued by our government," Amnesty International national director Claire Mallinson said in a statement. Lawyer Greg Barns, who has represented Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, said people with criminal records have been allowed into Australia in the past. He said no one would seriously suggest Manning was a risk to the Australian community. Immigration in New Zealand expects to make a decision by Friday on whether to grant her a "special direction" visa. She doesn't qualify for entry otherwise because she has a criminal conviction within the last 10 years for which she had a sentence exceeding 1 year, according to the country's visa rules. New Zealand's center-right National Party opposition is urging the government to decline her visa request. If the decision goes against Manning, she can have it reviewed by the immigration minister. She is due to speak in the Australian city of Melbourne on Sept. 7, the New Zealand city of Auckland on Sept. 8, the New Zealand capital Wellington on Sept. 9 and the Australian city of Brisbane on Sept. 11.
An 8-year-old girl made a fantastic discovery playing in a Swedish lake: a pre-Viking era sword. Saga Vanecek, a Swedish-American girl, pulled the 33-inch sword from the bottom of the lake, held it up in the air and declared "Daddy, I found a sword!" she told Swedish news website The Local. A drought had lowered the lake's water level near her family's vacation home in southern Sweden, the BBC reports. That sword, made out of wood, leather and metal, could have been made 1,500 years ago, experts at the Jonkopings Lans Museum said in a press release. Vanecek found the ancient relic on July 15 but just recently went public with the news. "It is the first sword of its kind to ever be found in Scandinavia," her father Andy Vanecek said on Facebook. He's also left to wonder who first owned the weapon. "Did someone fall overboard, or through the ice during a winter trek? Was a wealthy noble buried in the lake, as from a scene in Game of Thrones?" More:Strange ancient animal fossil is the oldest on record, scientists say More:Bottle of Macallan, 'Holy Grail' of scotch whisky, sells for record $1.1 million at auction More:Could it be the blade of lore? Girl pulls sword from lake of King Arthur’s Excalibur Vanecek grew up in Minneapolis and moved to Sweden just last year, The Local reports. She's a Minnesota Vikings fan, making the find all the more sweet. Some have also started calling her the new "Queen of Sweden." The sword will be displayed at a Swedish museum in Jonkoping County and a local council is combing the lake for more historic finds. Follow Ashley May on Twitter: @AshleyMayTweets<doc-sep>Saga Vanecek. Photo: NBC News/Youtube The 8-year-old girl who pulled a 1,500-year-old sword out of a lake opened up about her extremely metal experience in the Guardian, in what is undeniably the cutest as-told-to ever published. During what Saga Vanecek claims was “the hottest summer for 260 years,” the 8-year-old and her family were staying at a cabin by lake Vidöstern in southern Sweden, where Vanecek likes to “build sandcastles on the beach, or find rocks to skim across the water and see how many times I can make them bounce.” She also frequently plays in the lake — a beloved pastime that led to her discovery of the ancient Viking sword. She describes the experience: I was crawling along the bottom of the lake on my arms and knees, looking for stones to skim, when my hand and knee felt something long and hard buried in the clay and sand. I pulled it out and saw that it was different from the sticks or rocks I usually find. One end had a point, and the other had a handle, so I pointed it up to the sky, put my other hand on my hip and called out, “Daddy, I’ve found a sword!” I felt like a warrior, but Daddy said I looked like Pippi Longstocking. The sword felt rough and hard, and I got some sticky, icky brown rust on my hands. It started to bend and Daddy splashed up to me, and said I should let him hold it. It was my sword and now he was taking it away! I gave it to him in the end. After passing off her prize, Vanecek ran to her “mamma,” “mormor” (her “grandma,” she clarifies), and her other relatives who were having fika outside (so Swedish!). There, she started to yell, “I found a sword, I found a sword!” Her dad then showed the sword to their neighbors, who said it looked like a Viking sword. Vanecek says her family later showed the sword to archaeologists, who said “nothing like this had ever been found in Scandinavia before,” and told Vanecek to not tell anyone about it, in case there were others in the lake. While she says it “wasn’t hard to keep the secret,” she does admit that she told one of her “best friends, Emmy,” who didn’t telly anyone, except her parents, but it’s “OK” because “they promised not to tell anybody else.” And while Venecek is clearly proud of her discovery, she does want people on the internet to know that she is not the “queen of Sweden.” Obviously, she would be happy to be “queen for a day,” but when she grows up, she has other dream careers. “People on the internet are saying I am the queen of Sweden, because in the legend of King Arthur, he was given a sword by a lady in a lake, and that meant he would become king,” she says. “I am not a lady — I’m only 8 — but it’s true I found a sword in the lake. I wouldn’t mind being queen for a day, but when I grow up I want to be a vet. Or an actor in Paris.”<doc-sep>HER name conjures up Old Nordic tales about heroic accomplishments and that’s exactly what Saga did when she stumbled on a pre-Viking-era sword in a southern Sweden lake. Saga Vanecek, eight, was helping her father with his boat in the Vidostern lake when she stepped on an 85-centimetre sword in a holster made of wood and leather. The sword is believed to be about 1500 years old. “I was outside in the water, throwing sticks and stones and stuff to see how far they skip, and then I found some kind of stick,” Saga told The Local. “I picked it up and was going to drop it back in the water, but it had a handle, and I saw that it was a little bit pointy at the end and all rusty.” “I held it up in the air and I said ‘Daddy, I found a sword!’ When he saw that it bent and was rusty, he came running up and took it,” she said. Experts are now working to preserve the relic before it’s eventually put on display at the Jönköpings Läns Museum. Saga actually found the sword months ago but the news was kept under wraps so that researchers could have a chance to scour the area for other artefacts before everyone had the same idea. Mikael Nordstrom of the local Jonkoping County museum said on Friday that the little girl’s find prompted others to seek out long-lost treasures in a lake that had been diminished by drought. A broach from between 300 to 400 A.D. was eventually found, as well as an 18th century coin. Mr Nordstrom said archaeologists are trying to understand why the items were there. For sacrificial purposes is one suggestion. Saga’s father, who just relocated the family from Minnesota to Sweden, said the find had special significance because of the family’s NFL team. “The cool thing is that I’m a huge Minnesota Vikings fan, and this looks just like a Viking sword,” he said.<doc-sep>An 8-year-old girl who heroically pulled an ancient Viking sword from a lake in Sweden, will likely receive her very own handmade version of the weapon to remember the fateful day she became a "queen." Saga Vanecek discovered a wood and metal sword, estimated to be 1,500 years old, while searching for rocks near her family's cabin in southern Sweden over the summer. When she found the 33-inch-long relic, she wielded it into the air and yelled "Daddy, I found a sword!" she told USA TODAY. It was a magical day that months later, launched the girl into worldwide celebrity status. People have called her the "Queen of Sweden" and "Queen of the North," her father Andrew Vanecek said, who notes his daughter hasn't yet received an invitation to Sweden's royal palace but would welcome one. After experts at the Jonkopings Lans Museum declared the discovery earlier this month, Saga said her school at least gave her the royal treatment by throwing a party for her and her classmates. "We even got ice cream and balloons," Saga said. As for fans elsewhere: A T-shirt company based in Scotland created a design inspired by Saga, and sent her a shirt that many of her teachers have also purchased. The Minnesota Vikings, Saga's favorite football team, have also been in touch, featuring the young girl in a story on the Viking's website and promised they'd send her a gift. Saga's fame prompted her father to create a fundraising page in hopes that he could purchase a replica sword for his daughter. As of Monday at noon, the page had raised more than $8,900, which is close to what he said it will take to buy a similar handmade design. He's also hoping donor money will help with costs associated with turning Saga's story in to a children's book. Saga's story has "inspired so many children to explore," he said, that he thinks a book makes sense. More:Young girl pulls 1,500-year-old sword from lake, earns 'Queen' nickname As for her new title, her father said he has reminded his daughter that she "might be the queen, but I'm still your father." Meanwhile, Saga said she likes to play "queen" with classmates, who pretend to be her guards. She also wouldn't mind becoming a queen one day, but also has dreams of being a veterinarian (she's getting her first pet – a fish – soon, her parents promised) and an actress. Saga's little brother Vilgot, 6, was unable to be reached for comment for this story, despite Saga's valiant efforts to bring him into a video call while he was playing hockey in the family's hallway. Follow Ashley May on Twitter: @AshleyMayTweets<doc-sep>	8-year-old Saga Vanecek is just doing what most 8-year-olds do—swimming, hanging out with her dad, and casually fulfilling the prophecy of a certain King Arthur. (What's that? You made the Honor Roll? Sick, Timmy. Saga found a MAGIC SWORD.) Saga was swimming in a lake near her home in Sweden this past July—searching for the perfect skipping rock, as one does—when her "hand and knee felt something long and hard buried in the clay and sand," she wrote for the Guardian. The object? A 1,500-year-old sword that dates back to the pre-Viking era. Jönköping County Museum "I pulled it out and saw that it was different from the sticks or rocks I usually find. One end had a point, and the other had a handle, so I pointed it up to the sky, put my other hand on my hip and called out, 'Daddy, I’ve found a sword!'" Per Vanecek, her dad was actually trying to rush her at the beach before she found the sword in order to get home to watch the World Cup. Not one to let a man hinder her craft (skipping rocks, that is) she eloquently explained that "I like to take my time about things...so I ignored him." "I felt 'boo' that it’s gone away, but 'yay' that other people will get to see it." Saga and her dad brought the sword home to show to the rest of their family, who then brought her discovery to the attention of an archeologist. Said archeologist did a further sweep of the lake and found a brooch dating back to the same era, and had the sword submitted to a local museum for preservation's sake. ("I felt 'boo' that it’s gone away, but 'yay' that other people will get to see it," Saga wrote.) The highlight of the story? Saga kinda sorta fulfilled a freakin' prophecy. In response to her discovery, Saga explained that people on the internet started to talk about the fact that King Arthur (of Sweden) would be given a sword by a lady in a lake, and that would be his sign that he would become king. "I am not a lady–I’m only eight–but it’s true I found a sword in the lake," Saga continued in the story. "I wouldn’t mind being queen for a day, but when I grow up I want to be a vet. Or an actor in Paris." Same, girl. Holly Rhue ELLE.com Contributor Holly Rhue is a writer and editor in New York City.
Gov. Phil Murphy said Friday he is declaring a state of emergency across New Jersey, effective noon Saturday, as a winter storm is expected to wallop the state. Murphy also announced a travel restriction barring tractor trailers, car-pulled trailers — anything attached to your car that gives you more than two axles — recreational vehicles, and motorcycles on roads north of Interstate 95. But that does not include the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway. “If there is ever a weekend to stay in and binge-watch something, this may be it,” Murphy said during a late-afternoon news conference at the State Police’s Regional Operations Intelligence Center in West Trenton. Murphy said this is a “really challenging system” that could drop up to a foot of snow in parts of North Jersey. But he said the “bigger culprit” will be the potential for ice as the temperature drops Sunday, causing slick, dangerous roads and possible widespread power outages. A governor’s state of emergency declaration typically comes with stern warnings for people to stay off the roads, although law enforcement officers don’t have the authority to ticket drivers. But the order does empower first responders to close roads, evacuate homes, and commandeer equipment or other resources to protect public safety. Plus, after a high-impact storm, state officials seek financial assistance from the federal government to make repairs, and the emergency declaration is a required step in that process. The state of emergency Murphy announced Friday covers all 21 of the state’s counties. This storm comes just hours after after a lighter storm dropped caused delayed openings for some schools and state offices Friday morning. But state officials are urging residents not to be fooled into thinking the second storm will be as timid. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for Hunterdon, Morris, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren counties from Saturday afternoon to Sunday evening. The service has also declared a winter storm watch for Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic and union counties from noon Saturday until 6 p.m. Sunday. Forecasters are still unclear where the snow will mix with sleet and rain in the central part of the state. Conditions in South Jersey are expected to be more mild. Murphy said the state is coordinating with regional transportation agencies, and the State Police is preparing its emergency operations center. State Transportation Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti said New Jersey Transit is expected to run on its normal weekend schedule, but bus service could change depending on how the storm plays out. State officials urged residents not to travel during the storm, both to remain safe and not stymie plows and emergency vehicles. “If you do have to go out, be safe, be patient, be prepared,” State Police Superintendent Col. Patrick Callahan said. Callahan said those that do go out should carry emergency items like a cell phone, charger, a bottle of water, and a blanket. Murphy said it’s a blessing that the storm is happening on a weekend, followed by a state holiday, Martin Luther King Day, on Monday. “Our aim is to have New Jersey fully ready for the work week,” the governor said. State officials said crews have already begun brining roads and plows will be deployed early Saturday. Murphy joked at an earlier news conference Friday in Woodbridge that he’s OK with the state over-preparing after the November snowstorm that unexpectedly crippled the state — and led to residents lambasting the rookie governor for not being better prepped. “I’m going to be the chairman of the over-prepare club,” Murphy said. Monitor the social media accounts for the Office of Emergency Management and the N.J. State Police for updates: NJOEM on Facebook: www.facebook.com/READYNEWJERSEY NJOEM on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ReadyNJ NJ State Police on Facebook: www.facebook.com/NewJerseyStatePolice NJ State Police on Twitter: www.twitter.com/NJSP You may also sign up for text and email alerts: NIXLE - www.nixle.com. NJ Alert - www.njalert.gov. NJ Advance Media staff writers Jeff Goldman, Kelly Heyboer, and Susan K. Livio contributed to this report. Brent Johnson may be reached at [email protected] Follow him on Twitter @johnsb01 Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.com’s newsletters.<doc-sep>NEW JERSEY (WPVI) -- New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced Friday afternoon that he is issuing a State of Emergency for the entire state effective 12 p.m. Saturday ahead of the impending weekend storm.Light snow fell in New Jersey early Friday as the state prepared for a weekend storm, and Governor Phil Murphy warned residents not to be fooled by the dusting because they are expecting several inches to fall late Saturday into Sunday. "Stay tuned for the weekend, which is a big window with a lot of variability around it," he said. "And at its worst, it could be a lot of snow. So everybody stay safe. "State offices had a two-hour delayed opening on Friday due to the weather conditions, but when it comes to the weekend, Murphy said that he's going to be "the chairman of the overprepare club. ""We've got equipment deployed all over the state," he said. "Roads have been brined. We are doing constant calls. But preparedness is the big watchword. Last winter, we had a series of storms. And while they were commuting challenges, the commutes were largely reasonable given the storms. What wasn't reasonable is we had massive power outages, particularly concentrated on certain pockets of the state. The November storm was completely unacceptable in terms of the commuting experience, but we had very limited outages. We are preparing for something this weekend which could have elements of both, and I'll leave it there. "North Jersey is expecting the brunt of the snow, and officials are asking drivers to stay home and keep off of the roads. "We're going to brine our roads prior to the storm," said Glen Dowson, of the Mahwah DPW. "We're going to come in a couple hours before and brine the roads and the hills, especially, and get the guys here and try to salt the regular roads and break that barrier between the snow and the ice getting to the asphalt. "Fortunately, this storm comes on a holiday weekend, so there should be a lot less traffic on the roads. But it looks like this next round of snow will force many to start digging out just as the frigid blast of air heads our way on Sunday night.-----<doc-sep>NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – The first big winter storm of 2019 is in the books and for most it turned out to be a chilly soaker rather than a freezing snowstorm. In New York City, forecasts of a few inches of snow turns into steady rain overnight. To the north, a winter storm warning remained in effect into Sunday morning as up to five inches of snow fell in Orange County. Warnings have been lifted for New York City, but residents should be on the lookout for a flash flood watch issued for the city, northeast New Jersey, Connecticut, and Long Island. WEB EXTRA – Long Island Officials Provide The Latest Information On Coastal Flooding: Saturday night, salt trucks got a head start before colder temperatures created dangerous road conditions. People across the northern suburbs spent the last few days preparing to hunker down for a much bigger storm, gathering snow supplies and food. Most of the build-up could be traced back to November’s crippling snowstorm which caught New Yorkers and officials statewide off guard. “We started at four this morning. The roads are nice, the town did a great job. The state… 32 is perfect. Everything is turning to blacktop… just hope it doesn’t freeze too soon,” snow plow driver Joe Ginzaro said. “It’s a treacherous walk. They’re really good at keeping the roads clear, but it takes some time,” Wayne Bissenger of Highland Mills added. In New Jersey, a commercial travel restriction is in effect for roads north of I-95 but not the New Jersey Turnpike. Con Edison says it has prepared all week with an extra 250 power line workers on hand in case the storm was more severe. As of Sunday morning, travelers at airports in the area are not facing any major issues from the storm. Arrival and departure delays are 15 minutes and under at JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark Airports. On Saturday, more than 2,100 flights were canceled around the country. The storm has already caused almost 1,300 flight cancellations on Sunday. Anyone heading to a local airport is urged to check with their airline before heading to the airport. New York and New Jersey authorities are continuing to give the same piece of advice: if the weather is bad in your area stay home and stay off the road so road crews can do their jobs.<doc-sep>	NEW JERSEY (WABC) -- New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced a state of emergency and travel restrictions ahead of the winter storm.The state of emergency took effect at noon Saturday and covered the entire state. A commercial travel restriction is also in effect on roads north of I-95, but it does not include the New Jersey Turnpike.It wasn't snow they're worried about. It's what happens later Sunday, when temperatures are expected to nosedive as much as 40 degrees in parts of the state over a 24-hour span.Murphy said the storm brought mostly rain but some ice in upper northwest portions of the state. He said the concerns have now shifted to black ice, some flooding and potential power problems.State Department of Transportation crews continue to treat the roads.Heading into the weekend, Murphy said that he's going to be "the chairman of the overprepare club": The state was ready to deploy around 2,500 snow plows. "We've got equipment deployed all over the state," he said. "Roads have been brined. We are doing constant calls. But preparedness is the big watchword. Last winter, we had a series of storms. And while they were commuting challenges, the commutes were largely reasonable given the storms. What wasn't reasonable is we had massive power outages, particularly concentrated on certain pockets of the state. The November storm was completely unacceptable in terms of the commuting experience, but we had very limited outages. We are preparing for something this weekend which could have elements of both, and I'll leave it there. "North Jersey was expecting the brunt of the storm, and officials asked drivers to stay home and keep off of the roads. "We're going to brine our roads prior to the storm," said Glen Dowson, of the Mahwah DPW. "We're going to come in a couple hours before and brine the roads and the hills, especially, and get the guys here and try to salt the regular roads and break that barrier between the snow and the ice getting to the asphalt. "Fortunately, this storm comes on a holiday weekend, so there should be a lot less traffic on the roads.----------
The death toll in the Pulwama terrorist attack has reached 44, making it one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. A convoy of around 2,500 CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) personnel was targeted by a Jaish-e-Mohammed suicide bomber, Adil Ahmad Dar. He was driving an SUV carrying around 200 kg IED explosives. The vehicle rammed into one of the buses carrying jawans, leaving several body parts strewn around the area. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the sacrifices of "our brave security personnel shall not go in vain", people across the country have demanded the strongest possible action against the dastardly terrorist attack. Massive anti-Pakistan protests have rocked Jammu and Kashmir's winter capital. Demonstrations and candle light marches were held after the attack. Braving the rains, several people took to the streets in Jewel Chowk, Purani Mandi, Rehari, Janipur, Gandhinagar, Bakshi Nagar, Muthi, Talab Tilloo and Satwari and protested against the killings. An NIA team with suitable forensic component will leave today for Kashmir to assist the Jammu and Kashmir Police in forensic evaluation of the spot. Mobile internet services have also been suspended in Jammu over security concerns. "We strongly condemn today's attack in J&K's Pulwama. We express our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives & to the people & Govt of India. We wish a speedy recovery to injured & call for those behind the attack to be brought to justice," the United Nations said in a statement. This was the first suicide car bomb attack in Kashmir since the 2001 strike on the Legislative Assembly in which 41 people, including three suicide attackers, were killed. The scene of Thursday's attack is not very far from the Commando Training Centre at Lethpora, which was stormed by Jaish militants on December 31, 2017, killing five CRPF personnel. The Srinagar-Jammu national highway has been a favoured route for militants to target security forces. The CRPF bore the brunt of a militant attack at Pampore, less than seven km from Lethpora, in June 2016, losing eight jawans while 22 others sustained injuries. In an attack on the Uri military base in September 2016, Jaish militants killed 18 Army jawans and injured dozens of others. The ferocity of the attack led to India conducting a surgical strike against Pakistan. With agency inputs Also Read: Kashmir terror attack: At least 44 jawans killed as Jaish suicide bomber blows CRPF convoy<doc-sep>Pulwama attack live updates: We will not forget, we will not forgive, says CRPF Pulwama attack live updates: We will not forget, we will not forgive, says CRPF 38 CRPF personnel were martyred in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. India held Pakistan directly responsible for the worst-ever terrorist attack in J&K. The government has said that terrorists will pay heavy price for attack. Stay with TOI for all the latest developmentsRead Less<doc-sep>A suicide bomber driving a car packed with explosives rammed a bus carrying Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troops, part of a large paramilitary convoy, on the Jammu-Srinagar highway on Thursday, was feared to have killed at least 40 men while reducing the vehicle to a mangled heap of metal, in the deadliest terror attack in three decades of insurgency — one, which many experts said, would evoke a strong response from India. At least 20 more were injured in the attack in the Awantipora area of Pulwama district. Terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad, which Indian authorities say is backed by Pakistan, claimed responsibility for the attack that took place in Lethpora, about 30 km from Srinagar. While the police put the official death toll at 33, security officials in Srinagar and New Delhi said at least 40 people had died. Watch \| Pulwama terror attack: Govt vows swift response Jaish said the suicide bombing was carried out by a local militant whom it identified as Adil Ahmad Dar of Pulwama.He joined the Jaish in 2018, PTI cited unnamed officials as saying. The Jaish claimed in a statement that the vehicle was carrying 350 kg of explosives, which Indian authorities did not confirm. “Attack on CRPF personnel in Pulwama is despicable. I strongly condemn this dastardly attack,” PM Narendra Modi said in a statement as political parties denounced the attack in unison. “Sacrifices of our brave security personnel shall not go in vain. The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the families of the brave martyrs. May the injured recover quickly.” Also read \| 44 CRPF jawans killed in Pulwama terror attack were returning from leave Congress president Rahul Gandhi wrote on Twitter: “I’m deeply disturbed by the cowardly attack on a #CRPF convoy in J&K in which many of our brave CRPF men have been martyred and a large number wounded, some critically.” In a tweet, party spokesperson Randeep Surjewala charged the Modi government with compromising national security and said terror attacks had taken place unabated under it. The attack may ratchet up tensions between India and Pakistan. Jammu and Kashmir governor Satya Pal Malik said the fact that Jaish owned up to carrying out the attack indicated that Pakistan may have had a hand in it. Minister of state in the Prime Minister’s Office, Jitender Singh, told television channels that the attack had led to a “war- like” situation. “This is a bigger attack than Uri. Unlike the Uri attack, a Pakistan-based terror group has claimed responsibility There will be much more pressure on Pakistan, but my hunch is, because a Pakistan-based group has claimed responsibility, New Delhi too, will have to act. The form and shape of the retaliation will be the government’s prerogative,” said General DS Hooda, former Northern Army commander. The ministry of external affairs, while condemning the “heinous and despicable act perpetrated by Jaish-e-Mohammed, a Pakistan-based and supported terrorist organisation proscribed by the United Nations and other countries” called for its chief Masood Azhar to be listed as a designated terrorist under the sanctions committee of the UN Security Council. The security establishments at the Centre and in the state, which is under federal rule, were huddled in meetings to take stock of the situation following the attack that precedes general elections, likely to be held simultaneously with state elections, in the spring of 2019. National security adviser Ajit Doval was monitoring the situation and senior CRPF officials were briefing him. The Cabinet committee on security affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister, is to meet on Friday to decide on and articulate India’s response. Home minister Rajnath Singh will be visiting Srinagar on Friday to assess the situation. Also read \| Pulwama suicide bomber, 22, lived 10km from spot Thursday’s attack was the deadliest since insurgency broke out in Jammu and Kashmir in 1989. In the previous worst terror strike, 38 people were killed in a car bomb attack in Srinagar near the legislative assembly in October 2001. In September 2016, four terrorists attacked an Indian Army brigade headquarters in Uri, near the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan, killing 19 army personnel.That attack was the spark for a retaliatory surgical strike on terrorist camps across the LoC by Indian forces just days later. Near the town of Kaluchak in 2002, three militants attacked a tourist bus from Himachal Pradesh and killed seven people after which they raided the nearby army family quarters and shot 23 people to death — 10 children, eight women and five soldiers. According to some accounts, in Thursday’s attack, the driver of the car positioned himself in the opposite direction on a lane next to the one on which the CRPF convoy was travelling on, and swerved and rammed the CRPF bus when he noticed the unarmoured vehicle. CRPF’s inspector general (operations) Zulfiqar Hassan said the Jammu and Kashmir police had taken over the investigation of the terror attack “There were around 78 vehicles in the convoy and one of the vehicles came under attack. The convoy was on its way from Jammu to Srinagar,” he said. The CRPF convoy of around 2,500 troopers left the Channi Rama transit camp in Jammu around 3:30am and was headed to the Bakshi Stadium camp in Srinagar when the vehicle was attacked, said Jammu-based CRPF spokesman Ashish Kumar Jha. From Bakshi Stadium, they were to have travelled to their respective camps. Over the past week, no CRPF envoy had been able to travel on the highway because it had been blocked by snow, Jha said. “Therefore, the number of the CRPF jawans [in the convoy] swelled. The incident happened around 3.15pm,” he said. When asked if there had been a security lapse, he said, “A thorough probe will be conducted but such a large convoy is visible from a distance itself. CRPF jawans belonged to different battalions. Points of halt and resuming journey of such convoys are always fixed”. Also read \| ‘No words’: Political leaders across parties unite in grief on J&K attack International governments, and national and regional political parties condemned the attack.<doc-sep>Pulwama attack updates: PM Modi pays tribute to slain CRPF personnel In one of the deadliest attack ever on security forces in Jammu and Kashmir, 40 CRPF personnel were martyred and several others were injured when a Jaish suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into a CRPF convoy of 70 vehicles in Pulwama district.<doc-sep>	The site of the attack in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, resembled a war zone with body parts and vehicle debris strewn about (Photo: IANS) At least 44 jawans of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were killed in a dastardly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama. The well-planned attack used a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (known as VBIED) to target a CRPF bus that was part of a 70-vehicle convoy. The convoy was on the Srinagar-Jammu highway and was on its way to Pulwama when a suicide bomber belonging to the terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammad drove an explosive-laden SUV into the bus. The SUV was carrying explosives weighing nearly 300 kgs and the bus had 39 jawans on board. At least 44 jawans who were part of the convoy were killed in the resulting explosion. Two of the jawans who were killed were part of the road-opening party, which travels a short distance away from the main convoy. ALSO READ \| Pulwama terror attack: In last 5 years, J&K saw 93% rise in death of security personnel in terror attacks The bus targetted by the suicide bomber, who the Jaish-e-Mohammad identified as Adil Ahmad Dar, was completely destroyed in the attack. The site of the Pulwama attack resembled a war zone with body parts and vehicle debris strewn about. One of the CRPF buses in the convoy was blown up in the powerful IED blast The Pulwama attack is the biggest in Jammu and Kashmir's history. The attack took place when the convoy was passing through the Gundipoora section of the Srinagar-Jammu highway in Lethipora near Awantipora. The convoy was made up of buses, trucks and SUVs. Each bus/truck was carrying 35-40 jawans of the CRPF. Terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammad claimed responsibility for the deadly attack. A spokesperson of the banned terrorist organisation said "dozens of forces' vehicles were destroyed in the attack". Approximate location of the Pulwama terror attack Jaish-e-Mohammad identified the suicide bomber as Adil Ahmad Dar and even released a video of him. In the video, Adil Dar can be seen brandishing rifles and standing in front of Jaish-e-Mohammad banners. We're tracking the Pulwama terror attack and and its fallout live. Follow our live blog on the Pulwama terror attack here. 'REMINISCENT OF DARK DAYS OF MILITANCY' Reactions poured in from across the country as the death toll kept rising in the Pulwama terror attack. PM Narendra Modi said the attack was "despicable" and "dastardly" attack. "The sacrifices of our brave security personnel shall not go in vain. The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the families of the brave martyrs. May the injured recover quickly," PM Modi said in a tweet. Union minister Arun Jaitley called the attack an example of "cowardice" and said, " Terrorists will be given unforgettable lesson for their heinous act." Congress chief Rahul Gandhi said he was "deeply disturbed by the cowardly attack". Former Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah reacted to the "terrible news". "A number of CRPF soldiers are reported to have been killed & injured in an IED blast. I condemn this attack in the strongest possible terms. My prayers for the injured & condolences to the families of the bereaved," Abdullah said in a tweet. Abdullah also said that the attack was "reminiscent of the dark days of militancy pre 2004-05". Mehbooba Mufti, former Jammu and Kashmir CM, tweeted, "Disturbing news coming in from #awantipura . Twelve of our security personnel have been martyred and several have been injured. No words are enough to condemn the gruesome terror attack. How many more lives will be snuffed out before this madness ends?" Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal "strongly condemned" the attack. "Extremely shocking news coming from Pulwama (J&K). I strongly condemn the terror attack on CRPF convoy in which many casualties are feared. India must stand united in this moment of grief," Kejriwal said in a tweet. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said, "We salute our brave jawans and extend our solidarity and condolences to their families. Our prayers for those injured. We wish them a speedy recovery." Complete coverage of the Pulwama terror attack: Photos capture devastating aftermath of Kashmir terror attack PM Modi condemns Pulwama blood bath, says sacrifice will not go in vain When will the 56-inch chest reply?
Reports are saying that passengers on a United Airlines plane panicked as they landed at Bush Intercontinental Airport: the plane’s engine had just caught fire. United Airlines Flight #1168 was heading from Newark to Houston. #BREAKING: Plane engine catches fire at Bush airport, no injuries reported https://t.co/2MolKOaIFM pic.twitter.com/RaEx1B7zHP — KHOU 11 News Houston (@KHOU) March 11, 2019 “#BREAKING: Plane engine catches fire at Bush airport, no injuries reported https://on.khou.com/2CfHOfN,” local Houston news station, KHOU tweeted above. According to officials, the plane caught fire as it headed into Houston, a little before 10:30 p.m. Sunday, as ABC News 13 reported. Some passengers said that they had, in fact, noticed something amiss during the flight. “I noticed as we were coming into Houston airport, I heard sounds that I don’t normally hear when I fly,” passenger Leonard Weiner said, according to reports. The plane’s captain told everyone to evacuate, as soon as the incident happened, according to reports. One other passenger had been unaware of the chaos: Chris Morrison reported that he was actually dozing off. Morrison said he heard a loud bang from the plane that woke him up immediately. Then, a flash of light sparked, as he could see from the window, he said, according to ABC News. “People were starting to panic,” Morrison said. ” Everyone kept hitting the flight attendant call button.” Some passengers, not willing to stay on the plane, especially given the traumatic and fatal events of the Ethiopian Airlines crash reported Sunday, jumped out of the plane on emergency slides. The passengers remained on the tarmac about 30 minutes. They were then escorted to the United Club. ABC Eyewitness News says that United Airlines released a statement to them concerning the incident: “United flight 1168 from Newark, New Jersey to Houston experienced an issue with one of the engines shortly before landing,” the statement reportedly said. “After landing safely, customers were evacuated from the aircraft and were bussed to the terminal. Local authorities responded immediately and our maintenance team is currently inspecting the aircraft.” So, far, an investigation of the incident is unfolding, but no injuries have been reported. Earlier on Sunday, United Airlines tweeted its condolences to passengers lost on the Ethiopian Airlines flight: “We are deeply saddened by the tragedy involving our Star Alliance partner, Ethiopian Airlines,” the company said in a statement. “Our sincerest condolences go out to the families and loved ones of the passengers and crew on board Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302.” One the Houston’s airports, terminals, Terminal B, had suffered a closure earlier this year for a few weeks, from Jan. 13 to Jan. 30. The Transportation Security Administration closed the Terminal B checkpoint, during the partial government shutdown. The ticketing counter in Terminal B had also been closed because of TSA staffing issues such as TSA agents calling in sick. Flights are running per scheduled at the airport now. This story will be continuously updated on this page.<doc-sep>A United Airlines flight was coming from Newark, New Jersey to Houston when one of its engines reportedly caught fire. HOUSTON — A jetliner landed safely at Bush Airport after passengers reported hearing a bang before an engine caught fire during their flight from New Jersey to Houston late Sunday. The incident happened shortly before 10:30 p.m. Airport officials tell KHOU 11 News a United Airlines flight was coming from Newark when the Boeing 737-900 engine caught fire. One passenger says he was near the left-side wing where the fire happened at about 30,000 feet. "I was actually kind of dozing off, sleeping, and I heard a really loud bang," Chris Morrison told KHOU 11. "Shortly after that, it started vibrating a lot. There was a very crazy, distinct vibration on the whole plane. Everyone started getting a little uncomfortable." "Pilot came on and said they were going to start the decent," said Morrison. "Vibration got worse. And then I saw a flash of light outside the window. I was sitting right on the wing where the engine had the issue." Power was shut off on the plane after it touched down and it rolled to a stop. The fire caused a heavy commotion with emergency crews responding, but all passengers and crew were able to get off the aircraft safely. They exited the plane on the Tarmac and boarded buses to get to the terminal. Another passenger said most of the passengers were calm when evacuating. "For the most part, we were very peaceful. They were very helpful to one another, assisting each other getting down." said Philip Twainmorrow.<doc-sep>A United Airlines flight from Newark caught fire Sunday night just before landing safely in Houston. The Boeing 737-900 jet was carrying 180 passengers, many of whom reported hearing a loud bang and seeing a flash of light before the plane landed safely. Passengers were asked to exit the plane via emergency slides, NJ.com reported. No injuries were reported. "People were starting to panic. Everyone kept hitting the flight attendant call button," one passenger told ABC13. Airlines around the world grounded Boeing planes this week, specifically the Boeing 737 Max 8s, one of the manufacturers newest models, after an Ethiopian Airlines flight en route to Nairobi crashed shortly after takeoff and killed all 157 people on board. That was just five months after another 737 Max 8 flown by Lion Air went down off the coast of Indonesia, killing all 189 passengers. CNN reported both planes had been brand new at the time and went down within minutes of takeoff. Boeing 737 Max 8 aircrafts are the company's newest jets, succeeding Boeing 737 Next Generation planes like the Boeing 737-900. China's main airlines are the biggest users of the new jets so far, according to the New York Times. Shares of Boeing's stock fell 12 percent shortly after trading opened on Wall Street on Monday. International investigations regarding the planes are under way, and multiple countries have banned the 737 Max 8s amid safety concerns. Follow Emily & PhillyVoice on Twitter @emily_rolen \| @thePhillyVoice Like us on Facebook: PhillyVoice Add Emily’s RSS feed to your feed reader Have a news tip? Let us know.<doc-sep>	Passengers onboard a United Airlines flight from Newark International Airport to George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston were forced to evacuate when a plane engine caught fire on Sunday. Officials said the engine on the Boeing 737-900 caught fire at around 10:30 p.m., just before it landed in Houston. Passengers aboard Flight 1168 reported hearing loud sounds before they were ordered to evacuate the plane. "I was actually kind of dozing off, sleeping, and I heard a really loud bang," passenger Chris Morrison told KHOU. "Shortly after that, it started vibrating a lot. There was a very crazy, distinct vibration on the whole plane. Everyone started getting a little uncomfortable." Morrison told the station that the pilot came on the PA system and said the flight was beginning its decent. "Vibration got worse," the passenger said. "And then I saw a flash of light outside the window. I was sitting right on the wing where the engine had the issue." Passengers began to panic and hit the flight attendant call button, Morrison said. Once the flight touched down, power was shut off and the plane rolled to a stop. Passengers and crew were evacuated and made to jump out of the plane on emergency slides, KTRK reported. After a half an hour of being on the tarmac, passengers were sent to the United Club at the airport. "United flight 1168 from Newark, New Jersey, to Houston experienced an issue with one of the engines shortly before landing," United Airlines said in a statement to KTRK. "After landing safely, customers were evacuated from the aircraft and were bused to the terminal. Local authorities responded immediately and our maintenance team is currently inspecting the aircraft." The flight had 174 passengers and six crew members onboard. No injuries were reported during the incident. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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) Meghan Markle must be having a sense of déjà vu. The Duchess of Sussex, 36, attended the royal wedding of Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank on Friday, just six months after her own fairytale marriage to Prince Harry at the very same venue. To mark her return to St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, Markle nodded to her own show-stopping nuptials by choosing a dress by a familiar designer for Eugenie’s big day. Markle wore a navy knee-length dress with a matching oversized cape by Givenchy, the fashion house that designed her boatneck wedding gown and a favorite of the new royal. She paired it with an understated fascinator, and swept her hair back in her now-signature loose bun. The newlyweds couldn’t attend their first huge family event without a little coordination: Harry wore a navy vest under his black blazer to complement his new bride.<doc-sep>WPA Pool/Getty Images Meghan Markle kept it subtle for Princess Eugenie’s wedding. Meghan Markle opted for a rather low-key outfit for Princess Eugenie’s royal wedding. She wore a navy blue ensemble by Givenchy with a matching fascinator. She took a much different approach than Kate Middleton, who opted for an eye-catching fuchsia dress. Meghan Markle wowed everyone with her Givenchy wedding gown back in May, and on Friday she attended another royal wedding – this time as a guest. Markle attended Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank’s wedding wearing a navy blue dress and coat by Givenchy, the same designer behind her wedding gown. WPA Pool/Getty Images Markle makes her entrance to the wedding. She paired the blue ensemble with matching heels and an angled fascinator by Noel Stewart. WPA Pool/Getty Images Markle’s fascinator perfectly matched her dress. The dark-blue number is a low-key look for the duchess, who is known to put her own spin on royal style, to sometimes controversial results. Her more traditional look may have been an attempt to stay out of the spotlight on Eugenie’s big day, while still wearing something new. Kate Middleton went with a similar approach for Markle’s wedding in May by re-wearing one of her previous looks, but she took a very different fashion route for Eugenie’s wedding by debuting an eye-catching, bold pink dress by Alexander McQueen. Aaron Chown/WPA Pool/Getty Images Kate Middleton wearing an eye-catching pink dress. Middleton’s choice of a head-turning ensemble is wildly different from the muted colour palette she typically opts for. It looks like Markle and Middleton swapped fashion playbooks for the day, proving that both duchesses aren’t afraid to switch up their typical style. Visit INSIDER’s homepage for more. Business Insider Emails & Alerts Site highlights each day to your inbox. Email Address Join Follow Business Insider Australia on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.<doc-sep>Royal Wedding: First look at Princess Eugenie's dress FREE now and never miss the top Royal stories again. SUBSCRIBE Invalid email Sign up fornow and never miss the top Royal stories again. 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. Both couples tied the knot in the same venue - St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, however the weddings were decidedly different. Meghan and Harry married with blue skies and bright sunshine on a warm May’s day, whereas Eugenie and Jack chose an October day which presented slightly cooler weather. Although both days looked similar, as guests at both the weddings arrived to a floral-clad chapel. The floral arrangements at Eugenie’s wedding took on an autumnal theme, with foliage and flowering branches sourced locally from Windsor Great Park, with roses, hydrangeas, dahlias and berries draped around the church. For Meghan and Harry’s wedding, the couple chose spring arrangements; roses, white pennies, foxgloves and other white blooms which adorned the front of the chapel. Both days were star-studded events, with celebrities from the world of art, film, music, fashion and sport all in attendance. David and Victoria Beckham and Amal and George Clooney were some of the famous faces present at Meghan and Harry’s big day, along with Oprah Winfrey, Idris Elba, Serena Williams and Priyanka Chopra. But Eugenie’s day was also filled with many recognisable faces, including supermodels Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Cara Delevingne, who broke with tradition by wearing an unconventional suit and top hat. Princess Eugenie wedding: How did Meghan and Eugenie's wedding compare? Princess Eugenie wedding: Kate Moss and Liv Tyler were some of the famous faces at Eugenie's wedding Other famous faces included Liv Tyler, Ricky Martin, Ellie Goulding, Demi Moore, former footballer Jamie Redknapp, broadcaster Richard Bacon and reality TV Ollie Proudlock. As Princess Eugenie walked through the doors of St George’s Chapel, she was accompanied by her father, the Duke of York, but Meghan walked alone half-way through the chapel, before being joined by the Prince of Wales who accompanied her to Prince Harry. Prince George and Princess Charlotte had the duty of being page boy and bridesmaid at both the royal weddings. At Meghan and Harry’s big day, they were joined down the aisle by Harry’s goddaughter Florence van Cutsem, and Remi and Rylan Litt who are Markle’s goddaughters. Princess Eugenie wedding: The Beckhams were at Meghan and Harry's wedding in May Princess Eugenie and Jack chose Robbie Williams and Ayda Field’s daughter, six-year-old Theodora Williams, and 4-year-old Mia Tindall, daughter of Zara and Mike Tindall. Meghan and Eugenie’s wedding dresses had some similarities, in that both featured a full, voluminous skirt, full skirt, open neck and long sleeves. Eugenie’s dress was a Peter Pilotto and Christopher De Vos gown with an open back to show off her spinal surgery scar from her life-changing operation to correct scoliosis. The fabric includes a number of symbols that are meaningful to Princess Eugenie as motifs. Princess Eugenie wedding: Meghan's wedding dress was designed by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy Princess Eugenie wedding: Eugenie’s dress had an open back to show off her spinal scar<doc-sep>	Royal Wedding: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry arrive Meghan Markle, 37, smiled as she walked in to Princess Eugenie's royal wedding with husband Prince Harry, 33, wearing a navy blue coat and matching hat. The Duchess of Sussex beamed as she returned to her wedding venue, where she herself was a bride back in May this year. Her Givenchy coat had a funnel neck, and she wore it buttoned at the top so that it covered the outfit underneath. On her head was a simple fascinator by Noel Stewart, an East London based milliner. Related articles Kate Middleton at Princess Eugenie wedding in pink Cara and Poppy Delevingne: Princess Eugenie and Jack's guests arrive Meghan Markle arrives at Princess Eugenie wedding wearing Givenchy Underneath her coat, a dark dress could just be seen, and Meghan carried a red clutch in one hand. On her feet, the Duchess wore a pair of simple navy court shoes. Meghan wore her hair in a low bun, with loose tendrils framing her face. She kept her makeup simple, opting for nude lipstick and heavy bronzer. A simple gold band could be seen on her wrist, and she played with her engagement ring as she sat down to await the bride. Meghan Markle news: The Duchess looked chic in dark blue for Princess Eugenie's wedding Meghan and Harry were joined by Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince William as they entered the church. Kate sat between her husband Prince William and her brother-in-law Prince Harry, and she wore an Alexander McQueen dress and a Philip Treacy hat. Kate Middleton and Prince William held hands during the ceremony, a sweet moment captured by the cameras. Body language expert Judi James has analysed a sweet moment between the couple for Express.co.uk. Judi said: “It's normally touch and PDA-free body language rituals from William and Kate but they managed to outdo Harry and Meghan here as Kate reached across to place a hand on the arm of her husbands chair and he put his own hand over it in a very romantic gesture. Meghan Markle news: Prince Harry and his wife arrived at Princess Eugenie's wedding Meghan Markle news: The Duchess of Sussex looked elegant as she arrived at the wedding
The 18th SCO Qingdao Summit will be harnessed to anchor and explore the future of RATS; highlight regional consensus on sanctions on Iran, and demonstrate and encourage consensus in favour of a multilateral world order The 18th Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) will take place from 9-10 June 2018 in Qingdao, China. Developments in global affairs that have preceded the summit, and the summit's agenda suggest that at least three things will be highlighted during the proceedings: - The SCO, via its Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), will make a pitch for an alternative framework for regional stability that is broader, more inclusive, and that appears to sought by regional countries. - The consensus that Russia, China, and India (who comprise three of the five BRICS countries) are not in favour of sanctions against Iran. - Notwithstanding the state of their individual bilateral relations with Washington (and even with each other), regional countries — especially India, Russia, and China – prefer an inclusive and multipolar global order. RATS and regional security Given the geopolitical and geo-economic atmosphere in which this summit will take place — particularly in light of the developments pertaining to Syria, North Korea, Iran, and Afghanistan —Moscow and Beijing are likely to reinforce their strategic linkages and set the tone for further expansion of linkages with regional countries. The SCO's RATS, based in Tashkent is a regional mechanism envisaged to facilitate cooperation among the members to exchange information and counter-terrorism and related security challenges. RATS' initiatives have expanded in the recent years, and it has gradually begun engaging relevant regional organisations and groupings, to make its work more, broad-based and efficient. One of the recent instances was on 28 May 2018, when news reports emerged in Kazakhstan that the Secretariat of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), the executive committee of the RATS, and the Commonwealth of Independent States Anti-Terrorism Center (CIS ATC) had signed a trilateral memorandum on the joint counteraction of terrorism. Coming mere days ahead of the 18th SCO Summit, this trilateral memorandum could be indicative of the trajectory that regional relations and developments in South and Central Asia and the neighbourhood might take. The 2018 SCO Summit is also the first one since both India and Pakistan joined the SCO as full members. According to Chinese news reports, the 18th summit is expected to "ratify a five-year outline for the implementation of the Treaty on Long-term Good Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation" as well as "approve more than 10 cooperation deals covering areas including security, economy, and people-to-people exchanges". Not long ago, in April 2018, it was reported that India and Pakistan will participate in 'Peace Mission 2018' military exercises that will be held in Russia's Ural mountain region, tentatively on the cusp of August-September 2018. Regardless of the ratio between rhetoric and reality, full membership in the SCO provides an alternative platform for India and Pakistan to engage on bilateral matters. This could be particularly useful given the complex multi-way equation Russia, China, India, and Pakistan currently share with each other. In December 2017, India and Pakistan — whose bilateral relations had been souring due to a spike in ceasefire violations (147 instances in December 2017 alone) — partook in an anti-cyber-terrorism drill in Xiamen, China, under the aegis of RATS. However, although exchanging information on terrorist groups and individuals is one of the areas of cooperation RATS facilitates, it is unclear yet as to how India and Pakistan — would implement this with each other effectively. Iran's president Hassan Rouhani and Afghanistan's president Ashraf Ghani too will attend the summit. Both Iran and Afghanistan are currently Observer Members in the SCO and are expected to be inducted as full members in the near future. Meanwhile, there is also an emerging view that both countries would prefer an SCO-led solution to the Afghan situation. Although this view is yet to be categorically stated, just days before the 2018 SCO Summit, Ghani, referring to the SCO, called for more cooperation from members of SCO countries on the Afghan issue, and linked it to the future of "Asian integration," which is directly linked to all major bilateral and multilateral projects and initiatives currently underway in the region, particularly those involving South Asia, Central Asia and West Asia (and broadly, Eurasia). Since 2005, there already exists an SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group that serves as a mechanism for consultations between SCO and Afghanistan and the most recent meeting was held on 28 May 2018, in Beijing, in which deputy foreign ministers met. On 6 June 2018, China's state-owned Xinhua News Agency reported that "the Qingdao summit is expected to ratify a five-year outline for the implementation of the 'Treaty on Long-term Good Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation', and a three-year outline for cooperation on combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism." Evidently, security, especially countering terrorism, is a significant issue, and in that regard, discussions regarding future cooperation under the RATS framework will figure prominently on the Summit agenda. Iran and the emerging regional equation Neither Russia, nor China nor India (two of whom are permanent members of the UN Security Council, and all three are members of the BRICS grouping), are in favour of the US' unilateral sanctions against Iran. In fact, all three have actively rejected the US' sanctions against Iran. The consensus regarding sanctions on Iran and a rejection of a US-led unipolarity in global affairs will be reinforced at the SCO Summit. Even as US President Donald Trump announced Washington's unilateral withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) or the Iran Nuclear Deal, the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) — comprising Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia as members — signed a provisional three-year deal allowing Iran’s entry into the EEU’s Free Trade Zone, by the end of which the parties are expected to subsequently lead to a full-fledged agreement on the Free Trade Zone. Iran is expected to join the EEU as a member later this year.<doc-sep>SCO Summit: PM Modi addressed the plenary session in Qingdao, China. Here are the live updates of the 18th SCO summit: Jun 10, 2018 14:38 (IST) PM Modi Holds Bilateral Talks With President Of Kyrgyzstan, Sooronbay Jeenbekov Jun 10, 2018 14:31 (IST) India Welcomes Any Project That Respects Sovereignty, Territorial Integrity: PM Modi Stressing on the importance of connectivity, PM Modi said, "India welcomes any such project which is inclusive, sustainable and transparent. And which respects member states' sovereignty and territorial integrity." Jun 10, 2018 13:59 (IST) PM Modi Invites Kazakhstan To Join International Solar Alliance "PM Narendra Modi invited Kazakhstan to join the International Solar Alliance and the President of Kazakhstan responded positively," Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs said during a press conference Jun 10, 2018 13:52 (IST) SCO Leaders Sign Qingdao Declaration, Agreements On Cooperation SCO leaders sign the Qingdao Declaration and agreements on security, economic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges during the signing ceremony, which was held at Qingdao International Convention Center on the final day of the 18th SCO summit Jun 10, 2018 13:17 (IST) PM Modi, Pak President Shake Hands At SCO Summit PM Modi was seen shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries with Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain at the end of the media briefing addressed by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Jun 10, 2018 13:13 (IST) Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev on the sidelines of the SCO summit. Jun 10, 2018 13:11 (IST) "We have had an in-depth exchange of views on major international and regional issues. We have ratified an action plan for implementing the treaty on long-term good neighbourliness, friendship and cooperation of the SCO member-states," Xi Jinping says at the SCO summit Jun 10, 2018 12:13 (IST) Security Is The Foundation Of Sustainable Development: Xi Jinping "We hold that security is the foundation of sustainable development at SCO. All parties will continue to work in line with mutual benefit," he said. Jun 10, 2018 12:12 (IST) Countries Face Common Challenge That No One Face Alone, Says Xi Jinping During a press briefing, Chinese President Xi Jinping said, "we have agreed to agree to abide by the SCO charter and carry forward the Shanghai spirit of regional peace, development, friendship. We share the view that world is undergoing major development and adjustment. Countries are confronted with common threats and challenges that no one can tackle alone" Jun 10, 2018 10:35 (IST) PM Modi In Qingdao Says Connectivity With Neighbours A Priority "We have again reached a stage where physical and digital connectivity is changing the definition of geography. Therefore, connectivity with our neighbourhood and in the SCO region is our priority," PM Modi says at the SCO Summit Jun 10, 2018 10:24 (IST) China Will Offer $4.7 Billion In Loans Under SCO Framework, Says Xi Jinping Speaking at the plenary of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping announces that China will offer the equivalent of 30 billion yuan ($4.7 billion) in loans under a framework formed by SCO countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Qingdao, China, leading the Indian-delegation for the first time since India was admitted as as the newest member of the Eurasian security grouping. PM Modi arrived in Qingdao on Saturday for the two-day summit and held talks with the Secretary General of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation , Rashid Alimov. PM Modi also met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the Chinese port city of Qingdao. The two leaders signed agreements on sharing hydrological data on the Brahmaputra River and export of non-Basmati varieties of rice from India.Today, Prime Minister Modi addressed the plenary session of the SCO summit and also held bilateral meetings with President of Tajikistan and President of Uzbekistan on the sidelines of the summit . Leaders of the eight member states attended the summit to explore ways to increase cooperation in combating terrorism, extremism and radicalisation. ,The SCO is an eight-member state bloc, with India and Pakistan being the newest members admitted in 2017. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation represents approximately 42 of the world's population, 22 per cent of the land, and 20 per cent of the world's economy. Apart from the member nations, Iran, Afghanistan, Belarus and Mongolia are observer states.<doc-sep>Qingdao (China): Attending India’s first summit as a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said connectivity with the neighbourhood is India's priority. Speaking at the restricted session of the SCO Summit, Prime Minister Modi also spoke about the concept of SECURE: 'S' for security for citizens, 'E' for economic development, 'C' for connectivity in the region, 'U' for unity, 'R' for respect of sovereignty and integrity, and 'E for environment protection. "We have again reached a stage where physical and digital connectivity is changing the definition of geography. Therefore, connectivity with our neighbourhood and in the SCO region is our priority," Modi said. Modi also shook hands with Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain and had a brief chat with him. The two leaders met briefly after signing of agreements between the members states of the eight-nation bloc. It is for the first time the Indian prime minister is attending the SCO summit after India along with Pakistan became full-fledged members of the grouping, jointly dominated by China and Russia, which has been increasingly seen as a counter to NATO. Modi said India is committed to extend full cooperation to a successful outcome of the Summit. Noting that only 6 per cent of foreign tourists in India are from SCO countries, the prime minister said this can easily be doubled. "Increasing awareness of our shared cultures can help boost this number. We will organise a SCO food festival and a Buddhist festival in India," he said. Citing Afghanistan as an "unfortunate example" of effect of terrorism, Modi said he hoped the brave steps towards peace taken by President Ashraf Ghani will be respected by all in the region, apparently referring to a ceasefire announced by the Afghan leader for the Eid festival. The SCO currently has eight member countries which represents around 42 per cent of the world's population and 20 per cent of the global GDP. Besides Modi, other leaders attending the summit include Chinese President Xi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain. The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became its members last year. (With PTI inputs)<doc-sep>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday arrived in Qingdao, China, to attend the two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. The issues of discussion at the summit will range from pressing global issues, including future of Iran nuclear deal, impact of US sanctions on Russia and the situation in the Indo-Pacific region. Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday soon after his arrival in Qingdao. It is Modi’s second visit to China in little over five weeks. He was in the Chinese city of Wuhan on April 27 and 28 to attend an informal summit with Jinping. Here are the highlights: 9.00pm: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with the leaders of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation member states, witnessed a special event by Chinese artists at the International Conference Centre in Qingdao on the sidelines of the annual two-day SCO summit. 8.25pm: New people-to-people mechanism will be set up. On Indian side, it will be headed by the external affairs minister and on the Chinese side, it will be headed by the state council and foreign minister Wang Yi. The first meeting of this mechanism will be held this year: Vijay Gokhale, foreign secretary, in Qingdao. 8.20pm: It was a substantive meeting, President Xi Jinping began by making positive assessment of Wuhan summit.He described it as ‘a new starting point’ in our bilateral relations. PM described it as ‘milestone in our relations’: Vijay Gokhale, foreign secretary on bilateral meeting between Modi and Jinping. 7.50pm: One of the important outcomes of today’s meeting was the Chinese side conveyed that they accepted PM’s invitation to President Xi Jinping to have a similar informal summit in India in 2019: Vijay Gokhale, foreign secretary. 7.40pm: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon in Qingdao, China. 7.30pm: Met this year’s SCO host, President Xi Jinping this evening. We had detailed discussions on bilateral and global issues. Our talks will add further vigour to the India-China friendship, tweeted PM Modi. 5.35pm: Following PM @narendramodi meeting with Chinese President Xi, two MoUs were signed - Sharing hydrological information of Brahmaputra river by China to India& amendment of Protocol on phytosanitary requirements for exporting rice from India to China to include non-Basmati rice pic.twitter.com/a9dg0Lu4pJ — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) June 9, 2018 4.50pm: PM Narendra Modi met President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and held a bilateral meeting with him on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China’s Qingdao. 4.45pm: India and China signed agreements in the presence of PM Narendra Modi and President of China Xi Jinping in Qingdao. 4.25pm: Modi participated in delegation-level talks with other members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, reports ANI News agency. 3.55pm: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Chinese President Xi Jinping in Qingdao on the sidelines of SCO Summit. Modi said that strong and stable relations between India and China can inspire a stable and peaceful world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Qingdao. 3.30pm: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met SCO general secretary Rashid Alimov. Alimov told Modi that India is contributing greatly to the organisation since it became a full member of SCO in 2017.<doc-sep>	Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday met Chinese President Xi Jinping at the welcome ceremony of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China’s Qingdao. Modi arrived in Qingdao on Saturday to attend the two-day SCO summit. The Prime Minister and Jinping on Saturday held “very substantive” talks during which they agreed to hold the next informal summit in India next year besides resolving to continue efforts to ensure peace and tranquillity along the border. It is Modi’s second visit to China in little over five weeks. He was in the Chinese city of Wuhan on April 27 and 28 to attend an informal summit with Jinping. Here are the LIVE updates: 5pm: Modi met Nazarbayev and invited his country to join the International Solar Alliance, an initiative announced in 2015 whose primary objective is to work for efficient exploitation of solar energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. “PM Narendra Modi invited Kazakhstan to join the International Solar Alliance and the President of Kazakhstan responded positively,” said Ruchi Ghanashyam, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). 3:12pm: Prime Minister Narendra Modi departs for India from Qingdao, China: ANI. 2:11pm: Narendra Modi holds a meeting with President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbai Jeenbekov. He also met President of Mongolia Khaltmaagiin Battulga. Strategic partnership based on deep civilizational, historical and cultural linkages! PM @narendramodi met the President of #Mongolia Khaltmaagiin Battulga on the sidelines of #SCOSummit in #Qingdao. pic.twitter.com/GXlmykyJCn — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) June 10, 2018 2:00pm: Xi Jinping suggests to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that China and India should set up a new bilateral trade target of $100 billion by 2020, as Beijing is looking at importing non-Basmati rice as well as sugar to address the huge trade deficit. 1:15pm: Several outcome documents (agreements) were adopted by the council of head of governments of SCO during the summit, says MEA. “Besides a joint communique, 12 others documents were signed between the member countries. Four other documents were signed between ministries of member countries including one on MSMEs and another on tourism. In total, 22 documents were signed, among them an important one was an appeal to youth against radicalization,” says Madhumita Hazarika Bhagat, joint secretary in MEA. 1:10pm: “PM Narendra Modi invited Kazakhstan to join the International Solar Alliance and the President of Kazakhstan responded positively,” says Ruchi Ghanashyam, secretary (West) in ministry of external affairs. 1:00pm: Ministry of external affairs starts a briefing at SCO Summit. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the heads of state council meeting. He also held bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit,” says Ruchi Ghanashyam, secretary (West), in MEA. “The SCO leaders signed the Qingdao Declaration and agreements on security and economic cooperation during the signing-in ceremony. PM Modi’s priority is terror and connectivity” 12:16pm: Russia President Vladimir Putin says combined purchasing power of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation greater than G7. 12:10pm: Modi holds a meeting with President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev on the sidelines. PM Narendra Modi held a meeting with President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev on the sidelines of #SCOSummit in China's #Qingdao pic.twitter.com/xYtFFvewEN — ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2018 11:51am: “We should reject self-centered, short-sighted and closed-door policies. We should uphold WTO rules and support the multilateral trading system so as to build an open world economy,” Chinese President Xi Jinping says. He says in the next three years, China will provide 3,000 training opportunities of human resources development for SCO member states to enhance public understanding of and support for the SCO family: PTI. 11:49am: “Presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain is of great historic significance,” says Jinping. “The entry of India and Pakistan into the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation would bolster its strength.” Chinese President calls for the pursuit of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security. “We should reject the Cold War mentality and confrontation between blocs and oppose the practices of seeking absolute security of oneself at the expense of the security of other countries, so as to achieve security of all.” 11:45am: Kyrgyzstan will take over rotating presidency of SCO after 2018 summit ends, says Chinese President Xi Jinping. 11:43am: Xi Jinping says: We have had an in-depth exchange of views on major international and regional issues. We have ratified an action plan for implementing the treaty on long term good neighborliness, friendship and cooperation of the SCO member states. “The members will work together to fight terrorism, extremism, and drug trade,” he adds.
Donald Trump starred in the main headlines in Israel on Wednesday morning, just as he did in the United States, but for completely different reasons. Americans were reeling from the unequivocal conviction of Paul Manafort, the damning confessions of Michael Cohen and the sweet smell in the morning, if you don’t like Donald Trump, of impending impeachment. Israelis, on the other hand, were more flabbergasted by a few sentences that Trump uttered, intentionally or inadvertently, in his campaign-style rally in West Virginia. The term that grabbed people was “higher price.” Israel would have to pay a “higher price,” Trump said, in return for his decision to move the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem. It’s the Palestinians’ turn, he said in his typical third-grade lingo, “to get something good.” Israelis, who had lulled themselves into believing that Trump’s support came with no strings attached, were dumbfounded. Suddenly it seemed that Trump was not only to make a demand, the chutzpadik, it was going to be a steep one. In high-strung Israel, that is more than enough to spark an immediate sense of crisis. >> Palestinians fire back at Trump: No 'deal of the century' without Jerusalem as capital ■ Hamas chief: Trump's peace plan 'clinically dead' Visiting U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton tried to put a lid on the turbulence. He did so in typical, Trump-administration manner, by directly contradicting the president. There will be no quid pro quo for the embassy decision in Jerusalem, Bolton said, as if people hadn’t heard Trump’s distinct words, or because what the president says, as his top adviser implies, doesn’t really matter. The winds of storm, however, were already raging. Israel's ideological right wing immediately geared up for battle with yet another backstabbing U.S. president who had obviously come under the influence of hostiles. Netanyahu’s people nervously reassured everyone that nothing had changed and Trump was still our number one best friend forever, making a great effort to believe their own words. The left, meanwhile, was having a ball. If Trump were to turn on Netanyahu and press him to make concessions, it would be a double whammy for Israel’s beleaguered anti-right: The moribund peace process could unexpectedly return to life and there would be an endless supply of schadenfreude at Netanyahu’s expense. The pleasure would be doubled by the thought that Netanyahu, who lavishes fulsome praise on Trump on a daily basis, had become, as the Eagles would put it, a prisoner of his own device. Upon closer inspection, Trump’s words should have actually generated even greater right-wing hysteria. The “higher price” that Trump supposedly expects Israel to pay isn’t just for the U.S. recognition of Jerusalem and the transfer of its embassy there. Trump seems to believe that those decisions have, in and of themselves and in one fell swoop, solved the eternally thorny issue of contested Jerusalem. “They never got past Jerusalem,” he said of everyone who’s ever tried. “We took it off the table. We don’t have to talk about it anymore.” If that were true, if Trump had indeed handed over the keys to Jerusalem to the Jews and magically made the issue vanish from the Israeli-Palestinian agenda, he could reasonably ask for the moon. Wasn’t he Israel’s greatest friend ever? Hadn’t Israelis told him he was the successor of the Persian messiah and Emperor Cyrus, who allowed the Jews to return from Babylonian exile to their precious Zion? Didn’t the Jews insist he had redeemed Jerusalem from 3,000 years of solitude? Weren’t Netanyahu and Israel so deeply indebted to him that he could demand anything of them, with interest? The fatal flaw in Trump’s line of reasoning, of course, is that it is essentially a mix of balderdash and poppycock wrapped in pure rubbish. One can argue the merits and demerits of Trump’s embassy move, but it did not, in any way, shape or form, “take Jerusalem off the table.” In fact, quite the contrary: For the first time since the start of Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, and as a direct result of Trump’s decisions, Jerusalem is now an impassable obstacle not only to a peace deal but also to any semblance of a diplomatic process. Trump’s message in West Virginia can only make things worse. The Palestinians, he is implying, will sell out their holy city of Al-Quds in exchange for “something good” that Trump is going to rustle up from Israel. This is a sure-fire formula for failure: The Palestinian leader who would dare contemplate such a dubious deal has yet to be born, and no Arab leader who values his future would consider it either. It’s also hard to imagine – unless he’s gone completely bonkers, which is always a possibility – that Trump would pick a fight with Israel when he is at his most vulnerable. To offset the rising tide of demands for his indictment, impeachment or resignation in the wake of the Cohen confessions, which have cast him as an unindicted criminal, Trump desperately needs to hold on to his loyal base, without which he cannot control deviant Republicans who may be thinking of deserting his sinking ship. The core of Trump’s base includes a large chunk of Evangelicals, whose blind allegiance to the president could easily cope with allegations of campaign finance improprieties but would be sorely tested in a direct clash between the president and Netanyahu. Trump needs a falling out right now with Evangelicals, excuse me, like a hole in the head. Nonetheless, despite all of the caveats above, Trump’s “higher price” bombshell was a shot across the bow for Netanyahu and other right wingers who thought they could sleep soundly for the next four or even eight years. It indicates that Trump can flip on Israel without a moment’s notice or a second thought, just as he renounces anyone else who dares challenge him, from political allies to top security officials to his own personal lawyer. And that he might do so based on his delusions of grandeur and his apparent inability to grasp the broad lines, never mind the small details, of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. All of which could lead Israeli decision-makers to an interesting reassessment of their priorities. Perhaps it’s safer now, they might reason, to hope for a Democratic takeover of the House of Representatives, which could rein in Trump’s currently unchallenged power. Impeachment, which would surely keep the president otherwise engaged, might also be good idea. In fact, the ideal solution for Jewish settlers and other ultra-nationalist Israelis is to pray for U.S. Vice President Mike Pence to muster up the courage to do the right thing. If Pence invokes the 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and garners sufficient support from the U.S. cabinet, Trump would be dumped, stability would be restored and danger would be averted. Right-wing Israel would get an even dreamier president in Pence than it did in Trump, Evangelicals would be ecstatic at the ascent of one of their own and even Palestinians would be spared empty promises of “something good” coming their way.<doc-sep>US President Donald Trump said yesterday that Israel will pay a "high price" in any peace talks in return for the relocation of the US embassy to Jerusalem in May. Speaking at a rally in the US state of West Virginia, Trump called the decision to move the US embassy to Jerusalem "very big". He said that in return, Palestinians will "get something very good […] because it's their turn next." The President did not put forward any concrete suggestions as to what this "something very good" might entail for the Palestinians. President Trump also remarked that the US had "taken Jerusalem off the table." He added "if there's ever going to be peace with the Palestinians, then this was a good thing to have done […] In past negotiations, they never got past Jerusalem becoming the capital. So I said 'let's take it off the table'," the Times of Israel reported. In response to Trump's comments, US National Security Adviser John Bolton stressed that there had been no change in US policy vis-a-vis Israel. The US has long been a principal ally of Israel and continues to donate huge sums of military aid to the State. Currently visiting Israel to discuss regional issues with Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, Bolton added that the Jerusalem embassy move is "not an issue of quid pro quo", Arutz Sheva reported. Bolton: US not seeking regime change in Iran Jerusalem, which is claimed by both Israel and Palestine as their capital, was determined a "final status" issue in the Oslo Accords of the early 1990s, the last round of peace talks to yield any results. Under UN Resolution 181, often known as the Partition Plan of 1947, Jerusalem was declared a corpus separatum that was to be demilitarised, neutral and ruled by a UN administration. In moving the US embassy to Jerusalem and unilaterally recognising the city as Israel's capital, Trump disregarded this international legal framework and was accused of undermining any peace process that might remain. Trump is no stranger to making controversial remarks on the topic of Israel-Palestine. On Monday it emerged that during a meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah in June, Trump suggested that if a one-state policy were pursued the prime minister of Israel "in a few years will be called Mohammed." It is thought Trump was referring to the demographic balance of Israel, which were the current state to be combined with the occupied Palestinian territories as a "state of all its citizens" would no longer yield a Jewish majority. The president has been pushing his own peace initiative dubbed the "deal of the century". It is not yet clear what the details of the deal will involve, but it is thought that any proposed deal will be advantageous to Israel. Last week, the Jordanian King said that "we have never seen or read about something called the 'deal of the century'." Egypt's President Abdel Fatah Al-Sisi, however, said in July that any solutions to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict "would not be at the expense of the Israeli public's 'security and stability'." READ: Israel forces assault Palestinian street sellers in Jerusalem<doc-sep>Bolton: There was never quid pro quo for Jerusalem embassy move, August 22, 2018 (Ziv Sokolov/U.S. Embassy Jerusalem) The Palestinians dismissed as “worthless” US President Donald Trump’s statement they will get something good in return for his decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and move the US Embassy there from Tel Aviv.The Palestinians also repeated their strong opposition to Trump’s yet-to-be-announced plan for peace in the Middle East.The Palestinians’ comments on Wednesday came in response to remarks made by Trump during a campaign rally in Charleston, West Virginia.Trump said that since Jerusalem is now “off the table,” Israel will have to “pay a higher price” during the negotiations with the Palestinians.“If there’s ever going to be peace with the Palestinians, then this was a good thing to have done,” Trump said. “We took it off the table. In past negotiations, they never got past Jerusalem becoming the capital. So I said, ‘Let’s take it off the table.’ And you know what? In the negotiations, Israel will have to pay a higher price, because they won a very big thing. But I took it off the table.”Ahmed Tamimi, a senior PLO official, said that Trump’s remarks reflected the “continued American policy that is biased in favor of Israel.”Tamimi said the remarks also reflected “the ongoing illusions that the US administration is living under with regards to the possibility of implementing” Trump’s long-awaited peace plan, which “excludes Jerusalem as the capital of the Palestinian state in any future settlement.”The PLO official said he did not know which negotiations Trump was talking about.“Jerusalem is in the hearts of the Palestinians and Arabs and Muslims,” he said. “If Trump was able to remove Jerusalem from the negotiating table, he won’t be able to remove it from the hearts.”Tamimi affirmed the Palestinian Authority’s “categoric rejection” of Trump’s upcoming peace plan in particular and the US policy concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.“The US administration will not find one Palestinian who agrees with its policies,” he said.Another senior PLO official, Taysir Khaled, condemned Trump for his remarks, saying they resembled those of “real estate men and thugs.” Khaled claimed that Trump’s remarks were in the context of his attempt to “market his goods.”The PLO official also condemned remarks made by US National Security Advisor John Bolton concerning the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees during an interview with Reuters.“UNRWA is a failed mechanism,” Bolton said. “It violates standard international law on the status of refugees. UNRWA’s program is the only one in history based on their assumption that refugee status is hereditary, and I think it’s long overdue that we have taken steps to reduce funding.”Hamas also lashed out at Trump, calling his remarks on Jerusalem “shameless and dangerous.” Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said the PA’s response to Trump’s statements should be revoking Palestinian recognition of Israel, halting security coordination between the PA security forces and the IDF in the West Bank, and severing all security ties with the US.<doc-sep>	WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday night that Israel will pay a "higher price" in peace negotiations with the Palestinians after his decision to move the American embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. Trump, speaking at a political rally in West Virginia, said that the Palestinians will "get something very good" in return for the embassy move, "because it's their turn next." Trump didn't offer any details on what the Palestinians will "get" in return. >> Hamas chief: Trump's peace plan 'clinically dead' ■ U.S. split on Israel: Netanyahu favorite leader of Republicans, unpopular among Democrats U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton said at a press conference in Jerusalem on Wednesday that the administration is continuing its work on Trump's plan for a peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians, noting however that no timetable has be set for announcing it. Bolton said there has been "a lot of progress in the region." Bolton said that Trump's comment, was "not an issue of quid pro quo," adding that he and anyone else would expect Palestinians to say "so we didn't get that one, now we want something else," adding that "ultimately this is something the parties are going to have to agree on." The statements by Trump were made during the last minutes of the political rally, which mostly focused on other issues. The rally was held hours after both his former campaign manager, Paul Manafort, and personal attorney, Michael Cohen, were found guilty of serial financial crimes. Toward the end of the rally, Trump began listing what he considers to be his foreign policy achievements. When mentioning the embassy move, Trump said that since Jerusalem is now "off the table," Israel will have to give something in return to the Palestinians. "If there's ever going to be peace with the Palestinians, then this was a good thing to have done," Trump said about the embassy move. "We took it off the table. In past negotiations, they never got past Jerusalem. Now Israel will have to pay a higher price, because it's off the table. The Palestinians will get something very good, cause it's their turn next." Trump also said that he "now understands" why previous American presidents didn't follow through on their promise to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, saying he has received endless phone calls from world leaders urging him not to go through with his decision. "But I approved it, and it should have been done years ago," he said. Trump also repeated what he has said in the past, that the Israeli-Palestinian peace deal is "the toughest of them all."
BYU football is less than 48 hours away, and yet there are many of you out there that know next to nothing about the University of Arizona or their football team. Well you’ve come to the right place, because we’ve done all the important research on everything you need to know about the Arizona Wildcats, as well as a lot of stuff that you probably should forget. HEAD COACH: Kevin Sumlin What a ride it has been for Coach Sumlin. After starting out as a graduate assistant at Washington State, Kevin made the conscious decision that if he wanted to make it to the very top of the college coaching world, he would need to reach descend to the very depths of human existence. That of course would be life in Laramie, Wyoming. Our brave friend was the wide receivers coach for the Cowboys for not one, but TWO FULL SEASONS. I once stopped at the Taco Bell in Laramie for 17 minutes and spent the next four years trying to wash it off in the shower. I can’t imagine what two full years would do to a man. Either way, it’s clear that Kevin endured his tribulations well as he was able to land a job in the vaunted SEC West. It was there he did his best Bronco Mendehall impersonation (impressive 11-2 season followed by a bunch of 8-5 seasons) before getting fired. His teams were known for their high powered offense and defense that...well they sure did try sometimes. Outside of coaching, Kevin enjoys wearing sunglasses and embracing the local performing arts scene. Here we have a tweet from 2010 where Sumlin expounded in great eloquence the concert of one Shawn Carter (aka Jay-Z). Couldn’t have said it better myself. Jay Z.... What a performance! — Kevin Sumlin (@CoachSumlin) February 23, 2010 OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Noel Mazzone I thought that all people with the name Noel were born on Christmas (or Christmas Eve), but here we have Noel Mazzone who was born on March 21st. Bold move, Mazzone Family. The last time BYU faced off against Noel was in the 2015 when BYU lost a close one to UCLA in the Rose Bowl. From what I remember, the Bruins had a boatload of talent on that team but they struggled to put the ball in the end zone. This appeared to be the same issue at Texas A&M, and we can only hope that Noel can take his “let’s take these good players and make them appear to be worse than they are” magic and apply it to Khalil Tate. Also, the fact that he posted a horizontal photo like this tells you everything you need to know about the guy. Teaching the Q90 fundamentals to the next generation of Japanese QB's pic.twitter.com/17GVoTHQvP — Noel Mazzone (@NzoneFootball) July 16, 2013 DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Marcel Yates I could have sworn that Arizona played all of last season without a defensive coordinator and instead opted to have players “guide themselves through the power of crystals and yoga healing”, but it looks like Marcel Yates has been collecting a paycheck from Arizona as the team’s defensive coordinator for the last three years. The more you know! The best part of his bio is when it reviews his performance in 2017 by simply saying that he “coached one of the youngest defenses in the Pac-12”. I wonder why they don’t say anything else... BEST OFFENSIVE PLAYER: Khalil Tate AKA Desert Vick. He haunts my dreams. BEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER: The referee who is positioned in the middle of the field who sometimes bumps into wide receivers on their crossing routes. FUN FACT: I just read an article that said Arizona “lost Jhevon Hill and Tony Wallace to academics late in the summer”, which makes it sound like both of these young men were stricken with the disease known as academics and died as a result. They’re not the first and I’m sure they won’t be the last Arizona Wildcats who will meet the tragic fate of academics. NOTABLE ALUMNI Kourtney Kardashian - Famous for being...famous Gilbert Arenas - Famous for pulling a gun on his own teammate Luke Walton - Famous for getting insulted by Lavar Ball Rob Gronkowski - Probably was stricken with academics while in Tucson *** UNIFORMS They’re fine. Like a lot of college football teams they’ve opted for something a little more flashy every couple of years, which means that after three seasons they start to look dated. If I was in charge, I would stick with a more traditional look with the clean lines and limited color options as seen in this concept. Arizona unveils the new football uniforms. Your thoughts? https://t.co/EpUGLDSI0l pic.twitter.com/cyeOY0ekq9 — AZ Desert Swarm (@AZDesertSwarm) June 27, 2017 STUDENT LIFE In order to beat the heat in Tucson, the University of Arizona has instructed their students on the proper art of “passing out into a bathtub”. It’s saved 37 lives this last year alone. A post shared by Barstool Arizona (@barstoolarizona) on Jul 21, 2018 at 6:38pm PDT MASCOT Well this is something. Arizona has two mascots named Wilbur and Wilma. This seems very appropriate considering the fact that they’re both 87 years old and are happy to be in Arizona where it doesn’t snow and the cold doesn’t both Wilbur’s hip replacement. Wilma likes to knit during sporting event while Wilbur enjoys listening to the radio broadcast while in the stadium. They’re a swell couple. WHO WOULD WIN IN FIGHT BETWEEN COSMO AND WILBUR (AND WILMA)? Even though there are two Wildcat mascots, Comso would dance circles around these geriatrics before beating them to a pulp. WOULD I ALLOW MY FUTURE CHILD TO ATTEND THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA? Yes, but only on the condition that I don’t have to drop them off at school, or come visit for parents weekend, or attend their graduation. You’re on your own, future child. BYU VS ARIZONA: MOMENTS IN SPORTS HISTORY While I am tempted to dedicate this section to one Jake “The Make” Oldroyd, I have to defer to the GOAT and one of the first of his many transcendent performances.<doc-sep>PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 27: Head Coach of Texas A&M University Kevin Sumlin visits the SiriusXM NFL Radio talkshow during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Lisa Lake/Getty Images for SiriusXM) Arizona Football Head Coach Kevin Sumlin held his first game-week press conference on Monday heading into game plan preparations to beat the BYU Cougars. Arizona Football head coach Kevin Sumlin held his first press conference in his tenure at Arizona before the BYU game coming up this Saturday night at 7:45 pm in Tucson. The game will be shown on ESPN, and our own Site Expert Eric Townsend breaks down the matchup in his post, “Arizona Football: Wildcats Week One Match-up with BYU.” Sumlin started his press conference talking about how happy he is that he can have five more players on his team roster per the new rule because of injuries and such as the season progresses. He’s happy with the way his guys are getting better and handling the fall camp and that it helped to have guys start over the summer. “BYU is a well-coached team; you know they finished sixth in the country last year in total defense with a lot of their players back. And it will be as large a team as we’ll face this year, this is going to be a large football team,” explained Sumlin. Sumlin said he and his staff have spoken to different coaches ferreting out what to concentrate on to beat the Cougars. BYU’s defense seems to be what Sumlin is focused on, and he is working on alignment and assignment. Bomb Shell! Santino Marchiol was informed Monday morning that he is no longer with the Wildcats according to Sumlin. Sumlin didn’t have to give the reason; the internet has been buzzing about a HUDL video now taken down where it is presumed he referred to a black player as a “Monkey” according to Justin Spears of Tucson.com who stated that the Dallas Morning News first reported the story. Shocking this language is still used at all, but it is not welcome in Tucson, thank goodness. Kevin Sumlin announces that linebacker Santino Marchiol is no longer with Arizona. pic.twitter.com/GEbCPpaBx6 — The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 27, 2018 Another Texas A&M transfer center Robert Congel is not eligible to play this season. The reason this question was asked is that we do not know the status of Nathan Eldridge after his injury. Eldrige is predicted to be NFL Draft worthy and is listed on the 2018 Rimington Trophy Watch List. Michael Lev, Tucson.com, Tweeted out this report from the press conference, “Arizona coach Kevin Sumlin indicated that veteran OLs Nathan Eldridge and Alex Kosinski aren’t in the mix as of now. Believed to be injury-related, but Sumlin wouldn’t say. Also said freshman OT Donovan Laie, who has impressed, was recently hurt but should be back next week.” Having Eldrige out and Congel not able to play may prove to be a challenge for the Wildcats as they have seasoned centers in both, so now who will be the next man up? Ourlads.com has Junior OL Steven Bailey who is 6-foot-3 and weighs 318 pounds as the backup center, but we think redshirt sophomore Josh McCauley is the likely choice. “We have made some strides certainly in the last three or four days with the mock game — We’re not in pads today,” explained Sumlin, “We are in shocks working schematics, then tomorrow, Wednesday, we’ll be back in pads — we’ll probably get a depth chart out to you sometime this week.” Arizona Alumni have to be jealous of today’s University of Arizona’s ZonaZoo, as Dave Heeke listened and is trying hard to make sure Arizona Football is an enjoyable experience. Remember Eegees slushies are back and there will be a lot of new food choices available! We're working around the clock to deliver a game day student section experience unlike any other 😼#BearDown \| #EraZona pic.twitter.com/mJEdkEar1O — Arizona Athletics (@AZATHLETICS) August 27, 2018 Here is the full press conference: “Our guys are excited, and I think our students are excited — our students are fired up, and you can really feel it on campus,” said Sumlin, “I think there’s some excitement — everybody wishes us good luck, and the majority of them say they’ll be there.” Sumlin feels fans do have an effect, they can play a role in the game, “The more, the merrier,, the louder the better” Well, you heard coach, go support this team!<doc-sep>Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images Arizona linebacker Santino Marchiol has been dismissed from the football team after a video appeared to show him using racial slurs to describe black players. "He was informed this morning that he's no longer on the team," head coach Kevin Sumlin said Monday, per Michael Lev of the Arizona Daily Star. The video surfaced last week and appeared to show the former Texas A&M player at the team's practice referring to two different black players as "monkeys," via Ben Baby of the Dallas Morning News. While the voice had been unconfirmed to be Marchiol, Lev noted that the decision to remove him from the team confirms the allegations. "As someone who helped lead the effort to advance diversity in the legal profession ... I understand and respect the University's decision," Marchiol's attorney Thomas Mars told Adam Rittenberg of ESPN. "On the other hand, as someone who's grown close to Santino and who knows the quality of his character, the depth of his faith, and the sincerity of his convictions, I'm heartbroken. What can be heard on the highlights video doesn't reflect the values or beliefs of the young man that I've come to know." The Colorado native was a 4-star recruit in the 2017 class, per 247Sports, as part of a Texas A&M class that ranked No. 13 in the country. Marchiol was prepared to remain with the Aggies even after Sumlin was fired but decided in June to transfer and follow the coach to Arizona. He also alleged several NCAA violations from new coach Jimbo Fisher and his staff regarding recruiting and practice schedules, per Dan Wolken of USA Today. After sitting out last season with an ankle injury, he had been seeking the opportunity to play right away following the transfer. However, it appears he will not get a chance to play for Arizona at all following the release of the video.<doc-sep>Associated Press TUCSON— Squally Canada scored on three short touchdown runs and Brigham Young spoiled Kevin Sumlin's Arizona coaching debut with a 28-23 win over the Wildcats on Saturday night. BYU went 4-9 last year, but looked like a far better team in its 2018 opener. The Cougars were overpowering up front on offense and the defense limited Arizona quarterback Khalil Tate's effectiveness by not letting him get out and run. Arizona had some good moments in the first half in its first game under Sumlin, but struggled on both sides of the ball in the third quarter as BYU built an 18-point lead. Tate rallied Arizona in the fourth quarter. He scored on a 2-yard run and set up J.J. Taylor's 1-yard TD run with just over three minutes left, but Arizona trailed 28-23 after the 2-point conversion failed. BYU never let the Wildcats get the ball back, grinding out a pair of first downs behind its powerful offensive line. Tate threw for 197 yards and a TD on 17-of-34 passing, but was held to 14 yards rushing on eight carries. Mangum battled injuries last season, throwing nine interceptions and eight touchdowns before going down with a season-ending Achilles' tendon injury. He was sharp against Arizona, throwing for 209 yards and a touchdown on 18-of-28 passing. Mangum orchestrated a drive to set up Canada's first 1-yard TD run in the second quarter and opened the third with a 24-yard scoring pass to Matt Bushman that put BYU up 14-10. The Cougars began blowing the Wildcats off the ball on their next quick-hitting drive, marching 58 yards for Canada's second 1-yard TD run. Canada's 2-yard run at the end of the third quarter put BYU up 28-10. Defensively, BYU was effective at limiting Tate's running options, but he found ways to beat them with his arm in the first half. Tate led Arizona on a late scoring drive in the first half — with help from BYU's two 15-yard penalties — and hit Tony Ellison on a 15-yard touchdown pass to put the Wildcats up 10-7. The takeaway BYU is clearly not the same team that won four games last season. Arizona has a ways to go if it expects to contend in the Pac-12 South. Up next Arizona plays at Houston next Saturday.<doc-sep>	Linebacker Santonio Marchiol, who just last week alleged multiple NCAA violations against Texas A&M and new coach Jimbo Fisher, is no longer on the team at Arizona, according to first-year Wildcats coach Kevin Sumlin. "He was informed this morning that he's no longer on the team," Sumlin told reporters on Monday. While Sumlin did not get into the details of the dismissal, a video surfaced last Friday of a person who appears to be Marchiol using the term "monkey" to describe multiple black players when he was at Texas A&M. Marchiol followed Sumlin, who was fired from A&M last season, to Arizona. The Dallas Morning News reported that the 17-minute video appeared on a Hudl account linked to Marchiol. In the video, a voice believed to be Marchiol's uses the term to describe Aggies safety Keldrick Carper along with another player during an April scrimmage. That video has since been deleted. Regarding the video's authenticity, Arkansas-based attorney Thomas Mars, who has been representing Marchiol, said the following in a statement to CBS Sports: "As someone who helped lead the effort to advance diversity in the legal profession, served on the National Urban League board, and worked closely with people like Dennis Archer, Rev. Al Sharpton and other prominent African-American leaders, I understand and respect the university's decision. "On the other hand, as someone who's grown close to Santino and who knows the quality of his character, the depth of his faith, and the sincerity of his convictions, I'm heartbroken. "What can be heard on the highlights video doesn't reflect the values or beliefs of the young man I've come to know." Marchiol told USA Today last week that while at A&M, he was given cash by staff members to host prospects on unofficial visits. He also claimed the the new staff organized summer practices that were not permitted by NCAA rules and pushed him to work through an ankle injury. Through Mars' representation, Marchiol was using the allegations as a loophole to receive immediate eligibility to play at Arizona. Suffice to say, that will not be happening for Marchiol in 2018.
Mr. Kobach, who has spent years building a national profile, is a brash, outspoken ally of the president whose campaign rhetoric sometimes sounds like Mr. Trump’s and who has long excited the party’s base. Mr. Colyer, more measured in his speech and not known as well outside Kansas, was seen by many national Republicans as a safer general election candidate with more appeal to moderate voters. Though Republicans are dominant in Kansas politics, Democrats are energized and could benefit from the other side’s prolonged primary squabble. State Senator Laura Kelly, the Democratic nominee, and Greg Orman, a businessman running as an independent, will face Mr. Kobach in November. In a statement on Tuesday night, Ms. Kelly compared Mr. Kobach to Sam Brownback, the former Kansas governor whose conservative tax-cutting policies led to revenue shortfalls and significant budget cuts. Mr. Brownback, who was deeply unpopular by the end of his tenure, resigned early this year to become an ambassador. “With Kris Kobach as governor, Kansans get all of the failed policies of Sam Brownback plus Kobach’s unique brand of hyper-partisanship and self-promotion,” Ms. Kelly said. Though Mr. Kobach and Mr. Colyer had each acknowledged their race was too close to call after the initial count ended with a 191-vote margin, the days that followed brought increasing acrimony. Despite platitudes about party unity, the tone grew harsher after one rural county discovered a tabulation error that added 100 votes to Mr. Colyer’s tally. In recent days, Mr. Colyer warned that many political independents had been given faulty information at the polls and that their ballots may be improperly discarded. He also started a “voting integrity hotline” and accused Mr. Kobach, in his role as secretary of state, of providing bad advice to county election officials.<doc-sep>Kansas Gov. Jeff Colyer concedes GOP primary to Secretary of State Kris Kobach Colyer said in a statement he hopes to see Kansas remain in Republican hands Share Shares Copy Link Copy Hide Transcript Show Transcript WEBVTT I GO WENDY POINT SHAPE IN A FEW MINUTES. LARA: WE BEGIN WITH THAT BREAKING NEWS. GOVERNOR JEFF COLYER CONCEDING THE GOP RACE FOR KANSAS GOVERNOR TO SECETARY OF STATE KRIS KOBACH. KRIS: ALL THIS AFTER NEW NUMBERS GAVE KOBACH A BIGGER LEAD. KMBC 9’S WILLIAM JOY IS LIVE IN TOPEKA WHERE COLYER DELIVERED HIS CONCESSION SPEECH TONIGHT. WILLIAM. REPORTER: COLYER’S THEME FO THIS SPEECH WAS DOING RIGHT THING AND THIS IS A MOMENT TO STEP UP AND DO WHAT’S BEST. AFTER THE RESULTS IN HIS HOME OF JOHNSON COUNTY SHOWED THE MARGIN GETTING WIDER, NOT SMALLER, SAID TONIGHT, THIS IS THE CLOSEST ELECTION IN AMERICA, BUT THE NUMBERS JUST AREN’T THERE. >> I’VE JUST HAD A CONVERSATION WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE AND I CONGRATULATED HIM ON H SUCCESS AND I REPEATED MY DETERMINATION TO KEEP THIS SEAT IN REPUBLICAN HANDS. REPORTER: FROM THE VERY BEGINNING OF THE SPEECH TONIGH COLYER WAS EMOTIONAL, HIS VOICE BREAKING AT TIMES. HIS FAMILY AND STAFF WHERE IN THE ROOM FOR SUPPORT AND THE PHRASE HE SAID MOST WAS THANK YOU. >> WE WANT TO SAY THANK YOU FOR THE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF KANSANS WHO VOTED FOR US. WE WANT TO SAY THANK YOU TO THE TENS OF THOUSANDS OF SUPPORTERS WHO GAVE THEIR TIME AND THEIR TREASURE AND THEIR BLESSINGS T MAKE OUR CAMPAIGN POSSIBLE I’M VERY PROUD OF THE WORK THAT WE HAVE DONE OVER THE PAST SIX MONTHS AND I’M VERY HOPEFUL THAT KANSAS’S FUTURE, OUR BEST DAYS, ARE AHEAD OF US. > COLYER SAID HE WON’T BE CHALLENGING THE RESULT IN COURT AND HE WON’T BE ASKING FOR A RECOUNT. HE DIDN’T’ TAKE ANY QUESTIONS AFTERWARDS BUT MANY ARE LIKELY WONDERING WHY NOW AND WHAT’S NEXT. LIVE FROM THE CAPITOL, WILLIAM JOY, KMBC 9 NEWS. LARA: MICHEAL MAHONEY JOINS US NOW. MICHEAL WHAT’S THE NEXT STEP MOVING FORWARD. MICHEAL: UNITY IS A BIG STEP MOVING FORWARD BECAUSE THEY HAVE A 59% OF ALL OF THE VOTERS THAT CAST A BALLOT LAST TUESDAY. TH NOTED FACILITY BESIDES KRIS KOBACH. THEY NEED TO BUILD A REFRACTORY PARTY. THE FACT THAT TH FEEL THE KOBACH CAMPAIGN IS WINNING -- BREAKING AND EIGHT YOUR WINNING STREAK. THIS IT, YOU KNOW WHAT, IF HE WANTS TO LEAD THE PARTY, IT IS ALL HIS DOWN. A PIECE OF HISTORY. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME SINCE 1956 THAT A KANSAS GOVERNOR WAS DEFEATED IN A PRIMARY. KRIS: DOES THE PRESENCE OF THE INDEPENDENCE IN THIS RACE, DOES HE BECOME A BIGGER FACTOR? MICHEAL: ABSOLUTELY. AS WE SAID JUST A MOMENT AGO, THIS IS A FRACTURED PARTY IN THE STATE OF KANSAS. THIS IS A TWO-PERSON RACE. KOBACH IS GOING TO HAVE HAV -- GO AGAINST BOTH CANDIDATES. IT IS DIFFICULT TO RUN A CAMPAIGN AND WHEN WHEN IT IS HEAD-TO-HEAD. IT IS EVEN MORE DIFFICULT WHEN YOU’RE IN A SITUATION WITH HER ARE THRE PEOPLE THEY ARE ATTACKING ON TWO DIFFERENT FRONTS. LARA: HERE’S A LOOK AT THE GOVERNOR’S RACE IN NOVEMBER. KOBACH WILL TAKE ON TOPEKA STATE SENATOR LAURA KELLY THE DEMOCRAT IN THE RACE AND INDEPENDENT GREG ORMAN IN NOVEM GET LOCAL BREAKING NEWS ALERTS The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. Submit Privacy Notice<doc-sep>Kansas Gov. Jeff Colyer has ended his campaign to keep his job, conceding the Republican primary to Kris Kobach, whose forceful condemnations of illegal immigration over the years have catapulted him to the national stage and won him the admiration of President Trump. “The numbers are just not there,” Colyer said in a news conference Tuesday, after the latest tally of provisional and mail-in ballots increased Kobach’s lead to nearly 300 votes in the election held last week. More than 313,000 votes were cast. Kobach’s win is sure to set up a battle this fall in which national Democrats pour millions of dollars into the state in an effort to defeat one of the Trump’s closest allies. Kansas is staunchly Republican and hasn’t elected a Democratic governor since 2006. But some political analysts believe that Kobach’s win could turn off moderates and drive more Democrats to the polls. Kobach, who is currently Kansas secretary of state, will face state Sen. Laura Kelly in November. Advertisement Her campaign has already started painting Kobach as too extreme for the state and too close to Trump. Shortly after the 2016 presidential election, Trump appointed Kobach to his immigration policy team. Months later, in May 2017, Trump tapped him to team up with Vice President Mike Pence to head a commission on voter fraud. Trump endorsed Kobach, calling him a “fantastic guy” who would be strong on immigration and crime. Some Republicans in Washington had urged Trump not to endorse any candidate in the race, fearing that a Kobach win could play into the hands of the Democrats by keeping moderates away from the polls in a pair of competitive congressional races in Kansas. Throughout the primary campaign, Kobach focused heavily on illegal immigration and frequently dropped Trump’s name in interviews, praising the administration for its hard-line approach. “That relationship with the president, mixed with a strong name identification and message on illegal immigration, definitely helped him,” said Neal Allen, chair of the political science department at Wichita State University. “It was almost like a perfect storm for him.” But, Allen said, “a wave of Democratic money is headed to the state.” “If Democrats can defeat Kobach, they defeat Trump as well,” he said. Advertisement Complicating things for Democrats, however, is a run by independent candidate Greg Orman, a businessman who challenged Sen. Pat Roberts in 2014. “Orman is really the secret weapon for Republicans in the general election,” said Patrick Miller, a professor of political science at the University of Kansas. “He could allow Kobach to win the race with just a plurality. So Kobach may be a weaker nominee for Republicans, but he will have that structural advantage of a three-way race.” For Republicans on Tuesday, the focus was on unity. Colyer endorsed Kobach’s campaign this fall, saying it was important to “keep this seat in Republican hands.” “Kansas is too important,” he said. Advertisement In a statement, Kobach thanked his rival and echoed his message of unity. “I will work hard to advance our shared values, and I look forward to working with Gov. Colyer and all Republicans to keep Kansas red in November,” he said. [email protected] Twitter: @kurtisalee Advertisement UPDATES: 6:55 p.m.: This article has been updated with additional statements from Colyer, Kobach. This article was originally posted at 6:20 p.m.<doc-sep>	Kansas Gov. Jeff Colyer conceded his extremely close Republican primary to Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach — who will be the Republican nominee for governor — on Tuesday night. A week after the Kansas election, Colyer said he would not challenge the results of the vote tally in court or request a recount. Colyer’s concession comes as the two men were still locked in a close race a week after the Kansas primary on August 7. As of Tuesday, Kobach had more than a 300-vote lead on Colyer, according to Wichita Eagle reporter Jonathan Shorman. The governor sounded congratulatory in his speech, saying he wanted to ensure the next governor of the state was still a Republican. Democratic state Sen. Laura Kelly, who won 51 percent of the vote in the August 7 primaries, will face Kobach in the fall, as will independent candidate Greg Orman. “We will make sure the next governor is fully prepared, and I hope it is a Republican governor,” Colyer said. Even with Colyer’s conciliatory speech, the last week in Kansas Republican politics hasn’t exactly been cordial as the last remaining votes were counted in an extremely close race. Vote-counting errors made the race between Kobach and Colyer tighter, and there were questions about why Kobach — the state secretary of state — didn’t immediately recuse himself from the recount process. As Vox’s Tara Golshan wrote last week: On Thursday, state election officials reported that they discovered an error that shortchanged Colyer 70 votes. According to the Washington Post, a clerical error in the secretary of state’s office entered Thomas County’s votes for Colyer as 422 votes, where it should have been 522. In another county, results that should have given 257 votes for Kobach and 220 votes for Colyer, instead were filed as 110 for Kobach and 103 for Colyer. Kansas doesn’t require an automatic recount in a close race; as Vox explained it’s up to a candidate, registered voter, or election officials to ask for one. The state would pay for a recount if the margin is less than .5 percent. The same day as the vote-error discovery, Kobach recused himself from the recount process, a move he described as symbolic. Kobach is a controversial conservative and staunch Trump ally who served as the vice chair of Trump’s now disbanded voter fraud commission. Trump endorsed him the day before the election. It is an unusual move for a Republican president to endorse the primary opponent of a sitting Republican governor, but Trump lending support for Kobach was a sign of how loyal the Kansas secretary of state is to the president. Democrats see an opportunity in Kansas, especially after former Republican Gov. Sam Brownback’s extremely unpopular conservative policies — including extreme tax cuts — left the state’s economy and school system in the lurch. Some Democrats are likely celebrating Kobach’s win; he is seen as such a hardline conservative that some think he would be easier to beat than Colyer. But Kobach has been in the state a long time, and the big question is whether Democrats — and Kelly in particular — can beat him in November.
The pharmaceutical industry has not won FDA approval for a new drug to treat Alzheimer’s disease since 2003. But for the first time in more than a decade, there may be hope on the horizon. At the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Chicago on Wednesday (July 25), representatives from Biogen, a Cambridge-based pharmaceutical company, and it’s partner Eisai, a Japanese company, provided more details about a recent phase II clinical trial they had teased earlier this month. Though no group in the trial had seen significant improvement in the first year, after 18 months, the companies had observed more promising results. For the trial, a compound known as BAN2401 was given through an IV to six groups of adults with early stages of Alzheimer’s disease (five groups received various doses of the drug, and one received a placebo). BAN2401 works by reducing the chunks of amyloid buildup in the brain, which have long been thought to be one of the causes of brain degradation from Alzheimer’s. After 18 months, the 161 people receiving the highest dose of BAN2401 showed significant improvement both with the reduction of amyloid buildups and improved cognition compared to the placebo, according to STAT. There were a handful of instances of brain swelling as an adverse side effect, and some people experienced an allergic reaction where the IV was inserted. Although amyloid proteins have always been suspected to play a significant role in Alzheimer’s disease, this study is only the second to find a concrete connection between reduced amyloid buildups and improved cognitive function. It suggests that targeting these proteins may be a good way to combat the disease in future trials. Amyloid proteins were reduced by as much as 93% in some trial participants, making 81% of participants in the successful group what researchers call “amyloid negative.” Although this doesn’t mean these patients were cured, it’s a big deal. Additionally, the team compared the cognitive decline of this group to those who received the placebo using multiple metrics. They found that participants taking the highest dose of BAN2401 performed 30% better on a new cognition test called ADCOMS than those taking the placebo. ADCOMS is not the typical scale used to assess cognitive decline, but has been shown to be more sensitive (paywall) to changes in cognitive ability. When the group used a more common, longer-standing scale, participants in the highest dosage group performed 47% better than the placebo. It’s not clear how long the road to FDA approval for BAN2401 is. Although the results are promising, this trial was fairly small, and as Vox points out, it’s frowned upon in the research community to change your end results midway through a trial. At the moment, the FDA requires new drugs targeting Alzheimer’s to go through two phase III trials, showing a reduction of both a biological marker for the disease and cognitive decline. In March of this year, the organization published a draft report that said in the future they would accept only a reduction of biomarkers, without a reduction in cognitive decline, a decision has been supported by the research community. This is because in early cases of Alzheimer’s, patients may have the biological indicators of the disease without actually showing symptoms. Lynn Kramer, the chief medical officer for neurology at Eisai, said that the company and its partner plan to ask the FDA to accelerate BAN2401’s approval, based on these new phase II trial results.<doc-sep>There's been one glaring absence on the list of pharmaceutical company breakthroughs in recent decades: a drug to treat Alzheimer’s Disease, the most common form of dementia that some experts believe could single-handedly bankrupt Medicare in a matter of decades. As cancer drugs going through clinical trials have reached a 20 percent success rate, the search for a drug to treat dementia has been one of modern medicine's greatest frustrations: a 99.6 percent failure rate. Amyloid plaques accumulate outside neurons. Amyloid plaques are characteristic features of Alzheimer's disease. They lead to a degeneration of the affected neurons. Getty Images That long history of false starts helps to explain why positive clinical trial results for a new Alzheimer’s drug reported on Thursday by Biogen and Tokyo-based Eisai sent sent shares of Biogen soaring. The companies reported “statistically significant” evidence that the drug, BAN2401, an antibody targeting the beta amyloid protein, can slow progression of the deadly disease. Investors are predicting the final drug has a 50 percent chance of getting approved, Salim Syed, Mizuho Securities analyst, told CNBC on Friday. But Biogen officials were more cautious in their optimism, and for good reason. The beta amyloid protein has long been hypothesized as the primary cause of Alzheimer’s, and as a result, the target of a majority of drug trials. But failure has been so relentless that some dementia experts have questioned the drug industry's narrow focus on amyloid. Some focus has shifted to the tau protein. BAN2401 is the first late-stage, anti-amyloid antibody to achieve statistically significant results at 18 months, Biogen reported. Slowing cognitive decline, rather than stopping or reversing it, is still progress “Extremely encouraging” said Biogen chairman Stelios Papadopoulos to CNBC's Closing Bell on Friday. It's the first time a drug has shown the ability to clear the amyloid plaque, and “more importantly ... that the clearance of plaque was associated with a slowdown of the cognitive decline,” he said. But Papadopoulos said more still needs to be done: “It’s not as if we improved the condition or we stabilized even the cognitive decline. We’ve slowed down the cognitive decline.” Biogen’s drug trial re-tested at 18 months after it was originally deemed unsuccessful after 12 months. This time, the 856 patients in the trial “demonstrated a statistically significant slowing of disease progression” compared to those taking a placebo. “I’m cautiously optimistic,” The Mayo Clinic’s Ronald Petersen, who directs its Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, told CNBC's Power Lunch.<doc-sep>Alzheimer’s is one of the deadliest, costliest, and most emotionally draining diseases in this country. Yet we have no drugs to reverse the condition, and the last medicine that came on the market to treat Alzheimer’s symptoms was approved some 15 years ago. So it’s no surprise that Alzheimer’s researchers, patients, and investors were eagerly anticipating the results of a phase 2 study on a potentially promising new medication, called BAN2401, from the drugmakers Biogen and Eisai. On July 5, the companies released a summary of the findings from a trial of the drug involving 856 patients with early Alzheimer’s, showing the medication could slow the progression of the brain-ravaging illness. On Wednesday afternoon, they presented more details about their findings at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Chicago. The results have sparked cautious optimism. “Millions of people have Alzheimer’s, and right now it’s a death sentence. So any time we see positive results from a trial that appears to show disease modification, that gives us hope,” said Keith Fargo, director of scientific programs at the Alzheimer’s Association. “But it’s a cautious hope.” That’s because, while the experimental drug is potentially exciting, and may represent a step forward in the grinding, frustrating quest to treat Alzheimer’s, it’s far from being ready to prescribe to patients. First, the results haven’t been peer-reviewed, much less replicated by other researchers. Also, the way the drug companies ran and analyzed the data in their trial makes some experts suspicious. That’s why, with a huge market for an effective drug and massive potential profits at stake, we need to evaluate the new drug very, very carefully. The drug slowed Alzheimer’s progression by 30 percent, according to the drug company Before we explore why there’s reason to question the early results, let’s briefly touch on why they may potentially be significant. First off, Alzheimer’s is an extremely complex disease of the brain. It’s not caused by a single cell failure. Instead, the best scientific understanding of what’s likely going on with Alzheimer’s is called the “amyloid hypothesis.” Beta-amyloid is a protein in the brain, and when it’s metabolized abnormally, it sets off a cascade of events that eventually kills the nerve cells in the brain and causes the brain to shrink. Years (or even decades) after this process begins, people start to experience the hallmark symptoms of Alzheimer’s, like forgetfulness and confusion. Despite the fact that Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia in older people — and there are an estimated 5.7 million Americans living with the disease — there is not a single drug available to treat the condition. (The medications on offer only ameliorate Alzheimer’s symptoms — like anxiety, aggression, and depression — and only in some people.) The path to finding a drug that would stop the progression of or reverse the disease has been littered with failures. And that’s largely because of how complicated Alzheimer’s is. “It’s a complex system failure — multiple areas of the brain that depend on each other fail,” said Ronald Petersen, director of the Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. So despite spending billions of dollars on research into a variety of therapeutic approaches, there have been no new drugs in 15 years. And while amyloid buildup is necessary to diagnose the disease, there are many potential contributors to Alzheimer’s — including genetics or a history of head injury or stroke. The new, experimental medicine, BAN2401, purports to test the aforementioned amyloid hypothesis. When amyloid protein is misprocessed, it begins to accumulate in the brain, forming a sticky buildup outside the nerve cells called beta-amyloid plaques. The accumulation of amyloid also stimulates an immune response, which causes another set of proteins (the tau proteins) to form tangles inside the nerve cells. BAN2401, which is delivered intravenously, is an antibody that helps the immune system fight that disease process. “The theory is if we can interrupt the plaque formation, and these toxic forms of amyloid, hopefully we can interrupt that whole process and slow down memory loss — and that’s why we’re excited about this finding,” said Stephen Salloway, the director of neurology and the memory and aging program at Butler Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island, and a professor of neurology at Brown University. (He wasn’t involved in the trial but also runs clinical trials for Biogen.) In the placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized study of 856 patients with early Alzheimer’s, the drug companies said brain scans showed that higher doses of the medication were able to reduce amyloid plaques after 18 months. They also used an Alzheimer’s scale (called ADCOMS) to measure clinical symptoms in the patients, and found that the reduction in plaques corresponded with a slowing of Alzheimer’s disease progression by 30 percent. The most common side effect was allergic reaction at the site of infusion, and some patients experienced brain swelling. “We think this result is really the first of its kind,” Lynn Kramer, chief medical officer of Eisai’s neurology business group, said in a press briefing Wednesday, and “robust enough to approach regulatory authorities to discuss next steps.” If the results are indeed solid, and the drug is approved for market, it could mean people with early-stage Alzheimer’s might be able to keep the disease at bay. It could also mean that we finally have an actual treatment for the disease, and not just its symptoms, available for patients. The drug still needs to pass a phase 3 clinical study and FDA scrutiny But again, there’s reason to be cautious with these findings. Today’s data, unfortunately, can’t definitively answer the question of whether this is truly an Alzheimer’s breakthrough. First, the trial was a phase 2 study, and the drug will likely need to pass a phase 3 trial, involving a larger group of people to confirm its effectiveness and monitor any side effects before it can be approved by the Food and Drug Administration. “We want to make sure the data are meaningful and reproducible, and I think doing another trial to be able to reproduce the results would make good sense,” Salloway said. The results are still preliminary and not yet peer-reviewed or published.<doc-sep>The long, discouraging quest for a medication that works to treat Alzheimer’s reached a potentially promising milestone on Wednesday. For the first time in a large clinical trial, a drug was able to both reduce the plaques in the brains of patients and slow the progression of dementia. More extensive trials will be needed to know if the new drug is truly effective, but if the results, presented Wednesday at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Chicago, are borne out, the drug may be the first to successfully attack both the brain changes and the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. “This trial shows you can both clear plaque and change cognition,” said Dr. Reisa Sperling, director of the Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, who was not involved in the study. “I don’t know that we’ve hit a home run yet. It’s important not to over-conclude on the data. But as a proof of concept, I feel like this is very encouraging.” Aside from a couple of medications that can slow memory decline for a few months, there is no effective treatment for Alzheimer’s, which affects about 44 million people worldwide, including 5.5 million Americans. It is estimated that those numbers will triple by 2050.<doc-sep>	An experimental drug being tested to see if it can treat Alzheimer’s disease helped slow the inevitable loss of clear thinking and memory that comes with the condition, researchers reported Wednesday. It’s a rare success in a field littered with failures. No drug has yet been shown to reverse the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, which affects more than 5 million Americans and has no cure. And this one is no home run. Everyone who took the drug continued to get worse. But those who got the highest doses got worse more slowly. “We had a 47 percent reduction in decline at 18 months,” Dr. Lynn Kramer, chief medical officer of the neurology division of drug company Eisai, told reporters. It was the second piece of good news on the Alzheimer’s front. Earlier Wednesday, researchers reported that lowering blood pressure to recommended levels was safe and reduced the rate of mild cognitive impairment — a precursor of dementia — by 20 percent. Eisai and its U.S. partner Biogen presented results to an eager audience at the Alzheimer’s Association annual meeting in Chicago Wednesday. They’ve been treating more than 800 patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s with various doses of the drug, called BAN2401. It’s a monoclonal antibody, a lab-engineered immune system protein designed to remove amyloid plaques from the brain. One leading theory about Alzheimer’s is that these amyloid clogs cause the disease. “This is the first large trial to support the amyloid hypothesis,” Kramer said. The drug cleared the plaques from the brains of the patients, by 93 percent at the highest dose. Dr. James Hendrix, director of global science initiatives at the Alzheimer’s Association, says the findings are significant. “Not only do we see a slowing in the rate of cognitive decline, we also see that reduction of amyloid burden in the brain as measured by amyloid PET (imaging)", Hendrix told NBC News. “That biomarker confirmation really adds confidence that what you are seeing in the primary measure is real.” Still, the researchers had to tweak the results to be able to declare a success. When the trial was at the 12 month point, they said, they didn’t see a benefit. Now, after their patients have been infused with the drug for 18 months, they say they can see an effect. To find out more, Hendrix said, the companies will have to design an advanced trial called a Phase 3 clinical trial — the final stage before seeking full Food and Drug Administration approval. Dr. Howard Fillit, founding executive director of the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation, supports the way Biogen and Eisai changed the study. "The Biogen studies are being done in a different way than all of the studies we have done for the past 40 years," Fillit, who was not involved in the research, told NBC News. "The Biogen study took advantage of everything that we have learned about doing modern, efficient clinical trials." He called the results "amazing" — especially the reduction of amyloid in the brain. It’s difficult to describe what a 47 percent decrease in in the worsening of symptoms looks like, researchers said. The patients all took a battery of tests used to diagnose and define Alzheimer’s. “When you are talking about early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, you are talking about people who are living pretty well and still able to live independently at home,” Hendrix said. “If you are able to slow that decline, that means they may be able to keep that quality of life for more time.” One problem is a side effect that causes the brain to swell, which has been seen in all the monoclonal antibodies tried against Alzheimer’s. This affected about 10 percent of the patients. “This is the second Alzheimer’s clinical trial that has demonstrated both clearance of amyloid from the brain and cognitive benefits — again, the studies were not large enough to definitely demonstrate cognitive efficacy and the BAN2401 study did not meet its primary endpoint," the Alzheimer’s Association said in a statement. When trials don't meet their primary endpoints — when they don't do what they were designed to do — that can shed doubt on any results. And depending on which test results were used, the improvement was either 30 percent or 47 percent - a discrepancy that troubles some experts. But anything that might help would be welcome. “The global urgency to better treat and prevent Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias is higher than ever, and growing," the Alzheimer's Association said.
Peter Aiken/Getty Images After rain pushed everything back a day, the 2018 College World Series finals finally commenced on Tuesday night, with Arkansas scoring a 4-1 victory over Oregon State. The Razorbacks are now one win away from a national title, but the Beavers are no strangers to playing with the season on the line. They lost their first game in Omaha but still managed to move on to the finals. Ahead is a look at the updated finals schedule, TV information and a few key players to watch in Game 2. 2018 College World Series Schedule Game 1: Arkansas 4, Oregon State 1 Game 2: Wednesday, June 27, 7 p.m. ET (ESPN) Game 3 (if necessary): Thursday, June 28, 6:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2) Video Play Button Videos you might like Key Players RHP Bryce Fehmel, Oregon State Nati Harnik/Associated Press Fehmel doesn't have swing-and-miss stuff (63 K in 111 IP), and he actually went undrafted earlier this month, but the junior right-hander has been a reliable No. 2 option for the Beavers all season. Over 19 starts, he's 10-1 with a 3.16 ERA and 1.09 WHIP, and he's held opposing hitters to a .237 batting average. His last start came against Mississippi State on June 22 when he allowed four hits and two earned runs in 3.2 innings. Brandon Eisert followed him with 5.1 scoreless innings of relief—allowing just one hit and one walk while striking out three—and he could once again be a factor if Fehmel fails to go deep. LHP Kacey Murphy, Arkansas Michael Woods/Associated Press After bouncing between starting and relieving as a sophomore, Murphy joined Blaine Knight in the Razorbacks' weekend rotation. The 6'0", 190-pound left-hander is 8-5 with a 3.15 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 81 strikeouts in 97 innings, also holding opposing hitters to a lower average (.222) than the aforementioned Knight (.230). Baseball America provided the following scouting report leading up to the draft: "There's little flashy about Murphy, but he has been effective with fringe-average stuff and above-average control. Scouts like his competitiveness and his ability to get ahead of hitters. He bumps up to 90-91 mph at his best, but Murphy lives in the upper 80s with his fastball. What has made the fastball effective is its movement and his ability to locate it to both sides of the plate. The same can be said for his fringe-average changeup and curveball. Neither is particularly sharp, but he locates them well." The Detroit Tigers took him in the 11th round. RF Trevor Larnach, Oregon State Ted Kirk/Associated Press The No. 20 overall pick in this year's draft, Larnach is hitting a robust .347/.464/.649 with 19 doubles, 18 home runs and 75 RBI on the season. He's racked up 12 hits in six games at this year's College World Series, including a 2-for-4 showing with two doubles on Tuesday night. That leaves him three hits shy of the record for a single College World Series, set by USC's Jason Lane back in 1998, according to Andrew Cyr of NCAA.com. If the Beavers are going to avoid elimination, Larnach will be as important as anyone hitting in the cleanup spot between second baseman Nick Madrigal and catcher Adley Rutschman. All stats courtesy of team sites.<doc-sep>Peter Aiken/Getty Images After coming from behind to win Game 2 of the 2018 College World Series on Wednesday night, the Oregon State Beavers will look to complete the comeback and win a championship in Game 3 against the Arkansas Razorbacks on Thursday. Arkansas held a 3-2 lead in the ninth inning of Game 2 and was on the verge of a title after winning Game 1, but the Beavers showed incredible resolve by scoring three runs in the ninth and ensuring there would be a decisive contest. Here is all the information you need to watch Game 3 of the College World Series and witness a new champion of college baseball get crowned. Where: TD Ameritrade Park Omaha in Omaha, Nebraska When: Thursday, June 28 at 6:30 p.m. ET Watch: ESPN2 Video Play Button Videos you might like Live Stream: WatchESPN Arkansas Player to Watch: Isaiah Campbell Both the Razorbacks and Beavers are stacked with top-flight hitters, but the most important player in Thursday's game may be Arkansas starting pitcher Isaiah Campbell. The redshirt sophomore has had an up-and-down season with a 5-6 record and 4.12 ERA, but he is coming off a strong start. On Friday, Campbell helped eliminate the defending champion Florida Gators from the College World Series by allowing just two hits and two earned runs in 5.1 innings, while striking out eight. Campbell will pitch Thursday on full rest, while Oregon State is likely to piece the game together with multiple pitchers. Oregon State coach Pat Casey said that he is unlikely to allow any pitcher to go more than five innings and added that the bullpen will play a big role, according to Matt Jones of WholeHogSports.com. If Campbell can turn in a performance similar to what he did against Florida, it will go a long way toward giving Arkansas its first College World Series championship in school history. It won't be an easy task, though, since Oregon State had five .300 hitters in its lineup in Game 2. While the Beavers struggled to hit for much of that game, they showed in the ninth inning that they have a quick-strike offense capable of coming to life at any time. Campbell will be counted on to neutralize it, and it is easy to envision him being the biggest key to whether or not the Razorbacks win it all. Oregon State Player to Watch: Trevor Larnach After his heroics in Game 2, Oregon State right fielder Trevor Larnach will look to come through on the big stage in Game 3 of the College World Series as well. Following an RBI single by Beavers shortstop Cadyn Grenier to tie the game in the ninth, Larnach drove in the go-ahead runs with a two-run home run in Game 2: The laser of Larnach's bat barely cleared the right field wall, and it was the difference in what had been a highly competitive contest. On a team full of great hitters, Larnach is arguably Oregon State's best. This season, Larnach is hitting .348 with a team-leading 19 home runs, as well as 77 RBI. He forms a remarkable middle of the order with catcher Adley Rutschman, and is a constant source of stress for opposing pitchers with an on-base percentage of .463. The Minnesota Twins selected Larnach with the No. 20 overall pick in the first round of the 2018 MLB draft, and a big showing in Game 3 would inspire even more confidence in that pick. Campbell has been shaky at times this season, and if Larnach can rattle him early, the Beavers will have a huge advantage in the deciding game of the 2018 College World Series. Game 3 Prediction Momentum is on Oregon State's side not only because of the fact it won Game 2, but due to the manner in which it happened. Arkansas was one out away from winning the title, and if not for the Beavers getting lucky with a foul ball falling in between three Razorbacks players in the ninth inning, the College World Series would already be over. Bouncing back from that disappointment will be difficult for Arkansas, even if it may have a slight advantage on the mound due to Campbell being fresh. The Beavers have a far superior lineup, and Arkansas hasn't been potent offensively over the past few games. As long as Oregon State gets enough out of its patchwork pitching staff, it has a big edge at the plate. With Larnach and Rutschman anchoring the middle of Oregon State's lineup, look for the Beavers to power their way to their third College World Series title and first since winning back-to-back championships in 2006 and 2007. Prediction: Oregon State 6, Arkansas 2<doc-sep>FAYETTEVILLE NORTH, Neb. –– Yeah, the dateline is wrong. This was still Omaha Tuesday night. But it was an easy mistake to make, what with the “Wooooo Pig Sooie!” chants that might have carried across the river to Iowa, and the stands full of Arkansans. This is what Oregon State was up against in Game 1 of the College World Series finals: Three hours before the first pitch, the line was more than two blocks long with fans waiting to race in for the general admission seats, 90 percent of them Razorbacks from locales such as Little Rock and Fort Smith and Pine Bluff. Some of them had driven across the plains into town this very day, for this very chance. "Omahogs” is the T-shirt of choice at the moment in eastern Nebraska. By game time, the occasional clumps of Oregon State fans in TD Ameritrade Park looked like small oranges floating in a big bowl of red punch. And the Arkansas players on the field heard it all, in every corner of the stadium. Second baseman Carson Shaddy: “We all looked around at each other and it was like, this is crazy.” MORE: Live updated from the 2018 CWS finals \| Bracket \| Highlights and video Third baseman Casey Martin: “They were electrified. You couldn’t hear anything. I’m yelling at Biggs (shortstop Jax Biggers), he’s yelling at me. We can’t hear each other. We couldn’t even hear the ball hit the catcher’s mitt, that’s how loud it was.” Left fielder Heston Kjerstad: “I felt like we were playing (home) in Baum Stadium, just a lot bigger.” For coach Dave Van Horn, it reminded him of the home crowd roars when he led Nebraska to Omaha in 2001: “I just kept reminding our players to stay calm and save their energy. Because back in 2001, by the time the game started, our team was tired, honest to goodness, just from what was all going on.” "It felt like we were playing in Baum Stadium." - @hestonkjerstad pic.twitter.com/wILIBgtVwf — Razorback Baseball (@RazorbackBSB) June 27, 2018 This army of Hog backers, louder than the thunderstorms that have rolled through here the past week, was ready to besiege the Beavers in a deafening clamor, if given half a chance. For nearly four innings, there wasn’t one, with Arkansas’ bats and its crowd muted by Luke Heimlich’s pitching. A Razorback team that had not trailed at the end of a single inning in this College World Series was behind 1-0. And then the bottom of the fourth inning changed everything. Changed the game. Maybe the finals. It's never good news when an umpire is included in such a paragraph. Oregon State had a run taken away by an iffy runner interference call. Adley Rutschman was ruled to have interfered on a turn at second base, even though on replays, it sure looked as if he had ducked early to get out of the way. Could have been 2-0. But wasn’t. “It appeared Rutsch was doing everything he could to get out of the way. The ball left the guy’s hands. They weren’t near one another,” Oregon State coach Pat Casey said later. “Everybody can look at the tape and decide for themselves what to think.” For Arkansas, the vanishing Oregon State run was like second wind. In the top of the fifth, the rally started, the clamor from the stands grew — and grew, and grew — and Heimlich suddenly could not find the plate. Or as Shaddy said, “All hell broke loose.” RELATED: This stat gives Arkansas the CWS advantage \| 9 things to know about the series Pretty soon, it was 4-1. Pretty soon, that Oregon State offensive machine that rolled up 48 runs in this CWS had stalled against Blaine Knight and the bullpen. Pretty soon, the Razorbacks were doing things like first baseman Jared Gates laying out on the dirt track near the dugout to catch a foul pop. Or Grant Koch, 1-for-11 in the CWS, driving in the tying run. Pretty soon Nick Madrigal was hitting a two-out screamer with two Beavers on base – directly into the glove of Shaddy. Karma was wearing a Omahog shirt. And the crowd was there to push it along. Shaddy: “Every player and everybody in the stadium was on the same page today. We all have one heart. What they were doing was incredible. They never shut up the whole entire game. It’s hard to play against.” Koch: “You don’t really think about it a lot, but there’s definitely times when the momentum shifts and you can feel it and you know that there’s a lot of Razorback fans that want you to win. I think that’s what we’re playing for.” Knight: “I know that’s what I was feeding off of during the game, and I’m sure the other guys were, too.” Right fielder Eric Cole: “It’s a really big deal. I feel like we’re probably not in the position we are right now without a lot of our fans being there.” The game ended with same 4-1 score. Arkansas had only five hits — four fewer than Oregon State — and struck out 16 times, including being blown away 11 times in 4.2 innings by reliever Christian Chamberlain. But they still won, and went to bed in this best-of-three series telling themselves not to think too far ahead. But fact is fact; game 1 victors have gone on to take the championship 73 percent of the time. But Koch mentioned, “After the game, coach’s immediate message was we have a lot of work to do and there’s a lot of unfinished business and we’ve got to come out tomorrow with a sense of urgency for sure. “He didn’t even really have to say it.” RELATED: Hogs' freshmen duo have one goal this series \| OSU riding Rutschman's hot bat And Knight called it, “just a little small taste of whatever, we’ve got to flush it by tomorrow morning.” And Van Horn warned, “Take it to them. Don’t wait for something to happen. Don’t lay around in bed tonight thinking, oh, one more game, because that game will never happen if you think like that.” On the other side, Trevor Larnach presented Oregon State’s intentions. “Just wipe it, and move on.” One good tiding for the Beavers. They’re 4-0 here in elimination games. Wednesday night, they face another one – and the Arkansas masses surely to come with it.<doc-sep>	Peter Aiken/Getty Images An excellent start from ace Blaine Knight and a four-run top of the fifth inning gave Arkansas a 4-1 victory over Oregon State on Tuesday night in Game 1 of the 2018 College World Series finals. Now the Beavers will look to even the score on Wednesday night to force a decisive Game 3 with the national championship on the line. Ahead is a look at the TV schedule for this year's finals, along with some analysis and a predicted winner for Game 2 of the best-of-three series. 2018 College World Series Schedule Game 1: Arkansas 4, Oregon State 1 Game 2: Wednesday, June 27, 7 p.m. ET (ESPN) Game 3 (if necessary): Thursday, June 28, 6:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2) Video Play Button Videos you might like Game 2 Analysis and Pick Nati Harnik/Associated Press Arkansas did not have an extra-base hit during the decisive fifth inning on Tuesday night, as they sent 10 batters to the plate and recorded two singles, two walks, two hit by pitches and a fielder's choice to seize control of the game. For an offense that has relied heavily on the long ball this season, that ability to go station to station to break the game open makes them that much scarier. Meanwhile, the Oregon State offense actually had the advantage in hits (9-5), but they just weren't able to deliver any of those base runners after scoring a single run in the bottom of the second inning. At any rate, both of these offenses are still capable of catching fire at any point, so don't be surprised if we see a few more fireworks at the plate in Game 2. As for the pitching matchup, Game 2 will feature two of the most underrated pitchers in the country. Left-hander Kacey Murphy will get the start for Arkansas. Nati Harnik/Associated Press The 6'0", 190-pound junior is 8-5 with a 3.15 ERA and 81 strikeouts in 97 innings on the year, and he was an 11th-round pick by the Detroit Tigers. His opponents' batting average (.222) is better than Knight's (.230). Barrett Loseke (2.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 22 pitches) and closer Matt Cronin (1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 15 pitches) were efficient in relief of Knight in Game 1, so they should both available if needed on Wednesday. On the other side, Bryce Fehmel will get the start for Oregon State The junior right-hander went undrafted, meaning he'll return to campus for his senior season when he will likely take over as the Friday night starter. He doesn't light up the radar gun, and he's fanned just 63 batters in 111 innings, but his 10-1 record and 3.16 ERA has made him a consistent No. 2 option all season behind ace Luke Heimlich. Christian Chamberlain pitched 4.2 innings in relief of Heimlich on Tuesday, racking up 11 strikeouts to go along with five walks. He'll no doubt be unavailable after throwing 94 pitches, but everyone else in the Beavers' bullpen is rested. Oregon State lost their first Super Regionals game and battled back to reach the finals, so they're no stranger to stepping up with the season on the line. We'll say Fehmel outduels Murphy and the Beavers offense makes good on a few more of their opportunities this time around to even the series and force Game 3. Stats courtesy of team sites.
Less than a year after Louis C.K. admitted to sexually harassing women, he’s performing in public again. In November of 2017, about a month after the first accusations against Harvey Weinstein broke and the #MeToo movement began to take off, five women — mostly comedians who were still developing their careers — told the New York Times that C.K. had either asked them to watch him masturbate or forced them to watch while he did so. The report came after years of unsubstantiated rumors that C.K. had made a practice of using his institutional power to sexually harass women comedians, and C.K. confirmed the story almost at once. “These stories are true,” he said in a statement released the day after the report was published. “What I learned later in life, too late, is that when you have power over another person, asking them to look at your dick isn’t a question. It’s a predicament for them. The power I had over these women is that they admired me. And I wielded that power irresponsibly.” C.K. faced no legal ramifications for his actions, but there were some immediate professional consequences. Netflix dropped his standup special, and HBO and FX both cut ties with him. His movie I Love You, Daddy — in which C.K. plays a father struggling to handle his teenage daughter’s relationship with a man 50 years her senior — was shelved. Nine months later, C.K. appears to be ready to move back into the spotlight. On Monday night, he made a surprise appearance at New York’s celebrated Comedy Cellar, a comedy club where famous comedians like to workshop their new material. (It also featured prominently in the opening for C.K.’s FX series Louie.) C.K.’s appearance was unannounced, the New York Times reports, and the audience greeted him with a standing ovation. C.K. reportedly spent his 15-minute set playing around with new jokes and did not address the accusations against him. Another comedian at the Cellar on Sunday night described the set to the New York Times as “like, classic Louis, really really good.” “There can’t be a permanent life sentence on someone who does something wrong,” said Comedy Cellar owner Noam Dworman. “I think we’ll be better off as a society if we stop looking to the bottlenecks of distribution — Twitter, Netflix, Facebook or comedy clubs — to filter the world for us.” The Comedy Cellar was also the site of Aziz Ansari’s first public performance in May after he was accused of sexual misconduct. At the time, Dworman said that he would welcome C.K. back to the stage. “When Louis wants to go on, we’re sure he’ll do it in a way that shows respect for the seriousness of the issue and will maybe be confessional in some way,” Dworman said. “We’ll put him on if he chooses to do it at the Cellar. It will be dicey and we’ll get some flack.” Also in May, the comedian Rebecca Corry, who was one of the women who spoke on the record about being harassed by C.K., wrote an impassioned essay for Vulture about the way her life has changed since she came forward. “Since speaking out, I’ve experienced vicious and swift backlash from women and men, in and out of the comedy community. I’ve received death threats, been berated, judged, ridiculed, dismissed, shamed, and attacked,” she wrote. Corry closed her essay by addressing the question of whether she thought C.K. should be allowed to make a comeback. “The idea that C.K. reentering the public eye would ever be considered a ‘comeback’ story is disturbing,” she wrote. “The guy exploited his position of power to abuse women. A ‘comeback’ implies he’s the underdog and victim, and he is neither. C.K. is a rich, powerful man who was fully aware that his actions were wrong. Yet he chose to behave grotesquely simply because he could. The only issue that matters is whether he will choose to stop abusing women.” While their individual views on C.K.’s comeback are very different, both Corry and Dworman implied that if C.K. wants to relaunch his public career, he should first address the question of whether he would use his power to continue to harass women, or if he has taken steps to ensure that he won’t do such a thing again. Based on reports of his set at the Comedy Cellar, however, he has not yet taken on that question.<doc-sep>Louis C.K. has reportedly made his return to stand-up comedy, and some on social media see it as no laughing matter. The "Louie" creator and star performed a surprise 15-minute set at New York City's Comedy Cellar, nearly 10 months after being accused by multiple women of sexual misconduct, according to a report published Monday night by The New York Times. In November, five women told the Times the comedian masturbated or made an attempt to in front of them, without their consent. Their stories of C.K. crossing the line of sexual misconduct in encounters with them dated back more than a decade. One day later, C.K. acknowledged the women's stories were "true" in a statement indicating he had grasped the weight of his actions. "The power I had over these women is that they admired me. And I wielded that power irresponsibly," he wrote, adding, "there is nothing about this that I forgive myself for. And I have to reconcile it with who I am." More:Are #MeToo men ready for a comeback? Not all accused figures have slunk away in shame More:Edie Falco is rooting for Louis C.K. to get another chance after sexual-misconduct scandal The Comedy Cellar's owner, Noam Dworman, told the Times that C.K. looked "very relaxed" as he took the stage for his 11 p.m. set, performing "typical Louis C.K. stuff," joking about tips, racism and parades to an audience of about 115 people, who gave him an ovation before he even started. “It sounded just like he was trying to work out some new material, almost like any time of the last 10 years he would come in at the beginning of a new act,” Dworman told the outlet. Dworman also told the Times he fielded one call from a member of the crowd who protested C.K. 's show. People on social media were also upset over the comic's return. Kathy Griffin used Twitter to chime in with a series of tweets. "You know how many talented women and POC (people of color) comics are knocking on doors trying to get some time in front of audiences or powerful people in this business?" she began Tuesday. "And Louis just gets to glide back in on his own terms? Gosh, does it payoff to be in the boys club..the white boys club." Griffin added that she was left feeling "angry and frustrated for the people who have struggled to be heard and seen." She also tweeted "... right now I can only imagine what the survivors of Louis' predation are thinking. All I know is we should all be outraged ... the boys club won again..." She appeared to conclude her tweets by writing: "Louis just went on a long vacation and didn't do anything to show that he has reformed/changed. He's a multi-millionaire who finally got some sleep after working nonstop for years. This is how we are making people are paying penance in the #MeToo era? (Expletive) pathetic." The Times report does not say whether or not C.K. addressed his past misconduct during his performance, and comedian Paul F. Tompkins believes he did not. "The fact that Louis, a comedian whose whole thing is plumbing the depths of his own psyche, apparently didn’t mention his most recent, famous news in his surprise set tells you all you need to know about his desire for 'redemption,' right?" Tompkins tweeted Tuesday. He followed his tweet with another C.K.-focused message. "I knew he’d be back, but I honestly gave him too much credit," Tompkins wrote. "I really thought he’d just drop an hour set, Horace & Pete-style, and most of it would be about what happened and what he 'learned' from it and so forth. But naw?" Commenting on Dworman's remark to the Times that C.K. "decided to just rip the Band-Aid off," comedian Jackie Kashian wrote: "(Because) he was the one wounded I presume?" Similarly, film writer Scott Weinberg posted: "... explain to me how Louis CK is wearing a metaphorical band-aid." Referencing C.K. 's transgressions, another user tweeted "So let me get this straight. Louis C. K. just showed up at a club and performed to a room full of people without their consent?" The Ringer writer Alison Herman tweeted of C.K. 's return: "I knew this was coming, and yet it makes me angrier than I even thought possible!!!!!!" However, comedian Michael Ian Black, acknowledging he may "take heat" for his opinion, believes "people have to be allowed to serve their time and move on with their lives." He continued: "I don't know if it's been long enough, or his career will recover, or if people will have him back, but I'm happy to see him try." Black became a trending topic on Twitter Tuesday after his remarks. Actress Amber Tamblyn, a vocal member of the #MeToo movement, felt moved to tweet in response. "I think we should be asking women, most especially the women in comedy, how they feel about this instead of explaining what should or shouldn’t be allowed," she posted. "Deferral to women in a moment like this is what allyship looks like, Michael." Similar to Black, others also applauded C.K. 's return. "He did everything right in regards to doing something wrong," a user shared. "If anyone deserves another shot, it's Louis C.K.." "Louis C.K. has begun his slow walk back to the stage," wrote another. "Good." Contributing: Maria Puente More:FX says its Louis C.K. investigation yielded no signs of misconduct More:Louis C.K. scandal: FX, Netflix, publicist cut ties after admission of sexual misconduct<doc-sep>Louis C.K. has performed stand-up for what appears to be the first time since admitting to sexual misconduct in November 2017. After being accused of abusing five women in a New York Times report, the comedian released a statement in which he confirmed the stories and expressed remorse for his actions. “These stories are true. At the time, I said to myself that what I did was okay because I never showed a woman my d-ck without asking first, which is also true,” he said in the statement. “But what I learned later in life, too late, is that when you have power over another person, asking them to look at your d-ck isn’t a question. It’s a predicament for them. The power I had over these women is that they admired me. And I wielded that power irresponsibly.” But now—less than a year after the allegations against him were brought to light—C.K. has returned to the stage for an unannounced set at New York’s Comedy Cellar. He delivered a 15-minute performance on Sunday that the comedy club’s owner, Noam Dworman, told the Times consisted of “typical Louis C.K. stuff.” Dworman said C.K. was greeted with an ovation by the sold-out crowd. However, many others spoke out against C.K.’s return on social media. 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 Megan McCluskey at [email protected].<doc-sep>After being out of the spotlight for nearly 10 months, Louis C.K. returned to the stand-up stage in New York. This marks his first public appearance and performance since he was accused of sexual misconduct in November. According to the New York Times, C.K. surprised audiences at the Comedy Cellar in New York City, a spot he frequented pre-#MeToo accusations. The audience welcomed the disgraced comedian as he took the stage at 11 PM for a 15-minute set, but he did not address or mention the allegations. In November of last year, five women came forward in the pages of The New York Times about how the comedian masturbated in front of them. C.K. next issued a statement in response to the sexual misconduct saying it was true “And I have to reconcile it with who I am. Which is nothing compared to the task I left them with.” In the wake of the accusations, C.K. was dropped by all his reps and he lost his production deal with FX. In addition, Orchard canceled the release of his film I Love You, Daddy. He also lost deals with Universal, Netflix, and HBO.<doc-sep>	One of the unresolved questions hanging over the entertainment industry amidst the #MeToo movement is when, or if, there is an appropriate time for performers to make their return to the stage or screen after being accused of sexual impropriety. That conundrum was brought into sharp focus on Sunday night (Aug. 26), when comedian Louis C.K. did a 15-minute, unannounced walk-up set at New York City's Comedy Cellar, his first public performance since the Louis creator admitted to sexual misconduct last fall. The setting was a natural one for the stand-up comic and TV producer, who was accused by five women of sexual misconduct in a New York Times expose in November amid the firestorm of accusations against disgraced former Miramax studio boss Harvey Weinstein. But the reactions have been swift, and in many cases, harsh, with many questioning why, as fellow comedian Aparna Nancherla wrote, "Louis CK getting a standing ovation for dropping in to a comedy club less than a year after admitting to sexual misconduct tells you all you need to know about how society applauds powerful men for doing less than the minimum of decency." C.K. was accused of masturbating in front of a number of women. He later admitted to the sexual misconduct, and subsequently lost his production deal with FX. He also saw the cancelation of the release of the film I Love You, Daddy, which he starred in, directed and wrote. HBO and Netflix similarly cut ties with C.K. in the wake of the controversy.
England are back on track in home conditions. In dismissing Pakistan for 174 and finishing only 68 behind with eight wickets left, Joe Root and his players have given England supporters enough evidence to believe that their performance in the first Test at Lord’s was a one-off fiasco. To reverse the tide of a Test series - as England did here - is normally the work of a batsman in a defiant innings, or a bowler with an inspiring spell. This time it was the sun (rather than the moon) that turned the tide. It disappeared behind cloud soon after Pakistan had decided to bat, and enabled England’s bowlers to swing the ball lavishly, whereupon it reappeared at tea-time to smile upon England’s batsmen. Luck, fate, fortune or happenstance: England went a long way to making the most of it and that is all their many critics could ask. At 10.30 am Sarfraz Ahmed was right to elect to bat. At 11 am it was as big a mistake as Root’s decision to bat first at Lord’s, an invitation to England to level this series and go into their next against India in renewed heart.<doc-sep>Jos Buttler smacked 80 not out and Dom Bess took three wickets as England drew the series with a thumping victory over Pakistan at Headingley<doc-sep>Last updated on .From the section Cricket England lost their first home Test of the summer at Lord's for the first time since 1995 Second Test, England v Pakistan Venue: Headingley Dates: 1-5 June Start time: 11:00 BST Coverage: Ball-by-ball Test Match Special commentary on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra, Radio 4 LW and BBC Sport website & app. Live text commentary and in-play highlights on BBC Sport website & app. Full tour details Captain Joe Root says England's players must prove to themselves that they can be a "really good team". England are winless in their past eight Tests and have to beat Pakistan at Headingley to avoid a third consecutive series defeat. "There's plenty of evidence across the board that we have the players," said Root. "I have full confidence in that group. We have everything we need to be a really good team." England went seven Tests without a win in Australia and New Zealand over the winter and were comprehensively outplayed in a nine-wicket defeat by Pakistan at Lord's last week. Of the current England side, only two batsmen - Root and Alastair Cook - average more than 40 in Test cricket. In addition, the only bowlers to average under 30 with the ball are James Anderson and Stuart Broad. However, Root rejected the suggestion that the relatively modest career records of most of his team means that England's results are likely to be mixed. "We can look at areas where we want to get better and we can look at individual records, but collectively we have underperformed," said the 27-year-old. "We have everything we need to be a really good team, it's just doing it consistently over a long period of time. It's just proving it to ourselves, more than anything. "If we do that, I think we'll fly and go places quite quickly." England wait on Stokes fitness Stokes took three wickets in the Pakistan first innings at Lord's England could be without all-rounder Ben Stokes, who has a hamstring injury and was due to have a scan on Thursday. Stokes, who bats at number six and fills the role of fourth pace bowler, will have a fitness Test on Friday morning. Sam Curran, the uncapped Surrey left-arm swing bowler, has been called into the squad as cover. Depending on Stokes' fitness, he could play as a specialist batsman, potentially leaving England with only four bowling options - three seamers plus the spin of Dom Bess. Alternatively, Stokes could miss out altogether, meaning a recall for Chris Woakes or a debut for 19-year-old Curran. "We will look at the nature of the injury and discuss all options," said Root. "There are so many different ways we could go with it, but until we actually know we can't make a proper decision. "It might be that he's absolutely fine and he can do everything and we're in the same position we were at the start of the week." 'We have to take criticism on the chin' England were heavily criticised for their performance at Lord's, which resulted in their first defeat in the first Test of a home summer since 1995. After the match, coach Trevor Bayliss said he "throws his hands up" and that his message to the players might not be getting through. Former captain Michael Vaughan also suggested that the team may need a "shake-up", perhaps to the extent of Broad being left out at Headingley. And Root accepted that England have to take criticism "on the chin". "People have some very strong opinions on where we are right now," Root told BBC Sport. "All we can do is concentrate on performing well, and if we perform well those opinions might change. "When you play at the top level, if you don't play well you come in for criticism. You have to not get too down about it. "You make sure that when you next get the opportunity to turn that round and put it right, you go out there and take it." Pakistan eye series win Pakistan won on their last trip to Headingley, defeating Australia in a match held at what was a neutral venue in 2010. However, their only win against England in nine matches in Leeds came in 1987. If they avoid defeat, they will secure their first series win in England for 22 years. If they win, they will send England down to seventh in the world Test rankings, above only Bangladesh, West Indies and Zimbabwe (Ireland and Afghanistan do not yet have a rating). "England are a good team," said Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed. "It would be a very important win. We will be trying our best to win the series." The tourists are forced into one change from the side that won at Lord's, with uncapped batsman Usman Salahuddin replacing the injured Babar Azam.<doc-sep>	Toggle between tabs for full cricket scorecard and ball-by-ball commentary Leeds: England dominated Day 1 of its must-win second and final test against Pakistan on Friday, bundling out the tourists for 174 before closing on 106-2 in a role reversal to the start of the first match last week. Pakistan didn't capitalize on winning the toss at Headingley, with its batsmen failing to handle a swinging and seaming ball as England's pace attack reaped the rewards for bowling a fuller length than they did in a nine-wicket loss at Lord's. Led by the old guard of Stuart Broad (3-38) and James Anderson (3-43), the hosts reduced Pakistan to 79-7 and then 113-8. Only a 43-run stand for the ninth wicket between Shadab Khan (56) and Hasan Ali (24) helped Pakistan to a respectable total. Broad later said he'd been angry at criticism leveled at him and Anderson by former England captain Michael Vaughan, who suggested in his newspaper column and radio show that one of the pacemen should be dropped. "I don't think the players talk to him about cricket or what's going on within the changing room, so I think it was a bit of a wild guess," said Broad, who called Vaughan to voice his displeasure. "But it's personal columns, radio shows that need 'likes' and air time, isn't it?" England was much more assertive in its reply and finally got a decent start from its troublesome opening partnership. Keaton Jennings, recalled in place of Mark Stoneman, fell for 29 with the score on 53-1, but captain Joe Root joined veteran Alastair Cook at the crease and England made inroads into the deficit. However, less than 10 minutes before stumps, Pakistan made a crucial breakthrough as Cook misjudged a pull shot off Hasan, the ball feathered his glove and he was caught behind for 46. It was a disappointing way for Cook to depart on the day he set a record by playing in a 154th straight test — surpassing a milestone he shared with former Australia captain Allan Border. Root was 29 not out at the close, alongside nightwatchman Dom Bess (0), and England trailed by 68 runs heading into Day 2. England, without star allrounder Ben Stokes because of a hamstring injury sustained in training on Wednesday, needs a victory to avoid a third straight series loss. At Lord's, England was always playing catch-up, after getting bowled out for 184 on the opening day and then trailing by 179 runs on first innings. Now, it's Pakistan's turn to do the chasing. "This almost feels a bit like a complete performance for a day," Broad said. With inputs from AP
Last updated on .From the section Tennis 2018 US Open Venue: Flushing Meadows, New York Dates: 27 August-9 September Coverage: Live radio coverage on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra; live text commentaries on the BBC Sport website Serena Williams was fined $17,000 (£13,100) for the code violations that included calling the umpire a "liar" and "thief" in her US Open final loss. Williams, beaten by Naomi Osaka, was docked a game for verbal abuse and had a point penalty for racquet smashing and a code violation for coaching. She later said it was "sexist" to have been penalised a game. BBC tennis presenter Sue Barker said: "The umpire was following the rules by the book but Serena has a point." Barker, a former world number three and 1976 French Open champion, added that "tennis was the loser" from Saturday's events. Williams' fine for the code violations, imposed by the United States Tennis Association (USTA), will be deducted from the $1.85 million the American won as the runner-up. "I've sat courtside watching the men ranting at umpires and they haven't been given a violation," Barker said. "The fact that it was to be a game violation then robbed the crowd of what potentially could've been a third set." Osaka, 20, won the match 6-2 6-4 to become the first Japanese Grand Slam champion. Williams, who was aiming to equal Margaret Court's record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles, refused to shake hands with umpire Ramos after the match. She later accused him of sexism, saying: "He's never taken a game from a man because they said 'thief'." Barker told BBC Radio 5 live's Sportsweek programme: "Both have a point - Serena saying the male players can say what they want to umpires. "Earlier in the tournament we saw Alize Cornet being given a code violation for changing her shirt on court and then in the same tournament Mohamed Lahyani gets down from his chair to talk to Nick Kyrgios and persuade him not to give up on a match. "He [Ramos] was following the rules by the book but sometimes the book has to be rewritten. "You can't have one rule for some players and some umpires don't adhere to it and allow players to get away with things. They've just got to be fair to the players. "Tennis was the loser and we lost what was potentially a fantastic match. "I've never seen anything like it since I have been watching tennis. It was sad for the game." Marion Bartoli, the 2013 Wimbledon champion, echoed Barker's stance on the difference between how male and female players are treated. "What the umpire did is totally not acceptable and I hope that we are going to have a sanction because we just can't let that happen," she said. "When there is absolutely no curse or verbal abuse from Serena then giving her a game penalty is insane. You can't do that. It is impossible. "She's right when she says the men say 10 times worse and don't even get a warning." Ramos has given Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray code violations in the past two years. He also accused Serena's sister, Venus, of receiving coaching during a 2016 French Open match, although she wasn't penalised. "I think she [Serena] went a little bit too far," said 18-time Grand Slam singles champion Chris Evert. "What she was saying, she had every right to say but she kept repeating herself. "After a while it is like 'you have to stop'. "Just because of the enormity of the moment, the umpire should have given her a bit of break but, instead, went right for the jugular." What happened? Williams was given a first code violation after Ramos judged a gesture from coach Patrick Mouratoglou to be coaching. She said she had not received any tactics from Mouratoglou, telling the umpire she would "never cheat to win and would rather lose". The Frenchman later admitted that he had been coaching from the box but that Williams had not seen him doing so. Williams then received another code violation for a racquet smash at 3-2 in the second set, leading to Ramos docking her a point. With Osaka leading 4-3, Williams told the umpire: "You are a liar. You will never be on a court of mine as long as you live. When are you going to give me my apology? Say you are sorry." That led to Ramos docking her the next game to leave Osaka just one game away from victory at 5-3 up. Williams refused to take to the court and demanded an intervention from the tournament referee. Eventually she returned to the baseline, serving out a game to love before Osaka held serve to win her first Grand Slam win. In her post-match news conference Williams said she was she "was not being coached" and that she "did not understand" why Mouratoglou would say he was doing so. American 12-time Grand Slam singles champion Billie Jean King, one of the founders of the Women's Tennis Association, backed Williams, saying: "When a woman is emotional, she's 'hysterical' and she's penalised for it. When a man does the same, he's 'outspoken' and there are no repercussions. "Thank you, Serena Williams, for calling out this double standard. More voices are needed to do the same." 'I feel so sorry for Naomi Osaka' Osaka (left) became Japan's first Grand Slam singles winner with victory in the US Open final against Serena Williams At the end of the match, security staff ran on to the perimeter of the court as Ramos walked off and the Portuguese did not return, as he would usually have done, for the trophy presentation. Osaka, who describes Williams as her idol, pulled her visor down over her eyes to hide her tears when there was booing from the 24,000 crowd in the Arthur Ashe Stadium prior to the Japanese player being given the trophy. The jeers were not aimed at her, with the fans instead expressing a sense of injustice at the way home favourite Williams had been treated.<doc-sep>Matthew Stockman/Getty Images Tennis umpires are reportedly considering forming a union after Serena Williams' confrontation with Carlos Ramos in the U.S. Open final and her subsequent accusations he had been sexist. According to the Guardian's Sean Ingle, many umpires believe Ramos was "hung out to dry" by authorities such as the International Tennis Federation, who did not come to the official's defence until almost two days after the final. Williams was penalised a game and hit with three code violations in the event. Ramos upheld the rules in his sanctions against Williams, but her accusations of sexism were supported by both the Women's Tennis Association and the United States Tennis Association before the ITF came to his defence. In her press conference after the match, Williams said she was treated more harshly than a man would have been in the same situation. "The WTA believes that there should be no difference in the standards of tolerance provided to the emotions expressed by men versus women," WTA chief executive Steve Simon said in a statement. A senior umpire told Ingle: "There is a lot of unhappiness in the umpiring community because no one is standing up for officials. Umpires keep asking, 'What if it was me in that chair on Saturday?' There is a widespread feeling that Carlos was hung out to dry for nearly 48 hours and that no one is standing up for officials." Video Play Button Videos you might like Speaking to ESPN.com's Peter Bodo, former elite Gold Badge umpire Richard Ings echoed that statement: "The umpiring fraternity is thoroughly disturbed at being abandoned by the WTA. They are all fearful that they could be the next Ramos. They feel that no one has their back when they have to make unpopular calls." The ITF eventually put out a statement supporting Ramos on Monday, per Ben Rothenberg of the New York Times: Umpires—who are contractually forbidden from publicly speaking out—are reportedly discussing the possibility of an union as a "matter of urgency." "Umpires don't have any independent means of representation and are employed by the governing bodies," a source involved in such talks told Ingle. "If talking to the media is not allowed and governing bodies are speaking out against them, what are umpires supposed to do?" Twelve-time singles Grand Slam winner Billie Jean King supported Williams after the final, which Williams lost in straight sets to Naomi Osaka: She also told CNN that "Serena was out of line" when she confronted Ramos but that the official "aggravated the situation." Williams was penalised for receiving on-court coaching when Patrick Mouratoglou made a hand gesture toward her from the stands, for breaking her racket in frustration and for calling Ramos a "thief" after he docked her a point after the second offence. The Times' Stuart Fraser felt Ramos was let down by the lack of support he received: Ramos, who has officiated at all four Grand Slam tournaments, will referee Croatia's clash with the United States in the semi-final of the Davis Cup, which starts Friday.<doc-sep>Martina Navratilova agreed that Williams deserved much of the blame for the incident, writing in a New York Times op-ed piece that, in complaining that Ramos would not have reacted the same way to an argumentative male player, Williams was “missing the point” and would have been better served conducting herself with “respect for the sport we love so dearly.” The 18-time Grand Slam winner said that “we cannot measure ourselves by what we think we should also be able to get away with,” adding, “In fact, this is the sort of behavior that no one should be engaging in on the court.”<doc-sep>Last updated on .From the section Tennis Serena Williams was "totally out of line" for her US Open final outburst, but umpire Carlos Ramos "blew it", says tennis legend Billie Jean King. Williams, beaten in straight sets by Naomi Osaka, was docked a game for verbal abuse, having already had a point penalty for smashing her racquet and a code violation for coaching. The American, 36, later said it was "sexist" to have been penalised a game. "Serena was out of line, there's no question," said compatriot King. King, one of the founders of the Women's Tennis Association (WTA), initially backed the 23-time Grand Slam champion, saying in the aftermath of Saturday's final: "When a woman is emotional, she's 'hysterical' and she's penalised for it. When a man does the same, he's 'outspoken' and there are no repercussions. "Thank you, Serena Williams, for calling out this double standard. More voices are needed to do the same." However, in an interview with CNN external-link on Tuesday, King's stance softened. "No-one was saying she was a good sport, if they are they're crazy," added the 74-year-old, who won 12 Grand Slam singles titles. "The point is he [Ramos] aggravated the situation, instead of 'I'm not attacking your character' which is the most important thing he could have said." Williams' claims of sexism were backed by the WTA, but the International Tennis Federation said Ramos acted "at all times with professionalism and integrity". "I felt like he blew it," said King. "First of all as an umpire you're supposed to keep the flow of the match going and he did just the opposite. "He needed to tell Serena he can't apologise, he did the right thing there, he's got to be the boss - but all he had to say to Serena is: 'I am not attacking your character.' "Character is the essence of what was going on there, she was so upset about that. Those kids [Serena and her sister Venus] have been brought up to play by the rules. "The character was the biggest issue here. This is a human being you're talking to. If he had said 'I'm not attacking your character' everything would have been different." Umpire says he is 'fine' The umpire at the centre of the controversy insists he is fine - and says it is not possible to umpire a tennis match "a la carte". Ramos spoke very briefly about the US Open final to Tribuna Expresso in his native Portugal. He is expected to be on duty as planned for this week's Davis Cup semi-final in Zadar, where Croatia are hosting the United States. "It's a delicate situation," Ramos said. "But umpiring a la carte is something that does not exist. Don't worry about me, I'll be fine."<doc-sep>	Umpires are reportedly considering boycotting Serena Williams matches as they fear the don’t have the backing of the tennis world after a contentious U.S. Open final. (AP) As fallout continues from Saturday’s heated U.S. Open final that saw Naomi Osaka defeat Serena Williams in a match marred by conflict and controversy, tennis umpires are having their say. They’re not pleased with Williams or what they see as a lack of support from the tennis world for chair umpire Carlos Ramos, who was on the receiving end of a heated outburst from the 23-time Grand Slam champion. Report: Umpires considering boycott The Times of London reports that there is a growing consensus that umpires feel they were “not supported by the USTA” on several occasions and cite one anonymous source claiming that umpires are considering boycotting matches played by Williams. The source tells The Times that some umpires believe that Ramos was “thrown to the wolves for simply doing his job and was not willing to be abused for it” and that they are considering “to refuse any match assignments involving Williams until she apologizes for vilifying Ramos and calling him a ‘liar’ and a ‘thief. '” Williams was assessed three code violations during the the loss to Osaka. Ramos warned her against receiving coaching early in the second set, which Williams protested. "I don't cheat to win. I'd rather lose." —Serena to the chair umpire after receiving a coaching violation pic.twitter.com/v6Q2GWYYOn — espnW (@espnW) September 8, 2018 Williams accused Ramos of sexism, called him a thief A frustrated Williams later smashed her racket and accused Ramos of sexism for assessing penalties that she believes he would not have given to a man. Williams called Ramos a thief and demanded an apology. The third code violation resulted in a game penalty for Williams. Williams explained her anger in the post-match media conference. “He never took a game from a man because he said ‘thief,'” Williams said. “For me it blows my mind, but I’m going to continue to fight for women. The fact that I have to go through this is just an example for the next person.” Story continues Williams was later fined $17,000 for her outburst. Retired umpire: Officials feel ‘abandoned by the WTA’ A former umpire echoed the concerns of The Times’ source with ESPN Tuesday. Richard Ings, a retired elite Gold Badge umpire described as having close ties with active umpires told ESPN that officials feel like the WTA doesn’t have their back. “The umpiring fraternity is thoroughly disturbed at being abandoned by the WTA,” Ings told ESPN. “They are all fearful that they could be the next Ramos. They feel that no one has their back when they have to make unpopular calls.” ITA supported Ramos Ramos did receive the backing of the International Tennis Federation, which released a statement Monday in his support. “Carlos Ramos is one of the most experienced and respected umpires in tennis,” the statement reads. “Mr. Ramos’ decisions were in accordance with the relevant rules and were re-affirmed by the U.S. Open’s decision to fine Serena Williams for the three offenses.” Ramos speaks Ramos spoke publicly Tuesday for the first time since the match in an interview with Tribuna Expresso in his native Portugal. “I’m fine, given the circumstances,” Ramos said. “It’s a delicate situation, but a la carte arbitration does not exist. Do not worry about me.” More from Yahoo Sports: • You won’t believe what Marshawn Lynch looked like in H.S. • Pat Forde: College FB games to split contenders from pretenders • Jets embarrass Lions in Coach Patricia’s debut • NFL Power Rankings: Defense is the key
Photo : iFixit Apple’s hyped up new iPhones hold a lot of allure. Clad in a silver, space gray, or a rich gold finish and featuring the new A12 Bionic chip inside, the recently debuted iPhone XS represents the best tech Apple can jam in a phone. So naturally, one of the first things people did after getting their hands on one was tear it apart and see what’s inside. And would you just look at that battery? Advertisement Rectangular or cylindrical batteries are pretty common, but the iPhone XS’ one-cell L-shaped battery is something else. Last year in the iPhone X, Apple simply connected two rectangular batteries together in order to cram its awkward shaped battery pack in the phone. But this time on the iPhone XS, according to iFixit, Apple used multiple layer sizes and folded electrode sheet to create a curvy power pack that neatly bends around other important iPhone internals like the logic board, Taptic engine and memory. Here’s an X-ray picture of said battery taken by iFixit and Creative Electron. Photo : iFixit Strangely, the iPhone XS’ battery capacity of 2,659 mAh is actually slightly less than the 2,716 mAh battery in the iPhone X, which sort of makes you question if all that extra effort was worth it. Meanwhile, on the larger iPhone XS Max, Apple stuck with a simpler two-cell design to deliver the largest battery in any iPhone ever, boasting a total capacity of 3,179 mAh. Photo : iFixit And while that might sound like a lot, I still can’t help but to wonder how long the XS Max would last if it had a 4,000 mAh battery like you get in a Samsung Galaxy Note 9 or a Huawei P20 Pro. Elsewhere, as you’d expect, the XS and XS Max share a lot of engineering and design traits with the iPhone X. However, there are a couple important improvements, most notably in the antenna and camera departments. Advertisement Last year’s iPhone X is on top, while the XS and XS Max are in gold below. Photo : iFixit While the asymmetry of the speaker and mic grilles on the bottom of XS and XS Max might look a little jarring, by deleting two holes on left, Apple made room for an extra antenna band, which according to test results from SpeedSmart, Tom’s Guide, and others, resulted in a serious improvement in LTE data speeds. Advertisement Photo : iFixit As for the camera, while the iPhone XS and XS Max’s rear wide-angle camera has the same 12-MP resolution as before, the actual physical size of the sensor has increased by 32 percent. This means each individual pixel on the sensor should also be larger, allowing the iPhone to gather more light and improve the quality of photos taken in poorly lit environments. Advertisement So what do all these new technological tricks mean for the new iPhones as a whole? I don’t want to spoil the verdict too early, so check back soon to Gizmodo for our full reviews on both the iPhone XS and the XS Max. [iFixit]<doc-sep>Apple ’s next-generation flagship iPhones are about to go on sale. The new iPhone XS (details) and massive iPhone XS Max (details) and will be greeted by crowds queuing outside every Apple store, and millions of online buyers. But Apple just confirmed one reason you might be better saving your money for the eye-catching iPhone XR... It all comes down to one of Apple’s most neglected features and buyer’s most important: battery life. Apple On its official specs page, Apple says the iPhone XS will last just “30 minutes longer” than the mediocre battery life of the iPhone X but look closely and you’ll notice that not only are most specs identical, but talk time on the iPhone XS has actually decreased an hour. How does this happen when Apple also claims the iPhone XS A12 chipset is 50% more efficient at low power than the iPhone X? Now we know. Thanks goes to TENAA, China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, (via MyDrivers) which requires all phone makers to declare the battery capacities of their devices - something Apple chooses not to list on its site. And what Apple’s filing for the iPhone XS reveals is the company oddly decided to fit a smaller battery than it used in iPhone X. So while the iPhone X had a disappointing 2716 mAh capacity battery, the iPhone XS drops this to 2,658 mAh. The capacity drop becomes even more curious when a teardown of the iPhone XS by FixjeiPhone reveals the iPhone XS has a single continuous battery, whereas the iPhone X had to crowbar two batteries side-by-side. The single battery should be more efficient, but you can literally see Apple cuts corners and width on the top half of the iPhone XS battery. FixjeiPhone Consequently, the only conclusion I can make here is Apple deems the battery life of the original iPhone X to be “good enough”. But this isn’t an iPad where the company’s unwavering “10 hours of usage” since generation one, really is good enough. Instead, the stagnation in the iPhone XS feels like a deliberate attempt to upsell users to the much longer lasting iPhone XS Max, whose battery TENAA reveals is a significantly larger 3,174 mAh. Needless to say, Apple will claim space is too constrained for a bigger battery in the iPhone XS but Samsung managed to fit a 4,000 mAh battery in the Note 9 and that handset is lighter than the iPhone XS Max, has no notch, a virtually identical screen-to-body ratio (83.4% Vs 84.4%) and a headphone jack. And here’s the kicker: It’s not theoretical to say Apple could do better because, thanks again to TENAA, we know it already has - with its cheapest new model. Apple’s filing with TENAA for the iPhone XR reveals it has a 2,942 mAh battery. That’s 9% larger in a phone with a display that’s just 5% bigger. And predictably, the iPhone XR’s battery life beats the iPhone XS hands-down. Not bad for a device which costs $250 less. So, while there’s a lot to admire about the iPhone XS, I have my doubts about whether it is meant to be anything more than a driver to the iPhone XS Max. The irony of which is I expect most potential iPhone XS buyers will instead drop down to the aggressively priced iPhone XR… ___ Follow Gordon on Twitter, Facebook and Google+ More On Forbes Apple's New iPhones Have Expensive Hidden Costs iPhone XS Vs iPhone XS Max: What's The Difference? iPhone XS Vs iPhone X: What's The Difference? Apple iPhone XS Vs iPhone XR: What's The Difference? iPhone 8 Vs iPhone 7 Vs iPhone 6S Vs iPhone 6: What’s The Difference?<doc-sep>	If you’ve been wondering just how different the iPhone XS is from last year’s iPhone X , wonder no longer. Apple's fancy new smartphone and its bigger sibling, the iPhone XS Max , have been pried open by iFixit , and surprise, not much has changed – except for the new A12 chipset and a reshaped battery. Yes, the pair of batteries in last year’s iPhone X have been merged into a peculiar L-shaped single unit in the iPhone XS, which is fitting given Apple’s tradition of designing its own custom batteries to fill the most internal space possible. Curiously, the new model’s battery is 2,659 mAh capacity, compared to the iPhone X battery’s 2,716 mAh. Apple still claims that the iPhone XS still manages to get 30 minutes more battery life than the iPhone X. The iPhone XS Max, however, retains the dual-battery design and has more capacity to boot with a combined 3,179 mAh, which Apple claims gets an hour and a half more battery life than the iPhone X. The other glaring difference is the new A12 Bionic processor , which is Apple’s first 7nm chip. It's enough to outperform the recently-released Samsung Galaxy S9 (though the iPhone X A11 Bionic chip was faster, too – this one's just even faster than that). With eight cores in the A12’s neural processing unit (over its predecessor’s two), the iPhone XS is theoretically capable of 5 trillion operations per second compared to the iPhone X’s 600 billion operations per second, Apple claims. Another new component is the embedded SIM (eSIM), an ST Microelectronics ST33G1M2 32 bit MCU. It's the first eSIM in an iPhone, but interestingly the same as the one found in the Apple Watch 3, iFixit pointed out. No one has done an Apple Watch 4 teardown yet, but this same eSIM could be in there, too. Not much new hardware Everything else in the iPhone XS is mostly the same as the iPhone X, at least in its internals. The new model’s screen has the same dimensions and resolution (5.8-inch, 458 ppi) as last year’s model, though it’s unclear if there’s any hardware difference to achieve the oft-cited 60% greater dynamic range in HDR photos. That might be explained by the 32% larger wide-angle sensor in the rear camera suite, which has increased the housing just slightly enough to perhaps require buying an iPhone XS-specific case. Pixel size has increased, which should bring better low-light performance and help the ‘Smart HDR’ feature, according to iFixit. Otherwise, the cameras have largely remained the same, with dual-lens 12MP rear cameras at f/1.8 and f/2.4 apertures, and a 7MP TrueDepth front-facing camera with f/2.2 aperture. The other changes are less dramatic – for example, Apple switched from Intel and Qualcomm modems in the iPhone X to only Intel modems in the iPhone XS. And before you ask, the iFixit team didn’t find any greater adhesive or other waterproofing to easily explain what got the iPhone XS up to the IP68 water and dust resistance rating (up from the iPhone X’s IP67 rating). We're guessing Apple just did make testing to confidently say it would survive 2m (6.5ft) under water for 30 mins. Lead Photo Credit: iFixit
Serena Williams' withdrawal comes four days after the worst defeat of her career Serena Williams has pulled out of next week's Rogers Cup hard-court tournament in Montreal due to personal reasons. Tournament organisers announced the 23-time Grand Slam champion's withdrawal from the event on Saturday. "Of course, we are disappointed that Serena will not be joining us. Fans were very much looking forward to seeing her in action," tournament director Eugene Lapierre said. "But beyond the disappointment, the tournament, as a whole, remains a high-level competition. The entire top 10 is here, along with 22 of the top 25. There are exciting matches in store from the outset." The tournament opens on Monday with world No 1 Simona Halep as the top seed and Caroline Wozniacki, who pulled out of the Citi Open earlier this week with a leg injury, number two. Williams is coming off the most emphatic defeat of her career, a 6-1, 6-0 loss to Britain's Johanna Konta in San Jose on Tuesday. Serena is a six-time US Open singles champion The 36-year-old was the runner-up at Wimbledon last month. That was her fourth tournament since returning to the tour after having a baby in September and dealing with a health scare related to blood clots. The year's last major tournament, the US Open, starts at Flushing Meadow on August 27 Williams will be replaced in the draw for the Rogers Cup by Tatjana Maria, who faces Alize Cornet in the first round.<doc-sep>Tony Avelar/Associated Press Serena Williams will not participate in this year's Rogers Cup, set to start on Monday, as she withdrew for personal reasons. Sportsnet's Caroline Cameron reported the news: The 36-year-old had been handed a wild card for the tournament, which she has won three times in her long career. Her last title came in 2013, when she beat Sorana Cirstea. Williams returned to tennis earlier this year following the birth of her daughter and has struggled with consistency. She made the final at Wimbledon, losing to Angelique Kerber, but her preparations for the U.S. Open have not gone smoothly. At the 2018 Silicon Valley Classic earlier this week, Williams didn't look herself and lost to Johanna Konta: Her withdrawal from the Rogers Cup means she's scheduled to appear in just a single tournament before traveling to Flushing Meadows, per tennis writer Ash Marshall: But that may not be such a bad thing for Williams, who picked a lighter schedule this year. Counter to conventional wisdom, she didn't play a host of lawn tournaments to prepare for the switch from clay to grass, but it didn't slow her down at Wimbledon, where she played some of her best tennis this year. Video Play Button Videos you might like A similar approach to the hard courts of the U.S. Open could well work. Williams has won her home Grand Slam six times, and another win at Flushing Meadows will undoubtedly be one of her main goals for this year.<doc-sep>Send this page to someone via email Share this item on Twitter Share this item via WhatsApp Share this item on Facebook American tennis star Serena Williams has withdrawn from the Rogers Cup in Montreal, citing personal reasons. Tennis Canada made the announcement Saturday morning, saying that Williams will take a short hiatus from the sport. Williams was No. 1 on the WTA world rankings after beating her sister Venus to win the 2017 Australian Open. Shortly after the win, she announced that she was pregnant and didn’t play for the rest of the tennis season. WATCH: New mom Serena Williams wins first round of French Open 1:09 New mom Serena Williams wins first round of French Open New mom Serena Williams wins first round of French Open – May 29, 2018 Since returning to action at this year’s French Open, Williams has risen to 26th in the WTA rankings. Story continues below advertisement READ MORE: Montreal’s Rogers Cup is free for everyone this weekend In a written statement tournament director Eugène Lapierre admitted the tennis star’s withdrawal was a letdown. “Of course, we are disappointed that Serena will not be joining us,” he said. “Fans were very much looking forward to seeing her in action.” Despite Williams’s withdrawal, Lapierre reassured fans they would be in for some high-quality tennis. “Beyond the disappointment, the tournament, as a whole, remains a high-level competition,” he said. “The entire Top 10 is here, along with 22 of the Top 25. There are exciting matches in store from the outset.” Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "The entire Top 10 is here, along with 22 of the Top 25. There are exciting matches in store from the outset." Williams last appearance in Montreal was in 2014. WATCH BELOW: Serena Williams on motherhood 1:13 Serena Williams On Motherhood Serena Williams On Motherhood – Jun 21, 2018 Germany’s Tatjana Maria will take the American’s spot in the main draw, bypassing the qualifying event. She will be up against France’s Alizé Cornet. Story continues below advertisement — with files from the Canadian Press.<doc-sep>Serena Williams has pulled out of next week’s Rogers Cup hard-court tournament, citing personal reasons. The tournament announced Williams’ withdrawal on Saturday. The 23-time Grand Slam champion is coming off the most lopsided defeat of her career, a 6-1, 6-0 loss to Johanna Konta in San Jose on Tuesday. The 36-year-old Williams was the runner-up at Wimbledon last month. That was just her fourth tournament since returning to the tour after having a baby in September and dealing with a health scare related to blood clots. Advertisement The year’s last major tournament, the U.S. Open, starts on Aug. 27. Williams will be replaced in the draw at Montreal by Tatjana Maria, who faces Alize Cornet in the first round.<doc-sep>	Tennis - Wimbledon - All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain - July 14, 2018 Serena Williams of the U.S. waves after losing the women's singles final against Germany's Angelique Kerber REUTERS/Andrew Boyers (This version of the August 4 story corrects para 6 to say last match was at Silicon Valley Classic) (Reuters) - Twenty-three times grand slam winner Serena Williams has withdrawn from the Rogers Cup in Montreal for “personal reasons”, Tennis Canada said on Saturday. Tennis Canada said Williams’s decision to pull out was made for personal reasons but did not elaborate. “Of course, we are disappointed that Serena will not be joining us. Fans were very much looking forward to seeing her in action,” tournament director Eugene Lapierre said in a statement. “But beyond the disappointment, the tournament, as a whole, remains a high-level competition. “The entire top 10 is here, along with 22 of the top 25. There are exciting matches in store from the outset.” The tournament opens on Monday with world number one Simona Halep as the top seed and Caroline Wozniacki, who pulled out of the Citi Open earlier this week with a leg injury, number two. Williams, whose last match was a 6-0 6-1 first round loss to Johanna Konta at the Silicon Valley Classic last month, will have her place in the draw taken by Germany’s Tatjana Maria. The 36-year-old American has been making a slow but steady return to competitive tennis since returning in March following the birth of her first child Alexis Olympia.
A mural of George Floyd is shown in the intersection of 38th St & Chicago Ave on March 31, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Community members continue preparations during the third day in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who is charged with multiple counts of murder in the death of George Floyd. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images) WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 01: President Donald Trump's lawyer and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani talks to journalists outside the White House West Wing July 01, 2020 in Washington, DC. Giuliani did an on-camera interview with One America News Network's Chanel Rion before talking to other journalists about Vice President Joe Biden and the news that Russian intelligence may have paid Taliban operatives to kill U.S. troops in Afghanistan. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Vigils & tributes to George Floyd one year since his murder ORLANDO, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 28: Former President Donald Trump addresses the Conservative Political Action Conference held in the Hyatt Regency on February 28, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. Begun in 1974, CPAC brings together conservative organizations, activists, and world leaders to discuss issues important to them. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Here's what reported grand jury in Trump case may look like NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 09: People walk past the Trump Tower as the impeachment trial of Donald Trump begins in Washington on February 09, 2021 in New York City. After listening to nearly four hours of legal arguments, the Senate has voted on Tuesday to move ahead with the impeachment trial of former President Trump. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) Report: US companies may have benefited from forced labor of Uyghurs WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 20: U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the conflict in the Middle East from Cross- Hall of the White House on May 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. Israel and Hamas announced that they would agree to a cease-fire, which will take into effect on Friday, following days of fighting that claimed more than 200 lives. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) SAN JOSE, CA - MAY 26: A view of the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) light-rail yard where a mass shooting occurred on May 26, 2021 in San Jose, California. A VTA employee opened fire at the yard, with preliminary reports indicating nine people dead including the gunman. (Photo by Philip Pacheco/Getty Images) A healthcare worker prepares to administer a Pfizer/BioNTEch coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccine at The Michener Institute, in Toronto, Ontario on December 14, 2020. - Ontario, Canada's most populous province and one of the hardest hit by the pandemic, had 1,940 new cases and 23 deaths on Monday. The province is expected to give its next doses to nursing home workers as a priority, according to media reports. (Photo by CARLOS OSORIO / POOL / AFP) (Photo by CARLOS OSORIO/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) 'Never seen levels like this': Union president on airline passenger misconduct Memorial Day weekend will bring rain and cool air for much of the East (CNN) — Four Houston police officers were shot and another suffered a knee injury Monday while serving a search warrant, police Chief Art Acevedo said. About a dozen narcotics officers and several patrol officers responded to a residence where police suspected drugs were being sold, Acevedo told reporters Monday night. The narcotics officers announced themselves as they breached the front door shortly before 5 p.m. Then the gunfire started, Acevedo said. “Immediately upon breaching the door, the officers came under fire from one or two suspects inside the house,” the police chief said. One suspect retreated to the back of a room, he said, then re-emerged and returned fire. Four undercover narcotics officers were struck by gunfire, police said. A fifth officer suffered a knee injury, according to Acevedo. Police returned fire, killing two suspects at the scene, the chief said. He did not release the suspects’ names. Acevedo said authorities first believed five officers were shot. Three of the four officers who were shot are still hospitalized, police said Monday night. The officer who suffered the knee injury was also being treated at the hospital, police said. Two of the hospitalized officers are in critical condition, while the other two are in good condition, police said. An officer who was discharged suffered a gunshot wound to the shoulder. To recap: 4 undercover HPD Narcotics officers were shot. 2 suspects are deceased. No other information is being released until the next media briefing with Police Chief @ArtAcevedo at 10 am tomorrow (Tue) outside Memorial Hermann Hospital. #hounews — Houston Police (@houstonpolice) January 29, 2019 “This has been a tough day for our city,” Mayor Sylvester Turner said, encouraging residents to pray for the officers. “Pray for their families, pray for their spouses, their children, their parents, all of their loved ones.” Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said, “This evening’s horrific attack on police officers is a solemn reminder of the service and sacrifice our brave men and women in law enforcement make every day to keep us safe.” CNN’s Samira Said, Nicole Williams, Janet DiGiacomo, Dave Alsup and Andrea Diaz contributed to this report.<doc-sep>“This evening’s horrific attack on police officers is a solemn reminder of the service and sacrifice our brave men and women in law enforcement make every day to keep us safe,” Abbott said. " . . . I ask all Texans to join Cecilia and me in praying for the officers injured, and for the continued safety of all law enforcement officers who protect our communities."<doc-sep>"We are sick and tired of having targets on our back," HPOU President Joe Gamaldi said at the hospital. "We are sick and tired of having dirtbags trying to take our lives when all we’re trying to do is protect this community and protect our families. Enough is enough." HOUSTON — Four Houston police officers were shot Monday afternoon while serving a narcotics warrant in southeast Houston. Two of those officers are in critical condition and were undergoing surgery Monday night at Memorial Hermann Hospital. Chief Acevedo said both of the critically injured were shot in the neck. Two other officers are stable and are expected to make a full recovery. One of them, who was shot in the shoulder, was released from the hospital Monday night. A fifth officer suffered a knee injury during the shootout and underwent surgery. He remains in the hospital. "We are sick and tired of having targets on our back," HPOU President Joe Gamaldi said at the hospital. "We are sick and tired of having dirtbags trying to take our lives when all we’re trying to do is protect this community and protect our families. Enough is enough." Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo and Mayor Sylvester Turner also rushed to Memorial Hermann. They joined police officers and held hands in a circle, heads bowed in prayer led by an HPD chaplain. The mayor and chief also met with some of the officers' families. "This has been a tough day for this city," Mayor Turner said. "Please pray for our police officers." Two suspects, a male and a female, are dead inside the house where the officers were serving a warrant for black tar heroin when gunfire broke out. "A neighbor had the courage to call police and tell them that the suspects were dealing dope from the house," Acevedo said. HPD and Harris County Sheriff's Office SWAT teams sent robots in the house to make sure there were no other suspects before allowing nearby residents back into their homes. The shooting happened just before 4 p.m. in a residential neighborhood in the 7800 block of Harding. That's just a few blocks from Milby High School. The gunshots stopped Gloverdale residents in their tracks including Rosie Tellez, who was driving home at the time. “There were gunshots so I pulled over,” Tellez said. She then took out her phone and started recording. In one of the videos, you can see an officer running from the scene. He had been shot in the arm. A second video shows officers rendering aid on a second officer who had been shot in the leg. Tellez said the officer who had been shot in the arm rested on the back of her car, waiting for an ambulance. “They were just standing there trying to catch their breath," she said. Moments later, streets were blocked off as neighbors watched worried and prayer for the injured officers. “My nephew is an officer so, you know, I pray deeply...I hope they’re OK and have a full recovery,” Tellez said. “I’m hoping that any policeman that got injured, that they were OK because they are our heroes here,” said another resident named Rose. “So I’m just praying that they’ll all be saved.” The names of the injured officers have not been released because some of them are undercover.<doc-sep>	A hospital on Monday announced that it released one of the five Houston police officers injured earlier while serving a search warrant at a home of suspected drug dealers. Two suspects were shot and killed in the exchange with police. Houston police tweeted that the fifth officer was released Monday night after being treated for a gunshot wound to the shoulder. Two officers remain in critical condition at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center in Houston with gunshot wounds to the neck. Two other officers remain hospitalized in good condition. One of the officers suffered a knee injury and is one of those hospitalized in good condition, Houston police tweeted. At about 4:15 p.m. local time, a group of about a dozen officers with the Houston Police's narcotics unit responded to a residence they suspected was a hub for drug dealing, particularly the sale of "street-level narcotics" like "black tar heroin," Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said at an evening news conference held outside the hospital. The two suspects had opened fire on the team of officers. "Narcotics officers tried to serve a search warrant," Acevedo said. "They announced themselves as police at the time. Immediately upon reaching the door, the officers came under fire from one or two suspects." One suspect, according to the police chief, momentarily retreated into the home and then returned to the front of the location to resume shooting. "As a result of the exchange of gunfire," both suspects were shot by police and reported dead on the scene, Acevedo reported. The names of the undercover officers were not released but they range in age from 33 to 54, with the oldest having been shot several times previously, according to Acevedo. SECURITY GUARD FIRED AFTER HELPING DEPUTIES CHASE ESCAPING SUSPECT Details of the incident followed a series of tweets from the police department notifying the public of the situation. "HPD responding to a scene at 7800 Harding where officers have been struck with gunfire following an encounter with a suspect," Houston police tweeted around 6:15 p.m. ET. "Officers are en route to the hospital. Please avoid the area and yield for emergency vehicles. Further updates will be provided as available." “This evening’s horrific attack on police officers is a solemn reminder of the service and sacrifice our brave men and women in law enforcement make every day to keep us safe," Governor Greg Abbott said in a statement following news of the shooting. "The city of Houston and the Houston Police Department will have whatever state resources they need to bring swift justice to those involved. I ask all Texans to join Cecilia and me in praying for the officers injured, and for the continued safety of all law enforcement officers who protect our communities.” CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP "This has been a tough day for our city," Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said at the Monday night news conference. "We want to work night and day to make sure our city remains safe. I’m just very grateful and thankful for everyone who has come together in this moment." A follow-up news conference was scheduled for 11 a.m. ET Tuesday morning, Acevedo said. Fox News' Casey Stegall in Houston and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Reveal season for Hearthstone's latest expansion The Boomsday Project has officially begun. Streamer Brian Kibler and developer Peter Whalen appeared on the PlayHearthstone Twitch stream to share 10 new cards from the set. These cards range from obscure and adorable to outright ridiculous and seemingly overpowered. The Boomsday Project will allude back to the game's first expansion, Goblins vs. Gnomes . This set is about "science as a whole, while Goblins vs. Gnomes was just about science that explode," Whalen said. Though there will be references to the set Dr. Boom came from, the latest set will focus on all types of experiments and craziness. Cards like Mechanized Pinata call back to earlier cards, such as Piloted Shredder. Other tidbits from the stream: This set will include more Spell Damage cards. Demonic Project is going to be used like Dirty Rat to try to end combo decks. is going to be used like to try to end combo decks. Dr. Boom the Mad Genius is the only Hero card this set, won't appear in Arena and his Hero Power is completely randomized. is the only Hero card this set, won't appear in Arena and his Hero Power is completely randomized. Weaponized Pinata is a reference to Fortnite. is a reference to Fortnite. Crystal Smith Kalgor is the Paladin scientist Legendary minion, which we won't see today. Here are the cards revealed today and on stream: https://twitter.com/HSTopDecks/status/1021428521711779840<doc-sep>Start transforming your game’s economy and increase your bottom line. Get the free guide now. Elevate your enterprise data technology and strategy at Transform 2021. Activision Blizzard released its financial results for the second quarter of 2018, and in its report the company revealed that preorders for the next Hearthstone expansion — The Boomsday Project — are tracking further ahead at this point prior to its launch than any other Hearthstone expansion. The Boomsday Project releases for PC and mobile on August 7. Hearthstone is free-to-play, but new expansions offer cards in preorder bundles. A pack of digital cards usually costs around $1.50, but these special offers give out packs at a value of $1 for one pack. Past preorder bundles have offered 50 packs for $50. The previous set, the Witchwood, gave 70 packs for $50. The Boomsday Project has a 50 for $50 bundle as well as 80 for $80. The $80 bundle also gives players a new hero portrait for the Warlock class, Mecha-Jaraxxus. So while you get the same card-for-money deal, the extra hero portrait is a nice bonus for fans. Also, some players will just want as big a bundle of cards as possible. The new expansion is also adding more mechs to Hearthstone, a tribe players enjoyed from the Goblins vs. Gnomes expansion at the end of 2014 and has been out of favor since the Standard rotation (the main way most people play this card game) of April 2016, when most mechs went to the Wild format. The digital card game market will be worth $1.5 billion this year, according to gaming intelligence group SuperData. Hearthstone remains the most popular game in the genre, and new sets keep its players engaged and encourage them to spend more money. Strong preorder numbers for The Boomsday Project show that Hearthstone’s popularity is staying strong.<doc-sep>Those of you who have PTSD flashbacks at the sight of spawning boombots and maniacal, mechanical laughter might want to look away now. Blizzard has just announced that Hearthstone's next expansion will be The Boomsday Project, and it's due to launch on August 7. Headlined by none other than Dr. Boom—aka Dr. 7, and isn't that fitting given the release date—The Boomsday Project will add 135 new cards, including nine Legendary spells, a host of new Mech minions, and the new keywords Omega and Magnetic. What do those Legendary spells look like? Well, have a gander at Rogue's unique spell, Myra's Unstable Element: You read that right: draw your whole deck. For five mana. It's hard to evaluate Myra's Unstable Element without seeing the rest of the set, but I'm not sure milling most of your deck and entering Fatigue on turn five is a good idea, even for hyper-aggressive decks. Maybe you could hold onto it until you have no cards in hand and only 10 cards or so left in your deck? It could also be a potent way to refuel in an aggro deck. In any case, it sure is bonkers. Speaking of bonkers Legendaries, if Shaman's Legendary spell is as crazy as Rogue's, then its new Legendary minion is also going to be nutty: VIDEO: Footage of The Boomsday Project in action Blizzard says the Legendary minions in Boomsday are all scientists and inventors, so I'm pretty sure we're going to get a revamped Dr. Boom Legendary. Now, about those keywords. Omega is the simplest one: simply put, if you play an Omega card when you have 10 Mana, it gets a bonus. In the case of Omega Defender, that bonus is a whopping 10 extra attack. Magnetic is a little more complicated. It's a Mech-exclusive keyword "that allows players to merge Mech minions, combining their attack, health, and abilities," Blizzard says. It sounds like Blizzard took Deathstalker Rexxar's Death Knight hero power, swapped Beasts for Mechs, and turned it into a keyword, which is actually pretty cool. My biggest question is whether Magnetic is automatic. Can I choose to combine two Magnetic Mechs, or if I play another one alongside, say, Spider Bomb, will they automatically fuse? On top of Legendary spells, The Boomsday Project will also add a new spell type: Projects. "Projects are spells that provide a bonus to both players when played," Blizzard says. "Those who build around the bonus most effectively will be able to edge out the competition." Have a look at Druid's Biology Project, which looks to benefit decks with heavy mana curves: In addition to 135 cards, The Boomsday Project also comes with a singleplayer mode called The Puzzle Lab. It will go live on August 21, two weeks after the expansion itself, bringing "over 100 different mind-boggling puzzles." Nearest I can tell, each wing of the Puzzle Lab has its own theme. Some focus on Survival puzzles where your goal is to survive a set number of turns, while others feature Lethal puzzles where your goal is to find a way to kill your opponent from a specific board state. There are also Board Clear puzzles, which are presumably about killing everything on your opponent's board, and less obvious Mirror puzzles, which are anyone's guess (perhaps winning the game when you and your opponent have the exact same cards?) If you manage to clear the Puzzle Lab, you'll get "a one-on-one with Dr. Boom himself, at his personal workshop," Blizzard says, perhaps earning a new card back or portrait in the process. As always, Blizzard is also offering one-time pre-order bundles. For $50, you can get a 50-pack Boomsday bundle which comes with a free golden Legendary and the new Mecha-Jaraxxus card back. For $80, you can upgrade to the 80-pack bundle which comes with the free golden Legendary, the Mecha-Jaraxxus card back, and the Mecha-Jaraxxus Warlock hero skin which, I have to admit, is glorious. Behold, the Eredar Lord of the scientific community:<doc-sep>	The Boomsday Project is Hearthstone’s thirteenth expansion if you include all of the Adventures released for the game, and it’s a card set that turns once more to the kind of Mech-fuelled mayhem that powered 2014’s Goblins vs Gnomes expansion. You can expect the usual mix of new cards, new keywords and single-player content with Boomdsay, and in this guide we’ve rounded up every last scrap of information you need to know about what’s coming next for Hearthstone. Our friends at sister-site Metabomb will be providing comprehensive guides coverage for all the new and updated decks that emerge in the new meta too, and we’ll be dropping in links to those articles once the expansion is under way. Hearthstone Boomsday Decks Now the expansion is fully underway, here’s the best Boomsday Project Meta and Experimental decks: Druid Meta Decks Experimental Decks Hunter Meta Decks Experimental Decks 1. Bomb Hunter – Bomb Hunter deck list guide (Boomsday) Mage Meta Decks Experimental Decks Paladin Meta Decks Experimental Decks 1. Secret Paladin – Secret Paladin deck list guide (Boomsday) Priest Meta Decks Experimental Decks Rogue Meta Decks Experimental Decks Shaman Meta Decks Experimental Decks Warlock Meta Decks Experimental Decks Warrior Meta Decks Experimental Decks Hearthstone Boomsday New Keyword: Magnetic To add a little extra spice to the many Mech minions that are being added to Hearthstone, there’ll also be a new keyword called Magnetic. Certain Mechs will include this keyword, and when played you’ll have the option to fuse it with another friendly Mech. All health and attack stats are combined as part of this process, and any other effects and abilities are likewise melded together. If you want to play the Magnetic minion as a separate character, pop it to the right of any active Mechs you have on the board. If you want to merge them together, pop it to the left. Nice and simple. Omega Cards A new category of card is being added with Boomsday called Omega cards. These cards have a middling Mana cost and boast solid enough stats in their own right. If you play them in the late-game when you have ten Mana Crystals in the tank though, they gain an additional, very powerful effect. Note that not all of Hearthstone’s heroes will gain an Omega card. Druid’s are a notable exception here, as they possess too many ways to reach maximum Mana much more quickly than other heroes can, and so could potentially become imbalanced. Legendary Spells If you ignore the Quest spells that were introduced with last year’s Journey to Un’Goro expansion, Legendary Spells have never appeared in Hearthstone before. That’s changing with the Boomsday Project, and each hero in the game will be getting its own supercharged spell. The Rogue, for example, gets Myra’s Unstable Element. This 5-Mana spell draws the rest of your deck into your hand when played – potentially a huge play when both players are in the late-game with little fuel in the tank. New Single-Player Content: Puzzle Lab After the releases of Dungeon Run and Monster Hunt, Blizzard has decided to shake things up a little bit for the single-player side of The Boomsday Project. This time around, you’ll have to solve a number of board-state puzzles in an area of Hearthstone called The Puzzle Lab. Expect 120 puzzles in total when the mode goes live. There are four different categories of puzzles to solve:
With Representative Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) entering the 2020 presidential fray, establishment figures on both Right and Left are scrambling to smear the anti-war congresswoman with impeccable identity-politics bona fides. Ever since her 2017 visit to Syria, Gabbard has been condemned for daring to seek firsthand accounts rather than blindly trusting the MSM narrative, so on Friday the pundits were again off to the races, with fresh accusations of Assad-sympathizing. Tired of Putin? Vote Assad 2020!!!!!!! https://t.co/aMMF71wz69 — Noah Shachtman (@NoahShachtman) January 11, 2019 Tulsi Gabbard’s disturbing and singular denialism of Assad’s role in the brutal butchering of his own people, obliging a meeting with him and spreading his propaganda should be disqualifying. pic.twitter.com/EI3UiEvLuu — S.E. Cupp (@secupp) January 12, 2019 Gabbard's association with Hindu nationalists is odd, but her track record as an Assad apologist strikes me as being way more disturbing and likely disqualifying if she tried to run in 2020. https://t.co/bj4XoHvrEq by @shankarmya — Zach Basu (@zacharybasu) January 5, 2019 “Assad apologist” seems to be the Tulsi equivalent of “Putin puppet,” judging from the early tweets, though she was accused of being one of those too. My support for every other Democratic 2020 candidate still stands. But Tulsi Gabbard? Hell no. She should have been banned from the party a long time ago. Fucking monster. She’ll use her campaign to try to destroy the Democratic Party during the primary. I won’t allow it. — Palmer Report (@PalmerReport) January 12, 2019 The funny part is, looking through all the tweets mentioning “Tulsi Gabbard” right now, the only ones saying positive things about her are Trump supporters and alt-right. Their deranged fantasy is that she turns the Democratic Party into a right wing puppet of the Kremlin. — Palmer Report (@PalmerReport) January 12, 2019 Gabbard certainly poses a thorny problem for the neocon-neoliberal axis, as she checks all the identity politics boxes – the first Hindu member of Congress, a woman, a veteran – and she has undeniable populist appeal, given her anti-establishment record. While Gabbard is a Democrat, she was emphatically not a Clinton supporter, resigning as vice chair of the Democratic National Committee in February 2016 to endorse Bernie Sanders in the primary. Also on rt.com Tulsi 2020: Anti-war Democrat says she’s running for US president But Republicans, too, felt the need to speak up against her. “Liberals think she’s too conservative, conservatives think she’s too liberal, and just about everyone thinks her coziness with Bashar al-Assad is disturbing,” Republican National Committee spokesman Michael Ahrens said, also mentioning the congresswoman’s “lack of experience.” “Assad’s ‘mouthpiece’ in Washington” —RNC welcomes Tulsi Gabbard to the presidential race with a moniker that many liberals probably agree with as well pic.twitter.com/WJJrP1aJv1 — Marc Caputo (@MarcACaputo) January 12, 2019 The RNC released a “cheat sheet” of talking points following the news of Gabbard’s pending announcement, though some took that as a sign of weakness. The fact the GOP took the time to tweet out an infographic about her when they've only ever mentioned Kamala Harris on their Twitter feed one time ever, as far as I can tell, says a lot about the potential of her candidacy — I'm real (@edkrayewski) January 12, 2019 The Israel-first crew made its opinion known, though no one really asked them. Everyone in the pro-Israel lobby (myself included) is already talking about how to make sure that Tulsi Gabbard's campaign is over before it even gets off the ground — If you're going to bet on a Dem candidate, look elsewhere 🇮🇱 — Jacob Wohl (@JacobAWohl) January 12, 2019 Others didn’t even bother with “issues” or “facts,” preferring guilt by association and personal insults. These are the Tulsi Gabbard fans—Russian propaganda outlet and a KKK grand puppy dragon or whatever pretentious-ass title they give themselves. https://t.co/v3XXH8NAUO — Markos Moulitsas (@markos) January 12, 2019 I couldn't be more thrilled that @TulsiGabbard announced she's running for president. Because now all the think pieces exposing her for being just terrible can be published and people can stop pretending she gets a pass on her messed up record for whatever freaking reason. — Diana Hussein (@heyadiana) January 12, 2019 Tulsi Gabbard is an insane person, please stop talking about her like she’s a reasonable choice to lead anything — Sam (@samthielman) January 12, 2019 Like this story? Share it with a friend!<doc-sep>Claiming that politicians are “defending” objectionable rulers they meet with, in pursuit of achieving some alternative to war, is a tired trope that has been frequently used throughout history to discredit diplomatic engagement. As Gabbard told me in an interview shortly after returning from Syria: “The reason why I decided to take this meeting on this trip was because if we profess to care about the Syrian people — if we really truly care about ending their suffering and ending this war — then we should be ready to meet with anyone if there is a chance that that meeting and that conversation could help to bring about an end to this war.”<doc-sep>WASHINGTON – Tulsi Gabbard, the Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii who announced her bid for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020 over the weekend, promised that her campaign will focus on “the issue of war and peace.” This statement alone sets her apart from all of the other candidates who have already announced their intentions for the next presidential race: She is the first, and possibly only, candidate who plans to make foreign and defense policy a central part of her platform. This is especially true when it comes to the Middle East. Gabbard’s views and actions on this war-torn area can be described as unique and controversial. She has opposed recent U.S. military interventions in the Middle East, often citing her own experience of serving in Iraq to explain why she is so suspicious of American attempts to spread democracy or take down autocrats in the region. This has made her a favorite among many U.S. progressives, who are angry about the “forever wars” in Afghanistan and Iraq. Haaretz Weekly Ep. 12 0:00 -- : -- 15 Skip 15 seconds backwards Play audio 15 Skip 15 seconds ahead 1 X Change playback rate from 1 to 1 Mute audio At the same time, during her six years in Congress Gabbard has developed some surprising relationships with right-wing supporters of Israel who are affiliated with the Republican Party. Her contacts with such groups took place mostly during President Barack Obama’s time in the White House. In 2015, she spoke at a conference of Christians United for Israel – an organization whose leader and founder, Pastor John Hagee, is a strong supporter of West Bank settlements. A spokesman for CUFI told Haaretz that while Hagee himself has 'expressed skepticism' towards the two-state solution, that does not represent the organization's official position, which is to 'never oppose Israeli efforts to advance peace.' CUFI had a leading role in fighting Obama’s policies in the Middle East; Hagee, for example, is an outspoken supporter of U.S. President Donald Trump; Hagee was invited by the Trump administration to speak at last year's ceremony marking the transfer of the US. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. In 2016, Gabbard received an award from Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, a New Jersey-based rabbi with close ties to casino billionaire Sheldon Adelson (the largest donor to the Republican Party). A year before Gabbard attended Boteach’s gala dinner and received his “Champion of Freedom” Award, Boteach published full-page ads in leading U.S. newspapers in which he accused Obama’s national security adviser, Susan Rice, of being responsible for the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. (Leading Jewish groups denounced the ads, and Boteach later apologized.) A picture from the 2016 gala dinner, which Boteach uploaded to his Twitter account, shows him and Gabbard together with Miriam Adelson, the Israeli-born wife of Sheldon Adelson and a partner to his political donations to many GOP politicians. The Adelsons were the largest donors to Trump’s presidential campaign in 2016, and they spent tens of millions of dollars in 2012 in a failed attempt to stop Obama from winning a second term. They also invested tens of millions in a failed attempt to keep Democrats from gaining control of the House of Representatives in 2018. Unlike many progressive Democrats, Gabbard didn’t skip Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech before the U.S. Congress in March 2015, in the midst of that year’s Israeli election. Sen. Bernie Sanders, whom Gabbard later strongly endorsed in the Democratic primary, didn’t attend the speech, accusing Netanyahu and Republicans in Congress of a “very bad” political stunt. A year later, Gabbard’s primary challenger in Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District, Shay Chan Hodges, attacked Gabbard for supporting a bill against online gambling that Adelson and other casino operators were promoting. In an article headlined “Who Does Tulsi Gabbard Represent?” Hodges asked: “Why is Tulsi Gabbard so friendly with a Republican billionaire?” and mentioned both Boteach’s 2016 award and the online gambling legislation. Open gallery view FILE: U.S. Representative Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) waves after making a nomination speech for Senator Bernie Sanders at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. July 26, 2016 Credit: \ Scott Audette/ REUTERS Yet when Gabbard’s positions on the Israeli-Palestinian issue are examined, it is clear that, at least over the past two years, she has expressed views that are far from those of Adelson and the CUFI. In January 2017, she published a statement in support of a two-state solution to the conflict (Adelson has described Palestinians as a made-up nation). In May 2018, she criticized Israel for its reaction to protests and riots on the Gaza border and, during the same month, also condemned Trump’s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal (which she voted in favor of in 2015). The most unique – and controversial – step Gabbard has taken when it comes to the Middle East was her January 2017 trip to Syria, during which she met with President Bashar Assad, who has emerged victorious from the country’s devastating civil war. Gabbard didn’t inform her party’s congressional leadership about the meeting with Assad, which she claimed was part of an attempt to “bring peace” to Syria. She was harshly criticized by politicians from both parties for taking the meeting. Even before her trip to Syria, Gabbard expressed non-mainstream views on Syria. In November 2015, she introduced a bipartisan bill to "end the illegal war" against Syria. “The U.S. is waging two wars in Syria. The first is the war against ISIS and other Islamic extremists, which Congress authorized after the terrorist attacks on 9/11,” she stated. The second war, she said, "is the illegal war to overthrow the Syrian government of Assad. "The war to overthrow Assad is counter-productive because it actually helps ISIS and other Islamic extremists achieve their goal of overthrowing the Syrian government of Assad and taking control of all of Syria – which will simply increase human suffering in the region, exacerbate the refugee crisis, and pose a greater threat to the world," she continued. "Also, the war to overthrow Assad is illegal because Congress never authorized it.” In 2016, Gabbard said, “There is no doubt that Assad is a brutal dictator, but common sense tells us that if we want to defeat ISIS and other Islamist extremist groups, we need to immediately end the illegal and counterproductive war to overthrow the Syrian government of Assad.” This position is somewhat similar to that of Trump, who has made similar comments over the past few years. Trump has denounced Assad as an “animal” and twice used military force to punish him for allegedly using chemical weapons against civilians. But at the same time, he has insisted that the top priority for the United States. is defeating ISIS, and that Assad can remain in power. Gabbard was an early and avowed supporter of Sanders during the 2016 Democratic primaries that he eventually lost to Hillary Clinton. She is hoping to attract the support of progressive Democrats during next year’s party primaries, and to distinguish herself from other candidates by highlighting her independent foreign policy views. If her nomination gains steam and becomes a viable threat to more well-known candidates, the risk for Gabbard is that the very same issues she wants to highlight – her foreign policy views – will be used against her by her opponents. * An earlier version of this article incorrectly attributed Pastor Hagee’s positions on the two-state solution to CUFI.<doc-sep>	Washington (AFP) - Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, an Iraq war veteran who met dictator Bashar al-Assad in Syria during that country's devastating civil war, said Friday that she is launching a US presidential bid. "I have decided to run and will be making a formal announcement within the next week," Gabbard told CNN. If elected, the 37-year-old lawmaker would be the youngest president in US history. She is the first Hindu member of Congress and its first Samoan American. "There are a lot of reasons for me to make this decision. There are a lot of challenges that are facing the American people that I'm concerned about and that I want to help solve," she said, citing health care access and climate change among them. Gabbard sits on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, where she is able to influence US foreign policy. "There is one main issue that is central to the rest, and that is the issue of war and peace," Gabbard added. "I look forward to being able to get into this and to talk about it in depth when we make our announcement." Gabbard was born in American Samoa and was raised in Hawaii, where she is known to surf. The previous Democratic president, Barack Obama, was also raised in Hawaii, and is the only president who was born in the island state. Gabbard's announcement comes ahead of what is expected to be a wave of high-profile candidates throwing their hats in the ring. Senator Elizabeth Warren has formed an exploratory committee for a presidential bid, and last week took a high-profile trip to the early voting state of Iowa. Former vice president Joe Biden and progressive Senator Bernie Sanders, whom Gabbard supported over Hillary Clinton in the 2016 Democratic primaries, are also mulling entering the race. Julian Castro, a former mayor of San Antonio who served in Barack Obama's cabinet as housing secretary, says he will announce his 2020 plans on Saturday. Story continues Gabbard drew heavy criticism when she met secretly with Assad in Damascus in 2017 during a fact-finding mission that also took her to the decimated city of Aleppo. She also met with refugees and Syrian opposition leaders. "Originally, I had no intention of meeting with Assad, but when given the opportunity, I felt it was important to take it," Gabbard said when her trip became public. "I think we should be ready to meet with anyone if there's a chance it can help bring about an end to this war, which is causing the Syrian people so much suffering." Gabbard was deployed to Iraq in 2005, and she maintains her role as a member of the Hawaii National Guard.
Live updates, tweets, photos, analysis and more from Game 2 between the Denver Nuggets and San Antonio Spurs at the Pepsi Center on April 16, 2019. Mobile users, if you can’t see the live blog, tap here.<doc-sep>We have a series. After trailing for most of the game and looking downright dejected at times, the Nuggets came back in the fourth quarter to beat the Spurs at home and tie things up at one win each. It’s hard to truly explain what happened on Tuesday at the Pepsi Center. The game had more twists and turns that the fourth installment of a horror movie franchise. Early on it seemed like the Spurs were going to blow out the Nuggets and take decisive control of the series. Denver was missing good looks, just like in the opening matchup, while DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge were hitting tough shots. The Nuggets looked positively shook as they fell behind by 18 points. It was not crazy to believe they would fold then and there. Instead coach Michael Malone got called for a technical foul which seemed to awaken his team. A 13-2 run followed and the only reason the Spurs weathered the storm and went into the break up 10 was because Derrick White carried them during that tough stretch. It wouldn’t have been surprising to see the home team finally asserting itself in the third quarter after figuring things out to close the first half. This game was too weird for that. The Spurs once again came out strong and built a substantial lead that reached 19 points with 4:28 to go in the third period. At that point Nikola Jokic was having a quiet scoring game while Jamal Murray had been an abject disaster, missing all seven of his shots. Paul Millsap, who had carried the offense for stretches in the first half, had four fouls. Things weren’t looking good for Denver, which of course rattled off a 16-4 run to close the quarter. Jokic dropped five points in that spell and the crowd got back into the game after previously booing the team. Going into the final period the Spurs still led by seven but anything seemed possible. The Blue Arrow puts us over the century mark! !#MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/4Y4tlZyHBE — Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) April 17, 2019 It was fitting that Jamal Murray got insanely hot to close the game and give the Nuggets an unexpected win. This matchup deserved nothing but the most unthinkable ending. Murray, who had been bad enough during the first three quarters to be rightfully considered the main culprit if Denver lost, suddenly couldn’t miss. He went 8-for-9 from the field while Derrick White, who had outplayed him thoroughly for most of the game, could do nothing to counter him. DeMar DeRozan tried his best to keep the Spurs in it but his 10 fourth-quarter points simply weren’t enough as the mistakes piled on. After looking completely in control twice and holding off the Nuggets’ comeback attempts a few times, San Antonio just had no more answers. Gregg Popovich emptied his bench with 1:15 to go and down 10 points, essentially ending a bizarre night of playoff basketball. The game was so strange that it’s even hard to figure out how to react to it. In hindsight it seems like the Spurs’ hot shooting was just unsustainable and that it was a matter of time before guys as talented as Jokic and Murray figured things out, but during the game the comeback didn’t feel inevitable. It’s only fair to call what happened in the fourth quarter a collapse, but should it negate how dominant the Spurs looked at times? They lost a perfect opportunity to essentially close the series by not capitalizing on a night in which two of Denver’s starters — Murray and Will Barton — were actively harmful to their team’s chances for most of the game, but will return home with a series split and the knowledge that they were the superior team for seven of the first eight quarters played on the road. It’s a good thing there are no back-to-backs in the playoffs, because San Antonio will sure need some time to process what happened on Game 2. A closer look will surely reveal whether there was actually something they could have done differently. Right now it feels like it was just one of those nights, but if the Nuggets actually figured something out during that late run Pop might need to make some big adjustments. I can’t wait for Game 3 to provide some answers. Notes: The stars show up, the bench doesn’t The Spurs’ bench gave them an edge in Game 1 but couldn’t string together a second solid performance. The four core bench players combined for just 21 points on 23 shots. Rudy Gay suffered the biggest drop-off in production, going from 14 points in nine shots to just five in the same number of attempts. San Antonio managed to survive for most of the night without much bench scoring because LaMarcus Aldridge and DeMar DeRozan were more effective than they were in Game 1. Those two combined for 55 points after scoring just 33 points in the opening matchup of the series. Hopefully both the stars and the bench will show up for Game 3. Too many live ball turnovers and bad transition defense The Spurs had just 10 turnovers in Game 2, but they cost them a whopping 15 points. In the fourth quarter alone San Antonio coughed the ball up four times and it cost them nine points. By my count the Nuggets had only seven points directly coming in transition after recovering the ball, which is not terrible. But even the dead ball turnovers were bad. Empty possessions are a problem, especially when they fire up a crowd that was looking for a reason to cheer. While we are on the subject of transition points, the Nuggets had 21 on Game 2 after getting none in Game 1. They deserve some credit for pushing the pace, but the Spurs clearly weren’t as sharp when it came to getting back on defense. The White vs. Murray matchups heats up Derrick White outplayed Jamal Murray in Game 1 and dominated their second matchup for most of the night.<doc-sep>Associated Press DENVER (AP) — Jamal Murray just couldn’t get the bad taste out of his mouth, and even a bite of pretzel he poached from a kid after tumbling into the stands in the third quarter wasn’t exactly satisfying. “It was really dry,” Murray said. Maybe it was just what Murray needed, however, helping spark his fabulous fourth quarter that fueled the Denver Nuggets’ 114-105 comeback over the San Antonio Spurs and knotting their playoff series 1-1. Murray’s late heroics may very well have salvaged Denver’s season. Teammates told him to keep shooting the ball when his shots kept rimming out. Finally, he found his touch, scoring 21 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter. “Everybody told me to stick with it,” Murray said. “I don’t think I scored a field goal until the fourth. I just stuck with it. They all believed in me.” The Nuggets were in danger of losing a second straight game at the Pepsi Center after posting the NBA’s best home record (34-7) during the regular season. They trailed 78-59 late in the third quarter before closing the game on a 55-27 run. “Coach said we are a team that never gives up,” Nuggets center Nikola Jokic said. “That’s true. We never give up. We lost the first game. We were down 19. That’s all excuses. But we never gave up. There is something about this team. We have a heart. We’re never going to let you win so easy.” It was looking very much like an easy win for San Antonio, which frittered away two 19-point leads. “We gave up 38 points (actually, 39) in the fourth quarter. End of story,” fumed Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, who drew a technical foul during the Nuggets’ comeback. OPINION:Haunted by Final Four 'regrets', Stevens seeks NBA title with Celtics NBA PLAYOFFS:First-round matchups, dates and TV times GET IT FIRST:NBA experts Jeff Zillgitt, Martin Rogers invade your inbox Nuggets coach Michael Malone said he never considered benching Murray because he didn’t want to crush his confidence. He said he took him aside at halftime and told him to take a deep breath and trust his shots would start falling. “Never once did I think about pulling him from the lineup,” Malone said. Good thing, too, because Murray, the goat in Game 1 after missing an open jumper and turning the ball over in the closing seconds, might have salvaged the Nuggets’ season while going 8 for 9 in the fourth quarter. The series shifts to San Antonio, where the Nuggets haven’t won since 2012, for Game 3 on Thursday night. “We had to have this one,” Denver’s Paul Millsap said. “Going down 0-2 into San Antonio would’ve been a tough situation for us. To pull this one off the way we did, was unbelievable.” Thanks to Murray, who not only waited until the end to get going in the game but was a late arrival in the postgame news conference. “It was great to see him make shots,” Millsap said. “I think he’s got his confidence back. The key was to continue to take shots. If you miss them, so what? Shoot with confidence, and he did.” Malone said he was bursting with pride over Murray’s phenomenal bounce-back. “He was so frustrated at halftime, not making shots, shots that he’s made his whole career,” Malone recounted. “I just grabbed him. I said, ‘Listen, take a deep breath. You’re putting too much pressure on yourself. Every shot right now was like the end of the world. I believe in you. I love you. Just go out there and play.’” “It was great to see him have some success. After Game 1. And after the first half. Really happy for Jamal and for him to step up and basically close the game out with his shot-making that he had down the stretch. The first of many for Jamal Murray, I have no doubt.” STILL HAPPY DeMar DeRozan said the Spurs still felt good leaving Denver despite blowing those big leads and a big opportunity to take a 2-0 lead. “We got Game 1. We fought, tried to get Game 2 but we’ve got home court shifting our way,” he said. “Now it’s on us to go home and do what we need to do and understand if we take care of home like we’ve been doing all year, we can come back here with an opportunity. So, we feel great about where we’re at. We understood it wasn’t going to be a cakewalk.” TIP-INS: San Antonio: The Spurs fell to 21-7 against Denver in the playoffs. They had won seven of their last 12 games in Denver, including the regular season. ... The Spurs got 31 points from DeRozan, 24 from LaMarcus Aldridge and 17 from Derrick White. Denver: Millsap added 20 points for Denver and Jokic just missed his second triple-double of the series, scoring 21 points, pulling down 13 rebounds and dishing out eight assists. ... The Nuggets ended a seven-game home losing streak to San Antonio in the playoffs. UP NEXT The series shifts to San Antonio for Game 3 Thursday night (9 p.m. ET on NBATV).<doc-sep>Jamal Murray and the Denver Nuggets rallied down the stretch to upset the San Antonio Spurs and level their opening round playoff series up at one-win apiece. The Denver Nuggets were one of the hottest teams during the regular season and a dominant final quarter saw them stun the Spurs to level the series up against the San Antonio Spurs. Jamal Murray took over down the stretch as the Nuggets came from seven points down at the end of the third quarter to record the 114-105 victory. After quiet games in the series opener, LaMarcus Aldridge and DeMar DeRozan bounced back in Game 2 to combine for 55 points. Denver struggled throughout the game offensively, but it clicked into gear when it matttered most. Here are the main talking points from Game 2... Jamal Murray has ice in his veins The Denver Nuggets couldn't buy a bucket down the stretch in Game 1. Thankfully they had no such issues in the fourth quarter of Game 2. Jamal Murray was left to rue a huge missed chance in the dying seconds of the series opener, but he put those misses in the rearview mirror and erupted in the fourth. The Nuggets guard buried back-to-back triples to extend the Nuggets' lead and effectively put the game to bed with his final quarter display. He added a stunning 21 points on a ridiculous 8-9 shooting from the floor. Spurs big names deliver big performances DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge combined for 33 points on 12-36 shooting in the opening game of the series. They surpassed that total in the first half alone. The Spurs big two eventually finished with a combined 55 points on 19-39 shooting. Unfortunately they were going alone as the rest of the Spurs crew failed to fire. Aside from Derrick White's 17 points, no other member of the Spurs rotation scored more than eight points as the Nuggets pulled off the stunning comeback. While it's by no means panic stations for the Spurs, they'll be wary of a resurgent Nuggets and will need the rest of their troops to pitch in as their stars continue to shine. DeMar leads all scorers with 17 PTS at the half in Denver! #GoSpursGo 📺: @NBATV pic.twitter.com/DDixU5QEDM - NBA (@NBA) April 17, 2019 Fourth quarter defensively specialists strike again Denver were the number one team in the final quarter allowing only 24.8 points per game throughout the regular season and in a huge Game 2 they got it done when it mattered most. Entering the final term the Nuggets trailed by seven points, but they found their groove on both ends of the floor to emerge victorious and level the series up at 1-1. San Antonio's offense clicked all game long before falling apart in the fourth as the Nuggets took control and held them to 23 points down the stretch. The crowd rose to the occassion as their squad roared back to life and the incredible final 12 minutes means the series heads to San Antonio all tied. Nuggets struggles at the line Denver lost the opening game of the series by five points after missing eight free throws throughout the game, ending with 16-24. Game 2 saw their struggles continue as they finished 18-26. Thankfully the result went their way, but the fact remains they've struggled to knock down shots from the charity stripe. The 20th ranked team in the NBA percentage wise throughout the regular season and locked in a series that looks like it will remain tight throughout, the Nuggets need to get their act together. Game 3 will take place on Thursday in San Antonio.<doc-sep>	Garrett Ellwood/Getty Images Jamal Murray scored 21 fourth-quarter points and Nikola Jokic posted 21 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists as the Denver Nuggets beat the San Antonio Spurs 114-105 in Game 2 of their NBA Western Conference first-round playoff series Tuesday. Denver trailed 78-59 with 4:28 left in the third quarter. Murray then led the Nuggets on a furious charge and gave Denver a 101-99 lead with this shot: After Spurs wing DeMar DeRozan hit two free throws to draw San Antonio within one, Murray assisted on a Jokic bucket before hitting back-to-back threes to put the game away: As Fantasy Labs managing director Justin Phan noted, Murray nearly outscored the Spurs, who had 23 fourth-quarter points, in the final 12 minutes. DeRozan led all scorers with 31 points. Teammate LaMarcus Aldridge added 24 points and eight rebounds. Denver and San Antonio are now tied at one game apiece in their best-of-seven series. Video Play Button Videos you might like Jamal Murray Must Find Consistency for Nuggets to Maintain Success Jokic might be the Nuggets' best player, but the team can only go as far as Murray takes it. Check out these stats from Harrison Wind of BSN Denver, for example: San Antonio outscored Denver by seven points through the first three quarters, but the Nuggets outpaced the Spurs 39-23 in the final 12 minutes. The correlation between Murray's shooting prowess and the team's success has been a trend all year. The Nuggets were 12-0 during the regular season when Murray shot 55 percent or better from the field. However, the Nuggets don't look like a No. 2 seed when the ex-Kentucky star struggles from the field. When the 22-year-old shot below 30 percent, they went 5-7 during the regular season. The question now is whether he can avoid the rough shooting nights—he went 8-of-23 in Game 1—that have occasionally plagued him. If his regular-season splits are any indication, Murray will have a tough time on the road in this series. He shot 47.5 percent overall in Denver compared to only 40.0 percent away from the Pepsi Center. The Spurs have extreme home-away splits as well. San Antonio is an excellent 32-9 at home but a pedestrian 16-25 on the road. Similarly, Denver went 34-7 at home during the regular season and only 20-21 on the road. As ESPN analyst Ryen Russillo pointed out during Murray's rough stretch Tuesday, the Spurs look like the favorite in this series if Murray can't get it going: But if he does, then Murray isn't much different than a player who catches fire in NBA Jam. He's capable of doing things that no one has done in years, as ESPN noted: Denver won't win this series unless Murray's shot falls more consistently. The Nuggets may have a championship-caliber ceiling if it does, however. San Antonio's Resurgent D Key to Series Upset, Deep Playoff Run The Spurs mostly played tremendous defense for the first 80 minutes of this series, but the last 16 will stick with San Antonio heading into Game 3. San Antonio allowed 52 points during that stretch, including 39 in the fourth. Nuggets players not named Jokic committed only two turnovers (the big man had three in an otherwise stellar night). They shot 48.3 percent from the field and went 10-of-24 from deep. That was a stark contrast from Game 1. Denver couldn't get much going offensively, shooting only 42.0 percent from the field and 21.4 percent from three. It looked like more of the same early Tuesday, as the Nuggets scored only 21 points in the first quarter. They also trailed 78-59 late in the third frame. The Spurs' Jekyll-and-Hyde defense is the key to this series and their playoff lives. If the defense excels, a deep playoff run could be on the horizon. If it struggles, Denver will likely move on. San Antonio's defense looked like it had made a significant turnaround after a poor first half of the year. The Spurs ranked 20th in defensive rating on the season, per NBA.com, but that jumped into a tie for ninth place after the All-Star break. As a result, San Antonio improved down the stretch, going 15-8 (65.2 winning percentage) after a 33-26 mark (55.9 percent winning rate) before mid-February. The offense has not been a problem thus far. The Spurs have two perennial All-Stars in Aldridge and DeRozan, both of whom average more than 20 points per game.
President Donald Trump reportedly said both he and Congress are fed up with Canada not meeting NATO defense spending targets. In a June 19 letter to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that has been reported by several Canadian media outlets and confirmed by the Canadian Press, Trump spoke of “growing frustration” with Canadian and other NATO allies’ defense spending levels. “This frustration is not confined to our executive branch. The United States Congress has taken note and is concerned as well,” the correspondence reportedly said. It’s public disclosure comes at a time of increasing unease between the closest partners in the NATO alliance. (RELATED: Trudeau Tells People To Stay Home And Buy Canadian) Trump further suggested that Trudeau has contributed to NATO’s “failure” to share the burden of its considerable defense responsibilities. “The United States is increasingly unwilling to ignore this Alliance’s failure to meet shared security challenges,” Trump wrote. Despite issuing an ambitious defense policy last summer that promises a 70 percent increase in defense spending, the Trudeau government document stretches that commitment over the next decade. Even if all expenditures are met it still fails to achieve the NATO mandate that member states spend two percent of their GDP on defense. Trump did allow that Canada has been a willing partner in NATO’s military operations and remains a chief UN peacekeeping nation, but he said that is not enough. “At the summit, we must ensure alliance credibility by living up to our agreed commitments. I expect to see a strong recommitment by Canada to meet the goals to which we have all agreed in the defense investment pledge.” Canadian Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan did not deny that Canada is not fulfilling its obligations to NATO by meeting its defense spending target. Instead, spokeswoman Renee Filiatrault told Global News Friday that the Liberal government’s defense policy has been “rigorously costed, is fully funded, and serves Canada’s defense needs. It also upholds our long-standing role as an active contributor to global peace and security.” Follow David on Twitter<doc-sep>After President Donald Trump derailed the U.S. relationship with longtime ally Canada, launching a trade war and exchanging barbs with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Canadians decided to boycott Trump in solidarity with their leader. Trump blamed Trudeau for his decision not to sign a joint communiqué with other members of the G-7 during the close of their meeting last week. Canada's leader had announced his intention to impose retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports because Trump establshed tariffs of 25 and 10 percent on aluminum and steel from Canada and other countries. The announcement angered Trump and led to the breakdown of his participation in the G-7 summit in Quebec. Trump called Trudeau "dishonest and weak," and White House aide Peter Navarro said there was a "special place in hell" for leaders like Trudeau who engage in "bad faith diplomacy" with Trump. PM Justin Trudeau of Canada acted so meek and mild during our @G7 meetings only to give a news conference after I left saying that, “US Tariffs were kind of insulting” and he “will not be pushed around.” Very dishonest & weak. Our Tariffs are in response to his of 270% on dairy! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 9, 2018 Now, Canadians have responded by boycotting U.S. products and canceling their planned trips to the U.S. Kentucky Bourbon, California wine, and Florida oranges are all among the products some Canadians now say they won't purchase. Meanwhile, Canadian Twitter has been flooded with hashtags urging shoppers to #BuyCanadian, #BoycottUSProducts and #BoycottUSA. One man even tweeted a photo of his "Trump free" grocery cart filled with Canadian products. U.S. companies like Walmart and McDonalds are also included in the list of companies to be shunned. First trump-free grocery cart. Focusing on great Canadian products and those from countries with stronger leadership. #buycanadian #trumpfree pic.twitter.com/XHgGJNtzcJ — Scott Chamberlain (@scottawan) June 10, 2018 For confused shoppers, at least one Canadian website details whether a product was produced in the U.S. or not. Canada is Washington's second largest trading partner after China, accounting for an estimated $673.9 billion in trade and services last year. U.S. exports of goods and services to Canada supported an estimated 1.6 million jobs in 2015, according to the Department of Commerce. Trump's decision to enter into conflict with one of the U.S.'s most steadfast allies was viewed with concern and occasionally mockery by analysts and experts. "O Canada: You had it coming, eh. They inflicted Nickelback on us. We did nothing. They sent us Justin Bieber. We turned the other cheek. They were responsible for one abomination after the other: Poutine. Diphthong vowels. Hawaiian pizza. Instant mashed potatoes. Ted Cruz. Still, we did not retaliate—until now," Washington Post columnist Dana Milbank joked in a recent op-ed. "Given Canadians' well-known instability—their currency is called the 'loonie'—there can be only one solution: We are going to build a wall from Maine to Alaska—and Ottawa is going to pay." Some pundits, however, took a more somber tone, suggesting that Trump is in fact determined to upend all international trade norms. Canadian media, meanwhile, reported that U.S. and Canada's relationship is now at an all-time low, especially since Trump suggested that Canada constitutes a national security threat for the U.S. Other experts consulted by Toronto-based TV channel CTV indicated that Canadians "need to continue the conversation with American business partners, friends and family," while reminding U.S. voters that "their president has angered an ally." Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney began negotiations with then-President Ronald Reagan to create the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement, which was signed in 1988 and went into effect the following year. At Canada's behest, this treaty was transformed into a trilateral agreement, and it was later renamed the North American Free Trade Agreement—which includes Mexico—in the early 1990s. NAFTA entered into force in 1994 after then-President Bill Clinton signed it into law in December 1993. Today, the deal seeks to protect intellectual property and establish labor and environmental standards. Furthermore, NAFTA has spurred "unprecedented integration between Canada and the United States' developed economies and Mexico, a developing country," according to a report by the Council on Foreign Relations. This article has been updated with new information.<doc-sep>Editor’s Note: David A. Andelman, visiting scholar at the Center on National Security at Fordham Law School and director of its Red Lines Project, is a contributor to CNN where his columns won the 2017 Deadline Club Award for Best Opinion Writing. Author of “A Shattered Peace: Versailles 1919 and the Price We Pay Today,” he was formerly a foreign correspondent for The New York Times and CBS News in Asia and Europe. Follow him on Twitter @DavidAndelman. The views expressed in this commentary are his own. (CNN) — From somewhere above 31,000 feet, heading to his North Korean summit in Singapore, Donald Trump pitched a hand grenade into this weekend’s G-7 meeting of the world’s leading democracies. In a fit of pique over remarks by the G-7 host, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Trump reversed his decision to sign a closing communiqué carefully crafted by his six fellow members, tweeting from Air Force One, “I have instructed our U.S. Reps not to endorse the Communique as we look at Tariffs on automobiles flooding the U.S. Market!” This last-minute reversal raises a dangerous question: How can Kim Jong Un trust that any agreement he makes with Trump would last beyond the setting of the next sun? Of course, in Singapore, we will have perhaps the only two world leaders congenitally incapable of keeping any deal they’ve struck. Still, G-7 2018 is in the books. The leaders of the other six leading democracies in attendance have now scattered to their homes. Yet the wounds Trump has left behind are deep and will not soon be forgotten. So, what exactly happened along the idyllic shores of the Saint Lawrence River in a remote stretch of Quebec? The leaders of the developed world gathered for what promised from the outset to be a weekend of invective and calumny – deepening conflict with Trump’s America. Never mind that for much of the existence of this gathering, which dates back nearly a half a century, the United States served as the beacon of the world’s leading democracies. Outwardly, there were the usual smiles and handshakes, the first-name congeniality as the presidents, prime ministers and a chancellor assembled for their family photo and mugged for the cameras at photo-ops and preprandial gatherings. In the end, all seven thought they’d managed to paper over their differences with a joint communique signed by each country, including the United States. But at his closing news conference, Trudeau suggested that he and others at the summit will hardly cave to Trump’s tariff demands, adding that he found some of Trump’s language “insulting” and that “we will not be pushed around.” Twitter/Steffen Seibert/German Federal Press Office On Sunday morning, Trump’s chief economic adviser Larry Kudlow said on CNN’s “State of the Union” that Trudeau’s remarks were a “sophomoric political stunt.” So to make sure, as Kudlow continued, that Trump did not “permit any show of weakness on the trip to negotiate with North Korea,” the president retaliated in kind – pulling a stunt that could backfire badly. The big question: Are stunts the stuff of good diplomacy, or the way friends and allies should treat each other? Indeed, the knives were not concealed very carefully at all. As Trump bolted to avoid the most uncomfortable moments of the gathering – debate over global warming, which he utterly rejects – he left behind a bad taste everywhere he turned. Arriving late to the get-together, he missed his chance for a substantive meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, who had been his one friend until a tense phone call earlier in the week. Then, he appeared late for the breakfast to discuss gender equality the next morning. How could it possibly get any worse? Well, the President offered a few hints. He could, it seems, simply end all trade with any of their nations if they don’t stop what he defines as unfair trade practices. Or he could continue to press for the pariah state of Russia, which Trump may not even have realized had been ousted after it seized control of Crimea from Ukraine, to return to the group. Even today, Russia, still unrepentant for this action, would be the only autocracy in the G-8, with a GDP that ranks below every other member and indeed below non-members Brazil, India, China and South Korea. If much of diplomacy is optics, President Trump seems to have left his opera glasses at home. Why would any world leader want to reward this kind of bad behavior by arriving at a quick trade deal that will only enshrine threats as the standard for accomplishing a purpose that should be the carefully considered outcome of discussion and diplomacy? In one fashion or other, it seems, most of the other G-7 leaders have felt betrayed. All these leaders believe deeply in the natural order of things and the value of preserving a global club of democracies, while Trump believes – and has never demonstrated more clearly than in Charlevoix – in simply shredding such values at will and for his own convenience or profit. This weekend’s G-7 simply placed all these feelings in greater, starker relief. Ironically, it appears increasingly as though Trump is more comfortable and less threatened when dealing with autocrats or dictators: Welcome Putin back to the G-8; jet halfway around the world to spend some quality time with Kim Jong Un, a leader ruthless to all, even his own family. The question, which must remain unanswered, is whether this weekend has left America a step closer to embracing or professing preference for autocracy itself. Certainly, with Trump leaving an empty chair Saturday afternoon as the G-7 discussed climate change, sustainable energy and renewable fuels, America has abdicated its onetime leadership position on these critical issues. Get our free weekly newsletter Sign up for CNN Opinion's new newsletter. Join us on Twitter and Facebook The realization has finally dawned that Donald Trump does not respond to rhetoric or reason – or to anyone ganging up on him. The leading French daily Le Monde observed that the G-7 is simply “a symbol of a multilateral cooperation which he abhors.” He does respond, however to strength and spine. So, the battle was not joined in Charlevoix. But it will likely be joined in the weeks to come in retaliation, or at least with fortitude, as the G-6 unite against what now appears quite clearly to be their declared and sworn enemy.<doc-sep>	The letter comes as tensions between Canada and the United States have risen to a dramatic high, with NAFTA talks all but stalled and a dispute over steel and aluminum tariffs imposed by the United States that has led Canada and other countries to counter with a long list of retaliatory tariffs. “This frustration is not confined to our executive branch. The United States Congress has taken note and is concerned as well,” reads the letter, first reported by iPolitics. The Canadian Press has confirmed the authenticity of the letter. We apologize, but this video has failed to load. In the June 19 letter, Trump says there is “growing frustration” in the United States with North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies like Canada that have not increased defence spending as promised. OTTAWA — As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau prepares to attend the upcoming NATO summit in Brussels, U.S. President Donald Trump is calling on Canada to meet the alliance’s defence spending targets. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content Trump also had harsh words for Trudeau following the G7 meetings in Quebec earlier this month, calling the prime minister “dishonest and weak” after backing out of the final joint communique issued by leaders. The Liberals promised last year to increase spending on the military by 70 per cent over the next 10 years. But even with this increase, Canada will fall short of NATO’s target of spending two per cent of GDP on defence. Looking ahead to the coming NATO meeting next month, Trump says in his letter to Trudeau he appreciates Canada’s defence contributions around the world, including in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan, and on United Nations peacekeeping missions. But these contributions “do not excuse any of us from our commitments to ensure NATO has the resources it needs,” he writes. “As one of our most capable allies and a leader in worldwide security, Canada’s continued defence spending of less than two per cent undermines the security of the alliance and provides validation for other allies that also are not meeting their defence spending commitments,” the letter says. “At the summit, we must ensure alliance credibility by living up to our agreed commitments. I expect to see a strong recommitment by Canada to meet the goals to which we have all agreed in the defence investment pledge.” Renee Filiatrault, a spokeswoman for Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, said Friday the Liberal government’s planned spending increase has been “rigorously costed, is fully funded, and serves Canada’s defence needs. It also upholds our long-standing role as an active contributor to global peace and security.” “Canada is proud to have contributed to every NATO operation since the founding of the alliance more than six decades ago. Canada’s participation in NATO operations around the world is a tangible signal of our commitment to the trans-Atlantic alliance.”
Monday, April 15, 2019 is "Tax Day," the deadline for filing individual tax returns to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Those affected are generally self-employed, retirees, investors and those who pay their taxes quarterly, but with recent changes to tax law, many others could be affected. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) was enacted in December 2017 and was part of President Donald Trump's claimed "biggest tax cuts and reform in American history." The April 15 deadline is the first time taxpayers will have to file under this new legislation. Do the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act law changes affect you? For the majority, yes. TCJA has changed the way tax is calculated for the majority of taxpayers, including those with substantial income not subject to withholding. The law changed: Tax rates and brackets; Business expense deductions; Increased the standard deduction; Removed personal exemptions; Increased the child tax credit; and Limited or discontinued other deductions. When do you need to submit your federal tax form? The first deadline to submit quarterly is April 15, 2019. The IRS recommends citizens use electronic filing to "avoid common mistakes and file the most accurate tax return." It also estimates that about "70% of taxpayers can file their tax return at no charge by using IRS Free File software." Some taxpayers will have a little extra time to file. Citizens of Maine and Massachusetts will have until 17 April to file, as the Patriots' Day holiday falls on April 15 in those states, and the IRS offices in Washington, D.C. are closed on April 16 due to Emancipation Day. Do you need an extension to file your federal tax form? The IRS recommends that people should file on April 15, regardless of whether they have the money to pay their tax or not. However, if someone needs an extension, they can apply in several ways: Individuals can e-file their extension form for free using Free File. Otherwise, they need to use Form 4868 - Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. A business will need Form 7004 - Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File Certain Business Income Tax, Information, and Other Returns. A corporation will need Form 1138 - Extension of Time for Payment of Taxes by a Corporation Expecting a Net Operating Loss Carryback. If someone is serving in a combat zone, a qualified hazardous duty area, or are living outside the U.S, special rules may apply. You can obtain an additional six-month extension, however, all forms will need to be prepared and filed on paper. This deadline is only for filing, not payment of taxes owed. When do you get your tax refund? Changes to the tax law could mean that many Americans will receive a smaller federal tax refund, or could even owe tax to the IRS. This could result in many Americans worrying, and question when they'll know what they need to do. According to the IRS, refunds are normally issued in less than 21 days. "People can use 'Where's My Refund?' to check on the status of their tax return within 24 hours after the IRS receives an e-filed return or four weeks after a mailed paper return," according to the IRS website. The IRS also warns that while it could be tempting to call the IRS tax help hotline, people should only do this: 21 days or more since their tax return was e-filed; Six weeks or more since their return was mailed; or when "Where's My Refund?" tells the taxpayer to contact the IRS. Should you withhold tax? Filers can use the IRS Withholding Calculator to determine whether the right amount is being withheld.<doc-sep>— There’s the fear factor. I've counseled a number of people who, suspecting that they owe taxes, don’t want to file. But if you've completed your tax return and realize you owe but can't pay, the worst thing to do is nothing. You may be fearful of what lies ahead, but if you don't do anything, eventually the IRS may track you down, and by then, the penalties and late fees will make your debt that much larger. The interest on unpaid tax debts compounds daily and is charged from the due date of the return until the date of payment in full.<doc-sep>Whether you owed the IRS more than you expected this year, have a tax refund to splurge with or are an overworked tax accountant, Tax Day on April 15 is to be celebrated. Restaurants and stores are happy to help you do just that by offering free treats, discounting certain menu items and running sales that coincide with Tax Day. Details and participation may vary by franchise, so be sure to ask if your nearest location is participating. Here are some of the stores hosting the best Tax Day deals: -- Applebee's -- Bruegger's Bagels -- Cicis -- Firehouse Subs -- Great American Cookies -- Grimaldi's Coal Brick-Oven Pizzeria -- Hot Dog on a Stick -- Noodles & Company -- Schlotzky's -- Elizabeth Arden -- Home Depot -- Hotwire -- Macy's -- Naturalizer -- Office Depot and OfficeMax -- Orbitz Read on for more information on each Tax Day discount. [See: 10 Big Ways to Boost Your Budget -- Without Skimping on Your Daily Latte.] Applebee's While not specifically in honor of Tax Day, this drink special is especially well timed for those struggling with their tax returns and those who want to celebrate the end of tax season. For the entire month of April, get the Strawberry Dollarita with a Twizzlers straw for just $1. Bruegger's Bagels Every year, the bagel chain offers a "Tax Relief" deal. This year, get the Big Bagel Bundle for $10.40 ($3.50 off the usual price) April 10 through April 15. The bundle includes 13 bagels and two tubs of cream cheese. Get this offer at Brueggers.com or by joining the Inner Circle rewards program. Cicis The adult buffet will cost just $4.15 per person on April 15, with purchase of a large drink. Find the coupon on the Cicis website. [See: 10 Expenses Destroying Your Budget.] Firehouse Subs April 15 through April 17, buy a full-price medium or large sub, chips and a drink and get a medium sub for free. The coupon is available here. Great American Cookies Stores will be giving away free original chocolate chip cookies (one per customer) on April 15. No purchase is required to get this freebie. Story continues Grimaldi's Coal Brick-Oven Pizzeria Traditional cheese pizzas will be priced at $10.40 all day on April 15. This offer will be available at locations nationwide while supplies last. The offer is not valid in New York, New Jersey or Connecticut. Hot Dog on a Stick On April 15, get one free original turkey or veggie dog. No purchase is necessary. Noodles & Company Members of the Noodles Rewards program will get $4 off online and mobile orders over $10 from April 10 to April 15. You must sign up for the rewards program, which is free to join, by April 9 to receive this offer. Schlotzky's Buy a medium drink and chips, and get a small The Original sandwich for free. [See: 20 Tips for Saving Money at the Grocery Store] Elizabeth Arden Make self care a priority after filing your taxes before the deadline and get a free seven-piece gift set when you place an order of more than $50 by April 15. Use promo code SPRING. Home Depot Put your refund toward a big-ticket purchase. Appliances are up to 35% off until April 17. Hotwire Get $15 off your Hot Rate hotel booking of $150 or more by using code TAXGETAWAY15. This promo runs April 11 to 16. Macy's If shoes are your splurge of choice for your refund, Macy's is offering 40% off with promo code GREAT when you buy two or more pairs of women's shoes before April 15. Naturalizer Make it easier to justify buying new shoes with your refund. Use code NAT2PAIR by April 15, and get 20% off when you buy two pairs. Office Depot and OfficeMax Stores will be providing free Workonomy shredding services for up to 5 pounds of paper through April 27. You'll need to present this coupon. Most individuals need to keep only three years of tax returns, according to IRS recommendations, so celebrate Tax Day by ridding your home of clutter. Orbitz The travel retailer will be refunding taxes paid on bookings made April 15. Head to orbitz.com/taxday, which goes live when the promo begins, and sign up for the Orbitz Rewards program. Book a standalone hotel or vacation package, and Orbitz will "refund" any taxes paid on your booking in the form of Orbucks, which is a rewards currency that can be used for future travel, within 48 hours. Companies and products mentioned in this article may be promoted on www.offers.com. More From US News & World Report<doc-sep>The 2019 tax season is drawing to a close, and you're probably happy you can forget about taxes again for a whole year. But if you do that, you could be making next year's tax season more difficult for yourself. You may file a tax return only once a year, but taxes affect you year-round. By understanding this and beginning to prepare for this year's taxes now, you can make the 2020 tax season a much smoother ride. Here are four steps you should take now to get ready. Decide whether to adjust your tax withholding If you work for an employer, the government takes a cut of your earnings from each paycheck. The amount it takes depends on how much you earn and how many tax allowances you've claimed. The more allowances you claim, the less money the government will take from each paycheck. Usually, single adults will claim one or two allowances, while working parents may claim more. If you claim more allowances, your paychecks will be larger, but your tax refund check could be smaller because the amount you pay in throughout the year is closer to your actual tax liability. You don't want to claim more allowances than you should, or else you could owe taxes at the end of the year. Look at your 2018 tax refund check. If it was several thousand dollars, that could be an indication that you're not claiming enough allowances. Use the IRS Withholding Calculator if you're not sure how many allowances you should be claiming, and check with your company's HR department if you're not sure how many allowances you're claiming now. You chose your allowances on the W-4 form you filled out when you started your job, but you can change it at any time by submitting a new W-4 form to your employer. Set up a system to keep track of deductible expenses This mostly applies to self-employed individuals, who may need to deduct travel, office expenses, and other business-related costs on their taxes. But there are other deductions that anyone can qualify for, like medical expenses that exceed more than 10% of your adjusted gross income (AGI) -- your income minus certain tax deductions -- for 2019 or charitable contributions you made to a church, volunteer fire department, or nonprofit organization. The catch is, you can only claim these deductions if you have the paperwork to back them up. You don't have to submit this with your taxes, but you have to present it if you get audited or the government could disallow your deductions. Keep a folder with your receipts and all paperwork related to your tax deductions so you have them all in one place when you file your taxes next year. If you don't like the idea of paperwork cluttering your house, consider scanning all your receipts and tax documents into your computer so you have digital copies instead. Just be sure to back them up so you don't lose them. Plan for estimated taxes if you're self-employed Self-employed workers must pay estimated taxes quarterly, since they do not have regular paychecks that the government can withhold taxes from. Failure to pay estimated quarterly taxes could result in a penalty. If you were self-employed in 2018, your 2018 tax return should indicate how much you should pay in each quarter based on your 2018 earnings, but you may need to set aside more or less if you expect your earnings to be higher or lower in 2019. If you pay at least the amount suggested on your 2018 tax return, you won't be hit with a penalty, even if you earn significantly more this year. You can pay in less, but you should aim to pay at least 90% of what you believe you'll owe at year's end. If you owe more than $1,000 or 10% of your tax liability at the end of the year, the IRS will charge you a penalty. You can figure out how much this will be by filling out IRS Form 2210. The estimated tax deadlines are usually the 15th of April, June, September, and January of the next year, unless one of those days falls on a weekend, in which case the deadline is extended until the next weekday. For 2019-2020, the deadlines are: April 15, 2019 June 17, 2019 Sept. 16, 2019 Jan. 15, 2020 Make a note of these dates and set yourself a reminder on your phone or calendar so you remember to pay your quarterly taxes on time. Familiarize yourself with the latest changes to the tax laws Every year, the government tinkers with the tax laws a little. The tax brackets often change slightly, as do the value and qualifications required for some tax deductions and credits. You don't need to understand every single rule, but it's good to familiarize yourself with the key changes that could affect you in the coming year. For example, if you're now on the bubble between two tax brackets, you may want to contribute more to tax-deferred retirement savings or make some charitable contributions so that you stay within the lower tax bracket. This ensures you'll lose a smaller percentage of your income to the government. Here's a brief guide to the most important 2019 tax changes so you can be prepared. Taxes will never be enjoyable, but with a little planning, they can be a lot easier. By taking these steps today, you'll be able to avoid any unpleasant surprises when you file your taxes in 2020.<doc-sep>	Tax day is less than a week away. Most taxpayers have until April 15 to file their federal and state returns. Maine and Massachusetts residents get an extra two days until April 17 due to local holidays. If you haven't filed yet and are feeling pressed for time, you may want to consider getting an extension. It's important to file on time or get an extension so you don't get hit with a late-filing and/or late-payment fee. The IRS doesn't care what your reason is – lost documents, a family emergency or simple procrastination – you'll get six months more time with an extension. The process is straightforward - and easier to do than completing your actual returns. Here's how to get the extra time you need. More tax headaches:Another tax headache ahead: IRS is changing paycheck withholdings and it'll be a doozy April deals: Your monthly guide to food specials, meal deals and more Extension needed You can e-file an extension for free using any of the Free File software offered by the major tax preparation companies. These often help you estimate your tax due so you can make a payment. You can also print out Form 4868 and send it to the IRS address for your state by April 15. What about my tax refund? If you expect a refund, you won't get it until after you file your tax returns and the IRS processes that return. Don't forget to pay the IRS You still need to pay what you owe by April 15, even if you file for an extension. If you underestimate what you owe, you may end up paying interest on what you don’t pay by the deadline. If you pay less than 90 percent of the tax you owe, you’ll be charged a penalty of 0.5 percent of the underpayment every month until you pay the balance. State extension Each state has its own tax-filing extension rules. Check your state's tax authority website for more information. If you’re abroad You automatically get two extra months until June 15 to file your federal tax returns without submitting an IRS extension request for if you’re a U.S. citizen or resident alien and you live and work outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico. This also applies to military members serving outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico. When you do file your return, include a statement that explains why you qualified for the later deadline. If you can't file by the automatic two-month extension date, you can file a Form 4868 to request an additional extension to Oct. 15. You have until June 15 to file this form.
“The neutral and respectful consideration to which Phillips was entitled was compromised here,” Justice Anthony M. Kennedy wrote, adding that the commission’s decision that the baker violated the state’s anti-discrimination law must be set aside. But Kennedy acknowledged that the decision was more of a start than a conclusion to the court’s consideration of the rights of those with religious objections to same-sex marriage and the rights of gay people, who “cannot be treated as social outcasts or as inferior in dignity and worth.” Future cases that raise those issues “must be resolved with tolerance, without undue disrespect to sincere religious beliefs, and without subjecting gay persons to indignities when they seek goods and services in an open market,” he wrote.<doc-sep>Remember the Christian baker who refused to bake a cake for a gay couple’s wedding and the Supreme Court ruled that his religious convictions should be respected? Featured Video Hide Well, he’s back on his bullshit. Advertisement Hide Jack Phillips, the owner of Masterpiece Cakeshop in Lakewood, Colorado, returned to federal court on Tuesday, this time for refusing to create a cake for a transgender woman’s birthday. However, he is the one who filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court: He’s suing state civil rights officials and the governor, saying he cannot make cakes that “celebrate events” contradictory to his religious beliefs that sex is “biologically determined.” The document cites other requests he has declined, including cakes that “demean LGBT people” or ones celebrating Halloween. The transgender woman, Denver lawyer Autumn Scardina, called in her order to the shop on the same day the Supreme Court agreed to hear the wedding cake case, June 26, 2017. She said that she was turned away after she asked for the cake to have a blue exterior and a pink interior to celebrate her transition, according to a charge of discrimination statement she filed with the Colorado Civil Rights Commission. The Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act forbids places of public accommodation from discrimination based on sex and sexual orientation. The commission found probable cause that Phillips broke the law by refusing service to Scardina. Phillips and the Christian legal group Alliance Defending Freedom, which defends many anti-LGTBQ cases across the country, argued that the state’s protections for transgender people is “blatantly and brazenly hostile toward religion” and filed the lawsuit first. He asked the court to block Colorado from enforcing its nondiscrimination law in this case because it infringes on his First Amendment right to religious freedom. Phillips also contended that being forced to make a “transgender” cake violated his free speech, and thus abstention of free speech, rights. Advertisement Hide Phillips is hoping the SCOTUS ruling will help his new lawsuit land in his favor, though that decision was over the civil rights commission showing hostility toward him, which the commission has not done in this case. H/T BuzzFeed News<doc-sep>DENVER (AP) -- A Colorado baker who refused to make a wedding cake for a gay couple on religious grounds — a stance partially upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court — has sued the state over its opposition to his refusal to bake a cake celebrating a gender transition, his attorneys said Wednesday. Jack Phillips, owner of the Masterpiece Cakeshop in suburban Denver, claimed that Colorado officials are on a "crusade to crush" him and force him into mediation over the gender transition cake because of his religious beliefs, according to a federal lawsuit filed Tuesday. Phillips is seeking to overturn a Colorado Civil Rights Commission ruling that he discriminated against a transgender person by refusing to make a cake celebrating that person's transition from male to female. His lawsuit came after the Supreme Court ruled in June that Colorado's Civil Rights Commission displayed anti-religious bias when it sanctioned Phillips for refusing to make a wedding cake in 2012 for Charlie Craig and Dave Mullins, a same-sex couple. The justices voted 7-2 that the commission violated Phillips' rights under the First Amendment. But the court did not rule on the larger issue of whether businesses can invoke religious objections to refuse service to gays and lesbians. The Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative Christian nonprofit law firm, represented Phillips in the case and filed the new lawsuit. Phillips operates a small, family-run bakery located in a strip mall in the southwest Denver suburb of Lakewood. He told the state civil rights commission that he can make no more than two to five custom cakes per week, depending on time constraints and consumer demand for the cakes that he sells in his store that are not for special orders. Autumn Scardina, a Denver attorney whose practice includes family, personal injury, insurance and employment law, filed the Colorado complaint — saying that Phillips refused her request for a gender transition cake in 2017. Story continues Cardina said she asked for a cake with a pink interior and a blue exterior and told Phillips it was intended to celebrate her gender transition. She did not state in her complaint whether she asked for the cake to have a message on it. The commission found on June 28 that Scardina was discriminated against because of her transgender status. It ordered both parties to seek a mediated solution. Phillips sued in response, citing his belief that "the status of being male or female ... is given by God, is biologically determined, is not determined by perceptions or feelings, and cannot be chosen or changed," according to his lawsuit. Phillips alleges that Colorado violated his First Amendment right to practice his faith and the 14th Amendment right to equal protection, citing commission rulings upholding other bakers' refusal to make cakes with messages that are offensive to them. "For over six years now, Colorado has been on a crusade to crush Plaintiff Jack Phillips ... because its officials despise what he believes and how he practices his faith," the lawsuit said. "This lawsuit is necessary to stop Colorado's continuing persecution of Phillips." Phillips' lawyers also suggested that Scardina may have targeted Phillips several times after he refused her original request. The lawsuit said he received several anonymous requests to make cakes depicting Satan and Satanic symbols and that he believed she made the requests. Reached by telephone Wednesday, Scardina declined to comment, citing the pending litigation. Her brother, attorney Todd Scardina, is representing her in the case and did not immediately return a phone message seeking comment. Phillips' lawsuit refers to a website for Scardina's practice, Scardina Law. The site states, in part: "We take great pride in taking on employers who discriminate against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and serving them their just desserts." The lawsuit said that Phillips has been harassed, received death threats, and that his small shop was vandalized while the wedding cake case wound its way through the judicial system. Phillips' suit names as defendants members of the Colorado Civil Rights Division, including division director Aubrey Elenis; Republican state Attorney General Cynthia Coffman; and Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper. It seeks a reversal of the commission ruling and at least $100,000 in punitive damages from Elenis. Hickenlooper told reporters he learned about the lawsuit Wednesday and that the state had no vendetta against Phillips. Rebecca Laurie, a spokeswoman for the civil rights commission, declined comment Wednesday, citing pending litigation. Also declining comment was Coffman spokeswoman Annie Skinner. The Masterpiece Cakeshop wedding cake case stirred intense debate about the mission and composition of Colorado's civil rights commission during the 2018 legislative session. Its seven members are appointed by the governor. Lawmakers added a business representative to the commission and, among other things, moved to ensure that no political party has an advantage on the panel.<doc-sep>	A baker who won a US Supreme Court battle over his refusal to bake a gay wedding-themed cake is again in the headlines, this time for turning down a request to make a transgender-themed treat. Jack Phillips, who runs the Masterpiece cake shop in Denver, Colorado, was asked by Autumn Scardina, a transgender lawyer, to bake a cake blue on the outside and pink in the middle, reports Buzzfeed News. "They asked what I wanted the cake to look like, and I explained I was celebrating my birthday on July 6, 2017, and that it would also be the 7th year of my transition from male to female," Ms Scardina said in her complaint, filed last year on the same day the gay wedding cake case reached the United States' highest court. "When I explained I am a transexual and that I wanted my birthday cake to celebrate my transition by having a blue exterior and a pink interior, they told me they will not make the cake based on their religious beliefs." Her case has now reached the district court, with the backing of the Colorado Civil Rights Commission. Earlier this week Mr Phillips' lawyers said the pink and blue cake " would have celebrated messages contrary to his religious belief that sex - the status of being male or female - is given by God, is biologically determined, is not determined by perceptions or feelings, and cannot be chosen or changed". Mr Phillips has launched his own legal action against the Colorado Civil Rights Commission, as well as the state's Governor and attorney-general. "For over six years now, Colorado has been on a crusade to crush Plaintiff Jack Phillips because its officials despise what he believes and how he practices his faith," his own complaint reads. He believes LBGT activists have become "emboldened by the state's persecution", and are now targeting him.
In searing heat late on Tuesday morning, D.C. United finished up practice by playing a little tournament, in teams of five. One team consisted of Luciano Acosta, Frederic Brillant, Junior Moreno, a visiting player, and United’s newest signing, Wayne Rooney. Over the course of a couple of games, that team shined above all others, winning the friendly tournament among their teammates. None too shocking for his Ben Olsen, Rooney’s new head coach with the Black-and-Red. “It’s no surprise that his team won the small tournament we did today. He’s used to winning,” Olsen told reporters after Tuesday’s open practice. With just four days until the team plays their first game at Audi Field, United are trying their best to integrate Rooney into the team. After arriving in the District almost two weeks ago, Rooney has had little time to get to know his new teammates. The rest of the team was away on trips to New England and Los Angeles, and it wasn’t until last Friday that the English striker was finally able to practice with the full squad for the first time. When Rooney swapped Everton for Manchester United, and vice versa, there was still some familiarity in meeting new teammates, players that he had played against in England. In coming over here, he’s now with a completely new set of players, something that has made his experience in moving clubs a bit different. “Of course it’s different coming to a new team, a new country, a new set of players who I have never met before,” Rooney said after Tuesday’s open practice. “It’s different, but something we all have to get on with, and become friends both on and off the pitch.” Wayne Rooney talking to media after #DCU’s practice today. pic.twitter.com/yrHQablcZv — Steven Streff (@streffsoccer) July 10, 2018 Still, according to Olsen, in the limited time that Rooney has been with the team there have been obvious signs of the quality that the Designated Player is bringing to the team, with his wealth of experience from having played almost 800 professional games since his debut with Everton as a teenager. “His combination play, goals, and his presence is automatically going to raise the level of some of the other players,” said Olsen. “He’s a good fit for us, because we have a young squad, [and] because of the season we’ve had so far,” said Olsen. “There’s been a lot of quality, a lot of good things, but putting it all together, and maximizing the points we should have, that’s been a knock on us. I think he brings that. That’s details, and discipline that a guy like him can bring.” And a few words from Ben Olsen. #DCU pic.twitter.com/JfnoqMhRxS — Steven Streff (@streffsoccer) July 10, 2018 For Rooney’s part, he has been surprised by the level of competition he has experienced so far just in training. The former England captain spoke to Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard before coming stateside, but admitted that everyone experiences the league differently, which shapes their views. As such, his first impressions of what he thinks the league has to offer is different than what the perception of MLS is back in Great Britain. “I think the right thing for me to do is to show the league the respect it deserves. I think the quality is a lot better than what I thought.” said Rooney. “ The quality is a lot higher than I think what people think back home in England.” United, currently mired in last place in the league standings with just 11 points from their first 14 games, have shifted their attention to the biggest day on the calendar in quite some time. This weekend, after decades of uncertainty, United will open Audi Field, their own stadium in the District. Yesterday, there was a ribbon cutting ceremony as the team celebrated the completion of the $400m stadium. There was plenty of excitement to go around, and add on top of that Rooney’s likely debut, and there is more hype around this team than any time this decade. “It will be a great moment, to make my debut in MLS, for D.C. Any debut you make is a big moment,” said Rooney. “Before the game, I’ll think about [making my debut], but once kickoff comes, and I come out, the focus will be on the game.” And managing the excitement amongst the whole team, will be one of the main tasks for United this weekend. Taking away all the hoopla that surrounds the game, there is still three points on the offer against the Vancouver Whitecaps that United have to take in order to get their second half of the season on the right course. But Olsen believes that his team is capable of separating the anticipation from the task at hand. “It’s a fine balance of the celebration of it all, but also understanding that we’ve got to get some points. And Vancouver is in our way,” said United’s longest-serving manager. “So the guys have a good understanding of using that energy and excitement of all this, but not get carried away, and still have the discipline that we need to go about getting the three points,” added Olsen. “That balance is always tough for teams that have a big game, with a lot of hype around it. I think we’re mature enough to deal with it.”<doc-sep>Wayne Rooney says DC United's new Audi Field stadium played a big role in his decision to join the MLS side. The former England captain signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with the Eastern Conference side, who sit bottom with two wins from 14 games. Speaking at the unveiling of the new 20,000-seater ground at Buzzard Point, Washington D.C, Rooney told supporters: "First of all, I want to say a huge thank you to the fans. On the first day when I arrived at the airport, I will never forget the reception you gave me. "Secondly, to all the owners of the football club for creating this beautiful stadium. When I spoke to them about coming here to play I could tell the excitement they had with the stadium. "I've seen the new training ground as well which will be completed next year. It played a big part in me coming here. "I've come here to win, to help this team move forward and win titles, that's my job here. Hopefully in the next few years we can bring titles and trophies to this wonderful new stadium." Image: Wayne Rooney is expected to make his DC United debut vs Vancouver Whitecaps Rooney is expected to make his DC United debut at Audi Field's inaugural match when they play the Vancouver Whitecaps on July 14, live on Sky Sports Football.<doc-sep>	Wayne Rooney made his MLS debut for DC United as they swept away Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in their first game at their newly opened Audi Field stadium. Rooney came on as a second-half substitute and impressed in just over half an hour on the pitch, notching an assist, but failed to open his account. DC were 1-0 up when Rooney was introduced thanks to a peach of an effort from Yamil Asad who curled into the top corner from the edge of the area. Manchester United legend Rooney came on in the 58th minute and his first touch was a free-kick more than 30 yards from goal. He struck into the wall but things would get better for Rooney who had a hand in the second goal. (Image: AFP) (Image: AFP) (Image: EMPICS Sport) It was a slick, one-touch passing move, and Rooney laid off to Zoltan Stieber who played through for Paul Arriola to finish past the goalkeeper. England's record scorer then set up a goal himself, laying off for Arriola to smash his second from the edge of the box and rubber-stamp the victory on an historic evening for DC United. Alphonso Davies, the first player born in the 21st century to play in the MLS, scored a superb consolation goal for Vancouver in stoppage time, the 17-year-old hammering into the far corner after sheer determination and a touch of skill. Rooney showed plenty of promising touches and improved DC's attacking play when he came on. (Image: Getty) (Image: USA TODAY Sports) (Image: AFP) Playing as an out-and-out striker, in contrast to his later days at Manchester United and subsequent second spell at Everton, he regularly played with his back to goal on the edge of the area to bring others into play. And that contributed to two goals on a promising first display. The closest he came to finding the net himself was a header from a cross from the left flank, but his angled effort was kept out by the goalkeeper. DC will hope their new talisman can help drag them off their bottom of the Eastern Conference as they prepare for a host of fixtures in their new home.
Links: Joni Ikonen departs In today’s links, the Canadiens will not offer a contract to Joni Ikonen before their four year exclusivity period expires, some are looking ahead to 2022 already, and Barry Trotz talks about coaching in the playoffs.<doc-sep>Tomas Plekanec was never going to be anything more than a rental for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Now it is official. When the trade deadline approached, the Toronto Maple Leafs were in desperate need of some center depth. It was clear head coach Mike Babcock didn’t have any confidence in Dominic Moore as his fourth line center. An upgrade was needed. Even at a shell of his former self, Plekanec was viewed as that upgrade. It was a brief affair with Plakanec, but it was OK while it lasted. As we speculated for a while now, the Canadiens will announce the return of Tomas Plekanec today once the market opens. One-year deal. He had some serious interest from Chicago, I believe, but returns to the Habs — Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 1, 2018 Tomas Plekanec appeared in 17 regular season games for the Leafs posting some very underwhelming numbers. Mustering 2 assists was disappointing, yes, but point production wasn’t why the leafs brought him in. Babcock had Zach Hyman and Leo Komarov taking PK faceoffs, because there wasn’t any other options. Leafs moving on Plekanec job was to stabilize the penalty kill and bring his 86 games of playoff experience to a young group. He did just that. Plekanec was a completely different player in the playoffs for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Registering 2 goals and 2 assists in the 7 game series against the Boston Bruins made the trade price to get him worth it. I haven’t been a fan of the Leafs giving division rivals 2nd round picks for rentals the last two years. Bringing Plekenec back as the fourth line center would have been a good option, but the writing was on the wall that Plekenec would end up back with the Habs. Sitting at 999 career games played, Plekenec will now get to play game 1000 back with the team where it all started. It had to have been weird for Plekenec to play for the Toronto Maple leafs after all those years playing for Montreal. It never seemed like he felt comfortable until the last couple games of the Boston series. If the Leafs were able to hold on in game 7, and advance it looked like Plekenec was finally comfortable. The fourth line center has been a black hole for the Leafs as of late, and with Plekenec no longer an option that will continue to be the case. But who really cares now because John Tavares is a Toronto Maple Leaf. Mathews, Tavares, Kadri is unmatched down the middle. Let the fun begin. Of course, the Leafs will need a fourth line centre, but at this point, it doesn’t seem to be a big concern!<doc-sep>Share this Story: Tomas Plekanec returns to the Canadiens as a free agent Tomas Plekanec returns to the Canadiens as a free agent Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs land John Tavares with seven-year contract worth US$77 million. Photo by John Mahoney / Montreal Gazette Article content Tomas Plekanec is coming back to the Canadiens. The Canadiens announced shortly after the NHL free-agent sweepstakes opened at noon Sunday that the 35-year-old Plekanec has agreed to terms on a one-year contract worth US$2.25 million with the possibility of earning another $1.25 million in bonuses. We apologize, but this video has failed to load. tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Tomas Plekanec returns to the Canadiens as a free agent Back to video Shortly after the Canadiens announced the Plekanec signing, the Toronto Maple Leafs announced they had landed the biggest fish in the free-agent pond, signing 27-year-old centre John Tavares to a seven-year, US$77-million contract after he decided not to re-sign with the New York Islanders. Tavares, who is from Mississauga, Ont., and grew up as a Maple Leafs fan, posted 37-47-84 totals last season with the Islanders, the team that selected him with the No. 1 overall pick at the 2009 NHL Draft. Not everyday you can live a childhood dream pic.twitter.com/YUTKdfMALl — John Tavares (@91Tavares) July 1, 2018 Advertisement Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content The Canadiens also announced Sunday that they have signed free-agent centre Matthew Peca to a two-year, US$2.6-million contract. The 5-foot-8, 178-pounder spent most of last season in the AHL, posting 13-33-46 totals with the Syracuse Crunch. In 10 games with the Tampa Bay Lightning, the 25-year-old had 2-3-5 totals. Peca’s new contract is a one-way deal, meaning he will earn $1.3 million per season whether he plays for the Canadiens or the AHL’s Laval Rocket. The Lightning selected Peca in the seventh round (201st overall) at the 2011 NHL Draft. “For us, our scouts that watched the whole year … a guy that was in the NHL this year,” Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin said about Peca when he met with the media at 3 p.m. Sunday in Brossard. “For us, it was our best upcoming (player). He’s 25 years old. Obviously, the open market you have to top the other teams. The agent was up-front and honest with us. He had an offer that was higher than ours. We put another year to bring the (average) down and that’s what we did. It’s short-term, he’s still young. And then if he performs the way we think he might be able to … we always gamble a bit, but for us it was a good gamble.” We apologize, but this video has failed to load. tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Advertisement Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content Bergevin didn’t have to gamble on Plekanec because the GM knows exactly what he’s getting from the veteran centre who can still play a solid defensive game but has seen his offensive production dry up with age. The Canadiens traded Plekanec to the Maple Leafs on Feb. 25, along with forward Kyle Baun, in exchange for forward Kerby Rychel, defenceman Rinat Valiev and a second-round pick at this year’s NHL Draft. The Canadiens used that pick (56th overall) to select Swedish centre Jacob Olofsson. Plekanec became an unrestricted free agent after completing a two-year, US$12-million contract last season. In 60 games with the Canadiens last season, Plekanec posted 6-18-24 totals. In 17 regular-season games with the Maple Leafs, he had only two assists before posting 2-2-4 totals in seven playoff games. Tomas Plekanec meets with media in Brossard after re-signing with #Habs as a free agent #HabsIO pic.twitter.com/UroGOPnipu — Stu Cowan (@StuCowan1) July 1, 2018 Advertisement Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content Plekanec will now hit the 1,000-game mark in the NHL in a Canadiens uniform when they play their second game next season on Oct. 6 in Pittsburgh. In 998 career regular-season games, Plekanec has 232-375-607 totals. Tavares will play his first game for the Maple Leafs when they open the season against Plekanec and the Canadiens on Oct. 3 in Toronto. After being traded by the Canadiens at last season’s NHL trade deadline, Plekanec made it very clear he wanted to return to Montreal. When asked at the time about the possibility of playing his 1,000th game in a Canadiens uniform, Plekanec said: “That would be pretty special, of course.” Now it will happen. [email protected] twitter.com/StuCowan1 Related Share this article in your social network Latest National Stories Advertisement Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Montreal Gazette Headline News Sign up to receive daily headline news from the Montreal Gazette, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. Email Address There was an error, please provide a valid email address. By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. You may unsubscribe any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of our emails. Postmedia Network Inc. \| 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4 \| 416-383-2300 Thanks for signing up! A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it please check your junk folder. The next issue of Montreal Gazette Headline News will soon be in your inbox. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again Trending<doc-sep>	MONTREAL, QC - JANUARY 23: Look on Montreal Canadiens Center Tomas Plekanec (14) during the Colorado Avalanche versus the Montreal Canadiens game on January 23, 2018, at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) The Montreal Canadiens bring back long-time centre Tomas Plekanec to a one-year deal after spending the rest of the 2017-18 season as a Toronto Maple Leaf. It’s official! The turtleneck is back with the Montreal Canadiens. The Habs announced that it will be a one-year deal for Tomas Plekanec seeing him make 2.25 million. His contract will also see him make $250,000 for each 30, 40, and 50 games played and another $250,000 for 10 goals or 25 assists and if the team makes the playoffs. In 60 games with Montreal this season, Plekanec scored 6 goals and 20 assists. He only added 2 assists with the Toronto Maple Leafs in the regular season but scored 2 goals and 2 assists in their 7 playoff games. With offence being an element of his game that’s been on the decline, Plekanec’s role of being the reliable centre shouldn’t change. Perhaps who he plays with will get more points under his belt, but we’ll have to wait for training camp to see those combinations in play. The transition of Plekanec with the team this past season was interesting. His contract status wasn’t talked about as much until it was apparent Montreal wouldn’t be a playoff team. If things were different, Marc Bergevin would’ve definitely kept the 35-year-old past the trade deadline as he was a staple on the team defensively. However, the Montreal Canadiens found themselves at the belly of the beast and got assets for Plekanec instead of keeping him for the rest of the season. Those assets – Kerby Rychel, Rinat Valiev, and Jacob Olofsson (the second-round pick in the trade) – don’t look too bad. With the Czech native back, he and the Habs will be getting that 1000 game celebration in the 2018-19 season. Plekanec is sitting at 998 regular season games played and will now reach the milestone as part of the organization. Based on the schedule, October 6th against the Pittsburgh Penguins is the special day. The team will most likely plan a pre-game celebration for the accomplishment at their home opener against the Los Angeles Kings on the 11th. Want your voice heard? Join the A Winning Habit team! Write for us! With Plekanec on a contract, who, if anyone, is next?
Doctor Who certainly didn't waste its Hall H panel at San Diego Comic Con 2018. It not only released a brand new trailer (which you can watch above), but also confirmed a whole host of other juicy information, from that all important Christmas episode to our first look at the new sonic screwdriver. As new Doctor Jodie Whittaker took to the stage, fans in Hall H struggled to contain their excitement, but that was nothing compared to the reaction to the trailer. It gave us our first proper look at the new Doctor and her companions. Promising "new faces, new worlds, new times" and more, the 40-second teaser was just the beginning of the revelations. Whittaker also revealed to fans her new-look sonic screwdriver, which you can see in more detail below: But that's not all. We now know how many episodes of the new season we're getting and whether one will have a distinctly festive feel to it... There'd been some doubt recently whether we'd get the traditional Doctor Who Christmas special this year, but showrunner Chris Chibnall confirmed we'd get a dose of the Doctor this December in a press conference at San Diego Comic Con - attended by our sister publication SFX magazine - before the Hall H panel. Read More Watch every San Diego Comic Con 2018 trailer - from The Walking Dead to Doctor Who "We seem to be filming 11 episodes, and it's only a series of 10," Chibnall teased at the press conference. "I would definitely think there's another episode after the end of the series, yeah." Something else revealed via Comic Con is that there will be no two-parter episodes and that the focus will be on standalone stories. "It's 10 standalone episodes, there's no two-parters or anything like that," Chibnall told Digital Spy. "What we want is for people to feel like we've got the range and variety of Doctor Who this year. So if you've never seen it before, you're gonna fall in love with it, and if you have seen it, you're gonna get those things that you love about the show across the 10 episodes." Finally, BBC One and BBC American released some new image for Doctor Who season 11, which you can feast your eyes on below: Feeling festive? Here's every Doctor Who Christmas special ranked from worst to best, plus, the best Christmas movies of all time.<doc-sep>Doctor Who’s upcoming 11th season got a new trailer at Comic-Con 2018, and much like the teaser aired during the World Cup final last week, the focus is all on the three new companions that will be accompanying Jodie Whittaker’s Thirteenth Doctor on her journeys through time and space. “All of this is new to me.” “All of this is new to me,” intones the Doctor in a voiceover, “New faces, new worlds, new times,” — a fitting sentiment, given that the long-running British sci-fi show is entering an entirely new era: along with Whittaker beginning her run as the Doctor, Chris Chibnall is taking the helm behind the scenes as the new showrunnner. Whittaker is also the first woman to play the role of Doctor, taking over for Peter Capaldi, who portrayed the Twelfth Doctor for the past few seasons. The new trailer doesn’t give away much — just a few clips of the Doctor, a glimpse of her new sonic screwdriver, some presumably alien landscapes, and a couple of shots of the three new companions revealed last week: Graham, Yasmin, and Ryan (played by Bradley Walsh, Mandip Gill, and Tosin Cole, respectively). But we shouldn’t have too long to wait — the new series is expected to premiere sometime in October.<doc-sep>	A new poster for the upcoming season of Doctor Who has been released. The poster has been revealed alongside the new trailer, which was screened as part of the show's panel at San Diego Comic-Con. Doctor Who Season 11 will feature Jodie Whittaker as the first female Doctor and arrives in the fall. The poster is a stylish affair that shows Whittaker surrounded by various brightly-colored cosmic objects. It uses the phrase "the universe is calling," and the accompanying tweet highlights the fact that the Doctor will be using a new sonic screwdriver. Check it out below: Whittaker is playing the 13th incarnation of the Doctor, and takes over from Peter Capaldi. She will be accompanied by three companions this time--Ryan (Tosin Cole), Yasmin (Mandip Gill), and Graham (Bradley Walsh). At the SDCC panel, Whittaker spoke about taking on this iconic role. "I knew obviously being the first female it was going to have some extra responsibility thrown it," she said, via Vulture. "But it's incredibly inclusive, and knowing the fans are all over the world, it's immediately felt like this huge Whovian family." The show also has a new showrunner, with Broadchurch's Chris Chibnall taking over from Steven Moffat. At the panel, Chibnall described how the new season would be a great place for new fans to join the show. "This year is the perfect jumping-on point," he said. "That person in your life who has never watched Doctor Who, I want you to go out and recruit them. Sit them down for Jodie's first episode so you can go, 'See?!' There is no barrier to entry this year! It's a big, inclusive, mainstream, accessible series." San Diego Comic-Con 2018 Coverage
ANDY BUCHANAN/Getty Images Eight of the last nine British Open champions have been first-time winners. The favourite heading into Thursday's opening day of the 147th Open is world No. 1 Dustin Johnson, per OddsShark, who has never won golf's oldest major. Nor have Justin Rose, Rickie Fowler, Jon Rahm and Tommy Fleetwood, who are also well fancied. Many will look to the group of favourites to produce the 2018 champion at Carnoustie in Angus, Scotland. But there are plenty of sleepers who could also make a splash. Paul Casey 40-1 ANDY BUCHANAN/Getty Images Casey, 40, will play in his 16th Open Championship this year at Carnoustie. He has finished twice in the top 10, tying for seventh in 2008 and third in 2010, while he was tied-11th last year. The world No. 14 will understand the challenge that faces the field at Carnoustie. Conditions are set to be difficult, and links golf can be unpredictable. That should not phase Casey, who has enjoyed a fine year so far in 2018. Video Play Button Videos you might like He triumphed at the Valspar Championship back in March, was fifth at the Wells Fargo Championship in May and finished second at the Travelers Championship last month. That is some fine form to take into the British Open and, at 40-1, Casey looks a decent bet, especially if he can make a fast start on Thursday. Prediction: Top 10 Russell Knox 66-1 Andrew Redington/Getty Images There has not been a Scottish winner of the Open since 1999, when Paul Lawrie famously won a play-off at Carnoustie after Jean van de Velde's 72nd-hole collapse. If that run of disappointment is going to end for the inventors of the game it could well happen back at Carnoustie, where links experience and the ability to cope with adverse conditions can be vital. And of the five Scotsmen in the field this year, Knox looks to have the best chance of lifting the Claret Jug. The 33-year-old has looked brilliant on the European Tour of late, following a second-place finish at the French Open with a fine victory at the Irish Open earlier this month: Last week at the Scottish Open, he then shot in the 60s in his first three rounds to go into Sunday in contention before carding a disappointing 75. Bar that round, though, he has been brilliant in his last three tournaments and could yet follow in Lawrie's footsteps by bringing the Open back home. Prediction: T-3 Tony Finau 100-1 Michael Owens/Getty Images Americans do not like Carnoustie—or at least their recent record at the course would suggest as much. In the last two Opens played there, in 1999 and 2007, only one player from the United States has managed a top-five finish: Justin Leonard lost out to Lawrie in the play-off with Van de Velde. For context, in the last five Opens, American players have taken 10 of the 25 available top-five spots, including three champions. However, if there is to be an under-the-radar winner from the U.S. this year, it could well be Tony Finau. He has been superb at the majors so far in 2018, placing 10th at the Masters and fifth at the U.S. Open, and the 28-year-old has the confidence and the game not to be overawed by the challenge posed at Carnoustie. Prediction: Top 20<doc-sep>A capsule look at 10 top contenders for the British Open, to be played July 19-22 at Carnoustie Golf Links in Scotland (listed in order of predicted finish): JUSTIN ROSE Age: 37. Country: England. World ranking: 3. Worldwide victories: 20. Majors: US Open (2013). 2018 Majors: Masters-T12, US Open-T10. British Open memory: Holing out a wedge for par on the 18th hole at Royal Birkdale in 1998 when he tied for fourth as an 18-year-old amateur. Backspin: Twenty years after he made his memorable Open debut, Rose will have a chance to reach No. 1 in the world. He has not missed a cut since the PGA Championship, and he has six top 10s in his 11 starts this year. Driving and iron play are his strengths, and they are critical at Carnoustie. MORE: Complete field for the 2018 Open Championship JUSTIN THOMAS Age: 25. Country: United States. World ranking: 2. Worldwide victories: 9. Majors: PGA Championship (2017) 2018 Majors: Masters-T17, US Open-T25. British Open memory: Making a 9 on the sixth hole at Royal Birkdale last year, and being seen on television counting the shots on his fingers. Backspin: He already has backed up last year with two victories this season and reached No. 1 in the world. Thomas is mentioned frequently as a player who shows impressive control of his shots in the wind when he plays in south Florida. ___ TOMMY FLEETWOOD Age: 27. Country: England. World ranking: 10. Worldwide victories: 5. Majors: None. 2018 Majors: Masters-T17, US Open-2. British Open memory: Bouncing back from an opening 76 before a home crowd at Royal Birkdale to make the cut on the number. Backspin: Closed out the U.S. Open with a record-tying 63 despite missing birdie putts of 12 feet and 8 feet over the last three holes. He shows up big in the biggest tournaments against the strongest fields. The last British winner of the Open was at Carnoustie (Paul Lawrie) in 1999. Fleetwood set the course record at Carnoustie last year in the Dunhill Links Championship with a 63. BROOKS KOEPKA Age: 28. Country: United States. World ranking: 4. Worldwide victories: 6. Majors: US Open (2017, 2018) 2018 Majors: Masters-DNP, US Open-1. British Open memory: Telling the R&A he was not going to keep playing at St. Andrews because his golf ball wouldn't stay still on the putting surface in 2015. Backspin: Missed four months with a wrist injury, and didn't miss a step in his return. He became the first player in 29 years to win back-to-back U.S. Opens. Koepka seems to play his best golf in the majors because they get his attention. MORE: Tiger Woods history at Carnoustie \| Golfers with best history at Carnoustie TIGER WOODS Age: 42. Country: Unites States. World ranking: 69. Worldwide victories: 90. Majors: Masters (1997, 2001, 2002, 2005), US Open (2000, 2002 2008), British Open (2000, 2005, 2006), PGA Championship (1999, 2000, 2006, 2007). 2018 Majors: Masters-T32, US Open-Cut. British Open highlights: Winning at St. Andrews in 2000 to complete the career Grand Slam at age 24, and then winning at St. Andrews in 2005 for a different Grand Slam — he won all four majors that Jack Nicklaus played for the final time. Backspin: Woods has had moments where he looked capable of winning this year, such as the Valspar Championship, where he was runner-up. But he struggled in the two majors. He was never closer than seven shots at the Masters and missed the cut at the U.S. Open. He will probably need a top 10 at Carnoustie to become eligible for the final World Golf Championship event at Firestone, where he is an eight-time winner. ___ DUSTIN JOHNSON Age: 34. Country: United States. World ranking: 1. Worldwide victories: 18. Majors: US Open (2016). 2018 Majors: Masters-T10, US Open-3. British Open memory: Hitting a 2-iron out-of-bounds on the 14th hole at Royal St. George's when he was making a Sunday charge in 2011. Backspin: He has two victories and two runner-up finishes this year, and he thought he had another U.S. Open title until his putter went cold on the weekend at Shinnecock Hills. He is tough to beat as long as he doesn't get frustrated if the putts don't go in early. RELATED: How to watch The Open Championship RORY MCILROY Age: 29. Country: Northern Ireland. World ranking: 8. Worldwide victories: 22. Majors: US Open (2011), British Open (2014), PGA Championship (2012, 2014). 2018 Majors: Masters-T5, US Open-MC. British Open memory: Winning at Royal Liverpool in 2014. Backspin: A year that began with promise when he won at Bay Hill has the trappings of frustration. He failed to convert from playing in the final group at the Masters with a shot at the career Grand Slam. Since then, he has contended just one time, losing the weekend lead at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. JORDAN SPIETH Age: 24. Country: United States. World ranking: 6. Worldwide victories: 14. Majors: Masters (2015), US Open (2015), British Open (2017). 2018 Majors: Masters-3, US Open-Cut. British Open memory: His birdie-eagle-birdie-birdie stretch at Royal Birkdale to win last year for the third leg of the career Grand Slam. Backspin: Spieth seems to fall off in the even-numbered years, and this is no exception. Not only has he failed to win, his only serious chance was at the Masters when he started the final round nine shots behind and shot 64 with a bogey on the last hole. He is coming off a three-week break, the longest of his year. ___ PATRICK REED Age: 27. Country: United States. World ranking: 13. Worldwide victories: 6. Majors: Masters (2018). 2018 Majors: Masters-1, US Open-4. British Open memory: Opening with a 78 in his British Open debut at Royal Liverpool. Backspin: No one talked about a Grand Slam until the Masters champion had a share of the lead in the final round of the U.S. Open. The Masters remains his only victory this year. Reed has been leading the Race to Dubai in Europe since his Masters victory. ___ SERGIO GARCIA Age: 38. Country: Spain. World ranking: 19. Worldwide victories: 28. Majors: Masters (2017). 2018 Majors: Masters-Cut, US Open-Cut. British Open memory: Watching a 10-foot putt to win lip out at Carnoustie in 2007 and then losing a playoff to Padraig Harrington. Backspin: Garcia hasn't made the cut in a major since the British Open last year. He has shown progress in Germany and France in recent weeks. Carnoustie holds two bad memories: crying in his mother's arms after an 89 in 1999, and the playoff loss to Harrington in which he said he was playing against more than the field. This article was written by Doug Ferguson from The Associated Press and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to [email protected].<doc-sep>The third golf major of the year is upon us. The British Open—otherwise known as the Open Championship (it depends on whom you ask)—at the Carnoustie Golf Links in Scotland is set to begin on Thursday. As ESPN pointed out, heading into the tournament the story might be the recent dominance of young, American golfers, who have won the last five majors—two-time U.S. Open winner Brooks Koepka, Master champ Patrick Reed, PGA Championship winner Justin Thomas and defending British Open champ Jordan Spieth. Koepka is the oldest of that bunch at just 28 years old. Spieth—who has already won three majors at just 24 years old—credited highly competitive youth golf for the early successes of he and his U.S. comrades. "So maybe when it took five years to transition guys into winning ten, fifteen years ago, it's taking guys five months now," Spieth told ESPN. "And therefore whether it's five times faster, ten times faster ... you're that much quicker and more well-prepared for majors. And so it's a natural transition into fearless golf at the highest level. I think that's what you're kind of seeing out of 20-something-year-olds." Of course, we can't talk golf without talking Tiger Woods as well. A lot of the talk leading up to the start of the tournament has surrounded the slow-ish speed of the greens and the burned-out fairways that might require little to no driver off the tee—a fact that might help Woods. "Well, there's not a lot of opportunities to hit the driver just because the ball is going to be rolling 80 yards. It's just hard to keep the ball in play," Woods told USA Today, even as other top players indicated they may use the big stick often in an effort try to garner an advantage over the field. Woods, of course, hasn't won a major in a decade and hasn't won on the PGA Tour since 2013. But he has been playing pretty well. And while he's not considered one of the absolute favorites to win it all—World No. 1 Dustin Johnson is the favorite—Woods does have pretty short odds for someone who hasn't won in a while. Here are the odds for the entire British Open field, via Odds Shark, which relied on the sports book Bovada: Dustin Johnson +1200 Justin Rose +1600 Rickie Fowler +1600 Rory McIlroy +1600 Jordan Spieth +2200 Jon Rahm +2200 Tommy Fleetwood +2200 Justin Thomas +2200 Brooks Koepka +2200 Tiger Woods +2200 Henrik Stenson +2800 Sergio Garcia +2800 Alex Noren +3000 Francesco Molinari +3300 Jason Day +3300 Patrick Reed +3500 Paul Casey +4000 Tyrrell Hatton +4000 Branden Grace +4000 Marc Leishman +4500 Hideki Matsuyama +5000 Matthew Fitzpatrick +6000 Ian Poulter +6600 Phil Mickelson +6600 Russell Knox +6600 Thomas Pieters +7500 Bubba Watson +8000 Louis Oosthuizen +8000 Matt Kuchar +8000 Tony Finau +10000 Zach Johnson +10000 Thorbjorn Olesen +10000 Patrick Cantlay +10000 Emiliano Grillo +10000 Luke List +12500 Bryson DeChambeau +12500 Rafael Cabrera Bello +12500 Adam Scott +12500 Lee Westwood +12500 Haotong Li +12500 Ryan Fox +12500 Webb Simpson +12500 Matthew Southgate +12500 Andy Sullivan +15000 Brandt Snedeker +15000 Chris Wood +15000 Danny Willett +15000 Paul Dunne +15000 Shane Lowry +15000 Xander Schaufflele +15000 Brandon Stone +15000 Charley Hoffman +15000 Brian Harman +15000 Ryan Moore +15000 Eddie Pepperell +17500 Kevin Na +17500 Kiradech Aphibarnrat +20000 Padraig Harrington +20000 Byeong Hun An +20000 Charl Schwartzel +20000 Daniel Berger +20000 Martin Kaymer +20000 Dylan Frittelli +20000 Ross Fisher +20000 Russell Henley +20000 Cameron Smith +20000 Kyle Stanley +20000 Jordan Smith +22500 Peter Uihlein +25000 Julian Suri +25000 Alexander Bjork +25000 Beau Hossler +25000 Gary Woodland +25000 Jason Dufner +25000 Jimmy Walker +25000 Jorge Campillo +25000 Stewart Cink +25000 Pat Perez +25000 Michael Kim +30000 Keegan Bradley +30000 Alexander Levy +30000 Si Woo Kim +30000 Nicolas Colsaerts +30000 Retief Goosen +30000 Cameron Davis +30000 Jens Dantorp +40000 Matt Wallace +40000 Anirban Lahiri +40000 George Coetzee +40000 Kevin Chappell +40000 Kevin Kisner +40000 Ryan Armour +40000 Chesson Hadley +50000 Erik Van Rooyen +50000 Adam Hadwin +50000 Andrew Landry +50000 Austin Cook +50000 Charles Howell III +50000 Chez Reavie +50000 Brendan Steele +50000 Shubhankar Sharma +50000 Jonas Blixt +50000 Matt Jones +50000 Bronson Burgoon +50000 Brady Schnell +50000 Brett Rumford +50000 Danthai Boonma +50000 Darren Clarke +50000 Gavin Green +50000 Grant Forrest +50000 Jack Senior +50000 Jazz Janewattananond +50000 John Daly +50000 Jovan Rebula +50000 Kodai Ichihara +50000 Lin Yuxin +50000 Lucas Herbert +50000 Michael Hendry +50000 Minchel Choi +50000 Oliver Wilson +50000 Ryuko Tokimatsu +50000 Sang Hyun Park +50000 Sean Crocker +50000 Shaun Norris +50000 Shota Akiyoshi +50000 Jhonattan Vegas +75000 Scott Jamieson +75000 Bernhard Langer +75000 Sung Kang +75000 Ernie Els +75000 Marcus Kinhult +100000 Patton Kizzire +100000 Satoshi Kodaira +100000 Fabrizio Zanotti +100000 Hideto Tanihara +100000 Jason Kokrak +100000 Kelly Kraft +100000 Tom Lewis +100000 Yuta Ikeda +100000 Zander Lombard +100000 Abraham Ancer +100000 Ashton Turner +100000 Ben Curtis +100000 David Duval +100000 Haraldur Magnus +100000 James Robinson +100000 Marcus Armitage +100000 Mark Calcavecchia +100000 Masahiro Kawamura +100000 Masanori Kobayashi +100000 Miyazato Yusaku +100000 Nicolaj Hojgaard +100000 Rhys Enoch +150000 Thomas Curtis +250000 Sam Locke +250000 Sandy Lyle +250000 Todd Hamilton +250000 Tom Lehman +250000<doc-sep>	Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images Dustin Johnson will head into the 2018 British Open as the favourite to win a second major at Carnoustie Golf Links in Angus, Scotland, but one top-10 finish at this contest in the last five attempts suggests it will be a tall order. Johnson's best result at The Open was a share of second place in 2011, but he's managed to finish in the top 10 in both majors so far this year (The Masters and U.S. Open) and will again be billed as the lead contender in Scotland. The American is priced as an 11-1 frontrunner with OddsShark, just about edging Rory McIlroy, who comes a narrow second at 12-1, followed by Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler, Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood, all at 16-1. Below is a look at the market heading into the British Open, where Johnson will try to take Spieth's title and record back-to-back American winners in the competition for the first time in 13 years. 2018 British Open: Top 10 Odds Video Play Button Videos you might like Dustin Johnson: 11-1 Rory McIlroy: 12-1 Jordan Spieth: 16-1 Rickie Fowler: 16-1 Justin Rose: 16-1 Tommy Fleetwood: 16-1 Brooks Koepka: 20-1 Tiger Woods: 20-1 Justin Thomas: 20-1 Jon Rahm: 20-1 Odds provided courtesy of OddsShark. Favourites Preview World No. 1 Johnson hasn't played in a tour event since he finished third at the U.S. Open in June, where a particularly ugly 77 on Day 3 derailed what looked to be a certain title challenge. ESPN Stats & Info illustrated just how rare his failure to capture the title at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York, really was: Winning The Open for the first time in his career would be a surefire way to make up for that, although Johnson's recent runs at this tournament have largely been uninspiring. It's been seven years since he managed his career-best tie for second in this event, finishing top 10 once in the past five years. But there's little disputing the top-ranked player in the world will always have a shot, as will sixth in the rankings Spieth, who can become the first player in a decade to win back-to-back British Open crowns come Sunday: Spieth lifted the Claret Jug last year in what was his only top-10 result at a major in 2017. He's yet to add any further majors this year, but he's already matched that tally in 2018 with his run to third at the Masters. He and McIlroy both failed to make the cut of this year's U.S. Open, a disappointment that's sure to have stirred motivation in both stars. Form isn't everything in golf, but if it was, Tiger Woods would statistically stand a better chance of adding a fourth British Open to his trophy cabinet ahead of Spieth, per golf journalist Amanda Rose: Woods' most recent display saw him excel to share fourth at the Quicken Loans National at the beginning of this month, although there are bound to be ongoing concerns over his lasting power in Angus. Brooks Koepka and Tommy Fleetwood will both be more heavily considered for top spot in Scotland come Sunday after taking first and second, respectively, at the U.S. Open, per ESPN's Darren Rovell: American Koepka is on a particular high after clinching back-to-back victories at the U.S. Open, which followed a second-place finish at the Fort Worth Invitational in May. Fleetwood started his 2018 with three consecutive top-10 finishes in his first three European Tour events, but the U.S. Open was a substantial reminder of what he can bring regardless of the form he's in.
Grammys 2019: Michelle Obama makes surprise appearance 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. Former First Lady Michelle Obama joined host Alicia Keys, Lady Gaga, Jada Pinkett-Smith and Jennifer Lopez at the start of the 61st Annual Grammy Awards. They all spoke about why music is so powerful and important to each of them. Michelle said: “From the Motown records I wore on the South Side to the ‘who run the world’ songs that fuelled me through this last decade, music has always helped me tell my story.” The crowd erupted in a standing ovation at this point and everyone was on their feet. She added: “And I know that’s true for everybody here, whether we like country or rap or rock, music helps us share ourselves, our dignity, our sorrows, our hopes and joys. “It allows us to hear one another, to invite one another in. Music show us that all of it matters, every story, every voice, every note, in every song. Is this right ladies.” The response online was hugely positive, with everyone backing Michelle for her appearance. US President 2020: US President 2020: Michelle joined other major singers on stage at the Grammys Michelle Obama recalls awkward moment with Melania Trump Many have alluded to the fact she could be testing the waters for running as President in 2020. However both she and former President Obama have ruled this out and said she is not interested in running. She explained her reasons at the 39th Annual Simmons Leadership Conference in Boston in April. The former First Lady said: “The reason why I don’t want to run for president - and I can’t speak for Oprah - but my sense is that, first of all, you have to want the job. US President 2020: The crowd erupted in applause at Michelle Obama's speech “And you just can’t say, ‘Well you’re a woman, run’. “We just can’t find the women we like an ask them to do it, because there are millions of women who are inclined and do have the passion for politics. “I’ve never had the passion for politics. I just happened to be married to somebody who has the passion for politics, and he drug me kicking and screaming into this arena.” Lady Gaga spoke how her music gave her a voice and a soul. US President 2020: Michelle said Beyonce's Run the World helped her through the last decade<doc-sep>“Whether we like country or rap or rock, music helps us share ourselves, our dignity and sorrows, our hopes and joys. It allows us to hear one another, to invite each other in. Music shows us that all of it matters — every story within every voice, every note within every song. Is that right ladies?” she said as many in the crowd remained standing. The moment could not have come at a better time for the show. Last year, the event, which has struggled to stay relevant, came under fire for a statement made by Neil Portnow, the chief executive of the Recording Academy. Women in music should “step up” to advance their careers, he had said. The academy has since changed its membership and nominations process in efforts to address underlying problems of inequality. On Sunday night, the women onstage with Obama spoke about how music gave them a space to explore who they are. “They said I was weird, that my look, my choices, my sound, that it wouldn’t work,” Lady Gaga said. “But music told me not to listen to them. Music took my ears, took my hands, my voice and my soul, and it led me to all of you and to my Little Monsters who I love so much.” Next, Pinkett Smith spoke. “We express our pain, power, progress through music — whether we’re creating it, or just appreciating it,” she said. “But here’s what I know: Every voice we hear deserves to be honored and respected.”<doc-sep>NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 07: Aretha Franklin performs on stage at the Elton John AIDS Foundation Commemorates Its 25th Year And Honors Founder Sir Elton John During New York Fall Gala - Show at Cathedral of St. John the Divine on November 7, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Nicholas Hunt/WireImage) LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 10: Drake accepts the Best Rap Song award for 'God's Plan' onstage during the 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on February 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy) Editor’s Note: Rebecca Bodenheimer is a freelance writer who writes about Cuba, American popular culture, identity and higher education. The views expressed in this commentary are solely hers. View more opinion articles on CNN. (CNN) — There’s no doubt that women had a banner year at the Grammys. It’s hard to say if this is an anomaly or the new normal, and it’s too soon to herald a changing of the guard within the Recording Academy. However, the diversity of the female performers/honorees and winners – not only in terms of race, but also musical genre and generation (from legends like Dolly Parton and Diana Ross to newcomers like Camila Cabello, Dua Lipa, and H.E.R.) – is worth noting and applauding. Let’s hope it’s a sign of a more equitable future in the music industry. photo courtesy of the author Rebecca Bodenheimer The hashtag #GrammysSoMale went viral after the awards show last year. Recording Academy president Neil Portnow chimed in with a tone-deaf response, saying women “needed to step up” – the music industry equivalent of Sheryl Sandberg’s corporate feminism mantra “lean in,” a comment that totally disregarded the presence of any sexism or bias on the part of the Grammys or the music industry writ large. The show had some missteps, but overall it was a marked improvement from last year in one major way: Women dominated the night. From the choice to have Alicia Keys – who famously vowed to stop wearing makeup to challenge normative notions of beauty – host the show, to bringing out Michelle Obama (surrounded by Keys, Jada Pinkett Smith, Lady Gaga, and Jennifer Lopez) as a surprise guest, there was a clear decision to put forth an empowering message about gender equality that was purposely diverse. As Obama said, looking at the women sharing the stage with her, “Music shows us that all of it matters, every story within every voice, every note within every song – is that right, ladies?” Camila Cabello opened the show with a Havana-inspired performance of her hit by the same name that featured Latin music stars Ricky Martin, Arturo Sandoval, and J Balvin. Following up on Cabello’s pro-immigration speech from last year’s Grammys, this performance saw Balvin sitting on a bench reading a newspaper whose anti-Trump headline read “Build Bridges, Not Walls.” It’s not insignificant that this was the first time a Latina artist opened the Grammys show. These performances were a pleasant surprise, since I didn’t have high hopes for the Grammys going into Sunday night’s show. It was dogged by controversy in advance, particularly since the artist with the #1 song in the country, Ariana Grande, decided not to perform because she felt the show’s producer, Ken Ehrlich, was stifling her creative autonomy. In addition, multiple rap nominees declined the Grammys’ invitation to perform. Drake, who initially said no, did attend, and accepted his Best Rap Song award for “God’s Plan” with a surprising speech that took a swipe at the Grammys; he declared that as long as fans are buying records and concert tickets, these awards don’t matter all that much. Childish Gambino didn’t attend, although he was the night’s biggest winner, taking home Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Music Video, and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for “This Is America,” a song that I doubt would have even been considered for these awards if not for its audacious, endlessly analyzable video. His absence suggests that the Grammys still have a hip-hop problem. The fact that “This Is America” was the first rap song to win “Song of the Year” is downright embarrassing, given the fact that hip-hop is now in its mid-40s. Then there was the announcement last week that Jennifer Lopez would be headlining the Grammys’ tribute to Motown’s 60th anniversary, which raised a lot of eyebrows (including my own). Not only is JLo not an R&B singer – she’s widely known to be a much better overall performer/dancer than vocalist per se; to put it bluntly, she doesn’t have the vocal chops or the musical lineage for a Motown tribute. But there she was, headlining a performance that was backed up by Ne-Yo and a Motown legend himself, Smokey Robinson. Diana Ross was already performing in honor of her 75th birthday, but there are dozens of other Motown recording artists who are alive, well, and still performing who would have been a more meaningful choice than JLo, starting with Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Lionel Richie, Boyz II Men, DeBarge, and/or Michael McDonald (who recorded two Motown tribute albums!). JLo should have never been invited to perform this tribute, but given that she was, she should have turned it down. Still, female artists were the clear highlight of the night. Janelle Monae brilliantly performed her Prince-inspired “Make Me Feel,” declaring in the middle of the song, “Let the vagina have a monologue!” This was followed by Album of the Year winner Kacey Musgraves, a beautiful tribute to Dolly Parton featuring duets with Miley Cyrus and other female country singers, a powerful Lady Gaga rendition of “Shallow,” and a raunchy, show-stopping performance of “Money” by Cardi B, who made history by becoming the first female solo artist to win Best Rap Album. While many of these performances were bursting with energy and female swagger, the biggest revelation of the night for me was sister duo Chloe x Halle’s stripped down, gorgeously harmonized rendition of Donny Hathaway and Roberta Flack’s “Where Is the Love?”<doc-sep>After the other three talked about their appreciation for music, Obama started to speak, but the crowd’s applause drowned her out. “All right, we got a show to do!” she said with a laugh and then segued into her own tribute, which, of course, included a reference to Beyoncé: “From the Motown records I wore out on the South Side to the ‘Who Runs the World’ songs that fueled me through this last decade, music has always helped me tell my story . . . whether we like country or rap or rock, music helps us share ourselves. Our dignity, our sorrows, our hopes and joys. It allows us to hear one another, to invite each other in. Music shows us that all of it matters, every story within every voice, every note within every song.”<doc-sep>	NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 07: Aretha Franklin performs on stage at the Elton John AIDS Foundation Commemorates Its 25th Year And Honors Founder Sir Elton John During New York Fall Gala - Show at Cathedral of St. John the Divine on November 7, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Nicholas Hunt/WireImage) NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 28: Host James Corden attends the 60th Annual GRAMMY Awards at Madison Square Garden on January 28, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images) Janelle Monae attends the 2018 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 4, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images) What to look for at the 2019 Grammys Grammy trophies sit in the press room during the 60th Annual Grammy Awards on January 28, 2018, in New York. / AFP PHOTO / Don EMMERT (Photo credit should read DON EMMERT/AFP/Getty Images) LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 10: Drake accepts the Best Rap Song award for 'God's Plan' onstage during the 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on February 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy) (CNN) — Former first lady Michelle Obama made a surprise appearance at the Grammy Awards on Sunday night and talked about how music has “always helped me tell my story.” Obama appeared on stage alongside Lady Gaga, Jada Pinkett Smith, Jennifer Lopez, and host Alicia Keys. “From the Motown records I wore out on the South Side —” Obama began, but was immediately drowned out by thunderous applause from the crowd. After sustained applause, Obama laughed and said, “All right you all, all right, we got a show to do.” “From the Motown records I wore out on the South Side, to the ‘who run the world’ songs that fueled me through this last decade, music has always helped me tell my story. And I know that’s true for everybody here,” Obama said. “Whether we like country, or rap or rock, music helps us share ourselves — our dignity and sorrows, our hopes and joys,” the former first lady continued. “It allows us to hear one another, to invite each other in.” “Music shows us that all of it matters, every story within every voice, every note within every song — is that right ladies?” Obama asked, looking around at the women on stage with her. Obama’s recently published memoir, “Becoming,” quickly became a best-seller and has become one of the most popular books of the decade. Obama has sold out arenas on her massive international book tour, where she has been interviewed on stage by Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Sarah Jessica Parker and former Obama senior adviser Valerie Jarrett, among others. Obama posted on Twitter after the Grammy appearance, “A big part of friendship is showing up for your girls—that’s why I was thrilled to be there for the one and only @aliciakeys at the #GRAMMYs. She is one of the most genuine and thoughtful people I know—there’s no one better to help us all celebrate the unifying power of music!”
Even the rich and famous can use a hand tidying up. On Tuesday night, late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel invited the esteemed queen of all things organized and clean, Marie Kondo, to help him sort out his life… er, his office. “We’ve been doing our show for 16 years. I’m a pack rat. I’m a slob, too, and I’ve accumulated a lot of stuff,” Kimmel said to his audience. So he invited Kondo to do with him what she’s done for millions across the globe: help him figure out what sparks joy in him and get rid of the rest. Advertisement Upon Kondo’s arrival to his office, Kimmel prefaced the tidying spree with a confession: “I had a nightmare about this the other night… I dreamed you came into my office and started destroying my things.” Laughing, Kondo clarified through her translator that he’d be doing all the hard work and that she wouldn’t force him to throw anything away. As she does in her widely popular Netflix show, “Tidying Up With Marie Kondo,” the Japanese organizing consultant commenced the purge by directing Kimmel and his assistants to kneel in his office, silently and with eyes closed, to thank it and its possessions. “I’d like [my office] not to look like a rumpus room,” Kimmel said of his vision for the office. Section by section –– from his dressing closet with its vast collection of identical black socks, to his office floor, where he stacked a mountain of books, to his desk, where he keeps a yellow Wiffle bat signed by Magic Johnson –– Kimmel, with calming guidance by Kondo, decluttered his office. And in the process, he found more than he expected: a pair of missing black pants and a dead cockroach. “I was worried you were going to come in here like the Cookie Monster just destroying everything,” Kimmel repeated. Advertisement But in the end, his emotional stability had improved and his office was… well, questionably more organized.<doc-sep>Jimmy Kimmel Live (TV Show) Close this dialog window Streaming Options Does your emergency escape ladder and your copy of the Yellow Pages even spark joy, bro? Jimmy Kimmel learned all about what it truly means to be Tidying Up when Marie Kondo of the Netflix show came to work her magic on Kimmel’s cluttered office. Though, she might not’ve been ready for the dead cockroaches left in the corner. The late-night host seemed a bit hesitant at first because he dreamt Kondo came into his office and destroyed his things. “With the Konmari Method, what we will be doing here today is checking if everything that you own sparks joy or not,” Kondo clarified through a translator. He still didn’t seem ready to sit in a circle with his assistants and give thanks to his office or to express gratitude to all the black socks he has to wear to host Jimmy Kimmel Live. Since there were some rumors going around that Kondo recommends having less than 30 books, she did also note as she addressed Kimmel’s bookshelf, “I don’t know where that rumor came from. It’s a complete misconception.” He could probably do without the Yellow Pages, to be honest. While Kondo taught Kimmel about the fine art of decluttering, Kimmel taught Kondo about the fine art of “The Rain” by Orange “Juice” Jones. If you ever wanted nearly 60 seconds worth of Kondo staring quizzically at Kimmel while he recited the lyrics, you’re in luck. Close this dialog window Streaming Options Related content:<doc-sep>ABC The "Tidying Up" star storms Kimmel's office and gets to work. Self-described "pack rat" Jimmy Kimmel just got a hand from "Tidying Up" pro Marie Kondo. The self-help star, who has her own show about clearing your life of clutter on Netflix, was recruited by the late night host to help straighten out his work office. In the 16 years his show's been on the air, it's safe to say it's gotten a little messy. "I'm a pack rat, I'm a slob too and I've accumulated a lot of stuff," he warned before the pre-taped segment aired on Tuesday night's episode. "None of this is set up," he added, "this is really my office." Kondo's personal mantra basically breaks down to whether something "sparks joy" or not. If it doesn't, it goes. Going through Kimmel's office, he was asked to reveal his true feelings for black socks, Stormy Daniels' book, a giant bust of his grandfather's head and a wiffle ball bat signed by Magic Johnson. "It really is more embarrassing when you stop and look at it," he exclaimed as they went through his things, while Kondo's translator kept up with every random thing Kimmel threw at her. When all was said and done, the host admitted he felt "more stable emotionally" after cleaning up his office. But, while it looked great three days after her visit, five days was a different story.<doc-sep>The Marie Kondo craze has hit late night! Jimmy Kimmel and the famed tidying expert recently tackled the talk show host’s office, and the results were as hilarious as you’d expect. “I had a nightmare about this,” Kimmel told Kondo and her translator Marie Iida on the Tuesday, January 29, episode of his show. “I woke up upset because I dreamed you came in my office and started destroying my things.” Kimmel, a self-professed pack rat, admitted that he hadn’t cleaned his office in 16 years, and Kondo quickly put the host at ease. The newly minted Netflix star kicked things off with her customary greeting of the space. From there, she helped Kimmel identify his tidying goals and then quickly went to work — starting with a drawer full of several pairs of black socks. “I have to wear them for the show,” Kimmel explained after admitting that they don’t necessarily spark joy. “Thanks, socks, for always being there in the drawer,” he said as he held each pair and started paring down his collection. “For protecting my feet and keeping them warm and for all the other great things you do.” The duo quickly moved on to the bookshelf, desk, and other shelving units. “It really is embarrassing when you stop and take a look at it,” Kimmel said of his clutter. He then uncovered a pair of pants, an emergency ladder (?! ), a dead cockroach (NOPE), a sculpture of his grandfather’s head (sure), and a box of Trix cereal that had been autographed by R&B icon Oran “Juice” Jones. After the tidying process, Kimmel admitted to feeling “more stable emotionally” — even if he wasn’t able to keep the mess at bay for long. Watch the entire clip above. Have you successfully KonMari’d your space? Let us know @BritandCo! (photo via ABC/Randy Holmes)<doc-sep>	Jimmy Kimmel found something that truly sparks joy—having Marie Kondo, the star of Netflix’s Tidying Up with Marie Kondo help him clear out his office. While Kimmel invited the author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up to Jimmy Kimmel Live!, apparently he was reluctant at first. “Can I be very honest with you? I had a nightmare about this; I woke up upset because I dreamed you came into my office and started destroying my things,” Kimmel told Kondo on Tuesday night’s episode. Kondo politely laughed, reminding the late night host that all they were doing was “checking if everything that you own sparks joy or not.” To start the process, Kondo and her translator, Marie Iida, sent “love and appreciation” to Kimmel’s office, and then proceeded to help Kimmel assess the items in his office, including an autographed box of Trix, a pair of pants that Kimmel had lost, and an emergency ladder “in case we need to escape,” the host said. When they found a wiffle bat signed by Magic Johnson, it sparked so much joy that Kondo suggested Kimmel place it on the wall. Kimmel then asked Kondo about he rumor that swept the internet that Kondo believes people should have just “30 books.” Kondo claims it isn’t true. “I don’t know where that rumor came from, it’s a complete misconception,” she said through her translator. Kimmel offered to “find out who spread it around” and “have them killed”, adding “we’ll do whatever we need to do.” After Kondo and Kimmel went through everything, Kimmel admitted that the process worked for him: “I feel more stable emotionally now.” Contact us at [email protected].