The giant rocket that NASA is building to send astronauts to the Moon will likely be delayed and over budget   yet again. That's according to a new report from the Government Accountability Office, which reviewed the hardware NASA has been developing for deep space human exploration. The report, originally leaked to The Washington Post , is the latest in a long string of reviews that have identified schedule problems and cost overruns with the rocket's development program. For most of the last decade, NASA has been developing two key vehicles to carry humans beyond Earth orbit. One is the Space Launch System, or SLS, a massive rocket capable of sending people to the vicinity of the lunar surface. The other is a crew capsule called Orion, which humans will ride inside when traveling on top of the SLS. The two vehicles were supposed to launch together for the first time back in 2017, but the inaugural flight has been consistently pushed back and is now slated to occur in June 2020. The delays have also led to cost overruns for the SLS program, which have added up to an extra $1 billion, according to NASA. it's possible the SLS will fly for the first time as late as June 2021 The new GAO report out today argues that NASA probably won't meet the June 2020 deadline. Instead, it's possible the SLS will fly for the first time as late as June 2021, especially if the agency encounters any more issues while piecing together the rocket and testing it. Additionally, the GAO accuses NASA of not being transparent in its cost estimates for both the SLS and Orion. The GAO report finds that the cost of the increase to the SLS program is actually closer to $1.8 billion, because NASA shifted around some associated costs of the rocket to future missions. The cost of Orion is expected to increase, too, but the GAO doesn't have a good idea of what it's going to be because NASA hasn't updated its estimates for the program. Despite all of these delays and cost overruns, NASA has still been giving "award fees" to Boeing and Lockheed, the primary contractors for SLS and Orion respectively, that have equaled out to $200 million. These fees are usually given out to the agency's contractors for good performance and maintaining schedule. But the GAO report calls out Boeing for underestimating just how many workers it would need for the SLS build and the complexity of the rocket's design. NASA's William Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for human exploration, responded to the GAO report by reminding the office that the SLS and Orion will be "some of the most sophisticated hardware ever built," and that "NASA is pushing the boundaries of human exploration." He argued that while the programs have experienced challenges, the GAO report imagines the "worst-case schedule outcomes." Gerstenmaier also disagreed with the claim that NASA hasn't been transparent about costs, arguing that NASA has had to deal with uncertainty in its budgets and direction. That has made it difficult to be efficient and execute programs effectively. Efficiency will become even more important moving forward. The GAO identified very little room for error in the SLS schedule, since it is jam-packed up until a big test that the program must complete known as the "green run" test. That's when the main core of the rocket will be fired on the ground, to see if all the components of the rocket work together. Any delay could put NASA's current ambitions at risk. the SLS and Orion are instrumental in NASA's goal of returning humans to the surface of the Moon Both the SLS and Orion are instrumental in NASA's goal of returning humans to the surface of the Moon, part of a new initiative named Artemis . In March, Vice President Mike Pence called on NASA to expedite its lunar program and send people to the Moon by 2024 , instead of 2028 like the agency had planned. Now, NASA's administrator Jim Bridenstine is seeking funding from Congress for this accelerated deadline. The agency asked for an additional $1.6 billion for fiscal year 2020, on top of NASA's requested budget of $21 billion, to fund the Artemis program. And Bridenstine told CNN that he estimates an extra $20 to $30 billion will be needed over the next five years   in addition to NASA's annual budget   to ensure that the agency makes it to the Moon by 2024. Even if Congress somehow funds the whole program as desired, meeting the 2024 deadline is reliant on NASA's hardware being built on time, and this latest report shows that the GAO remains pessimistic about the prospect of Orion and the SLS meeting that five-year goal. In the meantime, NASA continues to press forward with the program. The agency says it will adhere to some of the recommendations that the GAO advised in its report, including ways to come up with better estimates for the program. However, NASA did not say it will update the estimated launch date for the SLS, so it seems that the agency is still aiming for a launch next year, despite the GAO's doubts.


Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley has reportedly agreed on a deal to sell the side to Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nehayan for £350m. The Dubai-based billionaire - who is the cousin of Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour - attempted to buy fellow English outfit Liverpool for £2bn last year in what would have been the most lucrative sale of a football club in history. However, the Tyneside club are yet to comment on rumours that the deal has been finalised. The Sun writes that contracts between the two parties have already been signed and sent to Premier League officials, with Ashley deciding to end his 12-year reign at St James Park following an extended period of criticism from supporters. The incoming Sheikh will have his work cut out on arriving at Newcastle as coach Rafa Benitez's future in the northeast remains unclear. The Spaniard's current deal with the team is due to expire this summer, though the Toon faithful are eager to have him stay on board. Nevertheless, the former Liverpool boss may have his head turned by the new owner's alleged willingness to provide significant backing in the transfer window after several seasons of inadequate financial support provided by Ashley. Despite reports, the Telegraph were unable to gain confirmation of the agreement when questioning Magpies representatives, with several high-placed sources claiming they could not divulge any information on the situation. However, one member of staff did state that the aforementioned fee was accurate, though they refused to continue the discussion. Comments made regarding those negotiations may worry United fans after the Press Association reported (as quoted by  the Mirror ): "[the deal] did not get past the vetting stage because it was deemed neither credible nor worthy of being put to the ownership."


Chris Wagner didn't want to offer up much during his latest media availability. You might know of another Boston sports figure who approaches press conferences with a similar mindset. Wagner and his Bruins teammates took part in the 2019 Stanley Cup Final Media Day on Sunday, one day ahead of Game 1 against the St. Louis Blues. The first-year Bruin, who's currently shelved due to an arm injury sustained in Game 3 against the Carolina Hurricanes, was asked about the nature of his day-to-day activities in wake of the ailment. Wagner sidestepped the question while somewhat channeling a notoriously mum individual. "Yeah, uh, I don't know if I'm allowed (to say). I wanted to come up here and be like Bill Belichick. 'We're onto Cincinnati,'" Wagner said, as captured by Boston Sports Journal's Conor Ryan. "But yeah, right now I'm just kind of hanging out." The Walpole, Mass. native did pull back the curtain a little bit, noting how tough it has been to not take the ice with his teammates as they prepared for the Cup Final. Wagner quickly shifted the attention off himself in favor of the entire unit, which will continue to embody the "next man up" mentality on hockey's biggest stage. The Bruins and Blues (finally) will kick off their best-of-seven set Monday night at TD Garden. Related slideshow: Best of 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs (provided by imagn)


For years, President Trump admonished America's shortfalls, stupidity and "carnage." Now, he wants people who do the same to leave. (JM Rieger/The Washington Post)


Ever wondered what it is like to go through preseason training with a Premier League? Thanks to AFC Bournemouth, now we know. [ MORE: Premier League schedule ] Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe was "mic'd up" during a preseason training session on Monday, giving fans an inside look into his team gaining fitness and going over some key movements that they'll surely be using during games this season. Plus….players biking to practice and the dreaded beep test. Here from Howe and the players above and take a look at a Premier League preseason.


Real Madrid secured a narrow 1-0 win over Red Bull Salzburg in their penultimate pre-season friendly on Wednesday thanks to a sole Eden Hazard strike, his first goal for the La Liga side. Having initially struggled with the home side's high pressing, Los Blancos began to settle into the game, willing to hit their Austrian opponents on the break when possible. The tactic paid dividends in the 19th minute as Hazard cut in from the left and curled a powerful shot into the right hand corner, despite the goalkeeper getting a hand to his effort.  BOOM! @hazardeden10 celebrates his first goal in a @RealMadrid shirt! And what a goal it was! #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/R3FTM1mkTo   Real Madrid C.F.  (@realmadriden) August 7, 2019 Takumi Minamino should have drawn the home side level but failed to hit the target from just six yards out as the game began to open up ahead of half-time. Undeterred, Die Roten Bullen continued to create chances in the second half, but some wayward finishing stunted their efforts to draw level. A host of changes from the home side appeared to provide an injection of energy, with the Austrian outfit dominating the second period. Continuous pressure rained in on the Madrid backline, but they held firm to secure a much-needed pre-season win and ease the pressure somewhat on manager Zinedine Zidane.  RED BULL SALZBURG Player Ratings Unsere erste Elf hat es gut gemacht. In der Pause wird wieder kräftig durchgewechselt. #RBSRMA 0-1 (HZ) pic.twitter.com/FZNh4c7GG8   FC Red Bull Salzburg (@RedBullSalzburg) August 7, 2019 Starting XI: Stankovic (5); Nissen (5), Ramalho (5), Onguene (6), Ulmer (7); Takumi (5), Samassekou (5), Bernede (6), Szoboszlai (6); Koita (5), Haland (6). Substitutes: Mensah (6), Van der Werff (5), Ashimeru (5), Hee-chan (6), Junuzovic (7), Camara (7), Daka (7), Farkas (6), Coronel (6), Okugawa (5), Mwepu (N/A). REAL MADRID Key Talking Point He's gone close on a number of occasions this summer, but Hazard finally scored his first goal for his new club on Wednesday night. After a fairly dismal pre-season to date, Zidane would have been desperately hoping for convincing win to ease the burden laying heavy on his shoulders. Opting to use a 3-4-2-1 formation, it seemed the Frenchman was keen to utilise his attacking options to full effect. Coming under heavy pressure in the opening exchanges, Madrid grew into the match and made their pace on the break count for Hazard's opener. That wasn't the case for the second half, however. Looking physically jaded, Madrid were outmuscled and outfought in most areas of the pitch, with the fresh legs of their heavily changed counterparts causing them all sorts of problems. Defending resolutely, albeit with some wayward finishing, Madrid held on, although Zidane is still left with a squad that needs plenty of tinkering ahead of the start of La Liga . Player Ratings Starting XI: Courtois (6); Militao (5), Ramos (6), Varane (6); Marcelo (7), Kroos (6), Casemiro (7), Carvajal (6); Isco (6), Benzema (7), Hazard (7*). Substitutes: Nacho (7), Valverde (6), Vazquez (5), Jovic (4), Odriozola (5), Vinicius (6). STAR MAN - Operating as a left sided forward in a 3-4-2-1 formation, Eden Hazard flourished and caused the Austrian side countless problems during his time on the pitch. His Madrid career hasn't got off to the perfect start, but his goal and performance on Wednesday will not only have done him the world of good, but his manager too, who has seen the pressure on his shoulders mount in recent weeks. OMG! Hazard scores his first goal for Real Madrid. Spain ain't seen nothing yet. By the time Hazard turns La Liga to to garden of Eden they will hear something.   #BBnaija VAR (@chykmoni) August 7, 2019 Hazard is going to tear up la liga.   TRIPLE C£ (@khalid_s9) August 7, 2019 Looking Ahead With pre-season now over for Red Bull Salzburg, they turn to league action as they play host to Wolfsberg at the curtain raiser for the Austrian Bundesliga. For Los Blancos, pre-season continues as they jet off to the Italian capital to take on Roma at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday evening.


The children of the moneyed elite often attend college in the Ivy League or exclusive, expensive private schools in California. The sons of the college football elite, it seems, spend their college years in the Clemson locker room. Already the home of Dabo Swinney 's sons, Drew and Will, Kirk Herbstreit 's twin sons Jake and Tye , and Brent Venables ' eldest son, Jake, Clemson on Sunday added the youngest Venables, Tyler. Whereas the Swinneys and Herbstreits walked on at Clemson, the Venables boys have earned their way on the roster, such that the sons of the long-tenured and highly-paid defensive coordinator can earn their way on the roster. Jake Venables signed with Clemson in 2018 as a 3-star linebacker out of D.W. Daniel High School in Central, S.C., and Tyler Venables is also rated three stars by 247Sports . Venables plays quarterback for D.W. Daniel but, listed at 5-foot-10 and 191 pounds, he projects to play safety for the Tigers. He chose Clemson amid offers from Wake Forest, Army and Coastal Carolina, among others. He is the 17th highest-rated recruit among Clemson's 17 current commits for the 2020 recruiting class, which really says more about the quality of the defending national champions' No. 1-ranked class than it does Venables. I am committing to Clemson University.   Tyler Venables (@tvenables_) June 2, 2019 While awarding scholarships to Venables' sons may or may not prove to be based purely on nepotism   Jake Venables made two tackles in two games as a true freshman linebacker in 2018   it doesn't really matter, because it's smart business. Papa Venables is the most highly-regarded defensive coordinator in college football and could have his choice of Power 5 head coaching jobs should he just say the word. But Venables has had no desire to leave Clemson, and his family's happiness in Upstate South Carolina is a large reason for that. Having his two sons wearing the same Tiger orange he does seems like as good a bet as any that Venables will remain Clemson's defensive coordinator for at least the next 4-to-5 years. (The Venables family has two children younger than Tyler , too: Delaney and Addie.) "Again, you never say never, but man, it doesn't get much better, if at all, than what we have (at Clemson)," he told the Charleston Post & Courier in 2017. "Like I said, I'm thankful for what I have and I just have a very good perspective on what we have. There are thousands of guys that would love just the opportunity to be a very small part of this program, so it's a great situation."


It's not just the presidential race that's roiling the 2020 waters in Iowa. The state is also expected to have a competitive senate race, in which Republican Sen. Joni Ernst is running for a second term, and four potentially competitive U.S. House races next year. Below is a list of candidates who have filed paperwork or announced they are running for Iowa congressional offices. Anyone considering a run will be added when they make it official. The ones out of the races are crossed out. U.S. Senate Democrat Kimberly Graham , an Indianola attorney, announced in May she would challenge Ernst. Graham represents abused or neglected children in the Recovery Court program as an attorney and guardian ad litem. Theresa Greenfield is the president of a small, family-owned commercial real estate company in Des Moines. She announced in June that she would run for the U.S. Senate. Greenfield mounted an unsuccessful bid for Congress in Iowa's 3rd District in 2018, dropping out of the primary race after her campaign manager falsified signatures on her candidate petition. Eddie Mauro is a Des Moines businessman and community activist who announced in May that he would run for the U.S. Senate. In 2016, Mauro lost his bid to unseat incumbent Democratic state Rep. Jo Oldson. And in 2018, he lost a three-way Democratic primary in Iowa's 3rd Congressional District to Cindy Axne. He was a founding member of A Mid-America Organizing Strategy, or AMOS, an advocacy group. Republican Joni Ernst is the incumbent first-term senator and a military veteran from Red Oak. She was elected in 2014, becoming Iowa's first female senator and replacing longtime Sen. Tom Harkin. She announced in December 2018 she would seek a second term. U.S. House, 1st District Democrat Abby Finkenauer is the incumbent representative. She won election in 2018 , defeating Republican Rod Blum and becoming one of the first women from Iowa elected to the U.S. House . She is a former two-term state representative from Dubuque. Republican Thomas Hansen is the chair of the Winneshiek County Republican Party and a farmer who also owns a refrigeration business in Decorah. He announced his candidacy and filed paperwork in May. Ashley Hinson is a two-term state representative from Marion. She is a former anchor and reporter with KCRG-TV in Cedar Rapids. She announced she would run against Finkenauer in a video posted to Twitter in May . U.S. House, 2nd District Democrat Newman Abuissa is an Iowa Department of Transportation engineer from Iowa City who announced his candidacy in June. Abuissa is an immigrant from Syria who says he wants to restore the country's infrastructure and trust in government. Rita Hart , a former educator and state senator from Clinton County, ran for lieutenant governor with Democrat Fred Hubbell against Kim Reynolds in the 2018 gubernatorial election. She posted a video to Twitter in May announcing her candidacy to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack , a Democrat. Veronica Tessler , an Iowa City business owner, filed paperwork to run in the 2nd District in April. S he ended her candidacy in May . Republican Thomas Kedley is the mayor of Osceola and a history teacher educated at the University of Northern Iowa. Kedley announced in May that he would run and said he is focusing on education, agriculture and a balanced budget. He announced in June that he was pulling out of the race. U.S. House, 3rd District Democrat Cindy Axne is the incumbent representative. Her 2018 win made her another of the first women to be elected from Iowa to the U.S. House of Representatives. Axne, of West Des Moines, defeated incumbent Republican Rep. David Young by roughly 5,000 votes in November's election, making affordable health care one of the key issues in the race. Republican Bill Schafer is an Army veteran who is new to politics. He described himself as a "conservative Republican" who would seek to protect gun rights, enforce security along the U.S.-Mexico border and highlight the importance of states' rights. David Young is a former two-term 3rd District representative from Van Meter who lost his re-election bid in November to Axne. He is seeking to challenge Axne again in 2020 , with a focus on lowering taxes and reducing government regulations. U.S. House, 4th District Democrat No Democrats have officially announced their campaigns for the 4th District seat yet. Republican Steve King is the longtime incumbent 4th District representative. The Kiron Republican faced controversy in the past few months for his comments on white nationalism and supremacy to the New York Times in January, which caused House GOP leaders to remove him from committee assignments . Randy Feenstra is an Iowa state senator representing Hull. After King's comments, multiple national and Iowa conservative figures spoke in support of Feenstra's campaign online and donated money to his campaign. Bret Richards of Irwin is an Army veteran, educator and former businessman. Jeremy Taylor is a Woodbury County supervisor from Sioux City. Taylor also previously served as a state legislator from Sioux City. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Election 2020: Who's running for Congress in Iowa in 2020?


Brighton goalkeeper Mat Ryan has said that he wants Liverpool to win the Premier League title rather than Manchester City, ahead of the Seagulls' final day clash against the Citizens on Sunday. City have a one point lead ahead of Liverpool going into the final set of games of the season and will win the title with a victory against Brighton regardless of the Reds' result against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Australia international Ryan has said that Brighton 's game against City on Sunday has made him think about the infamous Premier League title-deciding game between Manchester City and QPR in 2012. That day City came from behind to score a dramatic late winner to win the title and Ryan has admitted that having close Liverpool connections has meant that he wishes to thwart the Citizens' title bid. "The most surreal thing is having friends and family who are Liverpool supporters and having the opportunity to have such a big influence on history," he told The Mirror . "I can't help but think back to Manchester City a few years ago when they played QPR [who finished fourth-bottom in that 2011-12 season, the place Brighton now occupy] and they almost caused a big upset. "I keep imagining and hoping in that situation, to make that big last-ditch save to affect the result. If you can do that in similar circumstances, that would be a memory I would cherish for the rest of my life. "A couple of mates I grew up have been messaging me. The more I think about it, the more I'm remembering the messages I've got! That's probably the most surreal thing about it." The 27-year-old added that he has a great feeling of anticipation ahead of the game due to the magnitude of it. "Now I'm playing at this level it feels natural, the more experience you get. But the fact that there is so much as stake and a title on the line, it just feels so big. I remember the hype around that City and QPR game those years ago and how the whole world was invested in it. "It's nice to be part of that. If we can disturb the party it would be nice." Both games kick off at 3pm, with Brighton having already secured their Premier League status despite a poor run of form towards the end of the season.


It's tempting to think soup is just for winter, but in our capacity as your local soup obsessives, we urge you to think again. We love soup for many reasons, mainly it's total savouriness. However, after a hard day's work, a bowl of soup doesn't always feel like a proper meal. Which is why we have put so much brain-power into working out ten ways of souping up your soup.


President Trump has threatened to take legal action if Democrats try to impeach him, musing that he'll "sue." He has peppered confidants and advisers with questions about how an impeachment inquiry might unfold. And he has coined his own cheeky term   "the I-word"   to refer to the legal and political morass that threatens to overshadow his presidency as he heads into his 2020 reelection campaign. As Democrats struggle with how to handle calls from their liberal flank to impeach the president, Trump himself is eager to avoid such proceedings   while also fixated on his belief that Democrats can't impeach him because he has done nothing wrong, according to interviews with 15 White House aides, outside advisers, Republican lawmakers and friends, many of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity to share candid conversations. The president is intrigued by the notion of impeachment but wary of its practical dangers, one outside adviser said. Trump remembers how Republican impeachment proceedings in the late 1990s against President Bill Clinton seemed to boost Clinton's approval ratings, and Trump is at his best when battling a perceived foe, several advisers added. Subscribe to the Post Most newsletter: Today's most popular stories on The Washington Post Yet he also views impeachment in deeply personal terms. He is less concerned about the potential historical stain on his legacy   Clinton and Andrew Johnson are the only presidents to have been impeached   and more about what he sees as yet another Democratic attack on the legitimacy of his presidency, according to an outside adviser and a White House aide. The focus on impeachment comes as Democrats on Tuesday escalated their fight with Trump over congressional oversight, voting to go to court in an attempt to force Attorney General William P. Barr and former White House counsel Donald McGahn to comply with subpoenas. Both are being sought for testimony related to special counsel Robert S. Mueller III's report, which many Democrats believe provides a road map for how to proceed in impeaching Trump for as many as 10 potential instances of obstruction of justice. Those close to Trump are offering him advice on impeachment that one outside adviser close to the president described as "truly binary." On one side are those loyalists, mainly outside the White House, who are telling the president that impeachment could be a political blessing for him and his party   that one road to reelection runs through impeachment. On the other is a larger contingent warning that impeachment, even under the rosiest scenarios, would be a grueling gantlet that would leave him politically bruised, with an asterisk forever marring his presidency. Many Trump allies also agree that while impeachment might ultimately prove beneficial for the president   allowing him to cast Democrats as overzealous sore losers   the actual process would plunge the White House and the nation into chaos. There is no broad strategy within the White House to encourage Democrats to pursue articles of impeachment against Trump, two senior administration officials said. "Even though it would be politically advantageous to the president and likely guarantee his reelection, it's terrible for the country, and I'd be saying the same thing even if the shoe was on the other foot and Republicans were talking about impeaching a Democratic president," said Jason Miller, a senior adviser to Trump's 2016 campaign. The topic is so sensitive that Trump often refers to impeachment as "the I-word," though one senior White House official said he is being playful. Aides have heard him use the phrase privately in meetings, and he has also used it publicly. Last month, Trump scrapped a planned infrastructure meeting with Democrats at the last minute after learning that House Democrats had recently met to discuss impeachment   calling an impromptu news conference in the Rose Garden to blast them for entertaining "the big 'I-word,' " as he put it. "All of a sudden, I hear last night, they're going to have a meeting, right before this meeting, to talk about the 'I-word,' " Trump said. "The 'I-word.' Can you imagine?" Just over a week later, speaking to reporters on the White House South Lawn, Trump was similarly outraged by the mere mention of impeachment. "To me, it's a dirty word   the word 'impeach,' " he said. "It's a dirty, filthy, disgusting word." Trump has also griped privately that if Democrats tried to impeach him, he would simply sue   a sentiment he has also occasionally expressed publicly. In April, Trump wrote on Twitter, "I DID NOTHING WRONG" and warned, "If the partisan Dems ever tried to Impeach, I would first head to the U.S. Supreme Court." And in late May, asked by a reporter whether he thought the Democrats were going to move forward with impeachment, Trump also invoked the legal system. "I don't see how they can," the president said. "Because they're possibly allowed, although I can't imagine the courts allowing it." Trump's assertions that he would sue to prevent impeachment have prompted some criticism in the legal community, with Laurence Tribe, a constitutional law professor at Harvard who has called for Trump's impeachment, describing the idea as "idiocy" in a tweet . "Not even a SCOTUS filled with Trump appointees would get in the way of the House or Senate," Tribe wrote. But Alan Dershowitz, an emeritus professor at Harvard Law School and a frequent Trump ally, says the Supreme Court could intervene to avoid a constitutional crisis if it thought Congress had acted unconstitutionally in impeaching the president. The process starts in the House, which can impeach a president with a simple majority vote. The president can be removed from office, however, only if the Senate then votes by a two-thirds majority to convict. Dershowitz said in an interview that the status quo   Democrats pushing an impeachment message without actually moving ahead with proceedings   could be optimal for the president. "The best-case scenario for the president both politically and legally is for the Democrats to continue impeachment talk, for 60 or 70 Democratic congressmen to demand impeachment and for, in the end, there to be no impeachment by the House," Dershowitz said. "In that way, he gets the political benefit without the stigma. It's a win-win." Some who argue the benefits of impeachment still ultimately oppose it. Senior policy adviser Stephen Miller, for instance, has expressed his belief to the president that Democrats would be viewed as leftist extremists if they proceeded down that path and would be punished by voters, a senior White House official said. Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale has publicly said that impeachment talk has not hurt the president's polling numbers, an assessment that he has also conveyed to Trump in private briefings, one person familiar with their conversations said. "The more they beat that drum for impeachment, the more this emboldens our campaign," Parscale told CBS in a recent interview. According to recent polling, more than half of Americans do not support impeaching the president, and those sentiments are more pronounced among the Republicans and independents Trump will have to hold on to to win reelection. A recent CNN poll found that, overall, 54 percent of Americans opposed impeachment, including 59 percent of independents and 93 percent of Republicans. Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), chairman of the conservative House Freedom Caucus and a Trump ally, said that "any impeachment effort would probably cause a tremendous backlash among undecided voters." "Impeachment, I think, is widely viewed as being harmful to our democratic process   that's on Capitol Hill and at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue," Meadows said. "It's widely shared that impeachment, regardless of an acquittal, is not something that would be good for America." Nonetheless, questions of impeachment   both existential and shouted   continue to dog the president. On Monday, while greeting the champions of the Indianapolis 500 at the White House, Trump was asked again whether an impeachment inquiry might help his reelection prospects. He acknowledged the theory ("I hear that, too") before promptly dismissing the premise of the question ("You can't impeach somebody when there has never been anything done wrong"). Then, referring to President Richard M. Nixon, who resigned rather than face likely impeachment, Trump struck a defiant note. "He left. I don't leave," Trump said. "There's a big difference. I don't leave."


Tonya Manuel was riding right behind her husband the day of the fatal motorcycle crash. Michael "Tony" Rushing, 50, was less than half a block ahead of Manual after 7 p.m. June 9 when she saw him crash into an SUV. She jumped off her bike, put a shirt under his head   he was not wearing a helmet   and turned him on his side as blood poured out of his mouth. He wasn't responding. "It was the worst thing that I ever had to experience in my life," Manuel said. "It's like every time I close my eyes I still see it." The next day, Rushing's family saw the influence he had on the people around him. Over a hundred people and about 60 motorcycles were at their home. A community of motorcycle enthusiasts rallied in support. Tony's sister, Tessa Abbott- Rushing, said the family didn't even plan the vigil. Friends "just did it." Thousands of people attended a visitation, and the funeral was packed, too. "A theme that I got from everyone who spoke at the funeral was the fact that Tony almost had an innate sense that people were struggling," said, Charles "Skip" Rushing, Rushing's cousin. "There were times in my life where I would hear from Tony and he just knew that I needed to talk to him." Rushing, a former pastor, said he could feel "we lost someone unique." 'Tony never really burdened anyone' Tessa Rushing said she always admired her brother for his hard-working, disciplined nature. She said he was always trying to improve himself, which is why he went back to school to become an electrician later in life. Two benefits have been planned for Rushing, one for June 22 at Highland Park Country Club from noon to 4 p.m., and another at Donna's Garage on July 19 from 7 p.m. to midnight. John Munoz said he wouldn't have his Harley if it wasn't for Rushing, who turned his use of a motorcycle to save money on gas to a love for motorcycles. He also turned him on to PBR beer, and they spent their 10-year-long friendship grabbing and riding bikes together. Munoz said "He always had an ear for someone to talk to him about sorting out problems," Munoz said. "Tony never really burdened anyone with anything that he might've had problems with. He always was more of a listener than anything. Rushing comes from a "motorcycle family" and picked up biking from his uncles. He had a black 2011 Street Glide Harley Davidson and a more recent Harley Davidson FLTRXS Road Glide with a specialty candy gold flake. He would ride around with one of his chihuahuas, Bug. He called Bug his "teapot" pup since he had become too big to be a teacup. "He didn't like being boxed into a car. He liked the freedom of a motorcycle," Munoz said. "It was total freedom. He wore a helmet on the interstate, but around the city he wanted to be free." Outside of biking, music, specifically blues, played a large role in Rushing's life. He taught himself guitar and would often play with Skip Rushing. Skip Rushing said they often played Black Crowes' rendition of "Driving Wheel," which "still profoundly moves" him, especially when Tony would play it. "Music was everything to Tony," Skip Rushing said. "It was the lens by which he viewed reality. He had a song that connected to all the aspects of his life, so that whole music component was vital for him." Well-known Des Moines blues musician Bob Pace played a few songs on acoustic guitar at the funeral. He added in "Gospel Blues," one of Tony's favorites of Pace's originals. 'The yin to my yang' Rushing and Manuel met while working at Tone's Spices, where Tony Rushing worked for 27 years. They started going back and forth. insisting one was older than the other until finding out they had the same birthday. She described Rushing as her soulmate and the "yin to her yang." He called her his "breath of fresh air." She said they met at rocky times in their lives that they helped each other through. Manuel said they always had breakfast and coffee together. Even when he was working night shift as a mechanic, they would meet at the end of his "graveyard shift," the beginning of her day. Manuel said the weather was perfect to ride again for the first time in a while on June 9. Manuel hadn't ridden on the back of a bike in about a year and wanted to ride on the back with Rushing. But he said, laughing, "No, those days are over. You're riding your own." Manuel said Rushing was riding fast. Two stoplights behind where the accident took place, they stopped. "I was like, 'Babe, we need to go home. You know we need to slow down, pay attention.' and he was like, 'All right, babe, I'm going home. I love you,'" Manuel said. They rode off. Manuel watched a light turn red as Rushing went into an intersection and crash his Harley into the SUV. Police say Rushing was speeding and ran the red light. The SUV driver was not injured. Friends and family said Rushing was a cautious rider, which made the accident even more surprising. Manuel said he always preached the importance of being aware of the cars around her while riding. She said he constantly revved his engine to let cars know he was there to avoid accidents. "He's been riding for years and years, long, long before my time in that world," his cousin Alisia Myers said. "Always very responsible. I don't understand what was different that day." Skip said the family is struggling with a juxtaposition between the man they loved and admired and "that one mistake." "None of our characters can be judged by one mistake. I'm grateful no one else got hurt, I'm grateful Tonya wasn't on the bike," Skip said. "I just want people to know that this man's one mistake is not the totality of his life." Manuel said, like many bikers who lose someone to an accident, eventually she will ride again. "I know I will, because he wouldn't want me to stop. I know he wouldn't, Manuel said. "And everyone that was here (at the vigil), they're like, 'When you know you're ready, we'll come and get you, and we'll ride together.'" This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Des Moines motorcycle crash victim remembered through benefits, vigil


PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland   Even when he was at his best, Jordan Spieth never could shake the perception that he was a scrappy grinder who rode a scorching-hot putter to the top of the world. And, sure, sometimes that was accurate. But in 2017, when he won The Open at Royal Birkdale, Spieth was statistically the second-best ball-striker on the planet, and so he was able to effectively play the ball through the air on the windswept links, knocking down enough flags to turn a late deficit into a resounding win. There hasn't been much to celebrate since: The Open was his last worldwide victory, and to see him traversing all corners of Royal Portrush this week is to realize that he's not particularly close to recapturing that 2017 form. And yet, here he is, five shots off the lead after a Friday 67 at The Open, a performance that so far is vintage Spieth. His play through 36 holes has been a masterclass in creativity, producing birdies and saving par despite finding pot bunkers and the hay on seemingly every hole. "At some point I'd like to be playing off the short grass this week," he said. Full-field scores from the 148th Open Championship Full coverage of the 148th Open Championship But this isn't anything new for Spieth. He's ranked 189th in driving accuracy this season. Consequently, he's 183rd in greens hit. Which is why he's 43rd in scoring average and 75th in FedExCup points and winless in the past 24 months   career worsts, all of them. "I've spent a decent amount of time in some pretty bad spots this season," Spieth said, "so maybe that's helping a little bit (here)." So, too, is the unique challenge of links golf. It's no coincidence that his best chances to win over the past year have come in this championship. Last year he somehow played his way into the final group on Sunday, but he was ultimately exposed on the final day at Carnoustie, carding a birdie-less 76. This week he's found just 39 percent of the fairways through two rounds, well below the field average, but he's still inside the top 10. Why? Because Spieth is finally focused on feel, not the technical aspects of his reconstituted swing, which must seem therapeutic after a year in which he's worked harder than ever (sometimes fruitlessly) with coach Cameron McCormick. Even without a swing he can fully trust, Spieth can contend by relying on his artistic ability, golf IQ and major-championship pedigree   all of which were on display during an adventurous even-par back nine that kept Spieth in the tournament. There was the sporty sand save on No. 13. From a short-sided spot left of the 14th green, he played a daring flop shot over a bunker and steep, shaved bank to 8 feet. A hole later, he never saw the fairway but still got up and down out of a tiny greenside bunker. On the short 17th, he missed his line off the tee by a few yards, his ball diving into rough so thick that he had to crouch down just to identify his ball. He hacked out with a wedge, but the shot was played so deftly that his ball landed on the green, caught the back slope and funneled toward the cup, settling 10 feet away. "I posted a score that was pretty incredible from where I played my second shots from," he said. Your browser does not support iframes. That type of scrambling is unsustainable over the next two days, and Spieth knows that better than anyone. Open tests, he said, "favor you if you're really striking the ball beautifully," and that wouldn't be the way you'd describe his long game, neither this week nor this year. But of the players ahead of Spieth on the leaderboard, only one (Justin Rose) has won a major. No one possesses his sublime short game or putting. No one   not even Brooks Koepka   has been in contention as often over the past four years. That gives Spieth hope, despite his ongoing search for a swing. "I need to be looking at the positives of the history of this tournament and my history in major championships versus focusing on anything else," he said. "If I can walk tall, knowing there's very few people who have been in this situation contending in the weekend in majors as many times as I have, that's certainly a boost of confidence for myself. That's going to be the mentality."


NBA legend Bill Russell's legacy was honored in grand fashion Wednesday night at the 2019 ESPYS. And it was delivered by a former Los Angeles Laker. Kobe Bryant made a powerful speech to introduce Russell, the Celtics' Hall of Fame big man and cultural icon, as this year's recipient of the Arthur Ashe Courage Award. Bryant started by calling Russell, an 11-time NBA champion (in 13 seasons), the "greatest winner that sports has ever known." But the impact of Bryant's speech was highlighted when he illuminated Russell as a linchpin for breaking racial barriers in an era that eventually paved the way for African-American athletes to thrive. ESPY AWARD WINNERS: See the full list here ALEX MORGAN: USWNT makes perfect joke after receiving award "Every generation has a responsibility to teach the next," Bryant began. "One thing I learned about Bill is how he drew inspiration from his grandfather (Jake), whose motto was, 'A man has to draw a line within himself that he will not allow any man to cross.' Bill learned from that, and added his own motto: 'You disrespect the line, you disrespect me.' More than 50 years later, Bill and his grandfather's mottos still resonate powerfully and still speak loudly for Bill's beliefs." Russell achieved superstar status in the 1950s and 60s and later became the first African-American head coach in the NBA. He became central to the civil rights movement and stood up for the dignity of the black athlete on countless occasions   using his platform to evoke change. "Bill's dissatisfaction with the injustices of the world never changed," Bryant said. "His hope for a better tomorrow. ... Bill has led the way that inspires all of us   the next generation   to follow his lead." The 85-year-old Russell didn't speak when he won the award, but he received a standing ovation at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. In a pre-award tribute, Samuel L. Jackson read from Russell's book, "Go Up For Glory," and former President Barack Obama, who awarded Russell the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011, said his own pathway to the presidency was carved out by Russell's pioneering. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kobe Bryant gives Bill Russell powerful tribute for ESPYS Arthur Ashe Courage Award


Almost a year go to the day, Niko Kovac's Eintracht Frankfurt side beat Bayern Munich in the DFB-Pokal final, winning his side their first piece of silverware in 20 years. On Saturday, the tables are turned as his Bayern side welcome Frankfurt to the Allianz Arena, looking to secure their seventh straight Bundesliga title. Having blown the opportunity to wrap it up last weekend as they could only draw 0-0 with RB Leipzig, Munich will be looking to make no mistake as they face Kovac's former employers this time round. Frankfurt have their own ambitions, however, and will look to clinch the last remaining Champions League spot ahead of Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Monchengladbach. With a few injuries to contend with and a poor performance in front of goal last weekend, Kovac has some decision to make ahead of Saturday's title-decider. Let's take a look at how Bayern could line up. Goalkeeper & Defenders  Sven Ulreich (GK): Injury to Manuel Neuer earlier in the season has led Kovac to call upon the services of his backup keeper, Ulreich. Performing well for the most part, the German will keep his place once again. Joshua Kimmich (RB): The 24 year-old has featured in every game for Bayern this season, which is a testament to how well he has developed as a player. His ever-present record will not be broken this weekend. Niklas Sule (CB): Another young player to have excelled under Kovac's stewardship is Sule, who has been Munich's most consistent centre-back this year. The 23 year-old kept a strong Leipzig attack quiet last time out and will have a big task on his hands to pacify the threat of Luka Jovic. Mats Hummels (CB): The German defender has found himself in and out of Kovac's team this season, as he has rotated with compatriot Jerome Boateng . For such a crucial game, Hummels' leadership qualities are likely to be enough to see him get the nod against Frankfurt. David Alaba (LB): Another rock in the Bayern defence, the Austrian has played virtually every game this year. His contribution going forward will be just as crucial as his defensive solidity if his team are to retain their Bundesliga title on Saturday. Midfielders  Thiago Alcantara (CM): Usually partnering the reliable Javi Martinez in midfielder, Thiago has been one of Bayern's most consistent performers. Brilliant at keeping the ball, the Spaniard is a key reason why his side will dominate possession against Frankfurt. Leon Goretzka (CM): The German has spent much of this season occupying the number ten role, but has resorted to a deeper-lying position following injury to Martinez. The 24 year-old thought he had scored the title-winning goal for Bayern last weekend, only to see his effort ruled out by VAR. Thomas Muller (CAM): Filling in the attacking midfield role is the always reliable German international, Muller . The 29 year-old will look to find pockets of space between the Frankfurt lines and chip in with a goal or assist. Forwards Kingsley Coman (RW): The Frenchman has performed well this season, but perhaps not contributed as much as he would have liked in terms of goals and assists. He will be looking to put that right against Frankfurt. Serge Gnabry (LW): The former Arsenal man on the other hand has contributed his fair share this year, scoring ten goals and providing five assists. Robert Lewandowski (ST): Barring a miracle, the Pole will pick up the golden boot once again on Saturday. Leading by a margin of four goals, the former Dortmund man will still be desperate to add to his tally of 22 for the season.


Last year, when the NFL adopted a new rule against lowering the helmet to initiate contact, it was advertised as a major change to the way football is played. But it turned out not to be a major change because the officials didn't call it very often. This year, that may change. Rich McKay, the head of the NFL competition committee, says that the league viewed the first season of the new rule as an opportunity to educate both players and officials, but after a full year, players are expected to know the rule and will be penalized if they don't abide by it. "I think during [the 2018 season] there's no question that you saw many more fines and warning letters than you did flags," McKay told Dom Cosentino of Deadspin.com. "I think this year you'll see enforcement increase because I think the officials are more comfortable now [with] what they're looking for. I think that they've been in a position where, at the end of the play, they didn't necessarily look at that portion of the play they were looking for the football, they were looking for other things. It's interesting when you talk to them how they feel more confident now that they understand what they need to look for. By the same token, I think the message to our players has likewise had a year to get through." The question, however, is whether the league will follow through. If a rash of penalty flags in the preseason leads to a rash of complaints that the officials are being too strict in their enforcement, it won't be surprising if once again this rule change turns out not to be the major change that it appears.


Wichita State University guard Teddy Allen was arrested early Thursday on suspicion of domestic violence, theft and criminal damage to property, according to Sedgwick County Jail booking reports. Allen was accused of battering a woman in her 20s. The 21-year-old Allen was released on bond later Thursday. Allen, a 6-5 redshirt sophomore for the Shockers, transferred from West Virginia and sat out 2018-19, per NCAA policy. Head coach Gregg Marshall expected him to be a key contributor in 2019-20. Allen was Nebraska's Gatorade High School Player of the Year. Messages left with the Wichita State athletics department were not immediately returned when contacted by USA TODAY Sports on Friday. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Wichita State basketball player Teddy Allen arrested on domestic violence charge Related slideshow: Best photos of NCAA Championship (Provided by imagn)


Training camp is less than two months away and we're gearing up for the start of the preseason by ranking the top players at each position in the NFC North. Our first grouping dissects the quarterbacks in the division and how they rank against one another. 1. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports We know the man can't chug a beer, but he can certainly still throw a football. There's not much to debate here. Rodgers is one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game. He regularly carves up defenses by using his pocket presence to buy more time and always seems to find his open receiver. He's led countless comebacks, won two MVPs, and threw only two interceptions in 2018 when he played most of the year on a bum knee. With those two interceptions, he set the NFL record for interception percentage in a season (.33%). You can pull nearly any stat and be wowed by his output. He's also been money in the division throughout his career, posting a 41-18-1 record. His only downfall at this point is his durability, as he missed nine games in 2017 and wasn't healthy all season in 2018. But like it or not, Rodgers still reigns supreme in the North, but he can't lead the Packers to glory all by himself. 2. Mitchell Trubisky, Chicago Bears Quinn Harris-USA TODAY Sports I'll admit, this ranking is difficult. Trubisky's sample size is extremely small and you can make quite the case one of the other veterans deserves this spot more. But not much separates the final three players and Trubisky took a major step forward in 2018 in Matt Nagy and Mark Helfrich's first year in Chicago. He's poised to break out in his third season in the NFL. Trubisky boasts a big arm, but showed the league how athletic he was, rushing for 421 yards (fifth among quarterbacks) and provided another threat defenses needed to account for. Trubisky's stats stretched over a full season would have put him at roughly 3,700 yards passing with 27 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. It will be extremely tough to unseat Aaron Rodgers as the best signal caller in the division, but No. 10 is ready to firmly entrench himself as the second-best QB in the division this season. 3. Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports Stafford is good enough to take a bad team to average, but not good enough to make them a perennial playoff contender. While he's led 33 game-winning drives and 26 comebacks in his career, he's also thrown many back-breaking interceptions to cost his team victories. Make no mistake, Stafford has had a very good career, posting seven consecutive seasons of 4,000 yards or more (including one season with 5,000), but 2018 saw his lowest output in a 16-game season. He threw for 3,777 yards and 21 touchdowns and led the Lions to their worst record since 2012. A new offense may have contributed to his decline last season, but after eight full seasons at the helm, the league knows who Stafford is: one of the best average quarterbacks in the NFL. He's still young at just 31 years old, but one has to wonder how long the Lions will stick with him before searching for a replacement. 4. Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings Quinn Harris-USA TODAY Sports Cousins is better than close to a dozen quarterbacks in the league and his 2018 season was still successful, despite the memes and criticism thrown his way. But he still comes in last in the NFC North for now as he failed on multiple occasions to win when it mattered most. Cousins had impressive stats, throwing for over 4,000 yards for a fourth consecutive year with a 70.1% completion percentage. He benefits from an impressive supporting cast consisting of WRs Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen, yet suffered from ineffective offensive line play at the same time. The Vikings addressed the latter in the offseason, but questions still remain: Did Minnesota pick the right guy? Cousins has the skills to help the Vikings return to the playoffs but he was paid to be the reason they succeeded. With the pressure mounting, it will be interesting to see how Cousins responds this fall. MORE: Beyonce's perceived reaction to Warriors' owner's wife became a meme Warriors Fan Who Pushed Kyle Lowry Should Face Lifetime Ban From NBA 49ers' biggest offseason whiff was intentional Desmond Harrison's missed flight to minicamp was final straw for Browns These five upcoming NBA free agents helped themselves in the playoffs


Funeral services for Marlen Ochoa-Lopez were held Saturday morning in suburban Stickney. The 19-year-old mother was nine months pregnant when she was lured to a South Side home in April and murdered. Her son was cut from her womb. He is in grave condition with no brain activity.


Almost as soon as the Pittsburgh Steelers made the move to draft linebacker Devin Bush, Jon Bostic became expendable. And the Steelers wasted no time is releasing him just days after. It would seem now, according to a report by NFL writer Jeff Zrebiec, Bostic is working out for the Baltimore Ravens and could stay in the AFC North. Bostic was signed to a two-year contract during the 2018 offseason in an attempt to replace Ryan Shazier. This was a tall task for any linebacker and while Bostic played well, his lack of overall speed and athleticism showed. Bostic finished 2018 with 73 total tackles and 2.5 sacks. Sounds like ILB Jon Bostic, who started 14 games with Steelers last year, is working out for Ravens along w/few others. Not sure anything is imminent along that front. But Ravens clearly looking to add to ILB depth. Probably their thinnest position at this pt. - Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) May 17, 2019 It is always unfortunate when a former player joins a rival so should Bostic sign with the Ravens, Pittsburgh would have to face him twice a year. Bostic was no Shazier but he's a smart, experienced player and a sure tackler. MORE: 2019 Preakness Stakes post positions and odds Did the Raiders steal the best fullback in the 2019 NFL draft? Houston Rockets free agency target: Jimmy Butler NBA Free Agency 2019: The top players Why rookie Devin Bush is the cure for what ails the Steelers defense


CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida (AP)   A space capsule carrying a 3D printer to make human tissue and about 5,000 pounds of other experiments and supplies is on its way to the International Space Station after a thunderous SpaceX launch. The private company's Falcon 9 rocket dodged threatening clouds in its Thursday evening lift-off sending a Dragon capsule on its third trip to the orbiting outpost. The ship will dock with the station early Saturday. Dragon is carrying science experiments, several of which concentrate on cellular science, as well as normal supplies. Officials at biotech companies nScrypt and Techshot Inc say the mini-refrigerator-sized 3D printer will be controlled by scientists on the ground and print nerve cells, muscle cells and proteins. The experiment uses the near lack of gravity to help the cells hold their shape.


When you think of hibernation, bears and groundhogs slumbering throughout the winter likely come to mind. However, furry creatures aren't the only animals that hibernate.


Archaeologists digging at a site where the 1815 Battle of Waterloo was fought have turned up human remains and musket balls, they say, which may help paint a clearer picture of what went down in what was to be the French military leader's final stand. The remains were found during the first excavation of the primary Allied field hospital at Mont-Saint-Jean in Belgium, and experts believe that the bones were from amputated limbs. "Finding human remains immediately changes the atmosphere on a dig," said Tony Pollard, who is the Professor of Conflict History and Archeology and Director of the Centre for Battlefield Archeology at the University of Glasgow. "Suddenly there is a very poignant connection with the people who suffered here in 1815, a connection that has not been lost on the Waterloo Uncovered team of veterans and serving personnel," he said. There were an estimated 500 limb amputations at the Mont-Saint-Jean field hospital during the famous battle, with approximately 6,000 Allied soldiers and their French prisoners being treated there. Limb injuries made up 65 percent of the injuries sustained during the battle. Possible evidence of "trauma caused by a catastrophic wound" was seen on one of the limbs, and another of the limbs has marks that would be consistent with a "surgeon's amputation saw above the knee." Amputations would have occurred on the battlefield without the use of anesthetics. A fight at the hospital The team also discovered musket balls that were fired near the doors to the hospital, which would indicate a fight took place there that was previously unrecorded. The discovery of a six pound French cannonball in the area also suggests that Napoleon was able to bring the French artillery close enough to the front lines late in the day of battle to punish the Allied forces. However, Napoleon didn't have enough infantry to capitalize on their advantageous position, and the Prussians would arrive on the left flank to help turn the tide of battle. This may have been the turning point in the battle, and it was also the closest Napoleon came to achieving victory. Had the French army succeeded here, history may have turned out differently. About the dig Waterloo Uncovered , a UK charity that has been charged with excavating the battlefield, said this is the first time that they have encountered human remains. The Waterloo Uncovered team is comprised of archaeologists, veterans and serving soldiers. Their mission is "to understand war and its impact on people   and to educate the public about it."


Here's the most recent top news you may have missed in Charlotte. Mark Carver, convicted of killing a UNC Charlotte student, walks out of jail for the first time in 8 years He was convicted of killing 20-year-old UNC Charlotte student Ira Yarmolenko in a highly publicized trial, but he's long maintained his innocence. Read the full story on WCNC . An elderly woman was seen teetering while trying to mow her lawn. Charlotte Fire Ladder Two showed up to help The Charlotte Fire Captain said the woman was so grateful for their help and asked how much do I owe you. The service was, of course, free. Read the full story on WCNC . Mecklenburg County is adding 30 miles of greenways. Here's where they'll go. - CharlotteFive Mecklenburg County plans to invest $63 million over the next four years to build more than 30 miles of greenways. Read the full story on CharlotteFive . Ah, carbs. There is an International Bread Symposium, and it's headed here. - CharlotteFive This week, the International Bread Symposium will make its third appearance at Johnson and Wales University in Charlotte, North Carolina. Read the full story on CharlotteFive . This story was created automatically using data about news stories on social media from CrowdTangle , then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


A mother and school safety advocate whose daughter was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary massacre shared her experience and lessons for handling a mass shooting incident Tuesday during the National Fire Protection Association Conference & Expo downtown. Michele Gay, co-founder of Safe and Sound Schools, began by recounting the last few moments she spent with her daughter Josephine. Seven-year-old Josephine, who was autistic, had suffered a concussion on a playground the day before, but was still determined to go to school on Dec. 14, 2012, Gay said. OnExpressNews.com: KIPP San Antonio in leadership shuffle She notified the staff that she would be 25 minutes late in taking Josephine to school as the two watched cartoons at home. "I tried to hold on to her as long as I could that morning," Gay recalled. "She was smart; she saw that she was stuck there with me." The mother of three said she would later discover that the shooting occurred minutes after dropping off her daughter at Sandy Hook. Gay recounted that day and the aftermath as she reviewed the actions and procedures from school administrators, first responders, parents and students. As the gunman shot out the glass of the school's front entrance, the school principal and psychologist went to see what the noise was, Gay said. The two were gunned down instantly, she said. Sandy Hook had a fire safety plan that everyone knew well, Gay said, but it did not factor in the possibility of a shooter. The children who managed to escape when the gunman's rifle jammed as he killed their teacher and other students in a classroom followed the evacuation procedure, which led them to a firehouse down the street. In a case like this, Gay said people rely on instinct and training. OnExpressNews.com: Quartet of former La Vernia students indicted two years after hazing scandal "It was children, teachers, secretaries and custodians who were our first responders," she said. "They were all that we had to get to safety and they were woefully under-prepared and woefully ill-equipped." One solution Gay presented was to make doors lockable from inside the classroom. She said teachers at Sandy Hook had to lock their doors from the outside. "Simple measures can save lives," she said. Another is having a line of communication that allows the ability to talk in real time. She said planning for an active shooter does not stop at the incident itself. Procedures are also needed for handling the mental health of people involved, notifying family members of their loved one's death, and also for what to do in the aftermath. After the shooting at Sandy Hook, donations were pouring in as news spread of the massacre. More than a million stuffed animals needed to be handled, and the grief-stricken town was forced to figure out how to manage money, lawsuits and media attention. Their solution was to demolish the school and build a new facility, she said, while taking the large makeshift memorials that had accumulated from mourners and incinerate them to be used as the foundation of a future monument to the victims. Using these lessons from Sandy Hook, Gay along with other parents and educators, formed Safe and Sound Schools to help prepare for an active shooting incident before it happens. "There's no time to come up with plan B or C, there's not time at all," she said. "All you have is that muscle memory or prior knowledge." More than 200 attendees from throughout the country sat listening during Gay's session at the conference, which includes workshops on fire and electricity safety and responses to mass violence, in a third floor conference room at the Henry B. González Convention Center. San Antonio Fire Department Chief Charles Hood said one takeaway from Gay's presentation is how to manage within a community, particularly civilians who step up to help others in a mass casualty incident. "How do we manage them, how do we manage resiliency within the city when something happens," Hood asked. Hood also stressed the importance of maintaining communication between agencies, such as the agreements between San Antonio firefighters and the surrounding areas. As part of the Southwest Texas Fusion Center, a collaboration of area law enforcement agencies and first responders, SAFD is able to respond and have the necessary information when responding to mass shooting or terroristic incidents. "If someone in this region calls us, we're going to be there for you," Hood said. "That's the attitude that you have to have in a mass casualty situation." Jacob Beltran is a reporter covering San Antonio and Bexar County. Read him on our free site , mySA.com, and on our subscriber site , ExpressNews.com. | jbeltran@express-news.net | Twitter: @JBfromSA


The Cowboys and the NFL have donated to a fund for the victims of the El Paso shootings, the team announced in a news release. The Gene and Jerry Jones Family Foundation and the Cowboys committed $50,000 to the El Paso Community Foundation Victims' Fund, established to assist those families affected by Saturday's tragedy. The NFL Foundation, chaired by Cowboys executive Charlotte Jones Anderson, also will donate $50,000 to the El Paso effort, the Cowboys announced in their release. "Our hearts and support are with the entire El Paso community and especially with the families of the victims of this very tragic event," Anderson said. "Our organization has long enjoyed a wonderful following from the people of El Paso, and our wish is that so many others in Texas and around the country will be inspired to assist the loved ones who are grieving." The Cowboys have close ties to the City of El Paso, annually activating community outreach programs in the area, including youth and high school football camps and public education grant opportunities. Donations to the El Paso Community Foundation, which is working in conjunction with the County of El Paso and the City of El Paso to help those impacted, can be made here .


Chelsea have issued a statement confirming they have won an appeal against UEFA charges for the behaviour of their fans in Barcelona in March 2018, although note their disappointment at the governing body's decision not to take action against Barca for 'endangering' their supporters. The Blues lost 3-0 in the round of 16 second leg after a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge, but the football itself was overshadowed by allegations of gross misconduct both on the side of Chelsea's supporters and the Barca security staff, who are alleged to have used excessive force to temper the crowd on several occasions. Chelsea were charged for the incident while no action was taken against Barcelona , but a club statement confirms that charges have now been overturned. "On 14 March 2018, Chelsea played in Spain against FC Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16," the statement reads. "Unfortunately, before and after the game at the Camp Nou, a series of serious incidents took place, including Chelsea fans being attacked with batons by FC Barcelona security staff. "The incidents resulted in injuries to a large number of our fans, with many others feeling that their safety was endangered. These incidents were immediately reported by Chelsea to UEFA, with a request for a full investigation. "The club originally faced charges for the behaviour of its own fans, however, following an appeal process, we are pleased to confirm that UEFA have concluded that Chelsea supporters' conduct in approaching and leaving the stadium did not violate UEFA rules. We understand that the decision will be published by UEFA in its next disciplinary update. I remember how bad some of the fan footage was from around this game. Difficult to see what more Chelsea could have done. Weak response from UEFA https://t.co/gEFOkwgpYq #cfc   Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) August 1, 2019 "Notwithstanding this, Chelsea is extremely disappointed by the decision of the UEFA Appeal Body to reject our request that disciplinary proceedings be opened against FC Barcelona. This was important to Chelsea, not least because we wanted to ensure that measures are implemented to prevent the incidents from being repeated." The statement goes on, adding that club chairman Bruce Buck and a delegation from the club have recently held 'constructive' meetings with UEFA to discuss measures that could prevent a repeat of the incidents documented here.


The Indianapolis Colts have been beating the drum all offseason that wide receiver Deon Cain is hopeful to be ready for training camp after suffering a torn ACL that claimed his rookie season. The hope of Cain being ready for training camp is now reportedly turning into an expectation as general manager Chris Ballard told reporters the Clemson product should be a "full-go" in training camp, per Zak Keefer of The Indianapolis Star. Few us just got out of the Colts draft room w/ GM Chris Ballard. Lots to come. A few notes first: » Def. Rookie of Year Darius Leonard recently had surgery on his ankle; played thru pain for most of 2018. Out 6 weeks but good for camp. » Deon Cain expected to be full-go for camp. - Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) May 14, 2019 There was plenty of hype surrounding Cain as a potential starter in the wide receiver corps during training camp but when he finally got his chance to shine in the preseason opener, he unfortuantely suffered a torn ACL, which claimed his entire rookie season. The Colts are extremely excited about Cain's potential as a weapon for the offense with Andrew Luck leading the charge, but there will be more competition in the room with the additions of Devin Funchess and Parris Campbell. Behind T.Y. Hilton, there is expected to be plenty of competition for the spot on the boundary as well as spots opening up in the slot. Cain has a chance to grab a role in the offense, but he will have his share of competition. With Cain being expected to be a full-go for training camp, the competition will be even more heated during the summer. MORE: What time does the NBA Draft Lottery start? NBA Free Agency 2019: The top players Report: Chicago Bulls could offer top-6 pick for Lonzo Ball in trade Some NBA Player DMed Colin Cowherd to Say Kevin Durant is Making Calls About the Knicks Giants' Daniel Jones opens voluntary workouts as QB3


In front of a packed house that included representatives from all 32 NFL teams and television crews from two different networks, Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston all but sealed up his position as the No. 1 overall pick of the 2015 draft with a solid pro pay workout. After participating in all of the timed drills at the Scouting Combine in February, Winston elected only to throw Tuesday. While Winston's workout was focused, it certainly didn't lack for rigor as the 2013 Heisman Trophy winner attempted 102 passes, significantly more than normal. He showed good (but not great) accuracy while eluding personal quarterback coach George Whitfield, who frequently chased him with a broom to simulate pass rushers. When able to set his feet, Winston consistently delivered accurate passes to all levels, showing the savvy to take something off short passes and exhibiting great touch on deep balls down the seam and sidelines. The velocity on deep out-breaking outs stood out in comparison to Oregon's Marcus Mariota, who worked out in Eugene a few weeks ago. Winston's ball placement was off a bit when he threw on the move, though final completion tally looks worse than it was as several of his incompletions were simply drops by his receivers. Because Winston's success came in a pro-style offense at Florida State, his workout wasn't considered as important as some of his primary competitors in the 2015 NFL Draft, including Mariota, UCLA's Brett Hundley and Baylor's Bryce Petty, who played in spread attacks. In fact, some scouts viewed Winston's workout as more of a formality than a true test as the quarterback projected by virtually everyone to go No. 1 overall had more to lose than to gain. As such, scouts were just as interested in how Winston handled himself while not competing. Before his workout, Winston was seen supporting his former teammates in their auditions for scouts. Other memorable moments caught by the ESPN and NFL Network cameras included Winston laughing with Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Lovie Smith and Seminoles coach Jimbo Fisher and playing with Fisher's young son. He also took the unusual step of addressing the NFL personnel before starting the throwing session and introducing the receivers he would be throwing to. In short, if the pressure of the moment was wearing on Winston, he certainly didn't show it. Winston was the obvious headliner but with a nation-high 11 prospects currently graded as draftworthy by NFLDraftScout.com, it isn't surprising that some "other" Seminoles turned in noteworthy performances Tuesday. After not taking part in drills at the combine due to a lingering ankle injury, the former Seminole with the most on the line might have been Eddie Goldman, who currently checks in as NFLDraftScout.com's No. 5 defensive tackle. Goldman, who measured in at 6-feet-3 (3/4"), 335 pounds certainly timed like the massive run-stuffer he is. According to a high-ranking scout on the scene, Goldman was clocked at 5.30 in the 40-yard dash and 4.87 seconds in the short shuttle - times that would have ranked among the slowest for defensive tackles measured in Indianapolis. Goldman also showed less than ideal explosiveness in the vertical jump (24.5") and bench press (19 repetitions). While Goldman's measureables weren't ideal, he showed impressive agility during positional drills, proving much lighter on his feet than his broad, thick frame would suggest. The Detroit Lions put Goldman, Mario Edwards, Jr. and other FSU hopefuls through defensive line drills. Edwards looked athletic throughout many of the drills but struggled with his footing in the three-cone. The New Orleans Saints and San Diego Chargers seemed particularly interested in Florida State's defensive linemen. Cornerback P.J. Williams shaved nearly a full tenth off of his disappointing 4.57-second 40-yard dash time from the combine, coming in at 4.49, according to the scout. Williams (6-feet, 194 pounds) currently ranks as NFLDraftScout.com's No. 4 cornerback, a few spots ahead of former teammate Ronald Darby, a more explosive athlete but less sound football player who wowed at the combine by running a 4.38-second 40-yard dash at 5-11, 193 pounds. Other than competing in the vertical jump (36"), projected second round pick Rashad Greene elected to stand on his performance at the combine, where the 5-11 (3/8), 182-pounder was clocked at 4.53 seconds in the 40. It was interesting that Greene elected not to run again as he dropped seven pounds from his combine weight, measuring in Tuesday at just 175 pounds. Speaking of drops, Greene did have one particularly well-thrown deep ball from Winston simply slip through his fingers. With four players projected to be drafted, the offensive line drills were well attended by NFL personnel. Former left tackle-turned-center Cameron Erving was the headliner among Florida State's prospects, but guard Josue Matias helped his cause by turning in a significantly faster 40 time Tuesday (5.38) despite measuring in five pounds heavier (6-5, 312 pounds) than he did at the combine when his fastest time was 5.52 seconds. Chief among the hundreds of spectators at the Albert J. Dunlap Athletic Training Facility were Smith and Tampa Bay general manager Jason Licht, who are tasked with making the No. 1 overall pick roughly a month from now. The brain trust of the team making the No. 2 overall pick - the Tennessee Titans - was also well represented with general manager Ruston Webster and head coach Ken Whisenhunt attending the workout. Among other headliners attending the pro day was a strong contingent from the Pittsburgh Steelers - who had general manager Kevin Colbert, head coach Mike Tomlin and offensive coordinator Todd Haley on hand - and the Saints, who sent head coach Sean Payton and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, among others. --Rob Rang is the Senior Analyst for www.NFLDraftScout.com, a property of The Sports Xchange distributed in partnership with CBSSports.com


When it comes to utilizing the tight end position, there aren't many quarterbacks who are better at it than Nick Foles. Understanding that, tight end Geoff Swaim signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars this offseason, and he's now witnessing first hand how Foles had great success with tight ends like Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert in the past. Earlier this week, Swaim told the media that he's really been impressed with Foles so far despite it being relatively early in the preseason process. He also told the media that he's been really impressed with the veteran's ball placement, which just may be the reason he's been good at linking up with tight ends in the past. Geoff Swaim makes a lot of sense when he explains why #Jaguars QB Nick Foles is so good with tight ends. @gsmitter 's story: https://t.co/xiBcrntv95 pic.twitter.com/V1JZALNEkg - Phillip Heilman (@phillip_heilman) May 25, 2019 Swaim may not just be pumping sunshine for the fans, as it appears the receivers are having identical success in the early stages of organized team activities. In years past, ball placement has been a big issue for the Jags' receivers - and now that the area has been improved - it's allowed the group to focus on other aspects of their game. Ultimately, fans will have to wait until the pads go on before we can truly tell if Foles is a shot in the arm for the passing game, because right now contact isn't really allowed. Still, it's nice to see pass catchers like Swaim gelling and succeeding under Foles early because the momentum could continue into training camp. MORE: Steve Kerr's daughter wasn't impressed with his dad joke about Drake before NBA Finals Ahead of Finals, Stephen Curry defends Kevin Durant against critics Oshane Ximines named Giants' most dangerous new weapon Jimmy Butler would reportedly like playing with LeBron James Damon Harrison tired of repeated contract talks


Philadelphia is due to turn warm over the next few days, according to drone-powered weather forecasting service Saildrone . Temperatures will reach a high of 84 degrees on Monday. Rain is also in store tomorrow. Tomorrow's forecast shows the highest possibility of rain at 91 percent, while the most rainfall is predicted on Monday at 0.15 inches. Skies will be mostly cloudy on Saturday. Winds will remain somewhat calm through the week, with the highest speeds tomorrow at only 12 mph. This story was created automatically using Saildrone's local weather forecast data, then reviewed by an editor. We also incorporate historic weather data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


Jon Gruden should be very excited that he has a long-term deal that pays him a ton of money because otherwise, he could be on the hot seat. He wouldn't be on the hot seat for his coaching performance last year - although that was questionable - but instead would be on the hot seat because there is a curse no one talks about, but it's real. It's not the Madden Curse. It's the "Hard Knocks" coaching curse. Basically, if you're a coach and your team goes on the HBO show - on tomorrow by the way - then you're not long for the current job you are in. There's undeniable proof. (DOUG MONACO/AFP/Getty Images) 2001: Baltimore Ravens, Brian Billick Billick coached the Ravens to a Super Bowl title in 2000. He had a great team. He had ownership and front office support. There was no way Billick was ever going to have issues in Baltimore. He was their football savior. The Ravens went 10-6 the year they did "Hard Knocks" but Billick only had three winning seasons out of the next six season with a bad five-win and three-win season in that resume. Coincidently, that three-win season got Billick relieved of his duties. He never landed a head coaching gig again. He did last longer than our next example. 2002: Dallas Cowboys, Dave Campo Dave Campo was fired the year that he was the coach on Hard Knocks. He had three consecutive 5-11 seasons. Campo was able to land a job as the Browns defensive coordinator after his embarrassing run as a head coach. He was out of the NFL in 2004 according to Pro Football Reference. 2007: Kansas City Chiefs, Herm Edwards "Hard Knocks" took a few years off after the Campo debacle. It's not like the Cowboys losing was his fault, but HBO stepped away. They came back with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2007. They came back with a big personality. The always quotable Herm Edwards would be the next coach on the show. The Chiefs went 4-12 the year they were the team of "Hard Knocks." Edwards coached the team to two wins in 2008. He was promptly fired. He has not coached in the NFL since but is now the coach of at Arizona State. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) 2008: Dallas Cowboys, Wade Phillips Phillips is one of the best defensive minds in the NFL. He should make it into the Hall of Fame based on his abilities as a defensive coordinator alone. He's highly regarded. He's one of the best follows on Twitter. I don't want to have to say anything bad about Phillips because he is an NFL treasure. But, he did coach the Cowboy to a 9-7 record the year they were on the show. He then coached Dallas to an 11-5 record in 2009. That should help him reverse the curse, right? He was fired in 2010 after nine weeks. He didn't even make it three seasons after the show aired. 2009: Cincinnati Bengals, Marvin Lewis I don't know if Marvin Lewis counts for this at all. Honestly, he's the only coach who survived two 'Hard Knocks' and lived to tell about it. He isn't coaching now, but he might be the best coach in modern-Bengals history. Of course, Mike Brown could have moved on from Lewis earlier, but he never wanted to. That's Mike Brown. 2010: New York Jets, Rex Ryan The Jets went 11-5 the year they were on "Hard Knocks." That's good! They even made a playoff run to the AFC Championship. The problem is that it was all downhill from there. New York finished 8-8, 6-10, 8-8, and finally, 4-12 in the Ryan years after the team took the momentum from the show to make a run. Ryan had a short stint in Buffalo but did not last long and is now on television. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer) 2012: Miami Dolphins, Joe Philbin Joe Philbin had to be one of the most boring coaches in "Hard Knocks" history. We went from charismatic Ryan to grandpa Joe - or at least that's what it felt like. Philbin never finished with better than a .500 record in his four years in Miami. He was fired in 2015 four weeks into the season. 2013: Cincinnati Bengals, Marvin Lewis Marvin is back! See everything above. 2014: Atlanta Falcons, Mike Smith Mike Smith coached the Falcons to 13, 10, and 13 wins before the Falcons stumbled to only four wins in 2013. The obvious idea would be to go on a television show after winning four games. That should fix things. Narrator Voice: It did not fix things. The Falcons won six games in 2014 and Smith was fired immediately after the 2014 season. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke) 2015: Houston Texans, Bill O'Brien We finally have a coach who has won some division titles and stuck around after appearing on Hard Knocks! There's really not much to say about O'Brien when it comes to the curse because he's still coaching the same team. He's made the playoffs. He has a star at quarterback. O'Brien wins. 2016: Los Angeles Rams, Jeff Fisher Jeff Fisher was fired after Week 13 the same season that his team appeared on "Hard Knocks." He was eventually replaced by a wunderkind head coach who is one of the most creative play-callers in the game. Fisher has not coached in the NFL since. 2017: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dirk Koetter Dirk Koetter lasted exactly two seasons - 2017 and 2018 - until he was fired as the head coach of the Bucs. He did not have any winning seasons as a coach after appearing on Hard Knocks. 2018: Cleveland Browns, Hue Jackson I don't even think we need to get into Hue Jackson, but he was fired mid-year last year. He finished his career with the Browns at 3-36-1. It wasn't the show that got Jackson fired, but he still is part of the trend. Exactly one Hard Knocks coach still has a head coaching job today. That's crazy. If we say that O'Brien, Lewis, and we will even say Billick was successful after "Hard Knocks" that's only three out of 12 coaches. That's not a great hit rate. Jon Gruden doesn't have to worry, but he should be really happy he has that long term deal. The "Hard Knocks" curse has more victims than the Madden Curse. MORE: 'Bachelor in Paradise' 2019 cast guide: Meet all 37 contestants Raiders release first depth chart of 2019 season Browns release their initial preseason depth chart Quick hits, observations from Packers' first joint practice with Texans Paxton Lynch Throws Shade At Broncos During Seahawks Camp


According to rental site Zumper , median rents for a one bedroom in Fourth Ward are hovering around $1,431, compared to a $1,250 one-bedroom median for Charlotte as a whole. So how does the low-end pricing on a Fourth Ward rental look these days and what might you get for your money? We took a look at local listings for studios and one-bedroom apartments to find out what price-conscious apartment seekers can expect to find in the neighborhood, which, according to Walk Score ratings , is quite walkable and is relatively bikeable. Read on for the cheapest listings available right now. (Note: prices and availability are subject to change.) Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. 406 W. Ninth St., #202 Listed at $925/month, this one-bedroom, one-bathroom condo, located at 406 W. Ninth St., #202, is 35.4 percent less than the $1,431/month median rent for a one bedroom in Fourth Ward. In the unit, you're promised an open floor plan, many windows and a walk-in closet. Pet owners, take heed: cats and dogs are permitted. (See the complete listing here .) 640 N. Church St., #26108-0 Then there's this 546-square-foot address at 640 N. Church St., #26108-0, listed at $1,143/month. Inside, you'll find hardwood floors, a dishwasher and cabinet space. The rental doesn't require a leasing fee. (See the listing here .) 517 W. Eighth St. This one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment, situated at 517 W. Eighth St., is listed for $1,239/month for its 774 square feet of space. In the apartment, anticipate hardwood flooring, a fireplace, high ceilings, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, a spacious living room and a balcony. Parking and outdoor space are listed as building amenities. Both cats and dogs are permitted. (See the listing here .) This story was created automatically using local real estate data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


Curious just how far your dollar goes in East Arlington? According to Walk Score, this Arlington neighborhood isn't very walkable and has minimal bike infrastructure. Data from rental site Zumper shows that the median rent for a one bedroom in East is currently hovering around $800. So, what might you expect to find if you're on a budget of $1,000/month? Read on for a roundup of the latest rental offerings, via Zumper and Apartment Guide . (Note: prices and availability are subject to change.) Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. 3200 S. Center St. Listed at $999/month, this 916-square-foot two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment is located at 3200 S. Center St. In the apartment, you can expect hardwood floors, a fireplace, air conditioning and a balcony. The building boasts on-site laundry; For those with furry friends in tow, know that cats and dogs are permitted on this property, but expect a $150 pet fee. (Check out the complete listing here .) 3006 Franciscan Drive Next, there's this one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment located at 3006 Franciscan Drive. It's listed for $966/month for its 665 square feet of space. Building amenities include covered parking, a business center, a clubhouse and a swimming pool. In the apartment, anticipate a dishwasher, ceiling fans, air conditioning and a balcony. Both cats and dogs are permitted. (See the complete listing here .) 1609 Sherry St. Here's a 1,065-square-foot two-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bathroom apartment at 1609 Sherry St. that's going for $965/month. In the unit, you'll get a mix of carpet and hardwood floors, air conditioning, a balcony and a fireplace. The building features seven laundry facilities, an outdoor space and a business center. Good news for animal lovers: both dogs and cats are allowed here. (Take a look at the full listing here .) This story was created automatically using local real estate data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


Nevada Democratic Gov. Steve Sisolak on Thursday vetoed a bill that would have seen his state join a growing movement to effectively convert presidential elections to a popular vote system. The state's Senate voted last week to approve a bill passed earlier in the State Assembly that would add Nevada to the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, an agreement among states to allocate their electors to the winner of the popular vote once a controlling number of states have joined together. On Thursday, Sisolak issued a letter to the State Assembly offering his formal veto message rejecting the bill. Sisolak's opposition is a blow to the movement that has picked up steam in the wake of President Donald Trump's win in the Electoral College over Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, who defeated him in the popular vote. The compact, if successful, would make the winner of the national popular vote the winner of the Electoral College and therefore the winner of the presidential election, rather than the current system, where most states award all of their electors to the winner in each given state. In a Twitter thread explaining his decision, Sisolak said the compact "could diminish the role of smaller states like Nevada in national electoral contests and force Nevada's electors to side with whoever wins the nationwide popular vote, rather than the candidate Nevadans choose." "In cases like this, where Nevada's interests could diverge from the interests of large states, I will always stand up for Nevada," Sisolak said. National Popular Vote, Inc., a group pushing the effort, said 15 jurisdictions with a total of 189 electoral votes have already joined the compact -- 270 are needed to capture the White House -- and Patrick Rosenstiel, senior consultant to the group, said in a statement after Sisolak's announcement that since January, the agreement "has been enacted in three states, passed 11 legislative chambers and continues to be under consideration in Oregon." "We will continue our bipartisan work in states like Nevada until the National Popular Vote proposal takes effect and every voter in every state is politically relevant in every presidential election," Rosenstiel's statement read. The compact requires 81 more electoral votes to reach 270, and Nevada's six votes would have inched the agreement forward to a total of 195, based on National Popular Vote, Inc.'s tally. Nevada's system allows for the legislature to override a governor's veto with a two-thirds majority vote in each of its two state houses. The bill to join the compact passed each house of the legislature with less than a two-thirds margin -- with the State Assembly in April approving in a vote of 23-17 and the state Senate last week in a vote of 12-8.


Graham Potter has been confirmed as Chris Hughton's successor at Brighton & Hove Albion, following Hughton's sacking last week. Potter, who has had one year in English football with Swansea City after eight years at Ostersund in Sweden, will join the club on a four-year deal. However, this will not be Potter's first taste of the Premier League, having turned out for Southampton in the division back in his playing days. The 43-year-old guided the Swans to an impressive 10th placed finish in his debut season in the Championship, despite operating under considerable financial constraints. ✍ The club are delighted to announce the appointment of Graham Potter as the new head coach of the football club. 📲 Breaking news brought to you by @eToro #BHAFC 🔵⚪ pic.twitter.com/rfRdm94Czn   Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽ (@OfficialBHAFC) May 20, 2019 He also oversaw an exciting FA Cup run for the Welsh side, which ultimately ended at the quarter-final stage when eventual Premier League champions Manchester City came to the Liberty Stadium, though they were made to work sincerely hard for their 3-2 victory. The two-time Swedish Football Manager of the Year will succeed Hughton at the Amex Stadium, following four and a half impressive years at the helm of the Seagulls and, despite the difficulties of their most recent campaign, Potter will undoubtedly have some big shoes to fill. In a statement on the club's website, Potter said: "I was sold by the long-term vision and passion shown by Tony Bloom, Paul Barber and Dan Ashworth. The ideas and plans they have for the future of this football club excited me; I am thrilled and honoured to be a part of it. "Undoubtedly, this has been one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make as chairman of Brighton & Hove Albion , but ultimately one I have made due to how we struggled in the second half of the season."


It took just four brutal trading days for a $1.4 trillion wipeout in the S&P 500 stock value. From the Federal Reserve's disappointing comments on the future of interest rates to President Donald Trump's surprise tariffs to China's weaponizing of the yuan, the record-long bull market took a big hit in a relatively short time. Here's an explanation of why it's happening. The Dow Jones Industrial Average tumbled 767 points on Monday, its sixth-largest point decline ever, as investors brace for a protracted battle between the world's two largest economies. The S&P 500 plunged more than 5% in less than a week, while the Cboe Volatility Index, AKA Wall Street's "fear gauge," jumped to the highest in 2019. Dow futures fell again Monday evening, implying a 500-point drop at the open on Tuesday. Started with the Fed It all went down four sessions ago when the Fed cut interest rates for the first time in more than a decade. On the surface, equity investors would normally welcome a rate cut. But stocks started cratering when Fed chief Jerome Powell described the rate cut as a "midcyle adjustment," a signal that maybe they would only cut one or two times rather than begin a lengthy cutting cycle. Traders pushed the S&P 500 down 1% that day. Then Trump's Tariffs Equities tumbled anew the next day when Trump abruptly ended the ceasefire in the trade war with China. In a Thursday afternoon tweet, the president announced 10% tariffs on another $300 billion worth of Chinese goods, effective Sept. 1. The news caught traders off caught as the White House had said trade talks in Shanghai were "constructive " less than 24 hours earlier. The S&P 500 tumbled another 0.9% and completed its worst week of the year. China retaliates China was quick to strike back at the tariff threat. On Monday, China allowed its currency to breach a psychological red line  the key 7 yuan to the dollar level   for the first time since 2008. Meanwhile, it halted buying of U.S. agricultural products and threaten to impose duties on the farm goods it bought since Aug.3. These retaliation measures   China's biggest shot fired to date   rattled the markets and took nearly 3% from the S&P 500. And more selling ahead on Tuesday The U.S. Treasury Department late Monday after the stock market closed declared China a currency manipulator , saying it's using yuan to gain "unfair advantage" in trade. The move hit stock market futures and set us up for yet another drop on Tuesday. The monster bloodbath in stocks sparked a major flight-to-safety move. The 10-year Treasury yield plunged below 1.74% on Monday, its lowest level since November 2016 as investors flooded into Treasurys. In the meantime, gold hit its highest level since 2013. With no clear path to a trade resolution in sight, it's hard to see a relief in stocks' brutal sell-off in the near term. "I believe the more severe a market sell-off, the more likely the US is to act in some way to counteract the effects of tariffs," Kristina Hooper, Invesco's chief global market strategist, said in a note. "I hold out hope that the US will recognize that winning a trade war with China is very unlikely; that should prompt it to abandon its masochistic bent and avoid any more self-inflicted damage."