The Cleveland Browns added a ton of interesting athletes on the defensive side of the ball this offseason, and despite a majority of them being undrafted prospects that may not see the field often, they all appear to be geared towards improving the struggling special teams. Willie Harvey, like many of the other rookie linebackers, may not be the sexiest prospect, but he might evolve into a solid special teams contributor. Willie Harvey, OLB Height: 5-11 Weight: 221 pounds Harvey parlayed a rookie minicamp tryout into a contract. Despite hailing from Miami, Harvey is not one of the many former Hurricanes in Cleveland. Instead, he played a huge role in turning Iowa State into a competitive Big 12 team. Harvey had a solid 2018 campaign with 76 tackles, including nine behind the line of scrimmage. It is not shocking Harvey did not get drafted as his play wasn't off-the-charts impressive and he lacks the ideal size teams prefer in their starting outside linebacker. He will need to impress in coverage and pass defense to stick. It is going to be an uphill battle for Harvey to make the final roster, especially considering there are a few others, notably fifth-rounder Mack Wilson, who are a similar type of player. Harvey does have the skills to develop into a solid depth piece. He brings the intensity and packs punch in his pads. MORE: Four potential Kawhi Leonard landing spots in free agency Suspended NASCAR driver still found a way to race this weekend Rob Pelinka May Not Have Known the Cap Rules for Anthony Davis Trade Raiders DE Clelin Ferrell signs contract, offers message to fans Position flexibility giving Packers DB Natrell Jamerson a chance to stick


Jose Mourinho is number 9 in 90min's Top 50 Great Managers of All Time series. Follow the rest of the series over the course of the next two weeks. You can read Tom Gott's biography of Mourinho here. Jose Mourinho's trophy cabinet is utterly astonishing. Having won competitions all over Europe, it should come as no surprise that Mourinho has worked with some fantastic players. His Porto side took Europe by storm. He turned Chelsea into England's finest. He made history with Inter. He dominated with Real Madrid and he won plenty of trophies with Manchester United as well. That's quite a CV. With so many world-class talents at his disposal, whittling it down to just one all-time XI isn't easy, but let's get into it. Goalkeeper & Defenders Petr Cech (GK) - Chelsea had already agreed a deal to sign Cech by the time Mourinho arrived at Chelsea, but the two combined to lead the Blues to new heights. After being handed his debut by Mourinho, Cech wasted little time in establishing himself as one of the game's finest goalkeepers, and his record of 202 Premier League clean sheets tells the whole story. Javier Zanetti (RB) - Mourinho often fielded the versatile Zanetti in midfield for Inter , but he also featured in his natural right-back position. His stamina, coupled with an astonishing technical ability, made the Argentine a potent threat all over the field, and there was simply nothing Zanetti could not do. Ricardo Carvalho (CB) - Mourinho owes a lot of his success to Carvalho, who was Porto's outstanding player on their run to Champions League glory in 2004. Unsurprisingly, he spent heavily to bring the centre-back to Chelsea with him, and the pair combined for even more success. John Terry (CB) - Carvalho's partner in defence, John Terry helped transform Chelsea into world-beaters. Mourinho had all the money in the world to replace Terry, but instead chose to make him club captain in 2004 - a decision which Terry rewarded with years of outstanding service to both Mourinho and Chelsea. Ashley Cole (LB ) - Signing Cole in 2006 landed Mourinho in a lot of trouble, but he was just so desperate to sign the then- Arsenal man, and understandably so. Cole was a force of nature on the left of the pitch, combining sublime attacking with near-perfect defending. Midfielders Claude Makelele (DM) - There's a reason the best defensive midfielders are always compared to Makelele. Under Mourinho, the Frenchman changed the way we view defending, and his performances for Chelsea left the world in awe. Frank Lampard (CM) - Lampard was already a starter for Chelsea when Mourinho arrived in 2004, but the influence of the 'Special One' on him cannot be understated. Mourinho's desire for fluid, attack-minded football was perfect for Lampard, who racked up goals and assists for fun. Deco (CM) - When Mourinho arrived at Porto, he quickly saw something in Deco. The midfielder was tasked with leading the team, and he certainly delivered. He may not have been blessed with real pace or power, but he made it for it in stamina and control. Deco could fly around the pitch with ease, picking the ball up wherever he wants to create chances for his teammates. Forwards Samuel Eto'o (RW) - Signing Eto'o was a fantastic piece of business for Inter, who offloaded Zlatan Ibrahimovic and picked up £40m in the process. He instantly transformed Mourinho's side from great to outstanding, and he was inspirational in their treble victory in 2010. Didier Drogba (ST) - Mourinho has previously spoken of his infatuation with Drogba , insisting that, when offered the chance to sign any striker in the world in 2004, he only wanted Drogba. He transformed the Ivorian into one of the game's finest, and Drogba's unique blend of speed and power made him the complete forward. Cristiano Ronaldo (LW) - The relationship between Mourinho and Ronaldo was hardly the best, but the pair still combined for some outstanding results. At Real Madrid , Ronaldo established himself as arguably the best player in history, and Mourinho often gave him plenty of creative freedom with which to work his magic. Number 50: Marcelo Bielsa: The Argentina Manager's All Time Best XI Number 49: Vic Buckingham: The English Manager's All Time Best XI Number 48: Claudio Ranieri: The Tinkerman's All Time Best XI Number 47: Bill Nicholson: The Tottenham Legend's All Time Best XI Number 46: Sven-Goran Eriksson: The Former Lazio Manager's All Time Best XI Number 45: Sir Alf Ramsey: The World Cup Winer's All Time Best XI Number 44: Antonio Conte: The Fiery Italian's All-Time Best XI Number 43: Kenny Dalglish: The King of Anfield's All-Time Best XI Number 42: Massimiliano Allegri: The Six-Time Serie A Winner's All-Time Best XI Number 41: Sir Bobby Robson: The Legendary Fighter's All-Time Best XI Number 40: Luis Aragones: Spain's Most Important Manager's All-Time Best XI Number 39: Herbert Chapman: The Yorkshire Tactician's All-Time Best XI Number 38: Carlos Alberto Parreira: The World Cup Hero's All-Time Best XI Number 37: Franz Beckenbauer: Der Kaiser's All-Time Best XI Number 36: Viktor Maslov: Dedushka's All-Time Best XI Number 35: Rafa Benitez: The Likeable Spaniard's All-Time Best XI Number 34: Zinedine Zidane: The French Magician's All-Time Best XI Number 33: Luiz Felipe Scolari: Picking Big Phil's All-Time Best XI Number 32: Jupp Heynckes: The German Master Tactician's All-Time Best XI Number 31: Vicente del Bosque: The Moustachioed Mister's All-Time Best XI Number 30: Arsene Wenger: The Legendary Arsenal Manager's All-Time Best XI Number 29: Udo Lattek: The Inspirational Leader's All-Time Best XI Number 28: Jock Stein: Big Jock's All-Time Best XI Number 27: Vittorio Pozzo: Il Vecchio Maestro's All-Time Best XI Number 26: Jurgen Klopp: Mr Heavy Metal Football's All-Time Best XI Number 25: Mario Zagallo: Velho Lobo's All-Time Best XI Number 24: Bela Guttmann: The Proto-Mourinho's All-Time Best XI Number 23: Valeriy Lobanovskyi: The Soviet Scientist's All-Time Best XI Number 22: Louis van Gaal: The Mercurial & Enigmatic Dutch Master's All-Time Best XI Number 21: Otto Rehhagel: The 'King' Who Conquered Europe's All-Time Best XI Number 20: Tele Santana: The Attack-Minded Superstar's All-Time Best XI Number 19: Bill Shankly: The Liverpool Godfather's All-Time Best XI Number 18: Ottmar Hitzfeld: Der General Who Dominated Germany's All-Time Best XI Number 17: Miguel Muñoz: Real Madrid's Greatest Ever Manager's All-Time Best XI Number 16: Fabio Capello: The Serial Serie A Winner's All-Time Best XI Number 15: Brian Clough: The Maverick Manager's All-Time Best XI Number 14: Nereo Rocco: The Milan Legend's All-Time Best XI Number 13: Carlo Ancelotti: The Diva Whisperer's All-Time Best XI Number 12: Sir Matt Busby: The Legendary Scot Who Built Modern Man Utd's All-Time Best XI Number 11: Marcello Lippi: The Italian World Cup Winner's All-Time Best XI Number 10: Bob Paisley: Liverpool's Humble Genius' All-Time Greatest XI


Phil Jackson has emerged once again as an influential part of the Los Angeles Lakers franchise, with the hiring of Frank Vogel and Jason Kidd signaling that influence is growing. Jackson, as you may know, was romantically involved with Jeanie Buss for nearly 17 years and they were engaged for four years. But Jackson is also a confidant of Kurt Rambis, who has seen his role grow in the organization. Rambis' increased influence can't be separated from his wife Linda Rambis, who many see as operating as the team's shadow owner. According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Jackson and Rambis both pushed for the Vogel hire. That reporting was corroborated by his ESPN colleague Dave McMenamin. . @mcten talks about LeBron's thoughts on Lakers getting Frank Vogel. pic.twitter.com/pGa8ojblmJ - John Ledesma (@JohnnyNBA) May 12, 2019 So there you have it, Phil Jackson is back in the mix and it looks like he is here to stay. Jackson liked Vogel and nearly hired him to run the Knicks. That ended with Jackson hiring Jeff Hornacek, who had Rambis on staff as an assistant. Rambis' track record has mostly been as an assistant coach and Jackson's tenure as the executive of the New York Knicks was marked by several disappointing moves such as the Derrick Rose trade and the massive contract offer to Joakim Noah when both players were clearly past their best days. MORE: Video confirms reports of Chris Paul's attempt to sabotage Steph Curry Most bizarre and incredible catches by fishermen in past decade NBA Free Agency 2019: The top players Daniel Jones has been accepted, embraced inside of Giants' locker room Quandre Diggs: The next formidable leader for the Lions


Kathy Zhu, the Michigan beauty queen who was stripped of her title over old social posts that were deemed insensitive, is joining the Trump re-election campaign. The 20-year-old University of Michigan student will serve on the Women for Trump Coalition Advisory Board. "Team Trump welcomes Kathy Zhu to the Official #WomenforTrump Coalition Advisory Board!" the official Twitter account for the Trump Campaign, tweeted Thursday evening. "I am so excited to now be part of the #WomenforTrump Coalition Advisory Board! Let's get Trump re-elected for 2020," Zhu tweeted back. Zhu was stripped of her title of a Miss Michigan and as a participant in the Miss World America pageant after the organization deemed the content of her social media as "offensive, insensitive and inappropriate." according to a letter from the pageant that she posted on her Twitter account. A self-described liberal turned conservative, Zhu seems to be relishing her sudden notoriety. Her twitter following passed 150,000 on Sunday. "Wow! 150,000 is a YUGE number! " Zhu tweeted as @PoliticalKathy. "Thank you to everyone for your continued support." On Friday, she was the featured speaker at a Women for Trump luncheon in Bloomfield Hills. "It seems harder to come out as a conservative than it does as being gay," Zhu said at the luncheon. "People wanted to ridicule me," she said. "There were so many times that my account got hacked from the left." Make America Great Again Hats and embellished Trump shirts were on display at the entrance, but everyone's attention was focused on Zhu, who was met by a standing ovation. Zhu still defends the two now-deleted tweets that she blames for her dethroning as Miss Michigan. The first is an incident that dates to 2018, in which Zhu went up to a Muslim Student Association booth celebrating World Hijab Day and declined to wear a hijab when prompted. She then tweeted: "There is a 'try a hijab on' booth at my college campus. So you're telling me that it's now just a fashion accessory and not a religious thing? Or are you just trying to get women used to being oppressed under Islam?" The second is a reply to another user in which Zhu says: "Did you know the majority of black deaths are caused by other blacks? Fix problems within your own community before blaming others." Free Press staff writer Andrea Perez Balderrama contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Dethroned Miss Michigan joins Trump reelection campaign


The expectations on Lions rookie tight end T.J. Hockenson were going to be high anyway, when they used a top-10 pick on him. But after he asked to wear the number 88 jersey , they got even higher. He's the first player to wear that number since the late Lions Hall of Fame tight end Charlie Sanders was enshrined in Canton. Sanders continued to work for the team after his retirement in a variety of roles. Because of that link, they didn't hand the jersey out lightly, and his family said they appreciated the courtesy of letting them know in advance. "The Sanders family appreciates the organization communicating with us prior to their announcement that T.J. would suit up in Dad's legendary jersey this fall," said Sanders' daughter Charese Sanders-Sailor in a statement released on behalf of the family, via the Detroit Free Press . "We want the community to remember that our father honored the Fords and the Detroit Lions organization with great character and humility for nearly 50 years, while they too honored him. Amongst all of his accolades and positions, he enjoyed representing the Fords and Lions culture as their ambassador while yet on staff in the scouting department until his passing. "Although we would have loved for our father's number to be officially retired, we understand T.J. Hockenson's work ethic, background, and love for family are characteristics in alignment with the Great 88's legacy and the Lions' decision. We look forward to meeting him at training camp! If Dad were here, he would probably tell T.J. with a firm shoulder pat, squeeze, and look straight in the eye. . . . 'Make me proud son.'" Hockenson has a long way to go to approach the kind of impact Sanders made on the organization, and having the blessing of the family is a good way to start an anticipated rookie season.


Lions safety Glover Quin officially hung up his cleats on Tuesday. The 10-year veteran announced his retirement in a classy social media post. Quin didn't get a lot of national attention for his play, but most Lions fans understand just how good he was in his six seasons in Detroit. My fellow football media pundits knew, too. But it wasn't always like that for the 2009 fourth-round pick from New Mexico. Flashback to the spring of 2013, when the Lions first signed Quin… I lived in Houston at the time, which afforded me the chance to have watched Quin up close during his formative years with the Texans. There was a vigorous debate at the time on the four full-time all-sports radio stations in Houston about the conscious choice the Texans made to choose to bring in Ed Reed and let Quin go in free agency without much of an effort to bring him back. Quin had played primarily but far from exclusively as Houston's slot CB (still a starting position) in his first two seasons with limited success but considerable promise. The team then bounced him around between the strong and free safety spots, which at that time were clearly different positions in coordinator Wade Phillips' scheme. Quin never complained about his ever-shifting role. He got little fanfare on a defense headlined by the emergence of J.J. Watt as a superstar but also featuring Brian Cushing, Johnathan Joseph, fan favorite Antonio "Ninja" Smith and first-round CB Kareem Jackson, whose selection ultimately pushed Quin to safety. He started all 16 games in every season from 2010-12 and led the Texans in solo tackles in that final year. Yet the team believed they needed more of a playmaker and impact talent at the back of the defense; Quin had just 5 INTs in his four seasons, though he had a team-high 47 PDs over that time. So they rolled the dice with the 35-year-old Reed. Oh the irony! Reed lasted half of a miserable season, proving father time is undefeated. While he picked off three passes in his seven games, his stark loss of range and closing speed forced him to the bench and ultimately off the team. It's still regarded as a major blunder and source of real anger in Houston, a fanbase that is far more forgiving and accepting of questionable management decisions that Detroit. All Quin did was become the most productive safety in the NFL in his six seasons in Detroit. From the Lions PR department , From 2013-18, Quin was the only player in the NFL to log at least 400 tackles, 15 INTs, 10 TFLs & 5 FFs. He never missed a start either. Quin led the NFL in INTs in 2014 with seven, making his only Pro Bowl and earning second-team All-Pro honors. Quin showed signs of losing a step of his own in 2018, but he soldiered through. Showing his true character and team-first attitude, he took rookie Tracy Walker under his wing and helped groom the youngster as his successor. Walker got better every week, and you'd better believe Quin had something to do with that quick progress. He will forever be one of my favorite Lions. Moving back to Michigan in the summer of 2013, I tried to tell fans to get more excited about the other import from Houston. A fanbase stained by the injury-riddled Louis Delmas, underwhelming Erik Coleman and something called Ricardo Silva didn't take long to appreciate Quin. Even though he's a quiet and humble, family-oriented man, Lions fans greatly appreciated his versatility and all-around ability to do anything in the secondary at a high level. Enjoy retirement, Glover. You earned it! MORE: UFC fighter Ben Askren had an excellent response to getting knocked out in 5 seconds Expected starting lineup for Lakers with LeBron James at point guard Former Steeler DeAngelo Williams throws shade at WR Ryan Switzer Honor thy father: Quinn Cook signed with Lakers for good reason Three Potential Trade Destinations for Russell Westbrook


Another week has past and it is time to check in with the rest of the NFC West. What has been going on with the Seattle Seahawks? Here are a few stories from the last week that Arizona Cardinals fans should know about. Seahawks sign Geno Smith, create competition at backup QB Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports The Seahawks, who lost last year's backup QB, Brett Hundley, as a free agent to the Cardinals, added Paxton Lynch earlier in the offseason. They signed Geno Smith last week as well. While everyone knows Russell Wilson is the starter, Seahawks fans will have a competition to watch for the backup job as the offseason progress and the preseason rolls around. View embedded content Seahawks have 3 remaining unsigned draft picks Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports Seattle signed four more of their 11 draft picks last week. While the Cardinals already have all 11 of their own draft picks under contract. Their remaining unsigned picks are first-round defensive end L.J. Collier, second-round receiver DK Metcalf and third-round linebacker Cody Barton. View embedded content DK Metcalf considered a favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports Cardinals rookie quarterback Kyler Murray, the No. 1 pick in the draft, is the odds-on favorite to be this year's rookie of the year, but Seattle has a rookie who could be in the mix. Receiver DK Metcalf, drafted in the second round, is one of the favorites as well . View embedded content Russell Wilson dubbed as favorite to be MVP Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Wilson, one of the best quarterbacks in the league, is always a candidate for the league's Most Valuable Player award. While a panel of ESPN experts mostly selected other players as their early 2019 MVP pick, one cast a vote for Wilson . It isn't a bad vote at all. Listen to the latest from Cards Wire's Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio . View embedded content MORE: This photo of Kyler Murray led to more speculation about his height Patriots will prove Super Bowl LIII shutdown defense was no fluke Breaking down Darnell Savage's skill set and fit in Packers defense Ex-Jets coach wonders what Adam Gase earned, thinks Gang Green took 'dunce' hat back from Giants NBA Free Agency 2019: The top players


Ocala Muth was on vacation with her family in Esparza, in the province of Puntarenas in Costa Rica, when all of a sudden a group of Panamanian white-faced capuchins started jumping on top of her. Could they have been looking for more food?


More than 200,000 people showed up to celebrate the St. Pete Pride Parade, but the party didn't stop there. Florida's largest pride celebration features events all weekend long, with the Pride Festival itself expected to see 50,000 attendees. For visitor Leigh Berger, she was impressed by the overall atmosphere. "I mean, it's very welcoming," she said. "It's great to know that we can be welcomed and that we can love who we love." RELATED: St. Pete Pride Festival kicks off another day of entertainment Local real estate agent Nick Acosta was celebrating while also manning a booth, combining his personal and professional life in a way that used to not be possible. "It's amazing. Like 10 years ago, 20 years ago, we wouldn't be able to do this," Acosta said. "But today, it's amazing that we're able to do this." Local artist Logan feels lucky to have the same experience. "Oh God, it's such an honor. And I just feel so embraced by my community and in my ambitions as well," he said. "It feels great to be so supported." And for those who came from farther away, the planning and journey was well worth it. "This is just, this is an event. You know you plan this you put this in your calendar. We've had this planned since last year when we came," said Shia Silebi from Ft. Meyers. What other people are reading right now: Father and son bring gibberish-filled chat to Denny's ad Florida deputies were investigating a homicide, and then another body was found St. Pete Pride Festival kicks off another day of entertainment College student disappears not long after ordering Lyft ride 'We all feel it': Motorcyclists mourn death of 7 in crash Beth Chapman, wife of 'Dog the Bounty Hunter,' placed in a medically-induced coma ►Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the 10News app now . Have a news tip? Email desk@wtsp.com , or visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed .


Are you trying to limit your carbohydrates, but have a love for bread ? The Doctors have a helpful food tip that can help you curb your carbs while still enjoying wonderful bread. If you are going to have bread, ER physician expert Dr. Travis Stork suggests you opt for whole wheat sourdough, which contains wild yeast and the probiotic Lactobacillus, both of which make the bread easier to digest. This type of bread is made from whole grains, which helps to maintain the food's nutrient profile and fiber. The Doctors also note this bread is often more nutritious than other types of bread. Of course, this type of bread still contains carbs, but if you're going to eat bread, it could be a healthier option. Another comfort food that is packed with carbs is pasta, but we have a creative food swap (that uses Enoki mushrooms) that can drastically cut the carbs in your next Italian meal. Gallery: This Is What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Eating Carbs (Reader's Digest)


WASHINGTON   Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Friday refused to comply with a congressional subpoena to hand over President Trump's tax returns, a move that is likely to be the final step before the matter heads to the courts. For more than a month, the Treasury Department and House Democrats have exchanged letters about the request, which was initiated in April by Representative Richard E. Neal, Democrat of Massachusetts and the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. Sign Up For the Morning Briefing Newsletter Mr. Mnuchin said that lawyers in the department concluded that the original request, made using an obscure provision of the tax code, was not legitimate. Mr. Neal changed course last week and issued a subpoena to try to gain access to six years of Mr. Trump's personal and business tax returns. On Friday, Mr. Mnuchin wrote a one-page letter to Mr. Neal , in which he reiterated his previous position that the request lacked "legitimate legislative purpose" and said he could not comply with the subpoena. "For the same reasons, we are unable to provide the requested information in response to the committee's subpoena," Mr. Mnuchin said. Mr. Mnuchin was widely expected to ignore the subpoena, as Mr. Trump has vowed to fight all subpoenas from House Democrats. The Treasury secretary has warned that allowing House Democrats to retrieve the president's tax returns would open the door to lawmakers from both parties politicizing the Internal Revenue Service in the future. At a Senate hearing this week, Mr. Mnuchin said that House Democrats were trying to "weaponize" the I.R.S. He said that he had not yet decided how he would respond to the subpoena, but that "you can guess which way we are leaning." He said that the judiciary, as the third branch of government, would most likely need to settle the dispute between Congress and the executive branch, signaling the potential for a protracted court fight. House Democrats have been weighing how to respond to the Trump administration's defiance of congressional subpoenas. On Friday, Mr. Neal made clear his preference for avoiding retaliatory threats, to the disappointment of several of his more liberal colleagues. Mr. Neal told reporters that he saw little value in trying to hold Mr. Mnuchin or Charles P. Rettig, the I.R.S. commissioner, in contempt of Congress. Instead, he said, he would go straight to the courts to try to enforce his subpoena, potentially as soon as next week. The case could take months or years to resolve. "I don't see what good it would do at this particular time," Mr. Neal told CNN, when asked about the possibility of contempt proceedings. "I think if both sides have made up their minds, better to move it over to the next branch of government, the judiciary." That did not sit well among Democrats on the Ways and Means Committee, who have consistently pushed a more aggressive approach toward getting Mr. Trump's returns. Representative Bill Pascrell Jr., Democrat of New Jersey, argued on Friday that the committee should still consider fines and other possible forms of punishment for defying the subpoena. "What this does, going to court, is absent the Congress from their own responsibilities," Mr. Pascrell said. He added, "I think that's a very dangerous position for us to be in."


SALEM, Ore. (AP)   Oregon Gov. Kate Brown deployed the state police Thursday to try to round up Republican lawmakers who fled the Capitol to block a vote on a landmark economy-wide climate plan that would be the second of its kind in the nation. Minority Republicans want the cap-and-trade proposal, which is aimed at dramatically lowering the state's greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, to be sent to voters instead of being instituted by lawmakers   but negotiations with Democrats collapsed, leading to the walkout, Kate Gillem, a spokeswoman for Senate Republicans said Thursday. Oregon State Police can force any senators they track down in Oregon into a patrol car to return them to the Capitol, although the agency said in a statement that it would use "polite communication" and patience to bring the rogue lawmakers back. Under state law, the absentee senators will be fined $500 a day per person starting Friday if enough of them remain absent to prevent a vote. Democrats have an 18 to 12 majority in the chamber, but need 20 members present for a quorum. "It's time for the Senate Republicans to show up and do the job they were elected to do," Brown, a Democrat, said at a news conference. Republican senators appeared unfazed and ready to dig in. "Send bachelors and come heavily armed," Sen. Brian Boquist, a Republican from Dallas, said late Wednesday as the prospect of a walkout loomed. "I'm not going to be a political prisoner in the state of Oregon. It's just that simple." Boquist, who is reportedly in Idaho, did not respond to emails after the Senate president publicly rebuked him for the remarks. Gillem confirmed that some members left the state to avoid a vote because state police don't have jurisdiction outside Oregon. State police said Thursday evening that they had been in contact with several senators and that "out of state resources" were assisting the agency. This is the second time in this legislative session that minority GOP lawmakers have used a walkout as a way to slow the process. Democrats have a rare supermajority in the House and Senate, meaning Republicans don't have many ways to influence the debate. Republicans walked out of the Senate last month to block a school funding tax package. The standoff lasted four days, until the governor struck a deal to table legislation on gun control and vaccine requirements. The tactic is rare, but it has been used throughout history. Abraham Lincoln once leapt out of a window in an attempt to deny a quorum when he was a lawmaker in Illinois. In 2003, Texas Democrats fled to neighboring Oklahoma to deny a quorum, holing up in a Holiday Inn to block a GOP redistricting bill. The Democrats returned to Texas after the bill's deadline passed, and it was effectively killed. On Thursday, Oregon's Senate president pleaded with Republicans to return. "I beg and beseech my fellow legislators to come to the floor. I need you, the Legislature needs you, the people of Oregon need you to pass budgets to take care of our citizens," Senate President Peter Courtney said on the Senate floor. The walkout brings all Senate business to a halt with just over a week left in the legislative session. Senators still need to vote on the budget. But the cap-and-trade legislation remains a sticking point. Under the proposed bill, Oregon would put an overall limit on greenhouse gas emissions and auction off pollution "allowances" for each ton of carbon industries plan to emit. The legislation would lower that cap over time to encourage businesses to move away from fossil fuels: The state would reduce emissions to 45% below 1990 levels by 2035, and 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. Those opposed to the cap-and-trade plan say it would exacerbate a growing divide between the liberal, urban parts of the state and the rural areas. The plan would increase the cost of fuel, damaging small business, truckers and the logging industry, they say. "Protesting cap and trade by walking out today represents our constituency and exactly how we should be doing our job," said Senate Republican Leader Herman Baertschiger, Jr., of Grants Pass. A small group of loggers gathered to protest outside the Capitol on Thursday. Bridger Hasbrouck, a 32-year-old self-employed logger from Dallas, Oregon, said the bill if passed would be "devastating" to his business because he uses diesel fuel to power all his logging equipment. "There's a whole lot involved but the biggest thing that's very crippling is the fact that these bills would impose regulations that would take trucks off the road that people are using to earn their living," he said. Democrats say the measure is an efficient way to lower emissions while investing in low-income and rural communities' ability to adapt to climate change. It has the support of environmental groups, farmworkers and some trade unions. The proposal also contains a $10 million investment to protect workers adversely affected by climate change policy. "'Rural' here is not one voice," said Mimi Casteel, a farmer in rural Hopewell, Oregon. "This is not just about gas prices   this is about the future of humanity." California has had for a decade an economy-wide cap and trade policy like the one Oregon is considering. Nine northeastern states have more limited cap-and-trade programs that target only the power sector. ____ Follow Sarah Zimmerman on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/sarahzimm95 and Gillian Flaccus at http://www.twitter.com/gflaccus


The 49ers' long saga with Robbie Gould has a happy ending. On Monday, the 49ers agreed to sign the kicker to a four-year, $19M deal, as Tom Pelissero of NFL.com tweets . The deal includes $10.5M fully guaranteed at signing, representing locked-in salaries for the first two seasons of the deal. After that, the Niners must decide whether to fully guarantee half of his $4.5M salary for 2021 before Week 16 of 2020 season, and the other half by the following April. It's rare for the 49ers to give fully guaranteed salaries through year two, which shows how much they value Gould. The 36-year-old has nailed 72 of 75 field goal tries since joining the 49ers in 2017, positioning him as one of the very best kickers in the game. Gould requested a trade in April to bring him closer to his family, which many read as a push to return to Chicago. The 49ers, however, held firm and refused to deal him. Before the deal, Gould was scheduled to play the 2019 season on his one-year, $5M franchise tag tender.


Auditor of State Keith Faber placed Newtonsville in Clermont County in a state of fiscal emergency Thursday. The decision was due to accounts payable, deficit fund balances and a treasury deficiency. To declare a fiscal emergency, one of six conditions must exist: Not paying debts Failure to pay all of a payroll An increase in the minimum levy (or tax) of the village, resulting in the reduction of the minimum levy of another subdivision Significant past-due accounts payable Substantial deficit balances in village funds A large difference between the village's treasury balance is compared to the positive cash balances of the village's funds An analysis of the city's finances determined that Newtonsville meets the last three of these factors. Faber said by declaring the emergency, his office will be able to help the village with a plan to become more financially stable. Since Newtonsville has a population of less than 1,000, Faber's office will serve as the financial supervisor to oversee the situation and help the village with its finances. According to the auditor of state's website , a fiscal emergency will end once the village implements an effective accounting and reporting system, fixes the issues that caused it to enter a state of emergency, meets financial recovery plan objectives and develops a "nonadverse" five-year financial forecast. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Clermont County village placed in fiscal emergency


Start your day off right with some pictures of cuddle-hungry puppies! There are dozens of puppies up for adoption right here in Charlotte. Hoodline partnered with Petfinder , an online adoption site that lists "more than 315,000 adoptable pets from nearly 14,000 animal shelters and rescue groups" to bring you this roundup of puppies near you. (Details like pet availability, training, vaccinations and other features are based on data provided by Petfinder and may be subject to change; contact the shelter for the latest information.) Roxie, boxer and pit bull terrier mix Roxie is a female boxer and pit bull terrier puppy currently residing at the North Mecklenburg Animal Rescue . Roxie is the life of the party   she loves other dogs. She has been vaccinated. She is already house-trained. About Roxie: Roxie is an adorable 4-month-old girl who was rescued from deplorable conditions. She is smart, loving and playful. Roxie must go into a home with another dog and a fenced-in yard. Read more about Roxie on Petfinder . Keke, Labrador retriever and terrier mix Keke is a female Labrador retriever and terrier puppy staying at Maggie Lu's Safe Haven Rescue, Inc. Keke gets along well with other dogs. She has all her shots. About Keke: This sweet girl does well in a crate and is just somewhat potty trained due to still being a puppy. Keke wants to be someone's little princess and showered with love. Apply to adopt Keke today at Petfinder . Mischa, shepherd mix Mischa is a darling female shepherd puppy staying at the North Mecklenburg Animal Rescue . Mischa likes to socialize   she'll get along great with children, dogs or cats. She's been vaccinated. More on Mischa: Mischa is happy puppy and has done well adjusting to life with her foster family. She's done great with everyone so far and would make a wonderful addition to your home. Apply to adopt Mischa today at Petfinder . Vigo, Boston terrier and miniature pinscher mix Vigo is a male Boston terrier and miniature pinscher puppy being kept at Rescuing Animals In Need . Vigo will get along great with your other dogs. His ideal forever home would be a cat-free environment. He's mastered his house-training etiquette. He has all his shots. About Vigo: Vigo is energetic. He is also super smart and playful. Vigo is cuddly and likes to sleep with his person but he also loves his crate. Read more about how to adopt Vigo on Petfinder . Data, Siberian husky and hound mix Data is a male Siberian husky and hound puppy currently housed at the Greater Charlotte SPCA . Data gets along well with other dogs. About Data: Data gets along great with children and he's looking for a family that will play with him. Read more about Data on Petfinder . This story was created automatically using local animal shelter data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


Major League Baseball isn't giving up on getting Mike Trout to participate in the Home Run Derby. The Angels outfielder explained Thursday that MLB asks him to be in the HR Derby "every year," but he always says no. He led the sport in fan votes and was named an All-Star starter for the seventh time, becoming the first player in franchise history to be elected as an All-Star Game starter seven times. "It means a lot," Trout said ( via MLB.com ). "A lot of great players before me played in an Angels uniform. It's an honor. I can't do this without the fans. It makes you feel good. To be voted in and be the highest vote-getter, it means a lot to me. I can't thank the fans enough." Trout, who led MLB with 993,857 votes in the Starters Election balloting for the Midsummer Classic, left open the possibility that his stance on participating could change in the future. "Maybe one year I'll say to myself, 'Hey, let's do it,'" Trout said ( per ESPN ). "I'm obviously a big fan of watching it. It's just what it is. I enjoyed watching it as a kid, thought it was cool. I just never really wanted to do it." If you got a ball from @miketrout , you wouldn't stop smiling either. pic.twitter.com/IY1w2Xzgeq   MLB (@MLB) June 28, 2019 Trout said he would rather spend the All-Star break with his family, and he's concerned about the workload. MORE : MLB trade rumors: Yankees 'love' Mets starter Zack Wheeler | MLB wrap: 9 crazy stats from Rays-Twins 18-inning marathon | MLB All-Star Game 2019 starters: Cody Bellinger, Mike Trout lead list "It's a long, long night," Trout, who is hitting .302 with 22 home runs and 57 RBIs in 78 games, said. "A lot of swings." The 2019 Home Run Derby takes place Monday, July 8 in Cleveland at Progressive Field, while the All-Star Game is the following night. Related slideshow: 2019 MLB season (provided by imagn)


Read on for the most recent top news you may have missed in Baltimore. Despite heat wave, protesters march against ICE More than 100 protesters braved intense heat and humidity to march through the streets of the Artscape festival on Sunday to register their opposition to federal immigration policies. Read the full story on Baltimore Sun . Police release new details in methadone clinic shooting The suspect in last week's shooting at a Baltimore methadone clinic killed a technician and wounded a police sergeant before being fatally shot by two officers, police said Sunday. Read the full story on Baltimore Sun . O's take first series from Red Sox since 2017 The Orioles beat Boston 5-0 Sunday to win their first series from the Red Sox in 11 tries since 2017. Read the full story on WCVB . 9 wounded, 2 fatally, in 6 overnight shootings Nine people were shot, two of whom were killed, in six separate shootings in Baltimore from Saturday night to Sunday morning. Read the full story on CBS Baltimore . Deputy police commissioner, wife robbed at gunpoint The Baltimore Sun reports that Deputy Commissioner Daniel Murphy and his wife were approached by four men in an SUV at about 9 p.m. Friday near Patterson Park. Read the full story on WBAL . 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.


Every single app and update on Apple's App Store platforms is approved by an Apple employee working in a division called App Review. Difficult approval decisions can be run up the chain to a group called the Executive Review Board, which is led by Apple marketing SVP Phil Schiller. Apple created this system so that iPhone users can trust that apps downloaded from the App Store are safe to run and aren't scammy. An executive board led by Apple marketing SVP Phil Schiller meets every week to discuss controversial apps or other iPhone software programs that may infringe Apple's App Store guidelines. The "executive review board," or ERB, sets policy for Apple's Worldwide Developer Relations department, which is often called App Review. ERB is also the body that makes the final call whether an app can stay on the store, or if it's banned. For example, last year, the ERB and Schiller made the decision to ban the Infowars app from the App Store for violating content policies after publishing threats to a reporter. Inside App Review, Apple employees manually screen every single iPhone app before they become available to download on Apple's platforms. App Review has grown in importance as Apple increasingly emphasizes its App Store services as a source of revenue and iPhone security as a key selling point. Apple recently opened new App Review offices in Cork, Ireland, and Shanghai, China, according to a person familiar with the matter. The department has added significant headcount in recent years, they added. The additional attention to the department comes as Apple's platform is under more scrutiny than ever. In the United States, presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren says that Apple competes with the apps on its own platform . Spotify, the streaming music service that competes with Apple Music, has filed a competition complaint with the EU. And Apple's own developers for years have chafed under App Review's sometimes arbitrary rejections and boilerplate feedback. Last month, Apple published a new webpage that explains the principles that govern the App Store, as well as the most common reasons for rejection to show an increased level of transparency over previous years. "We're proud of the store we've built and the way we've built it," Apple said on the page . "We created the App Store with two goals in mind: that it be a safe and trusted place for customers to discover and download apps, and a great business opportunity for all developers," it continued. How the process works Any app or update that runs on an iPhone needs a stamp of approval from a human being in order to be distributed on Apple's App Store. While Apple does use automated filters, people familiar with the department say it's always relied on manual labor. Unlike content moderators at Silicon Valley companies like Facebook or YouTube that rely on tens of thousands of contractors, Apple's app reviewers work for Apple. They're paid hourly, have employee badges and get Apple benefits like health care. Everyone starts out reviewing iPhone apps, and as reviewers become more senior, they are trained to evaluate apps with in-app purchases, subscriptions, Apple Watch and Apple TV. The department has over 300 reviewers and is based out of a pair of offices in Sunnyvale, California, not Apple's famous Apple Park campus or its older headquarters, Infinite Loop. Lots of reviewers are fluent in non-english languages, and some teams in the division specialize in individual languages. Apple says its reviewers speak 81 different languages. App Review is organized under the marketing umbrella at Apple, and always has been, even before Schiller took over the greater App Store marketing and product departments in late 2015. Although Schiller is involved in decision-making through the ERB, people who worked at the App Review office said that he rarely if ever visits the office where the review takes place. Instead, day-to-day oversight mainly falls to Ron Okamoto, a VP at Apple, and a director who joined Apple when it bought TestFlight in 2015 , who CNBC is not naming because of security reasons. Reviewers say they sometimes receive feedback from developers that can be threatening. App Review was developed shortly after the iPhone App Store was launched in 2008. Apple's two goals for the department, according to an response to the FCC in 2009 and the webpage published earlier this year, is to create a store where customers can be confident that apps are safe, and to provide a level playing field for developers to reach customers, in exchange for a 15% to 30% cut of sales. Accept, reject, or hold Reviewers "claim" a batch of apps through a web portal on a Mac desktop, called App Claim, then they often examine the app on an attached iPad, even if it's an iPhone app, although there are stations for reviewers to evaluate Watch and TV apps on those devices. (Some developers have said they were surprised to see iPad screenshots of their iPhone apps in their logged communication with App Review.) Reviewers compare the app to Apple's public App Store guidelines , including making sure it runs without crashing and isn't full of illegal content. Then the reviewers make a call whether to accept, reject or hold the app. Most reviewers only spend a few minutes per app, but many apps are simple and only require a short period to evaluate, the people said. Reviewers have daily app quotas between 50 and 100 apps, and the number of apps any individual reviewer gets through in an hour is tracked by software called Watchtower, according to screenshots seen by CNBC. Reviewers are also judged on whether their decisions are later overturned and other quality-oriented stats. People who worked at App Review said that work days could be long and that there were periods, such as ahead of Apple's annual release of its new version of iOS, when app developers update their apps to so they're compatible. One stat that is closely tracked at App Review is called SLA, which stands for service-level agreement. Apple aims for 50% of apps to be reviewed within 24 to 48 hours. When there's a big queue of apps, the SLA percentage drops. On July 30 last year, the SLA fell to 6%, according to a staff email. "Until we catch up, we are opening up 12-hour days," according to the email seen by CNBC. "Please note that you should not work over 12 hours in one day." Apple declined to comment on its app review process. Reviewers generally don't face horrific or illegal content on a regular basis, although one reviewer said that one time that they discovered child pornography in a pending app. The app wasn't approved and the incident was reported to the FBI, the reviewer said. The bigger concern is that developers can get angry that their livelihood can be threatened by a prolonged review process, and some reviewers wish they could share more details or help more beyond the boilerplate responses they are required to send. Another reviewer said that sometimes they approve what looks like a valid app, but changes can be made on the developer's server to make it into a scammy app that violates Apple's guidelines. Sometimes reviewers get dinged for that, the person said. What happens when an app gets rejected Forty percent of apps or updates submitted to Apple are rejected, the company says. Many of those are subsequently approved after minor changes, but others present a more difficult decision for App Review. Developers who disagree with a decision made by App Review can appeal to a board called the App Review Board, which can change the decision from a lower-level reviewer, and is partially comprised of reviewers with good track records. Sustained appeals can bring an app in front of the Executive Review Board. The vast majority of iPhone apps are rejected for common reasons   they're scammy, or they have bugs or they violate user privacy. A lot of rejected apps are related to a Chinese gambling scam called "PK10," or other obviously fraudulent submissions, according to people familiar with the process. But some rejections either fall into gray areas in Apple's policies, or they are publicly sensitive, and those go to the ERB, which includes Schiller and other VPs with responsibilities at the App Store. The executive review board has been meeting since 2009, according to Apple's letter to the FCC . The apps handled by the ERB are sometimes apps that could be dangerous for Apple in terms of publicity, or "oh s---" apps, according to a person familiar with the process. One notable app that was handled at the ERB last year was the Infowars app, according to people familiar with the situation. The conspiracy theory-broadcasting app was banned last year because it published videos that included threats at reporters. The App Review team had a staff meeting after that decision was made last year, a reviewer said. When a decision is overturned on appeal, or a rejection needs to be explained, somebody at Apple calls the developer. Apple says it makes 1,000 calls per week to developers. Many developers, especially those who have gained public attention for their complaints about App Review, are contacted by a longtime Apple veteran who identifies himself as "Bill," who doesn't offer a last name, and who CNBC is not identifying due to security reasons. Companies like Spotify or Netflix don't get special treatment, one reviewer said, with the same App Review process and rules applied to their apps, despite their size. For example, Bill called Spotify when an update was rejected because it was emailing customers asking them to pay Spotify directly to circumvent Apple's cut, according to a person familiar with the situation. Bill also made calls related to the parental control apps that publicly complained about App Review treatment, according to a developer who received the call. Ultimately, at Apple, all the apps are reviewed by actual Apple employees, and decisions do go all the way up the chain to Schiller. Bill was recorded making an appeal call in 2016 by an angry developer. In the recording, Bill asks the developer, "Are you familiar with Phil? This is coming from Phil Schiller." Subscribe to CNBC on YouTube. Follow @CNBCTech on Twitter for the latest tech industry news .


LOS ANGELES   California without gasoline-burning cars? The idea is starting to be floated. A top regulator came close Thursday, but ultimately backed away from directly raising the notion of giving the boot to exhaust-belching automobiles, a staple of life in the freeway-happy Golden State for more than a century. Speaking at an air-quality workshop in San Diego, Mary Nichols, chair of the California Air Resources Board, was expected to toss in the idea of killing off gas-powered cars based on her prepared remarks. They called for her to list ways in which the state can get tougher on pollution. Start the day smarter: Get USA TODAY's Daily Briefing in your inbox The list ...: America's most eco-friendly vehicles from BMW to VW, includes a Tesla trio and two Toyotas "That might mean, for example, tougher requirements for low-carbon fuels, looking at tighter health-protective regulations on California refineries, doubling down on our enforcement efforts on mobile and stationary sources   and might lead to an outright ban on internal-combustion engines," according to the remarks obtained by Bloomberg News. But when it came to actually delivering the remarks, the direct reference to a gas-engine ban was omitted. In closing the conference, Nichols said if the air can't be cleaned fast enough, tougher measures like "fees, taxes and bans on certain types of vehicles" might be required. She added, "These are things that most of us don't think is the right way to go." Nichols wasn't proposing a gas-vehicle ban on a whim, said Simon Mui, senior scientist for the Natural Resources Defense Council. Rather, she was reacting to steps that California may have to take to stay in compliance with toughening federal clean-air regulations. If the state, famous for its smoggy air, were to fall short, it would face sanctions. "The feds have clearly put the states into a bind," Mui said after attending the conference. In California, a ban on the sale of internal-combustion cars is considered a fanciful idea. In fact, a bill to ban the sale of internal-combustion cars by 2040 was introduced in the California Legislature last year, though it didn't get far. Bike to Work Week: Are e-bikes the answer to health, traffic and environmental issues? "It's time that we clear the path for emissions-free transportation and take significant steps to achieve our ambitious emissions reduction goals," Assemblyman Phil Ting, a San Francisco Democrat, said in a statement at the time. The California New Car Dealers Association opposed the measure, saying the state lacked enough public charging stations to keep all those electrics on the road, that the bill didn't take into account the valuable role played by gas-electric hybrid vehicles and that it was too hard to mandate rules on vehicle sales more than 20 years in the future. Already, California is the nation's leader in the sale of electric cars. The association says more than 500,000 are on the road. What's a 'frunk'? Electric cars like Rivian, Tesla, Jaguar offer unique storage spaces Some experts agree the timing isn't yet right to talk about a gasoline-free future. "California has always been a visionary when it comes to 'green' cars," said Ron Cogan, publisher of the Green Car Journal. "It's not surprising there are elements in government who want to move us away from internal-combustion cars." But "given the high cost of electric cars and that a great majority of entry-level buyers can't afford them, it's too early about talk about taking gas-powered cars off the road," Cogan said. Given the charging challenge and other issues, "so many things have to happen before that is financially or fundamentally possible," he added This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is California ready to ban gas-powered cars? Not yet. But they're thinking about it


The words were desperate and pleading. "I am very afraid for my child's safety and mental development with her deranged father," Cherone Coleman wrote to Family Court in Queens in late April. "Father is losing a grip on reality and I honestly feel my child is in danger while in his care." Sign up for the Morning Briefing Newsletter. Ms. Coleman and her fiancé, Martin Pereira, had recently broken up, and he had weekend visitation rights with their 3-year-old daughter, Autumn. But his behavior had grown erratic and frightening, and Ms. Coleman was hoping the judicial referee would stop the visits. The referee declined to intervene. Less than two weeks later, on May 5, firefighters were called to a gruesome scene not far from Ms. Coleman's co-op apartment in Queens. Mr. Pereira's Audi had been set ablaze, with Autumn strapped in a car seat in the back. Chains had been looped through the rear doors to keep the toddler from getting out, or firefighters from getting in. The 3-year-old girl, who had wanted to be a princess-doctor when she grew up, had died of burns and smoke inhalation. Mr. Pereira, 39, was found nearby and charged with murder; he remains in the burn unit at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center in Manhattan. His family did not respond to requests for comment. A medical assistant who has worked in the same office for nearly two decades, Ms. Coleman had waited until she was in her 30s to become a mother. After miscarrying four years ago, she was elated to be pregnant with Autumn. In their one-bedroom apartment, Autumn slept in a large crib next to Ms. Coleman's bed, where the mother would hold hands with her only child as they fell asleep. Now, Autumn's memory remains everywhere in the apartment. Her rain boots are next to the door. Her bunny slippers are a few feet away. Her name is monogrammed in green letters on a bulging toy box sitting near a toy stove and a bright pink vanity. "She was too perfect for this world," Ms. Coleman, 36, said one recent evening. In interviews, Ms. Coleman could barely talk about Autumn's death without lacing every sentence with an expletive. She was angry and numb. Family Court is full of emotional quicksand. Judges in custody disputes are charged with balancing the best interests of children with the rights of parents while trying to sort through allegations made by desperate or angry ex-partners. But Ms. Coleman said she had tried to tell the court that her daughter was in danger. No one would listen. 'He's freaking me out' Ms. Coleman was outside with friends when she met Mr. Pereira, who was walking by. After they had been together about a year, Ms. Coleman became pregnant. Her sister, Nicole, planned the baby shower, an elaborate affair in an event hall bathed in pink-colored lights. Mr. Pereira proposed to Ms. Coleman at the party, but the celebration turned mournful when her father had a fatal heart attack that night. His death put wedding plans on indefinite hold and strained the couple, who were already having problems. They could not even agree on Autumn's name. Mr. Pereira called the girl Zoey and gave her his last name. Years of tension escalated inside Mr. Pereira's car on March 13, when Ms. Coleman returned the engagement ring. Two days later, Ms. Coleman's mother, Denise, was alarmed to see that he was wearing the ring on his pinkie finger when he picked Autumn up for a visit. "He kept twisting that ring," she said. "I called my daughter and told her, 'He's freaking me out.'" Ms. Coleman did not know that before she had met Mr. Pereira, he had been arrested in October 2013. He was charged with aggravated assault against his ex-girlfriend, a 21-year-old woman who said she feared for her life, said a law enforcement official familiar with the case. "These are things I'm finding out now," Ms. Coleman said. Ms. Coleman and Mr. Pereira fought for custody. Two judges from Family Court in Nassau County, where Mr. Pereira had relatives, and a judicial referee from Queens were involved in a flurry of court appearances and petitions. After the breakup, Mr. Pereira repeatedly used New York's child protection safety net against Ms. Coleman, suggesting she was capable of harming their daughter, records showed. Based on Mr. Pereira's allegations, a child welfare investigator arrived at her home to make sure it was clean, that she had enough food and that she was not on drugs. At a hospital, Autumn's tiny body was inspected for bruises. They found nothing wrong. After the case was transferred from Nassau County to Queens, Margaret Mulrooney, the judicial referee, ordered Ms. Coleman to take a drug test based on Mr. Pereira's claims. When the test came back negative, Mr. Pereira demanded a hair follicle test, which Ms. Mulrooney declined to order, records show. Which was why, Ms. Coleman said, it was all the more enraging that when she turned to the same system for help, she was spurned. The credibility battle Increasingly worried about Mr. Pereira's aggressive behavior, Ms. Coleman took a day off from work on April 23 to try to persuade Ms. Mulrooney to end the weekend visits. Her lawyer was on vacation, so Ms. Coleman wrote out the plea herself, making sure to use black ink because she thought it would look more professional than blue. She waited for hours, she said. But Ms. Mulrooney adjourned the issue until June. Ms. Mulrooney declined to comment for this article, citing the pending criminal case. Some advocates calling for changes in Family Court said judges tend to distrust the abuse claims of mothers, which they sometimes view as a tactic to alienate fathers from their children. "When women lose on the credibility battle, they lose the custody battle," said Joan S. Meier, a professor of clinical law at George Washington Law School in Washington, D.C. The wrong decision can have disastrous consequences. About 700 children have been killed by their parents during a divorce or separation since 2008, according to the Center for Judicial Excellence, a California-based nonprofit that wants to hold courts more accountable for decisions that can have fatal outcomes. John J. Romero Jr., the president of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges who is a judge in New Mexico and was involved in custody disputes for 18 years as a lawyer, disagreed that judges are biased against the abuse claims of mothers. "We are human. We're not computers. We make mistakes sometimes," he said. "The good decisions that are made regularly and routinely, those never stir controversy or end up reported by the media." Ms. Coleman said she let the weekend visit go on as scheduled, worried that otherwise, she could harm her pending custody case. On that final weekend with the girl he called Zoey, Mr. Pereira seemed to be acting strangely. He repeatedly called and texted Ms. Coleman, she said. Early Saturday morning, he visited the same salon where Ms. Coleman was getting her hair done and demanded that Autumn's braids be taken down and her hair changed to a different style. Hours later, he took his daughter to a hospital with the unfounded claim that she had been punched in the stomach. Ms. Coleman stopped responding to his calls and texts, until Sunday evening, when a cousin from California told her that Mr. Pereira had contacted him and threatened to kill Autumn. The next moments still remain a jumble of confusion and disbelief. Ms. Coleman reached Mr. Pereira on the phone. "I bet I have your attention now," he said, adding an expletive. She and her mother and sister did not know what to do, but ended up at the hospital, where they were told that Autumn had died. Ms. Coleman shook in disbelief. No way to comfort On a recent Saturday, Ms. Coleman laughed a handful of times, when her sister shared an inside joke or when she remembered how much of a prankster Autumn could be. She smiled when she unveiled her new license plates personalized with Autumn's name. Ms. Coleman has turned Autumn's crib into a shrine, mixing her stuffed animals with tributes from family and friends: a white rose from her funeral service, a blanket emblazoned with mother-and-daughter photos, a jersey from a local team bearing the number three. Whenever Ms. Coleman became overwhelmed, she excused herself to another room. She would return, her face dewy from tears she had wiped away with one of Autumn's burp cloths. At one point, she came back into the room and began to feed the fish in a tank atop a wooden cabinet that Mr. Pereira had made. As Ms. Coleman sprinkled flakes into the water, watching clown fish dance toward it, Nicole Coleman began to sob. She had no way to comfort her sister, she said. "He tortured his own daughter just to make a point to my sister," Nicole Coleman said. Stoic, Ms. Coleman excused herself from the room again. When she returned, a burp cloth was flung over her shoulder. It was decorated with a mother bear and her cub, both in pink bows. Susan Beachy contributed research to this story.


Lane Johnson loves his quarterback - Donovan McNabb can attest that - so it wasn't a shock to see the Eagles right tackle get involved in DeMarcus Lawrence coming for Carson Wentz. On Thursday night, Wentz signed the richest guaranteed contract for a quarterback in NFL history, and the Cowboys defensive end took notice. "The richer they get, the better it feels when we humble they a**" Lawrence tweeted out. Whether he was talking about humbling Wentz, Russell Wilson or Matt Ryan remains to be seen, but Lane Johnson wasn't going to allow Lawrence to feel like he's bullying anyone, quickly letting the Cowboys star know that he'd be in attendance as well. #cantwait https://t.co/tk6Vcp7ls6 pic.twitter.com/3EAtnr67GX - Lane Johnson (@LaneJohnson65) June 7, 2019 As we stated on Thursday night, the Cowboys are 6-3 over the last nine games against the Eagles, but Lawrence has zero sacks in those contest, with five quarterback hits, four tackles for loss and bragging rights in the division last season. MORE: Warriors injury report: The latest on Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant Giants' Daniel Jones quickly destroying critical narratives Report: New Orleans likely to trade Anthony Davis to Celtics 5 Trade Options for Yankees After Missing on Dallas Keuchel These five upcoming NBA free agents hurt themselves in the playoffs


We get you caught up with Thursday's top stories, including the Red Wings huge win over the Sharks, LeBron James' big performance and the latest action from the Honda Classic.


Video by Yahoo! Sports Robert Kraft scored a major legal victory Monday when a Florida judge suppressed video evidence that allegedly shows the New England Patriots owner paying for sex acts inside a spa, substantially weakening the government's case. In a 10-page ruling in Palm Beach County, Judge Leonard Hanser sided with Kraft's lawyers, who had argued the warrant Jupiter, Fla., police obtained to secretly install cameras inside the Orchids of Asia Day Spa was flawed. "Defendant's motion to suppress is granted and all evidence obtained against defendant through and in connection with the search warrant is suppressed," Hanser wrote. The cameras allegedly captured Kraft and 24 other men paying for sex at the Jupiter spa during a multi-day surveillance operation in January. Kraft, 77, has denied engaging in criminal activity, pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor prostitution solicitation charges, and requested a jury trial. It wasn't immediately clear if State Attorney Dave Aronberg's office would appeal Hanser's ruling, continue prosecuting the case against Kraft without the footage, or drop the charges. The ruling followed a recent hearing on Kraft's motion to suppress the video footage, in which Hanser heard testimony from police and public health officials involved in the Orchids case. Bob Hohler of the Globe Staff contributed to this report. Travis Andersen can be reached at travis.andersen@globe.com . Follow him on Twitter @TAGlobe . John R. Ellement can be reached at john.ellement@globe.com . Follow him on Twitter @jrebosglobe .


Video provided by Fox News Of all the things you'd expect to see in an overhead bin on an airplane, a flight attendant is not one of them. But that's just what happened on a Southwest flight from Philadelphia to Nashville, captured on video by a passenger. A passenger named Veronica Lloyd (@Disko_InVERNo on Twitter) posted the surreal footage on Twitter with the caption, "Is this a dream? @Southwestair." Is this a dream @SouthwestAir ? pic.twitter.com/Kkz3wxcoXw   Verny Vern (@Disko_InVERNo) July 29, 2019 Followed by a plea for the airline to "get it together." I can't get over how weird I find this. @SouthwestAir please get it together pic.twitter.com/bEHkMMgGXU   Verny Vern (@Disko_InVERNo) July 29, 2019 To which the Southwest Twitter account replied: Sounds like we could learn a bit more. Mind DMing your confirmation number? -Shelley   Southwest Airlines (@SouthwestAir) July 29, 2019 Riveting. Responses to the post on social media were mostly either confused or amused by the situation. What was she doing? What was she thinking? Is this a new protocol? We reached out to the Southwest to get some answers. "Southwest Employees are known for demonstrating their sense of humor and unique personalities," said a Southwest representative. "In this instance, one of our Flight Attendants attempted to have a brief moment of fun with Customers during boarding. Of course, this is not our normal procedure, and Southwest Crews always maintain Safety as their top priority." (Capitalization in the original. Also, overhead bins are made to hold luggage that can weigh a lot more than a flight attendant, so there was no risk of breaking the bin.) So, yeah. Maybe next time you're flying Southwest, check to see if there is a flight attendant hiding out in the overhead bin before placing your luggage. Featured image by Veronica Lloyd. Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.


You don't have to give up animal protein all at once to eat like a vegetarian. Instead, follow these expert-backed ways for how to start a plant-based diet. 15 Easy Ways to Transition to a More Plant-Based Diet Plant-based diets are trendier than ever before. Everyone from your favorite celebrities to your co-workers are eating less meat, dairy, and eggs or giving it up completely and going full-on vegan or vegetarian. That change isn't just beneficial for your own health it also makes a huge difference in helping the planet and the animals . There have been multiple studies over the years that have shown just how much eating a plant-based diet can better your overall health . Think about it: When you're filling your plate with mostly plants and few to no animal products, how can it not? "Plant-based diets are associated with numerous health benefits including but not limited to lowering BMI and decreasing obesity risk, reducing the risk of (and possibly even reversing) the effects of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and specific types of cancers, such as gastrointestinal cancer," says Whitney English , MS, RDN, of Plant-Based Juniors . "Plant-based diets may also help decrease blood pressure, cholesterol, HbA1C (a marker of diabetes), and blood sugar levels." While those health benefits are all impressive, one of the biggest draws for people is the diet's ability to help with weight loss. Especially since it's something you can stick with long-term opposed to fad diets like keto or low-carb. "Research shows regularly eating staples of a plant-based diet, such as pulses, can help with weight loss. In one study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition , researchers found eating pulses like chickpeas, white beans, and lentils daily can lead to a weight loss of close to a pound in about six weeks," says Amy Gorin, MS, RDN, owner of Amy Gorin Nutrition in the New York City area. "Research aside, all the foods a plant-based diet is centered around including vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and pulses are bursting with health-helping vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber that are helpful for good health," Gorin adds. By transitioning to a more plant-based diet and maybe eventually ditching animal products entirely! you'll do you and the world good. Here are some expert-approved tips to help you transition to a plant-based diet and maybe even become a vegetarian. Start grocery shopping with these 20 Meatless Foods So Delicious You Won't Know the Difference . 1. Try 'Meatless Monday' One of the easiest ways to transition into a plant-based diet is to take part in Meatless Mondays : a designated day of the week that you vow to ditch animal protein and stick with plants instead. Not only does it allow you to experiment with vegetarian and vegan dishes, but it also allows your body to adjust to taking in extra fiber . "Meatless Monday lets you get into the habit of making these meals and become more comfortable with the preparation methods of plant proteins," Gorin says. "The beauty of many plant proteins is that many of them have quite a long shelf life, so you actually might end up with more flexibility in planning your meals. And if you're not used to eating a healthy amount of fiber , it's best to ease in slowly anyway: Gradually increasing fiber sources  such as beans, fruits, and vegetables can decrease the risk of symptoms like bloating." Gorin says if you begin with one Meatless Monday meal a week, consider upping that to an entire day. Then add a few more plant-based meals a week until you've reached a full plant-based status. 2. Swap out dairy for non-dairy products It might seem hard to give up dairy: cheese is included in that category, after all. Once you do start to cut back, you could see your skin start to clear up, decrease your risk of multiple types of cancer, up your bone health, and become the proud owner of a healthier heart, says the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine . The easiest way to begin is by replacing every dairy product in your fridge with a non-dairy version as soon as it runs out. Instead of cow's milk, grab almond, soy, or one of the dozens of other plant-based milk alternatives available, experiment with non-dairy yogurt , get a nut milk-based coffee creamer, and find your favorite vegan cheese. "Trying non-dairy alternatives can be a great first-step because they offer a very similar mouthfeel and taste as their dairy counterparts," English says. There's multiple options for every type, and you can experiment until you find one you love. 3. Instead of giving things up, remake old favorites with plants If you're considering ditching meat, dairy, and eggs, that doesn't mean you can't still have your favorite foods. Going more plant-based just gives you an opportunity to remake them in a more creative, healthy way. "Before going plant-based, I thought I was going to have to stop eating all my favorite foods, but I quickly learned that's not the case at all," says Hilary Hinrichs, certified nutrition coach and founder of Holistic Hilary . "For example, you can make a plant-based mac and cheese sauce from a blend of cashews, carrots, potatoes, and nutritional yeast ." You can also replace the meat in your favorite dishes with plants: "There are loads of plant-based varieties, but my favorite has to be cauli-wings," adds Hinrichs; "They're filling, flavorful, and healthier than the original. Who knew eating veggies would be this fun?" 4. Include plant protein at every meal Afraid of never feeling full when you're eating mainly plants? That problem will get taken care of quickly once you begin making sure you're including a hearty plant-based protein in every dish. "One of the fastest ways to get frustrated with a plant-based diet is to feel hangry or to have your stomach rumbling. Protein, along with healthier mono- and polyunsaturated fats and fiber, help keep you fuller for longer," Gorin says. "At every meal, be sure to include a vegetarian protein source and center your meal around it. For instance, you could mix chickpeas into pasta with veggies, make a white bean pizza, or have tofu cacciatore." 5. Focus on adding, not subtracting Oftentimes when thinking about starting a plant-based diet, you're left zoned in on everything you're removing from your plate. "Instead of focusing on what to subtract from your plate, focus on what you can add," English says. "There are so many different options to choose from, and you should aim to get 5 to 7 servings of fruits and vegetables per day." The next time you're at the supermarket, spend time wandering around to spark some ideas. Go through the produce section and take note of things you haven't tried yet (or haven't eaten in years!) and explore the many grains and pasta options, types of nuts, and plant proteins like tofu, tempeh, seitan, chickpeas, and beans. The only problem will be trying to decide what to dig into first. 6. Make half your plate vegetables If you're trying to figure out how to arrange your plate when you're eating more plant-based, the biggest thing to keep in mind is to make sure half of it is loaded with vegetables. "This is a great tip for anyone looking to eat more plants. Vegetables are one of the lowest-calorie plant ingredients out there and provide so many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants," Gorin says. "Roast some lemon-garlic asparagus and pair it with tofu and wild rice. Or make a summer grain bowl with kidney beans and grilled veggies." 7. Learn how to cook plant protein correctly Speaking of plant protein, you're probably not going to enjoy it if you don't know how to prepare it properly. Which probably explains why you've sworn off tofu since that one time you tried it years ago when it was definitely undercooked and underseasoned. "Something I hear more often than any other concern is not liking tofu or tempeh. But when you learn how to season them, everything changes," Hinrichs says. "The great thing about tofu, in particular, is that it's pretty flavorless, allowing you to use it many different ways. You can scramble it for a scrambled eggs-like dish and throw slices or cubes into the air-fryer or oven for crispy pieces." No matter what your plant protein of choice is, take some time to learn how to cook and prepare it. Just like when you first learned how to cook meat to perfection, doing the same with plants is going to take some practice. Once you master it, you'll understand why people love them so much and wonder why you didn't think of becoming vegetarian years ago. 8. Don't be afraid to go off-menu In your quest to become more plant-based, you might get into situations where you're not exactly sure what you should be eating or ordering. In those cases especially when you're at a restaurant with limited options! don't be afraid to speak up and go off-menu. "One of the quickest things you'll learn when embracing a more plant-based diet is that you may have to order off the menu sometimes. As a vegetarian myself, I've encountered very few waiters that get upset by my requests," Gorin says. "For instance, you might ask to add hard-boiled eggs or beans to a salad for protein instead of meat. And Chinese restaurants should be able to add steamed tofu to almost any dish."Luckily there are countless vegan fast food options if you're looking to order a quick meal on the go. 9. Rethink the way you build your meals Most people grow up eating the same Standard American Diet something based around meat, packaged and highly-processed foods, butter, high-fat dairy, eggs, and plenty of sugar. When you go plant-based, you have to rethink the way you build your meals. It takes time for your mind to adjust, but your health will be better for it. "Start by making meat a supporting role rather than the star of the dish," English says. "There's protein in all whole-plant foods, like legumes, nuts, and seeds not just animal products." 10. Use frozen veggies Instead of feeling like you always have to buy fresh veggies to live that #plantbased life, stock up on frozen options. They're still great for you, plus they last longer and are more affordable. "Frozen vegetables are an amazing option when you begin transitioning into a plant-based diet for many reasons," Hinrichs says. "First, they're flash-frozen and can retain more nutrition than fresh options especially when they're coming from a farm that's nowhere near where you buy your groceries. The longer your produce travels, the more nutrients are lost. Frozen veggies are also very convenient. They're already cut, and all you have to do is toss them into a pasta dish, serve them with rice, or add them into your smoothies." 11. Keep frozen fruit on hand Just like veggies, buying your fruit frozen can also be an affordable and convenient way to transition into a plant-based diet. Because who wants to spend $7 on a tiny container of fresh blueberries when you can get an entire bag in the freezer section for the same price? "Part of eating a plant-based diet is adding more plants to your meals. Not all of the produce you eat needs to be fresh, though," Gorin says. "I advise keeping several bags of unsweetened frozen fruit on hand. My favorite option is frozen wild blueberries. That's because these gems offer more health-helping antioxidants than regular blueberries and they can help with everything from boosting cognitive ability to controlling blood pressure levels. For a quick meal, I'll add them to a peanut butter or cauliflower smoothie." RELATED : We found the best smoothie recipes for weight loss and total health. 12. Be open to experimentation Going plant-based means being able to play with your food more than ever before. Instead of using the standard list of ingredients you grew up with, you get to step outside the box and figure out how to create dishes you love with an entirely different mindset. It's a fun challenge. "There are so many plant-based recipes and options to try," English says. "Have fun testing out new recipes, or even try recreating your favorite dishes but in plant-based form. Also consider trying plant-based options at restaurants or ready-made options available at the grocery store." 13. Learn how to make veggies mouth-watering No one likes vegetables growing up probably because, as a kid, they re typically served without all the wonderful spices and cooking techniques that make them taste so good. When you learn how to make them properly, they ll be something you crave not something you despise.  One of my favorite things to do is show veggie haters how amazing they can taste,  Hinrichs says.  There are many methods for cooking veggies, but my favorite is definitely baking them on parchment paper and adding a little oil, salt, and pepper. Doing so creates a nice crispy outside. I also never forget to make a great sauce for my veggies. My go-to is a simple tahini-based paste.  To create the paste, Hinrichs shares her favorite recipe: ⅓ cup tahini 1 tablespoon of soy sauce or liquid aminos 2 to 3 tablespoons of nutritional yeast Pinch of sea salt ¼ cup of water, to thin it out After whisking everything together in a small bowl, you can drizzle it on your veggies to up the flavor, whether they re fresh out of the oven or in a salad or bowl. 14. Cook with fruit juice Another way to increase the flavor in plant-based dishes is to cook with fruit juice. It might sound weird, but it ups the health benefits by adding micronutrients. (It also makes you want to devour everything on your plate.) "Adding 100 percent juice to recipes can help amp up the nutritional content of what you're eating because it provides essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, folate, and magnesium," Gorin says. "I often make a healthy salad dressing using grape juice, but you can use any 100 percent fruit juice, such as orange, apple, or pomegranate. You can also sauté vegetables in juice." 15. Grab healthy pre-made options On those nights you don't feel like cooking, there are plenty of healthy pre-made plant-based options at the grocery store. Some of the easiest-to-find choices come from Amy's (like the General Tso's Bowl ), Sweet Earth Foods (like the Cauliflower Mac ), Kashi (like the Sweet Potato Quinoa Bowl ), and Gardein (like the Chick'n Florentine Frozen Skillet Meal ). It's always healthier to make your own food, but at least your freezer will be be stocked with delicious options when you need them.


LONDON - The plotline reads like an international high-society drama: A glamorous princess, fleeing her marriage to an aging Gulf potentate, is said to seek shelter in the poshest precincts of London. From the husband scorned comes an online outburst of floridly furious poetry. In the background are two intermingled Mideast monarchies, a looming court battle and a dark tale of the abduction and abuse of at least one other female royal. The princess in question is Haya bint al Hussein, 45, half-sister to the king of Jordan, an Oxford-educated equestrienne with Olympic credentials who is a glossy fixture on the circuit of iconic British society events such as the Royal Ascot. She is the sixth wife of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, 69, billionaire ruler of the wealthy Persian Gulf emirate of Dubai, the most populous of the United Arab Emirates. The two wed in 2004. There has been no official confirmation of reports that Princess Haya is seeking political asylum in Britain, after initially fleeing to Germany. The Home Office, which handles questions of citizenship and asylum, said in response to queries Wednesday that it could not comment on individual cases. But British media reports have placed her in the country for the past few months. On Monday, the Times of London reported that the princess had taken up residence in a $107 million mansion near Kensington Palace with her 11-year-old daughter and 7-year-old son. News outlets including the BBC have cited sources as saying she fears potential abduction and forced return to Dubai. Such fears would not seem unfounded. The princess would be at least the third known female member of the Emirati royal family to try to break free, following reports that two of the sheikh's daughters were captured and returned home after escape attempts, one in 2000 and the other last year. Speculation about the couple's marriage was fueled late last month when Sheikh Mohammed posted a poem on his website that was an enraged missive to an unnamed female interlocutor - written in a classic Arabic literary style known as "hijaa," or invective. Brimming with references to treachery and betrayal, it reads: "The era of your lies has ended ... you no longer have any place with me." The poem concludes: "I do not care if you live or die." The curious scoured the sheikh's couplets for clues they were directed at Haya. The princess and her husband are both deeply involved in equine pursuits - he founded a thoroughbred horse-racing stable, and she is a former Olympic show jumper - and one line of his poem contains an accusation: "You let the reins of your horse go slack." As gossip grew louder that the princess had fled the palace for good, Sheikh Mohammed's media office issued a statement denouncing those who spread "rumors and lies." But the poetry section of his website - there is an entire section devoted to his verse - also notes that all his poems stem from "personal experience, event or situation." "I have never written any verse without it being a reality of my life," he wrote. Stories of women fleeing repressive conditions in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have repeatedly made headlines in recent months, and some news accounts have suggested the princess' plight could be tied to earlier episodes within the family - particularly the case of Latifa bint Mohammed al Maktoum, a daughter of the sheikh by one of his five other wives. Last year, she managed a clandestine escape from the emirate, only to be captured at sea off the coast of India by armed men and returned home, according to a companion's account. Beforehand, she recorded a video, later posted on YouTube, saying that "either I'm dead or in a very, very, very bad situation." At least one advocate said publicly that Haya may have learned damning information about the treatment of Latifa - even though she was suspected by some as having participated in a cover-up of what happened to the younger woman after she was forcibly returned home. At the time, Princess Haya, along with former Irish President Mary Robinson, appeared in controversial photos that were released by Emirati authorities and apparently intended to provide proof of Latifa's well-being. But the listless, dull-eyed appearance of the younger princess, now 33, prompted a new wave of concern about her treatment. "Princess Haya, in all likelihood, is both a victim and a witness," said a statement from Radha Stirling, who heads the group Detained in Dubai. "Thus we hope she will remain safe, and that she will also cooperate with international authorities to expose the alleged abuses going on behind the doors of the Dubai royal palace." The potential fallout of a royal divorce could extend well beyond the family home. Princess Haya has long been a popular and well-known figure in Jordan. Her father was the late King Hussein, and the current monarch, King Abdullah, is her half-brother. She represented Jordan in her 2000 Olympic turn, and posters featuring the princess on a horse were once ubiquitous in taxis in Jordan's capital, Amman. Jordan, whose finances are precarious, relies on largesse from both the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Some 200,000 Jordanians work in the Emirates, sending home hundreds of millions of dollars in remittances every year. The kingdom is also eager to ensure solidarity with Gulf leaders as it navigates the upcoming release of the Mideast peace plan spearheaded by President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Jordan fears the U.S. initiative might include pressure on it to grant citizenship to more than 1 million Palestinian refugees. The response by Sheikh Mohammed's media office to rumors about his wife's whereabouts, which featured smiling pictures of the couple, contained what could either be an affirmation of the ties between the two royal families - or perhaps a warning. "A salute of homage and respect to my wife Haya, the daughter of Hussein," it read. ___ (Special correspondent Boyle reported from London and Times staff writer King from Washington.) Visit the Los Angeles Times at www.latimes.com


Porsche understands the value of nostalgia, which is why it just launched a new program it calls the Heritage Design strategy. Aimed at bringing design elements from its classics back to the showroom, this strategy is giving some of Porsche's most iconic exterior colors and interior materials a new lease on life. Pictured above: the psychedelic "Pasha" seats of a Porsche 928. This Heritage Design scheme was first shown on the 911 Speedster when it debuted earlier this year with an (optional) retro livery, tan leather interior, and old-school badging. Now, Porsche has confirmed it will offer designs like this on the new 911 in the form of yet-unseen special-edition cars. "Old color and equipment cards, museum vehicles, design elements from the corresponding era-we took all this as our inspiration to reinterpret the design language of the past," Porsche's director of interior design, Ivo van Hulten, said in a statement. Porsche isn't just taking old interior materials and simply putting them back in production, either. Textiles like corduroy, the houndstooth-esque Pepita, and even the psychedelic Pasha pattern will be redesigned with what Porsche calls "cutting-edge material characteristics" to ensure they hold up as well any new interior trimming. There's no word on when we'll see our first Pasha-equipped 992, but we hope it's soon. Porsche says the first model will have a 1960s-era badge on the hood, and will even come with its own watch. We can't wait.


House Democrats want to know if a decades-old Justice Department prohibition on indicting a sitting president played a role in federal prosecutors' decision not to criminally charge President Donald Trump over hush money payments that he directed his fixer to pay to women. The prohibition, laid out in a 2000 memo by the Justice Department Office of Legal Counsel, was also a key factor of former special counsel Robert Mueller's decision to refrain from considering whether to charge Trump with obstruction of justice for his repeated attempts to thwart the investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election. Now Democrats on the House Oversight Committee say the federal prosecutors based in the Southern District of New York should disclose whether they made a similar analysis. The president's longtime lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen was jailed earlier this year, in part for his role in hush payments to women accusing Trump of extramarital affairs, and he implicated the president in the scheme. Documents made public Thursday showed contacts between Cohen and Trump surrounding the hush money payments and were part of prosecutors' evidence that Trump directed Cohen to make the payoffs. "If prosecutors identified evidence of criminal conduct by Donald Trump while serving as President and did not bring charges as they would have for any other individual this would be the second time the President has not been held accountable for his actions due to his position," committee chairman Elijah Cummings wrote in a 12-page letter to the deputy U.S. attorney in the Southern District of New York. "The Office of the President should not be used as a shield for criminal conduct." Related video: Court papers point to Trump's role in hush-money scheme (Reuters) Cummings noted that he wrote directly to the SDNY prosecutors because of concerns about the accuracy of information provided to Congress by Attorney General William Barr in characterizing Mueller's findings in March   a month before it became public. Cummings has asked for SNDY to provide by Aug. 2 "all evidence collected about the role of any other individual in connection with the campaign finance charges against Cohen, including any evidence relating to the President, and copies of all immunity deals granted, or informal immunity agreement letters or non-prosecution agreements entered into, in this investigation." The committee is also asking whether Barr or any other senior Justice Department officials weighed in on the case. Cohen pleaded guilty in 2018 to two campaign finance violations for arranging payments to two women who were preparing to accuse Trump of extramarital affairs in the weeks leading up to the 2016 election. One of them, porn actress Stormy Daniels, received $130,000 through a shell company that Cohen opened. The other, Karen McDougal, received a $150,000 "catch-and-kill" contract from Trump associates at the National Enquirer to bury her story just before the election. Cohen, who is currently serving a three year prison sentence, admitted he played a role in that arrangement as well. Republicans on the Oversight Committee quickly rejected Cummings' inquiry as a political attack on Trump and argued that Cohen's history of lying undercuts the Democrats' inquiry. "Everyone knows that convicted felon Michael Cohen is a habitual liar. But still Chairman Cummings continues to use Cohen the Chairman's first announced witness this Congress  to attack the President for political gain," said a spokesperson for Oversight Committee Republicans. "Democrats in Congress should be solving real problems instead of indulging their obsession with impeaching the President."