At least 11 people lost their lives as tornadoes tore through Texas, authorities said Sunday, as they searched home to home for possible more victims of the freak storms lashing the southern United States. The rare December twisters that flattened houses and caused chaos on highways raised the death toll from days of deadly weather across the South to at least 28. An infant was reportedly among the latest casualties. The extreme weather, fueled by unseasonably warm air, is likely to continue for the next few days, the National Weather Service warned, complicating search and rescue efforts and possibly wreaking more havoc on the region. Several tornadoes touched down around the densely populated Dallas area Saturday evening, the day after Christmas, with the city of Garland to the northeast the hardest hit. Aerial footage taken as day broke showed some homes completely flattened, while others had roofs blown off and windows shattered, curtains fluttering in the wind. "It is total devastation," local police spokesman Lt. Pedro Barineau was quoted as saying by the Dallas Morning News. It was here that authorities confirmed eight fatalities, adding that 15 people were taken to hospital with injuries. About 600 buildings have been damaged, they said, with single-family homes most affected. "Officials are continuing this morning to check and clear structures as they assess the damage in the approximate 2-square-mile (five-square-kilometer area) area," officials said in a statement. Police said the deaths happened during tornado-related traffic accidents near Interstate 30 and the George Bush Turnpike, the Dallas Morning News reported, saying some of the bodies were found in cars while others were catapulted from the scene. Three other storm-related fatalities occurred in the towns of Copeville and Blue Ridge in Collin County to the northeast of Dallas, the local sheriff's office confirmed to AFP, without providing more details. The Dallas Morning News reported that an infant was among the dead. - Dangerous weather to continue - The late Saturday deaths in Texas came as millions of residents in the southern United States struggle to recover from fierce storms and heavy flooding, with more rain in the forecast. At least 17 people were killed in storm-related incidents since Wednesday in Mississippi, Tennessee and Arkansas, local officials said. In Alabama, heavy flooding continued Sunday following several days of heavy rain that began on Thursday. Governor Robert Bentley declared a state of emergency to deal with the flooding just before tornadoes uprooted trees and tore off rooftops on Christmas Day. One touched down in Birmingham, the state's most populous city. There were no fatalities, but the twister damaged three homes, local fire chief Charles Gordon told CNN. Near the state capital Montgomery, more than 300 inmates at the minimum-security Red Eagle Community Work Center were forced to evacuate due to flooding, local media reported. And residents of the town of Elba were nervously eyeing a levee amid forecasts that the Pea River would crest and possibly overflow the barrier, the AL.com news site reported. In Mississippi, where Governor Phil Bryant declared a state of emergency to deal with flooding, "severe storms" are forecast for late Sunday through Monday, the state Emergency Management Agency said. Early EMA damage reports showed 241 homes destroyed or with major damage, and more than 400 total homes affected. The agency confirmed the deaths of 10 people in Mississippi. There were another six confirmed fatalities in Tennessee, and one person was killed in Arkansas. Georgia Governor Nathan Deal also declared states of emergency in counties affected by the weather. "A variety of dangerous weather conditions will continue across the middle of the country through Sunday," the National Weather Service said. It warned of "blizzard conditions" from west Texas into Kansas, and "hazardous ice accumulations" in Oklahoma. "Dangerous flooding will extend from north Texas to central Illinois," it said. Flood warnings and advisories also remained in effect in parts of Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky and other areas in the southeast.


Greeley Police Chief Mark Jones certainly isn't hiding the fact that he thinks the state's prison and parole system need fixing. He stood in front of a camera last month and delivered a message of concern to the people of Greeley on Facebook . Jones told his Facebook viewers about a gang member who committed second-degree murder in 1997 and was recently granted discretionary parole, meaning he gets to leave prison before his sentence is up. "While he was in prison he violently stabbed another inmate and yet he's still being released even though his mandatory release date wasn't supposed to be until April of 2043," Jones said. Gov. Jared Polis (D-Colorado) has made it clear that he wants to reduce overcrowding, signing several criminal justice reform bills into law last month including one that increases the number of inmates that can be considered for parole when vacancy rates hit 3%. Prison vacancy rates have remained under 2% since November 2017. The parole board has released more people to parole in each of the last three months than it has in any of the previous 20 months the Department of Corrections provided data for. That's encouraging to State Rep. Leslie Herod (D-Denver) who sponsored more than a dozen criminal justice reform bills last session. This includes one bill signed last month that aims to increase the number of non-violent offenders eligible for parole in order to connect them to re-entry services. So, she wasn't thrilled about Jones' video calling the prison and parole system "broken." "I feel like it's fear mongering at it's worse," Herod said. "Nothing in the reform bills that we passed this year affect violent offenders. In fact, each provision that we passed, each bill, specifically excludes violent offenders." Jones said he believed more violent offenders are being released to parole "with less and less time served." While Herod's legislation explicitly helps non-violent offenders the parole board did release 158 violent offenders in April, the most the Department of Corrections has ever recorded. But, DOC points out that despite recent increases the ratio of violent to non-violent remains the same. Roughly 28% to 35% of prisoners released to discretionary parole every month are considered violent and it has been so since 2014. "April saw an uptick in offenders being released on parole than ever and it's because we put in resources to help the parole board manage their caseload," Herod said. "People were sitting, waiting for a hearing before the parole board for months, costing the taxpayer dollars." The Greeley Police Department provided 9NEWS with several other cases in which violent offenders had been released on parole and had gone on to commit violent crimes. All seven of them are either in prison or jail awaiting trial after committing another serious crime. "A number of people we spent a lot of time, hard work, taxpayer money to put into prison are coming out early now and I foresee, because of their behavior prior, they're going to be doing the same thing as we move forward," said Jones, who said the parole board needs to be more vigilant about revoking people who violate conditions of their parole. New legislation also prevents parole revocation for technical violations such as testing positive for drugs. "They are not being revoked for those things. From what I am seeing, basically someone needs to commit another felony before someone's revoked and sent back," Jones said. "So, I believe that's a different dynamic than what it's been in the past." Jones' solution, even though he knows it's "above his pay grade," is to create more prison space, not less as the governor has outlined. "Some folks, I think, do believe that we should lock folks up and throw away the key," Herod said. "I don't believe that's what an American criminal justice system should be based on." The parole board did not provide an interview but did share the following statement: "The board is committed to public safety and it carefully reviews each case in detail to determine the best course of action. Over the past three months, we have seen an increase in releases of non-violent offenders. These are people who have paid their debt to society and have been determined eligible for parole. The Department of Corrections is focused on connecting eligible offenders with re-entry services needed to find stable housing, employment, and other support mechanisms in order to safely reduce Colorado's increasing recidivism rate which is nearing 50 percent," said Kristen Hilkey, Chairperson State Board of Parole. SUGGESTED VIDEOS | Local stories from 9NEWS


The 2019 NBA Draft was a flurry of selections and trades, but Dedric Lawson did not wind up in the mix. Yet, all hope is not lost for the a 6-foot-9, 25 pound forward who last played for Kansas as a redshirt junior. Following the draft, Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports reported that Lawson had committed to play for the in Warriors in the NBA's Summer League. Lawson's career average is 19.4 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. However, if things go well enough at Summer League for him to find a spot on the Santa Cruz Warriors roster, he may prove himself an invaluable asset to the team. Santa Cruz finished second in the Western Conference last season and has the team stats to show for it. But one area in need of improvement is shooting from three-point range. Santa Cruz averaged 32.9 percent made threes. Lawson, meanwhile, has a career average of 39.4 three-pointers per game. So, if he can carve out a niche for himself as a three-point threat on a G League team whose affiliate, Golden State, has an injury-depleted roster, anything can happen. Undrafted forward Dedric Lawson out of Kansas has committed to playing Summer League with the Golden State Warriors, league sources tell Yahoo Sports. He was the BIG 12's top scorer (19.1) and rebounder (10.6). - Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 21, 2019 Joining Lawson will be Jacob Evans, who was drafted by the Warriors in the first round in 2018, but still has much to prove . Summer League runs from July 5 through 15 in Las Vegas, with most games televised on ESPN and its affiliate stations. MORE: Kyle Kuzma is already trash-talking his former Lakers teammate NBA Free Agency 2019: The top players Rob Pelinka May Not Have Known the Cap Rules for Anthony Davis Trade News: Elliott holdout concern re-emerges from Bristol, Cowboys new DE impresses Luke Bowanko: what the Lions are getting with their new OL


CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP)   The leaflets distributed by students at a junior high school told pre-teens to "Join the KKK" and that "It's not OK to be gay." In the capital of the state known for the 1998 murder of gay college student Matthew Shepard, school officials have worked to respond to the spring incident. They're holding community meetings and plan to hire a "diversity and cultural awareness" counselor while providing additional employee training. "We've got a pretty good plan to try to work on all of that," said Boyd Brown, superintendent of Laramie County School District No. 1. Others aren't so confident the Cheyenne school district is up to the challenge. The new approach to student bullying and harassment sounds good, but "only time will tell if it's upheld," said parent Abby Kercher. A group of McCormick Junior High School students handed out the flyers and taped them up in hallways March 26, other students and teachers said. Brown has declined to say how many students were involved or whether any were punished, though Kercher said one eighth grader was suspended. The district replaced the school's principal weeks after the incident. Parents and students report a long history of anti-gay and racist harassment at McCormick that continued through the rest of the school year. Some students kept violating a ban on Confederate flags by displaying the images on their computers, said Kercher's daughter, 14-year-old Ashlynn Kercher. "They just took it down a notch," Ashlynn said. A summary of a school district investigation confirms bullying and harassment directed at   but also occurring between   minority, LGBTQ and disabled students at McCormick. Yet many details about the bullying and the school's response remain unknown. School officials refuse to release a full report on the investigation, saying that doing so would violate the Family and Educational Rights Privacy Act. The Associated Press has joined the Wyoming Tribune Eagle newspaper and other news media in a lawsuit seeking the report's release under Wyoming's public records laws. The fliers came as not too surprising to parent Fred Gallop after other McCormick students bullied his 13-year-old daughter with a racial epithet twice during the recent school year. "It was more like, 'We're starting to see a trend here,'" Gallop said. Ashlynn Kercher said other students bullied her for having a girlfriend. "If we held hands, a bunch of kids would start making fun of us, pointing and laughing" and using anti-gay slurs, Kercher said. LGBTQ advocates learned about the flyers from substitute teacher and Gay-Straight Alliance co-sponsor Kaycee Cook. According to Cook, McCormick Principal Jeff Conine's first reaction was to tell her she was no longer welcome to teach at McCormick. Cook said she was reinstated weeks later. Conine left his job soon after, though district officials have declined to say why. Brown said confidentiality laws prevent him from answering any questions about Cook or Conine. Conine doesn't have a listed phone number and couldn't be reached for comment. Meanwhile, school officials traumatized some student Gay-Straight Alliance members by calling them out of class for questioning in front of police officers about the flyers, Kercher said. "They felt really intimidated. Kids were crying," Abby Kercher said. "These were the victims. You don't need to have police officers in there. It was just handled wrong." Brown acknowledged officers "probably shouldn't have" been present at those meetings. School officials for a time shortly after the incident told students neither Confederate flags nor rainbow pride flags and clothing worn in support of LGBTQ rights were appropriate. The district soon said rainbow flags and clothing were OK. "At the time, we had two opposing sides that were kind of escalating the situation," Brown said. The episode showed that the Cheyenne school district administration "doesn't know how to handle not just one troubled kid but systemic racism and homophobia," said Sara Burlingame, executive director of Cheyenne-based Wyoming Equality. But Cook, who went to junior high school with Shepard, said she's optimistic the school's new principal, Justin Conroy, will help fix the problems. An administrator in the Rapid City, South Dakota, school district, Conroy is scheduled to begin his new job in late July; he didn't return a phone message seeking comment. "A lot of it has to do with what we're teaching our children," Cook said. "If we're teaching our children to be exclusive and have that mentality, it will always be that way." ___ Follow Mead Gruver at https://twitter.com/meadgruver


Summer is almost here! That means longer days, whipping out your favorite sandals   and probably the pressure to drop pounds. Even though summer is known as " beach body " season, it's crucial to remember that you only need two things to have a beach body: your body, and a beach! That's it, no matter what else you see and hear. "With bikinis, summer dresses, shorts, and warmer weather, the excitement of summer comes with the pressure to fit our bodies into a summer body ideal," says Ashley Lytwyn, RDN, nutrition therapist at Breathe Life Healing Center in West Hollywood, CA. "Social media, TV, radio, magazines, and many other media outlets have bold headlines showing us how to change our body to slim down for summer. This can be detrimental to one's mental health because it sets up an expectation for women to quickly change the shape of their body so they feel acceptable and that they fit in. Having a deadline suggests we need to change our figure in a short time period which can lead a lot of women to start fad diets and quick fixes. This time of year is when I see the highest use of detoxes, cleanses, and extreme restrictive meal plans in an effort to lose weight quickly. Not only is rapid weight loss physiologically damaging and typically ends in setting the weight higher than the bodies healthy set-point, it also is emotionally stressful. As restrictive behaviors with food increase, the mental obsession with food increase, as do guilt and shame." That's why you should remember that every body is a beach body. Here are seven reasons why you're ready for summer just as you are: 1. Fad diets don't work "Fad diets that promote rapid weight loss do not promote sustainability of the weight loss in the long-term," says Mayra Mendez , PhD, LMFT, a licensed psychotherapist and program coordinator for intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health services at Providence Saint John's Child and Family Development Center in Santa Monica, CA. "Rapid weight loss contributes to health problems as loss of muscle mass needed to burn fat efficiently and excise toxins from the body functionally and with regularity. Slower weight loss helps the body adjust and accept changes for durable results." Plus, Lytwyn notes, "Studies show that 95% of weight loss diets ultimately fail." Fad diets that promote fast weight loss are extremely dangerous to your physical health because they signal the body that a famine or starvation mode has set-in. That means our metabolism slows, our organ systems don't receive proper nutrients, and our digestive systems take a toll. Repairing these physical systems after a short-term fad diet can take much longer than the month or two you were on a fad diet. 2. Every body is different "If you made five women eat the same foods and exercise in the same way for a month, they would still have different shaped bodies," Lytwyn says. "We all have a unique shape and figure. The media images of the body ideal are typically highly photoshopped and manipulated and don't exist in real life! If your friends or family are going to the beach, you are joining them for the company and building of memories. A healthy body is one that is sustainably and consistently nourished, not deprived and obsessing over food. Flaws and imperfections are completely normal and once we embody them, it allows us to create a life around the things we love   family, friends, fun, not just food!" 3. Mindsets need to change Yes, society needs to change their views on the beach body, but sometimes you have to change your thinking too, to stop taking unrealistic targets of idealized thinness seriously. "Adjusting your mindset can be as simple as making a conscious effort to shift negative self-judgements to focusing on strengths and aspects of your body that works for you," Mendez says. "Staying present and real to yourself reinforces mental well-being and ultimate will lead to personal goal setting rather than setting unrealistic goals informed by an idealized and contrived social consciousness." 4. You should exercise because you want to Working out shouldn't just be about hitting a number on the scale. Remember that you're working up a sweat for your health, which is very different. To stay motivated, do exercise that you actually like. "Physical activity should be incorporated in a way that is enjoyable," Lytwyn says. "If it feels like a punishment, you are choosing the wrong activity. Think of things you enjoy: Is it walking, rollerblading, dancing? Do you enjoy moving your body with a friend or grooving to music? Movement should be fun and easy, not dreadful and punishing." 5. Social media gets it wrong sometimes Stop following accounts of images that pressure you to look perfectly and eat perfectly, and instead follow body positive Instagrammers who share real life photos. "If your whole social media feed is highly edited and altered images, it will make you think this is normal and real," Lytwyn says. "However, if you are following women who share their imperfections and that they have given up their part in diet culture, you will not feel alone in the self-acceptance of your own body and relationship to food." 6. Motivation is in your mind If you're trying to shed pounds to challenge negative body perceptions, you're not going to be nearly as successful as when you're coming from a place of positivity. "When the motivation to lose weight is driven by personal goals to change life habits for healthier lifestyle options or to increase physical health such endurance, energy and mobility, the outcome for potential improvement and satisfaction with body acceptance is likely," Mendez says. "When weight loss is undertaken and motivated by extrinsic factors such as pressure or coercion by others, idealized social propaganda, or to gain acceptance and value from others, intrinsic acceptance of self and body image is less likely to shift from negative to positive. The bottom line is that body acceptance is an individualized internal process for each person." 7. Eating is a positive thing Instead thinking about what you can't eat, Lytwyn suggests considering what you can add . "I am someone who loves fried chicken," she says. "However, tonight for dinner, I looked up a beautiful baked chicken recipe to try that included fresh spices and herbs. I never once told myself I couldn't have the fried chicken; I simply thought of an alternative way to cook in my home that is creating an addition of a lean, baked protein into my day." Another healthy change is creating a consistency in eating. For example, eat breakfast every day this week, or aim to get in three meals and two snacks during the day to prevent the body from getting too hungry, which often leads to overeating. "Take one step at a time, rather than a complete overhaul that won't be sustainable," Lytwyn says. Video: New Mom Shares Empowering Photo of Her Stretch Marks (Provided by Health.com)


The teenagers accused of murder in the STEM School Highlands Ranch shooting last month used cocaine before the attack and targeted specific students, a newly-released arrest affidavit shows. Devon Erickson, 18, and Alec McKinney, 16, used the drug and then broke into Erickson's parents' gun safe with a crowbar and an ax, investigators said. The two then put the guns into a guitar case and backpack and walked into the school. McKinney, who was born female but identifies as male, told investigators that he wanted to hurt two of his classmates because they taunted him and called his gender identity "disgusting." The 16-year-old said he had been planning the attack for several weeks and "wanted the kids at the school to experience bad things, have to suffer from trauma like he has had to in his life. He wanted everyone in that school to suffer and realize the world is a bad place," according to the arrest affidavit. McKinney said he had been experiencing suicidal and homicidal thoughts since he was 12 and planned to kill himself after the shooting, investigators said. He said he couldn't shoot himself because he couldn't figure out how to operate one of the guns he had put in the guitar. Erickson said he only found out about McKinney's planned attack the night before, according to court documents. Erickson told investigators that he went along with the plans because he said McKinney repeatedly threatened to kill him if he didn't participate in the shooting. Erickson said he planned to warn school staff about the threat but had an anxiety attack before the shooting, court documents show. Both teens went into a room in the school with the guitar and the backpack and McKinney shut the door so it couldn't be opened from the outside, according to the affidavit. Erickson took out a gun and said, "nobody move," and McKinney shot at students. Erickson was then tackled by some of the students but McKinney got away with one of the guns, investigators said. Kendrick Ray Castillo, 18, was shot and killed when he tackled Erickson. Eight other students were also shot and injured. The newly unsealed affidavit also alleges that a private security guard accidentally shot someone during the chaos. A separate investigation has been launched into the guard's actions. More: Hearing Set For Teen Accused Of Highlands Ranch School Shooting 1 Dead, 7 Injured In Colorado School Shooting; Suspects In Custody Slain Colorado Student Died After Lunging At Shooter: Classmates Colorado School Shooting: 5 Heroic Acts That Saved Lives


This is probably going to be the craziest story of today, if not of the entire transfer window. Multiple reports in Italy have suggested that Leeds United's owner Andrea Radrizzani has made Francesco Totti an offer to come out of retirement and play for the Championship side. The 42-year-old World Cup Winner retired two years ago, having made 786 appearances for the Giallorossi, finding the net 307 times. Famously a one-club man, Totti then took on a role of the club's director, but only lasted for two years due to disagreements with those in charge of the Italian side. News of a sensational return to playing for Totti originate from former Italy international Marco Borriello's appearance on Sky Italia. Borriello had reportedly spent some time with the Roma legend this summer and told Sky (as quoted by TMW ): "I know that a great leader of an English team has made him a proposal to go back to playing football. Radrizzani of Leeds ? I don't know." While not much to go on, that nugget is getting plenty of coverage in Italy, and why wouldn't it? Fox Italia report Borriello's TV appearance slightly differently, claiming that when asked if the club interested in signing Totti was Leeds, he paused before 'timidly denying'. The report surmises from that: "In all likelihood, it is therefore precisely the Leeds of Marcelo Bielsa." Adding to the madness, Leeds have also been linked with Gianluigi Buffon in this summer's transfer window, with reports earlier in the week claiming Bielsa's side are among those interested in the 41-year-old Italian who is without a club after leaving Paris Saint-Germain.


(Bloomberg) -- Turkey wants Russia to help stop Syrian government attacks on Idlib, a senior security official said, days after President Bashar al-Assad's forces shelled Turkish troops monitoring a truce in the northwestern Syrian region. While Russia and Turkey agreed on a truce in Idlib last year, the spillover from Assad's attacks on the final rebel stronghold in Syria's civil war is creating strain just as Turkey weighs deploying a Russian missile-defense system. The U.S. is threatening Turkey with sanctions if it goes ahead. Assad's forces have stepped up attacks on civilians in Idlib, which borders Turkey, in an attempt to undermine the Russian-Turkish deal to maintain the provincial truce, according to the Turkish official, who asked not to be named discussing the government's stance on a sensitive issue. Turkey has set up several military checkpoints in the area as part of its deal with Russia. Some of those outposts came under shelling from Assad's forces in recent weeks. Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar has said Turkish troops won't retreat, and that his top general reminded his Russian counterparts of the shared responsibility to maintain stability in the area. Amid increasing tension with President Donald Trump's administration over U.S. support for Kurdish militants in Syria, Turkey is planning to buy Russia's S-400 air defense system to protect its broader economic and security interests in the eastern Mediterranean. In response, the U.S. has threatened to impose sanctions on Turkey, a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and eject it from the U.S. F-35 fighter jet program. Syrian attacks near Idlib are putting pressure on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ties with Russia's Vladimir Putin, a stalwart backer of Assad. Despite their differences over the future of the central government in Syria, Turkey and Russia remained allies in Syria while the U.S. has supported Syrian Kurdish groups that Turkey considers terrorists. To contact the reporter on this story: Selcan Hacaoglu in Ankara at shacaoglu@bloomberg.net To contact the editors responsible for this story: James Ludden at jludden@bloomberg.net, ;Benjamin Harvey at bharvey11@bloomberg.net, Tony Czuczka, Kevin Miller For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com ©2019 Bloomberg L.P.


BALTIMORE (AP)   A former National Security Agency contractor awaits sentencing in Baltimore's federal court for storing two decades' worth of classified documents at his Maryland home. Harold Martin's plea agreement calls for a nine-year prison sentence, but U.S. District Judge Richard Bennett isn't bound by the deal's terms when he sentences Martin on Friday. Martin's sentencing will resolve a mysterious case that broke into the open in 2016, when FBI agents conducting a raid found stolen government documents inside his home, car and storage shed. The case has attracted attention since hacking tools stolen from the NSA were also published by a cryptic Internet group that called itself the Shadow Brokers. Prosecutors never linked Martin to the group. Martin's defense lawyers described him as a compulsive hoarder who never betrayed his country.


If you're looking for the perfect island getaway, escape to Nantucket Island, off the coast of Cape Cod, for excellent beaches, seafood, and luxury shopping. Watch this short video for what to do in Nantucket.


Jon Jones isn't a fan of recent remarks made by light heavyweight contenders Anthony Smith and Corey Anderson . The 31-year-old UFC champion has never been shy to voice his opinion on social media, which he proved once again on Tuesday. Smith (32-14 MMA, 8-4 UFC) who was the first target of a vintage Jones (25-1 MMA, 19-1 UFC) tweet. The UFC champ took exception with comments Smith made in a recent interview with Submission Radio . Smith had stressed his focus on a rematch with Jones and how things would be different the second time around. Apparently, "Bones" found Smith's comments humorous, so he let the world know it. Anthony Smith in a recent interview: "I've said it over, and over, and over again: I'm coming, and there's no one who's gonna stop me." - Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) July 16, 2019 Anderson (12-4 MMA, 9-4 UFC) was the next target of Jones's Twitter fingers. While the champion did not specify the interview he was referencing, he took up issue with alleged Anderson's criticism of the champion. Breaking news: Cory Anderson verbally attacks Jon Jones about his past. Why does these guys have to talk smack before taking their L? And then after the fight I go on with good sportsmanship and say nice things about them. It's getting old - Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) July 16, 2019 The deriding of Anderson's recent trash talk continued, as Jones responded to tweets in his replies. After taking a jab at Anderson's follower count, Jones expressed his hope fighters "would let their skills speak for them." Yeah let's @ him and get him some follows today. Help a brother out https://t.co/17e3uQBZcd - Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) July 16, 2019 I get it, just wish these boys would let their skills speak for them. For these guys to be considered some of the toughest men/athletes in the world, most of them act like little bitches. Always with the bark and very little bite https://t.co/WPnc7hxfQN - Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) July 16, 2019 Not done yet, Jones took one more dig at Anderson for good measure. Yeah I know very little about him but I'll definitely expose his ass. He might want to tell his wife to stay home in December. https://t.co/sdrVAxj94s - Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) July 16, 2019 Despite fighting earlier this month at UFC 239, retaining his championship in a tight split decision over Thiago Santos, Jones has voiced his hopes to return to the octagon as soon as possible. While Jones recently defeated Smith at UFC 235 in March, the champ has never squared off with Anderson. Smith. who isn't known for taking swipes at people on Twitter, felt compelled to respond to Jones. So it seems clear this light heavyweight Twitter spat is far from over. Oh now we're making fun of people?You better check yourself, tough guy. Don't forget I'm the guy that made you almost likable… I'll quickly be the guy to change that if you keep it up. Also, you owe me a fucking drink and i don't forget…Modelo…12oz bottle…chilled. https://t.co/75zKdzYpul - Anthony Smith (@lionheartasmith) July 16, 2019 For more on the latest news and announcements check out the MMA Schedule . MORE: Poker player argues over dealer chip counting error during crucial all-in hand at WSOP Main Event Colts ranked No. 1 in NFL future power rankings Future looks bright for the Steelers according to ESPN Trysten Hill may be crowning point on Cowboys star-studded defense Big Baller Brand Hits New Low With Clearance Sale at Local Gym


Take it from Stephen Trojahn, co-owner of one of Minneapolis' longest-running food trucks, Gastrotruck: "Business is amazing." Gastrotruck (gastrotruck.mobi), which will celebrate a decade in business next year, is on to its third truck. This summer, it'll cater some 200 weddings with an on-call staff of up to 60 people. Now, it's joining other food trucks in the move to a brick-and-mortar establishment. The new counter-service spot, scheduled to open in Minneapolis this summer, is called Carbon. (The exact location is still under wraps.) "It's coal-fired pit beef," Trojahn said. "It's considered Maryland barbecue, but it's nothing like barbecue at all." Inspired by East Coast roadside stands, fast-casual Carbon will serve paper-thin-sliced beef sandwiches with a horseradish-based "tiger" sauce. "The quality of the beef coming off a carbon-fired grill, shaved super thin, it melts in your mouth," Trojahn said. The restaurant will offer variations on the sandwich using the same live-fired beef: Philly cheesesteak, Italian beef, French dip; and veggie sides such as grilled whole carrots. There will also be Maryland-style "boardwalk" fries topped with Old Bay seasoning and malt vinegar. Co-owner Catherine Eckert grew up in Maryland. "We did a research trip there, and I was blown away," Trojahn said. The new concept is good news for fans of Gastrotruck, which doesn't often appear on the downtown Minneapolis lunch scene. Trojahn and Eckert got out of that "rat race," as Trojahn calls it, in favor of the catering business, which he says has exploded. Brick-and-mortar wasn't always in the cards, though. They were just too busy. "It's a good problem to have," Trojahn said. He believes the food-truck business is going strong because it gives diners something they can't get anywhere else. "People love one-on-one interaction," he said. "There are two or three people on a truck, and one is possibly the owner and one is the cook. You might be talking to the people making your lunch. You don't get that in a restaurant." ___ (c)2019 the Star Tribune (Minneapolis) Visit the Star Tribune (Minneapolis) at www.startribune.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


Some families are waking up tired and cranky   and they said noise from construction work is to blame. Neighbors contacted Channel 2 Action News after they said the hotel construction work begins at 2:30 a.m. The homeowners said the noise is disrespectful. "I've been shaken out of my bed like the Flintstones," said homeowner Bret Berman. But it isn't a rock quarry, it's Berman's backyard. A four-story hotel is going up right behind Berman's Kingston Gate neighborhood off Chamblee-Dunwoody Road just inside the perimeter. "I couldn't believe what I was seeing. They would start at that time of night, that is utter disrespect to this neighborhood," Berman said. Channel 2 Action News checked with the city of Chamblee and it granted a special permit, so they're allowed to work overnight when pouring concrete. "I noticed yesterday they set up those flood lights and I said, 'Uh oh. That's not good,'" Berman said. We saw crews bring in even more lights during the day, and we took the neighbor's concerns directly to the hotel's owner and developer. TRENDING STORIES: Woman found dead at bottom of Stone Mountain; GBI investigating Woman wanted for throwing bricks into people's homes throughout metro Atlanta Search underway for escaped inmate accused of killing prison guard in Tennessee "It is inconvenient for everybody, but construction is construction…nothing you can do anything about it," said developer Mohammed Hossain. Hossain said working overnights is so the concrete can cure, and it keeps the workers out of the dangerous heat. It also cuts down on the trucks and equipment blocking the road during the day. But neighbors just want a good night's sleep. "I'd like to see city council respect this neighborhood and not allow any special permitting for construction between the hours of 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.," Berman said. The owner told us they only work overnights when pouring concrete. He said that should happen another five or six times before the hotel is finished.


ST. PETERSBURG   Police have arrested two brothers in connection with a Sunday afternoon shooting that sent one man to the hospital with critical injuries. Police said 38-year-old Antonio Ruffin is the man seen on a surveillance video firing several shots in a Food Max parking lot at 1400 18th Ave S. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Police: Man shot outside St. Petersburg convenience store Darrell Simmons Jr., 31, was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. He was listed in critical, but stable condition Sunday. Ruffin and his brother, 36-year-old Eric Ruffin, were arrested Monday evening. Police believe Simmons was arguing with the brothers before the shooting. Antonio Ruffin was charged with attempted murder. He is being held in Pinellas County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bail. Eric Ruffin was charged with principal to attempted murder and is being held in Pinellas County Jail in lieu of $20,000 bail. According to jail records, Antonio Ruffin has been arrested in Pinellas County more than two dozen times on mostly drug-related charges. Eric Ruffin has three previous arrests, records show. Contact Daniel Figueroa IV at dfigueroaiv@gmail.com. Follow @danuscripts.     ©2019 the Tampa Bay Times (St. Petersburg, Fla.) Visit the Tampa Bay Times (St. Petersburg, Fla.) at www.tampabay.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


In some key ways, the Donald Trump economy, on fire last year but slowing this year, is starting to resemble the one he inherited from his predecessor . There are the rock-bottom bond yields, plodding economic growth and, not to be understated, the Federal Reserve seemingly pulling all the strings , a role that has only exacerbated in the days since the financial crisis and Great Recession and continues to the present day. Those similarities came into even sharper focus this week, when the benchmark 10-year Treasury note yield fell below 2% for the first time since Trump became president, and the Fed's indication, if something just short of an outright promise, that it soon will be cutting rates less than six months since its most recent hike. It wasn't supposed to be this way: The 2017 tax cut and aggressive moves toward deregulation were supposed to pull the U.S. economy out of its glacial move higher. That happened in 2018, but policymakers and Wall Street pros are growing increasingly fearful that a slowdown if not outright recession is on the horizon, and the Fed is being asked again to ride to the rescue. "You're sort of the same in terms of growth prospects, but not necessarily in the complexion of it," said Peter Boockvar, chief investment officer at Bleakley Advisory Group. "In 2012, 2013, you still had the scars of the great financial crisis. Now those scars have been completely forgotten. Years and years of what the Fed has done I think have brainwashed them to think they can take care of everything." The Fed may not be able to fix everything, but in Trump's view the central bank is at the core of what's gone wrong. Had the Fed not been so aggressive raising rates, the president has insisted, the economy would be doing much better. Since Trump took office, the Fed has enacted seven rate hikes, including four in 2018. There were only two increases during Barack Obama's administration, with one coming after the 2016 election. Related video: President Trump kicks off his re-election campaign Different circumstances, similar results A comparison between the two administrations is difficult considering Obama had the overhang of the financial crisis to deal with but also the benefit of a near-zero fed funds rate plus about $3.5 trillion in stimulus courtesy of the Fed. Trump's 2.9% GDP growth in 2018 beat any calendar year since the crisis but fell short of his promised 3% or better gain. 2019 appears by all measures to be slowing down, even with the unexpectedly strong 3.1% rate in the first quarter and the unemployment rate at a 50-year low. What may well be happening is just a simple return to trend, a slow-but-steady environment brought on by an aging workforce and constrained productivity. "What you're seeing is a reassertion of secular stagnation following the one-time sugar-high associated with the tax cut," said Joseph Brusuelas, chief economist at RSM, citing a term describing the current state of U.S. growth espoused by former Obama advisor Larry Summers and others. "The tax cut did not achieve its intended objective of stimulating capital investment. The economy is moving back to its long-term trend." At the time the financial crisis hit, the Fed had considerably more wiggle room with policy. The funds rate was at 5.25% when the central bank started cutting in 2007; it is now closer to 2.38%, around the middle of the target range of 2.25% to 2.5%. The current state of affairs gives the Fed little runway before it reaches what it calls the "zero lower bound," or the lowest point possible before heading into negative nominal rates. To be sure, all economic cycles are different, and in this one the Fed may not need to go as quickly to zero if it gets ahead of the downturn that the bond market is foreseeing. In that scenario, one or two cuts might do the same job that the drastic loosening did during the crisis. "I don't think the Fed is setting the tone here," said Patrick Chovanec, chief strategist at Silvercrest Asset Management and an adjunct professor at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs. "It's quite the opposite. There are real economic developments, both positive and negative, that caused growth to accelerate last year and then made the Fed start thinking about tightening and have decelerated this year. There are real economic trends that I don't think the Fed controlled."


EL PASO, Texas (AP)   President Donald Trump has often railed about an "invasion of illegals" at the southern border, words echoed in a screed the El Paso shooting suspect apparently posted that called the attack that killed 22 people at a Walmart his response to a "Hispanic invasion of Texas." Some extremism experts believe that may not be an accident. They say historical data suggests a link between heated rhetoric from top political leaders and ensuing reports of hate crimes, only adding to the fears of those who could be targeted. "We can't say that Trump is at fault because these mass killings have existed for a long time," said Carlos Tarin, a Mexican immigrant who has lived in El Paso for three decades, but the recent rancor over immigration "has woken up that feeling that had been sleeping." The rampage in Texas has brought new attention to the dangers of immigration-motivated hate crimes and violence in a country with 58 million Latinos amid daily political rhetoric from the White House, conservative politicians and the dark corners of the internet about migrants coming across the border. Overall, statistics released by the FBI late last year showed hate crimes in the United States rose 17% in 2017 compared to the previous year, the third straight annual increase. There were 7,175 hate crime incidents in 2017, and of the crimes motivated by hatred over race or ethnicity, nearly half involved African-Americans and 11% were anti-Hispanic. But an analysis of such FBI data over the years by the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University-San Bernardino yielded more specific results when it came to intense political debates. It found that during August 2017, the month of the violent clash between white-supremacists and counter protesters in Charlottesville, Virginia   when Trump infamously said there were "very fine people on both sides"   reported hate crimes nationally increased to 663 incidents, the second-highest tally in nearly a decade. That was surpassed only by the month of November 2016 surrounding the rancorous presidential race won by Trump over Democrat Hillary Clinton, when reported hate crimes nationally soared to 758 incidents. And after a terrorist shooting by a Muslim couple that killed 14 people in San Bernardino, California, in 2015, Trump made a campaign trail plea for a "total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States" until lawmakers "can figure out what the hell is going on." Over the next 10 days, reported hate crimes against Muslims and Arabs nationwide spiked 23%. "We see a correlation around the time of statements of political leaders and fluctuations in hate crimes," said the center's director, Brian Levin. "Could there be other intervening causes? Yes. But it's certainly a significant correlation that can't be ignored." To be sure, linking political speech, however fiery, to acts of violence can be problematic. For one, people commit hateful and violent acts for all manner of reasons that have nothing to do with the public discourse. And federal hate crime data has long been criticized as incomplete, since not all areas report their incidents to the FBI and many cases go unreported to police. Researchers acknowledge those factors but say the numbers are striking nonetheless. A team from the University of North Texas recently produced a study that found counties that hosted a 2016 Trump campaign rally saw a 226% increase in reported hate incidents over comparable counties that did not host such a rally. "I'm convinced now that political rhetoric of elites influences the behavior of supporters," said North Texas political science professor Valerie Martinez-Ebers. "This research confirms, at least in my mind, that the political rhetoric that's happening today is influencing the American public's actions." Martinez-Ebers noted there has been valid criticism that researchers haven't looked for spikes in hate incidents after rallies by other presidential candidates. "We still need to do that," she said. On Tuesday, Trump defended his rhetoric on such issues as immigration and denied stoking divisions that spawned the violence, contending that he "brings people together. Our country is doing incredibly well." Trump earlier in the week called the weekend's shootings in El Paso and Dayton, Ohio, barbaric crimes "against all humanity" and called for unity to respond to the bloodshed. But critics question whether he has the moral authority to lead that push given his past statements. On Facebook alone, Trump's campaign has run around 2,200 ads since May 2018 that mention the word "invasion" when referring to immigrants at the southern border, according to the social network's political advertising archive. Last month at a rally in Greenville, North Carolina, Trump questioned the patriotism of Somali-born Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and then stood silent for 13 seconds while the crowd loudly chanted, "Send her back!" At a rally earlier this year in Panama City Beach, Florida, Trump noted the obstacles U.S. Border Patrol agents face in preventing migrants from coming into the country. "How do you stop these people?" he asked. "Shoot them!" someone in the crowd yelled. Trump grinned, shook his head and said, "Only in the Panhandle can you get away with that statement. Only in the Panhandle!" Heidi Beirich, of the Southern Poverty Law Center, says Trump's words have fueled anti-immigrant hatred and amplified conspiracy theories that non-white immigrants are systematically replacing whites. "What Trump has done has heightened those fears," she said. Without naming Trump specifically, former President Barack Obama tweeted this week: "We should soundly reject language coming out of the mouths of any of our leaders that feeds a climate of fear and hatred or normalizes racist sentiments." But the historical data also has hopeful examples, says hate crime researcher Levin. He noted that the "worst month for all hate crime" occurred around the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Six days later, President George W. Bush delivered an address to the nation denouncing anti-Muslim harassment and saying, "The face of terror is not the true faith of Islam." Anti-Muslim hate crime reports dropped by two-thirds the next day and for the calendar year 2002 as well. For now, though, immigrants don't have to look far to see incidents of discrimination. Over the past year and a half alone, a man wearing a "Make America Great Again" hat pushed a Mexican immigrant onto the New York City subway tracks while shouting anti-Hispanic slurs. The Hispanic mayor of a Seattle suburb was assaulted from behind at a block party by a man who disparaged his ancestry and policies supporting Latino immigrants. And a New York attorney was caught on video yelling at customers and employees at a Manhattan restaurant, saying he supposed they were in the U.S. illegally and his next call would be to immigration authorities "to have each one of them kicked out of my country." Antonio Velasquez, an evangelical pastor from Guatemala who has been in Phoenix for three decades, said many immigrants in his largely Hispanic neighborhood have grown increasingly scared in the last few years amid stepped up immigration enforcement and growing racism. "People really don't go out anymore," he said. "They'll go to school and to church and to the park, but they really don't like to leave the Hispanic neighborhoods." ___ Kunzelman reported from College Park, Maryland. Associated Press writer Anita Snow in Phoenix contributed to this report.


The FIA has given strict instructions to Formula 1 drivers regarding track limits to clamp down on corner-cutting at the French Grand Prix. Paul Ricard's multi-purpose nature means it has a huge amount of run-off and in last year's race first-lap clashes meant some drivers gained an advantage as going wide meant they could cut the corners without losing time. Fluorescent yellow bollards and red/white boards have been placed at the first two corners, and from Turns 3 to 5, as the governing body has moved to clarify exactly what drivers need to do if they run wide through the opening sequence of turns. Two yellow bollards now exist on the inside of the kerb at Turn 2. Any driver who fails to take the second corner on track and passes completely to the right of the first bollard must completely drive to the right of the bollard and rejoin the track by driving right and left through the two red/white blocks in the run-off. On the inside of the Turn 4 left-hander, which follows the right-hand Turn 3, a single fluorescent yellow bollard has been placed inside the apex of the corner. Drivers who run off-track and pass completely to the left of that bollard must stay left and rejoin the track by driving to the left of two red/white blocks in the run-off before Turn 5. In the first edition of his race event notes, race director Michael Masi had instructed that any driver who goes straight on at the chicane on the Mistral Straight must rejoin by driving through four arrays of red/white blocks down the escape road. It has now been clarified that those requirements will not automatically apply during free practice and qualifying, and each case will be judged individually. The FIA has also stressed that in all cases relating to leaving the track, a driver must only rejoin "when it is safe to do so and without gaining a lasting advantage".


The search is on for Fiesta's official queen. The Fiesta San Antonio Commission is looking for "accomplished, community-minded young women who love Fiesta and want to make a positive difference" to join a more than 70-year tradition and serve as the face for the city's largest party. "While the young woman selected as Miss Fiesta San Antonio enjoys a thrilling reign as Official Fiesta Royalty, including 11 days, all-expenses-paid, at the center of Fiesta 2020, the purpose of this important and prestigious role is to give a talented, hardworking young woman an opportunity to serve as an ambassador who raises public awareness of Fiesta San Antonio, Fiesta San Antonio Foundation, and also of the community service platform she creates during her reign," the application reads. RELATED: 9 places to get the perfect Fiesta Instagram The reign is considered a paid internship for young women who are 18-23 years old. It comes with a $2,500 stipend as well as opportunities to gain experience in public speaking and networking, the website explains. Applications must be submitted by noon on Aug. 30. A panel of judges will then narrow down the submissions to a group who will meet for in-person interviews on Sept. 6. The women from that group will then participate in the Miss Fiesta San Antonio Selection Event on Oct. 16, 2019. The Fiesta Commission stopped crowning Miss Fiesta through a beauty and talent pageant in 2013. Instead, applicants will create and present a community service project plan that serves either arts and culture, history and heritage, safety and environment, health and wellness or education. Madalyn Mendoza is a breaking news reporter and general assignment writer. Read her on our breaking news site , mySA.com , and on our subscriber site , ExpressNews.com | mmendoza@mysa.com | @MaddySkye


SAN DIEGO   Admiral John Richardson, the chief of naval operations, dismissed all charges against Navy SEAL Lt. Jacob X. Portier, who was set to face trial in September on charges stemming from the high-profile murder case of Special Operator 1st Class Edward R. Gallagher. "Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson today dismissed all charges in the case of Lt. Jacob Portier," a Navy statement said Thursday. "Richardson took this action in the best interest of justice and the Navy." Cmdr. Jereal Dorsey, a Navy spokesman, said the decision came from Richardson, not from President Donald Trump, who this week rescinded medals awarded to prosecutors in the Gallagher case. Richardson also ordered a full review of the Navy's Judge Advocate General Corps. "Recent events indicate a need to review the leadership and performance of the (JAG) Corps," Richardson said in a memo. Richardson said the review should address training and professional development, with an "evaluation of the JAG Corps officer career progression and community values for promotion selection and detailing," the memo said. The lead prosecutor in the Gallagher case, Cmdr. Chris Czaplak, was removed before trial after a judge ruled that his efforts to track defense attorney emails amounted to misconduct and violated Gallagher's constitutional rights. Lt. Cmdr. Jacqueline Pau, the CNO's spokeswoman, also said late Thursday that Trump had not ordered the move, and that Richardson acted on his own to restore confidence in the military justice system. "The judicial system is not broken, but let's let this review play out," she said. "We will be transparent with what we find. We understand it's important to maintain the trust and confidence of the American people." Pau declined to comment when asked when Richardson last spoke with the president. Richardson has also stripped the authority to prosecute Petty Officer 1st Class Corey Scott away from Region Legal Service Office Southwest, which previously prosecuted Gallagher and were set to prosecute Portier. Navy authorities had floated the possibility of prosecuting Scott for perjury after he testified that he, not Gallagher, killed a wounded ISIS fighter in Iraq. Portier was charged with a number of offenses related to those Gallagher fought during his 2 1/2 week trial. Portier was charged with conduct unbecoming an officer, for allegedly conducting Gallagher's reenlistment ceremony near a dead enemy combatant   the same fighter Gallagher was found not guilty of murdering. Portier also was charged with dereliction of duty because, prosecutors say, he failed to supervise Gallagher that day. He also was charged with failure to report war crimes allegations against Gallagher and with obstruction of justice for allegedly destroying evidence. Portier denied all charges and pleaded not guilty. He was set to be in court Friday for a motions hearing. Navy Region Southwest spokesman Brian O'Rourke said he could not comment on the case. "The news came as a surprise," he said. Jeremiah Sullivan, Portier's civilain defense attorney, thanked the president. "I want to thank the president for his continued support of Lt. Portier and all our warfare fighters," he said in an email to The San Diego Union-Tribune. "We never gave up the ship." Gallagher, 40, had been charged with premeditated murder in connection with the 2017 death of a captive teenage ISIS fighter he was treating for injuries. He also faced charges related to allegations he shot at civilians and tried to intimidate witnesses. He was acquitted on July 2 of all those charges but convicted of one, a charge for posing with the fighter's corpse. He was reduced a rank to E-6.     ©2019 The San Diego Union-Tribune Visit The San Diego Union-Tribune at www.sandiegouniontribune.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


We can't get enough of these eight adorable pairs of celebrity BFFs.


Boston has no rain in the forecast for today, with light rainfall on the horizon, according to drone-powered weather forecasting service Saildrone . Friday's forecast projects 0.54 inches of rain, while the chance of rain will stick below 22 percent throughout the remainder of the week. The next few days will also bring warm temperatures, due to persist through Wednesday. Temperatures will reach a high of 87 degrees on Wednesday. Skies will be mostly cloudy today and clear Saturday and Sunday. Winds will stay light throughout the week, with the highest speeds today at just 12 mph. This story was created automatically using Saildrone's local weather forecast data, then reviewed by an editor. We also incorporate historic weather data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


LAWRENCE, Kan. - Bill Self approached a group of reporters Monday afternoon at his Kansas basketball camp with something other than hoops on his mind. "Let's talk golf!" Self, KU's 17th-year coach, said enthusiastically. He was still thinking about KU graduate Gary Woodland's three-shot victory over Brooks Koepka at the U.S. Open, which was completed Sunday night. "I texted with him. He said we'd have drinks soon," Self said with a smile. "I said, 'You are not going to have to buy one for several months,' which is true. He shouldn't have to buy one for a long time. "I think this is one of the coolest things that's happened to Kansas athletics," Self added, "because golf is a sport all alumni and donors can identify with because everybody at some point in time has played it or hopes to play it and they can play it until they are 70, 75 years old. I think everybody is really proud because they can identify with what he does." Self was impressed with the Topeka native's steady performance. Woodland became the fifth golfer in history to shoot under 70 in all four rounds at the Open. "I didn't miss a shot (of Woodland playing Sunday). Don't tell the campers that or the parents. I did not miss one shot yesterday or the day before or the day before," Self said, smiling. "It was great. I was nervous like a lot of people were watching it because you've got that dude (Koepka who won last two Opens) chasing you down and he's on fire. You've got to really man up. (Woodland) did, no question." Self said he's played "just a couple" of rounds of golf with Woodland. "First time I played with him we were playing No. 1 at LCC (Lawrence Country Club). It's a 365-yard hole. He landed on the green and made a 20-footer for 2. I'm thinking he played that like a par-3 (course). He has a different gear nobody else can get to," Self said. SELF PRAISES MCCORMACK, WILSON Self said sophomore forward David McCormack has looked great in KU summer workouts. "The best, most improved guy on our team hands down," Self said of McCormack, 6-10, 265 out of Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Va. "His athletic ability has improved. I know that's not easy to do in a short amount of time but he's much more explosive and his shooting ability has really improved. He's a guy that can make a 17-footer. He's our best big shooter without question right now unless you include Jalen (Wilson, 6-8 freshman from Denton, Texas who arrived on campus over the weekend)." Self said Wilson had a great first workout with KU's team. "He gives us size. He gives us toughness. He gives us skill," Self said of Wilson. "He knows how to play. He's a winner. I think his ability to shoot the ball is probably as good or close to as good as anybody on our team. He's a tough kid. He likes the competitiveness of it. You can tell he likes it." TOO EARLY TO TALK REDSHIRTS Self, who has 12 scholarship players available on the 2019-20 roster, said it's possible some players could redshirt. "Possibly. I don't know what we'll do if anything with that," he said. "I think this is going to be a good group (of incoming freshmen). I do. I think they've got a chance to have maybe a pro or two in the group (of Wilson, Tristan Enaruna, Christian Braun and Issac McBride)." Senior forward Mitch Lightfoot said Monday he could conceivably consider redshirting. "I mean yeah I think I would (consider the option). That's a decision we haven't made yet. It's something we can think about. But at this point in time, not really," Lightfoot said. LIGHTFOOT VISITS ISRAEL Lightfoot recently played a handful of games in Israel with an Athletes in Action team. Former KU forward Wayne Simien was an assistant coach for the squad. "We visited a bunch of Biblical sites," Lightfoot said. "That was really cool. I'm really close to Wayne back here in Lawrence. To get a chance to travel with him, that's pretty cool. Getting to play with new players, to experience a different style of basketball ... how they play over there is different from here. It was something special." Lightfoot added: "For us it was more spiritual than about the basketball side of it. Getting to further my faith, connecting stories to actual places. I got to go see Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane. Getting to connect my faith to tangible sites was cool." Lightfoot's young brother, Miles, played on the Athletes in Action team as did Devonte Bandoo and Mark Vital of Baylor and Mitch Ballock of Creighton, who is a graduate of Eudora High. STRONG FINISH IN RECRUITING Self at KU's hoops banquet in April said the program needed to hit "a double" in recruiting. Now that he has re-stocked the roster with 12 scholarship players, he stated: "I think we probably did better than that. At the banquet we didn't know about Silvio (De Sousa becoming eligible). We didn't know about Doke (Azubuike) and Devon (Dotson electing to return to school) for sure. Then of course we didn't have any clue about Isaiah (Moss) or Jalen (Wilson, late signees) at that time. To be able to get the experience and size and need for shooters ... I think that's about as good as we can do." SELF ON LAST WEEK'S NCAA 'NEWS' Self was asked if he had "any reaction to NCAA news from last week." This was in reference to Stan Wilcox, NCAA vice president of regulatory affairs, telling CBSSports.com that six schools will receive a Notice of Allegations for Level 1 violations this summer. Two schools would receive notices in July, the other four later this summer. Wilcox did not mention names of schools. "There was actually no NCAA news last week based on what I read," Self said, "except obviously a spokesperson spoke about what he thought was going to happen. I was shocked to read something that something could be said that was not specifically intended for anyone, but it made all 20 schools that were mentioned in the FBI deal and their families feel like it was." Some 20 schools were mentioned during the course of the FBI investigation into college basketball. The investigation found in part Adidas officials funneled money to the guardians of top basketball recruits to steer them toward programs sponsored by Adidas. "No, I've got no comment on it," Self added, "because only he (Wilcox) knows what exactly he meant by what he said except the fact that he said schools would definitely be served this summer, which I guess that could be very well true. "I think to predetermine what's going to happen before investigations are done, I think that comes pretty strong. I have no knowledge of who he was talking about or anything like that but certainly the fanbases of all the people that were mentioned I'm sure are very interested in what he meant by that." Visit The Kansas City Star (Kansas City, Mo.) at www.kansascity.com Related slideshow: Best photos of NCAA Championship (Provided by imagn)


A few notable health updates from around the majors… The Mets activated infielder/outfielder Jeff McNeil from the 10-day injured list Tuesday. Both McNeil (hamstring strain) and Robinson Cano (quad strain) went to the shelf May 23, but the latter's return date remains "to be determined," ESPN.com writes. Unlike Cano, who has had a tough first season with the Mets, McNeil has thrived in 2019. The contact-hitting 27-year-old has slashed .329/.412/.453 with 16 unintentional walks and 22 strikeouts in 194 plate appearances. Red Sox first baseman Mitch Moreland could come off the IL as early as Friday, according to Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe . The lefty-swinging Moreland was put on the list May 29 because of a lower back strain, temporarily halting a powerful start to the season for the 33-year-old. Moreland's a .228/.320/.550 hitter (121 wRC+) with a Red Sox-leading 13 home runs and a team-high isolated power mark (.322) through 172 trips to the plate. Phillies right-hander Zach Eflin is set for a quick return after landing on the IL on May 31. Eflin, who has been down with mid-back tightness, will start for Philadelphia on Friday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic tweets. Eflin posted an impressive 3.02 ERA and walked fewer than two per nine in 11 starts and 65 2/3 innings before his IL stint. At the same time, however, he struck out fewer than seven per nine and put up a mediocre 4.34 FIP. Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon could begin a rehab assignment Wednesday, per Thomas Harding of MLB.com . Blackmon last played May 23 because of a right calf problem. Even though Blackmon is one of Colorado's cornerstones, the Rockies have stormed to a 9-2 record without him.


The New York Yankees acquired Edwin Encarnacion with the hopes he'd provide another stunning power bat to their loaded lineup. After struggling early, the 36-year-old showed just what he is capable of on Friday night with a stunning swing. As the Yankees trailed 2-0 against the Colorado Rockies, Encarnacion stood in the box with the bases loaded and needed just one arm to change the game. He got the baseball just where he wanted it and unleashed on it with a one-handed swing for a grand slam. Parrot Power pic.twitter.com/fX4fxT0R0g   New York Yankees (@Yankees) July 20, 2019 While Yankee Stadium is certainly friendly to hitters, this type of powerful swing with basically one arm speaks to Encarnacion's strength. New York's fans might not be seeing it a lot right now, but perhaps this could be the swing that wakes up his bat. If Encarnacion can get going on one of his hot streaks, this lineup is going to become even more dangerous and cause nightmares for opposing pitchers the night before they face New York. Related slideshow: 2019 MLB season (provided by imagn)


Interested in getting the lowdown the newest restaurant and retail additions to Atlanta? From a place to enjoy barbecue to a cycling studio where you can burn off those calories, read on for the newest hot spots to open their doors around town. Wood's Chapel BBQ New at 85 Georgia Ave. SE in Summerhill is Wood's Chapel BBQ , a barbecue spot, offering sandwiches and more. Wood's Chapel BBQ is a project of the partners behind the popular General Muir deli restaurant, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution . The sprawling new restaurant in the Carter redevelopment serves up all the expected favorites   pork, brisket, turkey and ribs   plus barbecued salmon in platters and sandwiches. There are also sides and appetizers like greens, creamed corn, Brunswick stew, beet and jalapeno cole slaw, smoked wings and boiled peanuts. And for non-carnivores, there's a banh mi made with celery root. Rukus Cycling Studios Rukus Cycling Studios is a spot that holds cycling classes. It recently opened at 670 DeKalb Ave. NE, Suite D, in Inman Park. Part of the new Edge on the Beltline development, the studio's third Georgia location offers a variety of themed classes every day in a screen-lined "CycleArena" where power, mileage, heart rate and more is displayed alongside what the company's website says is a points-based leaderboard. Mood lighting and music set the tone. There's also resistance training. Lacquer Nail Bar Head over to 661 Auburn Ave., Suite 140 in Old Fourth Ward and you'll find Lacquer Nail Bar , a nail salon. Also new along the Beltline, the women-owned, dog-friendly salon offers nail services, such as powder-dip manicures and a deluxe pedicure, featuring extra massage time, a leg mask and a hot towel wrap. Other services include waxing and eyelash enhancements. There are also complimentary beverages. This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) South Carolina freshman guard A.J. Lawson has withdrawn his name from the NBA draft. Lawson announced his choice on Tuesday, a day before the deadline for those who want to return to college to pull out of the draft pool. Lawson is a 6-foot-6, 172-pound guard from Toronto, Canada, who was the Gamecocks' second-leading scorer at 13.4 points a game. He was selected to the all-Southeastern Conference freshman team. Lawson declined an invite to the G-League Elite Camp, but worked out for several NBA teams. Had Lawson gone, it would've left South Carolina without its three double-digit scorers from this past season. Forward Chris Silva and guard Hassani Gravett were both seniors. Lawson will be the team's top returning scorer next season. He also averaged more than four rebounds and almost three assists a game. --- More AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/MarchMadness and https://twitter.com/AP-Top25


Chili oil is an addictive condiment, and it's not just for Asian cuisine. Add it to eggs , pasta, pizza , seafood, and anything else that could use some spice. I love a good hot sauce and the way it can make otherwise humdrum dishes sing. And I can empathize with the obsessives who bring their own personal bottle of Tabasco everywhere, or the zealots who insist that Sriracha makes everything better. But let me say this: there is a time and a place for hot sauce. Sometimes, though, there are just better ways to amp up your food. If I had to nominate an all-purpose condiment for spicing up everything under the sun, it wouldn't be a sauce. It would be chili oil , hands down. Related Reading: The Addictive Chili Oil We Can't Live Without Let me explain: hot sauce almost always contains a fair amount of vinegar and salt, which are necessary to preserve its fresh ingredients. Those tangy, salty elements are fine, even essential in many instances for example, buffalo wings just wouldn't be the same without that sour tang that cuts through the fat of the chicken and the butter in the sauce. But there are other instances when they just tend to get in the way hot sauce can make soup unpleasantly astringent, or mask the flavor of delicate dishes in a cloying way. Chili oil, on the other hand, calls for infusing its base with dry ingredients, which lend their spice and aromatics without the aid of harsh preservatives. Chowhound It makes sense that you'll find chili oil in cuisines known for their already liberal use of seasonings and contrasting tastes. The stuff has its place on tables throughout Asia, although Sichuan cuisine is where it comes in most prominently. Rather than butting heads with the heady flavors of, say, soy sauce or rice wine, it simply adds an accent that rests on top. You'll also find it in places like Calabria, which is famous for its vibrant red chilis, or in Veracruz, where a thick salsa macha is made using local peppers. You can pick up chili oil in Asian groceries or in the international section of many supermarkets. But it's also pretty easy to make at home, and well worth it, too. Not only does it taste so much more vivid and vibrant, you can customize it with different spices and chilis. I, personally, like to keep on hand a version I make with gochugaru (Korean coarse chili flakes), which has helped me use up that sack I originally bought for seasoning kimchi . Many of the following recipes include their own instructions for making an infused chili oil, if you're looking for a place to start. So give one of them a try you might end up with extras of your new favorite condiment that brings the spice. 1. Xian Famous Hot Rice Ribbons Lee Mandy on Instagram: "Come get it. #xianfamousfood hot rice ribbons in a sea of chili oil and tangy soy sauce. Recipe now #ontheblog" Noodles from the western Chinese city of Xian are known for their signature balance of hot and sour. While a mixture of seasoned soy sauce and vinegar brings the tang, its the chili oil rife with cumin, coriander, star anise, and more that makes this dish leap into a wildly aromatic flavor dimension. Get the Xian Famous Hot Rice Ribbons recipe . 2. Dan Dan Noodles https://www.instagram.com/p/u5l54-luCZ/ Sichuan's most famous noodle dish relies on an oil infused with chilis and peppercorns. In the true spirit of ma la , it's part spicy and part numbing, with a wave of citrusy overtones. Get the Dan Dan Noodles recipe . Related Reading: What Is the Difference Between Lo Mein and Dan Dan Noodles? 3. Sichuan Wontons The Woks of Life on Instagram: "Sichuan Spicy Wontons get some tender loving care in the form of a seriously delicious chili oil sauce. A lot of you have probably eaten…" Without a slick of vinegar and chili oil to swim around in, Sichuan wontons would be just a plain dish of pork wrapped in dough. Make sure to really lay on the condiments with this one. Get the Sichuan Wontons recipe . 4. Tomatoes in Chili-Fennel Oil The Picture Pantry / Alloy / Getty Images Tomatoes dressed in olive oil and sea salt are one of summer's simple pleasures. But when you add chilis and spices into the mix, that combination suddenly gains a whole new profile that's full of flaming intensity. Get the Tomatoes in Chili-Fennel Oil recipe . Related Reading: Why Are Heirloom Tomatoes So Expensive (And So Good)? 5. Steamed Grouper in Chili Oil In the wrong hands, this delicate, Italian-style steamed fish could easily be overwhelmed by aggressive seasonings. An olive oil infused with Calabrian pepper ensures that it has the right amount of spice, however, without going too far over the top. Get the Steamed Grouper in Chili Oil recipe . 6. Eggs with Chili Oil Hana Asbrink Need a pick me up for your morning eggs? Chili oil will deliver a tastebud-awakening fire that cuts through all that yolky richness. Great with fried eggs and steamed rice, or if you like your eggs scrambled, try this Creamy Eggs with Garlicky Greens, Avocado & Chili Oil recipe . 7. Spicy Cinnamon-Sugar Popcorn Chowhound Using chili oil to flavor your popcorn makes butter seem so basic. This recipe adds cinnamon and sugar to the equation, for an unexpected meeting of spicy and sweet. Get our Spicy Cinnamon-Sugar Popcorn recipe . 8. Spicy Grilled Pizza with Peppers and Sausage Chowhound A quick chili -infused olive oil gets drizzled over this crisp, smoky grilled pizza, but you can easily spoon over your favorite packaged chili oil instead. The spicy burn is nicely balanced by the savory, salty sausage, melty cheese, and sweet roasted bell peppers. Get our Grilled Pizza with Peppers and Sausage recipe . 9. Spicy Tuna Maki Chowhound Sriracha is great and all, but a little dab of chili oil is a nice change of pace for spicing up your sushi (which is easier to make at home than you might think, not to mention fun). Get our Spicy Tuna Maki recipe . Related video: Make your own spicy condiments (Provided by Thrillist)


SEOUL, Aug 11 (Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected Saturday's test of a new weapon, state media KCNA said on Sunday, as a senior diplomat dismissed the possibility of inter-Korean talks in protest against South Korea-U.S. military drills. North Korea fired two short-range missiles on Saturday, its fifth within two weeks, in what South Korea called a show of force against joint new military drills with the United States. The allies kicked off largely computer-simulated small-scale exercises on Saturday for a 10-day run, as an alternative to previous large-scale annual drills that were halted to expedite nuclear talks between Pyongyang and Washington. North Korea calls such exercises a "rehearsal for war" and has countered them with its own military action. The new "projectiles" were developed to suit the country's terrain, and the latest test proved their "advantageous and powerful demand of the design was perfectly met," KCNA said. Missile experts at the James Martin Centre for Nonproliferation Studies in California said photos released by KCNA appear to show a new type of short-range ballistic missile, though detailed analysis is necessary. In a separate statement carried by KCNA, a senior North Korean diplomat said there will not be inter-Korean talks unless the allies end their military exercises that still maintain "aggressive nature." "Given that the military exercise clearly puts us as an enemy in its concept," said Kwon Jong Gun, director-general for American affairs at the foreign ministry. "They should think that an inter-Korean contact itself will be difficult to be made unless they put an end to such a military exercise or before they make a plausible excuse or an explanation in a sincere manner." Kwon said South Korea talked "nonsense" by urging the North to stop missile tests which served its right to self-defense. "Even the U.S. president made a remark which in effect recognizes the self-defensive rights of a sovereign state, saying that it is a small missile test which a lot of countries do," Kwon said. Pyongyang has lauded Trump and his personal ties with Kim while chastising South Korea as a "puppet" regime following the orders of its master, the United States. Keen to tout his North Korea policy ahead of his 2020 re-election bid, Trump has played down the recent series of missile tests, saying they do not violate Kim's pledge to forego nuclear and long-range tests. Trump wrote on Twitter on Saturday that Kim has sent a letter saying "very nicely" that he was ready to resume negotiations once the "ridiculous and expensive" joint exercises were over. He said called the offer "a small apology for testing the short range missiles, and that this testing would stop when the exercises end." Trump and Kim have met twice since their first summit in Singapore last year, but little progress has been made on the North's stated commitment to denuclearise. (Reporting by Hyonhee Shin; editing by Jonathan Oatis)


Troop 1124 saves the day


With traction compound liberally applied to the surface of the 2.5-mile track for the first time, NASCAR's premier series will make its second annual visit to Pocono Raceway for the final time. Next season, the track will play host to a Cup doubleheader during its lone race weekend. Here's all the info for today's event: (All times are Eastern) START: The green flag is scheduled for 3:18 p.m. PRERACE: The garage will open at 9 a.m. for prerace inspection. The driver/crew chief meeting is scheduled for 1 p.m. Driver introductions will begin at 2:20 p.m. The national anthem will be performed by Ellen Kane at 3:01 p.m. Brian Quinn (representing Gander RV) will give the command to start engines at 3:07 p.m. DISTANCE: The race is 160 laps (400 miles) around the 2.5-mile speedway. STAGES: Stage 1 ends on Lap 50 . Stage 2 ends on Lap 100 . TV/RADIO: Prerace c overage will begin at 2:30 p.m. with Countdown to Green on NBCSN and the race broadcast at 3 on NBCSN. Motor Racing Network will broadcast the race. M RN's coverage begins at 2 p.m. SiriusXM NASCAR Radio will carry M RN's broadcast, which is also available at mrn .com. STREAM: http://stream.nbcsports.com/nascar/monster-energy-nascar-cup-series FORECAST : wunderground.com calls for partly cloudy with a high of 81 degrees and a 24% chance of rain for the start of the race. LAST TIME: Kyle Busch led 79 laps, including the final 21, for his third victory at Pocono. TO THE REAR : Kyle Larson will fall to the end of the field in a backup car for the second consecutive week after crashing in practice. Chase Elliott also is in a backup car. Austin Dillon , Jimmie Johnson and William Byron , Michael McDowell , Ryan Blaney , Chris Buescher , Corey LaJoie , Ross Chastain and Reed Sorenson also will start at the back after having their qualifying times disallowed by inspection failures. Bubba Wallace will drop to the rear because of an engine change between practices. STARTING LINEUP: Click here for the updated starting lineup after prerace inspection.


Denny Hamlin looks to join an exclusive club July 6 at Daytona International Speedway when he goes for the Daytona sweep in winning both Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races at the track in the same season. Denny Hamlin looks to join an exclusive club July 6 at Daytona International Speedway when he goes for the rare Daytona sweep in winning both Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races at the track in the same season. It's been done five times in NASCAR history, and just twice in the modern era. Check out the full list and tune in Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC/NBC Sports App, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Fireball Roberts, 1962 Roberts dominated at the 1962 Daytona 500, then was a late charger in the summer victory. Roberts started fourth and led the first lap in July, but he didn't gain control of the race until the final 20 laps, of which he led all. Cale Yarborough, 1968 Yarborough was running a part-time slate in 1968, and his two Daytona wins were part of a six-victory 1968 effort in just 21 starts. It was a coming out party of sorts for the eventual Hall of Famer, who entered the season with three career premier series wins. LeeRoy Yarbrough, 1969 Perhaps the most unlikely driver on this list, Yarbrough had a career year in 1969. He won seven races, good for half his career total in 14 seasons of racing. Bobby Allison, 1982 1982 was the start of a career renaissance for Bobby Allison. At age 44, he led 147 laps to win the Daytona 500, then followed it up in the summer leading 112 laps in victory. Jimmie Johnson, 2013 Jimmie Johnson was just a five-time champion (we kid!) when he swept Daytona in 2013. He held off teammate Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the 500, then won an overtime finish in July by holding off Tony Stewart.


Editor's note: The opinions in this article are the author's, as published by our content partner, and do not necessarily represent the views of MSN or Microsoft. President Trump was up early the day he formally kicked off his reelection campaign, contemplating the issue that has consumed much of his presidency. He was thinking about Hillary Clinton's emails. Subscribe to the Post Most newsletter: Today's most popular stories on The Washington Post "Wow! The State Department said it has identified 30 Security Incidents involving current or former employees and their handling of Crooked Hillary Clinton's Emails," he tweeted at 12:51 a.m., crediting Fox News with this scoop. "This is really big." Huge. But mostly because of what it says about Trump: Now approaching 2020, he is perpetually stuck in 2016. At his campaign kickoff in Orlando on Tuesday, Trump alleged that "Crooked Hillary Clinton" funded "the phony dossier." He accused her of an "illegal attempt to overturn the results of the election, spy on our campaign." On and on Trump went, about "Crooked Hillary" and her "insurance policy," falsely stating that she refused to concede the election and alleging that she "destroyed evidence, deleted and acid-washed 33,000 emails, exposed classified information and turned the State Department into a pay-for-play cash machine." "Lock her up!" the crowd chanted. His pronouncements in recent days have been much the same, with routine mentions of Clinton's (and President Barack Obama's) "Collusion Scandal," her "criminal" behavior, their orchestration of "the biggest & worst political scandal in the history of the United States" and more. Since his inauguration 879 days ago, Trump has mentioned or referred to his 2016 opponent or his presidential predecessor an average of 2.56 times per day, or once every nine hours and 20 minutes, according to computations by Factba.se, a data analytics company. This is an order of magnitude more than Trump's peers mentioned prior opponents and predecessors. At the same point in their presidencies, Obama had mentioned or referred to his opponent or predecessor once every 3.52 days, George W. Bush every 62.79 days, Bill Clinton every 3.38 days, George H.W. Bush every 6.56 days and Ronald Reagan every 58.6 days, Factba.se chief executive Bill Frischling tells me. Why does Trump live in the past? Maybe because of the woeful record he has compiled since he descended the escalator in Trump Tower four years ago. It's a record of cruelty. Late Monday, Trump rolled out a campaign-season plan to deport "millions" of migrant parents and children, which he is implementing after firing officials who objected on grounds that it would be ineffective and appear heartless after the debacle of last year's family-separation policy. Despite the cruelty, the border situation has substantially worsened under Trump. It's a record of incompetence. Trump's defense-secretary pick Patrick Shanahan withdrew from consideration Tuesday over domestic-violence matters, becoming the latest of many botched nominations for an administration that has had record turnover and an unprecedented number of officials in "acting" roles . It's a record of fraudulence. Trump is closing in on 11,000 false or misleading statements as president, The Post's Fact Checker calculates. Trump sows distrust of the courts, the FBI, the Justice Department, the intelligence community and the media, while spreading paranoia about a "Deep State" conspiracy. It's a record of criminality. Five of his advisers have been convicted or pleaded guilty in the Mueller probe (a sixth awaits trial), which concluded that it could not clear Trump of obstruction of justice. It's a record of vulgarity. Trump has maintained a steady stream of Twitter insults, uttered obscenities in public, posthumously attacked the character of John McCain and skipped a visit to an American military cemetery because of rain . It's a record of isolation. Trump set off a trade war and upset decades-old alliances while siding with Russian President Vladimir Putin over U.S. intelligence, making common cause with autocrats and falling "in love" with North Korea's murderous dictator (falsely absolving that country as a nuclear threat). Trump has divulged intelligence secrets to adversaries and overridden the security clearance process for friends and family. It's a record of greed. Trump and many of his appointees have used taxpayer funds for personal luxuries and their offices to promote their businesses and investments. Multiple investigations have found ethical and legal violations at high levels. It's a record of racism. From Charlottesville, to the clumsy travel ban, to his remark about s---hole countries, to a census revision aimed at suppressing nonwhite participation, Trump has used racial and gender resentment and fear of immigrants to mobilize his supporters. And it's a record of buffoonery. The prince of "whales" and others may tolerate with politeness Trump's self-promotion and bumbling   the moon is part of Mars!   but the world literally laughed at Trump at the United Nations. His defenders point to judicial appointments, as if these were worth losing the nation's soul. And until now they have pointed to economic growth, propped up by deficit spending and tax cuts. But now business conditions have deteriorated , growth has slowed, and a recession could be coming. So by all means, let's talk about what really matters for 2020: Hillary's emails. Twitter: @Milbank Read more from Dana Milbank's archive , follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook . Read more: Greg Sargent: Trump's threat of mass arrests stinks of weakness and failure Marc A. Thiessen: On Russia collusion, Trump is right and George Stephanopoulos is wrong Dana Milbank: Trump's mental gymnastics are incomprehensible Henry Olsen: Trump's chances in 2020 aren't nearly as bad as people think Jennifer Rubin: Trump is seen as all bluff and no policy on Iran


WASHINGTON  The first six months of the USMNT's Gregg Berhalter era have been filled with positivity. Ninety minutes Wednesday night in the nation's capital brought the first hiccup. Shamar Nicholson's gorgeous second-half goal tilted an otherwise dull match in favor of Jamaica, and dealt the U.S. a deserved defeat in its first of two Gold Cup tuneups. ¡GOOOOOOLAAAAZOOOOOOO DE JAMAICA! Shamar Nicholson con zarpazo que sorprende al guardameta estadounidense 🔥🔥🔥 @USMNT 🇺🇸 0-1 🇯🇲. Jamaica Disfruta EN VIVO 👉 https://t.co/YOu9GdWFfn pic.twitter.com/h0sjTi5MwT   Univision Deportes (@UnivisionSports) June 6, 2019 The U.S. was disjointed and uninspiring The goal was pretty emblematic of the USMNT's night. From Christian Roldan's sloppy pass to Wil Trapp's inability to close down Nicholson, the vast majority of the 90 minutes and 17 players who saw the field were slow and ineffective. Which was, to some extent, expected and totally fine. There is no need to panic, about Gold Cup hopes or anything thereafter. The U.S. looked like a team that had never played together before, and probably will never play together again, because ... well, it was. At most, three of the players who saw the field Wednesday night were part of Berhalter's preferred 11. And they weren't even aligned in Berhalter's preferred formation. Berhalter experiments with formation Berhalter's first-choice system is a base 4-3-3 that morphs into a 4-4-2 without the ball and a 3-2-4-1 with it. On Wednesday, he went 3-2-4-1 as the base   shifting to a 3-5-2 without the ball   with the following 11 (right to left): Zack Steffen; Matt Miazga, Omar Gonzalez, Tim Ream; Will Trapp, Jackson Yueill; Paul Arriola, Christian Roldan, Djordje Mihailovic, Antonee Robinson; Josh Sargent Here's a helpful visualization from Fox's Stu Holden: For @USMNT - This will be an experimental 3-4-2-1 formation - GB looking for 2nd option. In attack and transition looks very similar to GB regular 4-1-4-1 when fullback tucks inside and wingers are pushed high. Illustration here: pic.twitter.com/uhAKiLa2aF   Stu Holden (@stuholden) June 5, 2019 The U.S. spent 58 minutes in it before reverting to the 4-3-3. It wasn't exactly effective. That, however, had more to do with personnel than system, so we shouldn't rule out seeing it again. (But we can definitely rule out seeing this group of 11 players together again.) Roster spots were up for grabs ... who grabbed them? With the Gold Cup roster deadline Wednesday at midnight, "most of the roster," Berhalter said Tuesday, was already "set." But there were, he said, "a few positions that are up for grabs." And, well, nobody exactly grabbed them with any force. In fact, for players on the roster bubble, it was probably better to be off the field than on it. Duane Holmes started on the bench, and sat there for much of the drudgery, then entered in the second half and showed flashes. Josh Sargent did OK with what little service he got, and nearly leveled the fame in the 88th minute. But it's unlikely anybody from the wrong side of the bubble played their way onto the roster. Other game notes Mihailovic, on several occasions, was a half-second or so from looking like the Americans' most influential player. His ideas were good, his movement intelligent. But he didn't quite have the athleticism or the speed of play to unlock Jamaica's defense. Steffen had several shaky moments with the ball at his feet, one of which nearly led to a Jamaican goal. Robinson had a rough first half, and didn't look capable of playing the wing back position Berhalter put him in. He might be the best traditional (healthy) left back in the U.S. player pool, but that says much more about Sargent, who would seem to be on the roster bubble, was quiet. If you watch him off the ball, you see glimpses of clever runs   for example, two steps to take a defender toward the ball, then a dart in behind. But the U.S. never got in enough of a rhythm to get him involved. The crowd was late-arriving but decent   17,719 of the 20,000 capacity at Audi Field in D.C. Notes from the boss Wednesday's lineup was a mix of players who'd been in U.S. camp since May 27 and new arrivals who'd trained for the first time as a group on Monday. Christian Pulisic will join up with the squad in Ohio on Thursday. Tyler Adams will arrive in Minnesota on June 11. Berhalter, explaining the decision-making process behind those dates, said: "We carefully looked at what they've been doing this season. We looked at some of their plans for next season, and where they need to be physically. And we gave them an arrival time based on that. ... Both of those dates were determined by our performance staff." Sebastian Lletget figured to make the Gold Cup roster as Pulisic's backup. But a left hamstring problem forced him out of the LA Galaxy's weekend match after just nine minutes, and put the injury-ravaged attacking midfielder's status in doubt. After communication with both club and national team medical staffs Tuesday, it was determined that Lletget wasn't fit enough to make the Gold Cup cut. Based on Berhalter's Tuesday comments, Mihailovic seems to be third in line at that No. 10 position   and second with Lletget out of the equation. But that doesn't necessarily mean he has to be in the 23. Berhalter mentioned that Holmes could also play the 10 role. U.S. Soccer must submit a final 23-man Gold Cup roster by midnight. It will be announced Thursday morning, around 9:30 ET   so don't stay up late waiting for it. In the meantime, here's our educated guess: Gold Cup roster projection Roster bubblers in bold . Goalkeepers: Zack Steffen, Sean Johnson, Tyler Miller Defenders: Tyler Adams, Nick Lima, Aaron Long, Matt Miazga, Tim Ream, Walker Zimmerman, Daniel Lovitz, Omar Gonzalez Midfielders: Christian Pulisic, Michael Bradley, Duane Holmes , Weston McKennie, Cristian Roldan, Wil Trapp Forwards: Jozy Altidore, Paul Arriola, Tyler Boyd, Jordan Morris, Josh Sargent , Gyasi Zardes               Henry Bushnell is a features writer for Yahoo Sports . Have a tip? Question? Comment? Email him at henrydbushnell@gmail.com, or follow him on Twitter @HenryBushnell , and on Facebook .