Bayern Munich have entered the race to sign Real Betis midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, with Tottenham Hotspur yet to finalise a deal for the 23-year-old. Lo Celso is believed to have handed in a transfer request to try force through a move away from Seville, with Spurs thought to be incredibly keen on bringing the Argentine to London this summer. However, Sport Bild journalist Christian Falk has revealed that Bayern have entered the race for Lo Celso, for whom Betis are hoping to recoup a fee in the region of €75m. Betis are prepared to part ways with their star midfielder, but only for the right price   which is a problem for Spurs , who recently broke their transfer record to sign Tanguy Ndombele for around £54m. Bayern are currently in the midst of a squad overhaul, with club officials eager to recruit a number of young players to try and bring down the average age of the squad. Lucas Hernandez, Benjamin Pavard and Jann-Fiete Arp have already arrived this summer, whilst there are a number of other players in their sights. Manchester City 's Leroy Sane and Chelsea 's Callum Hudson-Odoi are two of Bayern's top targets, and it appears as though Lo Celso has now joined them on Niko Kovac's wish list. Last season, the Argentine racked up an impressive 16 goals and six assists for a mid-table Betis side, and it is believed that he is keen to take the next step in his career and play regularly for a team in the Champions League . Spurs' run to the final of the competition last season will have impressed Lo Celso, but their hesitance to meet Betis' demands appears to have opened the door for Bayern. The proposed €75m fee would likely not be a problem for Bayern, after president Uli Hoeness confirmed that the club would be willing to part ways with up to €80m for the right signing. Nevertheless, Bayern would likely look to negotiate a reduced fee for Lo Celso, so as to preserve some funds for their other transfer targets.


SONOMA, Calif.   Corey LaJoie knows he's still putting the pieces together and building a foundation at Go Fas Racing before he and his No. 32 team are in the mix for wins on a weekly basis. As such, it's not the simplest task to work up a strong fan base with an average finish of 25.7. Sometimes a driver has to get creative and take things into his own hands   literally. LaJoie and buddy Bubba Wallace were the darlings of social media and the rain-soaked fans at Michigan International Speedway a few weeks ago, entertaining the crowd during the rain delay by tossing the football around on pit road   and over the catch fence to a delighted group of lucky race attendees. RELATED: Full schedule for Sonoma | Go on a 10-Minute Tour with LaJoie "I don't quite have the opportunity to win any of these Cup races yet, we just try to do the things that we can control. A little bit behind on up-to-date cars and the motors aren't quite as good so we're relegated to somewhere in that 25th to 30th range on speed but anytime we can do better than that is the goal," LaJoie said Friday at Sonoma Raceway, site of Sunday's Toyota/SaveMart 350 (3 p.m. ET, FS1, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). "So any time I can get out there and mix it up with the fans, they were loving it. What was awesome was it just started as a natural thing just throwing the football, then we'd launch it up into the stands and they just loved it. "That was huge. I was talking with FOX and the video of me and Bubba throwing the football got almost double the views that Joey Logano winning the race did. That solidified my theory that I got more attention throwing the football than I would have if I'd won the race the next day. Whatever it takes, right?" The dynamic duo was back at it on Friday, tossing the ball around in the garage area with fans during practice. NASCAR's undefeated football team is back in action! 🏈🏁 @CoreyLaJoie and @BubbaWallace throw with fans at @RaceSonoma . #HotPass pic.twitter.com/CaSRqrhWFp   FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) June 21, 2019 Luckily for LaJoie, there was a two-week break in between pigskin practice sessions to parse over game film, fine-tune their skills and, most importantly, rest up. "My abs and my arms were pretty sore for the next 48 hours, but it was worth it." ]]>


Manchester United defender Luke Shaw has become only the second outfield player to be named Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year in the six years since Sir Alex Ferguson retired. The prize, as voted for by fans, has been dominated by David de Gea, with the Spanish goalkeeper winning in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2018. Midfielder Ander Herrera is the only other player to get his hands on the prestigious accolade in the last few years, winning in 2017. Luke Shaw has done the double adding the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year Award to his Players Player of the Year. #mufc pic.twitter.com/dC2QC02vh1   Full Time DEVILS (@FullTimeDEVILS) May 9, 2019 Shaw was also recognised by his teammates and won the Players' Player of the Year award. The fact there was any award ceremony at all was seen by some supporters as an insult in the current climate, and Shaw seemed keen not to revel in individual achievement. "It's obviously nice for me, but I'd rather win no [individual] trophies and have a better season as a team. We need to move on and focus now on next season and what's to come," he said, via ManUtd.com . "Ole has done an amazing job and of course we've had ups and downs but he's obviously looking forward to getting us back in pre-season and getting his proper work done for next season. We're all looking forward to starting fresh next season with him as the manager." It was a much happier night for United's women's team, celebrating the end of an incredible debut season which saw them dominate the Women's Championship, securing promotion to the top flight Women's Super League and the title with games to spare. It was midfielder Katie Zelem who won the inaugural Player of the Year prize. The former Juventus player has scored 11 goals during the campaign, which has also included progression to the Continental Cup semi finals and FA Cup quarter finals, despite being a second tier team. "It's amazing. It makes it even more special that it's the first ever award. I couldn't have asked much more from the first season to be honest," Zelem said, via ManUtd.com . 🥁 And the winner of our first-ever #MUWomen Player of the Year award is... 🏆 @KatieZel ! 🏆 Well done on a fantastic campaign, Katie 👏 #MUFCPOTY pic.twitter.com/syJGlLWTVg   Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) May 9, 2019 "Every one of the girls has played a part, whether it be on the pitch or off the pitch. Likewise with the staff. Casey [Stoney] has got us really close together and I think you can see that by the performances on the pitch." For Zelem , this season has brought her career back to where it began after spending nine years in United's Centre of Excellence. But with no senior options for female players, she was forced to leave in 2013, joining Liverpool and then Juventus, before being able to return last summer.


MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO)   Nearly three years after a toddler was killed by gunfire in north Minneapolis, a man faces a second-degree murder charge. Two-year-old Le'Vonte Jones was in his father's car when a gun battle broke out   the crossfire hit and killed him. The shooting happened in the late morning of July 8, 2016 , near Penn and Lowry avenues. "When children are shot and killed, our entire city mourns," Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo said. Chris Maurice Welch, 34, of Lexington, the alleged shooter, is charged with second-degree murder in the case. "It's clear that Mr. Welch who was driving a car shot across his passenger into the van driven by Melvonte Peterson," said Mike Freeman, Hennepin County Attorney. When police arrived at the scene, they say they were notified that the children, a 2-year-old and 15-month-old, had been driven to North Memorial Medical Center. That's where Le'Vonte died from a gunshot wound to the chest. "I'm thankful for the persistence of the Minneapolis Police Department, the county attorney's office for not giving up, for staying committed to Leshae and our family during this time," Pastor Danny Givens said. Police say video of the incident shows a black Chevrolet Impala stopped at an intersection when the children's father's minivan pulled up alongside it. A total of 11 shots were fired. Video shows the minivan pulling away and driving over a curb after the first two shots were fired, according to the criminal complaint. Police say Welch has always been the prime suspect. He was arrested in 2016 but released because there wasn't enough evidence to charge him. "A number of witnesses have come forward finally. It was a difficult case to put together," Freeman said. A witness says the minivan driver and father stole from Welch, and that Welch would kill the man. The complaint also says Welch told a witness he did not mean to shoot a child. An additional witness says Welch picked him up shortly after the shooting and admitted he just had a shootout. Another witness said Welch said he needed more bullets, showed the witness the gun, and tried to get bullets from the witness. "We're thankful for those courageous witnesses that came forth and told their truth," Givens added. Le'Vonte's sister Melina is still healing from her leg wound from the shooting. "She's starting back therapy," said Leshae Jones, mother of Le'Vonte and Melina. And Le'Vonte's family is still healing from his death. "He was a 2-year-old   happy, playful, smart," Jones said. But these charges, they say, will help that process. "At points, it may have felt or seemed hopeless, but for a mother to lose her child   you never give up hope," Givens said. Welch is already in federal prison. He is currently serving a 17-year sentence for firearm possession as a career criminal, and he's serving that time out of state, but the Minneapolis Police Department says he will be brought here to face this murder charge.


With a no-nonsense look etched on her face, Ada Hegerberg stares straight into the camera and says: "Now it's time for action." It's fitting the Norwegian superstar was chosen as the face of a recently launched campaign aimed at improving the profile and standards in women's soccer. Not just because, as the first ever female winner of the Ballon d'Or, she is the outstanding player in the women's game. But because she also is fighting her own private battle for equality and greater respect in the sport, a battle that will deprive soccer fans of the chance to see her at the Women's World Cup, which kicks off in France on June 7. Hegerberg hasn't played for Norway for two years, ever since she decided to rule herself out of selection over what she perceives to be a general disregard for women's soccer in the country. The crux of her frustration is the uneven pace of progress and strategy in the women's game. The Norwegian Football Federation has reached an agreement with Norway's players' association for an equal pay deal between men and women. The deal, struck in December 2017, was held up as the first of its kind in international soccer. The federation also now has a female sporting director   former international Lise Klaveness   who splits her time equally between the country's men's and women's teams, and runs a project aimed at developing top women's coaches. She is sure Norway invests more money in the women's game than "most other federations." Still, Hegerberg won't return for the World Cup. "A lot of things need to be done," she said in an interview with The Associated Press last year, "to make the conditions better for women who play football." Norway coach Martin Sjogren said meetings were held in an effort to change Hegerberg's mind ahead of the tournament. They were in vain. "As a coach, you need to focus on the players who want to be a part of the team," Sjogren said, "and Ada doesn't." Klaveness doesn't want the dispute with Hegerberg to leave a cloud over the Norwegian team but was keen to stress she has "not given up" on the country's star player. "We need to try to have a confidential relationship and just talk directly to each other so we can have common ground and maybe have her back after the World Cup," Klaveness said in a phone interview with the AP. "That's where we are now." And so, the best player in women's soccer won't be gracing the biggest tournament in women's soccer. It's a black eye for FIFA   the organizer of the World Cup   considering Hegerberg won the Ballon d'Or last year and stands alongside Lionel Messi, a five-time winner of the men's award, as the current icons of the sport. She is putting up Messi-like scoring numbers, too. Thanks to her hat trick for Lyon in its 4-1 win over Barcelona in the Women's Champions League final , she has 44 goals in 46 appearances in that competition. In domestic games, she has 211 goals over 208 games. Her goal tally for Norway   38 in 66 appearances   is also extraordinary, considering she stopped playing for the team at the age of 21. That's why she'll be so sorely missed in France. "I think Ada's decision needs to be respected," Nadine Kessler, UEFA women's football director, told the AP. "It's a brave decision to consciously miss a World Cup." That Hegerberg saw fit to front a campaign by UEFA entitled "Time for Action" that was launched a month before the World Cup brought further exposure to the fight for greater equality. The United States women's team, in particular, has been at the forefront of that. American players have filed a federal discrimination lawsuit against the U.S. Soccer Federation over equal treatment and pay. The players allege ongoing "institutionalized gender discrimination" that includes unequal pay with their counterparts on the men's national team. Unlike Hegerberg, the U.S. team won't be boycotting the World Cup, but the discontent is simmering there and elsewhere. Over the last couple of years, Ireland's team has threatened to go on strike, while Denmark's team canceled a World Cup qualifier against Sweden because of a pay dispute, leading to its players eventually signing a four-year collective bargaining agreement with their federation. There clearly is growing momentum behind the women's game   for example, the $13 million sponsorship deal secured by the Women's Super League in England, the record crowd of 60,739 for a women's match in Spain, and the record attendance of 39,000 for a domestic league match in Italy   and it is helping to establish players like Hegerberg as household names. So while her absence from the World Cup is a loss for fans, her ongoing fight for change could reap benefits for the game in the long term. "We are happy for this debate to raise attention and respect for women's soccer in the world," Klaveness said, "and I do view it as a big change-maker. But I just wish she was in our team." ___ AP Sports Writer Graham Dunbar in Nyon, Switzerland, contributed to this report. ___ Steve Douglas is at www.twitter.com/sdouglas80 ___ More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/apf-Soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


The Raptors have agreed to a new deal with restricted free agent guard Patrick McCaw , reports Blake Murphy of The Athletic ( via Twitter ). A source tells Murphy that it will be a two-year contract. Restricted free agency moved much quicker for McCaw this time around than it did last year, when he was a Warriors RFA and remained unsigned until Dec. 28. The 23-year-old signed an offer sheet with the Cavaliers, but they waived him about a week later   before that deal became fully guaranteed   and he subsequently caught on with the Raptors. In 26 regular season games for Toronto, McCaw averaged 2.7 points and 1.7 rebounds while playing 13.2 minutes per game. He played limited minutes in 11 postseason games for the Raptors, winning his third title in his third NBA season. Their new deal with McCaw continues an offseason trend for the Raptors, who seem to be prioritizing wing defense after losing Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green. McCaw, Stanley Johnson , and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson aren't reliable outside shooters, but they can all guard perimeter players effectively. Matt Thomas is the lone shooter the Raptors have agreed to sign this summer.


Suppose Harvin doesn't demand a trade and stays healthy? Percy Harvin is a player with a checkered history in Minnesota, and opinions on him remain strong to this day. He dealt with debilitating migraines early in his career, and as the frustrations of losing mounted in 2011 and the early part of 2012, he reportedly threw a barbell weight at then coach Leslie Frazier. Seriously, how mad do you have to be if you throw a weight at one of the most genuinely decent human beings in the NFL? Harvin either was suspended for the year or missed the rest of 2012 due to injuries, depending on what story you believe. When the season was over, he was traded to Seattle for a first and third round draft picks, less than a month after GM Rick Spielman famously said 'we have no plans to trade Percy Harvin'. After he left Minnesota, he won a Super Bowl with the Seahawks , but injuries shortened what was a promising career with coffee cup stints there, in New York with the Jets , and then Buffalo before he retired. But...what if Harvin stayed healthy and happy in Minnesota? To this day, there are three people in Vikings history that made me legitimately believe they could score a touchdown every time they got their hands on the ball Harvin, Randy Moss , and Cordarelle Patterson as a kick returner. In 2009, Harvin was named the NFC Rookie of the Year, and throughout his time in Minnesota he made some electric catches and runs, both as a receiver and kick returner. I loved Harvin the player. He was fast, and one heck of a tough runner with the football. In the 2010-11 lean years, he was the only legitimate receiving threat the Vikings had, and routinely took screen passes and turned them into big gains. He literally took my breath away when he fielded a kick, as it seemed he was one tackle from housing it on every return. But does a healthy and happy Harvin, in Minnesota, make things a whole lot different for the Vikings? Let's see. We can start with the 2013 draft. That year, the Vikings ended up with three first round picks, due in large part to Harvin. At pick 23, their original selection, they picked DT Shariff Floyd, who was a consensus top 10 guy that dropped. At 25, the pick they got from the Harvin trade to Seattle, they picked CB Xavier Rhodes , who has become one of the top CB's in the NFL. At 29, the Vikings traded back in to the first round to grab Patterson, a rough WR project, but a speed demon who would immediately take over kick returns for...Percy Harvin. If Harvin is still in Minnesota, they probably only take one player in the first round, and we can have a healthy debate as to whether or not it would have been Floyd or Rhodes. Mike Zimmer hadn't been hired yet, so I still think they go with Floyd, as he had to have been the highest rated player on Minnesota's board. That means no Rhodes or Patterson on the roster, as there is probably no trade with New England to get Flash. THAT means the Vikes get their picks in rounds two, three, four, and seven back, and the draft class looks much, much different. Let's ripple this to the 2014 draft, Mike Zimmer's first one with the Vikings as head coach. With no Xavier Rhodes on the roster to develop, and Zimmer's penchant for drafting cornerbacks, do the Vikings still take LB Anthony Barr ? Spielman swung a trade with Cleveland to drop from eight to nine, and the Browns took CB Justin Gilbert. Does Minnesota stay put and take him, or still make the trade and maybe pick Kyle Fuller instead, who went to the Bears at 14? In the 2014 draft, the Vikings also got a third round pick from the Seahawks as part of the Harvin trade, and selected RB Jerick McKinnon , who was a big part of the Vikings offense from 2014-2017, until he left as an unrestricted free agent. So, now there's no Jet on the roster, either. Let's jump ahead one more draft, to 2015. With a healthy and productive Harvin on the roster, do the Vikings even take Stefon Diggs in the fifth round? On the field, the Vikings had signed Greg Jennings (or would they have done that?), and with a developing Teddy Bridgewater , Harvin and Jennings could have made a pretty impressive duo. I don't think Harvin makes much of an impact in 2014 with a rookie QB to get the Vikings to the playoffs, but in 2015? Could Harvin have been a difference maker in a couple of close losses to Denver and Arizona? Yeah, maybe. Let's say, just for the sake of argument, Harvin is the difference in a close win against the Cardinals , instead of a loss. Both teams are now 12-4, and the Vikings now have the head to head tiebreaker over Arizona and consequently, a bye and the number two seed in the NFC playoffs . Assuming everything else remains the same, the Vikings would have hosted Green Bay at TCF Bank Stadium in the divisional round of the playoffs, two weeks after beating them at Lambeau on Sunday night two weeks earlier to clinch the NFC North. Does that mean the Vikings go to and win the Super Bowl? No, but it does mean there's no Blair Walsh infamy. Or, it was at least delayed one week. How much of a difference does Harvin make on the field from 2016-2018? Does Harvin on the field block the emergence of Adam Thielen , for example? Are we spared the two season tease that was Charles Johnson ? Lots of what ifs on this one, but I do know one thing: I would have loved to have watched a healthy and happy Percy Harvin in a Vikings uniform for longer than 3 seasons and some change, because his talent was breathtaking.


Borussia Dortmund head to Werder Bremen on Saturday afternoon looking to avenge their 4-2 defeat to Schalke last weekend. Victory for Favre's men would have taken them to the top of the Bundesliga after Bayern could only draw with Nurnberg. Instead, Dortmund find themselves two points behind the leaders and will need all three points at the Weser Stadium to stand any chance of winning the league. Standing in their way is a Bremen side who were recently eliminated in the semi-final of the DFB Pokal Cup and their season now looks like petering out. That said, the men in green have not lost a league game at home in 2019 and will provide a stern test for Dortmund. Lucien Favre has to contend with a couple of suspensions picked up in the last game and will be forced into changes this weekend. Let's take a look at how Dortmund could line up: Goalkeeper & Defenders  Roman Burki (GK): The Swiss stopper will have been furious to have followed up a clean sheet away to Freiburg by shipping four goals to Schalke. Burki will be desperate to put things right this weekend and keep out a strong Bremen team. Lukasz Piszczek (RB): Piszczek has been missing through injury recently, but has been edging closer to a return. A red card to Marius Wolf will see the right-back suspended for the rest of the season, so the Pole is likely to be rushed back in time to face Bremen. Julian Weigl (CB): In the absence of injured centre-back Dan-Axel Zagadou, Weigl has deputised very well. Like his goalkeeper, the German defender will be eager to put right the wrongs of last weekend. Manuel Akanji (CB): Akanji has been a stand-out performer for Dortmund this season. His form has dipped slightly in 2019, but the 22 year-old will still provide a tough test for the Bremen forward line. Abdou Diallo (LB): The reliable Frenchman has shown himself to be a experienced head on young shoulders, as his assured displays at full-back have earned him a regular spot in Favre's starting lineup. Midfielders  Axel Witsel (CDM): The Belgian was one of few players to impress against Schalke. He put a goal to his name and battled valiantly throughout, alas his efforts were not enough to avoid defeat. Thomas Delaney (CDM): The Yin to Witsel's Yang, Delaney has marshalled the Dortmund midfield all season. The Dane will look to take control of the Bremen game from the off and get the ball to his more creative attacking players whenever possible. Mario Gotze (CAM): The World Cup winner has been deployed in a false nine role in recent games. However, suspension for Marco Reus leaves a gap slightly further behind, which Gotze will be expected to fill. Forwards  Jadon Sancho (RW): The young Englishman continues to be one of Dortmund's best players. With 14 assists so far this season, Sancho is going to be a key outlet for his side on Saturday as he will torment defenders with his pace and skill. Raphael Guerreiro (LW): One of Dortmund's brightest players in recent weeks, the Portuguese winger will cause a threat to Bremen with his passing and crossing ability. Paco Alcacer (ST): Oddly, the Spaniard has not started too many games for Dortmund this season despite his impressive goal tally. But with Reus missing out following his red card, the reshuffle is likely to see Alcacer regain his place at the point of the attack.


As one of NorCal's popular getaway destinations, Mendocino, California is widely known for its coastal beauty, elevated cuisine and luxe accommodations. But what surprises many is the fact that it's home to some very special attractions that separate this county from most. From a sanctuary for endangered African animals to the famed beach made of glass, it's a unique place that offers more than just epic scenery. First things, first! Get settled at one of Mendocino's beautiful ocean-facing properties. Brewery Gulch Inn is situated on a windswept bluff-top nestled within redwoods and rolling meadows overlooking the coast, so don't be surprised when you walk out and see a herd of deer or hawks in flight above. One step into the property's enormous redwood doors and you feel right at home. At the center of Brewery Gulch Inn is the cozy The Great Room, which boasts a four-sided glass and steel fireplace along with an incredible view of Smuggler's Cove which can be seen from within red-wood trimmed French doors. Light floods into this grand room where guests are invited to relax, read, play games and do puzzles, peruse through DVDs or simply sink into one of its plush couches. It's also where guests are invited to dine during breakfast or dinner buffets, both of which incorporate locally-sourced products and seasonal fruits and vegetables as much as possible. The accommodations perfectly compliment the coastal setting with earth tones, fireplaces, comfy down beds and luxe touches like Molton Brown products in their well-lit bathrooms. Moreover, and perhaps most impressively, is the fact that this property is made of 150-year old eco-salvaged, first growth virgin redwood timbers and is certified by the Green Hotels Association for their commitment to protecting the environment. Celebrating 75 years is the nearby Little River Inn , a sprawling ocean-front property featuring classic Victorian architecture, a golf course, spa and tennis. Each of the inn's accommodations has ocean views (yes, it's that close to the dramatic coastline!), with many offering fireplaces and Jacuzzi tubs. It's a charming retreat that's teeming with history. The original inn was built in 1853 and to this day continues to maintain its tradition of family-run hospitality. For hungry guests, the Little River Inn also has a main dining room serving upscale cuisine with coastal favorites "flat iron" steak Diane and bouillabaisse, and the Ole's Whale Watch bar serving bar bites like fish tacos, calamari, burgers, oysters on the half shell and more. When it comes to activities, Mendocino has something for everyone. One of its most popular attractions is the Skunk Train , which takes guests on a ride through the majestic redwoods, over picture-perfect trestle bridges and into the peaceful Noyo River Estuary. This iconic bright red train has been taking passengers for rides since 1885. It's a peaceful way to experience nature and learn about the history of the train and area. For more adventurous guests, a brand new excursion has been unveiled for the summer season: railbikes ! On the very same historic route that the Skunk Train takes, you're invited to hop on two-person railbikes that allow you to pedal through the Pudding Creek Estuary in sheer bliss. Wildlife such as blue herons, osprey and more surround you as you make your way through the magical forest. Sign up to do this before you board the Skunk Train! Located in nearby Point Arena is the B. Bryan Preserve , a place that you'd never expect in Mendocino. If you've ever dreamed of going on a safari, without having to travel around the world, this is for you. This private reserve is committed to the breeding and preservation of African hoof Stock, along with educating their guests on their animals and the dangers they face. Think giraffes, zebras, antelope and more, including rare and endangered species. They offer daily tours of their grounds on which animals roam free on 110 acres, allowing for unreal up-close-and-personal encounters. The coolest part of the tour? The chance to kiss giraffes at the end of the experience! Need more nature in your life? Stop by Catch a Canoe & Bicycles Too where you can rent kayaks, stand up paddle boards, bikes and canoes, of course! You'll have the chance to experience the beauty of the Big River Estuary, the second longest in the state, which is largely untouched and as rugged as can be. Harbor seals, otters and more are ready and waiting to greet you along your adventure as you make your way down the 8.3 waterway. And for those that just want to relax, listen to the rolling waves and maybe collect a few treasures? Grab an ice cream from Cowlick's Hand Made Ice Cream and stroll along Fort Bragg's famous Glass Beach. Once a trash dump from 1906-1967, today this beach is full of smooth, colorful pieces of sea glass that once were just broken bottles.


This Edmond (OK) North High School quarterback thought he had avoided a sack, until Cameron Gonzaque busted through the line to make this monster hit.


"You get a red card! You get a red card! Everyone gets a red card…" Tottenham Hotspur needed a win at Bournemouth on Saturday to secure a top four spot for the fourth-straight season. Things didn't go as planned… [ MORE: Watch full PL match replays ] Heung-Min Son was sent off just before half time for lashing out at Jefferson Lerma , and then Juan Foyth , who was brought on as a sub at half time, was sent off just two minutes into the second half for a lunging tackle on Jack Simpson . See video of the wild incidents above and below, as Tottenham's nine men were left to dig deep in the sun on the South Coast. Exactly what Mauricio Pochettino 's men needed ahead of a huge UEFA Champions League semifinal second leg at Ajax on Wednesday… Follow @JPW_NBCSports


A Juventus fan caught on camera making aeroplane gestures to taunt Torino fans on the eve of the 70th anniversary of Supergra air disaster has been identified and will banned by the club, according to reports in Italy on Saturday. The incident happened during Friday night's 1-1 derby draw at Juventus Stadium, the day before the commemoration ceremony to honour the 31 victims of the disaster which included 18 members of the legendary 'Grande Torino' team. An amateur video shot with a mobile phone showed the man with his arms opened wide to mimic the wings of a plane, with the images then posted on social media. Juventus officials used surveillance cameras to identify the individual, who will be banned from attending matches in the stadium, Gazzetta Dello Sport and Sky Sport Italia reported. The story is reminiscent to the incident in Southampton last February when some Saints fans mimed an aeroplane to make fun of Cardiff fans, following the death of Argentine Emiliano Sala. Related slideshow: Soccer stars to watch in 2019 (provided by Espresso)


An Ames man accused of stabbing his dog and dumping it in a trash bin pleaded guilty to animal neglect Monday after a judge tossed out his confession, saying it was influenced by police. The plea agreement was reached just a day before Rashidi Simba, 20, was scheduled to go to trial for animal torture, a more serious charge. But on Friday, Story County District Court Judge James Malloy ruled Simba's confession to police would not be allowed at trial. In Malloy's ruling, a transcription of a police officer's conversation with Simba on the day he was arrested showed that the officer said, "you got one chance about this, OK? ... you got one chance to talk to me. And be a man about it here. And, after that, not gonna go so well, so wanna try to talk one more time?" Malloy said the statement was a "veiled threat," that "amounts to some degree of influence that was exerted on Simba." Malloy ruled Simba's statements were "made in violation of the evidentiary test for promises of leniency." According to that test, "a confession can never be received in evidence where the prisoner has been influenced by any threat or promise." In the plea deal reached Monday, Simba pleaded guilty to animal neglect, a serious misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail. Prosecutors will recommend all but 14 days of the sentence be suspended, and that Simba be placed on probation for one year, according to the agreement. A date for sentencing had not been set as of Monday afternoon. Simba was arrested April 19, after a homeless person found the German Shepherd puppy in a trash bin in the 600 block of Squaw Creek Drive while he was searching for cans. The puppy was covered in blood, and it was determined it had been stabbed in the side. The dog was later named Moose, after a stuffed toy moose that was found with it in the trash bin. Moose was later adopted. According to police, Simba admitted to stabbing the animal because it was urinating and defecating in his apartment, because the animal was stressed due to arguments with his neighbor.     ©2019 the Ames Tribune, Iowa Visit the Ames Tribune, Iowa at www.amestrib.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


The Broncos might have plans for Drew Lock for the future. But for the present, the second-round pick is stuck third on the depth chart behind a guy on his fourth team in as many years. The Broncos have announced they're going to start journeyman Kevin Hogan in Thursday's Hall of Fame Game, but Lock isn't taking it as a slight, as he transitions from running a spread offense at Missouri. " It's obviously not the 1s that are going to go out and play this game ," Lock said, via Kyle Fredrickson of the Denver Post . "There will be a lot of young guys, a lot of draft picks, a lot of couple-year guys   the juices will be flowing, people will be riled up, but let's calm down, let's show we can drive down the field, be crisp, be smart, no penalties before the snap   be a really clean quarterback that doesn't force the ball downfield, that can check it down and keep moving the sticks." Lock started 46 of 50 games in college, so being so far down the depth chart is new to him, though he's still excited. "Of course, I'll be a little fired up to show people what I can do and bring the juice that I brought through college," Lock said. "I think you'll still see the same me. I'm confident in what I can do, whether I go in right at the beginning of the game or at end of the game. I'm going to be the same guy and prove to people that one day, I should be starting these games." The Broncos are set on Joe Flacco as their starter, but the door was seemingly open for Lock to take on the backup role. New coach Vic Fangio has made it clear that Lock has a lot of development to do, and his assignment this week seems indicative of how far they think he needs to go.


Washington Redskins linebacker Ryan Anderson has been one of the best interviews of the offseason so far. Anderson, after calling 2019 a do-or-die situation , just revealed some of the changes he's made to get serious about the effort. According to the Washington Post's Kareem Copeland , Anderson has made adjustments to his diet on top of everything else: "I feel like I'm a lot more mature and taking care of my business. I'm not a guy that doesn't realize what's going on. I realize what's going on. I realized I hadn't been where I needed to be. My weight and my body, I realized I wasn't taking it serious. Now, I'm [going to] do everything I've got to do and we'll see when I start playing. We'll get the results." This seems to align well enough with Anderson's status as a third-year pro, which is where things tend to naturally hit their peak for players. Anderson seems to have made what he sees as the necessary adjustments in an effort to have an even bigger impact on the field. Anderson might not have a choice either after the Redskins lost some pass-rushing talent to free agency. The former Alabama star hasn't flourished just yet, though it isn't hard to see a breakout coming based on what he's shown so far. Getting serious, as Anderson put it, is one way to encourage a breakout. MORE: 'Bachelor in Paradise' 2019 cast guide: Meet all 37 contestants Raiders release first depth chart of 2019 season Browns release their initial preseason depth chart Quick hits, observations from Packers' first joint practice with Texans Rookie Tony Pollard making presence felt in Ezekiel Elliott's absence


The Red Sox hoped to have Nathan Eovaldi back in their rotation by the middle of the month. But the righthander has had a setback in his return from elbow surgery. Eovaldi has biceps tendinitis and his next bullpen session has been pushed back, manager Alex Cora said on Sunday. "We'll make sure everything is fine with that. We'll take a look at the mechanics," Cora said. "We'll make an adjustment from that and hopefully during the week he gets back on track. "But until the symptoms go away we're not going to push it." Eovaldi has surgery on April 23 to remove a bone chip from his elbow and until the last few days had been progressing on schedule. Other injury updates: ■ J.D. Martinez will miss his fourth consecutive game because of back spasms. But the Sox do not plan to put him on the injured list. ■ Mitch Moreland's right quad strain is not as serious as was feared and he was on the treadmill on Sunday. ■ Steve Pearce (lower back strain) did a little running on Sunday and was cleared for baseball activities. ■ Lefthander Brian Johnson (elbow) is scheduled to pitch for Triple A Pawtucket on Sunday. His 30-day rehab assignment is scheduled to end on Thursday. ■ Righthander Tyler Thornburg (hip) starts a rehab assignment on Sunday and is scheduled to pitch for Pawtucket. Cora indicated the Sox will use the 30 days to try and get him right after a poor start to the season. ■ Righthander Steven Wright started an assignment with Pawtucket, which is allowed under the term of his 80-game suspension for PED use. He will be used as a reliever. Wright is eligible to return on June 25. ■ Infielder Tzu-Wei Lin (knee) is rehabbing with Pawtucket. ■ Righthander Hector Velazquez (back) has at least two bullpen sessions scheduled before he starts a rehab assignment. Peter Abraham can be reached at peter.abraham@globe.com . Follow him on Twitter @PeteAbe . Related slideshow: 2019 MLB season (provided by imagn)


DETROIT (AP) -- Albert Pujols turned on a fastball over the middle of the plate, sent the no-doubt shot deep into the left-field seats, flipped his bat toward celebrating teammates in the dugout and trotted around the bases. By the time he stepped on home plate, the three-time MVP was in an elite group of three players in baseball history. BOX SCORE: ANGELS 13, TIGERS 0 Pujols became the third player with 2,000 career RBIs when he hit a solo homer in the third inning Thursday to help the Los Angeles Angels rout the Detroit Tigers 13-0. "We end up winning the game and winning the series. That's more special," he said. "It's a great moment to be out there, the third one on the list." Pujols joined Hank Aaron (2,297) and Alex Rodriguez (2,086) as the players to reach the milestone since 1920. Babe Ruth is credited with 1,992 RBIs because baseball's official records don't count the runs the slugger drove in with the Boston Red Sox from 1914 through 1919. "To win games, you have to drive runs in," Pujols said. "I know right now there's a lot of geniuses that don't want to give credit to RBIs." Ryan Carpenter (0-1) threw Pujols a 2-0 pitch that helped him end a three-game hitless streak. "Not really the way you want to be a part of history," Carpenter said. "It was a 2-0, two-seamer that I left up." The ball ended up in the hands of a fan, who would not give up the ball and the superstar didn't have a problem with the decision. "We play this game for the fans, too, and if they want to keep it, I think they have the right," Pujols insisted. "I just hope he can enjoy." Pujols received an ovation by the sparse crowd at Comerica Park, where his accomplishment was recognized on the videoboard and by the public address announcer. "You feel honored just to be on the field with him," Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire said. "He's one of the elite hitters in baseball history, but he's also a class act as a person." Luke Bard started for the Angels after a 53-minute rain delay and pitched one inning, allowing two hits. Felix Pena (2-1) followed and threw seven scoreless innings, giving up just three hits and striking out seven. Cam Bedrosian pitched the ninth to seal the scoreless outing. The Angels provided plenty of offense. Shohei Ohtani ended his 0-for-7 start with an RBI single in the two-run first. The AL Rookie of the Year finished 2 for 4, appearing in his third game since being cleared to play following Tommy John surgery in October. "My first hit is important and I'm glad to get it out of the way," he said through an interpreter. Tommy La Stella hit his first of two homers in the three-run second inning. Pujols' sixth homer of the year gave Los Angeles a 6-0 lead. Kole Calhoun followed with another solo homer in the sixth inning and Mike Trout's sacrifice fly made it 9-0 in the seventh. "Obviously, pitching is a problem right now," Gardenhire said. "We've got four games in three days against a Minnesota team that is really swinging the bats well. We need a lot more depth from our starters to protect the bullpen, especially with that doubleheader coming up." TRAINER'S ROOM Angels: CF Brian Goodwin was scheduled to have the day off but was used as a pinch-hitter for Trout in the eighth and singled. Tigers: OF Christin Stewart (right quad strain) was reinstated from the injured list and hit a fly to center in the ninth as a pinch-hitter for Miguel Cabrera. ROSTER MOVE Detroit optioned RHP Zac Reininger and plan to announce a corresponding move Friday. UP NEXT Angels: RHP Trevor Cahill (1-3, 6.95) starts a series Friday against RHP Dan Straily (1-2, 7.43) at Baltimore. Tigers: RHP Tyson Ross (1-4, 5.34) opens a series Friday night against RHP Jake Odorizzi (4-2, 2.78) at Minnesota. ------ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports Related slideshow: The 2019 MLB season (Provided by imagn)


The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is at Arlington National Cemetery. It stands on the top of a hill overlooking Washington DC. Congress approved the burial of an unidentified World War I soldier in the plaza of the then-new Memorial Amphitheater in 1921. The white marble sarcophagus has three Greek figures sculpted on the side representing Peace, Victory, and Valor. There are also six wreaths, three sculpted on each side, that represent the six major campaigns of World War I. On the back on the tomb, there is an inscription that reads: Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God. Who is buried there? Memorial Day marks the day in 1921 when four unknowns were exhumed from four World War I American cemeteries in France. Army Sgt. Edward F. Younger chose the Unknown Soldier of World War I, who now lies in the tomb. President Warren G. Harding officiated at the interment ceremonies at the Memorial Amphitheater on November 11, 1921. There are three other soldiers buried at the tomb. In 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill to select and pay tribute to the unknowns of World War II and Korea. The selection ceremonies and the interment of those unknowns took place in 1958. The Unknown of Vietnam was only unknown for a short time. After being placed into the tomb in 1984, the Unknown was exhumed in 1988. Thanks to mitochondrial DNA testing, Department of Defense scientists were able to identify the remains as Air Force 1st Lt. Michael Joseph Blassie. It was decided that the crypt that contained the remains of the Vietnam Unknown will remain vacant. The crypt cover was replaced with a new inscription that now reads: Honoring and Keeping Faith with America's Missing Servicemen, 1958-1975. Who are the Tomb Guards? The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and in any weather by Tomb Guard sentinels. Tomb Guards are volunteers -- part of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, also known as "The Old Guard." It is the oldest active-duty infantry unit in the Army, serving the US since 1784. The honor of Tomb Guard is incredibly rare. The badge is the least awarded in the Army. It takes a high level of dedication to be a Tomb Guard. They work in 24-hour shift and when they aren't walking the mat, they are living in the quarters beneath it. During that time, they complete training and prepare their uniforms, which can take up to eight hours. What is the Changing of the Guard? Changing of the Guard is an elaborate ritual that happens every hour on the hour October 1 to March 31 and every half hour from April 1 to September 30. Visitors are welcome to watch the ceremony, but must stand and remain silent. The ceremony starts with the relief commander announcing the Changing of the Guard on the plaza. The Tomb Guard marches 21 steps behind the Tomb, turns, faces east for 21 seconds, turns and faces north for 21 seconds, then takes 21 steps down the mat and repeats the process. After the turn, the sentinel executes a sharp "shoulder-arms" movement to place the weapon on the shoulder closest to visitors watching the ceremony. This signifies that the sentinel stands between the Tomb and any potential threat. Doing things in increments of 21 symbolizes the 21-gun salute, which is the highest military honor that can be bestowed.


Your browser does not support iframes. An objection and a steward's inquiry led to stunning end to the 2019 Kentucky Derby with Country House declared the winner over Maximum Security. So what is an objection? An objection is a "claim of foul lodged by rider, patrol judge or other official. If lodged by official, it is called an inquiry," according to a racing glossary compiled by Daily Racing Form. Has a Kentucky Derby winner been disqualified over an objection? No. Country House became the first horse to win the Kentucky Derby over an objection. However, Dancer's Image was disqualified in 1968 after a post-race urine analysis found traces of banned substance and Forward Pass was declared the winner. Who can raise an objection? It can be called for by stewards, the owner or trainer of a horse, or by a jockey. An explanation of Maximum Security's #KyDerby disqualification. pic.twitter.com/vf8AN4qvD2   Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) May 4, 2019 Who reviews objections? Racing stewards who serve as officials for races. Racing stewards oversee races and enforce rules. They also investigate infractions and can hand out discipline like Saturday's disqualification of Maximum Security. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: What's an objection? Here's what happened with Country House and Maximum Security Related slideshow: Best photos from the 145th Kentucky Derby (Provided by imagn)


Craving New American food? Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top New American spots around Philadelphia, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best spots to satisfy your cravings. 1. The Continental Restaurant And Martini Bar Topping the list is The Continental Restaurant and Martini Bar . Located at 138 Market St. in Old City, breakfast spot, restaurant and lounge is the highest rated New American restaurant in Philadelphia, boasting four stars out of 593 reviews on Yelp. Founded in 1995, the restaurant offers a family-style, international menu and several specialty cocktails. 2. 48th Street Grille Garden Court's 48th Street Grille , located at 310 S. 48th St., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the New American and Jamaican spot 4.5 stars out of 208 reviews. The restaurant serves Caribbean specialties, burgers, pasta and more. 3. Lucky 13 Pub Over in East Passyunk Crossing, check out Lucky 13 Pub , which has earned four stars out of 123 reviews on Yelp. The restaurant and pub serves classic New American appetizers, sandwiches and salads, as well as an extensive selection of beer and cocktails. Check out this spot for yourself by stopping by 1820 S. 13th St. 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.


ASHEVILLE - The death penalty for an Asheville man found guilty of murdering his 22-year-old pregnant girlfriend no longer will be pursued. Court documents filed July 10 show District Attorney Todd Williams' office "elects to proceed non-capitally" in the case against Nathaniel Dixon, who was convicted June 26 of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and malicious maiming. Dixon shot Candace Pickens, in her first trimester of pregnancy at the time, and her 3-year-old son, Zachaeus, at a North Asheville park in May 2016. Zachaeus lost his left eye and suffered a traumatic brain injury but survived the shooting. The record, signed by Williams and Assistant District Attorney Pat Patton, reports that prosecutors met with Pickens' immediate family members and that they "felt that a sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole was a sufficient penalty under these circumstances." Pickens' father and stepmother, Richard and Charlene Pickens, previously told the Citizen Times they oppose the death penalty for 27-year-old Dixon. A sentencing hearing in front of Superior Court Judge Greg Horne is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. July 16. Dixon's trial "has had more twists and turns than any case I have ever tried," Horne has said in an open courtroom. From the killing of a witness to the dismissal of several jurors, the trial has continued well past the six weeks initially estimated by court officials. It's been nine weeks since attorneys began jury selection. By the time jurors began deliberating a verdict in late June, no alternates were left. Two jurors were released by Horne after expressing safety concerns stemming from the death of 24-year-old Tiyquasha Antwonique Simuel. MORE: ► Judge Horne will remain on Nathaniel Dixon murder trial, sentencing delayed ► After 3rd mistrial request is denied, Dixon's attorneys ask judge to recuse himself ► Evidence doubts, all-white jury: Attorneys make final case to jurors in Dixon trial Simuel, who testified for the state under a subpoena, once dated Dixon. She died of multiple gunshot wounds about two weeks after her testimony, and was pregnant at the time of her death. Her baby boy survived. Asheville police have declined to say whether they believe her killing was connected to the trial. Horne, however, denied several motions by the defense for a mistrial by the defense because he said he has no knowledge that her death is related. Prosecutors have said Dixon shot Pickens and her son because he was upset that she had not agreed to obtain an abortion. Dixon was believed to have been the father. A jogger found the mother and son laying in Jones Park the next morning, where they had been for some eight hours. Dixon is represented by Assistant Capital Defender Victoria Jayne and attorney Jack Stewart, who raised doubts about the state's evidence and criticized police work, saying investigators failed to pursue other potential suspects. Dixon's attorneys also alleged Simuel may have been involved in the crime. Williams previously sought the death penalty against Pierre Griffin, who was charged with killing three people in 2015, and Robert Jason Owens, who killed a couple and their unborn child in 2015. Both pleaded guilty, avoiding the death sentence. North Carolina's death row population   about 141 inmates now   is the sixth largest in the country, according to a report recently published by the Center for Death Penalty Litigation. Seven of those inmates were sentenced in Buncombe County. The last execution performed in the state was in 2006. Dixon has been held in county jail since his 2016 arrest. Help the Asheville Citizen Times continue to provide in-depth reporting like this. Find our latest subscription options and special offers here. This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Death penalty for Nathaniel Dixon will not be considered


NEW YORK (CBSNewYork)   The search for a missing swimmer off Rockaway Beach ended with a tragic discovery early Wednesday morning. The 18-year-old's body was found just after 3 a.m. by the rocks. Another young swimmer was hospitalized after being pulled from the water Tuesday night. Breaking News: The body of an 18 year old was recovered at Rockaway Beach. 911 calls came in around 8pm about two swimmers in distress. A 14 yr old was rescued and crews suspended their search for the 18 year old when it got too dark. They returned this am and found the body. pic.twitter.com/zcMJv5MkLm   Aundrea Cline-Thomas (@AClineThomas) July 31, 2019 First responders initially received a call shortly before 8 p.m. about two swimmers in distress near Beach 60th Street. Crews were able to rescue the 14-year-old boy, who is expected to recover. Divers spent hours searching for the 18-year-old, but had to stop when it got too dark. The medical examiner has removed the 18 yr old from the beach. Police say the teens are friends from Brooklyn. @CBSNewYork pic.twitter.com/WlCxjMgR16   Aundrea Cline-Thomas (@AClineThomas) July 31, 2019 Officers returned early this morning with flashlights. Police said the teens were friends from Brooklyn. Lifeguards are not on duty that late into the evening, and swimming is only allowed between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.


STUTTGART, Germany (AP) -- Jo-Wilfried Tsonga powered past 2017 semifinalist Mischa Zverev 6-3, 6-0 before rain brought an early end to play at the Stuttgart Open on Monday. Tsonga struck 13 aces as he wrapped up his debut at the grass-court tournament in under an hour to set up a second-round meeting with the sixth-seeded Milos Raonic or Australian qualifier Alexei Popyrin. Raonic, who lost last year's final to Roger Federer, is one of three seeded Canadians, alongside Felix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov. Raonic is making his comeback after missing the clay-court season with a right knee injury. Shapovalov was due to play Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff but their match was put back to Tuesday due to the rain. Earlier, Miomir Kecmanovic rallied to beat German veteran Philipp Kohlschreiber 4-6, 7-5, 6-3. The 19-year-old Serb will next play Shapovalov or Struff. Among Tuesday's other scheduled matches, it's the fifth-seeded Gael Monfils vs. American Steve Johnson, Auger-Aliassime vs. Ernests Gulbis, and Matteo Berrettini vs. Nick Kyrgios. The Stuttgart Open made the switch from clay to grass in 2015. --- More AP Tennis: https://www.apnews.com/apf-Tennis and https://twitter.com/AP-Sport s Related slideshow: Best of the 2019 French Open (provided by imagn)


Pierre Gasly may have missed out on the podium at the British Grand Prix this weekend, but his race wasn't without excitement. His pit crew at Aston Martin Red Bull Racing walked away with a new record for fastest pitstop, taking just 1.91 seconds to fit four new tires to French driver's RB15. The video below shows the pitstop from multiple angles, and even after repeated viewings, it's scarcely believable. It almost appears as though the two rear tires are installed at the very same moment. As with any successful pitstop, the entire event appears as one fluid motion, with every member of the team performing flawlessly. Gasly's stop beat the previous record, set by Felipe Massa and his Williams crew in 2016 , by just one-hundredth of a second. We have a feeling this time will be tough to beat.


Deep in the Russian Arctic anticipation runs high ahead of the launch of a natural gas pipeline that has emerged as a source of tensions pitting Moscow and Berlin against Washington. Gas sourced from the giant Bovanenkovo field on the remote Yamal Peninsula far above the Arctic Circle will feed the Nord Stream 2, a multi-billion-euro energy link between Russia and Germany. Critics of the Gazprom-led project -- in particular Washington and Kiev -- say the pipeline aims to increase Europe's reliance on Russian gas and isolate Ukraine, which it bypasses. US Secretary of Energy Rick Perry said in the Ukrainian capital Kiev this week that Washington was moving towards imposing restrictions on the companies involved in the project. The Nord Stream 2 consortium and supporters of the project say the 1,230-kilometre (765-mile) pipeline that runs under the Baltic Sea will help secure Europe's rising gas needs at lower prices. "We have all these political discussions saying it's a political project," Henning Kothe, chief project officer at Nord Stream 2, told reporters during a tour of the field on Tuesday. But, he added, the shortest way for gas to reach Europe was "via Nord Stream 2, which is 2,000 kilometres shorter than the existing route through Ukraine. "That is for me a fact and not politics," he said. Half of the 9.5-billion-euro ($10.6-billion) project is financed by Gazprom, with the rest covered by its European partners: Germany's Wintershall and Uniper, Anglo-Dutch Shell, France's Engie and Austria's OMV. The consortium insists that Ukraine will retain its role as a transit country. The project had been due to be launched in late 2019, but Gazprom said Sunday it could go online in 2020. Denmark has still not issued a permit for the pipeline to cross its waters. - 'Unfair competition' - US President Donald Trump charged in angry tweets last year that the project made Germany a "captive" of President Vladimir Putin's Russia. Speaking after talks with Austrian President Alexander van der Bellen last week, Putin accused Washington of "unfair competition" and using political pressure to sideline a competitor. "Our partners know that their product is more expensive and its quality is by no means better," Putin said, referring to the United States. The Austrian president said for his part that his country had no intention to quit the project. "US liquified gas is considerably more expensive than our current sources," he told reporters. "So there's no economic reason whatsoever to change our position." The field's gas reserves are estimated at 4.9 trillion cubic metres, and plans are under way to increase its capacity to 140 billion cubic metres (bcm) a year from 115 bcm now. More than a thousand kilometres of pipes have already been laid in the Baltic Sea. Pipelay vessels are working to install eight kilometres of pipelines a day. The twin pipeline system consists of two 1,230-kilometres-long pipelines. - 'Nightmare scenario' - Pushing back the launch date could create considerable difficulties. Most of Russia's gas destined for Europe passes through Ukraine. But the transit agreement between Kiev and Moscow expires at the end of the year. With the two countries at loggerheads over Crimea, Ukraine's territory annexed by Russia, and a separatist conflict, Moscow and Kiev have struggled to agree on the deal's extension. Dmitry Khandoga, deputy head of Gazprom's external economic affairs department, said ending the year without completing Nord Stream 2 and without a transit deal with Ukraine would be a "nightmare scenario". The threat of US sanctions also looms large. US Secretary of Energy Perry said the planned bill would have "very, very onerous restrictions on companies that continue to do business with Nord Stream 2". Kothe downplayed the risks, saying that none of the partners had left the project. Some experts say the possible sanctions would hardly affect the project but will put the European Union on a direct collision course with the United States. Elina Ribakova, deputy chief economist at the Washington-based Institute of International Finance, said it was too late to stop the construction so US Congress felt it can only call for sanctions. "It is a highly controversial issue for Germany and therefore particularly risky for US-German relations," she said on Twitter.


Jessica Alba is a travel expert. The actress, mom, and Honest Company mogul is constantly on the go for both personal and professional travel. She's previously shared her advice for staying healthy on the road , her favorite hotels , and her tips on beating jetlag . And now she's sharing more on her favorite tour guide company. And it's one Oprah and the Obamas use, too. In June, Alba took to Instagram to share her adventures throughout Italy with all of her children. The family, Alba shared, hit up all the spots you'd expect like the Coliseum and the Vatican. However, for their tour, the family got to experience a few of those sites all alone, along with a few extras. And that's because they were touring with Access Italy, one of the best tour companies in the business. "'Romed' around thanks to @accessitaly ," Alba shared on her Instagram page. "Got a fantastic, kid-friendly, efficient tour. It was one of the hottest days of touring but my heart is full because my three baby boos joined me in Rome with my sissy @leavefootprintsoflove . Thank you @jprensena for the intro to @accessitaly , a family run tour company by @simoneamorico and his fam." In the photos, Jessica shares her behind-the-scenes adventure through the Colluseum while holding her youngest baby, as well as visits with her daughters to other historical sites. In her stories, she also shared a few videos and photos from their private pasta-making class in Italy. But, this is really all par for the course when it comes to traveling with Access Italy. "We understand what luxury means, which we send our clients," co-owner Simone Amorico told Travel + Leisure during a trip around Lake Como in 2018. "We make sure they see the behind-the-scenes of the Vatican or something special that only we can do. But at the same time, in today's luxury market, clients still want to experience authenticity. So with us, I feel that we have a bit of combination. You can see the Sistine Chapel when it's closed, you can see the behind the scenes, but at the same time we take you to our home, have a meal with us, see how the Romans live." Truly, the company founded by Amorico's father is a celebrity favorite. Oprah previously named the tour operator to her "favorite things" list thanks to their unparalleled access and exciting offerings. "When you explore Rome with Angelo Amorico, these are some of the things you will not do: You will not wait in line. You will not become prohibitively hungry or thirsty. You will not tote around a stack of outdated guidebooks," the magazine wrote of its experience with Access Italy . "You will not spend a whole afternoon in an enormous church, hearing someone drone on about obscure artworks that are barely visible to the naked eye because that is what your tour is doing that day and God forbid you should depart from the tour." As for what the Obamas did on their vacation, that remains a bit more of a secret . But if Alba's trip, Oprah's, and ours say anything, it's that you should leave all your Italian vacations to them. That way, you can have a dream European getaway without ever having to lift a finger, just as the rich and famous already do. RELATED VIDEO: United Is Launching the Only Nonstop Service Between the U.S. and Naples, Italy


Former Vice President Joe Biden came under fire on Wednesday after invoking his working relationships with two segregationist senators in the 1970s as an example of bygone "civility" in the Senate. Three of Biden's rivals in the Democratic presidential field, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (D), Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) and former Rep. John Delaney (D-Md.), laid into him for mentioning Sens. James Eastland (D-Miss.) and Herman Talmadge (D-Ga.) during a speech at a fundraiser on Tuesday night. In his remarks, Biden sought to rebuff criticism of his centrist-minded politics from some in his party's liberal wing. He pointed back to his early days as a U.S. senator from Delaware when he worked with Eastland and Talmadge, two Southern Democrats who opposed desegregation. "I was in a caucus with James O. Eastland," Biden said, briefly emulating a Southern accent. "He never called me 'boy.' He always called me 'son.' " Of Talmadge, Biden said that he was "one of the meanest guys I ever knew." "Well guess what? At least there was some civility. We got things done," Biden said. "We didn't agree on much of anything. We got things done. We got it finished. But today, you look at the other side and you're the enemy. Not the opposition, the enemy. We don't talk to each other anymore." Biden's remarks won rebukes from Booker, de Blasio, Delaney and Sanders, who all said the former vice president's comments were out of tune with the party. Booker said Biden was "wrong" to invoke his working relationships Eastland and Talmadge as an example of political compromise. "You don't joke about calling black men 'boys,'" said Booker, who is black. "Men like James O. Eastland used words like that, and the racist policies that accompanied them, to perpetuate white supremacy and strip black Americans of our very humanity. "I have to tell Vice President Biden, as someone I respect, that he is wrong for using his relationships with Eastland and Talmadge as examples of how to bring our country together," he added. "And frankly, I'm disappointed that he hasn't issued an immediate apology for the pain his words are dredging up for many Americans. He should." Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) echoed Booker's call for an apology, saying that Biden's remarks were particularly harmful "at a time when the Trump administration is trying to divide us up with its racist appeals." I agree with Cory Booker. This is especially true at a time when the Trump administration is trying to divide us up with its racist appeals. https://t.co/VyVcG6srQM - Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) June 19, 2019 De Blasio posted a picture of his family on Twitter and pointing out that Eastland believed that his "multiracial family should be illegal." "It's 2019 & @JoeBiden is longing for the good old days of 'civility' typified by James Eastland. Eastland thought my multiracial family should be illegal & that whites were entitled to 'the pursuit of dead n*ggers,'" de Blasio wrote. "It's past time for apologies or evolution from @JoeBiden," de Blasio continued. "He repeatedly demonstrates that he is out of step with the values of the modern Democratic Party." Speaking to reporters at the Capitol on Wednesday, Harris, who is black, said she was "deeply" concerned by Biden's comments. "It concerns me deeply," she said, according to ABC News's Mariam Khan. "If those men had their way, I wouldn't be in the United States Senate and on this elevator right now." . @SenKamalaHarris is asked if she's concerned about Biden's segregationist remarks: "Yes it concerns me deeply. If those men had their way, I wouldn't be in the United States Senate and on this elevator right now." - Mariam Khan (@MKhan47) June 19, 2019 Another presidential contender, Delaney, called Biden's remarks "insensitive," suggesting that the former vice president chose a poor example to showcase his compromise-minded approach to politics. "Evoking an avowed segregationist is not the best way to make the point that we need to work together and is insensitive; we need to learn from history but we also need to be aggressive in dismantling structural racism that exists today," Delaney said. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) did not directly criticize Biden, but said it would be wrong to "celebrate segregationists." "I'm not here to criticize other Democrats, but it's never okay to celebrate segregationists," Warren told The Washington Post's Sean Sullivan. "Never." I asked @ewarren about @JoeBiden 's comments on segregationist senators. She replied: "I'm not here to criticize other Democrats, but it's never okay to celebrate segregationists. Never." - Sean Sullivan (@WaPoSean) June 19, 2019 A spokesperson for Biden did not respond to The Hill's request for comment on the criticism or his remarks about Eastland and Talmadge. Biden has long cast himself as an ally of civil rights, and has enjoyed close relationships with many African American political leaders over the decades. Polls consistently show him leading the rest of the Democratic field with black voters, many of whom view him positively from his time serving as vice president under Barack Obama. Biden, however, has at times found himself at odds with civil rights advocates in the past. As a freshman senator in the 1970s, for instance, he spoke out against the idea of "busing" to desegregate schools. Biden has spoken in the past about his work decades ago with prominent segregationists as a means to showcase his ability to work with lawmakers whom he disagrees with. He has argued that without compromise, a Democratic president won't be able to advance an agenda. But some in his party's left flank have criticized that approach, asserting that compromise is a futile effort in the race of modern political divisions and that any Democratic president would have to be ready to take swift action to implement his or her policies. Biden, however, has rejected that argument. "I know the new New Left tells me that I'm - this is old-fashioned," Biden said Tuesday. "Well guess what? If we can't reach a consensus in our system, what happens? It encourages and demands the abuse of power by a president. That's what it does. "You have to be able to reach consensus under our system," he continued. "Our Constitutional system of separation of powers." Antjuan Seawright, a South Carolina-based Democratic strategist, noted that Biden didn't offer praise for either Eastland or Talmadge, and that the former vice president was trying to showcase his ability to work with those he disagrees with. "In no way shape or form am I defending the work of these two men or their positions or their past," Seawright said. "But we need to work together to get things done. And sometimes life requires us working with people that we might not agree with on everything." Seawright pointed to how Democratic lawmakers worked with Trump to pass sweeping criminal justice reform legislation last year, despite previously accusing the president of racist behavior. "We see now that Democrats have worked with a person that some people view as a racist and a bigot in the White House, Donald Trump, to pass the First Step Act," he said. "Not to compare the two or minimize the feelings people have about what the vice president said, but working with Donald Trump could be seen in the same light." Updated 5:00 p.m.


NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork)   Police have arrested a 17-year-old boy who they say is one of two people who robbed a woman at gunpoint in Newark's Ironbound section. Surveillance video from 6:46 a.m. on Sunday outside Lisbon Wine and Liquor store on Ferry Street captured the woman walking alone with an umbrella and her purse. Two suspects point guns at a woman during a robbery in the Ironbound section of Newark on May 12, 2019. (credit: Lisbon Wine & Liquors) She is suddenly attacked after two men popped out of a black Honda sedan and point guns in her face, grab her neck, steal her purse and then hit her in the head with a pistol. MORE: Caught On Video: Woman Jumped, Robbed At Gunpoint In Newark The teen has been charged as a juvenile with robbery and assault. Investigators say they recovered one of the guns used in the crime. The victim was injured in the ambush, but was treated at a local hospital and later released. The second suspect is still on the loose.


Washington Redskins stars Landon Collins and Adrian Peterson are at least two of the players in the 2019 edition of the Eastern Motors ad. Appearing in the ad for the used auto dealer is a rite of passage for Redskins players and stars from other sports in the area. Last year, Alex Smith made his highly anticipated debut in the Eastern Motors ad alongside Peterson and others: Peterson will be back for the 2019 version of these ads and joined by Collins, arguably the team's biggest acquisition this offseason, based on tweets from Kareem Copeland of the Washington Post: Landon Collins in the house and now the whole crew's here for the @easternmotors commercial shoot. #redskins pic.twitter.com/l7uWtj9yZ6 - Kareem Copeland (@kareemcopeland) July 19, 2019 Adrian Peterson knocking out his Easterns Auto shoot. He has no Trent Williams update, btw. #redskins pic.twitter.com/nNfCNQe7RU - Kareem Copeland (@kareemcopeland) July 19, 2019 MORE: Francisco Lindor's one-handed HR should be evidence of MLB's juiced baseballs Lakers' Quinn Cook Q&A: 'It feels like this team has been together a while' Phil Simms: 'Multiple' teams were set to take Daniel Jones before No. 17 Specialization or multisport participation? Here's what the data says Should Bears trade for Ravens K Justin Tucker?


The year started with panic selling that tugged the Standard & Poor's 500 index down roughly 10 percent into so-called "correction" territory in January. Concerns over Chinese growth, fresh lows in crude oil prices and what it could all mean for the U.S. economy pulled the rug from under the stock market to start the year. Is this the harbinger of more declines ahead? Or was the swift retreat a healthy correction to relieve some of the froth from the market's lofty levels? Only time will tell. Here is a look at six questions many investors are asking right now. 1. What triggered the sharp stock slide? China, crude oil and panicked selling are all excuses for the quick, massive sell-off to start the year. Long-term investors can take heart in the idea that many analysts believe there was a disconnect between market action and underlying economic fundamentals. The stock slide was primarily driven by sentiment and momentum, says Bill Northey, chief investment officer, private client group for U.S. Bank in Helena, Montana. In the short term, sentiment and momentum can simply overpower the underlying fundamentals of earnings, valuation and economic growth, he says. Click ahead to see five more questions investors are asking. 2. Is the U.S. headed for a recession? Nothing unsettles an investor more than flashing red on financial news channels as news anchors report on another day of massive market declines. Take heart: Economists expect the U.S. economy to continue to grow in 2016 with a GDP pace in the 2 percent to 2.7 percent range. Few economists expect the economy to plunge into a recession. "Jobs are what really matter to the real economy, and job creation has been at an unprecedented rate over the past three years. I don't see a recession for at least a year," says Brad McMillan, chief investment officer at Commonwealth Financial Network in Waltham, Massachusetts. 3. Are stocks heading for a bear market? A 10 percent pullback in stock prices is generally called a correction, while a 20 percent decline is considered a bear market. Long-term investors can look to historical evidence and odds to help calm jittery nerves. Since the 1920s, eight of the 10 bear markets were accompanied by a recession, McMillan says. "We normally don't see a bear market without a recession, and we aren't in a recession," he says. 4. Could the Chinese slowdown trigger a global recession? The panic over China is looking increasingly overdone. The Chinese economy grew at a 6.9 percent pace in 2015, and while it's down from the torrid double-digit pace prior to the global financial crisis of 2008, it is still a healthy pace of growth   double the expectations for U.S. output this year. While we do live in a global economy, the direct impact on the U.S. from a slowing Chinese economy is muted. "If China slows down, it will have an effect on global growth, but it is not a primary concern for the U.S. sliding into recession," Northey says. 5. Will the Fed pull back on expected interest rate hikes? The Federal Reserve has put financial markets on alert for as many as four 0.25 basis-point rate hikes in 2016. Credit Suisse issued a new report last week stating they believe the probability of an interest rate hike in March has dropped to less than 50 percent. Even if the Fed continues on its stated rate hike plan, McMillian notes that "When the Fed is tightening, it means the economy is improving, and rate hikes are usually positive for the stock market up until the 3 to 4 percent range." The Fed's official rate now stands at 0.25 to 0.50 basis points, still extremely low by historical standards. 6. What drives stock prices over the long term? While momentum traders had their day in the sun on the recent stock price correction, over the long term, stock prices are driven by corporate earnings growth and valuations, Northey says. "We do still appear to be expanding in the mid-single digits for earnings throughout 2016," he says. S&P 500 earnings per share are forecast to grow 8.6 percent in 2016, according to S&P Capital IQ. Nonetheless, there is nothing like a swift stock price collapse to refocus your attention on your money choices. Now may be a good time to revisit and potentially tweak your own portfolio . If the recent market volatility has injected some fear and panic regarding your own investment strategy, you may need to re-evaluate your portfolio allocations. "Is it appropriate for your risk tolerance?" Northey says. Do you plan to use the money soon? Are you about to write another college tuition check, make a down payment on a house or start an expensive home improvement project? "If you need money in the short term, take some out and put it into lower-risk investments, like short-term government bonds or a money market fund. The priority on short-term money is getting it back, not making money on it," McMillan says. More on MSN Money: 4 Ways to Lose All Your Money in the Stock Market 3 ways to hitch your portfolio to the soaring US dollar Are we in a bear market? Here's what the numbers say


Apple considered putting a camera in the Apple Watch's band, according to a new patent spotted by AppleInsider . The design places an "optical sensor" at the end of the flexible Watch strap, allowing you to twist and turn it to get the photograph you need without having to contort your wrist. For example, you can pull the strap upward to photograph what's in front of you or fold it back on itself to take a selfie. One of the diagrams in the patent shows how the camera could swivel to take photos on either side of the band, while the patent also references having a band with two cameras in "opposing optical directions." Photos could be taken by "pinching the watch band" or using voice controls. When not in use, the camera could be tucked out of the way on the Watch band. Putting a camera on a wearable is a difficult thing to do, and I say this as someone who has tried to take a couple of photos with the camera-equipped Nubia Alpha smartwatch . As soon as a camera is strapped to your wrist, your photography options are very limited, unless you're willing to bend your arm into some almost impossible positions. Including the camera in a strap neatly solves many of these issues, although it does come with its own problems as we saw with the Samsung Galaxy Gear . There have been rumors about Apple putting a camera on the Apple Watch before , and this patent could be related to those previous plans. However, the appearance of this patent doesn't mean the design is any closer to release. After all, Apple applied for this patent back in September 2016, the same month Apple released the Apple Watch Series 2. Since then, Apple has released two more generations of the Apple Watch with no cameras in sight. That's not to say it's never going to happen, but you shouldn't hold your breath.


According to ESPN's Stephen A. Smith , there's a 95 percent chance Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant team up in New York (presumably for the New York Knicks rather than the Brooklyn Nets, though both franchises are located in New York). Smith, though not necessarily considered an NBA insider in the vein of an Adrian Wojnarowski or Shams Charania, has plenty of connections to New York and Philadelphia from his time as a sportswriter in those locations beginning in the 1990s. Yes. From everything I've heard, KD and Kyrie are planning on coming to New York. 95% Chance they say! Only potential hiccup is KD changing his mind pic.twitter.com/9ezL7IEc3y - Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) May 11, 2019 Frankly, it's not surprising there's a report that Irving and Durant will more than likely be teammates in New York next season, as it has long seemed the most probable option when considering the discontent each has showed with their current franchises for months. In Durant's case, there's an obvious lack of appreciation from the Warriors' fan base and franchise, which consider two-time NBA MVP Stephen Curry the team's best player and leader despite Durant being an unstoppable force and the difference-maker in their last two NBA championships. Further, like LeBron James when he went to Miami to team up with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, Durant seems like he only went to Golden State to win championships and solidify his legacy, not to stay for the rest of his career. In Irving's case, there's also a lack of appreciation - from the people who questioned if the Boston Celtics performed better without him this season (which was so strongly considered it prompted a response from Celtics president and general manager Danny Ainge) to those who now believe he can't lead or be the top player on a championship team. Irving also was miffed by the constant speculation surrounding his playing future so soon after he publicly committed to re-signing; it's as if fans and the media questioned his sincerity. Although Irving has been reported as having strong interest in the Nets due to the team's renewed culture and Irving's childhood fandom of the Nets franchise (which was based in his home state of New Jersey before moving to Brooklyn in 2012), Irving has strongly considered signing with the Knicks before. Per Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News , Irving, who grew up about 15 miles away from MSG in West Orange, N.J., said: Every team was under consideration but obviously New York held a special place for me. Just being from Jersey and obviously envisioning myself as a free agent and ultimately taking a meeting and playing for (Knicks coach David Fizdale) and a great young core that they have here. Thinking about playing with (Kristaps Porzingis). That was a big thing before I made my decision just to plan on re-signing back with Boston. But yeah, of course, New York was a strong consideration. Durant was raised in Prince George's County, Maryland, which is four hours away from New York City. As arguably the best player in the NBA, the market in New York also could play a part in his decision, with Durant's star power bound to receive a boost under the bright lights of the Big Apple. For individuals like Durant and Irving, who are passionate in their pursuit and appreciation of civil equality, the importance of the Knicks having an African-American head coach in David Fizdale, an African-American general manager in Scott Perry and an African-American president in Steve Mills cannot be understated. The Knicks' chain of command is a unique power structure symbolic of the type of cultural excellence in which Durant and Irving can bask. Irving, a member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, spoke about representing African-Americans every time he steps out on the court in February while discussing Nike's celebration of Black History Month. Per MassLive 's Tom Westerholm: I wish I didn't have a Black History Month shoe, honestly. I mean, I celebrate Black history every single day. Besides having the cap space to sign both Irving and Durant to max contracts, the Knicks are also in position to select college superstar Zion Williamson with the first overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. A phenomenal talent without a ceiling for his ability, Williamson is a player who can play off both scorers and bolster what could be a formidable starting five that includes last year's ninth overall pick (Kevin Knox) and Mitchell Robinson, a dynamic shot-blocker who burst onto the scene as a rookie (perhaps even outshining Knox). With Irving's current teammates appearing to doubt that Irving will indeed re-sign in Boston after such a tumultuous season, the writing may be on the wall. As Smith notes, the main question is whether Durant will opt to head to New York, as winning the 2019 NBA Finals could lead to Durant staying with the Golden State Warriors for at least one more year. MORE: NBA Free Agency 2019: The top players Charles Barkley hit back at Joel Embiid for saying he doesn't know what he's talking about Video confirms reports of Chris Paul's attempt to sabotage Steph Curry Dak Prescott's accuracy, aggressive quantified ahead of new deal Knicks experience made Jackson and Rambis concerned about 'oversize superstardom'


Wondering where to find the best bike shops near you? Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top bike shops in Saint Paul, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best spots to venture next time you're in the market for a new set of wheels. 1. Erik's Bike Board Ski Topping the list is Erik's Bike Board Ski . Located at 2191 Ford Parkway in Highland, the place for bicycles, snowboards and ski supplies is the highest-rated bike store in Saint Paul, boasting four stars out of 16 reviews on Yelp. 2. Grand Performance Next up is Mac-Groveland's Grand Performance , situated at 1938 Grand Ave. With four stars out of 14 reviews on Yelp, the bike shop and bike repair spot has proven to be a local favorite. 3. Lowertown Bike Shop Lowertown Bike Shop , located at 214 E. Fourth St., Suite 160, is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the bike and repair store four stars out of 11 reviews. 4. Express Bike Shop Express Bike Shop in Merriam Park is another go-to, with four stars out of 10 Yelp reviews. Head over to 1158 Selby Ave. to see for yourself. 5. Boehm's Bicycles Fitness Hockey Finally, over in Merriam Park, check out Boehm's Bicycles Fitness Hockey , which has earned four stars out of 10 reviews on Yelp. You can find the bike shop at 1592 Selby Ave. 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.


A mother and daughter who used a pricey drone to drop a package over the walls of a Florida prison will soon find themselves behind bars, court records show . Cassandra Kerr, 40, and Concetta Didiano, 22, were arrested in December after jailers at Martin Correctional Institution noticed a drone hovering above one of the inmate housing facilities around 2 a.m. in the morning. The package was recovered and found to contain tobacco and cell phones   sought-after items in prison that can be used or traded for other illicit wares. The drone, a Matrice 600, had a "payload release mechanism, and was destroyed when it was hit by a car near the prison's entrance." Kerr and Didiano were stopped near the prison in a Chevy Silverado and Kerr confessed to piloting the $4,000 drone with an iPad. She told investigators she "practiced flying it several times at home before coming to MCI to deliver contraband." The contraband was intended for Andres Correra, Kerr's spouse, who is serving a 25-year sentence for armed robbery. He is set for release in 2026. While Correra hasn't been charged in connection with the scheme, he was transferred to a different prison. They face up to five years for introducing contraband into a state correctional institution. The pair are expected to serve six months after their sentencing in July. They are also on the hook for certain court and prosecution costs.


The shareholders behind the Rich Energy brand have described the claim that it had terminated its deal with the Haas Formula 1 team as "the rogue actions of one individual". A statement was posted on the Twitter account of the energy drink company in the lead-up of the British Grand Prix that suggested Rich had pulled out of its title sponsorship agreement with Haas, with the American outfit's form   as well as "the politics and PC attitude in F1" - cited as the reason. Haas soon confirmed, however, that the agreement was still in place, and it emerged that shareholders behind the brand were keen to preserve the deal. Read Also: Rich announces end of Haas F1 deal via Twitter Rich Energy investors trying to save Haas F1 deal Haas will run Rich branding at British GP, says Steiner A rebuttal statement, attributed to "the shareholders who own the majority of Rich Energy", has now been issued to counter the earlier tweet, which as of this writing remains as the latest post on the Twitter account in question. "We wholeheartedly believe in the Haas F1 Team, its performance, and the organisation as a whole and we are fully committed to the current sponsorship agreement in place. We also completely believe in the product of Formula 1 and the platform it offers our brand," the shareholders' statement read. "Clearly the rogue actions of one individual have caused great embarrassment. We are in the process of legally removing the individual from all executive responsibilities. They may speak for themselves but their views are not those of the company." The statement also described the previous tweet as "regrettable" and having come from "an unauthorised source". "We wish to confirm our commitment to the Haas F1 Team, Formula 1 and to thank the Haas F1 Team for their support and patience whilst this matter is dealt with internally," the statement concluded. The "individual" behind the "rogue actions" in question was not directly named in the statement. It was previously suggested to Motorsport.com that the tweet announcing the termination of the deal had been either written or authorised by company CEO William Storey. The Haas F1 team boss Gunther Steiner confirmed earlier on Thursday that the team would be running Rich Energy branding as usual during the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. "They will be on the car this weekend, and then the rest we need to sort out going forward what we're doing," Steiner said.


Jimmy Moreland had his third INT of the day, and it was a walk-off, pick six. Dwayne Haskins stared down a comeback route to Brian Quick in the end zone & Moreland read it perfectly & jumped it. Whole defense ran behind Moreland as he made his way to the opposite end zone #HTTR - Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) May 29, 2019 The Washington Redskins might have a shocker on their hands in the form of seventh-round pick Jimmy Moreland. Moreland, who hails from James Madison, put on an absolute show at Redskins OTAs on Wednesday, as the above from Rhiannon Walker of The Athletic illustrates. Ball skills were always a huge part of Moreland's game in college, which would explain his program-best 18 interceptions. Six of those went back for touchdowns. While Moreland picking off a pass from a rookie that might have been a bad throw isn't something to overreact to, nobody else is walking out of there with three interceptions - and the play isn't exactly something new from him. Should this keep up, Moreland might have a serious shot at earning some snaps next to Landon Collins. MORE: Five potential Chris Paul trade destinations Kyle Busch was so frustrated during Coke 600 that he told Joe Gibbs he quit NBA Wants Drake To Tone Down Sideline Antics Report: The Celtics are no longer the favorites to sign Kyrie Irving Packers CB Jaire Alexander sees himself as an All-Pro in 2019


Malachi Lawson, 4-year-old boy who was found dead in a dumpster Saturday suffered from severe, untreated burns for days before he died, according to newly released charging documents. The boy's mother, Alicia Lawson, 25, and her spouse, Shatika Lawson, 40, were arrested and charged with 11 different counts including involuntary manslaughter, first-degree child abuse, reckless endangerment, tampering with evidence and giving false statements. Alicia originally told police that her son disappeared from the front porch of his grandmother's home Friday in the 4500 block of North Rogers Ave., sparking a widespread search for Malachi. But charging documents released Monday detail what police said actually happened to the boy. According to the charging documents, the two women were giving Malachi a bath after he soiled himself. Shatika placed the boy in the tub and the two women started washing the soiled clothing in the sink, police said. When the women turned back around they noticed Malachi had "serious" burns from his waist to his feet. The burns were so bad the women could see skin floating in the water from Malachi's body, the documents said. Over the next nine days the women decided to treat the boy's burns on their own. They were fearful that Malachi would be taken from their care, police said. "They both decided to not call 911 or seek any other type of medical assistance due to fear that the child would be taken from them, that they would get in trouble for what happened to the child and their past history with child protective services," the charging documents said. Both women were ordered held without bail Monday. The charging document said that while executing a search warrant at the Lawsons' home, officers tested the water from the bathroom where Malachi was allegedly burned and found that "at no time did the water temperature ever exceed 'luke warm.'" According to the charging documents, on the morning of Aug. 1 Alicia woke up at her home in the 1800 block of North Spring Street to find her son unresponsive, laying in a "puddle of wetness." Believing her son was dead, Alicia Lawson wrapped her son in a blanket and called a Lyft to take her to the 5500 block of Haddon Ave. After traveling nearly 10 miles from her home, Alicia Lawson put Malachi into a trash bag and placed him into a dumpster, the documents said. The document also said the FBI researched Alicia Lawson's web browser history and found she was searching for trash collection sites. "From the time of the child's injury to the fabricated call to 911 neither Alicia or Shatika sought medical treatment for the child, instead seeking to hide his injuries for the sake of their own well being which resulted in his (Malachi's) death," the charging documents said.


The term gerrymandering dominates the headlines today, but what do you really know about this political word? What is gerrymandering? Gerrymandering is when politicians manipulate voting district boundaries to favor one party over another. In most states, state legislators and the governor control the once-a-decade line-drawing process. So what happens when one party controls the state House, the state Senate and the governor's mansion? The party usually does everything in its power to draw the lines in a way that favors them and puts their political opponents at a disadvantage. That's called partison gerrymandering, and it's how you end up with oddly shaped congressional districts. Like in Pennsylvania ... Or Maryland ... Or Texas. And gerrymandering isn't something new that's popped up in this hyperpartisan environment. American politicians have been gerrymandering districts for more than 200 years. How did it get its name? The first case of gerrymandering occurred in 1810 in Massachusetts. A salamander shaped district was drawn in the northern part of the state during the term of Gov. Elbridge Gerry. This redistricting plan help Gerry's Republican colleagues hold on to power in the state legislature. A political cartoon at the time called attention to the odd, salamander shaped district. Gerry and salamander were mashed together in the public's mind, and just like that, the words "gerrymander" and "gerrymandering" were born. What does the Supreme Court ruling mean? It's a big deal. The justices, in a 5-4 ruling, said essentially that when squabbles erupt over whether politicians have gone too far in drawing district lines for partisan gain, the federal courts must stay out of the dispute. It essentially gives a green light to politicians of both parties to be as aggressive as they want to be in drawing up districts that benefit their side and hurt their political opponents -- and without fear of the federal courts getting involved. So it would be up to the states -- and the voters -- to rein in such behavior. It's a sweeping ruling that could alter the balance of power in state legislatures and Congress for years to come.