ORLANDO, Fla. (AP)   Jabbing at the press and poking the eye of the political establishment he ran against in 2016, President Donald Trump officially kicked off his reelection campaign Tuesday with a grievance-filled Florida rally that focused more on settling scores than laying out his agenda for a second term. Addressing a crowd of thousands at Orlando's Amway Center, Trump complained he had been "under assault from the very first day" of his presidency by a "fake news media" and "illegal witch hunt" that had tried to keep him and his supporters down. And he painted a disturbing picture of what life would look like if he loses in 2020, accusing his critics of "un-American conduct" and telling the crowd that Democrats "want to destroy you and they want to destroy our country as we know it." "A vote for any Democrat in 2020 is a vote for the rise of radical socialism and the destruction of the American dream," he said, ripping "radical" and "unhinged" Democrats even as he made only passing mention of any of the men and women running to replace him. Photo gallery by photo services The apocalyptic language and finger-pointing made clear that Trump's 2020 campaign will probably look a whole lot like his improbably successful run three years ago. While Trump's campaign has tried to professionalize, with shiny office space and a large and growing staff, and despite two-and-a-half years occupying the Oval Office as America's commander-in-chief, Trump nonetheless remained focused on energizing his base and offering himself as a political outsider running against Washington. And he appeared eager for a rerun of 2016, spending considerably more time focused on former Democratic rival Hillary Clinton, whose name elicited "Lock her up!" chants, than on his current 2020 challengers, even though she is not on the ballot. A boisterous crowd of thousands of Trump supporters, many in red hats, began gathering outside the arena on Monday and spent Tuesday braving downpours and listening to a cover band as part of a "45 Fest" the campaign organized to energize the crowd. "Trump has been the best president we've ever had," said Ron Freitas, a retired Merchant Marine and registered Democrat from Orlando. Close by, hundreds of anti-Trump protesters clapped and took photos when a 20-foot (6-meter) blimp of a snarling Trump baby in a diaper was inflated. Some members of the far-right hate group Proud Boys were also spotted marching in Orlando outside the rally. Trump aides scheduled the kickoff near the four-year anniversary of the day when the bombastic reality television star and New York tabloid fixture launched his longshot campaign for president with a famous escalator ride in front of a crowd that included paid actors. Trump spoke fondly of his 2016 run, calling it "a defining moment in American history." And he said that, in the years since, he had fundamentally upended Washington, staring down "a corrupt and broken political establishment" and restoring a government "of, for and by the people." Of course, Trump never really stopped running. He officially filed for re-election on January 20, 2017, the day of his inauguration, and held his first 2020 rally in February, 2017, in nearby Melbourne, Florida. He has continued holding his signature "Make America Great Again" rallies in the months since. Still, he gave lip service to the hype, telling the Orlando crowd he was standing "before you to officially launch my campaign for a second time." He asked the crowd whether he should stick with "Make America Great Again" or upgrade. His new campaign slogan   "Keep America Great"   was greeted with boisterous cheers. Trump is hoping to replicate the dynamics that allowed him to capture the Republican Party and then the presidency in 2016 as an insurgent intent on disrupting the status quo. Back then, he successfully appealed to disaffected voters who felt left behind by economic dislocation and demographic shifts. And he has no intention of abandoning that mantle, even if he is the face of the institutions he looks to disrupt. He underscored that on the eve of the rally in the must-win swing state of Florida, returning to the hard-line immigration themes of his first campaign by tweeting that, next week, Immigration and Customs Enforcement "will begin the process of removing the millions of illegal aliens who have illicitly found their way into the United States." That promise, which came with no details and sparked Democratic condemnation, seemed to offer a peek into a campaign that will largely be fought along the same lines as his first bid, with very few new policy proposals for a second term. Early Democratic front-runner Joe Biden said Tuesday that Trump's politics are "all about dividing us" in ways that are "dangerous   truly, truly dangerous." Another leading Democratic contender, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, said Trump had delivered "an hour-and-a-half speech of lies, distortions and total, absolute nonsense." But those involved in the president's reelection effort believe that his brash version of populism, combined with his mantra to "Drain the Swamp," still resonates, despite his administration's cozy ties with lobbyists and corporations and the Trump family's apparent efforts to profit off the presidency. Advisers believe that, in an age of extreme polarization, many Trump backers view their support for the president as part of their identity, one not easily shaken. They point to his seemingly unmovable support with his base supporters as evidence that, despite more than two years in office, he is still viewed the same way he was as a candidate: the bomb-throwing political rebel. Trump tried to make the case that he had made good on his 2016 promises, including cracking down on illegal immigration and boosting jobs. Near the end of the rally, Trump ran through a list of promises for a second term, pledging a new immigration system, new trade deals, a health care overhaul and a cure for cancer and "many diseases," including the eradication of AIDS in America. Florida is considered a near-must-win state for Trump to hold onto the White House, and both parties have been mobilizing for a fierce and expensive battle in a state that Trump has visited as president more often than any other. While Trump bested Clinton there in 2016, a Quinnipiac University poll released Tuesday found Biden leading Trump 50%-41%, and Sanders besting him 48%-42%. ___ Lemire reported from New York. Associated Press writers Kevin Freking, Josh Replogle, Zeke Miller and Juana Summers contributed to this report.


HOUSTON (AP)   After sitting out two days nursing a sore left knee, Yordan Alvarez didn't waste any time getting back to work in his return to the Houston Astros' lineup on Sunday. The rookie drove in three runs to back up seven strong innings by Gerrit Cole and help the Astros to a 6-1 win over the Seattle Mariners to complete a three-game sweep. "He's a difference maker in the middle of the order when he gets pitches to hit and hits them hard," manager AJ Hinch said. "It's nice to have him back obviously. He's still not moving around great ... but he made a huge impact today." BOX SCORE: ASTROS 6, MARINERS 1 The Mariners led 1-0 after J.P. Crawford homered into the bullpen in right-center with one out in the first. George Springer drew a leadoff walk in the bottom of the inning before a single by Jose Altuve and a walk by Alex Bregman loaded the bases. Alvarez then doubled on a line drive to right field to score two and put Houston up 2-1. There was one out in the third when Bregman tripled to left field. Alvarez pushed the lead to 3-1 when he scored Bregman on a single to right field. Cole (8-5), who allowed just four singles after the homer to Crawford, struck out 10 and walked one to win his fourth straight decision. Cole leads the American League with 151 strikeouts this season. Cole was asked about throwing 100 mph in the seventh inning when his pitch count was already over 100. "I just like to leave it out there," he said. "I just like to feel like I put in a good day's work. When you get that privilege to go back out and you get the leash to go over 100 pitches you respect that. You respect the guys that have been battling for you for the previous seven innings to keep the score where it is. So, you just want to leave it out there and make sure you did everything you could." After consecutive one-run wins in the 10th inning, the Astros didn't need any late dramatics in this one. They padded the lead with a three-run eighth inning highlighted by a two-RBI single by Jake Marisnick. Mariners starter Marco Gonzales (9-7) allowed six hits and three runs while walking three in five innings to snap a four-game winning streak in his first loss since June 2. Domingo Santana had two hits for the Mariners, who lost their fourth straight overall and fell to 1-9 against the Astros this season. "Our guys had good at-bats, very competitive games, you're one swing or one big hit away from getting over the hump and winning a couple of these games and we will," Seattle manager Scott Servais said. "The experiences our guys are gaining right now are very valuable." Santana singled with one out in the fourth before a two-out single by Omar Narváez. But Cole struck out Kyle Seager to end that inning. Santana singled again with two outs in the sixth, but Cole retired the last four batters he faced with two strikeouts to end his day and keep the Mariners from cutting the deficit. Collin McHugh got the first two outs in the eighth before Mallex Smith singled and Crawford walked to chase him. Ryan Pressly took over and struck out Santana to end the threat. TRAINER'S ROOM Mariners: 2B Dee Gordon was out of the lineup on Sunday after leaving Saturday night's game with a strained quadriceps. Astros: 1B Yuli Gurriel sat out on Sunday to rest with a sore right ankle after he turned it on Saturday night. Hinch said he's fine, but that he thought he needed a day to recover after tweaking it running the bases in Saturday's win. CRAWFORD'S WORK With his home run on Sunday, Crawford has reached safely in 30 of his 33 games and is hitting .309 in that span. "J.P.'s playing really well," Servais said. "Doing everything defensively, the quality at-bats are really good. We need it to continue, he's in a good spot right now." UP NEXT Mariners: Seattle is off on Monday before opening a three-game series with St. Louis on Tuesday where they'll start an opener who has yet to be announced. Astros: Houston is also off on Monday before traveling to start a two-game series at Colorado on Tuesday. Hinch declined to say who will start for the Astros on Tuesday. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports Related slideshow: The 2019 MLB season (Provided by imagn)


Editor's note: The opinions in this article are the author's, as published by our content partner, and do not necessarily represent the views of MSN or Microsoft. Climate isn't the same as weather unless, of course, weather happens to be politically useful. In that case, weather portends climate apocalypse. So warns Elizabeth Warren as she surveyed Iowan rainstorms, which she claims, like tornadoes and floods, are more frequent and severe. "Different parts of the country deal with different climate issues," Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D Malthusia) cautioned as she too warned of extreme tornadoes. "But ALL of these threats will be increasing in intensity as climate crisis grows and we fail to act appropriately." Sen. Jeff Merkley (D Ore.) recently sent a fundraising email warning Democrats that climate change was causing "growing mega-fires, extremely destructive hurricanes, and horrific flooding" which put "American lives are at stake." Even if we pretend that passing a bazillion dollar authoritarian Green New Deal would do anything to change the climate, there is no real-world evidence that today's weather is increasingly threatening to human lives. By every quantifiable measure, in fact, we're much safer despite the cataclysmal framing of every weather-related event. How many of those taken in by alarmism realize that deaths from extreme weather have dropped somewhere around 99.9 percent since the 1920s? Heat and cold can still be killer, but thanks to increasingly reliable and affordable heating and cooling systems, and others luxuries of the age, the vast majority of Americans will never have to fear the climate in any genuine way. Since 1980, death caused by all natural disasters and heat and cold is somewhere under 0.5 percent. It's true that 2019 has seen a spike in tornadoes, but mostly because 2018 was the first year recorded without a single violent tornado in the United States. Tornadoes killed 10 Americans in 2018, the fewest since we started keeping track of these things in 1875, only four years after the nefarious combustion engine was invented. There has also been a long-term decline in the cost of tornado damage, as well. In 2018, we experienced near-lows in this regard. The only better years were 2017, 2016, and 2015. After a few devastating hurricanes around a decade ago, we were similarly warned that it was a prelude to endless storms and ecological disaster. This was followed by nine years without a single major hurricane in the United States. Or, in other words, six fewer hurricanes than we experienced in 1908 alone. According to the U.S. Natural Hazard Statistics, in fact, 2018 saw below the 30-year average in deaths not only by tornadoes and hurricanes (way under average) but also from heat, flooding, and lighting. We did experience a slight rise in deaths due to cold. Pointing out these sort of things usually elicits the same reaction: Why do you knuckle-dragging troglodytes hate science? Well, because science's predictive abilities on most things, but especially climate, has been atrocious. But mostly because science is being used as a cudgel to push leftist policy prescriptions without considering economic tradeoffs , societal reality, or morality . There are two things in this debate that we can predict with near certitude: First, that modern technology will continue to allow human beings to adapt to organic and anthropogenic changes in the environment. Second, that human beings will never surrender the wealth and safety that technology has and continues to afford them. People who deny these realities are as clueless as any "denier" of science. Which brings me back to Democrats. There have been a number of stories predicting that 2020 will finally be the year politicians start making climate change an important issue. One can only imagine these reporters started their jobs last week. It's true that a number of Democrats presidential hopefuls have taken "no fossil fuel money" pledges as if they were going to get any of that cash anyway as they spew carbon into the atmosphere searching for another bad-weather photo-op. Kevin Curtis, executive director of NRDC Action Fund, told BuzzFeed News that all of this was "really wicked cool." The 2018 midterm elections, adds Anthony Leiserowitz, director of the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, are when "climate change was beginning, for the first time, to play a significant role in a few races across the country." A poll conducted by that very same Yale Program on Climate Change Communication found that even for the most left-wing voters, climate change an imminent planetary tragedy that threatens the existence of all humanity and most animal species ranked third on the list of most important issues. It ranked 17th among all voters, behind things like border security, tax reform, and terrorism. Maybe one day the electorate will finally buy-in. Climate change, though, didn't even make a blip on exit polls of 2018. Which is why Democrats keep ratcheting up the hysteria over every environmental tragedy. "Climate chaos is here," declares Merkley, "but it's not too late to act." Remember: When disaster is perpetually ten years away, it's never too late to send Democrats some of your money.


The Detroit Lions kicked off the final week of OTAs with a couple of roster moves. Veteran offensive lineman Luke Bowanko and QB David Fales have both joined the Lions. The team announced the moves on Monday as players gathered in Allen Park for the final few days of voluntary OTAs. Bowanko joins his fourth team in as many seasons. He spent 2018 in Washington, playing in seven games and starting three. He has NFL starting experience at both center and guard. The 27-year-old Virginia product was originally a 6th-round pick by Jacksonville back in 2014, where he won the starting center job right away. Fales was also a 6th-rounder in 2014, taken by the Bears out of San Jose State. He has played sparingly in three NFL seasons, last with the Dolphins in 2017. To make room for the newcomers, the Lions waived QB Connor Cook and safety David Jones. MORE: NHL fans weren't impressed with Mike Milbury's questions for Pam from 'The Office' WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling impressing staff going into Packers minicamp Roundup: Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger Get Married, Chicago Poop Vandal, Johnny Manziel Talks XFL Sleeping on Patriots WR Demaryius Thomas would be a huge mistake Bears believe Clinton-Dix is an upgrade over Amos


This Yorkshire Terrier is making a nice life for himself post-bowl. Learn more about how he's doing!


SPARTA, Ky.   Daniel Suarez qualified first for Saturday night's Cup race at Kentucky Speedway. Cars were impounded after qualifying and inspection will take place Saturday afternoon. Any car that fails inspection will have its qualifying time disallowed and start at the rear of the field. The garage opens at 1:30 p.m. ET Saturday and inspection will begin shortly after that. Brad Keselowski qualified third with Kurt Busch fourth and Kevin Harvick fifth. Click here for provisional Cup lineup Ryan Newman 's car failed inspection Saturday and loses its 23rd qualifying spot. The race is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN. Coverage begins at 6 p.m. ET with NASCAR America.


Los Angeles will experience partly cloudy skies today, according to the seven-day forecast from drone-powered weather service Saildrone . Skies will become mostly cloudy beginning on Saturday. The next few days will also bring warm temperatures, due to stick around through Thursday. The weather forecast includes a high temperature of 84 degrees on Monday. Winds will stay light, with the highest speeds on Thursday at just 10 mph. This story was created automatically using Saildrone's local weather forecast data, then reviewed by an editor. We also incorporate historic weather data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


Tom Kennedy is a name many Lions fans might not recognize. The undrafted rookie wide receiver is working on correcting that after an impressive week in mandatory minicamp. It's even more impressive considering his background. Kennedy did not play big-time college football. In fact, he only played one season of football at D-III Bryant University. Kennedy comes to the Lions from the world of lacrosse. He even played lacrosse professionally before returning to the gridiron for his senior season at Bryant. He earned his way onto the Lions' 90-man roster after a successful tryout following the draft. Now he's making a bit of a name for himself in the offseason practices, showing impressive movement skills and sticky hands (despite wearing a certain someone's old No. 85) in the practices open to the media. Coach Matt Patricia explained what drew the Lions to Kennedy despite his primary sports background being in lacrosse and not football. "Just a guy that came through camp - he's smart, has a good skill set in quickness," Patricia said before Thursday's practice. "Sometimes with the game of lacrosse, you try to transcend different sports and things like that, a lot of man-to-man stuff in lacrosse from that aspect of it. They're running downfield. So, you can see a lot of movement skills when you're manned up on somebody, whether they're on offense or defense or whatever it is. So, what you're trying to do is to see if that skillset then transfers over onto the football field. Really smart guy, tough guy out there, has a lot to learn as far as the game is concerned. The skillset, I would say, on the field is what probably grabbed our attention first. We'll see how that works as we build it into the team game." Patricia continued to preach the importance of movement skills and how the Lions evaluate players from other sports by projecting what they do movement-wise into football situations. "When our scouts went out and evaluated him as a player, we're trying to look at all different avenues of movement," Patricia said of scouting Kennedy while at Bryant. "We've had guys from all different sports, wrestlers, things like that, that we've had before. You can see certain, call them 'football positions,' that occur in other sports and how the ankles and the knees and the hips and how all that bends and move in space, and try to push that into our game." At minimum, it appears the Lions have discovered a player with some serious developmental upside in Kennedy. MORE: Warriors injury report: The latest on Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant Giants' Daniel Jones quickly destroying critical narratives Report: New Orleans likely to trade Anthony Davis to Celtics 5 Trade Options for Yankees After Missing on Dallas Keuchel These five upcoming NBA free agents hurt themselves in the playoffs


PHILADELPHIA (CBS)   Philadelphia police are investigating an apparent murder-suicide involving an officer and his wife in the Juniata Park section of the city. It happened on the 4600 block of Weymouth Street on Monday. Police say a man and woman were found dead inside the home around 9:30 a.m. According to Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross, the couple's 17-year-old daughter called police to check on the well-being on one of their officers. Police tell Eyewitness News the woman was found dead in the dining room with multiple gunshot wounds. The 39-year-old Philadelphia police officer was found dead in the basement with a single gunshot wound to the head. Ross said they police the gunshot wound was self-inflicted. "Very tragic case and a very sad day for us," Ross said. Police say a weapon was recovered at the scene. The 11-year veteran leaves behind two children. "It's very unfortunate that you have these two lives that have been ended this way, but also we got a 17-year-old and 11-year-old who lost both their parents," Ross said. Ross added that the officer was supposed to show up for work last night but didn't. Police are investigating if this is a murder-suicide. The victims' names have not yet been released.


A 112-room extended stay hotel is coming to Des Moines' East Village. Developers Lincoln and Lisa McIlravy plan to open an Element by Westin on a vacant lot at the corner of East Third and East Walnut streets. Construction on the $21.5 million hotel is expected to start this fall, with a target opening in summer 2021. The Element will be six stories with three retails bays, totaling 2,200 square feet, on the first floor. One level will be reserved for parking. The hotel will feature traditional short-term stay rooms with a kitchenette, as well as long-term rooms with a full kitchen. It will have a swimming pool, fitness area, guest laundry and a lounge. An outdoor patio is proposed for the third story. Element hotels are sustainably built using "nature-inspired" materials, according to the brand website. The hotel is marketed to the health-conscious, active traveler. Des Moines has agreed to provide up to $2 million in the form of a tax increment finance grant to the developers. The 1/2-acre plot was part of the former Bud Mulcahy's Jeep, one of the last downtown Des Moines dealerships when it closed in 2007. A permit to demolish the buildings there was pulled in 2013, according to the Polk County Assessor's Office. This will be the second East Village hotel for the McIlravys, who opened the Staybridge Suites , 201 E. Locust St., nearly three years ago. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Des Moines development: Element hotel, retail coming to East Village


In order to prevent unnecessary airbag deployments, many cars are equipped with a passenger detection system that can disable the passenger-side front airbag in the event there's nobody seated there. If that system goes wrong, the consequences can be dire, which is the reason for Audi's latest recall. Audi recently issued a recall for 144,000 examples of its vehicles. This group includes the 2017-2018 Audi A4/S4 (sedan and Allroad variants) and the 2018 Audi A5/S5 (in coupe, convertible and Sportback variants). The recall population covers the aforementioned vehicles with build dates from their respective starts of production until July 31, 2018. The issue comes from the passenger detection system that's linked to the passenger airbag. The cable has a self-diagnosing function that is apparently too sensitive. If the cable's shielding has even partial surface oxidation, the detection system will malfunction and disable the passenger airbag, even though a passenger might be seated there. If this happens, the "passenger airbag off" will illuminate as expected, in addition to the airbag warning light. This defect can result in an increased risk of injury in a crash. Audi first caught wind of the issue in mid-2017, when it received an increased number of field reports about passenger-detection-system replacements. In conjunction with its supplier, Audi dug into the data and eventually discovered the reason behind the fault. While the company is still working to find out why the issue develops and why certain vehicles are apparently more susceptible to it, Audi initiated a recall. The fix is relatively straightforward, sort of. Audi technicians will take recalled vehicles and apply a software patch that adjusts the diagnostics' thresholds, preventing the cable oxidation from disabling the passenger airbag. However, it has not yet issued a correction in production and is still evaluating that side of things. Owners should expect to receive recall notifications by mid-September. Check out the curvaceous and capacious 2018 Audi A5 Sportback This was originally published on Roadshow.


Cleveland will see a return of last week's light rainfall today, according to drone-powered weather forecasting service Saildrone . Today's forecast shows an expected 0.38 inches of rain, while the chance of rain will stick below 9 percent for the balance of the week. The next few days will also see warm temperatures, expected to last through Sunday. Temperatures will reach a high of 84 degrees on Sunday. Skies will partially clear on Tuesday, remaining partly cloudy through Sunday. Winds are forecast to reach a modest high of 13 mph today, but will weaken starting on Wednesday. This story was created automatically using Saildrone's local weather forecast data, then reviewed by an editor. We also incorporate historic weather data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


Someone really, really wants that piece of lint Drake pulled out of Stephen Curry 's hair during Game 1 of the NBA Finals. The rapper was filmed chatting with the Warriors star and was captured on camera pulling something out his hair. After the game ended, Drake posted a video of the interaction on Instagram and said he would sell the lint on the social media platform. "Steph Curry hair lint for sale on my eBay right now!!!" he wrote, and began taking bids for the hair lint with the eBay username "DraymondShouldntWear23." MORE WARRIORS: Conflicting reports on Kevin Durant return for NBA Finals A day later, bids reached as high as $86,000 before the original page listing the hair got taken down. Since then, a number of other pages claiming to be Drake selling Curry's hair lint popped up and the bidding resumed. At the time of publication, one of these pages had 181 bids with the highest bid at $100,000, even though it is unclear if the page even belongs to Drake. ALSO: Warriors fans trolled by Kawhi Leonard billboard just outside Oracle Arena In addition to pulling lint out of Curry's hair, Drake also had encounters with Curry's teammates Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. Late in the fourth quarter, Thompson committed an offensive foul and Drake did the "Hotline Bling" dance to taunt him. Thompson said earlier in the week that he would not be listening to "Hotline Bling" while he was in finals mode. After the game ended, the Toronto rapper exchanged words with Draymond Green and appeared to yell "trash" at Green as the Warriors star walked away. Drake will undoubtedly be at Game 2 on Sunday night. Eric Ting is an SFGATE staff writer. Email: eric.ting@sfgate.com | Twitter: @_ericting Start receiving breaking news emails on floods, wildfires, civil emergencies, riots, national breaking news, Amber Alerts, weather emergencies, and other critical events with the SFGATE breaking news email. Click here to make sure you get the news. Related Slideshow: Best of the 2019 NBA Finals (provided by imagn)


SpaceX has had an incredibly busy year thus far, with a steady series of rocket launches and new initiatives like Starlink in the very earliest stages, and all the while the Starship project looming over it all. Starship is SpaceX's future-looking rocket platform that could one day ferry travelers to Mars and beyond, and in a series of tweets over the weekend, CEO Elon Musk offered a few hints as to how things are progressing. As TechCrunch reports , Musk fired off the messages on Sunday night, providing some details about the status of a recent engine test and a short-term forecast. SpaceX has put Starship's engines through a number of tests already, but that's just the first of many steps between building a rocket and actually launching it. The next big milestone will be the short-flight hover of the Starhopper, which is the scaled-down prototype built as a stepping stone to the full-sized Starship which is coming later. According to Musk, the company plans to schedule its Starship presentation "a few weeks after Hopper hovers," which Musk suggests will come in "late July." Starhopper's first real flights will be a major milestone for SpaceX and the Starship program, but the company still has a lot of work to do before its spaceship of the future is ready for its own maiden voyage. At present, SpaceX is planning on having the spacecraft ready for commercial launches sometime in 2021 at the earliest, but any major setbacks could push that timeline back. One such delay came back in January when the Starhopper actually tipped over due to high winds at the launch facility. The spacecraft sustained light damage and things had to be put on hold for a few weeks while the company repaired the damage. Sign up for BGR's Newsletter . For the latest news, follow us on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram .


Andy Lugo can't put a finger on his eureka moment, but at some point in his seven-year tenure as the head butcher at Cooper's Meat Market in Alamo Heights, he discovered a knack for trimming briskets that could be compared to the way Tiger Woods hits a golf ball. Lugo, 43, transforms a full brisket from a 16-pound block of beef loaded with huge chunks of fat into an 8-pound, aerodynamic piece of art that looks good enough to eat off the chopping block. And from the first graceful cut with his slicing knives to the last, he can do it all in about seven effortless-looking minutes. "Every brisket I trim goes through the exact same process," Lugo said. "That allows me to do them at a rate that makes it feel like second nature, and it also provides consistency with both look and taste." He even has his own little gadget, a metal rectangle that measures 8 inches wide and 2 inches deep, that is used to trim the meat to specific proportions. Lugo documented his trimming technique in a YouTube video that has received more than 6,200 views. "I don't know how smart it was to just give that information away, but it was well received," said Lugo, who has a tattoo on his left forearm of all the beef cuts. Competition barbecue cooks, who pay big money in cookoffs all over Texas and beyond, started paying attention to Lugo's meats and regularly flocked to Cooper's to get their hands on them. In addition to being a butcher, he doubles as a trained chef. On ExpressNews.com: All the barbecue lessons from the 2019 Stock Show & Rodeo Bar-B-Que Cook-Off In August, Lugo decided he had enough clientele to branch out on his own, so he created his Meat Hussler business out of his spacious kitchen that he has transformed into a proper butcher station. He sells trimmed Wagyu and prime briskets, and also provides St. Louis-style pork ribs ready for the competition pits. "He's an absolute expert, and I trust him completely," said Lee Hickel, an Aransas Pass-based competition cook who sits atop the 2019 International Barbecue Cookers Association standings. "My time and money is important to me, and Andy is willing to do all the extensive work and attention to detail that's needed to make great barbecue." Hickel buys all of his competition meats from Lugo, making the trip to San Antonio every two weeks to stock up for any one of the 49 cookoffs on his annual schedule. "I will never buy a brisket or ribs anywhere else," Hickel said. "There was a direct correlation to the rates that I was winning using Andy's meats, compared to anything else." Hickel is hardly alone. If you spend a lot of time walking around the competition camps, as I do, Lugo is regularly mentioned as the meat source with a sense of puffed-up pride. On ExpressNews.com: Bacon-wrapped appetizers a big grilling success "The best cooks in Texas are buying from him ... it's hard to keep a secret out there," said Clarence Joseph, a champion barbecue cook from San Antonio. "Right now, I would say that probably 20 percent of the competitors are using him. "I think sometimes it's hard for him to keep up, because he's a one-man show." The demand makes Meat Hussler a mobile enterprise. Lugo usually drives his truck up to the Dallas area twice per week, where he handpicks the animals he wants to use while they are still on the feeding lot. The briskets then go through a 45-day dry aging process before he transports the finished meat back to San Antonio, where he stores it in commercial coolers. Every week, Lugo can trim anywhere from 50 to 100 briskets (sold at $9 per pound) and an equal amount of ribs ($3.30 to $9 per pound) for clients, but he's also doing plenty of cooking. Whether he's using barrel pits or firing up his steel off-set smoker in the driveway, Lugo tries to do two cooks per week to make sure that the meat quality is consistent. "These are animals, so you want to make sure they are providing a consistent flavor from cook to cook," Lugo said. "I would rather be that first flavor judge than have a client come to me and say that something was amiss." Lugo himself also hits up the competition circuit, entering about a dozen events annually as a way to help spread the word about his business, while also taking a stab at the prize money. At a March cook-off in Pleasanton, six of the top-10 finishers in the brisket category used his meat   and Lugo took home the first-place trophy. "That was a real highlight for me," Lugo said. "That sort of validated why I chose to do this. I want to help competition barbecue to grow and expand." Lugo's business is expanding, too. He's in the process of moving Meat Hussler from his kitchen into his own commercial space. Because the smoke is always rolling in Texas. Meat Hussler, 210-254-3635. Facebook: competitionmeats Chuck Blount is a food writer and columnist covering all things grilled and smoked in the San Antonio area. Find his Chuck's Food Shack columns on our subscriber site , ExpressNews.com, or read his other coverage on our free site , mySA.com. | cblount@express-news.net | Twitter: @chuck_blount | Instagram: @bbqdiver


Victoria's Secret's market share has sunk to 24% in 2018 from 31.7% in 2013, according to the latest U.S. women's underwear report from Coresight Research, with digitally native brands gaining appeal among shoppers, particularly young women. Victoria's Secret is still the number one women's lingerie brand in the U.S., leading a market valued at $13.1 billion. According to Coresight, a mix of newcomers and changing trends have contributed to Victoria's Secret's decline over recent years. Brands like Nike (NKE), Adidas AG (ADS) and Lululemon Athletica (LULU) are also taking share in women's underwear thanks to an interest in sports bras. "Market forces reshaping the U.S. intimates' industry landscape, with an increasing number of entrants to the category over the past 10 years," Coresight wrote. Emphasis on body positivity and inclusivity are spurring change, particularly in the evolving definition of sexy. Styles are changing to focus on fit and comfort with the help of artificial intelligence and other technology." See: Victoria's Secret sells women's underwear, but has been marketing to men These smaller brands have grown their market share to 36.2% in 2018 from 28.1% in 2013, according to Euromonitor International data quoted by Coresight. Victoria's Secret is part of the L Brands Inc. (LB) portfolio of brands. L Brands is scheduled to report first-quarter earnings on Wednesday after the closing bell. FactSet expects earnings to be flat year-over-year, and sales of $2.56 billion. L Brands shares have sunk 19.5% over the past three months while the S&P 500 index (SPX) has gained nearly 2% for the period. A deep dive into Victoria's Secret's business conducted by Cowen analysts led by Oliver Chen yielded findings similar to Coresight, with Cowen analysts saying changes to stores, including closures, and innovation around product, specifically a focus on comfort and fit versus the sexy branding Victoria's Secret is known for. "Our results indicate that comfort and fit are weighed more heavily than sexiness when making a decision," the report said. "The rise of brands like Aerie, ThirdLove, Adore Me and True & Co. have capitalized on brand messaging that promotes comfort, body positivity, and female empowerment. Further, these brands are digitally native and largely direct-to-consumer, which has enabled them to leverage customer insights and data to inform its product strategy," the report said. Aerie is part of the American Eagle Outfitters Inc. (AEO) portfolio of brands. Victoria's Secret has 1,143 stores in North America, but said it would reduce square footage during the fourth-quarter earnings announcement. Cowen models for up to 150 store closures while the brand has suggested a 4% square-footage reduction of about 50 stores. Earlier this month, The Wall Street Journal reported that Victoria's Secret will no longer broadcast its fashion show on network television amid plummeting ratings . This after the company shed its Henri Bendel and La Senza brands . Changes at the company, including changes to the board, have made Wells Fargo analysts bullish about the future of the Victoria's Secret brand. "All in, we'll admit that we've been early on this call, but we continue to see reasons for optimism… and a compelling risk/reward at current levels," analysts led by Ike Boruchow wrote in a May 10 note. Analysts rate L Brands stock outperform with a $42 price target. UBS analysts are not as optimistic, hanging on to their neutral stock rating in a May 7 note. "The pivotal L Brands question is if the company will revitalize its Victoria's Secret brand domestically, 55% of sales, this year," analysts wrote. "A new UBS Evidence Lab survey suggests the answer is no." In addition to the brand's messaging, UBS calls out the company's "sliding" margins, with pricing at the heart of the problem. UBS has a $28 price target on L Brands shares. Cowen's report also forecasts a continued decline in margins throughout fiscal 2019. Moreover, it will be hard to bring customers back to full-price after they've been "conditioned" to factor in a discount into their shopping habit. "Our survey highlights that 34% of customers believe that prices are too high and/or that Victoria's Secret should run even more promotions," the Cowen report said. "Recall that gross margins have declined by over 300 basis points over the past three years and are expected to be down again in fiscal 2019 given declining merchandise margins."


SMP Racing LMP1 newcomer Stoffel Vandoorne says his main target for his FIA World Endurance Championship debut at Spa is to finish the race. Ex-McLaren Formula 1 racer Vandoorne shared the #11 BR Engineering BR1-AER with Vitaly Petrov in Friday's qualifying session, securing fifth on the grid for his first WEC start . While the Belgian had been eyeing a podium finish in the run-up to his home race, he said after qualifying that - especially given Saturday's poor weather forecast - simply reaching the finish of the race will be vital as he builds up for his first Le Mans 24 Hours start. "It's been a learning experience so far," Vandoorne told Motorsport.com. "The most important for me was to get as many laps as possible, I maybe had 10 or 15 laps before qualifying. "It was still a big step to make but I think I felt quite comfortable straight away in the car and I was able to show some good pace straight away, which is the main thing. "It's gonna be the same tomorrow, it looks like it will be very difficult [with the weather], it's hard to predict what is going to happen. We have to stay out of trouble. "For me it's about getting the experience, how to deal with traffic, making sure I manage everything well. That's the only thing we can do." #11 SMP Racing BR Engineering BR1: Stoffel Vandoorne Photo by: Erik Junius On the balance of power between SMP and Rebellion Racing, the Belgian added: "It's quite close between us and Rebellion, so definitely there will be a fight going on. "I think the main thing is first of all to finish the race, this is the biggest target for us, also for me to learn how to deal with traffic will be something different. The first priority is to finish." Rebellion's top car in qualifying was the #3 car of Thomas Laurent and Gustavo Menezes in fourth, two places ahead of Andre Lotterer and Bruno Senna in the sister #1 machine. Lotterer said that SMP - whose #17 car was best of the rest behind the dominant Toyotas in qualifying - has made "a big step" and that the high-downforce aero package Rebellion is using at Spa isn't suited to the circuit. "We brought our Le Mans aero package to learn a little bit, but it was not enough downforce, so we went back to our high-downforce package which has too much downforce for Spa," he explained. "We were betting on bad weather [to qualify well]. "Definitely there's more potential but not as much as SMP with this package. Let's see what we can do in the race with that. If it rains, it helps." Read Also: Rebellion gets "no benefit" from Spa EoT change #1 Rebellion Racing Rebellion R-13: Andre? Lotterer, Neel Jani, Bruno Senna Photo by: Paul Foster


The Kyle Rudolph saga continues. Rudolph is in the last year of his contract and is set to get paid $7.6 million in 2019. The Vikings, of course, would like to not pay Rudolph that much. That would be fifth among tight ends in the league, and Rudolph is not one of the best five tight ends in the league. It appears as if talks behind the scenes are happening. On Wednesday, Rudolph confirmed that the Vikings have offered him a five-year contract extension. More than likely, this would lower his cap hit for 2019. Kyle Rudolph confirms that Vikings have offered a five year contract extension and that's what they are talking about - Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) May 22, 2019 That would likely make Rudolph, 29, a Viking for life. Via Chris Tomasson, Rudolph said that "We're in a tough situation. Everybody knows that." #Vikings TE Kyle Rudolph confirms @ProFootballTalk report that he's been offered a five-year contract extension. "That's what they're working at.'' Is it close? "Like I said, they're working. We're in a tough situation. Everybody knows that.'' - Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) May 22, 2019 For a player nearing 30, it would make some sense to take the financial safety net of a five-year deal, although, we don't really know what the contract looks like. Rudolph is coming off a 2018 season in which he caught 64 passes for 634 yards and four touchdowns. The Vikings drafted tight end Irv Smith Jr. in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. MORE: NBA fans are delighted by Kawhi Leonard's interview with an international reporter Packers rookie Darnell Savage impresses with intelligence early at OTAs Jon Gruden 'excited' to see Raiders DT Eddie Vanderdoes this offseason Drew Brees: 'Of course' I want Gerald McCoy on my team Stephen Carlson: What the Browns are getting in their new WR


Teams are finished with organized team activities and mandatory minicamp, entering a little break before the real work begins. The NFL released the full lineup of training camp start dates for this year and the Baltimore Ravens will kick theirs off near the middle of July. According to the press release, Baltimore's rookies will start a week ahead of time on July 17. The first full-team training camp practice for the Ravens will begin on July 24 at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, MD. Baltimore will have a lot to do in a very short time. The final roster cutdown deadline is on Aug. 30, meaning the Ravens will have just over a month to figure out how to whittle down to 53 players from a roster of 91. Baltimore will also be trying to fully install their new offense under new coordinator Greg Roman. Of course, trying to acclimate all the rookies and new free-agent additions is on the checklist as well. Oh, and toss in four preseason games as well as two sets of practices with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Philadelphia Eagles in that stretch. This will be a tough training camp for the Ravens but one that helps set the foundation for the future. It's also the first point where fans can begin catching a glimpse of the team. Baltimore had previously announced they would be opening up 15 training camp practices to fans , including one at M&T Bank Stadium. MORE: This perfect Shaq impersonation at the NBA Awards show had fans in tears How the Nets can sign Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Deandre Jordan Roundup: Donald Trump on Iran; Bernie Sanders' Proposal; Jussie Smollett; Coffee and Fat Loss Play speed fuels standout offseason for Packers WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling Los Angeles Lakers 'think they have a strong shot' at signing Kawhi Leonard according to report


It might be refreshing but soda can seriously damage your health. It might be refreshing but soda can seriously damage your health. Click through the slide show above to find out more. You're depriving yourself of essential nutrients People who drink sodas instead of healthy beverages (think low-fat milk and pure fruit juice) are less likely to get adequate vitamin A, calcium, and magnesium. What's more, soda contains phosphoric acid, which depletes calcium and magnesium two nutrients that help keep your immunity operating at peak efficiency. In case you're curious, this is what happens to your body one hour after drinking a can of soda . You're more likely to develop diabetes Sodas containing high-fructose corn syrup can also lead to a higher production of free radicals, which have been linked to tissue damage, the development of diabetes, and diabetic complications. The bottles are damaging Plastic soda (and water) bottles contain a toxic chemical called bisphenol A (BPA) that can leach from bottles into soda…into you. Emerging evidence links BPA to myriad maladies, including immune system depression. Public health experts recommend that we protect children from exposure to products containing BPA especially products they consume or use every day. These are the soda secrets Coca-Cola isn't telling you . It makes you gain weight Diet soda actually contributes to weight gain. A study of 1,550 people concluded that people who drink diet soda have a 41 percent increased risk of being overweight or obese for every can or bottle they drink per day! Turns out, any sweet taste signals body cells to store fat and carbohydrates, which makes you hungrier. Sweet tastes also promote insulin release, which blocks your body's ability to burn fat. The hard truth: No published study has ever proven that drinking diet soda will help you lose weight. There is way too much sugar One can of soda contains 10 teaspoons of sugar. That's a lot of sugar! When you feed your body that amount of sugar in liquid form, it makes your blood sugar spike and causes an insulin reaction in your body. Drinking soda regularly can eventually lead to weight gain, diabetes, insulin resistance, and other health problems. Watch out for these other foods you may not have realized have high levels of sugar . It contains phosphoric acid Phosphoric acid hinders the body's ability to absorb calcium naturally. Not getting enough calcium can lead to bone softening, osteoporosis, and dental cavities. It also messes with your stomach acid, blocking nutrient absorption and slowing digestion. It can lead to dehydration Drinking soda can lead to dehydration because of its high levels of sugar, sodium, and caffeine. Many people will drink soda with a meal instead of water and forget to get their necessary daily intake of water. Make sure you also steer clear of these 'healthy' foods . Diet soda contains artificial sweeteners Diet soda contains aspartame instead of sugar, and it can actually be more harmful for your body. Reports show that aspartame may be associated with seizures, brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, emotional disorders, as well as other health problems. It contains absolutely zero nutrients As if you need another reason to bypass soda, it has absolutely zero nutritional value. There are no positive effects to drinking soda expect that it might taste good. It's damaging to your teeth Drinking soda regularly can cause plaque to build up on your teeth, which can lead to cavities and gum disease. Also, when natural bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar from the soda, it forms acid. Acid can lead to tooth decay and cavities. Also, make sure to avoid these other foods if you want to live a long life .


England progressed to the Women's World Cup quarter finals after beating Cameroon 3-0 in an ill-tempered match at the Stade du Hainaut. Steph Houghton broke the deadlock for Phil Neville's side with a smart close-range finish, before Ellen White converted upon finding herself one-on-one with Annette Ngo Ndom as half-time loomed. Alex Greenwood made the game safe in the second period turning a half-volley home, as the Lionesses deservedly booking a date with Norway in the next round. Cameroon should have been reduced to 10 players in the opening minutes of the encounter, with Yvonne Leuko fortunate to escape with a just a yellow card after catching Nikita Parris with a flung elbow. Unfazed by their opponents' physicality, England began to establish themselves, gradually taking a stranglehold on the proceedings and finding space increasingly easy to come by. Toni Duggan was released down the right on ten minutes, though her testing ball into the area was awkwardly cleared by a combination of Cameroonian defenders. However, a near-identical scenario soon after forced Aurelle Awona into making a back-pass to her own goalkeeper. The resulting indirect free-kick was taken by Duggan, who nonchalantly rolled the ball into Houghton's path. With every Cameroon player guarding the net, the captain placed a clinical finish through a sea of green and into the bottom corner to hand her country the lead. There was only one person for the job. OUR CAPTAIN, @stephhoughton2  pic.twitter.com/pQnCCJ8sf3   Lionesses (@Lionesses) June 23, 2019 Aware of their own dominance, Neville's side started to slow the tempo of play and take the sting out of the match, with Houghton and fellow centre-back Millie Bright dictating from deep. Chances came few and far between thereafter, Cameroon occasionally breaking upfield only to squander the opportunity with poor decision-making. Despite taking something of a backseat, England continued to probe and cause their opposition problems, eventually hitting a second on the stroke of half-time via the left boot of Ellen White, the Manchester City forward sweeping beyond an onrushing Annette Ngo Ndom. The effort was initially disallowed, however, the assistant referee flagged as White latched onto a cute through-ball from Lucy Bronze. VAR was consulted following complaints from the Lionesses, replays showing the striker had been comfortably onside. GOAL! Ellen White scores... and after a VAR check it's 2-0 to England https://t.co/NoQD515Tcd pic.twitter.com/MZYi3SOHdy   Indy Football (@IndyFootball) June 23, 2019 Neville struggled to hide his delight on the touchline, though the smile was wiped off of his face within three minutes of the restart as Ajara Nchout thundered a rising shot into the roof of Karen Bardsley's goal. Fortunately for the keeper, the underdogs had their goal chalked off for a marginal offside - again picked up by VAR - in the build-up, sparking furious protests in the Cameroonian dugout. England proceeded to wobble briefly, being opened up once more as Alexandra Engolo went through on Bardsley. Nevertheless, the City shot-stopper was up to the task, smothering a hesitant effort to keep her clean-sheet. On the rocks and needing a foothold, the 2015 semi finalists guaranteed their safe passage to the next round via Alex Greenwood's neat, guided shot on the hour-mark, the left-back turning a low corner in at the far-post.  Alex Greenwood slides in England's third pic.twitter.com/PZ1RxSXWwM   Indy Football (@IndyFootball) June 23, 2019 From then on it was plain sailing, with the Lionesses able to enjoy the closing stages of the affair. They nearly made it 4-0 - which would have been a record for any England team in a World Cup knockout game - but substitute Jodie Taylor's lopped attempt was scrambled to safety as it bobbled towards the gaping net. A late, raking challenge from Engolo on Houghton should have been punished with a red card, yet Cameroon were again let off the hook, even after a VAR referral. Check out 90min's breakdown of the game below. England Key Talking Point England looked composed and assured for nearly the entirety of this match, rarely being troubled by their opponents. Much of that can be attributed to their intelligence with the ball, the Lionesses keeping things ticking over and spreading the play well. Neville will be extremely pleased by his team's control of possession, which allowed them to keep Cameroon at arm's length for large periods. But, a weak underbelly was exposed in the aftermath of Nchout's disallowed goal, with England visibly shaken and having to swiftly regather themselves. They cannot afford such moments against the likes of the USA and still expect to progress. Still, it is better for the issue to arise now - whilst Neville has time to adjust - than during a crunch clash with the Americans or another top-tier nation. Player Ratings Starting XI: Bardsley (7); Bronze (7), Haughton (8*), Bright (6), Greenwood (6); Walsh (5), Scott (5), Kirby (6); Parris (7), Duggan (6), White (8). Substitutes: Taylor (7), Williamson (5), Staniforth (6). STAR PLAYER: Steph Houghton It's difficult to find an England player who didn't impress in this strong team display, though it is also hard to select the standout performer. However, Houghton is the leading candidate, showing leadership and game awareness, as well as rifling home the first score. Here's that finish from @stephhoughton2 to give #Lionesses the lead. pic.twitter.com/GyUHuDXRxy   FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) June 23, 2019 In high-pressure environments like a World Cup knockout tie, it is imperative that a side's captain stands up to be counted. Houghton did far more than that, ensuring the team held a firm grip on the game and keeping those around her focused. She was also the one to unify the group when Cameroon had a spell of pressure, marshalling the backline and making several key clearances to eliminate the danger. 4 - Ellen White has scored four goals for England at the 2019 Women's World Cup; the joint-most by an England player in a single tournament in the competition (also Kelly Smith with four in 2007). Fantastic. pic.twitter.com/GkAqyo0pYA   OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 23, 2019 This is what it meannnnnnnns!  #Lionesses pic.twitter.com/3fGPboboyN   Lionesses (@Lionesses) June 23, 2019 23 added minutes in the England v Cameroon Women's world cup game after 19 VAR decisions  #FIFAWWC #ENG #Lionesses pic.twitter.com/jPpF8dCELq   betclever (@bet_clever) June 23, 2019 Cameroon Player Ratings Starting XI: Ngo Ndom (5); Leuko (3), Ejangue (5), Johnson (7), Awona (6); Nchout (7), Abam (6), Feudjio (7), Yango (6), Onguene (5); Enganamouit (7*). Substitutes: Engolo (3), Sonkeng (6), Abena (5). STAR PLAYER: Gaëlle Enganamouit Cameroon were industrious and energetic in defeat, relentlessly chasing after England. Their afternoon can be characterised by the selfless running of Enganamouit up-front, the striker hounding opposition defenders and giving them something to think about. Just seen a Cameroon player spit on Toni Duggan, clear as day, she shows the referee the disgustng evidence and they can't (or don't) use VAR to punish it, ridiculous..   Dan Roberts (@DanMRoberts1) June 23, 2019 VAR. DRAMA. Ellen White's goal is given! VAR confirms the goal, after it was initially given as offside! #ENGCMR #FIFAWWC #OptusSport pic.twitter.com/ehjuQo3p7Y   Optus Sport (@OptusSport) June 23, 2019 Cameroon players reportedly in tears in the tunnel at half time. They're still angry over England's second goal being given. pic.twitter.com/ckP4cUlC18   talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) June 23, 2019 Looking Ahead England have a short turnaround before facing Norway in the quarters, the Nordic nation having slipped past Australia in their own last-16 tie via a penalty-shootout. The Lionesses will be confident of overcoming Martin Sjogren's side, who are ranked nine places below them in the FIFA world rankings As for Cameroon, this is the end of their World Cup adventure after matching their previous best performance in the tournament. The Africans were eliminated at the same stage four years ago, going down 1-0 to China.


ASHEVILLE   The future identity of Asheville's downtown arena now is up to City Council to decide. In a May 23 special meeting, the city's Downtown Commission voted 6-1 to recommend a bid by Harrah's Cherokee Casino for the naming rights to the city-owned performance venue. The casino owned by the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians outbid the current rights holder, U.S. Cellular, with a five-year proposal worth $3.25 million, and up to $5.75 million if mutual extensions keep the name there through the end of the next decade. The city's deal with Chicago-based U.S. Cellular Inc., which purchased venue naming rights in 2011, expires at the end of the year. In its return bid, U.S. Cellular offered the city at most a five-year deal worth about $923,000. Both proposals are planned to be heard by council during its May 28 meeting. The lone dissenting vote from the Downtown Commission was cast by City Councilman Brian Haynes. U.S. Cellular Center General Manager Chris Corl told the commission the two bids were the only ones submitted for consideration. Fourteen companies were contacted by city staff sussing out interest in the venue's naming rights and at least one follow-up was held with five of them, he said. Only the two submitting formal bids have been publicly named. MORE: ► U.S. Cellular no more? Harrah's Cherokee Casino tops bids to rename Civic Center. ► Harrah's brand 'inconsistent' with Asheville's identity, tourism officials say ► Asheville looks for new deal on U.S. Cellular Center naming rights Corl noted the brands are vying for some 180 million annual impressions that come from venue signage, pole banners and event advertising as well as on ticket stock, venue uniforms and receipts, among other places the name is seen. The Harrah's bid drew criticism from Buncombe County tourism officials earlier this year. Explore Asheville CEO Stephanie Brown argued in a memo to community stakeholders the brand is "inconsistent with our community identity," essentially tying Asheville to Harrah's "national corporate gaming identity." On the Harrah's proposal, Corl offered a number of positives. He said the bid provides a "significant influx of new funding" earmarked for capital improvements to the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium and for fan experience upgrades, including the addition of a new video board. It also increases the city's link with the tribe, lands the Harrah's name on the Civic Center parking deck and increases the total intellectual property value of the facility, he said. As far as cons, Corl said the deal requires some reeducation efforts to orient Asheville to the new name and there's an "unknown" amount of dedicated staff time to manage its relationship with Harrah's. In the case of U.S. Cellular, Corl said its bid allows the city to continue a nine-year relationship with the company for a name he says community members have come to accept after some pushback from some in 2011. The bid also would provide "very minimal" new revenue, forcing funding challenges in securing a video board system, paying down debt service on past renovations and upgrading the auditorium, he said. The proposals were presented during an April 2 meeting of the city's Civic Center Commission, which voted 3-2 to support U.S. Cellular's return bid. A Downtown Commission subcommittee discussed recommending a one-year extension with U.S. Cellular, a solution Corl said is not possible under the 2011 contract and also "not worth it" because staff would have to start the process over in a year with no guarantee other bids would come. Most members of the Downtown Commission offered some form of support of the Harrah's bid. One member, Kimberly Hunter, did not, arguing the gaming industry contributes negatively to the social determinants of health of children and the elderly. Hunter also said unlike U.S. Cellular, the Harrah's name represents a destination with an identity that differs from Asheville's branding, and has the potential to displace locals in the process. Want to stay informed about news from around Asheville? Do that, plus support local journalists, by subscribing to the Asheville Citizen Times. Click here to sign up for a digital subscription. She left the meeting prior to the final vote, but noted on her way out her vote was, "No." "My point here is about Asheville's identity, social determinants, displacement, community and what our brand strategy is when we go to naming rights," she said. "The whole process is really cool and great and I'm so glad we're doing it overall. "There's nothing about naming rights that's negative, but I'm personally at a standstill on this one." Two members, Steven Lee Johnson and Pamela Winkler, both discussed polling members of their social circles, who in both cases recommended the city take the higher bid. "Every single person I have talked to has had basically the same answer: What is the big deal?" Johnson said. "It's the Civic Center. The synergy opportunity with this entity, there is not another group anybody could name in Western North Carolina that comes anywhere near the synergy we have with this." Johnson added, "If the city passes up this opportunity, I don't think there's another group that will see a financial interest in this. That's why they're offering what they're offering." The total value of the initial U.S. Cellular deal with the city, the first such naming rights agreement in its history, was for nine years and $1.35 million. This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Asheville Downtown Commission favors Harrah's bid for naming rights


After a remarkable run at Wimbledon that included a first-round win over Venus Williams , 15-year-old Cori "Coco" Gauff is eligible to compete at the Citi Open in late July. Gauff became the youngest player since 1991 to make the Round of 16 at Wimbledon   where she lost to Simona Halep, who went on to beat Serena Williams in the final . The Citi Open will be Gauff's first tennis appearance since then. She has some hurdles before she can qualify for the main draw, however. The Delray Beach, Florida, native must hope for a place to open in the qualifying tournament, which begins July 27 at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center in Washington, D.C. As a 15-year-old, she's eligible to compete in up to 14 WTA or ITF Pro Circuit events. JAMES HARDEN: NBA star buys minority stake in soccer clubs BEYOND MOON LANDING: Neil Armstrong's friend reveals different side of legend IN DEFENSE OF OBJ: Baker Mayfield bashes Giants fans But because she received her maximum three wild-card entries already, she can't receive more until she turns 16 in March 2020. Instead, Gauff is relying upon higher-ranked players to gain entry into the Citi Open to allow her a place in the qualifying field. Since Wimbledon, Gauff jumped 172 spots to No. 141. She's entered into the Citi Open as No. 313, though, her rank before her breakout performance in London. If Gauff makes the field and wins two matches, she'll find her way into the main draw, which begins July 29. "I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be in front of American fans in our nation's capital at the Citi Open," Gauff said in a release. "The last few weeks have been amazing and I'm excited about coming to Washington, D.C. to connect with all the fans, especially the young kids, who have been giving me so much support this summer. Hopefully I will also have the opportunity to keep this momentum going on the court starting at the Citi Open straight through the U.S. Open." Even if Gauff does not play competitively in D.C., she'll be a presence around Rock Creek Park. She plans to practice at the tennis center and appear at a fan event July 27 if she doesn't make the qualifying tournament. Also, Gauff will host a kids' day event and play in a practice match on Stadium Court on July 28. And Gauff had an impressive resume even before knocking off Venus Williams, Magdalena Rybarikova and Polona Hercog at Wimbledon. She won the Junior French Open in 2018 and was a finalist at the Girls' U.S. Open in 2017. "Coco's story is a perfect fit with the history and mission of our tournament and, as potentially the next great American star, she also embodies our future and our reimagination of this storied tennis event," Citi Open manager Mark Ein said in a release. "We hope she gets into the qualifying but if not, we will provide our community and her fans a great opportunity to meet her and watch her play and practice as she prepares for the US Open." Gauff won't be the only star name at the Citi Open. Sloane Stephens, Belinda Bencic and Madison Keys highlight the women's field, while Stefanos Tsitsipas, Kei Nishikori, Kevin Anderson and Karen Khachanov are high-ranking participants the men's side. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Coco Gauff, the 15-year-old who made a remarkable run at Wimbledon, to play Citi Open


You don't have to wait four years, the World Cup winners all play for pro club teams. The United States Women's National Soccer Team has won the World Cup , and now sadness descends upon its new fans. WHY DO WE HAVE TO WAIT FOUR YEARS TO SEE THIS AGAIN? Well, you don't! In addition to their national team duties, all 23 USWNT players ply their trade in the National Women's Soccer League, which runs April-October. Every team still has at least half its season left to play, and USWNT players will be back on the field for their clubs on the July 20 weekend. If you're completely new to the league and have no idea how to watch games or pick a team, we can help. How do I follow the NWSL? The league just signed a broadcast deal with ESPN, with 14 games appearing on ESPN2 and ESPNNews for the rest of the season. Here's the TV schedule. ESPN will broadcast 14 games this season, including the semifinals and 2019 NWSL Championship. @espn #nwsl pic.twitter.com/MinCRqyHUt   NWSL (@NWSL) July 4, 2019 All of the other games are streamed on Yahoo! Sports in the United States. You can watch on their website on your computer, or on the Yahoo! app on other devices. Internationally, all games are streaming directly on the NWSL website . SB Nation's women's soccer community All For XI has constant women's soccer coverage, while each team is covered by its local SB Nation blog . Eight of them should be obvious, while Atlanta's blog picks up Courage coverage. Here's what you need to know about each team, in order of the current standings. 1. Reign FC USWNT players : Megan Rapinoe, Allie Long International star : Jessica Fishlock Potential future USWNT player : Darian Jenkins Injuries and international duty have prevented the Tacoma, WA-based Reign from fielding a full roster in most games this season, and yet, they're in first place. Head coach Vlatko Andonovski has two league titles and is one of the best in the league. Rapinoe and Long were both among the best players at their position last season, and the Reign will expect to make the playoffs with them back in the lineup. Unfortunately, star midfielder Fishlock suffered a serious injury last game and will be unavailable for the rest of the season, but you'll still get to see plenty of her in the future if you're in for the long haul. 24-year-old winger Darian Jenkins has also been plagued by injury, but she's still extremely fast when fit and still has the highest ceiling of Seattle's non-national team players. 2. North Carolina Courage USWNT players : Abby Dahlkemper , Crystal Dunn , Sam Mewis, Jessica McDonald International star : Debinha Potential future USWNT player : Lynn Williams The Raleigh-Durham-based Courage are known for their fast, physical, high pressure style. They're usually not pretty, but they run teams off the field and score a lot of late goals after wearing opponents down. Three of the USWNT's key starters play for the reigning champions, joined by super-sub Jessica McDonald and defensive midfielder McCall Zerboni, who was among the roster's final cuts. Dunn actually plays attacking midfield, not left back, for her club. Williams hasn't meshed with Jill Ellis, but she's been one of the best players in NWSL for four straight years, so she definitely has a potential route back to the national team. 3. Portland Thorns FC USWNT players : Tobin Heath , Lindsey Horan , Adrianna Franch, Emily Sonnett International star : Christine Sinclair Potential future USWNT player : Emily Menges The league's attendance leaders were also the 2018 champs and 2019 runners-up. With top-notch facilities and an owner that's willing to spend, the Thorns are likely to compete for the championship every year for the foreseeable future. Horan appears to be Ellis' fourth midfielder at the moment, but she was clearly the best midfielder in NWSL last season, and coach Mark Parsons thinks she'll be the best in the world in no time . Sinclair is a legend of the sport , while Menges has quietly established herself as one of NWSL's best defenders. If there's a post-victory tour camp where some new players get a look, she should be one of them. 4. Washington Spirit USWNT players : Rose Lavelle , Mallory Pugh International star : Chloe Logarzo Potential future USWNT player : Andi Sullivan After years of boring, plodding soccer, the Spirit   actually in Boyds, Maryland, not particularly close to Washington   are playing fast and fun again. They'll be even more entertaining when they add Lavelle and Pugh, two of the best dribblers in the league. Australian star Logarzo has fit in well with the team, while Sullivan has taken up a leadership role in her second season as a pro. The Spirit's 23-year-old captain was arguably the final cut from the USWNT and is expected to be a fixture on the squad for the next decade. 5. Utah Royals FC USWNT players : Becky Sauerbrunn , Christen Press, Kelley O'Hara International star : Vero Boquete Potential future USWNT player : Abby Smith The two physical bullies of the USWNT defense are a perfect fit on one of NWSL's toughest and most physical teams. The Utah defense has been very good without them, and should be in contention for best in the league when O'Hara and Sauerbrunn return. Up top, Press has struck up a great partnership with former USWNT striker Amy Rodriguez , and should score a lot of goals between now and the end of the season. Boquete has been a great addition for a team that struggled for creativity last year. The Spanish playmaker combined beautifully with Press in the games they played together. With coach Laura Harvey's dislike of young players from the college system, this team has fewer future USWNT prospects than any other. But 25-year-old goalkeeper Abby Smith is still one of the highest ceiling talents in the pool, and could become a future national team keeper if she ever gets the chance. 6. Chicago Red Stars USWNT players : Julie Ertz, Alyssa Naeher, Tierna Davidson, Morgan Brian International star : Sam Kerr Potential future USWNT player : Savannah McCaskill How this team hasn't won a playoff game remains a mystery. Besides Kerr, the reigning MVP, and the three national team stars on this roster, Chicago has more fringe national team talent than any other team. Danielle Colaprico, Casey Short, Vanessa DiBernardo, and Arin Wright could all do a job for the USWNT without the team skipping a beat. Kerr returned from the World Cup with an immediate hat trick, so she's probably well on her way to another MVP award. She's aided by McCaskill, who was just traded to Chicago from Sky Blue FC . McCaskill is just 22 and already has a few national team caps under her belt. Her only issue is that she's not quite a full-time forward or midfielder, and it's unclear where Ellis sees her future. 7. Houston Dash USWNT players : None International star : Rachel Daly Potential future USWNT player : Jane Campbell At one point, all of Campbell, Sofia Huerta and Kealia Ohai looked like they'd be national team fixtures. All were cut for some reason or another, and the latter two don't look like they have much of a road back to the USWNT. Campbell is just 24, though, and performing well in goal. Expect her to take Ashlyn Harris ' place shortly. Despite not losing any star players to the USWNT, the Dash are winless in their last six games. Ohai and Huerta have hit their worst form at the time they should have been dominating. I cannot tell you in good conscience to support this team if you do not live in the Houston area. 8. Orlando Pride USWNT players : Alex Morgan, Ashlyn Harris, Ali Krieger International star : Marta Potential future USWNT player : Carson Pickett Oh boy, has this team been a disaster. Morgan was among the worst performing strikers in the league last season, which should honestly be impossible to pull off even if you're trying to sabotage her on purpose. The defense was one of the worst too, even with Harris, Krieger, Australian international Alanna Kennedy and Canadian international Shelina Zadorsky . But Orlando's actually won two of its last three and is starting to look more competent in new coach Marc Skinner's attack-minded, quick passing 4-3-3 system. Marta arrived back from Brazil duty looking refreshed, rather than tired. And Scottish attacker Claire Emslie should add some punch to the attack when she arrives. Pickett, a decent left back, is a stretch as a future national team pick. She's had some extreme ups and downs in her career so far. But despite the lack of young American talent, this does appear to be a team on the ascendency. 9. Sky Blue FC USWNT players : Carli Lloyd International star : Nahomi Kawasumi Potential future USWNT player : Imani Dorsey You may know this New Brunswick, New Jersey-based team from its scandals involving players training at a facility without bathrooms and being forced to live with total weirdos . Ownership has found better training facilities, better housing, and fired former general manager Tony Novo. But players still want out, culminating in McCaskill's trade to Chicago a couple of weeks ago. The team fired head coach Denise Reddy ahead of their last game and bizarrely has not named an interim manager. Sky Blue actually won last weekend with its three remaining coaches reportedly splitting managerial duties, though no one could ask who was actually in charge since all of them skipped out on media duty. But ... Carli Lloyd ! She's still there! She's fun! So is young forward Imani Dorsey. Go see them play! Bad live soccer is better than good soccer on TV, so if you can support a team that you're able to see in person, do that. But if you don't have a local team, here's a quick guide. Who to root for if you're ... A glory hunter : Portland Thorns . The Courage are the reigning champs, but only because coach Paul Riley has successfully established a cult. The Thorns will be good forever. Looking for a high-potential team that's not great yet : Utah Royals . Owner Dell Loy Hansen is serious about building the best women's club in the world and Press is the perfect superstar for them to build around. Wiling to support an underdog : Sky Blue FC . Are things actually getting better in Jersey? It's hard to tell. But no one can accuse you of front-running if you pick them before they're purchased by City Football Group and turned into a juggernaut.


A team of French divers took to the sea off Marseille in a canary yellow capsule on Monday to spend a month exploring the deep waters of the Mediterranean, without decompressing until the very end. Laurent Ballesta, the marine naturalist and underwater photographer leading the audacious four-man "Planet Mediterranean" expedition, told AFP it aimed to show "that the Mediterranean is still very beautiful, with sort of lost paradises and secret oases beyond a certain depth." The divers will remain at depths of up to 120 metres (395 feet) for up to eight hours a day without having to worry about getting the bends when they resurface because they will remain sealed inside the airtight capsule for the duration of the mission. "We no longer have to worry that with every passing minute at a depth of 120 metres, it will take us hours to resurface," said Ballesta, who had the idea of using the diving bell provided by France's National Institute for Professional Diving. Every day, the steel capsule, which measures one square metre, will be lowered from a barge into the gloom of the "twilight" or mesophotic zone, where only one percent of the sun's rays penetrate. After each deep-sea dive, the divers will return to the chamber, in which the pressure is set at 13 times the pressure of the atmosphere. In an interview with France Inter radio, Ballesta said the divers would have the impression "of having water in their ears all the time." They will then be brought back to the surface where the capsule will be connected to two other chambers -- one acting as a bathroom and the other as a kitchen with a small table and an airlock through which to receive food. The research station will be towed by barge along the coast between Marseille and Monaco over the course of the month, with the divers waiting until the very end before entering the decompression chamber for three days.


Securing the "Tom Terrific" nickname wasn't merely about selling merchandise and making money, according to Tom Brady. After Thursday's minicamp practice, the New England Patriots quarterback claimed his main reason for seeking a trademark request on the nickname was to keep his brand separate from others attempting to use it. #Patriots QB Tom Brady, who spoke to reporters today, clarified that he applied for the trademark for "Tom Terrific" because apparently someone was trying to use it associated with him… and he doesn't like it. "I was trying to keep people from using it. Lesson learned." - Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 6, 2019 That explanation probably still won't sit well with New York sports fans, who remain irate over Brady-of all people-potentially one-upping New York Mets legendary pitcher Tom Seaver, who also goes by "Tom Terrific." It isn't enough to humiliate the New York Jets on the football field twice a year. Does Brady really need to trademark the "Tom Terrific" nickname as well? The good news is Brady doesn't even like the nickname, and he might even be nice enough to call off the dogs after the whole Seaver mix up. "It's unfortunate," said Brady. "I was actually trying to do something because I didn't like the nickname, and I wanted to make sure no one used it, because some people wanted to use it. I was trying to keep people from using it. Then it got spun around to something different than what it was. So, good lesson learned, and I'll try to do things a little different in the future." Our @tomecurran asks Tom Brady about the "Tom Terrific" flak! pic.twitter.com/vamdYtffEb - The Camera Guys (@NBCSCameraGuys) June 6, 2019 Brady doesn't need another nickname to flaunt his mettle. He'll be getting sized up for a different kind of metal on Thursday night, when he receives his sixth Super Bowl ring. MORE: Beyonce's perceived reaction to Warriors' owner's wife became a meme Cowboys News: Michael Gallup leg injury dampens final OTA session Packers working on better vision from second-year LB Oren Burks Nicole Curran, Wife of Warriors Owner Joe Lacob, Disputes That She Was Annoying Beyoncé The Warriors' solution to the Kawhi Leonard problem is Kevin Durant


WOBURN, England - Jin Young Ko celebrated her second major victory of the year with a couple of beers and a cheeseburger. Rest is a high priority as she vies for a third this week at the AIG Women's British Open . Only six players have won three majors in one year: Babe Zaharias, Ben Hogan, Mickey Wright, Pat Bradley, Tiger Woods and Inbee Park. "I have a chance this week," said Ko, "and I will do my best with the rain." Ko's nearly flawless golf on Sunday in the rain at Evian highlighted the incredible composure she possesses for such a young pro. Last year she was making a speech as the Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year and now she's fielding questions about the possibility of winning back-to-back majors. Ko, of course, won the ANA Inspiration in April. 2019 marks the first time the LPGA has held majors in consecutive weeks since 1960. Ko flew to London on Monday and plans to play Woburn's Marquess Course for the first time in Wednesday's pro-am. Her veteran caddie, Englishman David Brooker, walked the course on Tuesday and gave her notes. TEE TIMES, TV INFO: AIG Women's British Open Jin Young Ko reacts on the 18th green after clinching the 2019 Evian Championship in Evian-les-Bains, France. (Photo: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images) In a way, Ko's training for such a high-level grind can be traced back to the days when her father, a boxer, had her jump rope with him for 30 minutes to an hour at a time. "When I was ten years old, 11, I did always with the father," said Ko, "and then we did competition." Ko, a three-time winner in 2019 and the current No. 1, credits her rise in play this year in part to her work with short game coach Gareth Raflewski. After last year's CME Group Tour Championship, Ko spent two weeks with Raflewski, who has worked with a wide variety of top players on the LPGA, including the Jutanugarn sisters and Lydia Ko. "So I fixed everything," said Ko, "putting, setup, chipping setup, bunker, everything." She currently leads the tour in greens in regulation, scoring (69.11), money ($1,983,822) and the Rolex Player of the Year race. This marks Ko's third appearance at the Women's British Open. She missed the cut last year but finished second to Inbee Park at Turnberry in 2015 before becoming a member of the LPGA. Ko said she can remember everything about that week. MORE: Roundup: A$AP Rocky Pleads Not Guilty; Katy Perry Owes Damages for 'Dark Horse'; Pound Plummets as Boris Johnson Preps for Brexit Angler lands 946-pound marlin by himself for 'historic catch' Eagles' CB after barreling into Jeffrey Lurie: "I ain't never even seen the owner" Dez Bryant has 'no interest in playing football right now' Jon Gruden has high expectations for Raiders' safeties, Karl Joseph and Johnathan Abram


Setting up a colony on the moon might be possible in our lifetime . But if that doesn't happen, maybe you can still make it there in the afterlife. This week, the company Elysium Space announced that they can send a portion of your cremated remains to the moon for prices starting at $11,950. But   act now! The first 50 people to sign up will get a lunar burial for the low, low price of $9,950 ! By comparison, Celestis, a rival space burial company, will make the moon your final resting place for $12,500 for one gram of ashes. Celestis has been sending cremated remains into low Earth orbit since 1997, with plans to go the moon by 2018. Elysium's first foray to low Earth orbit is scheduled for later this year, and it looks like the company is planning to reach the moon in 2016. Both companies will hitch a ride on a lunar lander being developed by Astrobotic Technology--a company that formed as part of the Google Lunar X-Prize competition. In addition, Celestis plans to ride along with Moon Express, another X-Prize contender. Unfortunately, drilling (or shoveling) on the moon is no easy feat, so these won't be moon burials. Instead, your remains would sit, like space litter, in a box on the surface of the moon. [ Space.com ]


Drama unfolding in America's heartland could have a ripple effect across the country as Missouri is on the verge of becoming the first state in the country with no abortion clinics. Five other states are also one clinic away from that fate. While a judge considers the fate of Missouri's last abortion clinic, the state's health director doubled down on claims the clinic has "issues." But he refused to specify what those issues were. Missouri's last clinic standing -- Reproductive Health Services of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region -- is suing the state's health department for refusing to renew its license, which was set to expire last Friday. Judge Michael Stelzer issued a temporary reprieve Friday, preventing the license from expiring until he heard arguments from both sides this week. Now, many are wondering when the judge will decide whether the clinic can keep performing abortions while the lawsuit works its way through the courts. "We're just waiting on pins and needles like the rest of you to hear what he says," said M'Evie Mead, director of Planned Parenthood Advocates in Missouri . 'We can never sacrifice safety' What's happening in Missouri reflects a growing trend nationwide. States are imposing strict rules on clinics in the name of safety, while abortion rights advocates say officials are really trying to eliminate abortion. Dr. Randall Williams, director of Missouri's Department of Health & Senior Services, said this isn't about politics. "Many Missourians are pro-choice. Many Missourians are pro-life. What all those Missourians expect me to do in a regulatory fashion is enforce the law, enforce the regulations and keep people safe," Williams said. "Access is incredibly important. But we can never sacrifice safety for that access." He said the St. Louis clinic had problems during its annual inspection this year. "As we did our annual investigation, some issues came up that we would very much like to talk with their physicians about," Williams told reporters Wednesday. But he refused to specify what kinds of "issues" the clinic had. Mead, the Planned Parenthood advocate, accused the state of making "unsubstantiated and vague allegations that they keep throwing out there." "They have politicized the process, and now they are moving goal posts in order to back up their unsubstantiated claims," she said. New law says abortion is illegal after 8 weeks The abortion debate in Missouri heated up after Gov. Michael Parson signed House Bill 126 into law. The new legislation bans abortions at eight weeks of pregnancy, even in cases of rape and incest . It's set to go into effect August 28. Tensions further intensified after the St. Louis clinic sued Parson and the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services. "DHSS now is attempting to shut down (the abortion provider), by unlawfully conditioning a decision ... on completion of a supposed 'investigation' of a patient complaint," the lawsuit said. The governor has also declined to say what the clinic's violations are, saying only, "They are well aware of the deficiencies." Parson said details could not be released "because it is still an ongoing investigation." When states are 1 closure away from no abortions Missouri isn't the only state that has teetered on the brink of losing its last abortion clinic over licensing disputes. In 2017, Kentucky refused to renew the license of its last abortion clinic, claiming its "transfer agreement" was inadequate . Transfer agreements are written agreements between an abortion clinic and a hospital, saying the hospital agrees to accept the clinic's patients in case of emergency. Critics say transfer agreements are unnecessary because federal law requires emergency rooms to accept anyone who shows up. A federal judge ruled in favor of the clinic, saying Kentucky's transfer agreement law was unconstitutional and violated the 14th Amendment.


Pork chops are a classic dinner, in the Norman Rockwell Americana imagination of dinner. They're what you might prepare on a Wednesday night for your family, or receive, after a well-mixed martini, on a plate with mashed potatoes, when you visit a friend for dinner. Prepared well, they can be absolutely delicious. But let's be honest: pork chops are often undelicious. They can be overcooked and dry, with nary a splash of sauce or marinade to resuscitate them into something that won't leave your mouth feeling like it was scraped by sandpaper. The solution, as with many dinner problems, is a sauce. Cooking the chop well will also help a great deal, which mostly means being careful not to overcook it. Remember that no matter how you cook the chop, whether it's in a pan, in the oven, or on the grill, you want to take it out when the temperature is a little bit lower than what's optimal. That's because the chop will continue to cook after you take it off the heated surface unless you do something like plunge it into ice water, which we don't recommend. With this recipe , you'll avoid the standing-over-the-stove fatigue that can set in when you cook chops on the grill. It also enures that they won't be flavorless and dry thanks to the addition of fresh herbs and a kicky sauce. The sauce, made from a chili-garlic sauce that's usually sold in the same aisle as the Sriracha, has a balance of sweet, tangy, and salty. You could also use it on chicken or beef, but it's particularly nice with pork, and easy enough to pull together that you can have the ingredient on hand in your pantry for whenever you need it. Don't let dry pork chops happen to you, your friends, or your family. Believe in sauces. Get the recipe for Grilled Pork Chops and Peaches with Sweet Chile Sauce Related video: How to Make 3-Ingredient Baked Pork Chops


Trump kicks off re-election campaign at Florida rally President Donald Trump returns to Florida on Tuesday night to officially begin his re-election campaign. The Orlando rally is in the heart of the must-win 2020 swing state , which Trump won narrowly in 2016. Trump will be appearing with Vice President Mike Pence at the event, which kicks off at 8 p.m. ET in the 20,000-capacity Amway Center. For those who don't make it in the door, large screens will be set up for viewing outside the arena. And it might be necessary  Trump supporters were already lining up for seats on Monday morning. AP Domestic Trump supporters set up camp ahead of speech Trump supporters traveling from near and far line the streets outside an Orlando arena camping out ahead of the President's speech Tuesday. (June 17) Investigation into shooting at Toronto Raptors parade expected to go on The investigation into a shooting at the parade in Toronto honoring the NBA champion Raptors Monday is expected to continue Tuesday after the city's police department asked in a news release for the public's help with the investigation. Three people were in custody and two firearms were recovered in connection with the shooting that left four people injured, Toronto police said in a statement. An official for the department said the identities of the suspects would not be released until they were charged. The shooting occurred about 3:45 p.m. ET near Nathan Phillips Square, which marked the end of the parade route. Videos shared on social media show thousands of people running in panic . But after about a short delay, the program continued without interruption. AP Domestic Police: 4 shot, 2 arrested at Raptors rally Four people were shot and wounded at a rally Monday for the NBA champion Raptors, and two people were arrested, police said. (June 2019) Mayor calls community meeting over Phoenix police incident A Phoenix community meeting called by Mayor Kate Gallego to address police aggression against an African-American family will be held Tuesday. Police Chief Jeri Williams will be present to answer questions and address citizen concerns at 6 p.m. at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, 1401 E. Jefferson St. A viral video shows police pointing guns and yelling threats at Dravon Ames , 22, his pregnant fiancee Aisha Harper, and their two young daughters after the family said their daughter took a doll from a Family Dollar store. The couple is suing for $10 million over the May 29 incident. Helicopter crash pilot to be remembered Funeral services will be held Tuesday in Poughkeepsie, New York, for the man who died in a helicopter crash in New York City last week. Timothy McCormack, 58, of Clinton Corners, New York, died June 10 when he crash-landed on top of a 54-story building in midtown Manhattan. Questions surround the cause of the crash, including why the helicopter was flying in restricted airspace amid difficult weather conditions. Friends and colleagues have speculated that McCormack, who had been flying for 15 years, chose to land atop a building to save the lives of dozens of people below . InfoWars host sent child porn to Sandy Hook victims' lawyer, court docs allege A court hearing is scheduled Tuesday after court documents allege that InfoWars conspiracy theorist and firebrand Alex Jones was in possession of child pornography. Lawyers from Koskoff, Koskoff & Bieder, the firm representing the families of Sandy Hook victims, filed a statement stating that they discovered child pornography in documents that Jones' defense sent as part of the discovery process of the lawsuit. Upon discovering these items, the counsel immediately sent them to FBI for further inspection   which confirmed that they were indeed pornographic images of children. The documents were originally sent as a result of Jones alleging that the Sandy Hook shootings were a hoax, resulting in a lawsuit filed by the families of victims for defamation. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump launches 2020 campaign, Investigation into Raptors parade shooting: 5 things to know Tuesday


McLaren has discovered that a problem with the battery pack on Lando Norris' car was the real cause of him getting knocked out of Q1 at the German Grand Prix. After a recent run of strong qualifying performance, Norris endured a more frustrating time at Hockenheim as he failed to make it past the first knock-out phase. He will line up 16th on the grid. Read Also: Norris feels he let McLaren down with Q1 exit While Norris initially blamed himself for the performance, it has subsequently emerged that the British driver was hampered by a technical issue. McLaren team boss Andreas Seidl said: "We had an issue with the battery pack in qualifying with his car. So we lost one tenth with that, which would have been enough to progress to Q2, and then it would maybe have been a different story." Norris missed out on a spot in Q2 by just 0.077 seconds, so the tenth of a difference would have changed things a lot. Reflecting on what happened, Norris said: "I didn't put the lap together as well as I should have done. It wasn't like I made loads of mistakes and was miles off the pace. I was just over a tenth off of Carlos and, although position wise it is different, our pace compared to the others wasn't too different. "It was just very close and I just didn't do a great lap and that showed in the results. Nothing happened. Nothing which made me a lot slower or anything, not a great lap." Norris's teammate Carlos Sainz made it through to Q3 and will start from seventh place, having been beaten to the best-of-the-rest spot by Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean. Asked by Motorsport.com about why McLaren's form in Germany had not been as strong as recent races, he said: "What we know is the others have brought quite a lot of stuff and they might have an edge over us this weekend, but I still think we reacted well to tough conditions. "I don't think the heat was helping either our car and our efficient package. There are a combination of things there that didn't help, but mainly the others have done a good step this weekend."