Video by FOX News Just days after the 85th anniversary of his burial at Crown Hill Cemetery, notorious Hoosier outlaw John Dillinger's death has once again made headlines. Family members obtained a permit to exhume Dillinger's body sometime before mid-September, according to the Indiana State Department of Health, and a History Channel spokeswoman confirmed to IndyStar that the exhumation is part of a forthcoming documentary. Affidavits filed by the family further indicate the goal is to decide, once and for all, if the man buried at Crown Hill is really Dillinger. So, what could family and filmmakers find when they open Dillinger's grave? A shooting at the Biograph Dillinger, born in Indianapolis in 1903, became famous for a string of bank robberies committed in 1933 as well as several high-profile escapes from police custody. FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover declared him Public Enemy No. 1. Anna Sage, the landlord of the northside Chicago apartment building occupied by Dillinger and his girlfriend, tipped off Chicago FBI Chief Melvin Purvis that Dillinger would be taking her and Hamilton to see a movie at the Biograph Theater. FBI: Yes, agents did in fact kill gangster John Dillinger Read more: Here's why John Dillinger's family say they want to dig up his plot at Crown Hill On July 22, 1934, more than a dozen police officers and federal agents surrounded the theater and waited for Dillinger's exit. The next day, the Indianapolis Star published the events of the night, as told by Purvis: "When Dillinger left the show, he started south, and again passed my car without noticing me. As soon as he had gotten a step past my car, I thrust my right arm out of the car, dropping my hand and closed it, the prearranged signal for closing in. Instantly my men appeared from all sides. "Dillinger gave on hunted look about him and attempted to run up an alley, where several of my men were waiting." A Dillinger doppelganger? By the end of his career, Dillinger's appearance had changed. He reportedly dyed his hair, plucked his eyebrows into a thin line, wore a mustache, had plastic surgery and had his fingerprints removed with acid. Slideshow by USA TODAY In 1965, The Indianapolis News received a six-page letter signed "John H. Dillinger" that claimed he was still alive and living in California. He sent along a current photo of himself for comparison. The writer, going into great detail on Dillinger's background, contended the FBI shot the wrong man in Chicago. His claim, contradicted by other witnesses and the autopsy: that the man buried did not have a scar on his leg which Dillinger received in a shootout with FBI agents. A 1983 book, " The Dillinger Dossier ," by Jay Robert Nash, asserted that it was not the notorious bank robber who was shot dead by police outside Chicago's Biograph Theater in 1934, but a doppelganger. Retro Indy: The life and crimes of John Dillinger A missing brain? The bizarre burial of John Dillinger Citing physical differences between the corpse and the bank robber   including eye color, eyebrow shape, a scar on Dillinger's upper lip that apparently did not appear on the corpse   Nash posited that Dillinger had swapped places with a man named Jimmy Lawrence after learning of plans to betray him. The best way to settle the doppelganger debate, of course, would be to exhume the body and conduct DNA testing   an answer the family hopes to have answered by the time he's reinterred in September. The autopsy report The autopsy, performed by Frank J. Walsh, coroner of Cook County, Illinois, reported Dillinger's height to be 5 foot 7 and weight at 150 pounds. This corresponds with information on his 1933 driver's license. The anatomic diagnosis (the first entry refers to number of gunshots from the FBI shootout): Multiple (4) 3 superficial: two of the face and one of the chest and (1) thru and thru of the face, causing laceration of the soft tissues of the neck. Anemia and edema of the brain and lungs. Hemorrhagic softening of the myocardium, liver, kidneys and spleen. Multiple healed scars of the face, chin and volar surface distal phalanges of the fingers of both hands. Healed thru and thru bullet wound of the left thigh. Healed scars in the left thigh and leg Color of hair: brown scalp hair and mustache (dyed black) Color of Iris: brown Color of Sclera: gray The hair and eyes also correspond with his driver's license. His stomach contents indicated his last meal consisted of particles of red peppers and fragments of meat and vegetables. Examining Dillinger's body John W. Dillinger Sr. revealed to the press that he had refused an offer of $5,000 made by a wild West show for use of his son's body for exhibition purposes. Dillinger was transferred from the Chicago morgue in a wicker basket and wrapped in a sheet. Ray McCready, the Mooresville undertaker who embalmed Dillinger's body sharply criticized the Chicago coroner's office of mutilating the corpse. He reported Dillinger's tongue had been removed and long slits had been made down the front and back of his body. McCready also noted that a death mask made by Professor A.E. Ashworth of the Worsham College of Embalming in Chicago had removed much of the facial skin and hair on Dillinger's face. Once at his sister Audrey Hancock's Maywood home, he was dressed for his funeral in a "brand new herringbone gray suit, stiff white collar and a gray tie with white spots," the Indianapolis Star reported. Dillinger lay in a velvet-lined mauve patterned casket. Call IndyStar reporter Holly Hays at 317-444-6156. Follow her on Twitter: @hollyvhays . Follow IndyStar Visuals Manager and RetroIndy writer Dawn Mitchell on Twitter: @dawn_mitchell61 . This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: John Dillinger exhumation: What we could learn by opening his grave


Nicolo Rocca returns to Victory Lane for the first time since 2015 after Loris Hezeman loses motor with four laps to go in the race. Czech Republic proved to be a memorable one for Nicolo Rocca. After Loris Hezemans' engine blew up with four laps to go. Nicolo Rocca inherited the lead and went on to grab his fourth NWES career win   the first of the 2019 season   when the race ended under caution due to the oil left on track by Hezeman's No. 50 Mustang. Rocca started from pole position but lost the lead to Hezemans in Turn One. The Dutch driver built a comfortable lead and appeared to be on the way to an easy win before his mechanical issue with the motor ended his chance for a win. Rocca, who was running second at the time, took over the lead and won the race under caution. The PK Carsport driver also won the Junior Trophy classification. The Italian went back to Victory Lane 1,386 days after his 2015 round win at Magione, Italy. "It feels so good to be back in Victory Lane," said Rocca, who posted the fastest lap of the race. "First of all, I'm very sorry for Loris. It was a tough race, we both pushed so hard. It's a shame that he had to retire early. I could have caught him and then we would have had a nice fight. I will start from pole position tomorrow. Right now, I'm just really happy." While Rocca was celebrating the win, Hezeman's was feeling the agony of having a win go away late in the race. "I'm really disappointed, because the car felt great the whole race," said Hezemans. "There were no signs of an engine failure. I came down the straight, hit the brake and shifted normally to third but the engine blew up. We were just unlucky. I hope the guys can fix it, as Giorgio deserves to defend his ELITE 2 championship lead." Rocca's teammate Stienes Longin grabbed his fifth second-place finish of the season. The Belgian edged former ELITE 2 champion Thomas Ferrando for third driving for CAAL Racing. Both Longin and Rocca dramatically closed the points gap in the ELITE 1 standing from Alon Day, who now leads by just one point on Longin and nine points on Rocca. After a less than ideal start, Day made contact with Jacques Villeneuve   the Canadian also had to bring his Go Fas Racing Chevrolet Camaro to an early stop   and suffered a tire puncture. Day was penalized for an avoidable collision with the former Formula One champion. Lucas Lasserre put up a strong performance from sixth on the grid and finished fourth ahead of Sebastiaan Bleekemolen. Francesco Sini was sixth with Gianmarco Ercoli seventh. Henri Tuomaala, who ended up eighth under the checkered flag, won the Challenger Trophy ahead of Eric De Doncker and Mauro Trione. Giorgio Maggi wins Elite 2 race Hendriks Motorsport made it a total team effort in helping Giorgio Maggi grab the win in the ELITE 2 Round 7 at the Autodrom Most. After his teammate Hezeman's lost a motor in the Elite 1 race, the team had to install a new engine in less than two hours before the start of the race on Saturday. Dutch team put a brand new engine in the car just in time for Maggi to make it to the grid. From there Hendriks repaid his team's hard work with an authoritative drive around the 4.222 kilometers of the Autodrom Most. After starting from the pole, Maggi had to defend the lead against Lasse Soerensen and mastered a restart with seven laps to go on the way to his second NWES win. In the process he also stretched his championship lead in the ELITE 2 Division to 14 points on Vittorio Ghirelli. "After the disaster with Loris [Hezemans] the guys put the new engine in the car in a very short time," said the race winner. "It was just a miracle but this is why I love those Hendriks Motorsport guys. Nobody asked the question: 'Can we make it?' They just did it and we won, I'm so happy. They are very professional and the whole team did an amazing job." Soerensen tried his best in the closing laps to catch the leader, but had to settle for second, continuing his impressive streak of five consecutive podium finishes since joining NWES. "It's always great to be on the podium but first of all I want to win races," said Soerensen, who is focusing on the ELITE 2 championship race. "When it's not possible to win, the second place is the next best thing to achieve. We had some problems in qualifying, but we found the pace in the race. I'm super happy for the whole team." Andre Castro, who sat eighth in points before the race, moved up to sixth in the ELITE 2 championship by securing his third NWES podium finish in the 2019 season. The American beat Advait Deodhar to the line for third with Justin Kunz rounding out the top-five. Czech Republic driver Martin Doubek came home sixth with Vittorio Ghirelli, Nicholas Risitano, Freddie Hemborg and Myatt Snider rounding out the top-10


Changes are coming to next year's Super Bowl broadcast. In an effort to improve the viewing experience of Super Bowl LIV, FOX will reduce the number of commercial breaks in each quarter from five to four, Alexandra Bruell of the Wall Street Journal reported. The total number of ads will remain largely unchanged though, as each break will run longer than in previous years. "Together with the NFL, we are always looking to improve the product and the league's research has proven that fewer breaks will optimize the viewing experience," Seth Winter, executive vice president for FOX Sports ad sales, said in a statement. "As it relates to Super Bowl LIV, the game has always been the pinnacle of long-form creative storytelling, and we are excited to see what advertisers produce." FOX is reportedly seeking around $5.5 million per 30-second spot for Super Bowl LIV, an increase of 3.8 to 7.8 percent from what CBS sought for various spots during the Super Bowl this year, Variety's Brian Steinberg reported. Super Bowl LIV will take place Feb. 2, 2020, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license. Related slideshow: Super Bowl LIII Festivities (provided by imagn)


There's always plenty of amusement to be had in Dallas, but finding fun on the cheap can be a bit of a challenge. If you're on the hunt for events or activities that won't break the bank, we've got four solid options to enjoy for the exceptionally low price of zero dollars, from a 90s throwback skate party to a lakeside screening of a classic animated film. Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. Cake Me Crazy Pop-Up Shop From the event description: Come meet Pastry Chef Ty and enjoy free samples, music, photos and much more as you purchase sweet treats. When: Saturday, Aug. 3, noon-3 p.m. Where: 1810 S. Akard St. Admission: Free Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Free Movie Under The Stars: The Lion King (original cartoon) at The Sound at Cypress Waters, presented by Billingsley From the event description: There's nothing like watching a movie under the stars. Come enjoy this free screening of The Lion King (original 1994 animated version), lakeside at The Sound at Cypress Waters. When: Saturday, Aug. 3, 8:30-11:30 p.m. Where: The Sound Stage and Amphitheater at Cypress Waters, 3081 Olympus Blvd. Admission: Free (RSVP required) Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Today Was A Good Day Lounge Party at Bar Stellar, presented by Good Culture and ACESociety From the event description: You can't call it a good weekend without a good Sunday Funday, and Sunday Funday in Dallas just got a little better. #GoodDayDTX is a congregating of culture and influence in Dallas, where the vibes are forever positive. It's a celebration of culture, fun, creativity, friendship and life, all under one roof (or sky). At this event, look forward to the sounds of hip-hop, R&B, afro-beats and reggaeton music, with DJ NiteCrawler curating the vibes. When: Sunday, Aug. 4, 3-6 p.m. (early arrival recommended) Where: Bar Stellar, 2810 N. Henderson Ave. Admission: Free (RSVP for section availability) Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Throwback to the 90s Skate Party at Southern Skates Roller Rink by United Black Ellument From the event description: Join United Black Ellument for our Throwback to the 90s Skate Party. Come out and enjoy a great atmosphere, themed after one of the most amazing decades in music, TV and culture! We are asking that you come in your best 90s outfits. This is a free event, and free skate rentals will be offered while supplies last. This is definitely an event you don't want to miss. When: Sunday, Aug. 4, 6-10 p.m. Where: Southern Skates Roller Rink, 2939 E. Ledbetter Drive Admission: Free Click here for more details, and to get your tickets This story was created automatically using local event data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


More than 500,000 children could lose their automatic eligibility for free school lunches under the Trump administration's new proposal to restrict broader access to food stamps, according to a letter from the House Education and Labor Committee chairman to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va., wrote in the letter that the committee was briefed on the policy and was given the estimate by the Agriculture Department's Food and Nutrition Service on July 22. (MORE: New Trump administration proposal would cut roughly 3 million people off food stamps) However, the estimate was not included in the public Federal Register when the policy was announced last week. In the letter, Scott argued that the move to not include the potential impact of free school lunches violated procedure -- pointing to an executive order that says the department must provide "for both proposed and final rules, timely online access to the rulemaking docket on regulations.gov , including relevant scientific and technical findings." "The effect on school meal eligibility represents an important technical finding that must be made public so stakeholders have the opportunity to comment on all aspects of the rule's impact," Scott said in the letter. According to committee staff, Agriculture Department officials also said that an estimated 93% of the 500,000 children would be eligible for reduced price meals. The initial announcement for the proposed rule also estimated that roughly 3 million people could be cut from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). USDA'S Food and Nutrition Service said in an email that it "cannot provide additional information during the public comment period," and that "a change in eligibility rules for SNAP, could impact the use of direct certification of SNAP participants for free school meals. However, individual families are able to submit applications for free and reduced priced meals at any time, regardless of SNAP participation." (MORE: In victory for Trump, Supreme Court greenlights military funding for border wall construction) In his letter, Scott asks that Perdue confirm the estimate that the committee staff was briefed on and asks that he "provide and explanation of why the impact on school meal eligibility was not included in the RIA published in the Federal Register." He also asks for the proposed rule in the Federal Register to be edited to include the estimate, and that the 60-day public comment period be restarted.


Read on to discover a carefully-curated list of the best hospitals in the United States that actually care about you. The Best Hospitals in Every State You're no doubt frustrated by healthcare today the insurance plans read like Greek, the bills are sky-high and personalized care? Some doctors are more interested in their next patient than you. However, when your life is on the line, you've got to trust the system. You've got to trust your doctor. You've got to trust your hospital. You've got to find the best. This list has the best. Healthgrades' report on America's Best Hospitals spotlights the 250 institutions that "consistently exhibit exceptional, comprehensive quality care. Simply put," they go on, "patients are more likely to have a successful treatment without major complications and have a lower chance of dying at America's Best Hospitals." The criteria is "based solely on clinical quality outcomes for 32 conditions and procedures" and the result is "the top 5% in the nation for overall clinical excellence" for 2019. Read on to discover a carefully-curated list of hospitals that actually care about you. 1. ALABAMA Unfortunately, no facilities in Alabama met the criteria to be named one of Healthgrades' America's Best Hospitals. However, click here to see which Alabama hospitals have the best-reviewed doctors in the country. 2. ALASKA Like Alabama, no hospital here met the criteria. Read on to discover which did! 3. ARIZONA Banner Baywood Medical Center Mesa, AZ Banner Boswell Medical Center Sun City, AZ Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center Sun City West, AZ Banner Thunderbird Medical Center Glendale, AZ Dignity Health   Chandler Regional Medical Center Chandler, AZ Dignity Health   Mercy Gilbert Medical Center Gilbert, AZ Dignity Health   St. Joseph s Hospital and Medical Center Phoenix, AZ Including: St. Joseph s Westgate Medical Center , Glendale, AZ Mayo Clinic Hospital , Phoenix, AZ 4. ARKANSAS No Arkansas hospitals ranked highly enough to be in the top 250. However, click here to discover which hospitals in Monticello and Benton rank high in patient care. 5. CALIFORNIA Alta Bates Summit Medical Center   Alta Bates Camp Berkeley, CA Alta Bates Summit Medical Center   Summit Oakland, CA Cedars   Sinai Medical Center West Hollywood, CA Eden Medical Center Castro Valley, CA Hoag Hospital Newport Beach Newport Beach, CA John Muir Medical Center   Walnut Creek Walnut Creek, CA Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park Medical Center Baldwin Park, CA Kaiser Permanente Fresno Medical Center Fresno, CA Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center Oakland, CA Including: Kaiser Permanente Richmond Medical Center , Richmond, CA Kaiser Permanente Orange County   Anaheim Medical Center , Anaheim, CA Including: Kaiser Permanente Orange County   Irvine Medical Center , Irvine, CA Kaiser Permanente Redwood City Medical Center , Redwood City, CA Kaiser Permanente Sacramento Medical Center , Sacramento, CA Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center , San Jose, CA Kaiser Permanente San Leandro Medical Center , San Leandro, CA Kaiser Permanente San Rafael Medical Center , San Rafael, CA Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara Medical Center , Santa Clara, CA Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills Medical Center , Woodland Hills, CA Kaweah Delta Medical Center ,Visalia, CA Memorial Medical Center , Modesto, CA Mercy Hospital Of Folsom , Folsom, CA Methodist Hospital of Southern California , Arcadia, CA Mills-Peninsula Medical Center , Burlingame, CA Including: Mills Health Center , San Mateo, CA Mission Hospital   Mission Viejo , Mission Viejo, CA Including: Mission Hospital   Laguna Beach , Laguna Beach, CA Northridge Hospital Medical Center , Northridge, CA Palomar Medical Center Downtown Escondido , Escondido, CA PIH Health Hospital   Whittier , Whittier, CA Providence Holy Cross Medical Center , Mission Hills, CA Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center , Burbank, CA Providence Tarzana Medical Center , Tarzana, CA Queen Of The Valley Medical Center , Napa, CA Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center , Los Angeles, CA Scripps Green Hospital , La Jolla, CA Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas , Encinitas, CA Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla , La Jolla, CA Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego , San Diego, CA Including: Scripps Mercy Hospital Chula Vistam , Chula Vista, CA Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center , Chula Vista, CA St.Jude Medical Center , Fullerton, CA Stanford Hospital and Clinics , Stanford, CA Sutter Roseville Medical Center , Roseville, CA UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica , Santa Monica, CA UCSD Medical Center   Hillcrest , San Diego, CA UCSF Medical Center at Parnassus , San Francisco, CA Including: UCSF Medical Center at Mount Zion , San Francisco, CA 6. COLORADO Good Samaritan Medical Center Lafayette, CO Lutheran Medical Center Wheat Ridge, CO North Colorado Medical Center Greeley, CO Porter Adventist Hospital Denver, CO Poudre Valley Hospital Fort Collins, CO Sky Ridge Medical Center Lone Tree, CO University of Colorado Hospital   Anschutz Inpatient Pavilion Aurora, CO 7. CONNECTICUT Middlesex Hospital Middletown, CT Norwalk Hospital Norwalk, CT St. Francis Hospital & Medical Center Hartford, CT Yale   New Haven Hospital New Haven, CT Including: YNHH Saint Raphael Campus New Haven, CT 8. DELAWARE Christiana Care Health System   Christiana Hospital Newark, DE Including: Wilmington Hospital , Wilmington, DE 9. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Although not a state, Washington D.C. was included in the survey yet no hospitals qualified. 10. FLORIDA AdventHealth Orlando Orlando, FL Including: AdventHealth Altamonte Springs , Altamonte Springs, FL AdventHealth Apopka , Apopka, FL AdventHealth Celebration , Celebration, FL AdventHealth East Orlando , Orlando, FL AdventHealth Kissimmee , Kissimmee, FL AdventHealth Winter Park , Winter Park, FL Cape Coral Hospital Cape Coral, FL Delray Medical Center Delray Beach, FL Flagler Hospital Saint Augustine, FL Gulf Coast Medical Center Fort Myers, FL Kendall Regional Medical Center Miami, FL Lee Memorial Hospital Fort Myers, FL Including: HealthPark Medical Center , Fort Myers, FL Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, FL NCH Downtown Naples Hospital Naples, FL Including: NCH North Naples Hospital , Naples, FL Uf Health Jacksonville Jacksonville, FL 11. GEORGIA Emory University Hospital Atlanta, GA Emory University Hospital Midtown Atlanta, GA Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital Atlanta, GA Piedmont Fayette Hospital Fayetteville, GA Piedmont Hospital Atlanta, GA Piedmont Newnan Hospital Newnan, GA Wellstar Kennestone Hospital Marietta, GA 12. HAWAII Adventist Health Castle Kailua, HI 13. IDAHO St. Luke s Boise Medical Center Boise, ID Including: St. Luke s Meridian Medical Center , Meridian, ID St. Luke s Magic Valley Medical Center Twin Falls, ID 14. ILLINOIS Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital Downers Grove, IL Advocate Lutheran General Hospital Park Ridge, IL Alexian Brothers Medical Center Elk Grove Village, IL Carle Foundation Hospital Urbana, IL Evanston Hospital Evanston, IL Including: Glenbrook Hospital , Glenview, IL Highland Park Hospital , Highland Park, IL Northwest Community Hospital Arlington Heights, IL Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital Geneva, IL Palos Community Hospital Palos Heights, IL Presence Resurrection Medical Center Chicago, IL Riverside Medical Center Kankakee, IL St. Alexius Medical Center Hoffman Estates, IL 15. INDIANA Franciscan Health Lafayette East Lafayette, IN Parkview Regional Medical Center Fort Wayne, IN 16. IOWA Great River Medical Center West Burlington, IA St. Luke's Hospital Cedar Rapids, IA UnityPoint Health   Allen Hospital Waterloo, IA 17. KANSAS Providence Medical Center Kansas City, KS Stormont   Vail Healthcare Topeka, KS The University of Kansas Health System Kansas City, KS 18. KENTUCKY Saint Joseph Hospital Lexington, KY 19. LOUISIANA West Jefferson Medical Center Marrero, LA 20. MAINE Although no hospitals were ranked the best, click here to discover which Farmington, Boothbay Harbor and Damariscotta hospitals scored highly in patient care. 21. MARYLAND Frederick Memorial Hospital Frederick, MD Holy Cross Hospital Silver Spring, MD Howard County General Hospital Columbia, MD Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center Baltimore, MD MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center Baltimore, MD Peninsula Regional Medical Center Salisbury, MD Suburban Hospital Bethesda, MD The Johns Hopkins Hospital Baltimore, MD University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center Towson, MD 22. MASSACHUSETTS Baystate Medical Center Springfield, MA Lahey Hospital and Medical Center Burlington, MA Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford Medford, MA Including: MelroseWakefield Hospital , Melrose, MA Massachusetts General Hospital Boston, MA MetroWest Medical Center   Framingham Union Hospital Framingham, MA Including: Leonard Morse Hospital , Natick, MA Newton   Wellesley Hospital Newton, MA Umass Memorial Medical Center Worcester, MA Including: UMass Memorial Medical Center   Hahnemann , Worcester, MA UMass Memorial Medical Center   Memorial Campus , Worcester, MA 23. MICHIGAN Beaumont Hospital   Royal Oak Campus Royal Oak, MI Beaumont Hospital   Troy Campus Troy, MI Henry Ford Macomb Hospital Clinton Township, MI Michigan Medicine Ann Arbor, MI Providence-Providence Park Hospital, Southfield Campus Southfield, MI Sparrow Hospital Lansing, MI Including: Sparrow Hospital   Saint Lawrence Campus Lansing, MI Spectrum Health Medical Center   Butterworth Hospital Grand Rapids, MI Including: Spectrum Health   Blodgett Hospital , Grand Rapids, MI St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor Ypsilanti, MI 24. MINNESOTA Abbott Northwestern Hospital Minneapolis, MN AllinaHealth   Mercy Hospital Coon Rapids, MN Including: AllinaHealth   Unity Hospital , Fridley, MN Fairview Ridges Hospital Burnsville, MN Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato Mankato, MN Mayo Clinic Hospital   Saint Mary's Campus Rochester, MN Including: Mayo Clinic Methodist Hospital , Rochester, MN Regions Hospital , Saint Paul, MN St. Cloud Hospital , Saint Cloud, MN 25. MISSISSIPPI Mississippi hospitals missed out on ranking high enough for this list, but click here to see which hospitals in Amory and Olive Branch rank well in patient care. 26. MISSOURI Boone Hospital Center Columbia, MO Mercy Hospital St. Louis Saint Louis, MO Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City Kansas City, MO 27. MONTANA Saint Patrick Hospital Missoula, MT St. Vincent Healthcare Billings, MT 28. NEBRASKA Faith Regional Health Services- West Norfolk, NE Including: Faith Regional Health Services   East , Norfolk, NE 29. NEVADA Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center Reno, NV 30. NEW HAMPSHIRE Derry and Portsmouth hospitals ranked high in patient care  click here to see which ones but no New Hampshire hospitals qualified for this list of America's best. 31. NEW JERSEY AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center   Atlantic City Atlantic City, NJ Including: AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center   Mainland , Pomona, NJ Morristown Medical Center Morristown, NJ Overlook Medical Center Summit, NJ Valley Hospital Ridgewood, NJ 32. NEW MEXICO Presbyterian Hospital Albuquerque, NM 33. NEW YORK Lenox Hill Hospital New York, NY NYU Langone Medical Center New York, NY NYU Winthrop Hospital Mineola, NY Orange Regional Medical Center Middletown, NY Rochester General Hospital Rochester, NY Stony Brook University Hospital Stony Brook, NY Vassar Brothers Medical Center Poughkeepsie, NY 34. NORTH CAROLINA Carolinas Healthcare System Cleveland Shelby, NC Carolinas Medical Center   Mercy Charlotte, NC Carolinas Medical Center   Northeast Concord, NC Duke Regional Hospital Durham, NC Mission Health Asheville, NC Novant Health Matthews Medical Center Matthews, NC Pardee UNC Healthcare Hendersonville, NC The Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital Greensboro, NC Including: Annie Penn Hospital , Reidsville, NC Cone Health   Women s Hospital , Greensboro, NC Cone Health Wesley Long Hospital , Greensboro, NC Vidant Medical Center Greenville, NC Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center Winston Salem, NC Including: Davie Medical Center , Bermuda Run, NC Davie Medical Center   Mocksville , Mocksville, NC 35. NORTH DAKOTA No North Dakota hospital made the Healthgrades list, but click here to see which Fargo hospital ranked high in patient care. 36. OHIO Adena Regional Medical Center Chillicothe, OH Atrium Medical Center Middletown, OH Bethesda North Hospital Cincinnati, OH Blanchard Valley Hospital Findlay, OH Christ Hospital Cincinnati, OH Cleveland Clinic Cleveland, OH Fort Hamilton Hughes Memorial Hospital Hamilton, OH Mercy Health   Fairfield Hospital Fairfield, OH Mercy Health-West Hospital Cincinnati, OH Miami Valley Hospital Dayton, OH Mount Carmel St. Anns Westerville, OH ProMedica Flower Hospital Sylvania, OH ProMedica Toledo Hospital Toledo, OH Riverside Methodist Hospital Columbus, OH Saint Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital Youngstown, OH Saint Rita s Medical Center Lima, OH St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital Boardman, OH Summa Akron City Hospital Akron, OH The Jewish Hospital Cincinnati, OH The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Columbus, OH Including: The Ohio State University Hospital East , Columbus, OH University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center Cleveland, OH University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center Elyria, OH West Chester Hospital West Chester, OH 37. OKLAHOMA Mercy Health Center Oklahoma City, OK 38. OREGON Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center Clackamas, OR Providence Portland Medical Center Portland, OR Providence St. Vincent Medical Center Portland, OR Salem Hospital Salem, OR 39. PENNSYLVANIA Bryn Mawr Hospital Bryn Mawr, PA Chambersburg Hospital Chambersburg, PA Chester County Hospital West Chester, PA Jeanes Hospital Philadelphia, PA Jefferson Torresdale Hospital Philadelphia, PA Including: Jefferson Bucks Hospital , Langhorne, PA Jefferson Frankford Hospital , Philadelphia, PA Lancaster General Hospital Lancaster, PA Lankenau Medical Center Wynnewood, PA Milton S. Hershey Medical Center Hershey, PA Paoli Hospital Paoli, PA PinnacleHealth Harrisburg Hospital Harrisburg, PA Including: PinnacleHealth Community General Osteopathic Hospital , Harrisburg, PA Reading Hospital West Reading, PA Riddle Memorial Hospital Media, PA St. Luke s Hospital   Bethlehem Campus Bethlehem, PA Including: St. Luke s Hospital   Allentown Campus , Allentown, PA Temple University Hospital Philadelphia, PA Including: Temple University Hospital   Episcopal , Philadelphia, PA Thomas Jefferson University Hospital Jefferson Health Philadelphia, PA Including: Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience Jefferson Health , Philadelphia, PA Jefferson Methodist Hospital , Philadelphia, PA 40. RHODE ISLAND Kent Hospital Warwick, RI Miriam Hospital Providence, RI Rhode Island Hospital Providence, RI 41. SOUTH CAROLINA Bon Secours St. Francis Health System   St. Francis   Downtown Greenville, SC Including: Bon Secours St. Francis Health System   St. Francis   Eastside , Greenville, SC Musc Medical Center Charleston, SC Roper Hospital Charleston, SC 42. SOUTH DAKOTA Sanford USD Medical Center Sioux Falls, SD 43. TENNESSEE Indian Path Medical Center Kingsport, TN 44. TEXAS Hendrick Medical Center Abilene, TX Houston Methodist Hospital Houston, TX Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth Fort Worth, TX Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Southwest Fort Worth Fort Worth, TX William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital Dallas, TX 45. UTAH University of Utah Hospital Salt Lake City, UT Including: University Orthopaedic Center , Salt Lake City, UT 46. VERMONT University Of Vermont Medical Center Burlington, VT 47. VIRGINIA Augusta Health Fishersville, VA Bon Secours   Memorial Regional Medical Center Mechanicsville, VA Bon Secours   St. Francis Medical Center Midlothian, VA Centra Lynchburg General Hospital Lynchburg, VA Henrico Doctors  Hospital Richmond, VA Including: Parham Doctors  Hospital , Richmond, VA Retreat Doctors  Hospital , Richmond, VA Inova Fair Oaks Hospital Fairfax, VA Inova Fairfax Hospital Falls Church, VA Inova Loudoun Hospital Leesburg, VA Sentara Careplex Hospital Hampton, VA Sentara Leigh Hospital Norfolk, VA Sentara Obici Hospital Suffolk, VA Sentara Princess Anne Hospital Virginia Beach, VA Sentara Rmh Medical Center Harrisonburg, VA Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital Virginia Beach, VA 48. WASHINGTON EvergreenHealth Medical Center   Kirkland Kirkland, WA Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center Vancouver, WA Swedish Medical Center   Edmonds Campus Edmonds, WA Swedish Medical Center   First Hill Campus Seattle, WA Including: Swedish Medical Center   Ballard Campus , Seattle, WA Valley Medical Center Renton, WA Virginia Mason Medical Center Seattle, WA 49. WEST VIRGINIA Cabell Huntington Hospital Huntington, WV 50. WISCONSIN Bellin Memorial Hospital Green Bay, WI Columbia Saint Mary s Hospital Milwaukee Milwaukee, WI Including: Columbia St Mary s Hospital Milwaukee , Milwaukee, WI Columbia St. Mary s Hospital Ozaukee Mequon, WI Froedtert Community Memorial Hospital Menomonee Falls, WI Froedtert Health   Froedtert Hospital Milwaukee, WI Meriter Hospital Madison, WI Saint Mary s Hospital Madison, WI 51. WYOMING Cheyenne Regional Medical Center Cheyenne, WY


A woman who survived 17 days in a forest in Hawaii after she got lost while hiking says she was irresponsible for going into the woods unprepared. "It was naïve and irresponsible of me to go out into the woods the way that I did," Amanda Eller, 35, said in a Facebook video Friday. Her response comes amid criticism for her comments comparing her hike last month to a spiritual journey. She acknowledged her words may have "bypassed" the details of what really happened. "This was never intentional, and I didn't set out that day on a spiritual journey. I set out that day to go through a simple hike through the woods," she said. Eller has said she set out on a hike to the Makawao Forest Reserve in Maui to connect with nature and get grounded. She rarely went to that park and hadn't been in months. The physical therapist figured she'd go for a 3-mile hike and spend a couple of hours in the woods. "I don't really know what happened," she said told reporters Tuesday. "All I can say is that ... I have strong sense of internal guidance, whatever you want to call that -- a voice, spirit, everybody has a different name for it." She said it turned out to be not nearly as strong when after meditating on a log she wanted to go back to her car. She tried one path and it didn't get her back to her car. She tried another and realized she wasn't on a human path; she was on a boar path. "At that point I had no choice because everything looked the same. I said, 'The only thing I have is my gut. I don't have a compass. I don't have a cell phone,'" she said. "'So, spirit,' or whatever you want to pray to, I said, 'I need your help right now.'" She said she listened to her sense of guidance, which instead of taking her back to her car, took her on a 5-mile journey, one she called a "spiritual boot camp." She spent 17 days in the woods trying to stay alive and catch the attention of searchers in helicopters. Rescuers found her on May 24 after more than two weeks in the wilderness. She spent two days in a Maui hospital being treated for severe sunburn, a twisted knee and ankle problems before she went home Monday night. Eller thinks the days she spent alone in the woods, surviving on berries and stream water , is part of something bigger, something that has been changing her life since she moved to Maui four years ago.


The International Court of Justice will decide Wednesday on India's bid to remove an alleged spy from death row in Pakistan, in a case that has stoked tensions between the South Asian rivals. Kulbhushan Sudhir Jadhav, a former Indian navy officer, was arrested in Pakistan's restive southwestern province of Baluchistan in March 2016 on charges of espionage. The 48-year-old was then sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court in 2017, sparking outrage in India. The Hague-based ICJ, which is the UN's top court, said it "will deliver, on Wednesday 17 July 2019, its Judgment in the Jadhav case (India v. Pakistan)" at 1300 GMT. India insists that Jadhav was not a spy and says he was kidnapped in Pakistan. New Delhi is asking the ICJ to order Islamabad to annul the sentence. India's lawyers told the court in February that it was a "farcical case" based on "malicious propaganda", while Pakistan's lawyers hit back by accusing Jadhav of "terrorism". The last hearing coincided with a sharp spike in tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours after a suicide bombing in restive Kashmir, although relations have since improved. The ICJ was set up in 1946 to rule in disputes between countries. The court has already intervened previously in the case, issuing an urgent order in 2017 telling Pakistan to stay Jadhav's execution while it dealt with the issue in more detail. 'Espionage, sabotage and terrorism' Jadhav was accused of working for the Indian intelligence services in Baluchistan, a province bordering Afghanistan, where Islamabad has long accused India of backing separatist rebels. In February Pakistan's attorney general told the ICJ that Jadhav's "unlawful activities were directed at creating anarchy in Pakistan and particularly targeted the China-Pakistan corridor." China and Pakistan are close allies and Beijing has funded a huge port at Gwadar on the Baluchistan coast. After a closed trial he was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on April 10, 2017, on charges of "espionage, sabotage and terrorism". New Delhi alleges that Islamabad violated the Vienna Convention by failing to provide him with consular access, as well as breaking human rights law. India has also accused Pakistan of harassing Jadhav's family in 2017 during a meeting that was held in an "atmosphere of coercion". It said Jadhav's conversation with his mother and wife was "tutored and designed to perpetuate the false narrative of his alleged activities in Pakistan." The two neighbours routinely accuse one another of sending spies into their countries. Jadhav joined India's prestigious National Defence Academy in 1987 and was commissioned as an engineer in the Indian Navy in 1991 before reportedly starting a business in Iran.


It's the largest gathering of LGBTQ+ people in the nation and an excellent anchor for a trip to the Bay Area. San Francisco Pride runs June 29 and 30 this year, in the heart of the city. Beyond the centerpiece parade   1.5 miles down Market Street from Embarcadero to Civic Center on June 30   the festival offers two days of speakers and performers designed to inspire and entertain. Nearly two dozen community stages and spaces scattered around town invite you to explore the city over the weekend. Fortunately, there are plenty of relatively inexpensive flights between Philadelphia and San Francisco on travel site Skyscanner . Here's a list of flights, hotels, restaurants and local attractions in San Francisco to get you started. (Prices and availability are current as of publication and subject to change.) Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in the articles may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. Flight deals to San Francisco The cheapest flights between Philadelphia and San Francisco are if you leave on June 26 and return from California on June 30. American Airlines currently has roundtrip, nonstop tickets for $438. There are also deals to be had later in June. If you fly out of Philadelphia on June 28 and return from San Francisco on June 30, American Airlines can get you there and back for $484 roundtrip. Top San Francisco accommodations Regarding where to stay, here are some of San Francisco's top-rated hotels, that we selected from Skyscanner's listings based on price and customer satisfaction. The Fairmont San Francisco (950 Mason St.) If you're looking to treat yourself, consider The Fairmont San Francisco . The hotel has a 4.6-star rating on Skyscanner, and rooms are currently available for $186. This Nob Hill hotel is close to Grace Cathedral, while within easy walking distance to Union Square shops and restaurants. Additional attractions include Chinatown, easily accessible by foot or via the California Cable Car line that runs just out front. The Buchanan (1800 Sutter St.) If you're looking for an inexpensive place to stay, there's The Buchanan , which has rooms for $92/night. "Located in Japantown next to a bunch of great little shops. ... Clean rooms, great amenities and the world's most comfortable bed," wrote visitor Jamie. The Hotel Vertigo (940 Sutter St.) A third option is The Hotel Vertigo . The 4.8-star hotel has rooms for $99/night. "This hotel is one of the trendiest in San Francisco that I've seen. It manages to pay homage to Alfred Hitchcock's classic film 'Vertigo', without coming across as kitschy," wrote reviewer Kate. "Several scenes from the movie were actually filmed here, so its credibility is real!" Featured San Francisco restaurants Don't miss San Francisco's food scene, with plenty of popular spots to get your fill of local cuisine. Here are a few of the top-rated eateries from Skyscanner's listings. Bi-Rite Creamery (3692 18th St.) First things first: dessert. For a popular option, check out Bi-Rite Creamery , which has an average of 4.7 stars out of 188 reviews on Skyscanner. The creamery uses Straus Family Farms organic dairy in its ice cream and strives to create unique and exciting flavors. "They attract loads of customers from the nearby Dolores Park social scene ... In this foodie city the locals are still willing to wait for an hour or more to get a scoop of Earl Grey, lavender honey, black sesame, malted vanilla and my favorite, salted caramel," wrote visitor Tracy. "If the line is daunting, try the shorter line that serves soft serve only." Gary Danko (800 N. Point St.) One of San Francisco's most popular restaurants is Gary Danko , with 4.8 stars from 61 reviews. The award-winning restaurant has consistently received a five-star Mobil rating and reviewers continue to extol its delights. "One of the top restaurants in the city," wrote Albert. "I've been here a few times and their menu is extremely well done. If you do the five-course, please get ready to eat a feast. Cocktails are a must. Reasonably priced, very kind staff and amazing aura." Nopa (560 Divisadero St.) Finally, there's Nopa , a San Francisco gathering place north of the Panhandle, that serves urban rustic food and specializes in organic wood-fired cuisine. "Hip restaurant serving gourmet comfort food," wrote diner Travis. Featured San Francisco attractions San Francisco is also full of sites to visit and explore. Here are some popular attractions to round out your trip, again from Skyscanner's listings. Golden Gate Bridge First up is the 1.7-mile Golden Gate Bridge , which opened in 1937. The name doesn't come from its color, but because the Golden Gate Strait is the entrance to the San Francisco Bay from the Pacific Ocean. The bridge is painted "international orange." "An amazing feature of modern engineering, the space surrounding the Golden Gate Bridge could not be more beautiful," wrote visitor Anna. "We went at sunset to catch the views and I was blown away with how impressive the bridge itself was." Golden Gate Park (Stanyan and Haight streets) The 1,000-acre Golden Gate Park is another popular destination. You'll find serenity with a myriad of attractions   art museums, a Japanese tea garden, a Shakespeare garden, even a buffalo paddock. You can also take part in activities such as hiking, riding horseback, archery or feeding the ducks at one of three ponds. "This is a scenic, tranquil place to go," wrote visitor Irene. "It is so calm here and a great escape from the busy city streets. There are lots of native plants here and birds to view. Nearby are several museums and the iconic bridge." California Academy of Sciences (55 Music Concourse Drive) Lastly, spend some time at the California Academy of Sciences , a research and natural history museum located in Golden Gate Park. Designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, the academy's roof is made of grass and sculpted to look like the park's rolling hills have been lifted up and the academy slipped underneath. Beneath the roof, the building houses a full-scale aquarium, a natural history museum and a planetarium. Great for kids, there is enough to see here for a full day. This story was created automatically using flight, hotel, and local attractions data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


Suspended Newton Judge Shelley Richmond Joseph turned down a deal that would have allowed her to avoid prosecution   and possibly preserve her career   if she admitted that she illegally helped an undocumented immigrant elude arrest by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent , according to several people briefed on the federal prosecutor's offer. US Attorney Andrew Lelling had offered Joseph a "deferred prosecution agreement" under which she would not have been indicted and, in a year, as long as she didn't repeat the conduct, prosecutors would abandon the obstruction of justice charges, according to the people familiar with the deal. But Joseph refused to admit she violated federal law and now faces the possibility of up to 20 years in prison if convicted of obstruction of justice. "Our client has pleaded not guilty because she is not guilty," said Joseph's lawyer, Thomas Hoopes. The US Attorney's office declined to comment on the plea offer, which legal experts say is extremely rare. Opinions on whether Joseph should have accepted the deal varied depending on a person's view of the original indictment. Just a few months after Governor Charlie Baker appointed her as a district court judge in the fall of 2017, Joseph was thrust into a national debate over illegal immigration when she allegedly helped an undocumented immigrant duck out a back door of the courthouse to elude an ICE agent who was waiting for him. Joseph, 51, who has been on unpaid suspension since her indictment in April , has been defended by retired judges and Attorney General Maura Healey, who accused Lelling of prosecutorial overreach, while others criticized Joseph, saying her job is to enforce the law, not help others violate it. If Joseph had accepted the deal, it is unclear if she could have kept her job as a judge or her license to practice law, according to state law. The Massachusetts Commission on Judicial Conduct could recommend the Supreme Judicial Court impose sanctions including suspension or private or public reprimand. However, even the SJC cannot force a judge to step down. Only the Legislature and governor can force a judge off the bench, either though a bill calling for the judge's removal that must be signed by the governor and the Governor's Council, or through an impeachment trial before the Senate. Martin W. Healy, chief legal counsel and chief operation officer for the Massachusetts Bar Association, a lawyers lobbying group, believes Joseph would have put her legal career in jeopardy had she accepted the plea deal. "Though at first it might appear to be an attractive offer, upon reflection it could present some very serious and harsh consequences down the line," said Healy, whose group has expressed concern about the indictment. The Commission on Judicial Conduct could recommend removing her from the bench, he said, an action that would likely trigger a review of her alleged conduct by the state Board of Bar Overseers. "There is a great likelihood that she could lose her ability to practice law" had she accepted the deal, Healy said. But former Massachusetts US Attorney Michael J. Sullivan, who has said Lelling made the right call in charging Joseph, said the judge should have agreed to the offer. "Based on the facts, that was an extremely generous offer on the part of the government," he said. "I'm shocked she didn't take it. She would have avoided an indictment. She would have avoided a trial. She would have avoided the potential of being found guilty." The offer also undercuts the notion that Lelling was determined to incarcerate a sitting judge for political reasons, Sullivan said. "Anybody who knows Andrew Lelling or has had the opportunity to work with Andrew Lelling knows he's not a zealot," Sullivan said. "He's always approached matters in a fair and balanced way." Retired Supreme Judicial Court Justice Geraldine Hines, who has been critical of the indictment, said she understood why Joseph would turn down such a deal. "The fact that she denied it makes sense to me if her position is that the indictment is not true," Hines said. "Just like any other defendant who would say, 'Well yeah, that's nice of you to want to offer me a plea but I'm not guilty.'" The near-unprecedented nature of the case   a sitting judge indicted for criminal behavior   makes it unclear if Joseph would loose her job as a judge or even her law license, Hines said. The last time a Massachusetts judge was criminally sentenced was in 1787 when Judge William Whiting was found guilty of seditious libel for defending the farmers who led Shays Rebellion. He was sentenced to seven months in jail and lost his judgeship. "If [Joseph] admitted that she committed acts which would be criminal, I think that would open her up to impeachment or the [Commission on Judicial Conduct] could take action against her," Hines said. "This is extraordinary so I don't know that anybody has a script that they can follow on this." Short of impeachment, court officials can also put pressure on judges to step down. Last year, Pittsfield judge Thomas H. Estes resigned after the state's highest court assigned him to paid administrative duties following his admission that he had sex with a clinician who worked in his court. Last month, a federal grand jury in Boston indicted Joseph on obstruction of justice charges for allegedly helping Jose Medina-Perez, a Domincan national who had entered the country illegally three times, flee from the courthouse last year. Wesley MacGregor, a retired court officer who allegedly helped the defendant sneak out, was also indicted   charged with lying to the grand jury investigating the incident. The unusual charge against a sitting judge infuriated immigration advocates and attorneys, who called it "politically motivated," but it was praised by supporters of tougher immigration laws. "This case is not about immigration," Lelling said at a news conference. "It is about the rule of law. . . . This case is not intended as a policy statement, at least not beyond making the point that the laws have to apply equally even if you're a state court judge." Andrea Estes can be reached at andrea.estes@globe.com . Maria Cramer can be reached at maria.cramer@globe.com . Shelley Murphy can be reached at shelley.murphy@globe.com .


To protect your skin you should visit your dermatologist at least once a year. But what to ask them? The Remedy compiled a list of 15 key questions to ask. 15 Questions You Should Be Asking Your Dermatologist You probably don't think about it this way, but your skin is the largest organ of your body. Yes, the largest organ and that organ is your first line of defense against chemicals, UV radiation, viruses, bacteria, and more. As a result, it's also quite vulnerable. Seemingly trivial things like water, bug bites, and sweat can have quite an impact on your skin health like rashes and not-so-fun fungal infections not to mention things you know are serious issues, like sunburns and skin cancer. To protect your skin, and yourself, make a yearly pilgrimage (at minimum) to your dermatologist to make sure your 'derma' is in tip-top shape. But what to ask them? The Remedy talked to the country's top derms to compile a list of 15 key questions. Do so, and sweat no more! 1. What types of skin cancer am I most likely to get? Different ethnicities are at higher risk for different skin cancers. Latinos, Chinese, Japanese, and Caucasians tend to develop basal cell carcinoma  the most common type of skin cancer. The second most common  squamous cell carcinoma  is more common among African Americans and Asians from India. Melanoma  the deadliest form of skin cancer, is uncommon among African Americans, Latinos, and Asians but have a greater tendency to show advanced disease at the time of diagnosis than Caucasians. Sadly, melanoma, while rarer for these groups, is often more fatal. The Remedy Rx: Worried you might have something? Pay attention to your ABCDEs. Consider it a warning sign if you have a mole that is: Asymmetric , has an irregular B order, C olor that is not uniform, a D iameter larger than a pencil eraser, or has E volved in terms of size, shape, color. 2. Are there any changes in my moles, beauty marks, spots? You're getting sun exposure even when you don't think you are. Cloudy days? Check. Snowy winter day? Check. Rainy spring day? Yes! UVA and UVB rays never rest, so it's essential that you stay on top of any sun spots or moles that look suspicious. It's important to be checked yearly to monitor any potential abnormalities particularly because some skin cancers are not as directly related to UV ray exposure. In fact, in darker-skinned people are more susceptible to acral lentiginous melanoma, an especially virulent form of melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer) that typically appears on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. Bob Marley died from this type of melanoma when he was only 36 years old. The Remedy Rx: As soon as you notice something strange, be it a spot, dot, mole, or bump, hightail it to the dermatologist to have them check it out. And make yearly visits even if you don't have something odd. Early detection matters. 3. What is this bump/mark/nodule that won't go away? Not a perfect rule of thumb, but bug bites and pimples generally go away within a month, whereas more serious conditions like basal cell carcinoma won't. An itchy spot that won't go away could be ringworm (no worm involved!) a common fungal infection, that's easily treated. Other skin disorders, like eczema or rosacea, while not curable, can be very well managed. The Remedy Rx: If you have a bump/mark/nodule that doesn't go away within a month: make an appointment with your dermatologist and get it checked out. If you have a condition like ringworm, it could be contagious not a gift you'd want to pass on! 4. What's the best way for me to keep an eye on moles at home? People of all ethnicities should do a monthly skin self-exam. Here's what you want to look for: Lesions that bleed, ooze or crust, don't heal or last longer than a month may indicate basal cell carcinoma. Growths or non-healing sores, and ulcerated sores next to areas of previous physical trauma, inflammation, or scars especially if on the legs may indicate squamous cell carcinoma. Remember your ABCDEs  we can't recommend this enough, it just might save your life or the life of someone you love. The Remedy Rx: Any of these warning signs warrant a visit to the dermatologist. Skin cancer can be very successfully treated but is most curable when detected early! 5. How do I get enough Vitamin D while still being sun-safe? There's a good reason why vitamin D is known as the "sunshine vitamin." This crucial vitamin is made when the cholesterol in your skin is exposed to sunlight, which is why getting enough sunlight is key for keeping optimal vitamin D levels in your body. Essential for maintaining strong bones, vitamin D instructs the cells in our guts to absorb calcium and phosphorus two of the most critical minerals for keeping our bones healthy. Mounting evidence indicates that several chronic diseases, including cardiovascular conditions and cancer, are linked to vitamin D deficiency according to the NIH . And it's estimated that at least 40% of American adults are deficient in vitamin D. (And no, you can't eat it. There are only a few types of food that contain any significant amounts of vitamin D which is why getting sun is so important.) The most natural and efficient way for your body to make vitamin D is via sunshine-on-skin, though taking supplements can help, too. According to the Vitamin Council , Vitamin D3 is the best kind form of vitamin D supplementation to take. So what's the best way to get enough sunlight for optimal vitamin D production while still be sun-safe? Numerous studies show that midday is the best time to get vitamin D. The sun is at its highest point, and your body likely manufactures vitamin D most efficiently at that time. But talk to your doctor about what the smartest sun-safe vitamin D plan is for you there may be other factors to consider. The Remedy Rx: It has been suggested by some vitamin D researchers that to maintain healthy vitamin D levels, you should expose a good amount of skin (think shorts and tank top, or less…) to sunlight, without any sunscreen on, for 5-30 minutes at least twice a week if you are lighter-skinned; those with darker skin may need longer. 6. What are your favorite non-toxic sunscreens? Ready to hit the beach, you pop into the drugstore to grab a quick bottle of sunscreen, only to confront a daunting wall of sun protection products. We've all been there, standing for a long time brow furrowed as you pick up bottle after bottle, trying to suss out which might be best for you. So, which one to buy? Not all sunscreens are created equal. It's smart to talk to your derm about which one is the best for you. But before you show up for your appointment, do a little research. Conventional chemical sunscreens are chock full of potentially toxic chemicals like oxybenzone, octinoxate (octylmethoxycinnamate), homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, and avobenzone many of which are hormone and endocrine disruptors which mimic the hormones our bodies produce. They can interfere with everything from fertility to our reproductive system to our metabolism and are particularly bad for little ones whose systems are still developing. Smaller amounts can have a more significant negative impact on kids. So what's the safest sunscreen? Mineral sunscreens, which use zinc or titanium dioxide, physically block UVA and UVB rays by sitting on top of the skin, whereas more dangerous chemical sunscreens actually absorb the rays. The Remedy Rx: Finding the right mineral sunscreen can take some trial and error. Some can be thick and leave a chalky white residue behind. And if you have sensitive skin, a smart pro-tip is to look for bottles labeled for kids! 7. How much sunscreen should I actually be putting on? More than you think. Think shot glass: in order to really cover your whole body, you want to put on an ounce or so of sunscreen. And for the face? Think fingertip: you want 3 to 5 grams of sunscreen for optimal face coverage. And a word to the wise: don't forget to apply to the chest liberally, the scene of much sun damage (freckles, sun spots, and lines, oh my!) on so many people. Yes, it's more than you're likely used to, which is why it's essential for us to share. Talk to your dermatologist about what's right for you. The Remedy Rx: While a high SPF number may make you feel more protected, the Environmental Working Group makes the point that it's actually far better to apply a lower SPF sunscreen properly, than a higher SPF one lackadaisically. 8. Do people with dark skin still need sunscreen? Think having darker skin means you don't have to worry about sun protection? Think again. People of all skin tones need sunscreen. Darker skinned people naturally produce more melanin, which is the pigment that gives skin, hair, and eyes their color. And it's true that the more melanin you have, the fewer UV rays penetrate your skin… but so is this: skin cancer and photoaging don't discriminate. "People who have dark skin tones often believe they're not at risk for skin cancer, but that is a dangerous misconception," says dermatologist Maritza I. Perez, MD, a senior vice president of The Skin Cancer Foundation . In fact, while the incidence of melanoma is higher among light-skinned people, a July 2016 study showed it is more deadly in people of color. The Remedy Rx: What type of sunscreen is best for those with darker skin? That's the million dollar question. Creams with physical sun blockers like zinc will look very white and ashy on darker skin tones. Not ideal. But we found one we like called "Unseen Sunscreen" made by SuperGoop, an SPF 40 unisex product that goes on clear and feels like a skin primer since it smooths and mattifies. Ask your doctor if it might be right for you. 9. Where do you see signs of sun damage? You are likely well aware of some of the damage done from not-so-protected days at the beach (hello, sun spots!) but skin cancer can appear in areas that don't often see the light of day. Think buttocks, groin, under fingernails, your scalp, on the bottoms of your feet… So it makes sense to have a dermatologist check you out quite literally, from head to toe. The Remedy Rx: Total body scans are just that be prepared to get into your birthday suit so that your doctor can make sure you don't have anything that's cause for concern. We want you to know what to expect so that you can be as comfortable going in as possible. 10. Can I go in the sun when taking this prescription? Excited for summer and sunshine? Find out before you hit the beach if one of your medications could make you much more sensitive to sunlight, and cause you to burn more easily, a reaction known as photosensitivity. If you are on a drug that causes photosensitivity, beware: even a little sun exposure could give you a mean burn. The Remedy Rx: While your dermatologist is likely sun-cautious to begin with it's essential to share all medications you are on to see if any of them might cause a reaction. 11. Should I use a water filter for my shower? As we mentioned before, your skin is the largest organ of your body. Yes, the largest organ which is why chemicals absorbed through the skin can enter the bloodstream quickly and impact our bodies. Unfiltered shower water can contain myriad chemicals, like chlorine, as well as some less-than-lovely bacteria and fungus from your shower head. And shocker: showering in chlorinated water may lead to more chlorine absorption than from drinking. In fact, a recent NIH study reports that you also have a higher lifetime risk of cancer and other health problems from bathing or showering in chlorinated water than from drinking it. When selecting a filter, talk to your dermatologist to see what substances have been found in your area's water supply. Pick your shower filter accordingly to remove or reduce those specific contaminants. The Remedy Rx: Look at the Environmental Working Group's zip code by zip code tap-water database to learn more about the water in your area, and check out this comprehensive shopping guide for filters ! 12. Is my diet affecting my skin? You know the adage: you are what you eat. And this is as true for our skin as it is for our bodies. Sort of. Not enough research has been done yet to draw a definitive connection between particular foods and skin health, but this much is well known: a diet that keeps you healthy inside helps keep you looking good on the outside, and vice versa: if you eat poorly it will show up on your skin. Another simple rule of thumb: drink lots of water. Dehydrated skin can be dry, itchy, and dull looking and overall tone and complexion may appear uneven, with fine lines more noticeable. The Remedy Rx: You can read about myriad food tips for your skin  from not overindulging on greasy foods like fries, to cutting out dairy products, or limiting sugar. These will work for some but not others. If you think your diet is affecting your skin, make an appointment with a derm and a nutritionist to see what's right for you! 13. What ingredients in skin products do I want to stay away from? The United States is a country that regulates more or less everything, except for the personal care industry. Many potentially toxic chemicals abound in our beauty products. But there are things you can do to avoid these ingredients and choose products that are not harmful to your health. Look your products up on Skin Deep , a searchable database of 'toxicity' in beauty products, and talk to your doctor about the top ingredients to watch out for in your products. The Remedy Rx: If we had to pick one ingredient we want you to look out for, it's paraben. BreastCancer.org reports that this common preservative used in foundations, body moisturizers, anti-aging creams, shaving cream/gels, shampoos, conditioners, and more help prevent bacterial growth from forming. But parabens can act as endocrine disruptors by mimicking estrogen, which is of particular concern because excess estrogen can are linked to breast cancer. To be safe, be paraben-free . Check out this great guide to paraben-free, non-toxic beauty, and personal product options from Breast Cancer Action, it will help you make the healthiest choices. 14. Is it OK for me to pop a pimple? With acne affecting up to 50 million Americans a year, according to the American Dermatology Association , this is a question we all have. And when it comes to zits, Murphy's Law is always in play: the more important the event, it seems, the more likely we are to get a pimple. And there it is, just begging to be popped. But should you do it? No, according to dermatologists. Why? While it may feel good to pop it, a lot can go wrong when we start picking at our face. We may squeeze before it's ready, driving the pus deeper into our skin which just exacerbates things causing more inflammation, or we might make a bigger wound that may take longer to heal than the original blemish. Some pimples are more ready to be popped than others. Talk to your doctor to see when you might be able to do some self-intervention, and when you should hold back. The Remedy Rx: If you just have to pop that pimple check out the directions from board-certified dermatologist Meghan Feely, MD, FAAD, who practices in private practice in both New York and New Jersey, and is also an attending physician at Mount Sinai's department of dermatology, as shared by the ADA. Better guided than marred! 15. What treatments would work for my skin? Everybody's skin is different, so what worked for your best friend, may not be the best option for you. One treatment may be amazing for your brother, mother, or colleague, while another will get you the results you want. It's essential to go into the dermatologist's office and share what your skin care concerns are, as opposed to rattling off a list of things you've heard about. The Remedy Rx: Find a doctor you feel comfortable with. A good dermatologist will carefully listen to your concerns and will make cautious and mindful recommendations that work for you.


The number of crime incidents in Pittsburgh saw an overall decrease last week, for the second week in a row, according to data from SpotCrime , which collects data from police agencies and validated sources. Incidents fell to 853 for the week of April 22, down from 919 the week before. The specific offenses that decreased the most were burglary and shootings. Burglary fell to 15 incidents last week, from 27 the week before. Shootings went from 14 to 11. There were 182 reported assault incidents last week. That represents a steady state from the previous week. There were also 35 incidents of vandalism. Among the few types of offenses that saw an uptick last week, reports of theft went from 108 to 141, and robbery rose from five to 14. There were 455 reports of "other" crimes, a decrease of 93 from the previous week. SpotCrime's broad "other" category includes a variety of offenses like fraud, trespassing, public disturbance and traffic violations. Of those incidents, 348 involved arrests, such as for drug possession, down from 438 reported arrests the week before. Looking at crime patterns in different areas of the city, Southside Flats, Homewood North and Carrick had the most reported incidents last week. Reports of crime decreased last week in Homewood South, Central Business District and Marshall-Shadeland. Perry South saw the largest decline. Crime reports in Hazelwood also fell, after increasing the week before, and incidents in Manchester are down considerably as well. Regarding when most crimes are committed, Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays witnessed the most reported crimes last week. The largest decrease from the previous week occurred on Thursdays, Fridays and Tuesdays, while incidents on Sundays and Mondays went up. Comparing times of day, evening, late afternoon and after midnight continue to see the most crime incidents. To report a crime in progress or life-threatening emergency, call 911. To report a non-urgent crime or complaint, contact your local police department. Head to SpotCrime to get free local crime alerts in your area. This story was created automatically using local crime data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about our data sources and local crime methodology. Got thoughts about what we're doing? Go here to share your feedback.


The debate has been raging for the past week or so: Are the Golden State Warriors better without Kevin Durant? Durant suffered a calf strain in Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals series with the Houston Rockets and the Warriors have gone 5-0 since, including a clean sweep of the Portland Trail Blazers in the Western Conference Finals. Their success then triggered a raging debate of whether the Warriors actually need Durant (or not). The answer, obviously, is "no." The Warriors are not better without arguably the best player in the game. That's just a silly thought. Fox Sports 1's Chris Broussard offers up an interesting suggestion for Durant: Here's the crux of the matter. If they win a title without him, it's not that they are better, you just don't need him. There's never been a player in the NBA of Kevin Durant's ability. Guys in his ilk, [Larry] Bird, Magic [Johnson], [Michael] Jordan, LeBron [James], [Tim] Duncan, Hakeem [Olajuwon], whoever, they all were needed by their teams. None of those teams could have won championships for long stretches without those guys. That's what people are challenging KD to do. … You're of that ilk, go somewhere where you're needed and win a championship. Broussard makes somewhat of a good point. People love seeing a guy do it "on his own" in a sense that a team wins a championship centered around one superstar with a good supporting cast. Kind of how Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks won their championship in 2011. It's essentially a challenge to Durant to leave and go win a title on a lesser team and be a leader in a sense. In the long run, however, it would make more sense to stay with the Warriors and continue to add to the dynasty he helped build. MORE: Draymond Green to LeBron James' 14-Year-Old Son: "I'm at Your F--king Neck This Summer" Kyle Busch was so frustrated during Coke 600 that he told Joe Gibbs he quit Four potential Khris Middleton landing spots in free agency Report: The Celtics are no longer the favorites to sign Kyrie Irving Richie Incognito signing points to more power football for Raiders


We are one year away from the Opening Ceremony for 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. As such, let's take a look at the current International Golf Federation Olympic Rankings for both the men's and women's competitions. The rankings are based on a two-year qualifying window that will end for the men on July 22, 2020 and for the women on July 29, 2020. The ranking will change over the next year as players accumulate and forfeit points, but here's an overview of what the ranking looks like today. With all players in the top 15 automatically qualified, the United States men and women would both be able to send the maximum contingent of four players. Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Tiger Woods and Bryson DeChambeau are currently in line to represent the American men, while Lexi Thompson, Nelly Korda, Danielle Kang and Jessica Korda are currently in line to represent the American women. The only other group in line to hit the four-player max is the South Korean women's contingent, currently consisting of Sung Hyun Park, Jin-Young Ko, Jeongeun Leee6 and 2016 gold medal winner Inbee Park. Men's gold medal winner Justin Rose is currently fourth in the overall ranking and would once again represent Great Britain, this time alongside Tommy Fleetwood. Rory McIlroy, who opted not to compete in 2016, would represent Ireland alongside last week's Open champion Shane Lowry. The host nation would be represented by Hideki Matsuyama and Shugo Imahara and Nasa Hataoka and Ai Suzuki. The last player currently qualified on each list: Germany's Maximilian Kieffer and New Zealand's Munchin Keh. The men's event is scheduled for July 30-August 2 at Kasumigaseki Country Club, with the women competing the following week, from August 5-8. Click here for the most recent men's ranking and here for the most recent women's ranking .


Looking for something to do this week? From an all-day sporting event for a good cause to a double dutch session, here are some solid options to help you get social around town. Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. The D10 Philly: Game Day at Franklin Field From the event description: Check out a live all-day sporting event Saturday. Since 2009, D10 athletes have raised more than $14 million for pediatric cancer research. Enjoy a live DJ, announcers, concession stands and contests that give fans the chance to reap the rewards. When: Saturday, July 20, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Franklin Field, 235 S. 33rd St. Admission: Free Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Shining Light on Mental Health Within the Black Community From the event description: In honor of Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, the Finley Recreation Center invites the community to join us for an afternoon full of fun, food and education. You'll hear from a professional therapist from The Ladipo Group. Stick around for an open mic session for guests to creatively express their mental health struggles. When: Saturday, July 20, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: Finley Playground, 1000 Hortter St. Admission: Free Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Philly Vegan Pop Flea: Power of Color Market 2019 From the event description: Celebrate community, diversity and inclusion at our all-vegan marketplace this Saturday. The market will feature plant-based and veg-friendly businesses led, owned and operated by minorities. Vendors include Queen Street Organics, Soy Cafe and Amazing Essence. When: Saturday, July 20, noon-4 p.m. Where: Friends Center, 1501 Cherry St. Admission: Free Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Expo Paint Party From the event description: Check out a paint party this Saturday led by professional instructors. Guests will be provided with paint, canvas, aprons, brushes and other materials. When: Saturday, July 20, 1, 4 p.m. Where: Philadelphia Mills, 1535 Franklin Mills Circle Admission: $5 Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Philly Girls Jump Community Day From the event description: Do you enjoy jumping double dutch and want to get some exercise? All ages are welcome to join the fun this Sunday afternoon. There will be vendors, food, giveaways and more. Free basic double dutch instruction will be available during the first hour. Participants should bring their ropes, water and favorite double dutch songs. When: Sunday, July 21, 2-6 p.m. Where: Awbury Park, 6101 Ardleigh St. Admission: Free Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Parking in Philadelphia can be tough, especially during popular events. To find free or cheap parking and to book parking in advance, see this map of Philadelphia parking from SpotAngels. And to get there by public transportation, check SEPTA's website for nearby stations and schedules. This story was created automatically using local event data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


Everyone putts poorly at times, including me. Check this out: In 2016, I missed 32 of 70 attempts from four to eight feet. That got my attention. I wasn't giving any thought to how I wanted to approach my putting, and that had to change. I started by putting down chalk lines on a green, and what I found was, my eye line at address was way off. What my eyes saw as a straight line to the hole turned out to be well right of it. For a 15-foot putt, it was off by as much as a foot or more. That's a long way to be off for anyone, let alone a professional. -- with E. Michael Johnson I realized I needed to change my head position to see the line correctly every time. That setup will be different for everyone, so it's trial and error. For me, it involved rotating my head a little toward the target. I just kept moving it until my eyes were matched with where the ball had to start to go in the hole. That head position might be different for you. To find it, pick out a medium-length putt where the correct line is obvious. Then address the ball, and let your head swivel slowly left or right seeing if you can get your eyes to match that line. The nonstarters will be readily apparent, but there will likely be a few head positions that feel like you've got it. You're close, but now it's time to fine-tune it. Want more tips from top tour pros and teachers? Check out Golf Digest Schools. Pick out a two- or three-foot putt. (Let's face it, if you can't get on line from this close, you're not going to be able to do it from 20 feet.) Keep adjusting your head until you're sure your eye position matches the line. It should be one of the positions you noted from farther out. That's the one you want for every putt going forward. At the first tournament after changing my eye position, things felt awkward like my eyes were oriented way left of where I wanted them to be. But over a few weeks, that feeling started to go away. Making more putts sure helped with that. Since then, I've won twice and had my two best years on tour. So check your eyes! I've picked up almost three-quarters of a stroke on the greens since changing my eye line. That's three strokes over 72 holes. STROKES GAINED/PUTTING 2016 : -.421 STROKES GAINED/PUTTING 2017 19 : .301


Severe weather plagued several states throughout the Midwest over the weekend, killing one person and damaging at least one building. Vickie Darnel, 64, died from drowning Sunday after she drove into a flooded creek crossing in Le Flore County, Oklahoma, according to Lt. Kera Philippi, spokeswoman for the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Philippi says that Darnel's vehicle was swept off the roadway around 4:30 a.m. Sunday near the border of Arkansas. The area saw a number of flash flood and severe thunderstorm warnings from the National Weather Service over the weekend. The National Weather Service is sending an assessment team to South Bend, Indiana, after a tornado touched down in the area and destroyed at least one building. The building was the site of Growing Kids daycare facility, according to Aaron Miller, dispatch supervisor for St. Joseph County Public Safety Communication Center. Miller told CNN that the building suffered extensive damage and there were several reports of trees down throughout St. Joseph County. Missouri State Highway Patrol along with the Missouri Department of Conservation and several local agencies performed multiple water rescues Sunday for people whose vehicles were in the water. They also rescued people who were stranded by high water due to heavy rainfall, according to the Missouri Department of Public Safety. A subdivision in Neosho, Missouri, and parts of Roaring River State Park had to be evacuated, although it was unclear how many people had to leave, the Missouri Department of Public Safety said. The band of weather that caused all of this chaos is called a frontal boundary and it acts as a cold front but doesn't actually have any cold air behind it. The mixture of the boundary layer is slightly cooler dry air and hot humid air which can cause intense storms.


There's a device up in Baltimore that skims trash out of the Harbor and the organization that runs it just announced they have collected their one millionth styrofoam container. This got our attention because Maryland's Governor hasn't decided yet if he's going to sign a styrofoam container ban passed by the legislature.


A Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling on Gov. Scott Walker's campaign practices clears the way for state candidates to work more closely with legally independent political groups and their enormous war chests. The big unanswered question is how ripples from the case might spread beyond the state's borders. The ruling could spark attempts to overturn laws in other states that restrict such coordination. It may also embolden outside groups in the 2016 presidential campaign to edge closer to their favored candidates. And if the Wisconsin decision were to be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, it could give justices who already have loosened the reins on political money a chance to go even further. A ruling by the nation's highest court upholding the Wisconsin decision "could mean the evisceration of campaign contribution limits nationwide," said Daniel Weiner, an attorney at the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University. "This could become the vehicle for the next Citizens United," said Weiner, referring to the 2010 U.S. Supreme Court case that helped feed an explosion of super PACs and so-called dark-money groups. The Wisconsin decision on July 16 had its roots in a secretive investigation conducted by a special prosecutor. The prosecutor was reviewing allegations that, during Walker's 2012 fight against a recall, his campaign urged donors to contribute to so-called dark-money conservative groups and then coordinated strategy with those groups, including the Wisconsin Club for Growth. Because these outside groups can accept dollar donations of any size, such tactics essentially would have sidestepped limits on how much individuals can donate to candidates. As in federal election law, Wisconsin's rules against coordination aim to prevent exactly that kind of subterfuge. But the Wisconsin court ruled that the state restrictions were "unconstitutionally overbroad" and that such groups have a right to express their views and do so in conjunction with candidates. They can run ads supporting or bashing a candidate, as long as the ads don't explicitly advocate a vote for or against, the court said. The justices ordered an end to the investigation of Walker's campaign activities, a welcome development for the governor as he bids for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination. In recent years, the U.S. Supreme Court has in several cases ruled that free speech guarantees trump restrictions on campaign money. The changes have roiled election finance, helping to draw moneyed interests as well as wealthy neophytes into the game, and have given campaign donors unprecedented individual clout . Among other things, the court has removed aggregate limits on contributions to federal candidates and opened the door for unions and corporations to spend unlimited amounts on elections. In the Citizens United case, the court paved the way for new entities known as super PACs   independent advocacy groups that can accept contributions of any dollar size and spend unlimited sums supporting candidates so long as they don't work closely with the candidate's campaign. Easing the barriers to coordination would seem to be at odds with the thinking behind the court's recent rulings on campaign finance. Justice Anthony Kennedy, who authored the Citizens United opinion, said big campaign contributions to outside groups aren't as likely to "lead to, or create the appearance of, quid pro quo corruption" as those made directly to a candidate. However, if both kinds of contributions are effectively used the same way, the distinction drawn by Kennedy would no longer exist. The Wisconsin case split 4-2, with the court's four conservative justices in the majority, attracting criticism that two justices should have recused themselves because their electoral campaigns were supported by the same pro-Walker groups at issue in the case. The court has become increasingly politicized in recent years. Asked if the decision would be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, an official with the Milwaukee County District Attorney's office referred questions to Francis Schmitz, the special prosecutor. Schmitz didn't respond to requests for comment. James Bopp, one of the conservative attorneys who brought the Citizens United lawsuit, said it would be "very beneficial if the Supreme Court would hear a case like the Wisconsin case, because they would impose limits on the ability to use campaign finance laws to restrict people coordinating with candidates on things that are not campaign related." Bopp said a high court decision would have more impact on state laws than on federal practices, because some states have rules that go beyond U.S. restrictions on campaign coordination. Dan Backer, the conservative attorney who helped bring the 2014 McCutcheon case in which the Supreme Court removed aggregate limits on direct contributions, said he expects challenges to coordination limits in other states. "Challenges take time and money, but they are coming," he said. "State laws are far more susceptible to challenge on constitutional grounds, largely because of the way in which they are written ... it's rare to have a well-developed state law regulating speech that is thoughtfully constructed with the Constitution in mind and not overly broad." Before the Wisconsin court ruled in the Walker case, the Wisconsin Club for Growth and its director asked the U.S. high court to shut down the state investigation on constitutional grounds. The court declined to take the case, which may signal its reluctance to review the Wisconsin decision. If the special prosecutor does try to take the matter to the Supreme Court, it's possible his appeal would focus solely on the alleged conflicts of interest of some of the Wisconsin justices, which would make it difficult for the Supreme Court to weigh in on the free speech issues. Jessica Levinson, a professor at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, said the Supreme Court is unlikely to step in because there's no disagreement on the issue among federal appeals courts. Even if it did take up an appeal, she said, it's doubtful Justice Kennedy, the swing vote on campaign finance, would favor removing more restrictions on political groups. Citizens United "hinges on the idea that these independent groups can spend unlimited sums because they're truly independent," Levinson said. "His world view is so dependent on the idea that there will be a dividing line between outside groups and candidate campaigns." Related stories: For more coverage of politics and lobbying, read ProPublica's previous reporting on the rising influence of single donors , an imploding super PAC and how the gas tax explains Washington gridlock .


At the start of what turned out to be one of the club's greatest campaigns in recent memory, more people expected Norwich City to be relegated from the Championship than promoted. Nine months and 94 points later, not only were they promoted, they went up as champions - a nd they certainly deserved to do so. They were the league's top scorers, suffering defeat on just six occasions throughout the campaign. In a league as difficult as the Championship , that is no mean feat. However, as difficult as English football's second division is, it is nothing compared to the holy grail, t he Premier League . Once promotion was secured with a 2-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers at the end of April, all eyes turned immediately to the task at hand. Staying in the top flight next season. The last five Championship champions all remain in the top flight to this day and Norwich have all the attributes to make that six in a row, but they have plenty of work to do. One of the main things they must do is to make sure they keep their best players. Young stars such as Max Aarons, Jamal Lewis and Ben Godfrey have been at the heart of their excellent year but, naturally, bigger clubs are now circling. They must retain the nucleus of the squad that got them into the big-time and the guarantee of first-team football in the Premier League should be enough to keep these players at the club. Tying them down to new long-term contracts has to be high on the agenda of sporting director, Stuart Webber. However, keeping Webber himself has also now become a potential problem for the owners, with Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward reportedly interested in bringing him to Old Trafford to be the first to fulfil that role for the Red Devils. Success comes at a price and Norwich will want to make sure they are not the ones paying for their own excellent season. The Canaries do have good form in not paying for things though, if free signing Teemu Pukki is anything to go by. The Championship's top scorer and player of the year was instrumental in his team's rise to the top of the league and how he takes to the Premier League will be crucial for Norwich next year. As good as he has been for Daniel Farke's side, it would be a huge surprise if the club did not look to bring in a new striker to help ease the burden on the 29-year-old. Leeds United forward Kemar Roofe and Huddersfield Town striker Karlan Grant would be two good options to add a bit of much-needed pace to the Norwich frontline. While signings are a must, it is important the club do not rip up the formula which has got them to where they are though. Farke has been clear in his belief that promoting academy players to the first team is the key to success at any football club and bringing in a raft of new players will not help the development of those in their youth set-ups. It is a fine balancing act and getting that right will prove to be vital if they are to be successful in the upcoming campaign. The foundations are certainly in place at Carrow Road for the club to have a positive tilt at Premier League survival and consolidation in the coming years. Decisions made in the next few months will be the most important if they are to achieve that though. The pressure is on.


Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor is a strong dude who is capable of hitting a lot of dingers - nobody is denying that. He hit 38 home runs last season and 33 the year before that. But few would expect Lindor to be able to hit a one-handed, upper-cut home run from one knee. Well, that was until baseball's 2019 power surge happened. Ahead of the All-Star Game, Astros pitcher Justin Verlander accused MLB of deliberately juicing the baseballs to add more offense to the game. He said that homer surge was turning the game into a "joke." This season has MLB players on pace to shatter the 2017 record of 6,105 homers, and when you have home run swings that look like this , it's hard not to think that something is amiss. "wE aReN't JuiCiNg tHe BaLLs." pic.twitter.com/LGlcyTr6pt - Matt Galloway (@themattgalloway) July 21, 2019 During Sunday's game against the Royals, Lindor got caught with his weight out front, went down to a knee and essentially swung with one hand. That was still enough for the Indians shortstop to send a home run 10 rows deep into the right-field stands. MLB has denied that the league is deliberately juicing the baseballs , but studies have shown that something is objectively different about the 2019 balls. Lindor's home run alone could be evidence of that. MORE: Phil Simms: 'Multiple' teams were set to take Daniel Jones before No. 17 Brooks Koepka explained what's the most frustrating part of J.B. Holmes' slow play Report: Eric Dickerson says big-name HOFers may boycott 2019 ceremony 5 possible landing spots for former Cowboys WR Dez Bryant Brooks Koepka Calls Out JB Holmes Following Disastrous Final Round at The Open


Nonprofit advocacy groups that promote anti-gun violence measures report they're making progress, with legislators increasingly more likely to consider, support and even pass more gun safety bills. While their resources may not compare to those of the gun lobbying groups, anti-gun violence proponents say their strategies to empower more advocates seem to be working. "Our volunteers are showing up everywhere," said Melanie Greene, co-leader of the Austin group Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. "That's our main tactic   showing up." In the wake of mass shootings like those that happened the weekend of Aug. 4 in El Paso and Dayton, Ohio, many Central Texans often reach out to groups like Moms Demand Action or Texas Gun Sense, both of which have an Austin presence. Greene says those people can include parents, but also people without children, older people and even gun owners. "There are a lot of gun owners who believe guns should be owned responsibly, too," Greene said. That presence has been most effective at the state Capitol. At the most recent Texas legislative session, Moms Demand Action worked alongside other anti-gun violence advocacy nonprofits to oppose a "constitutional carry" bill that would have allowed firearms to be carried without a permit. The bill lost traction after a representative from Texas Gun Rights, which advocated for the bill, visited the homes of House Speaker Dennis Bonnen and several other Republicans during the session, leading to allegations of improper intimidation tactics. Greene says that kind of threatening presence is a tactic pro-gun advocates often use. At meetings of another chapter of Moms Demand Action, she says, a fully-armed man often attends the meeting, just up to the point of what might be considered trespassing. "We find that gun extremists tend to know the law pretty well," she said, "mainly because they try to do everything right up to the edge of what's legal. For people on the other side, we have to educate them." RELATED: Advocate's actions kill bill allowing no-permit gun carry Ed Scruggs, board president of the nonprofit Texas Gun Sense, says it's also been important to educate legislators. "We have fought the constitutional carry bill for many sessions," he said. "It's about talking to legislators, too. Educating them. Ten years ago, you couldn't do that in Texas." Greene says other successes include the governor signing a $250 billion budget bill that included a $1 million public safety campaign to educate gun owners about safer storage. Nearly two-thirds of deaths by gun in the United States are suicides, which gun safety advocates attribute to their ease of access. "There is a strong grassroots gun-violence prevention effort in the state," said Scruggs. "Before they only used to hear from the other side. At least now we show up, and we're matching them. At least it's contested now." Greene agreed. Most volunteer opportunities with either group are in the form of attending sessions and hearings, she said, just so legislators see the presence of the "other side." "The key is to be as present," said Scruggs. "You don't have to be as noisy but you need to be more thoughtful and strategic and smart. It's knowing who to talk to, when to talk to them, knowing how the committee system works. And that's something we've gained experience with over time." MORE GIVING CITY: New survey to ask nonprofits about diversity     ©2019 Austin American-Statesman, Texas Visit Austin American-Statesman, Texas at www.statesman.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


The Indianapolis Colts didn't get a whole lot of production out of the entire wide receiver room during the 2018 season, which is one of the reasons why Parris Campbell was a target for them in the 2019 NFL Draft. Campbell, whose speed is the first trait that gets noticed, is an exceptional athlete after the catch. The Colts also saw how natural it came to him with the ball in his hands. "This guy's run after catches is exceptional. He was high school running back," said Colts scout Chad Henry to Colts.com . "You see that he's really natural with the ball in his hands. I mean there is some plays you can turn on over the past two years where they're just like, 'Holy cow.'" The Colts added some new faces to the wide receiver room in the form of Campbell as a second-round pick and also Devin Funchess, who was signed to a one-year deal in free agency. Where Campbell will begin his work isn't clear yet. He has a unique skill set for the offense that blends perfectly, but he has to show he can handle a starting role before the Colts simply give it to them. How the Colts will use him will be an interesting development to watch during his rookie season, and Henry believes the Colts will find a way to get him a big role early. "I think we can do a lot of things with him vertically, but he's a great kid and he's worked really hard," Henry said. "Football's really important to him, so he's already shown improvement as far as multiple routes. We're looking forward to working with him and expanding his role that way." The Colts will get to see that speed in pads once the team returns to training camp on July 25 where Campbell will begin competing for a role in the room. MORE: Max Kellerman doubles down on Tom Brady take, says QB is a 'game manager' Danny Green: 'This is the time where I need to maximize the dollars on the longest amount of years that I can do' Vegas Sportsbook moves up Lakers title odds due to Kawhi Leonard rumors Francis Ellis Fired from Barstool Sports [UPDATE] Report: Pats 'fired up over what they've seen' from Jamie Collins