Start your day off right by browsing through cool kitties! There are dozens of cats up for adoption right here in New York City. Hoodline partnered with Petfinder , an online adoption site that lists "more than 315,000 adoptable pets from nearly 14,000 animal shelters and rescue groups" to bring you this roundup of cats near you. (Details like pet availability, training, vaccinations and other features are based on data provided by Petfinder and may be subject to change; contact the shelter for the latest information.) Tiger, domestic shorthair Tiger is an adorable male domestic shorthair cat staying at City Critters, Inc. He's neutered, and he has all his shots. He is already house-trained. Notes from his caretakers: Tiger is as sweet as they come. A bit shy at first, but give him a second to warm up, and he'll lean into your hand to get pets and chin scratches. Apply to adopt Tiger today at Petfinder . Bubbles, domestic shorthair Bubbles is an adorable female domestic shorthair cat currently residing at WaHi Cats (Washington Heights Cat Colony) . Bubbles loves other cats. Have no fear: She is already house-trained. She is spayed and has all her shots. From her current caretaker: We think Bubbles was a podiatrist in another life, as she is a good foot examiner. Bubbles was abused in her previous home by the owner's boyfriend, so we had to rescue her and get her treated by a vet. She is slowly and surely trusting humans again. Apply to adopt Bubbles today at Petfinder . Simba, Siamese Simba is a sweet male Siamese cat being kept at Zanis Furry Friends ZFF, Inc . Simba loves other cats. Zanis Furry Friends ZFF, Inc, however, wants to place him in a home without small children. He is neutered and vaccinated. Fear not: He is already house-trained. His current caretakers say: Simba is a shy Siamese cat, between one and three years old, seven pounds, very sleek. He does like other kitties! Very sweet cat, no aggression and super handsome! Apply to adopt Simba today at Petfinder . Yaphet, domestic shorthair Yaphet is a sweet male domestic shorthair cat being kept at City Critters, Inc. He is already house-trained. He is already neutered and vaccinated. From his current caretaker: Yaphet is an affectionate and playful little kitten that is looking for his forever home. As an active and social little guy, we're looking to adopt him out either with his brother (Skerrit) or to a home that already has an active cat or kitten in need of a companion. Apply to adopt Yaphet today at Petfinder . Blake, tabby mix Blake is a darling male tabby mix in the care of K9Kastle . Blake is a social animal, and he's happy to keep company with other cats. Good news: He is already house-trained. His vaccinations are up to date, and he's neutered. He is a special-needs pet, so please inquire about his specific care requirements. Here's what his friends at K9Kastle think of him: This little guy is about 10 years old. He has a condition called "cerebellar hypoplasia" (CH). That just means he walks funny and sort of "rocks and rolls." He loves other kitties and often plays uncle to the wee ones. He would love to be adopted with one of his foster siblings, Mina or Champ (pictured below). Apply to adopt Blake today at Petfinder . Champ, tuxedo mix Champ is an adorable female tuxedo mix in the care of K9Kastle . Champ gets along well with other cats. Her vaccinations are up to date, and she is spayed. She is already house-trained. She is a special-needs pet, so please inquire about her specific care requirements. Here's what her friends at K9Kastle think of her: Champ is a sweet, shy five-year-old kitty. She and her three siblings arrived at K9Kastle at five months old and semi-feral. The two boys were placed, but Champ and her sister Mina remained in foster. While they became friendly(er), they have retained some of their scaredy-cat ways. Read more about how to adopt Champ on Petfinder . This story was created automatically using local animal shelter data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


GWANGJU, South Korea (AP)   Mack Horton walked into the dining room at the athletes' village and the applause began. It swelled into a standing ovation for the Australian swimmer after his personal protest against China's Sun Yang at the world championships. Horton refused to step onto the podium or shake Sun's hand after losing to Sun in the 400-meter freestyle final on Sunday night. "Gutsy move, for sure," U.S. backstroker Matt Grevers said Monday. FINA's executive board met Monday in Gwangju to discuss Horton's protest and decided to send a warning letter to Swimming Australia and to Horton. "While FINA respects the principle of freedom of speech, it has to be conducted in the right context," the board said in a statement. Horton is angry that Sun, who served a three-month doping suspension in 2014, is being allowed to compete in Gwangju before he faces a Court of Arbitration for Sport hearing in September that could potentially end his career. The World Anti-Doping Agency is challenging a decision by FINA, swimming's world governing body, merely to warn Sun over incidents during a doping control team's attempts to take blood and urine samples at his home in China last September. "I don't feel like it really hurt Sun Yang," Grevers said of Horton's protest. "I think it just let him know that, 'Hey, it's a weird incident and until it gets uncovered, we don't fully trust you.'" Horton is the only swimmer to beat Sun in the 400 free in the last eight years, taking gold in the event at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where the Aussie also refused to shake Sun's hand. Horton went further at a news conference later, calling Sun a "drug cheat" to his face. That prompted China's swimming federation to demand an apology, but none was forthcoming. With such history between the two, American Lilly King said other swimmers were waiting for the awards ceremony Sunday "to see what was going to happen." Horton stood behind the podium when given his silver medal. He didn't join Sun and bronze medalist Gabriele Detti of Italy for the traditional photos on the top spot afterward. "I don't think I need to say anything," Horton said Sunday. "His actions and how it has been handled speaks louder than anything I could say." Sun said Sunday he was aware Horton has a problem with him. "Disrespecting me was OK, but disrespecting China was unfortunate," Sun said through a translator. "I feel sorry about that." King, an outspoken critic of doping, was in the dining hall when Horton arrived back at the village. "It was pretty great to see the athletes united on his stance and supporting him as well," she said. "I don't think anyone at FINA is going to stand up for the athletes, so the athletes have to stand up for themselves." Horton's teammate, Mitch Larkin, voiced a familiar concern among swimmers about a clean playing field. "You can never be confident," he said. "You've got to trust the authorities, but with what's going on in sport these days it's hard to be 100% sure." Horton didn't alert the Australian coaching staff of his podium plans in advance, according to head coach Jacco Verhaeren. "I understand him very much," the coach said. "You can only respect him for what he does." Detti told Italian media that Horton approached him before the medals ceremony and asked if he would be willing to stand behind rather than on the podium while receiving his award. Detti declined, explaining that he worked hard to earn a medal and wanted to enjoy it. None of the anti-Sun sentiment goes over well in China, where he is viewed as a star and his fans demand respect for him via social media. A large contingent of Chinese fans cheered and shouted as Sun made his victory parade around the pool. Banners featuring his face hung from the stands. Larkin estimated that 99% percent of swimmers at the meet back Horton. "He's not really standing alone," Larkin said. "What he did was certainly brave and gutsy, and I have a lot of respect for him for doing that." Not everyone agreed with Horton, however. "That's his opinion, not mine," said British swimmer James Guy, who described himself as a close friend of Horton's. Guy was the leading qualifier going into the 200 free semifinals Monday night; Sun was second-fastest. American backstroker Ryan Murphy said he didn't consider Horton's protest to be directed at Sun "but more so standing against FINA and WADA for their response to these things." ___ More AP swimming: https://apnews.com/tag/Swimming and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


Better eat your morning Wheaties if you're about to be a parent, because a new study is saying that most U.S. babies are born between 8 a.m. and noon, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Center for Health Statistics, and as reported by TODAY . The CDC report covered about 90 percent of birth certificate data from 2013, and examined the timing of deliveries, comparing spontaneous labors, induced labors, cesarean sections and out-of-hospital births. According to Dr. Michael R. Berman, medical director of labor and delivery at New York City's Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital, the rise in daytime births is associated with scheduled C-sections, which are largely done in the morning hours. He said the CDC data "can be helpful for the planning of staffing on the labor and delivery floors and in neonatal intensive care units to improve patient safety and optimize outcomes." Other things the CDC study found include: Tuesday was the most common birth day, followed by Monday. Births on Saturday and Sunday were more likely to occur in the late evening and early morning hours than births Monday through Friday. Babies delivered out of the hospital mostly arrived in the early morning hours, between 1 a.m. and 4:59 a.m the quietest hours for in-hospital births, which make up 98 percent of all births in the U.S. Dr. Astrid Jain, an OB-GYN at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, said day shifts are busier, but noted that birthing time doesn't always have "any rhyme or reason to it." "We almost laugh when we try to plan our day," Jain said. "Because you know the part of the wonderful part of labor of delivery is that there is no plan."


Video by Reuters A House Representative who has been openly vocal about launching impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump filed them Tuesday evening. Rep. Al Green filed the articles of impeachment, and the House is expected to vote on it by the end of the week. Green made the introduction in the House after Tuesday's vote to condemn recent remarks by Trump against women of color, a resolution that passed largely along party lines. The president said that four Democratic lawmakers who have become known as "The Squad" should "go back" to the countries "from which they came." Green piggybacked the condemnation of the president's remarks by saying the House needs to go a step further, and start a process to try and remove Trump from office. Green said the president is "unfit to defend the ideals that have made America great" and "unfit to ensure domestic tranquillity" and "promote the general welfare." What is impeachment and how does it work? If enough lawmakers believe the president has committed "treason, bribery or other high crimes," and they believe the president should be removed from office before their term expires, they are permitted by the Constitution to start hearings. The House votes on articles of impeachment, and needs a majority to pass. If passed, then the president is under impeachment   similar to an indictment. The Senate would then hold a trial, which is overseen by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. It sets up like a jury trial, with House lawmakers serving as prosecutors and Senate members as the jury. The president would have his own defense lawyers. How is the president found guilty, and what happens if he is? Two-thirds of the senators must find the president to be guilty. If it happens, then the president is removed from office. The vice president would then become president. Who determines the rules of the trial? The Senate would determine the procedures for the trial. These could be the number of days the trial would last, and also what kind of evidence could be presented. Greg Craig, who helped defend Bill Clinton during his impeachment proceedings, said sometimes the Senate would make up rules on the fly. "When the Senate decided what the rules were going to be for our trial, they really made them up as they went along," Craig said in the New York Times . What presidents have been impeached? There have been two presidents impeached in American history. Andrew Johnson   1868 Bill Clinton   1998 and 1999 Note: Richard Nixon resigned from office in 1974 to avoid impeachment. Rep. Green from Texas has introduced impeachment proceedings in each of the previous two years, but the Republican-controlled House of Representatives tabled the item each time. Democrats now control the House, which is expected to vote on it before the week ends. Should the article pass the House, the Republican-controlled Senate will then set the rules. It would need two-thirds of the Senate's approval to remove the president from office. Green's introduction of impeachment does not fit an ideal timeline for some Democrats, especially since Special Counsel Robert Mueller is scheduled to testify next week before Congress, which also has an upcoming recess. "I think the timing's awkward with Mueller coming next week and we have a recess coming," said House Budget Committee Chairman John Yarmuth (D-Ky.) said in The Hill. "That's probably not the best time to do it." According to The Hill , only 84 House Democrats currently support impeachment of Trump. Related Articles Ken Starr Says Trump Racist Comments Not An Impeachable Offense, Says Impeachment Only 'Last Resort' 'Fuel to the Fire': All But 4 House Republicans Balk at Formally Condemning Trump's Racist Tweets Sign up to our newsletter and get Newsweek stories delivered to your e-mail


Photos of milestones in the relationship between the United States and Iran. Iranian forces seized a ship, which it suspected of carrying smuggled fuel, state media reported on Aug. 4, marking the Revolutionary Guard's third seizure of a vessel in recent weeks and the latest show of strength by the paramilitary force amid a spike in regional tensions. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif speaks at a press conference in Tehran, Iran, on Aug. 5. Zarif lambasted recent U.S. financial sanctions against him, calling the move a "failure" for diplomacy amid escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani delivers a speech regarding the inclusion of Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif in U.S. sanctions, as he attends a ceremony in Tabriz, Iran on Aug. 1. White House National Security Advisor John Bolton walks out of the White House West Wing on July 31, in Washington, DC. Earlier in the day the Treasury Department announced the U.S. imposes sanctions on Iran's foreign minister. Iran's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Kazem Gharib Abadi is pictured during a meeting of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, on Aug. 1. The European Union's political director Helga Schmid and Iran's deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, from left, wait for a bilateral meeting as part of the closed-door nuclear talks with Iran at a hotel in Vienna, Austria, Sunday, July 28. An aerial view shows a speedboat of Iran's Revolutionary Guard moving around the British-flagged oil tanker Stena Impero which was seized in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday by the Guard, in the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas. Global stock markets were subdued Monday while the price of oil climbed as tensions in the Persian Gulf escalated after Iran's seizure of a British oil tanker on Friday. In this photo released by state-run IRIB News Agency, which aired on July 22, shows various crew members of the British-flagged tanker Stena Impero, that was seized by Tehran in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, during a meeting. In this photo released by state-run IRIB News Agency, which aired on Monday, July 22, shows members of the crew of the British-flagged tanker Stena Impero that was seized by Tehran in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday. Deena with her husband Pappachan T V, parents of Dijo Pappachan, one of the crew members of British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, seized by Iran, cries as she watches television news at their home in Kochi, India, July 21. Chief of the Defence Staff General Sir Nick Carter arriving at the Cabinet Office in Whitehall, central London, to attend a meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Theresa May of the Government's emergency committee Cobra after Iran seized a British-flagged oil tanker in the Persian Gulf. An Iranian Revolutionary Guard member walks onboard of Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, in Bandar Abbas port, Iran July 21. A speedboat of the Iran's Revolutionary Guard moves around a British-flagged oil tanker Stena Impero, which was seized on Friday by the Guard, in the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas, on July 21. Iran warned Sunday that the fate of a UK-flagged tanker it seized in the Gulf depends on an investigation, as Britain said it was considering options in response to the standoff. A picture taken on July 21, 2019, shows Iranian Revolutionary Guards patrolling around the British-flagged tanker Stena Impero as it's anchored off the Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas, on July 21. Britain's Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt leaves 10 Downing Street on July 20, following a meeting held over British oil tanker Stena Impero which was captured in Iranian waters whilst en route to Saudi Arabia. A video grab made available by Iranian state television's English-language service, Press TV reportedly shows the footage released by Iranian revolutionary guard (IRGC) from its drone which shows US navy ships in the Strait of Hormuz, 18 July 2019 (issued 19 July 2019). The release comes after the US said on 18 July that the USS Boxer had shot down an Iranian drone. Iran denies US shot down drone in Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif greets United Nations (U.N.) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at U.N. Headquarters in New York, July 18. Undated handout photo issued by Stena Bulk of the British oil tanker Stena Impero which is believed to have been captured in Iranian waters whilst en route to Saudi Arabia. Owner Stena Bulk has confirmed that the tanker was approached by unidentified small crafts and a helicopter whilst in international waters in the Strait of Hormuz and they are unable to contact the vessel which is now heading north towards Iran. The route taken by the British oil tanker Stena Impero which is believed to have been captured in Iranian waters while en route to Saudi Arabia. An MV-22 Osprey aircraft takes off on the deck of the USS Boxer (LHD-4) in the Arabian Sea off Oman, on July 17. Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif speaks as he attends a high-level political forum on sustainable development on July 17, at the UN Headquarters in New York. This undated photo provided by Iranian state television's English-language service, Press TV, shows the Panamanian-flagged oil tanker MT Riah surrounded by Iranian Revolutionary Guard vessels. An MV-22 Osprey aircraft lands on the deck of USS Abraham Lincoln the Gulf of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz, on July 15. U.S. Representative Seth Moulton (D-MA) speaks in favor of inclusion of House Amendment #270 to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), aimed at preventing war with Iran, at the Capitol in Washington, DC, on July 10. A warship belonging to the British Navy, allegedly sent to the Strait of Hormuz, is seen passing through the Bosphorus in Istanbul, Turkey, on July 12. Supertanker Grace 1 off the coast of Gibraltar on July 6. Iran demanded on July 5 that Britain immediately release the tanker it had detained, accusing it of acting at the bidding of the United States. Authorities in Gibraltar, a British overseas territory on Spain's southern tip at the western entrance to the Mediterranean, said they suspected the tanker was carrying crude oil to Syria in violation of EU sanctions. British soldiers are seen during an operation involving the oil supertanker Grace 1. Oil supertanker Grace 1 is seen in waters of the British overseas territory of Gibraltar, historically claimed by Spain, on July 4. (L to R) Iran's Atomic Energy Organization spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi, government spokesman Ali Rabiei, and Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi give a joint press conference at the presidential headquarters in Tehran on July 7. Iran said it would begin enriching uranium beyond a 3.67 percent cap set by a landmark nuclear deal "in a few hours", the Islamic republic's atomic energy organisation spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi said on July 7. A British Royal Navy ship (L) patrols near supertanker Grace 1 suspected of carrying crude oil to Syria in violation of EU sanctions after it was detained off the coast of Gibraltar on July 4. Iran demanded on July 5, that Britain immediately release the tanker, accusing it of acting at the bidding of the United States. Aircraft maneuver into position for an Independence Day air power demonstration on the flight deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea on July 4. The USS Abraham Lincoln was rushed to the Mideast amid tensions between the U.S. and Iran as its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers unravels. Acting U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Jonathan Cohen addresses the U.N. Security Council briefing on implementation of the resolution that endorsed the Iran nuclear deal at the United Nations headquarters in New York, June 26. Iran's Ambassador to the United Nations (UN) Majid Takht Ravanchi delivers a speech during the U.N. Security Council on implementation of the resolution that endorsed the Iran nuclear deal at the United Nations headquarters on June 26. A U.S. Air Force (USAF) pilot from the 4th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron enters the cockpit of an F-35A Lightning II before Exercise Tri-Lightning, at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, June 25. Iranian president Hassan Rouhani speaks during the cabinet meeting in Tehran, on June 26. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Abbas Mousavi, said in a tweet that the newly announced sanctions meant that the channel of diplomacy has been closed forever. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani speaks in a meeting with the Health Ministry officials, in Tehran, Iran on June 25. Iran on Tuesday sharply criticized new U.S. sanctions targeting the Islamic Republic's supreme leader and other top officials. President Donald Trump displays an executive order imposing fresh sanctions on Iran in the Oval Office of the White House, on June 24. US National Security Advisor John Bolton (R) speaks next to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (L) and Nikolai Patrushev (C), Russian Secretary of the Security Council, during a press conference of the trilateral meeting of the US, Russian and Israeli national security advisers in Jerusalem, Israel on June 25. The meeting is a first-ever trilateral summit between the Russian, Israeli and American national security advisers with Nikolai Patrushev Russian Secretary of the Security Council, Meir Ben Shabbat, Israeli Security adviser and John Bolton, US National Security Advisor. the trilateral summit talks focuses on Iran, Syria and regional issues. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (L) meets with Mohamed ben Zayed Al-Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, in Abu Dhabi, UAE on June 24. The United States, Britain, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have jointly called for "diplomatic solutions" to ease soaring tensions with Iran. Seated under a portrait of the Saudi monarch, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (L) meets with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at Al Salam Palace in the Red Sea port of Jeddah on June 24. - Pompeo arrived Monday in Saudi Arabia for talks on coordinating with the close ally amid mounting tensions with Iran. Iranian Judiciary chief Ebrahim Rais (C) attends a meeting with foreign ambassadors in Iran in the Islamic republic's capital Tehran on June 24. - Iran denied the same day it was hit by a US cyber attack as Washington was due to tighten sanctions on Tehran in a standoff sparked by the US withdrawal from a nuclear deal. President Donald Trump walks off Marine One at the White House after spending the weekend at Camp David on June 23, in Washington, DC. President Donald Trump warned the United States may launch a devastating military attack on Iran unless it comes to the negotiating table and drops its bid to develop nuclear weapons. Protesters gather in front of the White House to speak out against a possible war with Iran on June 23, in Washington, DC. U.S. President Donald Trump said he almost launched a retaliatory strike after it was alleged that Iran shot down an unmanned U.S. drone last week, in a tweet he said he called off the attack after learning the number of potential casualties. President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on June 20 in Washington. Trump declared that "Iran made a very big mistake" in shooting down a U.S. drone but suggested it was an accident rather than a strategic error. General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, Iran's Head of the Revolutionary Guard's aerospace division, speaks to media next to debris from a downed US drone reportedly recovered within Iran's territorial waters and put on display by the Revolutionary Guard in the capital Tehran on June 21. Protesters hold signs spelling out, "No War," outside the White House, on June 20 in Washington, after President Trump tweeted that "Iran made a very big mistake" by shooting down a US surveillance drone over the Strait of Hormuz in Iran. A still image from surveillance video provided by the U.S. military shows what they say is a drone being shot down over the Strait of Hormuz on June 20. U.S. Air Force maintainers prepare a military drone RQ-4A Global Hawk for takeoff at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia. Picture taken on Dec. 2, 2010. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is seen near a "3 Khordad" system which was allegedly been used to shoot down a U.S. military drone, according to news agency Fars, in this undated handout picture. Journalists take pictures of a magnet the U.S. Navy says came from a limpet mine that didn't explode on a Japanese-owned oil tanker at a 5th Fleet base, during a trip organized by the Navy for journalists, near Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, on June 19. A picture taken during a guided tour by the US Navy (NAVCENT) shows the Japanese oil tanker Kokuka Courageous off the port of the Gulf emirate of Fujairah on June 19. This image released by the U.S. Department of Defense on June 17, and taken from a U.S. Navy helicopter, shows what the Navy says are members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy removing an unexploded limpet mine from the M/T Kokuka Courageous. Crew members of the Kokuka Courageous oil tanker receive medical attention from military personnel aboard missile destroyer USS Bainbridge, at sea, June 13. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaks from the State Department briefing room on June 13, in Washington, DC. Pompeo said, "It is the assessment of the U.S. government that Iran is responsible for today's attacks in the Gulf of Oman. These attacks are a threat to international peace and security, a blatant assault on the freedom of navigation, and an unacceptable escalation of tension by Iran." This picture, obtained by AFP from Iranian News Agency ISNA on June 13, reportedly shows fire and smoke billowing from a tanker said to have been attacked in the waters of the Gulf of Oman. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani (L) shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, during a welcoming ceremony at the Saadabad Palace in the capital Tehran on June 12. Abe arrived in Tehran on June 12 for a rare diplomatic mission, hoping to defuse tensions between the Islamic republic and Tokyo's ally Washington. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaks during a media briefing at the State Department June 10, in Washington, D.C. Secretary Pompeo discussed topics including the latest development on tension with Iran. This undated photograph from the United Arab Emirates' Mission to the United Nations released Thursday, June 6, shows a diver investigating the damage done to the Saudi-owned oil tanker Al Marzoqah off the coast of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates. A joint statement released Thursday by Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Norway said the damage done to the four oil tankers off the UAE likely came from limpet mines placed by a "state actor" amid U.S. and Saudi allegations Iran carried out the sabotage. Iran has denied being involved amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington. The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier and a U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress, conduct joint exercises in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in Arabian sea on June 1. President Trump talks to journalists as he departs the White House for a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on May 20 in Washington, DC. On his way to Montoursville, Pennsylvania, Trump said that Iran does not currently pose a direct threat to the United States.


A swarm of bees attacked two golfers Wednesday at Cave Creek Golf Course in Phoenix. The men were hospitalized after being stung several times in the face, ears and legs, reports Fox 10 Phoenix . The TV station said the bee swarm was triggered after one of the golfers hit a beehive near the sixth hole. The course called in a beekeeper to remove the hive. "They were pulling up for their second shot, so I wasn't quite with him [when] they came up and said, 'Call 911,'" Gary Wolf told Fox 10. "Somehow, they hit a beehive out there and they were just all over [one of the guys]. "The other guy pulled him out of there - his face was just covered with bee stings . . . His club and hat are still out there. And the hat is just coated with stingers sitting in it." One of the men stung is estimated to be in his 80s. "He had 20 or 30 [bee stings] in his ear," Wolf said. Phoenix Fire Department officials told Fox 10 the men were being treated at an area hospital but should recover. View embedded content https://compass.pressekompass.net/compasses/golfweek/should-tiger-woods-pick-himself-for-the- MORE: A furious Chris Davis had to be held back from Orioles manager Brandon Hyde Packers vs. Texans: Time, TV schedule, streaming, how to watch Deadline passes as Elliott loses accrued season, fines reach $500K How to watch Patriots vs. Lions Colts vs. Bills: Inactive players for preseason Week 1


Tight end Greg Olsen 's been limited to 16 games over the last two seasons because of foot injuries, but those difficulties didn't stop him from returning to the Panthers for the 2019 season. They also aren't stopping him from taking on a full workload at the team's organized team activities. Olsen said Wednesday that he is working without limitations as the team continues preparations for the regular season. "I've been cleared for everything for awhile now ," Olsen said, via Jourdan Rodrigue of the Charlotte Observer . Olsen had three straight seasons with at least 1,000 receiving yards before the foot injuries knocked him out of action the last two years. A return to that level may not be in the cards, but the Panthers would certainly like to see what he still has to offer the offense over the course of a full season.


New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern does "not understand" why the U.S. has not changed its guns laws despite the exponential increase in mass shootings in recent years. Ardern banned assault rifles throughout her country less than a month after its worst-ever mass shooting occurred in March. "Australia experienced a massacre and changed their laws. New Zealand had its experience and changed its laws," Ardern told CNN's Christiane Amanpour in an interview Tuesday. "To be honest with you, I do not understand the United States." Just days after the Christchurch shooting on two mosques that left 51 people dead, Ardern announced an impending ban on military-style semiautomatic weapons, assault rifles and high-capacity magazines. On April 10, New Zealand's parliament voted 119 to 1 to pass the gun control legislation. Her rapid action lies in stark contrast to the lack of federal gun control measures in the U.S. despite hundreds of mass shootings in recent years. "I could not fathom how weapons that could cause such destruction and large-scale death could be obtained legally in this country," Ardern said in April. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern tells CNN's @camanpour that she does "not understand" why the United States has not passed stronger gun laws in the aftermath of mass shooting events https://t.co/dRmumzaIlQ pic.twitter.com/D1XMVfoDSg   CNN (@CNN) May 15, 2019 Ardern acknowledged New Zealand's previous "pretty permissive" gun laws and affinity for hunting, but "that does not mean that you need access to military-style automatic weapons and assault rifles. She said that New Zealanders mostly agree with the new legislation. Australia acted similarly in the aftermath of the 1996 Port Arthur shooting, which left 35 people dead. Then-prime minister John Howard   a conservative politician and close friend of George W. Bush   passed sweeping gun control legislation just 12 days after the massacre. Since then, there has not been a single mass shooting in Australia. Ardern is in Paris with French President Emmanuel Macron hosting a summit on curbing online extremism. The Christchurch massacre was live-streamed on Facebook and also appeared on Instagram, YouTube, Reddit and 8chan. Now, governments around the world are calling on social media giants to end the use of their platforms for acts of terrorism. Since the start of 2019, 123 mass shootings have occurred in the U.S., according to the Gun Violence Archive . The Las Vegas shooting in October 2017 remains the deadliest in American history , when 59 people were killed and more than 500 were injured. With one exception , no major federal gun control measures have passed Congress since the 1990s.


LOS ANGELES - Shortly before Kevin Demoff was scheduled Friday to lead a tour of progress made on the Los Angeles Rams' $5-billion Inglewood stadium, the team's chief operating officer addressed an impending ancillary issue that figures to cost the team more than $30 million a year: Jared Goff's next contract. The Rams quarterback is signed through the 2020 season, but his future compensation came into focus Thursday after the Philadelphia Eagles gave quarterback Carson Wentz a four-year extension that is reportedly worth $128 million, with $107 million guaranteed. Goff was the first pick in the 2016 draft. Wentz was the second. They share the same representation business. The Eagles broke from recent NFL tradition by giving their quarterback an extension after his third NFL season. Most teams have waited until the completion of the fourth to reward quarterbacks. "I'm sure Jared went to bed happy last night," Demoff told reporters. "I don't think he was disappointed to see Carson do that." But Wentz's situation will not affect the timing of an extension for Goff, Demoff said. "They seem to be on a different timetable than we are," Demoff said of the Eagles. "I don't think we're naive enough to say that Carson's signing is not relevant. I just don't think it changes the timing. "The Eagles focused on what they thought was best for their organization. We're going to focus on what's best for our organization." Goff, 24, will carry a salary-cap number of $8.9 million during the upcoming season, according to overthecap.com . In April, the Rams exercised their fifth-year option on Goff, which would give him a salary of about $22 million in 2020 if he does not sign an extension before then. Goff is 24-14 as a starter. He made the Pro Bowl in each of the last two seasons, led the Rams to consecutive NFC West titles and to the Super Bowl last season. He has completed 62% of his passes, 65 for touchdowns, with 26 interceptions. Demoff and general manager Les Snead previously have said that preliminary discussions about a possible extension might begin after the Rams complete their offseason program. The Rams finish next week with a mandatory minicamp Tuesday. "He's an important piece of our future," Demoff said of Goff. "I don't think the timing of when we sign Jared, or begin those talks, really is reflective of how we value him." Last summer, the Rams signed receiver Brandin Cooks to an extension that included more than $50 million in guarantees. They gave running back Todd Gurley, who was entering his fourth NFL season, $45 million in guarantees. They signed offensive lineman Rob Havenstein to a deal that includes $16 million in guarantees, and then finished by giving defensive lineman Aaron Donald a $135-million deal that includes $86 million in guarantees. Cornerback Marcus Peters, middle linebacker Cory Littleton, tight end Tyler Higbee and offensive lineman Austin Blythe are among young players entering the final year of their contracts, making them candidates for extensions. Veteran offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth, who has a salary cap number of $16.7 million, and cornerback Aqib Talib ($8 million) are in the final year of their contracts. "The numbers would be tough, quite frankly, if you look at where we're at, doing a significant change to Jared's contract this year," Demoff said. "It would probably hamper our ability to take care of some of the guys that we're looking at for 2020." But Demoff noted that "I would never mistake how we're staggering our contracts based on how we feel about Jared or any player. ... We loved Aaron Donald. We tried for 18 months to get an Aaron Donald deal done. ... Aaron's the best example of your love for a player, and how badly you want them, doesn't always come down to how quickly they sign." ___ New players, new stadium The Rams announced they had signed their eight draft picks. The rookies were among the contingent touring the new stadium site. "I just can't wait to see the final product and walk out and play in 2020," said safety Taylor Rapp, a second-round pick. Cornerback David Long, a third-round pick, also was excited. "The video they showed us: It's crazy," he said. As part of the tour, the rookies chatted with construction workers who are affiliated with 2nd Call and the Anti-Recidivism Coalition, organizations that assist in the development of formerly incarcerated men and women. Visit the Los Angeles Times at www.latimes.com Related slideshow: 2019 NFL draft: The top picks (Provided by imagn)


FOXBOROUGH   Sony Michel was among a handful of surprise absences at Thursday's OTA practice, the first Patriots' offseason workout media was allowed to attend. In all, 14 players weren't spotted during the nearly two-hour shorts and shells session on the back fields behind Gillette Stadium. The biggest name missing was quarterback Tom Brady, but his absence was expected as the 20-year veteran has been working out on his own. Likewise, 11-year veteran Michael Bennett has elected to skip the voluntary practices. Michel, the postseason hero, linebacker Kyle Van Noy, punter Ryan Allen, safety Nate Ebner, long snapper Joe Cardona, and running back Nick Brossette were missing for undisclosed reasons. Safety Patrick Chung, offensive tackles Isaiah Wynn and Yodny Cajuste, receiver Demaryius Thomas, and defensive end Deatrich Wise are in various phases of rehabbing injuries, so their absences were not surprising. New tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins did not attend because of a personal matter, according to a Boston Herald report. There were two No. 72s. Wide receiver/punt returner Gunner Olszewski of Division 2 Bemidji State in Minnesota, who played cornerback in college, and 6-foot-9-inch, 317-pound offensive tackle Dan Skipper. Edelman grateful One person present and accounted for was Julian Edelman. The Super Bowl MVP is entering his 10th season and is pretty excited to be sticking around for a few more years as well. Edelman, who was zipping around the fields with his normal squirreliness, recently signed a two-year extension that will keep him in red, white, and blue through the 2021 season. "It's awesome,'' he said. "I was born here in my football career and I'm going to have a few more years here. And I just want to take a second and thank the Kraft family, Coach [Bill] Belichick, Nick Caserio, and everyone that was involved, my agents, for getting this done.'' Edelman said he couldn't picture himself being with any other organization. "I love being here,'' he said. "I don't want to be anywhere else, and I'm excited for this upcoming year. And I'm excited for this spring to work on our fundamentals and mold our team and keep it going.'' Bruins fans Many Patriots players and staffers took to the field wearing Bruins hats in support of the team's run to the Stanley Cup Final. "We want to wish the Bruins well, proud of what they're doing and wish them the very best in this next series,'' said Belichick, who wore a Bruins baseball cap. "I know they've played great, but this will be a great opportunity for them and we'll be here cheering them on.'' Many players noted the support the Bruins showed for the Patriots during their run to Super Bowl LIII and they were happy to reciprocate . . . There was no trace of the familiar "Flying Elvis" logo as the Patriots elected to go with plain silver helmets . . . Adam Butler turned in the play of the day when the big defensive tackle picked off a Brian Hoyer pass in during a red zone possession and returned it the length of the field, ignoring the coaches' whistles every step of the way . . . Veteran running backs coach Ivan Fears worked with the punt returners . . . Patriots Hall of Famers Troy Brown and Kevin Faulk were on the field helping out the coaching staff. Jim McBride can be reached at james.mcbride@globe.com . Follow him on Twitter @globejimmcbride . Related slideshow: A look at Gronk's career (provided by Tribune News Service)


The Free Press, after a story in May about Ford Fiesta and Focus cars equipped with DPS6 transmissions, heard from frustrated owners in almost every state and Puerto Rico about their experiences driving the cars. Here's a snapshot: "I literally got run off of the highway when the car shifted into drive and suddenly lost gear and was like it went into neutral. I did 35 mph for 11 miles to get home."   Jeff Kloss of Cushing, Minnesota (2015 Focus) * * * "My last and fifth breakdown with my Focus was on the way to work. I was stranded on I-95 at 6:30 in the morning. It was then I decided to get another vehicle."   Jeff Muller of Nashville, North Carolina (2013 Focus) "I just fixed my faulty clutch for the third time   twice within a week. The second of these weekly replacements, I got a hit in a loaner car from the dealership. I was three months out of the seven-year, 100,000 mile extension to the warranty and only at 64,000 miles and Ford would not honor the warranty. My insurance costs went up, not to mention the $1,800 it cost to replace out of warranty. I really feel duped and let down by Ford, especially with them knowingly lying to the consumer."   Bryan Jones of Richmond, Michigan (2012 Focus ) * * * * * * "We recently went ahead and had the transmission replaced. Since the 'repair,' we have been keeping a log of symptoms, which includes double shifts, failure to shift, reduced gas mileage, a noticeable reduction of power. We have had shudders ever since the car was brand new."   Tim Johnson of Moses Lake, Washington (2011 Fiesta) * * * * * * "They replaced the clutch approximately three months ago and my car is still giving me problems. I owe close to $17,000 with close to 14,000 miles on this car. I am a new mom and I am afraid to put my daughter in my car for fear something may happen to her. When I put my car in reverse, it drifts forward."   Kendra Groh of Connellsville, Pennsylvania (2017 Focus) "I've taken the vehicle to Ford four times for shuddering. The last time, I had to pay almost two grand. This is dangerous at this point. An 18-wheeler was behind me, I was coming onto the highway, and the car would not pick up. I punched it up to 85 miles an hour. It shuddered really bad, like it was gonna stop, then it took off. That would've been a really serious accident. I never know when it's going to happen, especially going up hills. I paid over 15 grand for the car."   Alexandria Mercado of Raleigh, North Carolina (2012 Focus) "Lots of time and effort, paperwork, phone calls, letters, trips to dealer … Ford tried to tell me after five repairs I was making it up or what I was experiencing was 'normal.'"   Philip Frincke of Venice, Florida (2014 Focus) * * * "I had a brand new 2014 Focus that ended up spending a ton of time in the shop. I used my car to earn extra income and had to stop because I never knew if it would run or not. I had to trade it in. I still owed $3,000 after the trade-in value."   Ashley Bussdieker of Toledo, Ohio "Our Focus has been a dangerous nightmare since the first day we bought it. My mom and dad have started living with us because they can't take care of themselves anymore and our time to do things has quickly evaporated. Our constant struggle to keep the (2013) Focus operable is truly overwhelming."   Michael Hirzel of Sebastian, Florida * * * "I have taken my car in for the same problem on four different occasions. I have spoken to the manager several times and, unfortunately, he never follows up with me. I expressed my concern to him regarding the safety of myself and my granddaughter. I am at a loss on what to do."   Amanda Rucker of Overland Park, Kansas (2013 Focus) "The transmission started slipping, revving, missing a beat. We started taking the car to the dealership. We did this over three times. I personally took the car and drove around with the shop manager so he could hear and feel the transmission issues. … Now I have a car that could be potentially deadly and I have a dealership that (refuses) to buy back a lemon from the customer."   Lorraine Marquess of New Boston, Texas (2015 Focus) * * * "I had to replace the transmission not once but twice and I had to pay over $4,000 in repairs and the second transmission didn't make it out of the repair shop."   Sam Hainesworth of Latrobe, Pennsylvania (2012 Focus) * * * * * * "My daughter took her 2015 Fiesta in to get repaired. They told her it would be about two weeks before she could pick up her car. She had no other way to work so she never took it back. She can't afford to have it fixed elsewhere."   Pearl De Los Reyes of Baytown, Texas * * * "I bought the 2013 Ford Focus for my daughter for her 16th birthday. We had to take the car back to the Ford dealership and have the transmission worked on due to the car shuddering and stalling to accelerate when going through an intersection   which was so scary and dangerous. And now the car is starting to shudder again. It is hard enough not worrying when you child pulls out of the driveway in any car, but when you're not sure if the car will be reliable and safe, that's another whole set of worries."   Amy Thornton of New Melle, Missouri * * * "The first day I drove the car home, the car started jerking, shaking and had a loud sound. I took it back to the dealership and they looked at it and said it was something wrong and I needed to pay about $200. The car still jerks and shakes."   Angelia Smith of Bern, North Carolina (2014 Focus) * * * "I have a car that does a shudder and shake with $400 a month payments. I am retired. What do I do? I am stuck. I've come to the conclusion there is nothing I can do, so I just drive it the best I can. It's a shame a big company doesn't have to stand behind their cars."   Jill Turpack of Lancaster, Pennsylvania (2015 Focus) "My car would actually accelerate uphill in my parking garage. When I would let off the gas on the highway I'd go up to 10 mph faster on a flat road. My car would jerk forward at stoplights. There were multiple times I've been in near-miss accidents. I have a perfect driving record and I'm almost 30 years old. I do not feel safe driving that car. I just want people to be aware it's affecting more than just up to the 2016 vehicles."   Molly Anderson of Denver, Colorado (2017 Focus) "Three weeks after I bought the car with zero miles, I had to go right away to the mechanic. They tried to justify noise the car was making by telling me the transmission was manual and automatic   it was supposed to make that kind of noise. I said no way. You couldn't change the gear. It wouldn't shift. So they went in and adjusted a few things. Then the same thing again. Then a third time they said the same thing again. … On the road, it doesn't work. You feel it. They had the car for five days and opened the transmission. When I was on the highway   Highway 52 goes from Ponce to San Juan   you felt like the car was gonna go off and I had to go to the side. I was scared. ... It's why I don't take the car outside of my hometown a lot. I tell you, I have a lemon of a car. I was a police officer until December and retired after 29 years. You know the worst thing? I have four car payments left to go. They're $382."   Juanita Alfonso of Ponce, Puerto Rico (2013 Fiesta) * * * "The car had died on me and would not start and they told me the transmission shuddering was 'within tolerances' and nothing else could or needed to be done about it. I'm worried when it will leave my wife stranded again."   Bill Whitcombe of Flint, Michigan (2016 Focus) "I leased a Focus for my daughter and her new baby and I ended up switching cars with her because I was afraid the Focus was not safe. I thought she was kidding me. But I took it for a few months and thought, 'I can't drive this.' It was bad. The car is unsafe. I made several complaints to the dealership to no avail."   Tim Burns of Santa Fe, New Mexico (2014 Focus) FREE PRESS INVESTIGATION: OUT OF GEAR Ford knew Focus, Fiesta models had flawed transmission, sold them anyway Complaints about Focus, Fiesta to US include injury reports Key findings from the Out of Gear investigation of Ford Focus, Fiesta transmissions Here's how Ford responded to Focus, Fiesta transmission investigation This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Ford Focus, Fiesta owners describe struggles, fears driving their cars


Plan A for this week's Extra Point was to write about how the Steelers are (were) the most dangerous team heading into the AFC playoffs. Part of me still thinks they are, but after they failed to negotiate Baltimore's two-deep safety coverages on Sunday, or stop Javorius Allen in the zone running game, they may not even make the playoffs. Plan B was to write about how the Seahawks are looking like their usual dominant selves again defensively. And that they might be better than ever offensively thanks to a refined approach ripe with crafty route combinations and Russell Wilson's newfound pocket proficiency, which has been nothing short of mind-boggling. However, the Seahawks stumbled at home to a Rams team that they've often had trouble matching up against. The problem was their offensive line, which isn't athletic enough to compete with St. Louis's furious front four. Seattle is still in the playoffs and, in the bigger picture, trending up, but this hiccup is enough to pump the brakes on their coronation as the most dangerous team entering the NFC postseason. And so we called an audible and went with Plan C: a preview of what (thank goodness) is finally a superb Monday night matchup with significant playoff implications for both teams (not to mention other teams who will be watching from home). Both teams, Denver and Cincinnati, have been great with audibles over the years, and have had to amend their approaches with their professorial quarterbacks, Peyton Manning and Andy Dalton, sidelined with injures. Whichever replacement QB, Brock Osweiler or AJ McCarron, plays better could very well decide Monday's contest. Making his sixth NFL start, Osweiler is the less enigmatic of the two. So let's first evaluate how he and Denver's 20th-ranked scoring offense match up to Cincy's top-ranked scoring defense. Broncos Offense vs. Bengals Defense At halftime in Pittsburgh last week, Osweiler was 14-for-18 for 214 yards and three touchdowns. In the second half, he went 7-for-26 for 82 yards and an interception. It was the second week in a row that Denver blew a halftime lead by getting blanked in the second half. The week before it had happened in a home loss to the Raiders. Noteworthy is that both second half disappearing acts came against defenses that had played zone coverage often some version of Cover 2, with two safeties split over the top. Osweiler struggled to process Pittsburgh's help coverage concepts out of zone in the second half. To be fair, his supporting cast also floundered. Several different Broncos receivers had numerous route running snafus and dropped passes. Denver's offensive line also rattled along the lines of inconsistency, most glaringly inside, at guard and center. The week before it was outside at tackle, where Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack ate up Michael Schofield and Ryan Harris for four second-half sacks. (Mack also had a fifth sack on an out-of-structure play.) Two-high-safety zone coverages happens to be Cincinnati's forte. We think of the Bengals defense, once coordinated by Mike Zimmer, as a blitz-heavy, double-A-gap pressure unit, with two linebackers walked up in the A-gaps between the center and guards in order to eliminate double-team possibilities on any specific pass rushers. However, under coordinator Paul Guenther, the Bengals have played more traditional, coverage-based football, in part because the key actor in the double-A-gap pressures, linebacker Vontaze Burfict, has been in and out of the lineup the past two seasons. Burfict is in the lineup now, but given Denver's ups and downs against zone, there's little incentive to bring interior pressure. This is especially true when you consider that Denver's stretch rushing attack naturally targets the perimeter. You can't play double-A-gap against outside runs the alignment gives blockers inherently favorable angles. The Bengals won't even consider these inside blitzes unless it is third-and-10 or further. And in those instances, it makes more sense to keep bodies in coverage, giving the inexperienced Osweiler more to decipher. Based on how conservative Denver's approach has been in the three weeks since the upset over New England, it reasons that Gary Kubiak and his staff don't want to risk putting their QB in long-yardage situations. Osweiler has been used as a complementary player, nothing more. The question this week is whether he'll complement the offense with more play-action rollouts. That's Kubiak's M.O., but we saw little of it against the Steelers. Cincy's aggressive linebackers and safeties can be over-reactive to misdirection; fake handoffs with bootlegs and crossing patterns would be a good way to attack them. • UNDERSTANDING THE GREATNESS OF A.J. GREEN: An afternoon watching film with the Bengals superstar receiver. Bengals Offense vs. Broncos Defense As for McCarron, presumably the Bengals view him as a complementary player, as well, though technically we don't yet know for sure. McCarron's first NFL showing was off the bench two weeks ago versus the Steelers. Evaluate that with a grain of salt because he hadn't taken many practice reps that week and he was assuming a gameplan that had been built for Dalton. McCarron's second showing, last week at San Francisco, offered very little to evaluate. Cincinnati's three touchdowns came on drives that started inside San Francisco's 40-yard-line, two inside the red zone. And thanks to two connections on deep fly routes (Marvin Jones a 47-yarder and A.J. Green a 37-yarder), the Bengals did not have to attack the intermediate levels with progression reads. Intermediate progression passes reveal a quarterback's true makeup. McCarron did have two nice intermediate connections last Sunday: to Jones for 19 yards on a Cover 3 zone-beating combination, and to tight end Tyler Kroft (playing for an injured Tyler Eifert) on a 20-yard touchdown to beat another Cover 3 down the seams. Nice throws these were, but both were largely defined reads, with the play design dictating where the ball went. There's nothing wrong with that; it just puts a ceiling on a quarterback evaluation. There are still questions to answer about McCarron. The Bengals won't see much Cover 3 Monday night. Despite getting torched by the Steelers the previous week in man-to-man, the Broncos should stick with their foundational man-to-man approach. Aqib Talib typically matches up to the opponent's biggest receiver, with Chris Harris on the quickest. That means Talib will be on A.J. Green and Harris on Jones, leaving Bradley Roby to spar with Mohamed Sanu. All are compelling matchups. And for that matter, so is Denver's dynamic pass rush against Cincinnati's stellar veteran offensive line. Bengals offensive coordinator Hue Jackson has shrewdly given defenses a lot to sort out this season, showing massive pre-snap shifts and various formations, particularly early in games. This week, those formations will feature receivers in motion at the snap or aligned tight to the ball, as opposed to split out wide. That forces defenders to fight through traffic, which is how you defeat man coverage. The Prediction People love this part of a game preview, but it's foolish to dabble in it. If individual predictions were any good in the NFL, this article would have been about either the Steelers or Seahawks.


From Keto to paleo to Whole30 , there are plenty of promising diets to embark on when you're trying to finally shed the spare tire. Except, with so many options, how do you know which eating plan will yield the most desirable results? To answer this gripping question, U.S. News&World Report evaluated 41 of the most popular diets out there and determined the best one: the Mediterranean diet won first place! Couple your new eating plan with our 35 Instant Weight Loss Secrets , and you'll be on your way to a rocking beach bod in no time. What is the Mediterranean Diet? You may be familiar with the Mediterranean diet or have tried it at some point in time to lose weight. The eating pattern prioritizes vegetables, fruits, healthy fats (think nuts and fish), and quality carbs such as legumes and whole grains. There aren't any strict calorie-counting rules and hunger-inducing exclusions of certain food groups you just have to limit red meat and avoid processed foods and added sugars. And the benefits go beyond weight loss: It can protect against diabetes, heart disease, and cognitive decline. But if your imminent concern is cinching your waistline, there's major proof that this easy-to-follow diet is worth giving a go. Another worthy bonus: women can enjoy one daily glass of red wine, while men are allowed two. RELATED: These are the easy, at-home recipes that help you lose weight. How can it help you lose weight? "In terms of weight loss for someone who is actively interested in weight management, the Mediterranean diet may be beneficial because it is based in whole and minimally processed foods with limited added sugars and lab-made fats," Maya Feller , MS, RD, CDN tells us. "If a person is transitioning their current eating plan from a standard American diet, then a Mediterranean style of eating will likely provide fewer calories while increasing the nutrients." So, because the Mediterranean diet is so nutrient-dense, you'll become satiated while eating less! Plus, a 2016 study in The Lancet Diabetes&Endocrinology journal found that people on the Mediterranean versions added the fewest inches to their waistline. Feller adds that this style of eating may not be ideal for everyone because there is no one size fits all, but the Mediterranean diet can be modified to meet any person where they are along their food and nutrition journey. "Since the diet's foundation is whole and minimally processed foods, you'll have access to a wide range of phytonutrients and antioxidants coming from plant foods ."


Scot Peterson, the Parkland, Florida school resource officer who failed to confront a shooter who killed 17 last February, has been branded a "coward" by everyone from victims' family members to President Donald Trump. But will his inaction that day also make him a felon? This week, Florida prosecutors answered that question in the affirmative, and charged the former Broward County sheriff's deputy with neglect of a child, culpable negligence and perjury. Legal experts say the move is unprecedented, and that the case will be closely watched amid calls to arm teachers and other school personnel as a way to prevent future school shootings. "I can't think of a case where someone has been charged with not going into harm's way." said Laurie Levenson, a professor at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. "Basically, they're charging him with being a coward." In similar cases, like those involving day care personnel, a person might be made to pay money to the affected families, but it is "incredibly rare" for prosecutors to seek jail time, Levenson said. Darren Hutchinson, a professor of the University of Florida's Levin College of Law, said that the only precedent for officers being charged for inaction is in cases where they fail to perform their "clearly defined legal duty," such as attending to a person's urgent medical needs. "What they're doing in Florida is try to apply general laws regarding child neglect -- laws that keep people from doing reckless things that cause injury -- they're applying those to police practice," Hutchinson said. Surveillance video and police radio transmissions showed that as the alleged teenage gunman, Nikolas Cruz, a former student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, rampaged through Building 12, which was full of freshmen, Peterson remained outside for 27 minutes. Instead of entering the school to confront the gunman, he retreated to a safe area, and then advised first responders over the radio to maintain their distance. Prosecutors say that he made a false statement, claiming that he did not hear gunfire. An internal probe by the Broward County Sheriff's Office found that Peterson, who was assigned to the high school as a school resource officer, "did absolutely nothing to mitigate" the shooting, according to a statement released by the agency. Peterson's lawyer, Joseph DiRuzzo, said at the time that his client's actions were "appropriate" and said he would ultimately be exonerated based on the video evidence. DiRuzzo said Peterson took up a "tactical position" in response to what he believed was outdoor gunfire, notified the sheriff's dispatch and initiated a "Code Red" lockdown. In the wake of the shooting, the Stoneman Douglas High School Safety Commission suggested that a policy implemented by former Sheriff Steve Israel, who helmed the department at the time, may have been a factor in the incident. Instead of mandating that officers confront active shooters, it said they "may" do so. Israel told the commission he wanted to avoid sending officers on "suicide missions," according to the Associated Press. "By absolutely no stretch of the imagination do we condone the actions, or inaction, of Deputy Scot Peterson on February 14, 2018," Rod Skirvin, president of the Broward County Police Benevolent Association, which includes Parkland, told ABC News in an interview Thursday. "That being said, we feel the ramifications of charging a law enforcement officer with a criminal act as a caregiver is highly concerning to us." Skirvin said the idea that an officer like Peterson could be criminally charged would lead to "massive confusion on the interpretation of the law." He noted that in the wake of the Parkland shooting, Florida police are now trained to prepare to "kill or be killed" as they enter an active-shooter situation at a school. This week, immediately after the criminal complaint was filed against him, Peterson, 56, was terminated from his position, which he had held for 30 years. Peterson's lawyer, DiRuzzo, said in a statement that his client was being made a scapegoat. "The State's actions appear to be nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt at politically motivated retribution against Mr. Peterson, as no other individual employed at the Broward Sheriff's Office or Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School has been criminally charged," DiRuzzo said. Peterson appeared in court Thursday and a judge reduced his bond. He was released and has not yet entered a plea. The news this week that Peterson had been charged was mostly applauded by the Parkland community, which largely repeated the view of him that they have offered over the past year. "He was a coward that day," Manuel Oliver, whose 17-year-old son, Joaquin, was killed in the massacre, told ABC News. "He was there to save students, teachers. He did nothing. Now he needs to pay for his mistake and I'm glad this is happening now." Levenson said that the case would be closely watched, as the state legislatures and the U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos have considered policies that would encourage more school personnel, including teachers, to be armed. "It may have mixed consequences," she said of the criminal charges. "It might be harder to recruit people." But more than that, it is not yet clear that a jury will go along with it. "I think people are angry that their children weren't protected," Levenson said. "In a courtroom, where that anger is going to be tempered, what will it look like then?"


Two robberies at financial institutions were being investigated Monday in the Charlotte area. The first incident happened around 1 p.m. at Cooperativa Latino Credit Union at 5910 South Blvd. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police said a man came into the business, passed a note to the teller, and ran away with property. The suspect was described as a black male about 5' 3", wearing a beige shirt and a dark ball cap with a tan emblem in the center. The second incident happened around 3 p.m. in Mooresville at First Citizens Bank on Medical Park Road. Police said a man came into the demanding money then left the scene. The suspect was described as a black male wearing a red hoodie who took off in a green Toyota Avalon with five star wheels and passenger side front end damage. Anyone with information about either robbery should call 911. Investigators have not said if the crimes are connected. MORE STORIES ON WCNC.COM Missing private jet carrying 13 found crashed in northern Mexico; no survivors seen York County 14-year-old has been missing since April 25 'Game of Thrones' left a coffee cup in this week's episode and the internet is losing it


Looking to visit the best grocery stores around? Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top grocery stores in Newark, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best spots to venture next time you're looking for a grocery store. 1. Golden Farm Market Topping the list is Golden Farm Market . Located at 470 Market St., the grocery store, which offers fresh produce and more, is the highest-rated grocery store in Newark, boasting 4.5 stars out of 19 reviews on Yelp. 2. A&J Seabra's Supermarket Next up is A&J Seabra's Supermarket , situated at 260 Lafayette St. With four stars out of 17 reviews on Yelp, the grocery store and seafood market has proven to be a local favorite. 3. Halsey Deli & Grocery Halsey Deli & Grocery , located at 147 Halsey St., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the deli and grocery store four stars out of 15 reviews. This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre charged the group's longtime ad agency for nearly a quarter million dollars in expenses related to his travel to Italy, Hungary, the Bahamas and other destinations, the agency told NRA officials in a letter last week. The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that Ackerman McQueen executives penned a letter to the NRA's board detailing $240,000 in expenses LaPierre charged to the agency over a period of several years for which he reportedly provided inadequate documentation. NRA officials reportedly reimbursed Ackerman McQueen for the expenses, the Journal reports, though the letter represents a falling-out between the two organizations that multiple news reports have indicated resulted from LaPierre's excessive spending habits for travel and other purposes. The NRA is now suing the ad agency, claiming that Ackerman McQueen has refused to provide adequate explanation for the billings. The letter, dated April 22 according to the Journal, has raised new questions within the gun rights group as to whether LaPierre has improperly benefited from various agencies partnered with the NRA. The "vast majority of travel involved donor outreach, fundraising and stakeholder engagement," an outside attorney representing the NRA told the Journal. "The board is aware of the allegations and has taken them under review." An NRA spokeswoman did not immediately return a request for comment from The Hill regarding the letter. Reports of LaPierre's travel spending come days after the group's president, Oliver North, was ousted from the group following conflict with LaPierre over similar spending issues.


SpringHill Entertainment seemingly hasn't stopped releasing content and announcing new shows since LeBron James arrived in Los Angeles. After years of groundwork, the company is beating more fruit. And in an announcement for one of their most unique projects yet, SpringHill added even more star power. Octavia Spencer is set to play Madam C.J. Walker in a scripted drama for Netflix that is inspired by the true story of Walker, aka Sarah Breedlove, the first self-made female millionaire in American history. Spencer, who credited LeBron James and Maverick Carter for "stepping up" for her by helping her secure the compensation she desired from Netflix, will now be joined by Tiffany Haddish, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Haddish, according to THR, will play Breedlove's daughter Leila, adding star power to an already highly-anticipated series. While SpringHill Entertainment has a variety of productions, the Spencer-led scripted period piece will be the company's first of that genre. MORE: NBA fans shouldn't be furious Kobe Bryant was named third team All-Decade Packers training camp practice roundup: August 6 with Texans WATCH: Packers rookie OLB Rashan Gary whips Texans LT Matt Kalil 5 takeaways from the Raiders' first depth chart of 2019 season Bears QB coach uses unique analogy to assess Trubisky's deep passes


The family of a black man shot and killed by a white South Bend police sergeant on Father's Day is suing both the city and officer who pulled the trigger in federal court. On Wednesday, the estate of 54-year-old father of seven Eric Jack Logan filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana against South Bend and Sgt. Ryan O'Neill in connection to the incident. The counts against the city and O'Neill include excessive deadly force, equal protection and municipal liability. The family is seeking compensatory damages against the city and O'Neill, punitive damages against O'Neill and is demanding a jury trial. The shooting happened around 3:30 a.m. on June 16. Police were called to the 100 block of North William Street after dispatch received a report someone breaking into cars. South Bend Police Sgt. Ryan O'Neill responded to the scene and confronted a man, later identified as Logan, who police said was partially in a vehicle in the Central High Apartments parking lot. The shooting's impact on Mayor Pete: How Buttigieg's tense town hall might hurt   or help   his campaign The lawsuit says that O'Neill then asked Logan if the car was his, and Logan responded "yes." Officials said Logan then stepped out of the vehicle with a knife in his hand and approached O'Neill with the weapon raised. O'Neill stepped back and ordered Logan to drop the weapon, police say. Police said when Logan did not comply, O'Neill fired his service weapon twice and struck Logan in the abdomen. After the shooting, Logan was taken to Memorial Hospital, less than a mile away, in a squad car by another officer. He was pronounced dead at the hospital. O'Neill was wearing body camera, police say he did not turn it on to record the interaction. The family's lawsuit states that "O'Neill did not attempt to de-escalate the situation and immediately chose to draw his service weapon and pointed it at Eric." The lawsuit also points out that O'Neill could have easily activated his body camera by using a button on his wrist control. Support our journalism Become an IndyStar subscriber today to support stories like this one. Get unlimited digital access here! The lawsuit says that O'Neill's actions violated Logan's constitution rights, calling his conduct "objectively unreasonable and undertaken with willfulness and reckless indifference to the rights of others." The family says the city is the moving force behind the misconduct because of its failure to train, supervise and discipline officers. The lawsuit also references accusations that O'Neill made racist comments 11 years ago. The comments were reported by a fellow patrolman, and did not result in any discipline from the city, the lawsuit states. The shooting has created significant conflict in the city of South Bend. Mayor Pete Buttigieg, who left the presidential campaign trail to return his hometown in the wake of the shooting, has been criticized by both the public and the police for his handling of the case. On Sunday, he was confronted by angry residents at a town hall who felt that the mayor needed to take action immediately and remove problem officers from the force. At the meeting, Buttigieg said he takes responsibility for the South Bend police department's failed efforts to hire more minority officers and implement the use of body cameras. The next day, the Executive Board of the South Bend Fraternal Order of Police slammed the 37-year-old mayor in an open letter, saying that Buttigieg's intentions in the matter are purely political, and that his approach to the shooting has only created greater division within the city. Call IndyStar reporter Justin L. Mack at 317-444-6138. Follow him on Twitter: @justinlmack. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Eric Logan's family sues South Bend, officer after fatal shooting


See the biggest story lines of the weekend you need to track in Sunday's Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 (3 p.m. ET, NBCSN) at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. LOUDON, N.H. -- NASCAR has invaded New England once again, heading north for the annual trek to New Hampshire Motor Speedway. We're in the thick of the NASCAR Playoffs hunt, with just a handful of races remaining before the championship field is set at 16. Read on to see the biggest story lines of the weekend you need to be tracking in Sunday's Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 (3 p.m. ET, NBCSN, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). Back of the line, bub: The trio of practice sessions at the \"Magic Mile\" this weekend were filled with an unusual amount of attrition. Alex Bowman (twice), William Byron, Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson and Ryan Newman all incurred significant damage during practice laps at New Hampshire and will have to start Sunday's race in their backups -- or, in Bowman's case, Jimmie Johnson's backup because he wrecked his own -- and from the rear of the field. The 1.058-mile flat track is notoriously hard to pass at, so these drivers (three of which are winless and fighting for playoff positioning) have their work cut out for them. Road to Victory Lane goes through Gibbs, Penske ... : NASCAR's two powerhouse teams tend to flex their muscle at the \"Magic Mile.\" With the exception of a pair of Kevin Harvick wins -- one of which was last year, and he had to move Kyle Busch out of the way to secure the dub -- and a Brian Vickers underdog miracle, the two-headed monster of NASCAR's elite has won nine of the past 12 NHMS races. Winless season or not, Harvick again poses the biggest threat for a non-Gibbs/Penske driver to win, but any of those seven cars -- particularly the Nos. 2, 18, 19 and 22   are the heavy, heavy favorites. … Unless it doesn't: Easy to say after seeing him literally hold off a Gibbs car -- which happened to be driven by his brother -- just a week ago, but it's time to start talking about Kurt Busch as a legitimate title contender and threat to win this weekend. Currently seventh in championship points standings, Busch has caught fire of late with a win, a runner-up result and an average finish of 8.33 over the past six races. His victory was Chevrolet's third in a row -- the first time the manufacturer has done that since late 2015 with a few guys named Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Busch, a three-time winner at NHMS, led a race-high 94 laps in this race last year. Sunday could be an important cornerstone in a potential title run for the '04 champ. Jonesing for a playoff berth: As unfortunate as the wrecks in practice were for the drivers who will start from the back of the pack, it's inversely a bout of good fortune for the likes of playoff bubble drivers like Erik Jones, Clint Bowyer and Jimmie Johnson. Sunday marks a huge opportunity for all three to pick up valuable stage points -- they start fourth, 10th and 14th, respectively -- and the playoff field could look quite different after the checkered flag falls. Jones, in particular, stands to gain some significant ground, having only picked up 52 stage points (18th overall) and sitting just two points ahead of Ryan Newman for the final spot at the moment. Wicked good drivers: Most folks know that NASCAR's reigning champion, Joey Logano, is a New England native. He's not the only northeast driver in Sunday's field, though. Maine's Austin Theriault, New Hampshire's Andy Seuss and Connecticut-bred Ryan Preece, who sat down with NASCAR.com Saturday morning, will all vie for some lobstah. For Preece, no stranger to NHMS across several different series and chassis, it marks just the rookie's second Cup Series start here and first as a full-time driver. What's changed since that debut in 2015? \"Just track time, that's been a huge difference,\" he told NASCAR.com. \"All that time that I had helped me get ready for this. I feel like that's one step further ahead than (where I was) and I just keep on going.\"


Cleveland is set to see light rainfall this coming week, according to drone-powered weather forecasting service Saildrone . Tomorrow's forecast shows the greatest possibility of rain at 93 percent, with rain possible through Thursday. The coming days will also see warm temperatures, expected to persist through Sunday. Temperatures will reach a high of 83 degrees on Thursday. Skies will be partly cloudy today. Winds will continue to be calm through the week, with merely a light breeze of 7 mph tomorrow. This story was created automatically using Saildrone's local weather forecast data, then reviewed by an editor. We also incorporate historic weather data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


The focus for people at a vigil in southwest Houston was three things: Maleah Davis, prayers and teddy bears.


The thought of Lionel Messi no longer playing professional football is a rather unpleasant one. La Pulga has seemingly been decimating defenders for eternity, treating football as his own personal playground and redefining the very concept of being a footballer. However, the image of a devastated 32-year-old Messi, standing hand on hips as Argentina crashed out of yet another Copa America on Wednesday , very starkly reminded the world that he will not be around forever. Messi will be 34 at the time of the 2022 World Cup and while his magical powers may be capable of masking the effects of age for a time, Argentina must begin to plan for life without the greatest player in footballing history. Here are the players who are most likely to try and step into the void that Messi's departure from the international the game would definitely leave behind. Lautaro Martínez This summer's Copa America may be remembered as the moment that Lautaro Martínez loudly announced his arrival into the upper echelons of world football. Being included in the squad over the man that he spent season playing second fiddle to at Inter : Mauro Icardi, Martínez has been extremely impressive in the tournament. The 21-year-old centre forward scored twice for La Albiceleste en route to the semi-finals and his fine form has reignited Barcelona's interest in him . Blessed with the exceptional close control and predatory instincts, Martínez would be able to offset some of the damage caused by Messi's absence for the Argentina team. Giovani Lo Celso A player more suited to filling the creative void left by Messi, is Tottenham target Giovani Lo Celso. In possession of a magical left foot, not unlike his compatriot, Lo Celso was the heartbeat of an impressive Real Betis side last season. Internationally, his contribution so far has been considerable, despite making his debut for Argentina less than a year ago. In this summer's Copa America, Lo Celso has received significant minutes, starting the first two games of the competition before being unfairly dropped for Argentina's knockout games against Venezuela and Brazil. Lo Celso is confident taking up both withdrawn and advanced midfield positions, and demonstrated his aptitude for finishing while playing for Real Betis last season, scoring 16 goals in all competitions. The 23-year-old's Midas touch in front of goal, combined with his creativity, will prove invaluable for Argentina in a Messi-less future. Paulo Dybala Despite performing well since joining Juventus in 2015, Paulo Dybala has struggled to replicate this form for Argentina. The 25-year-old has often been a victim of Messi's brilliance, being forced to play in positions he is ill-suited to, in order to maximise La Pulga's usefulness to the team. In many ways, Dybala invites comparisons with the man who has often kept him out of the Argentina side. An elegant, intelligent and nimble supporting striker, the Juventus man is evasive in a similar way to Messi, and also works hard for the team defensively. His talents have caught the eye of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer , with Manchester United very keen in pursuing a move for the attacker. If he signs, Dybala would likely become the attacking focal point of United's increasingly young side. This level of responsibility could facilitate his development from a rotational option, to a replacement for Messi in his national side. Mauro Icardi Although he is probably the most controversial figure in Argentinian football, there is no doubting Mauro Icardi's skills on the pitch. His composure in front of goal, impressive movement and improved work rate, equip him with the perfect skill set with which the fill the goal drought that may be caused by Messi's absence from the Argentina team. Icardi's performances will no doubt be helped by  his imminent departure from Inter , finally putting to an end the off-field circus that plagued his goalscoring form last season. It is easy to forget amongst all of this controversy that Icardi was once the most revered striker in world football. 29 Serie A goals during the 2017-2018 season, attracted interest from across Europe, though Manchester United now appear most likely to secure his signature. If the Argentinian management team are able to put their issues with Icardi behind them, they will be able to harness his ability and lessen the blow of Messi's imminent departure.


It's been almost three months since longtime Suffern schools Superintendent Douglas Adams was suspended by a 4-3 vote of the school board, accused of withholding information and failing to protect students, but Adams insists that his name will be cleared and he will return as schools chief. In his first interview since his unexpected March 7 suspension, Adams said that the school board's allegations are false. He said that he is the victim of an unclear "agenda" on the part of what he calls the board's "core four" who voted to suspend him   board President Amany Dgheim and first-year members Angus MacKenzie, Donald Cairns and Melissa Reimer. Adams will get to defend himself at a hearing against the board's five undisclosed disciplinary charges. Adams said he has chosen for the hearing, not yet scheduled, to be open to the public. He said he plans to call about 24 witnesses, and that he plans to return to office. "There is an expectation of accountability that needs to be held for me and for the board," he said. The school board will have final say about Adams' fate after the hearing. But the balance of power on the board may shift after last Tuesday's election. Dgheim did not seek re-election and her term will expire July 1. She will be replaced by a new board member, Chris Nicpon, who has been critical of her leadership. So the board majority that supported Adams' suspension may not hold. SUFFERN: School board and suspended superintendent trade accusations CHARGES: Suspended Suffern school superintendent faces 5 charges ADAMS REACTS: Suffern superintendent says school board stifled him For now, tensions remain high. When Adams made a surprise appearance at a May 7 board meeting, to celebrate the top 10% of students at the high school, students and teachers flocked to him to take pictures. But Adams said that Acting Superintendent Lisa Castaldo was instructed by board members to ask him to leave. "Whatever differences we have need to be set aside for the kids," Adams said. He said he plans on attending future events, including graduation. In statements released after Adams was suspended with pay, Dgheim and the board majority said Adams withheld information from the board and was unresponsive about allegations against a district employee that affected the safety and well-being of certain middle and high school students. Adams said he did not know what the board was talking about. "I have responded to all requests," he said, adding that he assigned staff to meet with board members on specific questions. In the days leading up this suspension, Adams filed two petitions with state Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia claiming that Dgheim and the board overstepped their duties and tried to stop him from doing his job. Adams would not address the particular allegations against a district employee that the school board majority cited after suspending him. He said that according to district policy, each school has its own protocol for dealing with complaints and allegations, although they may seek support, advice, and recommendations from district administrators like its legal counsel. He said that only certain offenses reach the superintendent and that one such case reached his office over the past two years. Adams said he turned that case over to law enforcement and the accused person no longer works for the district. "If an administrator does something erroneously after getting advice, then it is my responsibility to take disciplinary action," he said about such matters in general. The district may still be focused on the case that the board majority referred to when suspending Adams. At an April 2 board meeting, district lawyer Elizabeth Ledkovsky said that the district will re-investigate a case pertaining to sexual harassment because certain administrators improperly handled an initial eight-week investigation. Adams said that the real basis for his suspension was the ulterior motives of the "core four" board members who voted to suspend him, Dgheim and the three members who ran for the board last spring as the "Kids First" ticket, Cairns, Mackenzie and Reimer. "They saw me as an impediment to their agenda," he said. But he could not say what their agenda might be. After a contentious race leading up to last week's school board elections, the board's dynamic is likely to shift again. Dgheim's seat will be taken by Chris Nicpon, who ran with incumbent Matthew Kern, who was re-elected. Kern tends to vote with a board minority   including Tom Donnelly and Paul Shapiro   that voted against Adams' suspension. Nicpon and Kern ran on a "true transparency" slate and criticized the actions of the current board and its president, Dgheim. They said the board overstepped its bounds, held "unnecessary special meetings" and interfered with the hiring of administrators. "We need to restore an open working environment between the Board and district leadership," said a statement on their website. The school board's composition and leadership will change July 1. But it's unknown when Adams' hearing may be held   or whether the current school board will seek to rule on his fate before Dgheim's term expires and the balance of power on the board potentially shifts. This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Suspended Suffern Superintendent Adams says he will return as chief


An MVP award for Jimmy Garoppolo in 2019 is probably setting the expectations too high. He's getting the same odds as Cam Newton, Russell Wilson, Matt Ryan and Ben Roethlisberger according to BetOnline.ag, but it's going to take a significant step forward in play from the 27-year-old if he's going to play at an MVP level. Garoppolo has eight starts with the 49ers. Extrapolating his numbers over a 16-game season puts him at a 64.5 percent completion rate, 4,520 yards, 22 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. Those stats aren't winning an MVP award in 2019. Perhaps the more concerning thing is how Garoppolo looked through three starts last year. Part of that may have had to do with Jerick McKinnon's ACL tear a week before the season, and the offensive changes the 49ers underwent in upon his exit. However, he still looked indecisive, and inaccurate at times. If he can clean up the issues that plagued him last season, he should be able to improve dramatically on those numbers from his first eight starts. The yardage total is fine, but the touchdown passes have to go way up, and the interceptions have to come way down if he's going to be in the MVP conversation. The other issue he could run into is team success. It stands to reason that an MVP-caliber performance from the quarterback means a good record for San Francisco. On the other hand, they're banking heavily on the improvement of the one of the league's worst secondaries. If the defense continues to struggle and the 49ers only win eight or nine games despite an MVP-caliber performance from their quarterback, Garoppolo still won't win the award. It's not an outlandish notion that Garoppolo might scoop up an MVP award in his career, or even in 2019. There are a ton of factors stacked against him though. The 49ers would take an MVP season, but an efficient 16 games from Garoppolo would likely be enough to get them back to the playoffs. MORE: LeBron James Boasts About '300 Mil Later' After Rich Paul Klutch Sale to UTA Mountain biker jumps over Tour de France peloton Bobby Portis Q&A: 'I love being underrated' 5 possible landing spots for former Cowboys WR Dez Bryant 12 things fans should know about attending Packers training camp


The restaurant serving standout pies from a famed italian pizzaiolo has been seized by the marshal After a splashy opening thanks to its credentialed pizzamaker, Roman pizzeria La Rossa in Soho has closed , according to Bowery Boogie, which reports that the space has been seized by the marshal. La Rossa opened in December 2018, as the first NYC pizza restaurant from Italian pizzaiolo Stefano Callegari , who is credited as the inventor of the street food sensation trapizzino . Callegari opened his first pizzeria in Rome in 2005 and went on to operate eight restaurants around the world. Here in New York, his La Rossa focused on 12-inch circular pies, some of which reimagined other classic Roman dishes as pizzas, as with the cacio e pepe pie. But it was La Rossa's simple margherita pie that caught the attention of Eater senior critic Robert Sietsema, writing : "The margherita was denser than the other examples in town and exceptionally cheesy; every bite was a pleasure." During the day, the restaurant also served pizza al taglio , square slices served from the counter. The landlord now has possession of the building. City marshals can seize properties involved in civil matters, which includes rent, taxes, and landlord disputes. Most restaurants do not re-open after being seized, as has been the case for NYC restaurants like Kate's Joint , Raw Material , Lanza's , and Fatty 'Cue . Eater has reached out for more information, and calls to the restaurant went unanswered. Marshal Seizes Lafayette Street Restaurant of Rome's Top Pizza Maker [Bowery Boogie]


Tom Brady has seen a championship parade or two - or six. But he stopped to take note of the one thrown in Toronto after the Raptors won their first NBA Title while beating the Golden State Warriors. The Raptors parade on Monday had tremendous turnout. Brady seemed to be impressed with the madness, and tweeted about it. Brady and the Patriots are fresh off their own championship parade for New England's win in Super Bowl LIII. The celebrations drew 1.5 million people . The estimation for Toronto's parade is actually the same number. Noted. https://t.co/cCGqsmJu5f - Tom Brady (@TomBrady) June 17, 2019 MORE: LaVar Ball made a tasteless mid-interview remark to ESPN's Molly Qerim Roundup: US Sending 1,000 More Troops to Iran; Recalls; Dallas Gunman Shot Dead Adding context to audible issue between Aaron Rodgers, Matt LaFleur NBA Free Agency 2019: The top players Josh McCown and the wasted promise of the 2006 Detroit Lions


Former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told lawmakers in May that President Donald Trump faced a "steep learning curve" dealing with the U.S. relationship with Russia and immigration laws, according to a transcript of his closed-door interview released by a House committee on Thursday. The former ExxonMobil CEO-turned-diplomat's testimony to the House Foreign Affairs Committee are some of his most candid and extensive comments on his rocky tenure in the Trump administration. In seven hours behind closed doors with the committee, Tillerson said Trump was "learning a lot along the way" about the United States' relationship with Russia. He said Trump "didn't know a lot" about "the legal aspects of the immigration laws or certainly other aspects of how the government operates within the congressional law-making system and oversight." On immigration, specifically, Tillerson also said Trump "never asked me to violate the law," but proposed actions that would have tested his authorities and provoked legal challenges. "He was very action-oriented: Get it done, get it done, get it done," Tillerson recalled. "And so just sometimes you had to say: We can't do that." "I'm not a lawyer, so it wasn't fair of me to be giving him legal advice. But I knew a bit about immigration laws. And so on occasion I would have to say to him: Well, we can't do it that way. And I think I said, you know: It's going to get challenged in the court and you're going to lose," he said. Tillerson also described his frustrations with Jared Kushner, the president's son-in-law and a senior White House adviser, who he said would frequently talk to foreign leaders and visit foreign countries without notifying the State Department. Along with criminal justice and immigration issues, Kushner's broad portfolio in the administration covers U.S.-Mexico relations and the Middle East: He has spent the week in Bahrain at a U.S.-organized conference to roll out his Israel-Palestine peace plan. "It presents special challenges to everyone if others who are trying to effect foreign policy with a country and move the agenda forward are not fully aware of other conversations that are going on," Tillerson said. In one example, Tillerson told the panel he was once out to dinner in Washington when he learned that the Mexican foreign secretary was in Washington -- and dining with Kushner at the same restaurant. "I could see the color go out of the face of the Foreign Secretary of Mexico," he said. "I smiled big, and I said, 'Welcome to Washington.'" "As it turned out later, the Foreign Secretary was operating on the assumption that everything he was talking to Mr. Kushner about had been run through the State Department," Tillerson continued. "He was rather shocked to find out that when he started telling me all these things that were news to me." "His telling to us of what life was like in that short year that he was secretary of State was very interesting," House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., told ABC News about his meeting with Tillerson last month. "It just solidified my feeling that there was disorganization and that the president was not focused." Tillerson told members of the committee that Russian President Vladimir Putin was "very prepared" for his meeting with Trump in Hamburg, Germany in July 2017. Asked if Trump was similarly prepared, Tillerson said: ""Well, we didn't undertake that kind of preparation for the President because we didn't expect that that's the way it was going to go now." Last month, after the Washington Post first reported details of TIllerson's testimony, Trump attacked Tillerson , calling him "dumb as a rock." Tillerson, accompanied by several attorneys and a State Department lawyer, also testified about his management of the State Department, and, in broad strokes, his interactions with Trump. At an event in Houston in 2018, Tillerson called Trump "undisciplined" and someone who "doesn't like to read." "I had to adapt to the fact that it wasn't going to be useful to give him something and say this is, you know, this is an article worth reading or this is a brief," he told the committee. "The task for the rest of us was to learn how to operate in a way that supported him given that that's his style. It wasn't our job to try to change the way he does things," he said. ABC's Tara Palmeri contributed to this report.