WASHINGTON   White House officials asked at least twice in the past month for the key witness against President Trump in the Mueller report, Donald F. McGahn II, to say publicly that he never believed the president obstructed justice, according to two people briefed on the requests. Mr. Trump asked White House officials to make the request to Mr. McGahn, who was the president's first White House counsel, one of the people said. Mr. McGahn declined. His reluctance angered the president, who believed that Mr. McGahn showed disloyalty by telling investigators for the special counsel, Robert S. Mueller III, about Mr. Trump's attempts to maintain control over the Russia investigation. Sign Up For the Morning Briefing Newsletter The White House made one of the requests to Mr. McGahn's lawyer, William A. Burck, before the Mueller report was released publicly but after the Justice Department gave a copy to Mr. Trump's lawyers in the preceding days. Reading the report, the president's lawyers saw that Mr. Mueller left out that Mr. McGahn had told investigators that he believed the president never obstructed justice. Mr. Burck had told them months earlier about his client's belief on the matter and that he had shared it with investigators. Mr. McGahn initially entertained the White House request. "We did not perceive it as any kind of threat or something sinister," Mr. Burck said in a statement. "It was a request, professionally and cordially made." A White House spokeswoman did not respond to a message seeking comment. But after the report was released, detailing the range of actions Mr. Trump took to try to impede the inquiry, Mr. McGahn decided to pass on putting out a statement supportive of the president. The report also revealed that Mr. Trump told aides he believed Mr. McGahn had leaked to the news media to make himself look good. The episodes show the lengths the White House has gone around the release of the Mueller report to push back on the notion that Mr. Trump obstructed justice. House Democrats have used the report to open investigations into whether Mr. Trump abused his position to insulate himself from the Russia inquiry. The revelations came as the Democrats on Friday increased their pressure on the White House on other fronts. The chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, Richard E. Neal, subpoenaed the Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service for six years of Mr. Trump's personal and business tax returns. Democrats are also pursuing testimony from Mr. Mueller but have not agreed on a date, Representative Jerrold Nadler of New York, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, told reporters. In the days after the report was released, White House officials asked Mr. McGahn again to put out a statement as Mr. Trump fumed about his disclosures but Mr. McGahn rebuffed the second request as well. White House officials believed that Mr. McGahn publicly asserting his belief would calm the president and help the administration push back on the episodes that Mr. Mueller detailed in the obstruction section of the report, said one of the people. Both spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe private conversations involving the White House. Around the time Mr. McGahn declined the second request, the president's lawyer Rudolph W. Giuliani began publicly attacking his credibility, saying that Mr. McGahn had a bad memory. "It can't be taken at face value," Mr. Giuliani said of Mr. McGahn's account one day after the Mueller report was released. "It could be the product of an inaccurate recollection or could be the product of something else." The White House learned in August that Mr. McGahn had told Mr. Mueller's investigators that he believed the president had not obstructed justice, according to one of the people. After a New York Times article revealed that Mr. McGahn had spoken to investigators for at least 30 hours, Mr. Burck tried to reassure the White House by explaining that his client told Mr. Mueller that he never believed Mr. Trump had committed an obstruction offense. Mr. McGahn's cooperation with Mr. Mueller played a crucial role in allowing the special counsel's investigators to paint a picture in their report of a president determined to use his power atop the executive branch to protect himself from the Russia investigation. The president's lawyers are particularly concerned about two episodes that Mr. McGahn detailed to prosecutors. In one, Mr. Trump asked him to fire the special counsel but backed off after Mr. McGahn refused. After that episode was revealed, the president asked Mr. McGahn to create a White House document falsely rebutting his account. Mr. McGahn declined to go along but told Mr. Mueller about the encounters. It makes no difference legally whether Mr. McGahn believes Mr. Trump obstructed justice. That is a determination made by prosecutors, not witnesses. But politically, such a statement could have been a powerful argument for Mr. Trump, who faces scrutiny from House Democrats about whether he obstructed justice and abused his power. Mr. Mueller declined to make a determination about whether Mr. Trump obstructed justice, saying that because a sitting president cannot be indicted, it was unfair to accuse him of committing a crime. Attorney General William P. Barr stepped in and decided with his deputy, Rod J. Rosenstein, to clear Mr. Trump of wrongdoing. But because Mr. Mueller made no determination   and wrote a damning report that showed repeated efforts by Mr. Trump to interfere with his inquiry   questions about whether the president obstructed justice have lingered as Democrats have sought to gain momentum in their investigation of Mr. Trump. The Democrat-led House Judiciary Committee has subpoenaed Mr. McGahn to testify. But White House advisers have indicated they will try to block him from appearing before lawmakers, and Mr. Trump has said that there is no reason for Mr. McGahn to speak with congressional investigators because he had cooperated so extensively with Mr. Mueller's team. "I've had him testifying already for 30 hours and it's really   so I don't think I can let him and then tell everybody else you can't," Mr. Trump said last week in an interview with Fox News. "Especially him, because he was a counsel, so they've testified for many hours, all of them, many, many, many people. I can't say, 'Well, one can and the others can't.' I would say it's done." Mr. McGahn left the White House last year but is still entangled with the president on matters related to the Mueller investigation. The White House instructed Mr. McGahn on Tuesday to not turn over documents he had to the House in response to a subpoena. Mr. McGahn followed the White House's advice and is now waiting to see whether Democrats will hold him in contempt.


An employee of the L.A. Department of Water and Power is suing the utility, along with four of her colleagues, over what she is calling a years-long campaign of harassment, retaliation and discrimination. Saiara Shams, 41, filed a lawsuit in L.A. Superior Court earlier this year, alleging her co-workers made derogatory comments about her religion, retaliated after she reported wasteful contracts and prevented her from moving up the ranks at DWP. Shams also filed complaints with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing. DWP spokesman Michael Ventre declined to comment, citing pending litigation. "We take all allegations of discrimination seriously," he said. The four co-workers cited in the lawsuit   Ana Romero, Henry Williams, Zebbra Corbin and Glenn Barry   either didn't respond to requests for comment or declined to comment. Shams was born in Bangladesh and moved to California in 1997, becoming an American citizen in 2000. When she joined the team that manages the power grid, she said, she was the only Muslim woman in her department. Romero was her boss. Romero, according to court documents and an interview with The Times, allegedly made fun of Shams' accent, compared her to Islamic terrorists, told her she "needed to take an English writing class because she was not born in the U.S," and lamented that she would have rather hired a Latinx person. The alleged abuse got worse, according to the lawsuit, once other employees got involved. The comments also occurred more frequently if a terrorist attack occurred, Shams said. Despite repeated complaints, Shams alleges that her bosses at DWP did nothing to stop it or punish those involved. "If I knew I would be treated like a second-class citizen, then I wouldn't have spent all these years here," Shams said through tears in an interview at the office of her attorney Jill Shigut. "How could this happen in California, much less in Los Angeles?" At first, Shams said, she kept quiet about how she was being treated, because she didn't want to rock the boat and felt she was lucky to have a job. But as she studied for the civil service exam, in hopes of getting promoted, she read more about harassment and hazing. In August 2018, Shams filed a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, and reported the alleged harassment to DWP's office of special investigations. The same day, Shams alleges in the lawsuit, Williams came to her cubicle with two security guards and "served her with a work directive ordering her to be evaluated by an LADWP counselor through its Employee Assistance Program." The lawsuit notes that it's rare for security to be involved in issuing these directives and that these directives are "often misused abused and manipulated by management." Shams initially refused to comply, but eventually agreed to leave. Williams, some other colleagues and several security guards escorted her out of the building and to her car, according to the lawsuit. Shams, who still works at DWP, later attended a counseling session with her union representative, and an evaluation found that she was not in need of counseling, according to the lawsuit. "Every time I talk about the incident, I just can't believe this was happening to me in America," she said. Her case against DWP is pending, and a trial date has yet to be set. benjamin.oreskes@latimes.com @boreskes


Which channels have NASCAR programming this week? We answer that and give you the weekly NASCAR television listings here in the NASCAR TV schedule. Note: All times are ET. MORE: Get the NBC Sports App | How to find FS1 | Get FOX Sports App | How to find NBCSN Monday, May 27 3 a.m., Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600, FS1/FOX Sports App (re-air) 5 p.m., NASCAR America, NBCSN/NBC Sports App 6 p.m., NASCAR Race Hub, FS1/FOX Sports App On MRN 12:30 p.m., MRN Outloud Tuesday, May 28 3 a.m., NASCAR Race Hub, FS1/FOX Sports App (re-air) 3 p.m., Glory Road: "IndyCar/NASCAR Crossover," NBCSN/NBC Sports App (re-air) 5 p.m., Dale Jr. Download, NBCSN/NBC Sports App 6 p.m., NASCAR Race Hub, FS1/FOX Sports App Wednesday, May 29 5 p.m., NASCAR America: "Motormouths," NBCSN/NBC Sports App 6 p.m., NASCAR Race Hub, FS1/FOX Sports App On MRN noon, NASCAR Coast to Coast 1 p.m., MRN Crew Call Thursday, May 30 3 a.m., Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600, FS1/FOX Sports App (re-air) 5 p.m., NASCAR America: "The Motorsports Hour," NBCSN/NBC Sports App 6:30 p.m., NASCAR The Decades: The 1990s, NBCSN/NBC Sports App (re-air) Friday, May 31 3 p.m., NASCAR Xfinity Series final practice, FS2/FOX Sports App 4 p.m., Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series final practice, FS2/FOX Sports App 10:30 p.m., NASCAR Presents Davey Lives On, FS1/FOX Sports App (re-air) On MRN 12:30 p.m., The Off Axis Podcast 1 p.m., NASCAR Xfinity Series practice 2 p.m., Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series practice 4 p.m., Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series final practice Saturday, June 1 6 a.m., Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series final practice, FS1/FOX Sports App (re-air) 9 a.m., Unrivaled: Earnhardt vs. Gordon, FS1/FOX Sports App (re-air) 10 a.m., NASCAR Xfinity Series qualifying, FS1/FOX Sports App 11 a.m., NASCAR Race Hub Weekend Edition, FS1/FOX Sports App 11:30 a.m., Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series qualifying, FS1/FOX Sports Ap 12:30 p.m., NASCAR RaceDay: Xfinity at Pocono, FS1/FOX Sports App 1 p.m., NASCAR Xfinity Series Pocono Green 250, FS1/FOX Sports App On MRN 11:30 a.m., Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series qualifying 12:30 p.m., NASCAR Xfinity Series Pocono Green 250 Sunday, June 2 9 a.m., NASCAR Xfinity Series Pocono Green 250, FS1/FOX Sports App (re-air) 12:30 p.m., NASCAR RaceDay: Pocono, FS1/FOX Sports App 2 p.m., Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Pocono 400, FS1/FOX Sports App On MRN 1 p.m., Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Pocono 400 ]]>


MIAMI, FL   A fire broke out in a storage room of Miami Edison Senior High School on Sunday afternoon, damaging football equipment, according to Miami Fire Rescue. No one was injured. Capt. Ignatius Carroll of the agency said the blaze erupted shortly after 1 p.m. and was quickly brought under control by firefighters. "Fire crews arrived to find a small storage room, attached to the physical fitness building, with flames and smoke showing," Carroll explained. He said firefighters kept the fire from spreading to the main school building. "The weight room was not occupied and no reports of fire or smoke damage was found inside," said Carroll. The school principal told first responders that the structure is used to store football equipment. "The fire investigator responded and determined the fire was not intentionally set and classified the cause as undetermined," Carroll added. "No evidence was found to indicate arson."


Wizards coach Scott Brooks recently finished his third season with Washington and 10th season as an NBA head coach, reaching a full decade in the position and achieving a goal that very few coaches have done today. Brooks guided the Wizards through a tumultuous, injury-plagued season and finished with a 32-50 record, causing some around the league to question his future job security. Team owner Ted Leonsis has since decided to keep Brooks entering next season, but Brooks was non-committal on whether the rest of his staff would be joining him for another year. "I've talked to Ted. I definitely talked Ted," Brooks said, as relayed by Ben Standig of NBC Sports. "I have a lot of respect for our organization. I have to get better, first and foremost…Will the staff remain the same? Every year, staffs change. Every year staffs change. We're probably going to make some changes. I don't know if it's for sure. Everything is still up in the air." Brooks shares a close relationship with former Rockets defensive guru Jeff Bzdelik, who was let go from Houston in a surprising move last week. Washington could wind up pursuing Bzdelik or lose some of its assistant coaches to other teams, Standig notes, such as Tony Brown. Brown was one of Brooks' lead assistants this past season but is now a coaching free agent. Regardless of which assistant coaches return for Washington, the Wizards are still seeking a new president of basketball operations and recently offered their vacant position to Denver's Tim Connelly, according to a report from The Athletic. "Ted is going to make a [president of basketball operations] decision, and I trust that it's going to be the best for the program moving forward," Brooks said. "As of right now, (interim GM Tommy Sheppard) is doing a great job leading the group. We all feel comfortable with what's going on. Hopefully, things work out and we move forward as an organization. We all have to get better, myself included." Here are some other notes from around the Eastern Conference: The Knicks will explore a trade centered around Frank Ntilikina with hopes of landing a late first-round or early second-round draft pick, according to Marc Berman of the New York Post. New York explored moving Ntilikina during the regular season but ultimately opted to hold onto him past the NBA's trade deadline. Ntilikina was drafted by the Knicks with the No. 8 pick in 2017. Brook Lopez 's big Game 1 showed once again why the Bucks' decision to sign him was a steal last summer, Matt Velazquez of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writes. Lopez, who's on a one-year, $3.4 million deal, finished with 29 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks in Milwaukee's Game 1 victory. ESPN's Bobby Marks previews the offseason for the Knicks, including potential free agent targets, the draft, possible trades and future moves. New York is widely expected to pursue top-tier free agents such as Kevin Durant , Kyrie Irving and Kemba Walker when free agency opens on the night of June 30.


(Bloomberg) -- While the U.S. feuds with China on trade, the two biggest donors to the United Nations are quietly edging toward an understanding on budget cuts for the world body. In an unusual move, the U.S. and China, backed by Russia, proposed almost identical cuts to the organization's proposed peacekeeping budget, according to two diplomats involved in the issue who asked not to be identified discussing the internal deliberations. As China's financial responsibilities grow at the UN in tandem with the growth of its own economy, its interest in tightening the fiscal belt is converging with that of the U.S. Pressure to keep UN costs down has been a political priority under President Donald Trump's administration. "As the two leading financiers of UN operations, China and the U.S. were bound to realize they have a common interest in keeping costs under control," said Richard Gowan, the UN director at the International Crisis Group. "This may irritate the Europeans, and especially the French, who have national interests in places like Mali and Lebanon. It will also be of concern to African countries who are major troop contributors to UN operations." Africa's Opposition The U.S. and China are seeking to cut about $80 million from the peacekeeping budget on top of a $50 million cut recommended by an independent panel, the diplomats said. Peacekeeping has already been under fiscal pressure in recent years, and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had asked for $6.64 billion for the budget year beginning in July. The group of African nations, which is influential at the UN and is where many of the peacekeeping missions are based, has so far resisted the cuts and is asking for a more modest reduction, diplomats said. Negotiators have until the end of the weekend to wrap up talks. Guterres warned this month that the organization faces a combined shortfall of almost $2 billion for peacekeeping operations and its regular budget, thanks to some member states failing to pay what they owe and byzantine budget rules that constrain the UN's ability to move its money around efficiently. Diplomats are looking at proposals from Guterres intended to resolve the crisis, though no consensus has yet emerged, the diplomats said. Damaged Reputation With more than 78,000 soldiers across 14 countries, UN peacekeepers make up the second-largest military force deployed abroad after the U.S. military, according to Severine Autesserre, a political science professor at Barnard College and author of the book "Peaceland." The reputation of the troops, known for their blue helmets, has been tarnished in recent years by sexual abuse and torture scandals, as well as their inability to prevent conflicts from reemerging in war-torn countries. The peacekeeping budget is already facing a liquidity crunch as many members fail to pay their dues. The U.S., the largest donor, capped contributions at 25% even though the world body says it should pay 28.5%. That's left a gap that can't be closed, Guterres says, because of a formula that mandates if he cuts costs all other countries get to reduce their contributions too. There's still no clear agreement where reductions will come from, the diplomats said. Cuts last year affected missions in South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic and Mali. China and Russia have repeatedly tried in recent years to cut human rights posts at peacekeeping missions, though the U.S. and Europe have blocked such moves. Russia and China are once again targeting reductions in personnel working on human rights and gender rights, the diplomats said, though the U.S. has made no indication it will support that. To contact the reporter on this story: David Wainer in New York at dwainer3@bloomberg.net To contact the editors responsible for this story: Bill Faries at wfaries@bloomberg.net, Larry Liebert For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com ©2019 Bloomberg L.P.


Two former Baltimore Ravens players were present at the XFL's latest round of tryout practices. List of participants at the #XFLShowcase in Tampa pic.twitter.com/YdFGoqVwb0 - Emory Hunt (@FBallGameplan) June 29, 2019 In attendance at the league's Tampa, Fla. "Summer Showcase" were former Ravens quarterback Ryan Mallett and safety Matt Elam, both of whom are trying to revive their football careers after stints in the NFL. Mallett, who served as Baltimore's backup quarterback from 2015 to 2017, threw for 648 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions over six appearances with the Ravens. Mallett's last NFL appearance came in Week 8 of the 2017 season. Elam, selected by the team at No. 32 overall in the 2013 draft, is one of Baltimore's biggest draft busts. In 43 games with the Ravens (including playoffs), Elam had a total of 90 tackles, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, one interception and half a sack. While he had a promising rookie season, the campaign turned out to be a premature peak, as a fall in performance coupled with injury woes resulted in Baltimore declining his fifth-year option ahead of the 2016 season. Later, a February 2017 arrest for drug charges sealed his fate with the team, as the Ravens (and the 31 other NFL teams) passed on him in free agency. Elam most recently for the CFL's Saskatchewan Roughriders, who he played nine games with last season before being suspended. MORE: UFC 239: Fighters were in awe of Jorge Masvidal's insane, record-breaking KO WATCH: Jorge Masvidal Knocks Out Ben Askren in Five Seconds 3 reasons why the the NFL will never have an NBA-like offseason Lakers agree to two-year deal with point guard Alex Caruso NBA Free Agency 2019: The top players


Looking to uncover all that Millenia has to offer? Get to know this Orlando neighborhood by browsing its most popular local businesses, from a fusion restaurant to a Tex-Mex eatery. Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top places to visit in Millenia, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of neighborhood businesses. Read on for the results. 1. Sushi Katana Topping the list is sushi bar Sushi Katana . Located at 4192 Conroy Road, Suite 103, it's the highest-rated business in the neighborhood, boasting 4.5 stars out of 491 reviews on Yelp. Kitchen entrees include ginger shrimp and beef short ribs (they are served with miso group or garden salad and steamed rice). Yelpers rave about Maki rolls and favorites include lobster bomb, Bahama mama, dragon with mango and more. 2. Earls Kitchen + Bar Cocktail bar and New American spot Earls Kitchen + Bar is another top choice. Yelpers give the business, located at Mall At Millenia, 4200 Conroy Road, Unit H246, four stars out of 568 reviews. Locals and tourists flock to this spot for its brunch offerings and daily happy hour food and drinks specials in a modern space. Popular bites include the dynamite roll, chicken street tacos and garlic fries along with cocktails like the passionfruit margarita. The toffee chocolate pudding is a must-try item for dessert. 4. Keke's Breakfast Cafe Keke's Breakfast Cafe , a breakfast and brunch spot that offers salads, burgers and more, is another neighborhood go-to, with four stars out of 617 Yelp reviews. Head over to 4192 Conroy Road, Suite 100 to see for yourself. At this cafe, you can dine on breakfast favorites like the cheesesteak omelet and stuffed French toast (it's filled with sweet ingredients like bananas, pecans and cream cheese.) 5. Tijuana Flats Check out Tijuana Flats , which has earned 4.5 stars out of 56 reviews on Yelp. You can find the Tex-Mex and Mexican spot at 4693 Gardens Park Blvd. This eatery gets busy especially on Taco Tuesdays. You'll find popular menu items like the chicken chimichanga, carnitas nachos and quesadillas as well as a hot bar offering sweet and spicy options. And the desserts are a big hit. 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.


Looking to get out into the community this weekend? From a kite festival to a barbecue, there's plenty to do when it comes to community and cultural gatherings coming up in Chicago. Read on for a rundown. Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. Wills & Estate Planning 101 Workshop From the event description: NHS Chicago and Voices of West Englewood in partnership with the Englewood Quality of Life Housing Taskforce presents Wills & Estate Planning 101 Workshop. Topics will include power of attorney, guardianship, basic will structure, living will and more. When: Saturday, June 8, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Where: Evening Star Missionary Church, 2050 W. 59th St. Admission: Free Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Chicago Southside Family Kite Festival From the event description: Bring the kids out to the Chicago Southside Family Kite Festival to be held at Rainbow Beach Park. You may purchase a Kite at the park. When: Saturday, June 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: Rainbow Beach Park, 3111 E. 77th St. Admission: Free Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Eid BBQ From the event description: Eid Mubarak! Join Ta'leef Chicago as we gather together to break bread and spend quality time with one another in celebration of Eid Ul-Fitr. Bring your family and friends! We hope to see you there. When: Sunday, June 9, 5-8 p.m. Where: Taleef Chicago, 1945 S. Halsted St. Admission: $5 for a child; $15 for adults Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Parking in Chicago can be tough, especially during popular events. To find free or cheap parking and to book parking in advance, see this map of Chicago parking from SpotAngels. And to get there by public transportation, check the CTA's website for nearby stations and schedules. This story was created automatically using local event data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


Sometimes the dream of getting to the NFL is about more than fame and stardom. For Kansas City Chiefs rookie WR Mecole Hardman, getting to the NFL allowed him to give back to his mother. Hardman took to Twitter today to announce to everyone that he'd dreamed of buying his mom a house since he was just a boy and that he was finally able to do it. It was a great way to let her know that she did a good job raising him and taking care of him growing up. They shot this beautiful video of the reveal, which you can check out down below: I been dreaming of buying my mama a house since I was 8 and now to finally do it words can't explain how happy i am I love you ma x1000000000❤ It's my turn to take care of you now pic.twitter.com/nHpwQbMGvB - Mecole Hardman Jr. (@MecoleHardman4) July 18, 2019 "I'm just blessed," said Danyell Hardman. "It makes you feel good as a mother to know that your kids would go to this depth. And he's smart, making sure you know you did good. He's smart enough to even put something on like this and give stuff like this to them." Touching words from Hardman's mother, Danyell, who was in tears over the sight of her brand new home. Hardman gathered friends and family to surprise her with the gift. It was truly a special day. "I feel good man," Hardman said. "I am glad to get it out of the way and get her a home that she's going to be staying in. So it's a good feeling and I'm ready to get this furniture here and get her moved in." You could see Hardman's excitement for his mother, especially when he was grinning from ear-to-ear and handing her the keys to her new home. It's always great to see Chiefs players being able to do something like this for their family. For a rookie, that type of selflessness makes you excited for what Hardman will be able to bring to the team in the future. MORE: Ron Adams, rest of Warriors coaching staff to have reduced roles Angler defies odds, lands truly enormous halibut Eagles' HC Doug Pederson on why he's never sought more power within the organization Ranking the Packers' position groups from weakest to strongest What are realistic expectations for the Bears in 2019? Related slideshow: Top picks of 2019 NFL Draft (provided by imagn)


On Monday morning, the Vikings activated wide receiver Brandon Zylstra from the PUP list. Zylstra was dealing with a hamstring injury. The second-year receiver struggled to find his footing with the team last season after coming from the CFL. In 16 games, he had no receptions but did have four punt returns for 26 yards and a kick return for 15 yards. Zylstra isn't in the conversation for the team's third wide receiver spot, but I suppose he has an outside chance to compete with Chad Beebe, Laquon Treadwell and Jordan Taylor for it. More than anything, Zylstra is probably competing for a roster spot. Along with those three, Zylstra is also competing with seventh-round picks Dillon Mitchell and Olabisi Johnson. "I think I'm looking forward to him being in the mix," Vikings offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski said Monday . "When you're on that PUP list, you can't really get any reps, walk-through or otherwise. So looking forward to Brandon jumping in there and building off a good year last year and seeing what he can do this year." Per Spotrac , there's no penalty if the Vikings were to cut ties with Zylstra. MORE: Trevor Bauer angrily fired a baseball over the centerfield wall before being pulled from game Tom Brady disobeys Bill Belichick at practice, and suffers the consequences Most improved Packers defender? Mike Pettine picks DL Montravius Adams Browns Are Foolishly Changing Their Great Uniforms in 2020 Report: Steelers likely to be looking for new naming rights partner for Heinz Field


Chaos erupted inside the courtroom Monday as former juvenile judge Tracie Hunter was ordered to serve six months in jail following a conviction for illegally helping her brother keep his county job. Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Patrick Dinkelacker executed Hunter's 2014 sentence of six months in jail in front of a packed courtroom. The execution of the sentence comes years after a jury convicted Hunter of illegally helping her brother keep his county job by mishandling a confidential document. Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters wrote a letter asking the court to consider having Hunter undergo an evaluation based on questions he has about what he calls Hunter's "mental condition." Hunter's attorney said he "couldn't believe" Deters would ask the court to have Hunter undergo an evaluation. Hunter's attorney said they plan to file a motion to dismiss the case. Mayor John Cranley wrote a letter to Dinkelacker asking him not to place Hunter in prison, saying she has suffered from her conviction and doesn't appear to pose any risks to others. Dinkelacker read off postcards during the hearing that were sent to his house asking him to exonerate Hunter. In an exclusive interview on Sunday, Hunter told WLWT's Courtis Fuller she faced political headwinds from day one, especially since her election win faced numerous legal challenges. "Prosecutors were hostile when I walked in the door," Hunter said. "And so there was nothing normal even about my daily work." Hunter claims things came to a head in 2014, when a jury convicted her of illegally helping her brother keep his job with the county. Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Norbert Nadel sentenced Hunter to six months in jail following the conviction, time she will now have to serve. Hunter has maintained her innocence all along. "I violated no laws, I did not secure a public contract, I did not secure employment for my brother who worked for the court for about seven years before I was elected judge. They need to drop these unrighteous and I believe unlawful charges against me," Hunter said. The history of the case against Hunter includes multiple appeals court decisions that say Hunter received a fair trial. Supporters rallied outside the courthouse until midnight on Monday. READ MORE: Former Judge Tracie Hunter dragged out of the courtroom, ordered to serve six months in jail CHECK OUT WLWT: Stay in the know. Get the latest Cincinnati news, weather and sports from the team at Ohio's own WLWT.


The annual International Fight Week pay-per-view in Las Vegas is always positioned to be one of the biggest events of the year, but it hasn't always worked out that way. In fact, more often than naught, something funky has happened to alter the lineup, usually at the 11th hour. Five years ago, Stefan Struve was pulled from the event just prior to his fight after having a panic attack in the dressing room, resulting in UFC 175 featuring a four-fight main card. A year later, Jose Aldo was forced out of his highly anticipated, heavily promoted featherweight title fight with Conor McGregor less than two weeks before the event. Join DAZN and watch more than 100 fight nights a year UFC 200 was supposed to be a grand celebration. McGregor was pulled from card after butting heads with the promotion, and two days before the event, Jon Jones was forced off the card after testing positive for a banned substance, scuttling his rematch with Daniel Cormier. UFC 213 was initially scheduled to be headlined by the grudge match between Cody Garbrandt and TJ Dillashaw and after it was scrapped a rematch in the women's bantamweight division was elevated in its place. However, on the morning of the show, Amanda Nunes was forced out of her bout with Valentina Shevchenko, leaving Robert Whittaker and Yoel Romero battling for the interim middleweight title to close out the show. And last year, featherweight titleholder Max Holloway was deemed unable to compete after giving a stumbling, slurring interview a couple days before he was scheduled to defend his title against Brian Ortega. But this year, this year everything went off without a hitch. Sure, a couple bouts got moved to other locations in the run-up to Saturday's event and a pair of fighters were pulled from preliminary card bouts, but there were no last-minute changes   no one disappeared from the card on Wednesday or Thursday or Saturday morning. The five bouts that made up the main card at the start of the week were the final five bouts to hit the Octagon inside T-Mobile Arena on Saturday night and it was glorious. Here's a look at what transpired at UFC 239 and the impact those results will have going forward. 1. Jon Jones squeaks out split decision win over Thiago Santos It was a lot closer than most people anticipated, but Jon Jones walked out of the Octagon with the light heavyweight title still wrapped around his waist, pulling out a split decision win over dangerous Brazilian Thiago Santos. #AndStill the undisputed UFC LHW champion of the world! #UFC239 @JonnyBones || B2YB Nemiroff pic.twitter.com/8UWc70Iqse   UFC (@ufc) July 7, 2019 Early in the bout, Santos was the more aggressive, more effective of the two, landing more strikes and having the more effective offense than Jones. But then he tweaked his knee and his effectiveness started to wane, which coincided with the champion starting to press forward and implement his offense a little more. Down the stretch, both men were cautious, with Santos landing the harder shots and Jones countering with greater volume while dictating the terms of engagement. Neither man really stomped on the gas in the championship rounds, sticking to their respective game plans and waiting to see how the scores came out. When the tens and nines were tallied, it was Jones who landed on the happy side of the split, with Santos becoming the first fighter to edge out the long-reigning champion on a scorecard to date. 2. Amanda Nunes finishes Holly Holm, cements GOAT status If there was any question about Amanda Nunes' place in the pantheon of all-time greats, "The Lioness" answered those questions in amazing fashion, blasting Holly Holm with a high kick late in the first round of the UFC 239 co-main event. TONIGHT IS UNREAL! @Amanda_Leoa KOs Holm in round 1! #UFC239 pic.twitter.com/UtOTcb8g0Y   UFC (@ufc) July 7, 2019 Nunes had already positioned herself as the top female fighter of all time before this contest in the eyes of many, but there is no question now. But this is more than the best run by a female fighter   it's one of the most impressive stretches by any fighter, period. She's won nine straight, including wins over the three other women to hold the bantamweight title, two over the reigning flyweight titleholder and featherweight queen Cris Cyborg. Nunes has finished seven of those nine victories, with Valentina Shevchenko the only one to survive to the bell, and six of those stoppages have come inside the first five minutes. This was an incredibly poised, measured performance and a testament to the work Nunes has put in over the last several years to reach her full potential and then blow past it to become one of the greatest fighters of her era. 3. Jorge Masvidal crushes Ben Askren with fastest knockout in UFC history Jorge Masvidal and Ben Askren bumped gums at each other all week leading up to their highly anticipated welterweight clash at UFC 239. Standing across the cage from each other as they were being introduced, the jawing continued, and as soon as the fight started, Masvidal went airborne and knocked out Askren with a perfectly placed flying knee. OH MY GOD MASVIDAL STARCHES ASKREN IN 5 SECONDS!!! #UFC239 pic.twitter.com/8oWeqSIBhW   UFC (@ufc) July 7, 2019 Officially stopped five seconds into the fight, it was over in two, as Askren dipped in for a takedown and Masvidal caught him flush. This was a statement win for the ages from Masvidal, a fight game lifer who has been a pro for 16 years and underrated for the majority of that time. After blasting Darren Till in March and adding "three piece and a soda" to the MMA lexicon, his profile skyrocketed and Saturday night, "Gamebred" may have earned himself a title shot by re-writing the UFC record book and registering the unquestioned clubhouse leader in the Knockout of the Year race. 4. Jan Blachowicz scores massive knockout win over Luke Rockhold Throughout the build-up to Saturday's other main card light heavyweight matchup, I made sure to acknowledge that Jan Blachowicz was a tough test for Luke Rockhold's divisional debut   a durable, seasoned, sturdy veteran who was on a four-fight winning streak before running into Thiago Santos in February. After staggering Rockhold with a high kick that grazed his head at the close of the first round, the Polish contender detonated a left hand on the former middleweight champion's chin just over 90 seconds into the middle stanza, bringing the fight to an instantaneous end. JAN BLACHOWICZ!!!! #UFC239 pic.twitter.com/d6Rx1KpsGT   UFC (@ufc) July 7, 2019 This was a no-doubt shot that had to feel good for Blachowicz, as Rockhold talked all kind of junk in the buildup to the fight and seemed to already be targeting a championship opportunity before ever competing in the division. He looked completely comfortable from the outset and capitalized as soon as Rockhold gave him an opening, securing the biggest win of his career and vaulting himself back into the thick of the title chase in the process. 5. Michael Chiesa mauls overmatched Diego Sanchez Michael Chiesa has looked like a force since moving to welterweight, following up his second-round submission win over Carlos Condit with a one-sided mauling of Diego Sanchez in the opening bout of Saturday's main card. While the uncommonly durable Sanchez failed to relent, Chiesa was in control from start to finish, out-muscling and out-working the veteran in every position, in every round. Chiesa looked considerably larger than Sanchez and spent the entire fight having his way with the first man to enter the fraternity of "The Ultimate Fighter" winners. Every time Sanchez tried to mount some offense, the TUF 15 winner shut it down, rolling through every scramble and returning to a dominant position. Heavy shots landed by Chiesa in round 2! #UFC239 https://t.co/dpllHMlMq8 https://t.co/HxbMrGlCmP pic.twitter.com/2aG2U0zz68   UFC (@ufc) July 7, 2019 People will want to chalk this up to the 37-year-old Sanchez being washed and entering the fight without any coaches in his corner, but that's unfair to Chiesa. This move to welterweight was long overdue and he's finally starting to show the full compliment of his skills. He's an outstanding grappler and proving to be an intriguing new addition to the 170-pound ranks. It will be interesting to see where he goes after another outstanding effort. 6. Arnold Allen shines in dominant effort against Gilbert Melendez There have been a number of featherweights who have risen up the ranks and garnered a great deal of hype and acclaim in recent years, but one who has surprisingly stayed under the radar is 25-year-old Brit Arnold Allen. Despite a 5-0 start to his UFC career and a seven-fight winning streak heading into Saturday, the Tristar Gym staple has remained an unheralded member of the emerging class in the 145-pound ranks. Saturday night should change that as Allen walked into the Octagon and put on a clinic against former lightweight standout Gilbert Melendez. From the outset, Allen was the quicker, more powerful fighter, dictating the terms of engagement and largely having his way with the 37-year-old veteran. Throughout the fight, the surging youngster from Suffolk boxed up Melendez, landing at will and slipping out of range as "El Nino" looked to counter. He stayed within himself and kept the pressure on Melendez throughout, piling up the damage rather than chasing a finish. Showcase win for @ArnoldBFA ! #UFC239 pic.twitter.com/IurexkiEnY   UFC (@ufc) July 7, 2019 This was a standout showing from Allen and the kind of fight that should elevate him into the conversation as one of the top up-and-coming talents not only in the featherweight division, but the UFC as a whole. 7. Strong response and submission win for Marlon "Chito" Vera Marlon Vera was supposed to face Sean O'Malley on Saturday night in Las Vegas, but after "Sugar Sean" was forced from the card due to residual issues from his previous positive drug test, "Chito" got paired off with newcomer Nohelin Hernandez. It's one of those situations where an established fighter can stumble and for a couple minutes in the middle of the contest, it seemed like that was going to be the case. After a strong start that included a beautiful back-take and multiple submission attempts, Hernandez reversed the position and went on the offensive, carrying that over into the opening moments of the second round. But when the newcomer gave Vera a chance to get back to his feet, the 26-year-old bantamweight took full advantage, charging forward and dropping Hernandez with a knee before swiftly climbing on his back and lacing up the choke. Wow! @ChitoVeraUFC turns the tables in round 2 and gets the submission win! #UFC239 pic.twitter.com/ApN6FiRQmK   UFC (@ufc) July 7, 2019 Vera has been in the UFC for nearly four years now, but he's still just 26 and starting to come into his own. This was his fourth consecutive victory and gives him seven wins in his last nine outings. While there are younger, newer names making waves at bantamweight, Vera is a young veteran who shouldn't be overlooked. 8. Song Yadong soon to be a ranked bantamweight Facing the toughest test of his career, Song Yadong delivered his most impressive performance to date, knocking out veteran bantamweight Alejandro Perez in just a shade over two minutes. The duo was originally slated to fight in March, but the 21-year-old Yadong was forced out of the pairing with a knee injury and replaced by Cody Stamann. Saturday night, he made up for lost time by blistering "Turbo" with a clean right hand counter that laid out the TUF: Latin America product, pushing his record to 4-0 inside the Octagon while extending his winning streak to seven. 360-degrees of perfection #UFC239 pic.twitter.com/BtcxsqCr9O   UFC (@ufc) July 7, 2019 Team Alpha Male leader Urijah Faber has been telling everyone Yadong is a future superstar and thus far, he's justifying Faber's high praise. The young bantamweight should earn a place in the Top 15 after this performance and seems poised to be the latest "one to watch" in the loaded, competitive 135-pound weight class. 9. Edmen Shahbazyan is the goods Everyone says they're better than their opponent in every area and that they're going to run through their next opponent   it's just how this works   but very seldom do people actually deliver. It's even less frequent that the one doing the steamrolling is a 21-year-old wrapping up his rookie campaign in the Octagon. Edmen Shahbazyan said he was going to dominate Jack Marshman and on Saturday night, the unbeaten young middleweight dragged Jack Marshman to the canvas and went to work. He started by slinging heavy leather and after passing to side control, Shahbazyan climbed on the Welsh veteran's back and quickly secured the fight-ending choke. It only took 72 seconds! @EdmenShahbazyan improves to 10-0 at #UFC239 with the first round stoppage! pic.twitter.com/dHhBOjkBS4   UFC (@ufc) July 6, 2019 Now 10-0 as a professional with nine of those victories coming inside the opening three-and-a-half minutes, Shahbazyan is quickly proving himself to be a problem in the middleweight division. It's impossible to forecast where his ceiling lies at this point because every time you think he's going to be tested, "The Golden Boy" aces his latest exam and shows another wrinkle to his expanding game. With three wins in his rookie campaign (and four in the last 12 months), Shahbazyan is undeniably one of the top newcomers in the division and one of the brightest prospects on the entire roster. 10. An excellent debut for Julia Avila Julia Avila turned in a dominant effort in her UFC debut, outworking recent TUF finalist Pannie Kianzad in the opening bout of the evening. After a back-and-forth first round, the Oklahoma native cranked up the intensity midway through the second, stinging Kianzad with a powerful combination that backed her into the fence. In the third, Avila dropped the Iranian-born veteran, following her to the canvas where she controlled the action for the remainder of the frame. Dropped! #UFC239 pic.twitter.com/TfhJDtR6pe   UFC (@ufc) July 6, 2019 While there were little experience miscues along the way, this was an excellent performance for a UFC rookie. Kianzad is a tough out who has faced very good competition throughout her career and Avila outclassed her from start to finish. With a couple more fights, some more seasoning and further improvements, the 31-year-old newcomer could work her way into contention in the bantamweight ranks. Related slideshow: Best of UFC 239 (Provided by imagn)


A majority of voters says the Electoral College system should be abandoned in favor of a national popular vote, according to a new poll. The latest NBC News-Wall Street Journal survey finds that 53 percent of voters say the outcome of the presidential election should be determined by the popular vote, with 43 percent saying the Electoral College system should remain in place. Democrats are increasingly advocating to abolish the Electoral College. The party's 2016 presidential nominee, Hillary Clinton, received nearly 3 million more votes overall than President Trump in 2016, but she only received 232 electoral votes, compared to Trump's 306. A similar scenario played out for Democrats in 2000, when then-Vice President Al Gore won the popular vote but lost in the Electoral College to then-Texas Gov. George W. Bush. Support for moving away from the Electoral College system cuts sharply along partisan lines. Seventy-nine percent of Democrats say the popular vote should determine the outcome of the presidential election, while 74 percent of Republicans say the nation should stick with the Electoral College. Independents are almost evenly split, with 49 percent saying popular vote and 44 percent saying Electoral College. Advocates for change say the current system places outsized importance on a handful of swing-states. Defenders of the Electoral College argue that the system ensures candidates pay attention to rural areas and low-population states. A number of blue states have joined a push to award their electoral votes to whoever wins the national popular vote, although it's highly unlikely the change will take place in 2020. The NBC News-Wall Street Journal survey of 765 registered voters was conducted from April 28 to May 1 and has a 3.5 percentage point margin of error. ]]>


This week we will see severe weather along the Gulf Coast. How heavy rain and thunderstorms could affect your holiday plans.


Editor's note: The opinions in this article are the author's, as published by our content partner, and do not necessarily represent the views of MSN or Microsoft. Jeffrey Epstein had every reason to feel that his decades of seeming immunity would continue indefinitely when federal officials intercepted him on his way back from a trip to Paris. He was finally arrested on sex trafficking charges in Teterboro Airport in New Jersey after disembarking from one of his private jets. After he escaped justice for decades, parents of young girls have reason to hope for the end of an operation that court documents say recruited and sexually exploited children. You might not have heard of Epstein, but you will likely know some of the powerful figures he called friends  names like Clinton, Trump, and the duke of York. As noted by Business Insider, Epstein is a college dropout who tutored the son and possibly dated the daughter of the chairman of Bear Sterns. Now reputed to be a billionaire, Business Insider described his path to wealth as "vague" and "murky." For some time, he was most notorious for running an alleged prostitution ring, to which he allegedly invited powerful figures. A sham prosecution and sweetheart plea deal in the mid-2000s reportedly did not prevent him from continuing to turn children into prostitutes. Court documents allege he exploited at least 40 underage girls, some younger than 14 years old, some procured from Eastern Europe, all of whom were somebody's daughter. He would prey on up to three children a day, according to his former housekeeper . One child reportedly declined an Epstein invitation because she had soccer practice. From time to time, the hypocrisy of the two-tiered justice system becomes so unbearable that even the privileged left must revoke the de facto immunity of one of its members to appease we incensed serfs. "It's quite likely that some of our faves are implicated," Christine Pelosi warned her fellow Democrats in the wake of Epstein's arrest. Epstein was widely known as the billionaire (or perhaps merely a millionaire ) who built a network that mass-produces a stream of under-age girls pressed into prostitution to be delivered like pizzas to his mansions and vacation destinations. According to the indictment , Epstein allegedly kept the more promising children as recruiters to help maintain a constant assembly line destroying the fragile childhood innocence of his victims. More than ten years ago, the walls seemed to be closing in on Epstein until the magic of money and influence left him nearly unscathed. As recently as December 2018, as the final preparations were being made for a civil trial in which the victims would lay bare Epstein's exploitation of children, he paid off the victims, some of whom carried the humiliation of his predation for decades before receiving any recognition. When one considers elite names like Weinstein , Cosby , Jackson , Fairfax , and Clinton , it becomes apparent that the immunity that comes with elite status seemed the point, not the sex itself. The Southern District of New York has now deployed Maurene Comey as a prosecutor against Epstein, in a clear signal that Epstein has had his elite-status immunity revoked. What happened to cause that? Maurene Comey is the daughter of the self-appointed gatekeeper of America's two-tiered justice system himself: former FBI director James Comey. Her involvement may also be a sign that Epstein's fall has something to do with the man who fired the prosecutor's father: Donald Trump. One secret to Epstein's success might have been an insurance policy he took out just in case the privileged left ever considered revoking his membership in their justice-suspension club: videos. ZeroHedge reports that Epstein wired his mansion with hidden cameras and secretly recorded orgies involving high-profile friends with underage girls and that he's saved these recordings for blackmail. As agents slapped the handcuffs on Epstein in the New Jersey airport, other agents broke into his Manhattan home to execute a search warrant. If those recordings were in Epstein's New York home, they're now in the hands of the SDNY. The SDNY, it should be remembered, played a crucial role in acquiring the audio recordings of Trump speaking to his lawyer Michael Cohen (some of which were leaked to The New York Times.) Was Epstein's library of blackmail recordings the real target of the prosecution? Consider that the SDNY is using its Public Corruption Unit, causing one commentator to note that "It could mean that a public official is being investigated or will be charged with Epstein." Epstein kept a book of contacts of some of the most famous elites. Mixed in with the names of accomplices are famous actors, lawyers, and big politicians. One of those names, Bill Clinton, took repeated ( 26 ) trips on Epstein's private passenger jet, nicknamed by Virgin Island locals as the " Lolita Express " because it was known to ferry Epstein and his powerful friends to sexually exploit children on a 78-acre retreat. The U.S. Secret Service has resisted multiple Freedom of Information Act requests for records of Clinton receiving taxpayer-funded protection while on trips with Epstein during his presidency. The New York Times recently drew several connections between the Epstein prosecution and a larger strategy by the SDNY to get Trump. It noted that Trump's current labor secretary, Alexander Acosta, brokered the highly controversial deal that spared Epstein more than 10 years ago. Some are now calling for a reexamination of Acosta's actions leading up to that deal. The Times further reported that Trump was a friend of Epstein's. Trump's name also appeared in the Epstein contact book. In 2002, before the sexual abuse allegations against Epstein were widely known, Trump was quoted by the New Yorker: "I've known Jeff for fifteen years. Terrific guy. He's a lot of fun to be with. It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side. No doubt about it   Jeffrey enjoys his social life." Indeed, the president's affiliation with Epstein has become part of the narrative for the arrest ( here , here , here , and here , for example). This is not the first time Epstein was seen as a potential weapon against Trump. The Washington Times reported that none other than Fusion GPS attempted to tie Trump to Epstein by pitching the story to journalists. If Trump is featured in any of the Epstein recordings, even if it's an innocuous social interaction with this now-toxic figure, we can anticipate a public airing at the moment of greatest effect. Stay tuned.


They will gather together in New York later in June, rehashing stories from 50 years ago, reminiscing about the year they turned the baseball world upside down, becoming perhaps the most beloved team in history. The 1969 Mets. The team that helped revitalize a city in ruins and heal a nation in turmoil, showing the world you can turn the inconceivable to the improbable to the possible to the incredible, in a way only sports can possibly do. "It was turbulent times, Vietnam, race riots, New York City barely staying afloat,'' former Mets outfielder Cleon Jones, who caught the final out of the 1969 World Series, tells USA TODAY Sports. "There was so much hatred in the country after Dr. [Martin Luther] King died in 1968. People were losing their lives. It was a bad scene, man. "But the New York Mets came along just at the right time. "Sports has always been a source of healing, especially in the black community, and we showed how a nation can come together.'' Those '69 Mets, a melting pot of diversity with white and black players, old and young, future Hall of Famers and fringe bench players, led by a brilliant manager, had the country falling in love with them. "I know the world is upside down now,'' Mets outfielder Art Shamsky says, "but back then, it was really upside down. The country was in turmoil. Vietnam was going on. The city of New York was going down financially, spiritually and morally. We had assassinations. We had social strife. Everything was going wrong. "And then we came along.'' SEAVER: Hall of Famer diagnosed with dementia, responsible for Mets' identity TOM TERRIFIC: Tom Brady calls nickname tiff 'unfortunate' mixup The Mets were the biggest laughingstock in sports, the lovable losers who were the brunt of late-night talk shows jokes on those black-and-white TVs with rabbit ears. They lost a record 120 games their inaugural season, lost at least 109 in each of the first four seasons, had 737 losses and never finished higher than ninth place in the 10-team National League the first seven years. Then came 1969. It was the year man walked on the moon, Woodstock, Richard Nixon was inaugurated , the Charles Manson murders, the Beatles released Abbey Road , and of course, the year the Mets shocked the world, winning 100 games and beat the powerful Baltimore Orioles in the World Series. The Mets were rewarded with a majestic ticker-tape parade, perhaps the biggest celebration in New York City since V-J Day in 1945, which marked the end of World War II. "We kept hearing that if the Mets could win the World Series, the U.S. could get out of Vietnam. And it happened.'' said Mets outfielder Ron Swoboda, who made an immaculate catch in Game 4 . "You felt like America could do whatever it wanted to do at that point. You felt like anything and everything was possible.'' It changed lives and maybe changed America, too. "It seemed like we rejuvenated the whole country,'' Jones said, "not just New York or the Eastern Seaboard. I remember being with the Mets prior to '69, and you'd go to places like LA, and there may be one or two Mets' fans in the stands. Now, everywhere we went there were Mets' fans. "We resonated with everyone, and gave hope to everybody all over the country. It wasn't just limited to New York. Remember, this was one of the most tumultuous periods of time in the last century. There were the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Bobby Kennedy in 1968. The riots during the Democratic convention in Chicago. The protests against the Vietnam War, in which 11,780 Americans were killed in 1969 alone. "The country was in such rough times with the riots, and everything so black and white, but we showed unity,'' said first baseman Ed Kranepool, who was born and raised in the Bronx. "There was no black and white on our team. We did everything together. We ate together. We socialized together. And we played our hearts out together. "Maybe it was tough for people to accept down south, but in New York, we were a team that everyone embraced.'' Jones, 76, who grew up in a community called Africatown, three miles north of Mobile, Ala. where the last slave ships entered the country, left home before the 1969 season with white strangers showing disdain and scorn towards him. When he returned after the World Series, it turned to reverence. The same restaurants who refused to serve him were opening doors for him. Other customers even offered to pay his meals. When he bought furniture and items from department stores, he no longer had to worry about credit, his word was just fine. Those death threats that used to litter his mailbox became fan letters seeking autographs. "Prejudice is something I grew up with in the south, I had a lane, and stayed in it,'' said Jones, one of four African-Americans on the Mets, who is a community leader in Africatown, helping repair homes and raise funds. "I remember the hate mail. I got a letter once where somebody wrote, 'If you go to left field tonight, I'm going to shoot you.' "That's the way it was back then, but after that year, I was the prodigal son. When we won the Series, we showed, black and white players, we can play together as a team, live together without incident during the season, and really love one another. "I really believe we helped make a difference.'' Now, 50 years later, the '69 Mets remain one of the most iconic teams in baseball history. There were the 1927 New York Yankees, who symbolized sheer greatness. There were 1947 Brooklyn Dodgers, with Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier. And there are those Miracle Mets, symbolizing the sheer faith and determination can turn despair and misery into triumph and euphoria. "It was a horrible time what people were going through, especially emotionally with the war,'' said Shamsky. "I think what we did made people feel like there was a light at the end of the tunnel. 'If the Mets can do it, we can do it.' "It still resonates today. I have people coming up to me and not asking for an autograph, but just to shake my hand. I have Vietnam veterans coming up and saying, 'Thank you.' I've played 13 years in baseball, and nobody has ever asked about the other 12.'' There will be laughs, memories, and plenty of tears when the Mets gather together for their June 29 celebration at Citi Field. Some of them talk at least once a week. Some haven't seen each other since the 40-year anniversary. And, with 10 of their teammates already passed away, they realize this indeed could be the final time they are all together. Ed Charles, the heart and soul of the Mets who never knew he could even make a living playing baseball until he saw Jackie Robinson play a spring training game in 1946, passed away last year at the age of 84. His last major-league game was Game 5 of the '69 World Series. Others went a whole lot quicker. Tug McGraw, the father of country music star Tim McGraw, died of brain tumor at 59. Donn Clendenon, who got his law degree and became a lawyer, died of leukemia in 2005. Tommy Agee died of a heart attack at 58 in 2001. Manager Gil Hodges died of a heart attack at 47, just three years after their championship. Buddy Harrelson just turned 75, but is suffering from Alzheimer's. And Tom "Terrific'' Seaver , who along with Nolan Ryan were the only players from that team who became Hall of Famers, is 74 but has dementia , and can barely remember a single thing from that season. "It's horrible, and it's progressively getting worse,'' says Swoboda, who also wrote a book. "I asked Seaver, 'Hey, when Hodges went to the mound, do you remember what was discussed?' "He looked at me and said, 'I have no memory of that. Any of that. I have no memory of that game.' "That's so painful because memories are treasures to me and all of us. The thought of anything sneaking in there, and stealing my memory from me, is just horrible. It's beyond words how painful it is to see Tom losing his memory.'' There were four of the '69 Mets who went to see Seaver two years ago at his home and 116-acre winery in Calistoga, Calif., reminiscing about that year, talking about their 51 complete games, the .242-hitting offense, and their night together at the Montreal airport bar when their team flight was delayed by hours, allowing them to watch Neil Armstrong become the first man to walk on the moon. "The irony wasn't lost on us,'' Swoboda says, "that here's Neil Armstrong leaving footprints on the moon and we can't even get a damn plane to take us from Montreal to New York." They spent about eight hours together at Seaver's home that day, and when the morning turned to the afternoon, and the afternoon turned to night, no one wanted to leave. "It was really an enlightening, wonderful experience,'' said Shamsky, "knowing that season changed our lives forever. But when we left, it was sadness. We all aged. We all lost members of the team. And when we finally said goodbye, you didn't know if you'd see everyone ever again.'' The 50-year reunion perhaps will be most emotional for Kranepool. He has been on a national kidney transplant list for two years, feared he could have been next without someone stepping forward. Yet, being a member of the beloved Mets team, and to the heroic efforts of Mets vice president Jay Horwitz who relentlessly publicized his plight, Kranepool received a new kidney last month. The donor? Deborah Barbieri, a Mets fan, of course. "It took 2 ½ years, then you get a call, and it saves your life,'' Kranepool says. "It's amazing. Jay had a couple of press conferences for me, got me on the front page and back pages of the newspapers, and here I am, ready for our reunion. "We've lost a number of our friends, and this being the 50th anniversary, I think this is the last hurrah. I don't think many of us will be around to make the 75th.'' Perhaps not, but the memories will be around forever. It doesn't matter if you're Wayne Coffey, a 15-year-old Long Island kid watching Game 5 of the World Series, who ran on the field after the final out to grab a patch of grass. Or Jones, who remembers searching for Jerry Koosman in the clubhouse to give him the ball from the last out since he was the only one interested in memorabilia. Or Grote, who wildly leaped into the arms of Koosman. "I think this 50th anniversary has heightened the power of this narrative,'' Coffey said. "Fifty year later, people regard this rightfully so as maybe the greatest team achievement in baseball history. "Has there ever been a team as hapless as the Mets reach the summit so suddenly and unexpectedly?'' Most significant, has a team ever captured the hearts and imagination of so many people, while helping heal a divided nation. "I think this team will always resonate with fans,'' says Shamsky, who wrote the book After the Miracle. "We meant so much to so many people at a time this country needed it the most.'' It may not have been as historic as Armstrong's walk on the moon or drawn the fanfare of those 72 hours at Woodstock, but the legacy left by the Mets will live forever. "None of who experienced it will ever forget it,'' Jones said. "Our lives changed that season. "In many ways, so did our country." Follow Nightengale on Twitter : @BNightengale This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Opinion: 50 years ago, the 1969 Mets helped heal a nation in turmoil Related slideshow: The 2019 MLB season (Provided by imagn)


They're loaded with fat, sugar, and salt. Summertime is marked by lazy days, fun in the sun…and food. Just like you can't have Thanksgiving without turkey, it's not really summer until you've had a freshly grilled burger or drippy ice cream cone. Not every warm-weather staple is worth chowing down on though. While it's fine to treat yourself once in a while, there are some summer foods that you might be better off avoiding both for the sake of your waistline and your health. Here, 50 picks to steer clear of (at least, most of the time). Corn dogs What's less healthy than a big, fatty sausage? One that's battered and deep-fried which is precisely what a corn dog is, says Dallas-Fort Worth-based registered dietitian Amy Goodson . A typical dog has around 250 calories, 11 grams of fat, and almost 600 milligrams of sodium. And since the ones at carnivals and fairs tend to be oversized, they'll likely do even more nutritional damage, Goodson adds. Funnel cake It's got all the unhealthy ingredients you'll find in other cakes but with even more fat. "When fried, the batter soaks up tons of oil," Goodson says. As a result, the typical dinner plate-sized portion delivers a whopping 760 calories and 40 grams of fat. Nachos Even with a sprinkle of lettuce and tomato, tortilla chips smothered in cheese, ground beef, and sour cream do not a healthy snack make. In fact, a basket of nachos can have upwards of 750 calories, 38 grams of fat, and around 1,300 milligrams of sodium. Chipwiches Out of all the novelty ice cream options out there, this one might be the worst. That's because it's really three desserts in one: two giant chocolate chip cookies plus a big scoop of ice cream. Delicious? Yup! Good for you? Not in the least. Onion rings Don't be fooled into thinking they're a better choice than French fries. Onion rings are heavily breaded in a coating of white flour, and all that batter sops up tons of oil in the deep fryer. The result is a side dish with as many as 481 calories and 30 grams of fat more than a large chocolate-frosted donut. Potato salad It might have the word "salad" in the name, but that doesn't make it good for you. Thanks to all that gloppy mayo, you'll get 358 calories and more than 20 grams of fat from just one cup of this starchy side. Processed cheese slices Resist the urge to add these to your burger. They're basically a splash of real milk combined with preservatives, thickeners, and salt. If you're looking for some gooey goodness, top your patty with a handful of fresh cheddar or mozzarella, recommends New York-based registered dietitian Vanessa Rissetto . Fudge You probably only indulge in the gooey candy when you're vacationing at the beach, which is a good thing. For every ounce of chocolate-and-nut fudge you pop in your mouth, you're taking in 130 calories, 5 grams of fat, and more than 4 teaspoons of sugar. Yikes! Anything left out in the sun It doesn't matter if the item in question is grilled meat, a creamy side, or even a refreshing bowl of fruit salad. If it's been sitting outside in the heat for more than an hour, it could harbor bacteria that could make you sick, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Unless you want to run the risk of food poisoning, steer clear. Coleslaw How bad can a shredded cabbage side dish be? Pretty bad. Not only are most slaws loaded with creamy ingredients like mayo and sour cream they also sneak in a surprising amount of sugar. Case in point? You'll get 15 grams of fat and more than 2 teaspoons of sugar from a cup of slaw. Frozen cocktails They might be happy hour staples, but you won't be feeling too good after you drink them. An 8-ounce frozen margarita, for instance, packs around 400 calories. "Not to mention, the more you drink, the less you end up caring about what you eat," Goodson says. When you want to booze, consider sticking with cleaner options like vodka and seltzer with a splash of lime. Soft pretzels They might seem relatively harmless next to a greasy corn dog or fried candy bar. But with nearly 500 calories' worth of white flour, these carb-laden snacks are the equivalent of eating five slices of white bread. If you wouldn't do that, you might not want to devour one of these either. Diet soda It might not be a healthy alternative to sugary drinks after all. Even though it's calorie-free, a growing body of research links diet soda consumption to obesity. It also contains chemicals like phosphoric acid, which impairs the body's absorption of calcium. "So it isn't good for your bones," Rissetto says. Fried clams Clams might be a good source of protein, but they lose most of their nutritional appeal once they're battered and deep-fried. A basket of just 20 fried clams serves up 380 calories and 20 grams of fat[10], which is about the same as a medium order of French fries[11]. Potato chips Having a handful of this summer cookout staple isn't terrible. It's polishing off the whole family-sized bag (easy to do!) that can get you into trouble, says Goodson. All that grease will likely give you a bellyache, and the sodium will leave you bloated for sure. (You'll get 170 milligrams from a big handful of chips but who eats just one?) "Try bringing snack-sized bags to the pool, or baggie up a big bag into individual portions," she recommends. If a bowl of chips is out a party, make things easy for yourself and don't start munching if you don't think you'll be able to stop. Corn on a stick What happens when you slather corn on the cob with mayo, butter, and cheese? You turn a healthy veggie into an indulgent treat that packs around 434 calories, 29 grams of fat, and 670 milligrams of sodium. This is one carnival snack that you can skip. Fried chicken Ah, another example of a perfectly healthy protein turned into a diet derailer. Four ounces of simple grilled boneless, skinless chicken breast has just 171 calories and 4 grams of fat. But battered and deep fried, it manages to deliver a meal's worth of calories (467!) and fat (25 grams!). Lobster rolls It's seafood, so it's a healthier choice than a burger or hot dog, right? Not necessarily. "They're usually made with tons of mayo," Rissetto says. "Depending on how they're prepared, they can be the nutritional equivalent of two Big Macs." BBQ ribs How bad can this protein be? Pretty bad. A 6-ounce serving of beef ribs packs 13 grams of saturated fat (nearly a days' worth) while half a cup of BBQ sauce serves up 47 grams of sugar. Put those two together, and it's the calorie and sugar equivalent of eating two slices of strawberry cheesecake. Macaroni salad Refined carbs from the pasta and fat from the mayo turns this summertime side into a calorie bomb that's virtually void of nutrition. The good news? You can make it healthier. Swap the white pasta for whole wheat (it's higher in fiber) and make a creamy, protein-packed dressing with nonfat Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and garlic powder, Rissetto recommends. If you want to mix things up a bit consider making one of these other healthy pasta recipes . Pulled pork sandwiches With nearly half a day's worth of saturated fat per 4-ounce serving, the pork shoulder used to make pulled pork isn't exactly lean. It only gets worse when you drown the meat in sugary barbecue sauce, stuff it in giant, fluffy white bun, and pile on the coleslaw. The total damage? Nearly 770 calories, 27 grams of fat, and 61 grams of sugar. You might as well have an ice cream sundae instead. Deep-fried candy bars or cookies How can you make a sugary treat even worse for you? Dunk it in batter and deep-fry it until crispy and golden. "There's not much nutrition you can attribute to these. They're truly treat foods," Goodson says. Have a bite at the annual summer fair if you must. More than that is a bad idea unless you want to end the night feeling sick. Cotton candy You wouldn't scarf down 12 teaspoons of plain sugar, would you? Because that's exactly what you're doing when you eat a 2-ounce serving of cotton candy. If you must indulge, split it with a group of friends and enjoy just a bite. Or have it with a protein-rich meal (like a turkey sandwich) to minimize the blood sugar spike, Goodson suggests. Snow cones Like cotton candy, these icy treats are pure sugar a standard 4-ounce snow cone from a carnival or fair packs about 48 grams of sugar. All that sweet stuff can cause your blood sugar to spike and crash, which can leave you weak and jittery. Factor in the sweltering weather, and you'll likely end up feeling even worse, Goodson says. Lemonade That sweet flavor isn't coming from the lemons, it's coming from sugar and lots of it: Just one cup of lemonade can deliver up to 4 teaspoons, according to the USDA. If you can't live without it, cut the sweet stuff by mixing half a cup of lemonade with half a cup of seltzer instead. Double-crust pies As far as summer desserts go, these concoctions are about as bad as it gets. All that buttery crust and sugary filling means a single slice will cost you around 360 calories, 18 grams of fat, and 20 grams of sugar, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) says. And that's not even counting the scoop of vanilla ice cream, which is practically mandatory. Sweet tea It might feel more virtuous than a soda, but don't kid yourself. A single glass of sweetened iced tea has 122 calories and a day's worth of sugar. Which is about the same as what you'd get from a small can of cola. Charred meat Meats like beef, pork, fish, or poultry that are cooked using high-temperature methods like grilling can form heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic carbons (PAHs) chemical compounds thought to be potential carcinogens, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). For safer grilling, flip your meat frequently to help keep the surface from getting too charred. You can also cut away any blackened bits before eating, recommends the NIH. Wine coolers These drinks are loaded with sugar, thanks to the addition of fruit juice to make them extra sweet. In fact, you'll get more sugar in an 11-ounce wine cooler than from a 2-ounce bag of Sour Patch Kids. If you're not a fan of the taste of straight wine, try cutting a glass with club soda to lessen the saccharine load, Rissetto says. Mozzarella sticks Think twice before ordering them at the carnival or boardwalk as a snack because they're more like a hefty meal. A basket of these breaded, fried cheese sticks not only packs 800 calories and 44 grams of fat, they also have around 2/3 of the sodium you should have in a day. Guacamole "Everyone thinks that because avocado is a good fat, you can eat as much as you want," says Rissetto. Fact is, a serving of guac is just 2 tablespoons. To avoid turning a wholesome snack into a calorie bomb, scoop out your portion instead of eating from the bowl or container. And pair your guac with sliced raw veggies instead of salty chips, Rissetto recommends. Self-serve frozen yogurt It might seem like a healthy alternative to ice cream, but flavored fro-yo tends to be loaded with added sugar. And once you start piling on the unlimited toppings (Chopped candy bars! Crushed cookies! Syrupy walnuts!), there's no telling how bad things can get. Boardwalk fries Fried potato slices aren't the worst thing in the world. The problem comes when they're served in a bucket the size of your head. A large order of fries delivers a mind-blowing 2,650 calories, 132 grams of fat, and nearly a day's worth of salt. If you really want a fried side, "try getting a kid's size," Goodson recommends. And maybe share with a friend. Trail mix Smart snack to bring to the beach or pool, right? Probably not. In addition to good-for-you ingredients like nuts and dried fruit, most store-bought trail mixes also include candy-like ingredients like yogurt-covered pretzels and chocolate chips. A measly handful can pack around 150 calories and we all know how tough it can be to stop at just one. Instead, make your own trail mix at home with raw nuts, seeds, and dried fruit or whole grain cereal. Measure out a ¼ cup serving to bring with you and leave the rest at home. Sugar-free ice cream Those low-cal pints are often sweetened with erythritol, a sugar alcohol that can cause abdominal bloating and cramping, says Rissetto. (Not exactly what you want when you're gearing up for a day at the beach.) "I'd say just have half a cup of real ice cream once in a while and savor every bite," she says. Your belly will likely thank you. Grilled sausage They're often highly processed and contain potentially carcinogenic preservatives like nitrates and nitrites, according to the CDC . Plus, they're loaded with fat and sodium think 19 grams of fat and more than 500 milligrams of sodium in just one pork sausage link. When you really want to indulge, consider going for chicken or turkey sausage. "They're still processed, but they're a better alternative fat- and salt-wise," says Rissetto. Slushies Cool and refreshing? Yes. Good for you? Not at all. Slushy drinks are just crushed ice and sugar syrup in other words, snow cones that you can sip through a straw. Unless you want to drink 10 teaspoons of sugar and 211 calories to quench your thirst, steer clear. Giant turkey legs It's possible to have too much of a good thing. Sure, turkey is an excellent source of protein. But portions still matter and these guys are just too big. A full turkey leg can have as many as 1,136 calories plus 53 grams of fat much of it saturated, from the skin. Caramel corn Fact: There are 4 teaspoons of sugar in a measly ⅔-cup serving of sticky sweet caramel corn. Another fact: Nobody eats just 2/3 cup of the stuff since it's usually sold in giant buckets. Which means you're probably eating a lot more sugar than you think. Milkshakes These oversized dairy concoctions might be the worst thing you can have to wash down your burger and fries. In addition to tacking on an extra 400 calories, a 12-ounce chocolate shake packs nearly three days' worth of sugar and more than a third of your daily saturated fat to your meal. Taco salad Something about the warm weather makes Mexican night even more appealing. This seemingly healthy salad is anything but, though. The deep-fried shell alone will cost you 210 calories and 12 grams of fat. And that's before you even consider all the other fatty add-ins like ground beef, sour cream, guac, and shredded cheese. Iced blended coffee drinks You might call it a drink, but with gobs of whipped cream and flavored syrup, these frothy concoctions count as dessert. The nutritional damage varies depending on what size and flavor you get. But a large made with whole milk and whipped cream could serve up as much as 600 calories, 22 teaspoons of sugar, and nearly a day's worth of saturated fat. Fruit juice pops They might seem like harmless refreshers, especially if they're made with 100 percent fruit juice. But juice is still loaded with sugar and devoid of fiber, meaning these frozen treats will cause your blood sugar to spike and crash quickly. You're better off having fresh chilled fruit instead like frozen grapes or a cold wedge of watermelon. Root beer floats They might've been a childhood favorite, but they're also major diet derailers. The combo of sugary soda and rich vanilla ice cream will set you back more than 330 calories. You'll also get around 66 grams of sugar almost three days' worth. Deviled eggs Plain hard-boiled eggs make for a lean, satisfying snack. But when you add gobs of mayo into the mix, you turn a perfectly good-for-you nibble into a backyard BBQ fat bomb. Just two little deviled egg halves manage to pack 14 grams of fat and around a quarter of your daily saturated fat. Fast food smoothies While grabbing a smoothie to cool you down while you're running errands in the summer heat may seem like a good idea, these aren't like the blended fruit drinks you might make at home. Many fast-casual chains rely on sugary flavored mixes and throw in unnecessary extras like sweetened yogurt, plus thickeners and stabilizers. A typical large fast food smoothie has more than 300 calories and 68 grams of sugar. That doesn't sound worth it, does it? Churros They're basically funnel cake in stick form, with even more calories and sugar from the chocolate dipping sauce. If you can limit yourself to just one churro, great. But if not, you're better off avoiding them altogether. Powdered fruit drinks You might savor the memory of those sweet, colorful drinks Mom used to mix up for you when school was out for the summer, but there's no need to wash them down today. Powdered drink mixes contain zero real fruit and tons of sugar around 4 teaspoons per 8-ounce serving. Queso Consider swapping it out for low-cal salsa at your next cookout. A quarter cup of queso dip packs can pack almost 150 calories, 12 grams of fat, and 360 milligrams of sodium and that's before you add in the tortilla chips. Fruit cocktail These tropical fruit cups might taste like summer, but all that sticky syrup means that a one cup serving can deliver up to a day's worth of sugar. Sure, some of the sugar is coming from the fruit, but you're still better off enjoying plain fresh fruit this time of year, it's sweet enough.


PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland   On the list of things that Shane Lowry was thinking about when he closed out his victory Sunday at the Open Championship, it's unlikely this cracked the top 10. But his six-stroke victory over windy, soggy Royal Portrush meant that a nearly four-decade-long streak remains intact courtesy of the 32-year-old Irishman. Tiger Woods, Brooks Koepka and Gary Woodland had won the year's first three major titles. If another American golfer could have grabbed the claret jug, it would have been a sweep for red, white & blue golfers in 2019. That piece of trivia might feel trivial, until you realize it's been a while since there's been a USA calendar-year slam. Try 37 years. Surprisingly, perhaps, you have to go back to 1982 for the last time that Americans swept the majors. Craig Stadler won the Masters, Tom Watson took the U.S. (Pebble Beach) and British (Royal Troon) Opens, and Raymond Floyd claimed the PGA Championship (Southern Hills). Of course, this lull has been timed nicely with the rise of European golf and the likes of Seve Ballesteros, Sandy Lyle, Bernhard Langer, Jose Maria Olazabal and Ian Woosnam. Toss in a few South African and Aussie stars, and now with Lowry, a golden age of Irishmen, and well, now you know what the U.S. has been facing. RELATED: Here's the prize money payout for every player at the British Open In recent years, Americans have come close to ending their "drought." In 2015, Australia's Jason Day held off Jordan Spieth at the PGA at Whistling Straits, after Spieth had taken the Masters and U.S. Open and Zach Johnson won the British. And a year ago, Francesco Molinari's British Open win at Carnoustie, although the third major of the year, wound up being the lone U.S. miss. Before this, you need to go back to 1998, when Fiji's Vijay Singh kept the Americans from completing the trick with a PGA win at Sahalee. And Steve Elkington's PGA win at Riviera was the lone non-American major triumph in 1995. Earlier in the week, a handful of European players were asked about their interest in preventing the Americans from going four-for-four. Most of them chuckled and said it wasn't something there were very conscious of. "Look, these things are very cyclical," said Rory McIlroy. "You look at the European success in the majors sort of 2010, 2011. You know, these things happen in cycles. I don't think there's any rhyme or reason to it." McIlroy might be right. However, anyone who thinks Americans sweeping the majors was a common occurrence before the 1980s should look in their history books once more. From the end of World War II to 1982, such sweeps happened just eight times. The only real age of dominance for the U.S. was 1971 to 1977, in which Americans won all four majors five times in seven years. It's unlikely that kind of run will ever happen again. Heck, it's hard to do it just one year these days. Check out Golf Digest Schools for the best in video golf instruction WATCH: GOLF DIGEST VIDEOS See the video. The Best Renaissance Runs in Open Championship History


The simple answer is no. The Washington Redskins were not ranked as one of the most iconic 25 uniforms in sports history, according to USA Today's Touchdown Wire. Should they be? Probably not. Earlier in the week, TouchdownWire ranked the best NFL helmets in the game, and the Redskins started off the list coming in at the very bottom, No. 32. Some think that the old school Washington helmets that featured an arrow on the side - rather than a Native American - were much cooler (and probably less problematic if we're being honest.) If you were to thumb through the Washington Redskin history books, you'd see that the uniforms haven't really changed since the early 1980s, when the burgundy and gold really took form in sleeve stripes and numbers that pop. Over the years, the stripes got smaller and the jerseys got tighter, but not much else changed. It would be hard to rank Washington's kits in the top half of the NFL, let alone in the top 25 jerseys in sports history. If you disagree with this assessment, feel proud that your fandom runs so deep. Maybe the team will switch some things up, and we can vote again in another 20 years. MORE: NBA free agency: The latest reports on Kawhi Leonard's situation 'You don't know me like that': Kevin Durant, the Warriors and a toxic locker room Stephen A. Smith: 'Andre Iguodala is planning on joining the Lakers' The NBA Would Be Much Better If Kawhi Leonard Doesn't Go to the Lakers NBA Free Agency 2019: The top players


San Antonio will see a return of last week's hot temperatures through Wednesday, according to the seven-day forecast from drone-powered weather service Saildrone . Your weather today includes a high temperature of 92 degrees, and Friday's high will be 91. Rain could arrive in a few days. Sunday's forecast shows the highest chance of rain at 77%, while the most rainfall is expected on Saturday at 0.06 inches. Skies will be clear today and partly cloudy on Friday. Winds will reach a modest high of 15 mph on Sunday, and remain in the teens through Monday. 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.


Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan is urging the Trump administration to reconsider its decision to delay putting Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill. In a letter sent to Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin on Tuesday, Hogan wrote that he was "incredibly disappointed" that Tubman won't be on the $20 next year. Treasury officials announced in 2016   during President Barack Obama's administration   that Tubman, one of the most famous conductors of the Underground Railroad that led slaves to freedom, would have her likeness on the $20 bill . She would replace President Andrew Jackson. The plan was to put Tubman on the bill in 2020, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote. She would be the first African-American to be pictured on American currency. But Mnuchin said last month that putting Tubman on the $20 wouldn't be considered until 2026   after Trump would be out of office, should he win re-election next year. "Harriet Tubman's countless contributions to our nation transcend race, gender, nationality, and religion," Hogan wrote. "She dedicated her life in selfless service to others and to the cause of freedom. Her unbelievable acts of heroism, courage, and sacrifice have more than earned her rightful place among our nations most pivotal leaders. "She deserves this honor." This Harriet Tubman mural   and viral photo of a girl reaching out to her   are drawing powerful responses » The delay frustrated proponents of honoring Tubman, particularly U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings, one of the most prominent champions of putting the famous abolitionist on the $20 bill. Cummings, a Baltimore Democrat, expressed "significant disappointment" in a letter to Mnuchin . Hogan joined those calls to honor Tubman on Tuesday   the latest of the governor's occasional disagreements with President Donald Trump, a fellow Republican. Though Hogan had courted speculation that he might challenge Trump in the Republican presidential primary next year, the governor recently announced that he decided against a presidential run. Tubman was born as Araminta Ross, a slave in Dorchester County on Maryland's Eastern Shore around 1820 or 1821. Tubman and two brothers escaped slavery via the Underground Railroad in 1849, and she later helped dozens of others escape as well. Tubman also served as a spy for the Union during the Civil War and later pushed for women's suffrage. She died in 1913 in upstate New York, where she is buried. In Maryland, Tubman is honored with the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historic Park and the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park in Dorchester County. And statues of Tubman and fellow abolitionist Frederick Douglass have been commissioned for the State House in Annapolis. In Baltimore, a portion of Wyman Park Dell where a statue of Confederate generals used to sit was rededicated last year as the Harriet Tubman Grove . pwood@baltsun.com twitter.com/pwoodreporter


Looking to immerse yourself in the community this week? From a local fun run to a celebration honoring Dallas immigrants, there's plenty to do when it comes to community and cultural events coming up in Dallas this week. Read on for a rundown. Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. #CelebrateImmigrants in Dallas, presented by I Am An Immigrant From the event description: This year's Immigrant Heritage Month celebration in Dallas will be an interactive public art installation downtown at the Main Street Garden. Join local leaders and influencers to #CelebrateImmigrants in Dallas! When: Friday, June 21, noon-6 p.m. Where: Main Street Garden, 1902 Main St. Price: Free Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Taco Trot Fun Run and Health Fair, hosted by Taco Diner and Camp Gladiator From the event description: For our Lake Highlands community, this is a fun one-, two- or three-mile run or walk around Lake Highlands Town Center and Watercrest Park that starts and finishes at Taco Diner. We will have puppies for adoption and a bounce house for the kids   fun for the whole family! There will also be a special menu and exclusive brunch from Taco Diner, local vendors will be there with giveaways and raffle prizes will be given. When: Saturday, June 22, 9 a.m.-noon Where: Taco Diner, 7150 Skillman St. Price: Free Click here for more details, and to get your tickets 34th Annual Hamilton Park Juneteenth Parade and Festival From the event description: Come out and celebrate the Juneteenth Freedom and Unity Parade with all of District Ten (Lake Highlands) and Hamilton Park on June 22. We're honoring our local church community clergy, community leadership, original homeowners and HP community partners. Please view flyer for all details of our 34th Annual Juneteenth Parade and Festival. When: Saturday, June 22, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Where: Willie B Johnson Recreation, 12225 Willowdell Drive Price: Free Click here for more details, and to get your tickets This story was created automatically using local event data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney may or nay not be on hand for training camp. But he's definitely getting his work in, and working with one of the best of all time. According to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle , Clowney spent this week in Miami at a pass-rush camp hosted by recently retired Julius Peppers. Also staffing the event were Robert Mathis and Chuck Smith, meaning there were 341 career sacks on faculty. "I thought JD was a humble guy who is really open to learning new stuff," Smith said of Clowney. "He really wants to be great and improve his pass-rush technique. He's a really good person and he deserves the success because he's putting in the work. I think he's going to have a good year. He has added some signature pass rushing moves. "I think this is really awesome. What Peppers is trying to do is prepare them and help get them ready for the season. It's always special when you're able to pass on some knowledge." Clowney's expected to work out this year under the $15.9 million franchise tag, and since a long-term contract doesn't appear to be in the cards , he may not show up for training camp. So this work will be valuable for him as he tries to take another step. He has 18.5 sacks the last two seasons, but the former No. 1 overall pick has never had a double-digit sack season.