Check what you should look for, and what you can do before it's too late. Your Body's Silent Signs Revealed Your body is talking to you all the time. That ache in your leg? It's your knee saying, maybe wear a brace. That weird acid reflux? It's your belly saying, no meatballs before bed. But sometimes your body talks to you so quietly, you can't hear it. Sometimes it sends you silent signs. Serious health problems don't always announce themselves with the most familiar, well-publicized symptoms. Instead, they can show up with the equivalent of a whisper subtle signals in your body that are easily overlooked, or attributed to other, more minor conditions. These are The Remedy's most common "silent" signs of major health issues. Here's what to look for, and what to do about them. 1. Bloating Could be a sign of: Cancer Do you have uncomfortable bloating, that gassy swelling in your belly after eating? It could be a gastrointestinal issue. But in women, bloating can also be a sign of ovarian cancer, according to the American Cancer Society . It's one of the hardest cancers to detect early because there's no reliable routine screening test and symptoms can be vague. Bloating is one of them. Feeling full after eating more quickly than you used to is another. The Remedy Rx: Abdominal bloating can have many different causes. Several of them aren't serious gas, constipation, IBS. But if you're consistently feeling bloated, discuss it with your doctor. Have an annual pelvic exam and discuss any digestive issues with your doctor. 2. Heartburn Could be a sign of: A "silent" heart attack Burning in your chest or throat is usually a sign of acid reflux. But according to Harvard Medical School, it can also be a symptom of a "silent" heart attack, also known as a silent myocardial infarction (SMI). These milder heart attacks have less intense symptoms. Instead of a stabbing pain in the chest or arm, an SMI might present itself with fatigue, physical discomfort, cold sweating, or mild discomfort in the center of the chest. "People can even feel completely normal during an SMI and afterward, too, which further adds to the chance of missing the warning signs," says Jorge Plutzky , MD, director of the vascular disease prevention program at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Silent heart attacks account for 45 percent of all heart attacks and affect men more than women. However, women are more likely to have nontraditional symptoms of a major heart attack, including nausea, indigestion, stomach pain or chest pressure that spreads to the throat. "Heartburn, shoulder pain, neck pain or jaw pain can easily be misread and easily overlooked, particularly in women," says Adam Splaver , MD, a cardiologist in South Florida. If you're not sure what's going on, get checked out. The Remedy Rx: Reduce your risk of heart disease by maintaining a healthy weight and blood pressure, eating a diet low in saturated fat, getting exercise and limiting alcohol. Get an annual physical with an EKG (electrocardiogram), which can detect heart damage. 3. Clumsy Hands or Unsteadiness Could be a sign of: Cervical spondylotic myelopathy It sounds scary, but cervical spondylotic myelopathy is a treatable condition whose symptoms are frequently ignored or mistaken for much more serious illnesses such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease and ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease), says Anthony Kouri, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at the University of Toledo Medical Center. Typically caused by worsening arthritis in the neck, it affects up to 18 percent of the population. Symptoms include neck pain and stiffness, weakness in the arms, numbness and tingling, difficulty buttoning shirts or holding a utensil, unsteadiness or imbalance and falls. "People may notice they're bumping into things more frequently or increasingly dropping objects," says Kouri. "This gradually worsens and leads to neurologic decline and a severely affected quality of life. If left untreated, it can lead to quadriplegia and wheelchair dependence." Surgery can halt the progression of symptoms, but can't always reverse them, so treatment within six months of symptom onset is ideal. The Remedy Rx: CSM is often missed by doctors because the symptoms are general and often attributed to normal aging at first. If you're experiencing those physical signs, discuss them with your doctor. 4. Shortness of Breath Could be a sign of: Heart failure "Signs of congestive heart failure can often mimic asthma," says Splaver. "Symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing and cough are all telltale signs of asthma but can also be a sign you're retaining fluid and your heart is failing." The Remedy Rx: If you're having chronic shortness of breath, see your doctor and describe your symptoms fully. 5. Night sweats Could be a sign of: Cancer "Oftentimes patients experience night sweats and blame menopause or andropause," says Liem Quang Le, a doctor of acupuncture and Oriental medicine at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida. "However, night sweats can be a symptom of lymphoma or leukemia." The Remedy Rx: If you're experiencing night sweats, "It's recommended that the patient see their primary care provider to order a complete blood count, which will include a white blood cell (WBC) count," says Le. "A very high WBC might be suggestive of lymphoma or leukemia, which will require further investigation by an oncologist." 6. Snoring Could be a sign of: Heart disease If your spouse threatening to establish separate bedrooms doesn't motivate you to do something about your snoring, this might. Snoring could be a sign you have sleep apnea, a condition that's linked to a variety of serious illnesses, including cardiovascular disease. During sleep apnea, you stop breathing for up to a minute until the brain wakes you up to start breathing again. According to Harvard Medical School , sleep apnea is present in 47 to 83 percent of people with heart disease, and untreated sleep apnea could raise your risk of dying of heart problems by up to five times. Why? Over time, it "exposes the heart and circulation to harmful stimuli that may cause or contribute to the progression of most cardiovascular diseases," says Dr. Atul Malhotra, associate professor at Harvard Medical School and sleep specialist at Brigham and Women's Hospital. The Remedy Rx: If you've been told you snore, talk to your doctor about it. 7. Fresh blood in stool Could be a sign of: Cancer It's often said that dark, tarry stools or dark blood associated with a bowel movement could be signs of colon cancer, but bright-red blood in the bowl also warrants investigation by a doctor. "Oftentimes patients that find fresh blood in their stools will use their history of hemorrhoids as an excuse to disregard the blood," says Le. "However, fresh blood in stools could be due to colorectal cancer." The Remedy Rx: "A patient experiencing fresh blood in the stools should see a gastroenterologist to confirm whether the bleeding is due to hemorrhoids, inflammatory bowel disease, or cancer," adds Le. 8. Fatigue Could be a sign of: Heart problems  Everyone gets tired,  says Joshua S. Yamamoto, MD, a Washington, D.C. based physician and author of You Can Prevent A Stroke .  But fatigue is the most common early sign of cardiovascular disease.  The reason? The heart pumps blood to every organ in the body; in the absence of good blood flow   particularly to the brain and muscles   the body feels fatigued.  As we get older, we may be quick to assume that age alone is an excuse for getting tired so easily,  adds Yamamoto.  But it doesn t have to be that way. A lot can be done to address natural aging and change how we feel.  The Remedy Rx:  We use the memory device D-HART,  says Yamamoto.  D: have a doctor. Ask them,  What is the health of my Heart and Arteries, and what are my heart s Rhythms?  Then ask,  Is it Time to do something?  If you feel fatigued, you may have the ultimate, universal early sign of heart trouble. Go to your doctor and start asking questions.  9. Waking up hoarse Could be a sign of: Acid reflux  This can be a sign of acid reflux,  says registered dietitian Dina Merhbi . The condition in which stomach acid backs up into the esophagus and may reach your throat and mouth can be aggravated by lying flat at night.  If it goes untreated, it can increase your risk of cavities and cancer,  adds Merhbi. The acid can wear down sensitive tooth enamel and inflame the sensitive tissue of the esophagus, leading to a precancerous condition called Barrett s esophagus and potentially esophageal cancer. The Remedy Rx: Avoid eating three hours before bed. Limit alcohol. If you re waking up hoarse or have other symptoms of acid reflux such as heartburn, talk to your doctor, who may recommend lifestyle changes or medication. 10. Unexpected weight gain Could be a sign of: Thyroid problems "Unexplained weight gain can be related to your thyroid being underactive," says Merhbi. It's a condition called hypothyroidism, in which the thyroid gland isn't producing enough of the hormone that stokes your metabolism. In addition to weight gain, you might have other nonspecific symptoms like fatigue or sensitivity to cold. The Remedy Rx: If you're experiencing symptoms associated with a thyroid disorder, ask your doctor for a blood test that will check your TSH hormone levels. Imbalances can be treated with medication. 11. Impotence Could be a sign of: Heart disease Having difficulty getting or keeping an erection isn't a sign that your indescribable masculine mojo is on the wane. The problem could be all in your head or about a foot lower. According to the Mayo Clinic, erectile dysfunction is often an early sign of heart disease. The arteries that carry blood to your penis might not be transporting enough for it to become engorged if your heart isn't pumping as it should. The Remedy Rx: Take steps to lower your risk of both ED and cardiovascular disease: Maintain a healthy weight, stop smoking, keep diabetes and high cholesterol under control if you have them, get regular exercise and eat a balanced diet low in saturated fat. 12. Unexplained weight loss Could be a sign of: Cancer If you think dropping weight without changing anything about your diet or exercise regimen sounds terrific, think again: An unexplained weight loss of 10 pounds or more can be a sign of cancer. It happens most often with cancers of the pancreas, stomach, esophagus or lung, the American Cancer Society says. The Remedy Rx: If you're dropping weight without effort, pick up the phone and schedule an appointment with your primary care physician. 13. Irritability Could be a sign of: Depression If you find yourself increasingly tetchy with co-workers, family members or friends or just randomly cursing the traffic or the line at Starbucks it doesn't necessarily mean you're just turning into a charmingly cantankerous elder. Frequent irritability is a common sign of depression (although chronic sadness tends to hog most of the credit). The Remedy Rx: If you find that you're fussing and fuming more than usual, it might be time to assess your mental health. Are you in a low mood more often than usual? Finding less enjoyment in activities you once considered pleasurable? Those are also symptoms of depression. You don't have to live with it talk to your doctor; many treatment options are available. 14. Weakness Could be a sign of: Stroke Just as you can have a "silent" heart attack, you can have a silent stroke. This happens frequently enough affecting 8 to 10 million people each year that the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association issued new guidance about them in 2016. Silent strokes may not cause classic symptoms and might only show up as white spots on brain scans. But they should be treated to prevent a full-blown stroke. "It is important to go to your family physician if there are concerns about neurological symptoms like weakness or speech difficulty because silent strokes put people at risk not only for future symptomatic strokes but also for cognitive decline and dementia," said Eric E. Smith, MD, an associate professor of neurology at the University of Calgary. The Remedy Rx: See your physician if you have those symptoms, and reduce your risk of stroke by eating a Mediterranean diet heavy in fruits and vegetables, lean protein and good fats reducing sodium in your diet and not smoking. 15. Leg swelling Could be a sign of: Deep vein thrombosis A swelling or throbbing in one of your legs could be a sign of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a serious and potentially fatal condition in which a blood clot forms in a vein, then breaks off and travels to the lung, blocking blood flow or oxygen, a condition called a pulmonary embolism. The Remedy Rx: If you experience swelling in your leg, tell your doctor about your risk factors for DVT, such as leg pain or swelling, recent long periods of sitting (including on plane travel), or a previous DVT diagnosis. It's easy to tell ourselves fibs and make excuses about our health but that can lead to major problems down the line. Read 21 Lies We Tell Ourselves About Our Health to learn about some of the most common lies doctors and health experts say we tell ourselves and The Remedy's recommendations for how to stop fooling yourself out of your best health ever.


He's 25-years old. He's scored 71 career goals. He's got 46 assists to his name. He's been widely regarded as one of the most talented creative talents in Europe over the past year. But oddly, no-one seems to want Nabil Fekir. No-one in the Premier League at least. That seems almost unfathomable, given he was valued around €70m last year as Liverpool furiously hunted him down. Manchester City and Arsenal have also shown interest, if we believe what we read. So what's changed? First off, many say that he hasn't yet proven himself at the highest level because he's spent his whole career playing in Ligue 1 with Lyon. Many also say that he would struggle to keep up with the best the Premier League has to offer, going missing in tough away games - which, let's be honest, are becoming more regular as the seasons go on. To put this argument to bed, one must only have to look at his performances in Europe. The 2017/18 Europa League campaign saw Fekir score as Lyon dispatched of Everton 2-1 at Goodison Park, before they then ran riot with a 3-0 victory at the Groupama Stadium. Captaining a side who comfortably saw off the Toffees is one indication that he's up to it. Fast-forward to last season's Champions League and Fekir notched three goals and two assists in his six group stage matches. Not bad, eh? More importantly, Fekir was instrumental in Lyon's 2-1 dismantling of Pep Guardiola's Man City at the Etihad - where he was involved in both goals. Outside of his goal contributions, his overall performance was top drawer - oozing class on the ball and demonstrating great composure and vision. Whether he's playing as an attacking midfielder or a little further forward, Fekir is one hell of an option to have at your disposal. His versatility and intricate technique have already shown that he can create chances, for himself and his teammates. He's adept at bringing wingers into the game, can drop deep to play in a strike partner or can lead the line himself - traits that aren't easy to find at the highest level on a consistent basis. Last season's successes of Memphis Depay and Moussa Dembele are no doubt related to the ability of their captain to constantly involve them in the game. Which makes you wonder why teams, such as Arsenal, are reluctant to go all out for his signature. With the likes of Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre Emerick-Aubemeyang latching onto, and finishing, the majority of chances they can get hold of, surely the key is to bring in some quality that can consistently create chances? Luxury players such as Mesut Ozil and Henrikh Mkhitaryan are brilliant at 4.30pm on a Saturday when their side is 2-0 up and cruising at the Emirates, but to compete at the top of the Premier League, you need players who can instigate that 2-1 midweek win at Goodison Park. As reported by the Mirror , Arsenal have been given the chance to sign the French star for just £30m, a bargain in the current transfer market. Although Unai Emery's side are clearly running on tight financial restrictions, they may regret not taking advantage of what could be the bargain of the transfer window. As for Liverpool, the Fekir transfer saga has raged on for over a year now. After the then 24-year-old's extremely impressive 2017/18 season, where he netted 23 times, Jurgen Klopp attempted to make him the latest addition at Anfield for roughly £52m - almost double his current value. However, the deal fell through due to unspecified medical issues, which could be an ongoing issue that hinders his switch to the Premier League. It may also be a question of Fekir not fitting in with Liverpool's midfield three, who act more as runners, while the front three have their names on the starting lineup inked in permanent marker. However, if those in the north West are open to the idea of Philippe Coutinho returning, there is no reason why they should ignore the much cheaper, and possibly more reliable, option that plays at Lyon. Sadly, injuries have followed the gifted midfielder ever since a cruciate ligament rupture in 2015 kept him on the sidelines for the whole season. Recurring knee problems have followed in late 2016 and early 2018. Complications even occurred during the 2018 World Cup. This could be the sole reason why the undoubtedly talented playmaker and goalscorer hasn't already been playing in the Premier League for at least a season. When fit, though, Lyon's captain is undoubtedly one of the best in Europe and would thrive in the Premier League. This, coupled with his reasonable transfer value, make him a must for any side wanting to make a statement of intent for next season, regardless of the injuries. Teams will need to act fast - with La Liga mid-table dwellers Real Betis seemingly pursuing a deal. Remarkably, they may end up getting their man - though one can't help but feel he's capable of bigger and better things.


Stacker collected information from travel guides, government documents, and news reports to find photographs of 15 cities before the ravages of conflict, violence, war, and catastrophe. The pictures in this gallery include those ranging from the 1990s to the current day. Cities before conflict: What it was like to visit Juarez, Tehran, and 13 other afflicted places Violence, conflict, and economic collapse have devastated some of the world's most magnificent cities and their ancient treasures. Stacker collected information from travel guides, government documents, and news reports to find photographs of 15 cities before and after the ravages of violence, war, and catastrophe. The pictures in this gallery include those ranging from the 1990s to the current day. Click through Stacker's list to get a better understanding of how human conflict destroyed these once-thriving cities from around the world. You may also like: Worst humanitarian crises around the world Juárez: 1930 Ciudad Juárez, Mexico was a lively border city where visitors from El Paso crossed the Rio Grande River for its shopping, restaurants, bars, and nightlife. Its popularity boomed among Americans looking for a drink during Prohibition, such as in this 1930 photo. Juarez was a place to get a quick divorce, and one local cocktail bar claimed to have invented the margarita. Juárez: 2006 Security tightened along the United States-Mexico border after Sept. 11, 2001, and Ciudad Juárez became a center for smuggling people and drugs. Warring cartels, helped by corrupt authorities, fought for control and turned the city into a battleground, such as the 2006 street scene above. Thousands of businesses closed, and residents fled. Tehran: 1900s Tehran was Persia's center, bursting with ornate palaces and opulent gardens, such as the 1900s scene pictured here. In the 20th century, it was one of the world's most populous cities. Under the rule of the U.S.-backed Shah, education was secularized, the hijab was banned, and fashions were Westernized. Tehran: 2018 While the elite during the Shah's monarchy enjoyed an oil-rich lifestyle, Iranians chafed under inequality and pressures that erupted in a revolution in 1979. The Shah was deposed, and in his place came a strict, religious, anti-Western leadership. The 2018 street mural here shows the strong sentiment. Travelers from western nations are scarce, and guides are required to accompany American visitors at all times. Caracas: 1973 Only a few years ago, the glamorous capital city of oil-rich Venezuela lured wealthy visitors to savor its cuisine, arts, and culture, such as the 1973 scene pictured above. Venezuela was one of Latin America's most prosperous countries, and in 2008, its tourism industry generated $1 billion. Caracas: 2019 Utterly dependent on its oil resources, Venezuela spiraled into a stunning economic collapse after oil prices dropped steeply in 2014. Its affluence sank under the weight of corruption, massive debt, and mismanagement of its state-owned oil company. Shortages of fuel, food, and medicine have caused malnutrition, disease, looting, crime, rioting, and violence such as that pictured here in 2019. Caracas has become one of the most dangerous cities in the world. Aleppo: 2008 Aleppo in northern Syria is believed to be the world's oldest continuously inhabited city, with its first settlers living there over 8,000 years ago. A dazzling highlight of the ancient city was its imposing walled citadel, pictured here in 2008. Its grand market, teeming with gold, silver, silk, and spices, was one of the biggest in the world and recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Aleppo: 2019 Protests calling for the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad and a harsh government response hurtled Syrian into a civil war in 2011. Aleppo's ancient treasures and buildings were reduced to rubble, such as those in 2019 shown here, from shelling, mortar fire, street fighting, and landmines that detonated in its narrow alleyways. Entangled in the war were rebel militants, Islamic extremists, Russia, Iran, Turkey, the United States, and other forces. In 2016, the Syrian army recaptured Aleppo. Assad remains in power. Gaza: 2009 Gaza, figured prominently in the Biblical tale of Samson and Delilah, came under siege by Alexander the Great and was conquered by the Assyrians, Persians, Maccabees, Romans, and Arabs. Most recently, the Mediterranean seaside region, pictured here in 2009, has been locked in tangled conflict with Israel. Gaza: 2014 Israel regularly launches airstrikes and Palestinian forces fire rockets and mortars in seemingly never-ending clashes. A blockade severely restricts supplies of medicine, consumer goods, raw materials, and fuel into Gaza, where power outages are frequent and clean, running water scarce. The violence has left a bleak landscape of destroyed buildings, unfinished construction, and debris, such as that pictured in 2019 here. Israel tightly controls entry, and Palestinians are not free to leave. Gaza is not open to international travelers. Mosul: 2003 Bisected by the Tigris River, pictured here in 2003, Iraq's historic city of Mosul was a crown jewel in the Middle East. Its diverse population of Arabs, Kurds, Christians, Turkmen, and Jews lived in a land rich with oil. Palaces, mosques, and museums were filled with age-old, irreplaceable artifacts. Mosul: 2017 The United States in 2003 invaded Iraq, battered by years of rule by strongman Saddam Hussein. About a decade later, militant Islamic State fighters declared Mosul their Iraqi capital. They left Mosul in tatters, as pictured here in 2017. Ancient tombs were dynamited, statuary toppled, friezes smashed to bits, and valuable antiquities were sold off for revenue. Beirut: 1970 Green and lush, the seaside city of Beirut was once known as "the Paris of the Middle East." A cosmopolitan playground for the rich, as seen in this 1970 photograph, Beirut had top-notch cuisine and eye-catching architecture thanks to long ties to France. Its promenade offered gorgeous views of the Mediterranean Sea. Beirut: 2019 Civil war broke out in Lebanon in 1975, with Syria, the Palestine Liberation Organization, Israel, France, and the United States playing a part. Rebuilding has taken place but at the cost of demolishing historical buildings and streets to make way for modern construction. Mindful of unfriendly neighbors like Syria to the east and Israel to the south, Lebanese soldiers patrol Beirut's streets, and military checkpoints dot the city, as seen in this 2019 photograph. Monrovia: 1950 The Atlantic Ocean coastal city of Monrovia, founded during the administration of U.S. President James Monroe hence its name was the bustling port for Liberia, a settlement designed for freed American slaves. Pictured here in 1950, it was a hub for education, commerce, and culture. Its architecture was reminiscent of America's Old South. Monrovia: 2019 A devastating civil war beginning in 1990 tore Liberia apart, lasting more than a decade. A period of peace and rebuilding ensued under President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011. However, an outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus struck Liberia and its West African neighbors in 2014, battering its economy. It remains unstable, as seen in this 2019 photograph. Baghdad: 2002 Baghdad was unsurpassed as a cultural and economic center since it was built under the supervision of an 8th-century caliph who wanted it constructed in a circular design, illustrated in this 2002 photograph, in tribute to the geometric teachings of Euclid. The city thrived with trading from East Africa, India, and China and was home to poets, scholars, and artists producing such works as "One Thousand and One Nights." Baghdad: 2004 The capital of Iraq has struggled to recover since an invasion by U.S. forces in 2003 and war with the Islamic State. With persistent sectarian violence, as shown here in 2004, it remains vulnerable to bombings and suicide attacks. Visitors face near-impossible bureaucratic hurdles to get in and must be accompanied by a government guide. Jerusalem: 1977 Jerusalem, pictured here in 1977, provides glimpses into history and religion like no other city. It is home to the sacred Wailing Wall, the Via Dolorosa path (said to be taken by Jesus to his crucifixion), the site of Jesus' Biblical resurrection, the Dome of the Rock where Mohammed is believed to have ascended to heaven, and a world-renowned Arab market. Jerusalem: 2010 The divided city of Jerusalem, uncomfortably shared by Jews, Arabs, and Christians, is a touchstone in Middle East politics, often with violent consequences such as that portrayed in this 2010 photograph. Palestinians seek an independent state with East Jerusalem, seized by Israel in 1967, as its capital. The United States sparked a firestorm in 2018 when it moved its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, formally recognizing the holy city as Israel's capital. Much of the international community does not consider Jerusalem the capital, as it is claimed by Palestinians and Israelis alike. Mogadishu: 1992 Somalia's capital of Mogadishu is strategically located on the Horn of Africa, on the shores of the Arabian Sea. The trading center once thrived, as shown in this 1992 photograph, complete with luxury hotels and tourists seeking its beaches. Mogadishu: 2019 Somalia was a land historically divided up among European powers, then cobbled together into an independent nation in 1960. Its internal conflicts exploded into civil war in 1992 that pushed the country into anarchy and famine. The Battle of Mogadishu in 1993 formed the basis of the book and movie "Black Hawk Down" about a raid to capture a powerful warlord. Mogadishu is considered one of the world's most dangerous cities, crippled by car bombings, kidnappings, and attacks by Islamic extremists. The subsequent damage is shown in this 2019 photograph. Omdurman: 2008 Omdurman, pictured above in 2008, is one of three towns that form the Sudanese capital of Khartoum and sits on the west bank of the Nile River. It is the site of Sudan's official radio and television studios, government buildings, military installations, and top universities, and it is filled with historical monuments, tombs, and mosques. Omdurman: 2019 This year, Omdurman was home to many protests that led to the military overthrow in April of President Omar al-Bashir, who ruled Sudan for 30 years. Recent protests, with deadly results, have sought civilian rule and an end to the military regime. A street scene from this year is pictured here. Sana'a: 2013 Nestled in a mountain valley, Sana'a was a major Islamic center in the 7th and 8th centuries. Inhabited for over 2,500 years, the Old City was the site of thousands of distinctive hard-packed, mud-brick gingerbread-style homes built before the 11th century. Pictured here, they are a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sana'a: 2019 War has destroyed many of Sana'a's historic buildings, pictured in this 2019 photograph, prompting condemnation by the United Nations' heritage group. Yemen has been in the throes of a brutal conflict between supporters of its ousted president and Houthi rebel groups. A coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates has targeted Houthi sites around Sana'a. Kabul: 1980s According to legend, Kabul was founded by the Biblical brothers Cain and Abel. Despite being fought over for centuries, the Afghan capital, shown here in a photograph from the 1980s, was filled with delightful gardens, bazaars, mosques, palaces, and parks. Kabul: 2006 Modern-day Kabul has been ravaged by Soviet occupation, civil war, harsh rule by the Islamic fundamentalist Taliban, and a U.S.-led invasion in 2001. A typical scene is shown here from 2006. Deadly attacks by Islamic extremists are frequent, and the suicide bombings, terror attacks, kidnapping, and landmines have kept visitors away. Donetsk: 2013 Industrial Donetsk was a busy metal-and-mining capital in Ukraine, perched on sweeping steppes along the Kalmius River. Pictured here in a 2013 photograph, Donetsk was called "Stalino" under the rule of Joseph Stalin. Donetsk: 2015 Rebellions broke out against Ukrainian rule in Donetsk in 2014. Hostile to Ukraine, Russia provided military help to the insurgents. Separatists proclaimed the Donetsk People's Republic in 2014. But with its independence not recognized internationally, the breakaway republic is the site of bitter conflict. Shown here in a 2015 photograph, Donetsk is still considered extremely unsafe for foreigners.


A true NFL star in the making, Deshaun Watson has been grabbing the attention of the public and media alike since his Clemson days. Now entering his third year with the Houston Texans, the franchise quarterback got a chance to chat with "Uninterrupted" and former NFL wide receiver Andrew Hawkins about a little bit of everything. Starting off with manhood, and their respective discoveries of it, Watson knew instantly the moment when he remembers first feeling like an adult. "Actually, it was when I was younger, about 13, 14 when my mom got sick," said Watson. "She had tongue cancer. You know I was just running around being a kid and that's when I needed to get jobs and start driving without a license, all that stuff, you know find a way to put food on the table, make sure the bills are paid, so that's when I really became a man." Watson has always spoken extremely fondly of his relationship with his mother Deann Watson, and it would seem that he credits her own personal strength in the face of adversity for his ability to wade through life's tougher moments. "My mom's one of those women where even if adversity hit, she's not going to show it," said Watson. "And I think that's where I get mine at. A lot of people say I'm poised and don't have too many emotions when adversity hit." The Texans star then got onto the topic of the support that both the charity 'Habitat For Humanity' and former NFL Pro Bowl running back Warrick Dunn gave to his family when they hit tough times. "Habitat for Humanity is the foundation where people have the opportunity to do community service and help others, but also help themselves and get a home," said Watson. "So, Warrick surprised us with the keys and gave us furniture and food. So he's like a big brother to me now." He went on to elaborate on the impact Dunn specifically had on him in a longer lasting sense and how the former Walter Payton Man of the Year winner shaped the man he is today. "Having an athlete like Warrick Dunn who I used to play with all the time on the video game and watch on TV, it changed our lives so I knew if I make it to that level, I want to be able to do the same thing and change somebody else's life," said Watson. And this desire to help those in need and innate generosity was on full display when he received his first NFL game check, as discussed by Watson on "Uninterrupted." "I gave it to three cafeteria ladies at Houston," said Watson. "You know, when Hurricane Harvey hit if you walked in and you see those ladies you would never have known that their houses were flooded. First thing that hit me was 'I get my game check in like two days from now,' so I surprised them with the checks and it was really nothing that was planned it just happened on the fly and I wanted to help them out." In his short time in Houston, Watson has had a huge impact both on and off the field. A team captain and a mentor to many of the younger players, Watson has solidified his place in the community as a person to admire, respect, and follow in the footsteps of for the next generation of Houstonians. MORE: NBA fans had fun crushing the Boston Celtics over Al Horford reports NBA Free Agency 2019: The top players Fierce, fiesty WR competition for Cowboys behind Top 3 roster locks 7 non-star free agents the Lakers could pursue with their cap space Rams trading Tyler Higbee to Patriots would make sense for both teams


As the old saying goes, ball don't lie. After Becky Sauerbrunn gave England a penalty and was handed a controversial yellow card, United States keeper Alyssa Naeher stepped right up and made the save of her life, keeping the US in front 2-1 in the 84th minute by stopping a Steph Houghton penalty. NAEHER SAVES!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/h4JqFFLylY   FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 2, 2019 While much has been made about the US' attacking depth, headlined by Megan Rapinoe and today's two goalscorers in Christian Press and Alex Morgan , the back end is just as quality, with Naeher leading a defense that has only surrendered two goals in the entirety of the tournament. With one of the most clinical midfielders up to take the penalty in Manchester City's Houghton, Naeher put the world on notice with regards to her quality as a goalie. Let's goooooooo?? pic.twitter.com/CAAH6Syqdx   Alexa Felix (@alexafelix_13) July 2, 2019 England came literal inches away from tying this game up at 2-2, but Naeher and the United States have managed to hold on to advance to the World Cup Final. Related slideshow: Best Photos of the Women's World Cup (Provided by imagn)


The Houston Rockets were seemingly going to start the 2019-20 NBA season with essentially the same roster that they've had over the last few years, but they ended up trading Chris Paul for Russell Westbrook last week, and now the Rockets are looking like a whole new basketball team. And according to The Athletic's Shams Charania, Houston isn't exactly done building out their roster. The Golden State Warriors traded away forward Andre Iguodala to Memphis for Julian Washburn and cap relief, and the Rockets are among two teams that are seriously looking into making a move for the former Finals MVP. "The two teams strongly pursuing Iguodala still are the Rockets and Clippers, I'm told, but both teams seem to be at a standstill. Rockets do not want to go into the luxury tax and the Clippers are unwilling to part with Mo Harkless." Iguodala is an ultimate team player, and in stretches, can be one of the NBA's best defensive players. During the 2018-19 regular season, this year's Finals MVP struggled to score on Iguodala more than anyone else in the NBA. If nothing else, the Rockets can use another defensive wing in a loaded Western conference to take on defensive assignments like Leonard, LeBron James, Steph Curry and more. The only thing holding the Rockets up at the moment is their desire to stay under the luxury tax. However, if the Grizzlies aren't able to find a trade partner, Iguodala could be released by the team, effectively making him a free agent available to sign for the minimum. MORE: NBA Twitter had so many jokes when Jared Dudley asked for an edit of him with his new number Eagles were involved in two of the Top-5 most-watched sporting events of 2019 Four Potential Landing Spots for Jadeveon Clowney Trysten Hill may be crowning point on Cowboys star-studded defense New Grady Jarrett contract lays groundwork for Kenny Clark, Packers


PRINCETON   You can't get there from here, as the old-timer said. But even the "Bridge Closed" signs on Route 140 did not get the message through to some drivers, who bypassed the signs once police details were off for the day even several days after the bridge in East Princeton center was closed, its decking ripped up and leaving no way for a vehicle to cross, even if it went through the chain link fencing. Once the bridge was closed July 8, workers immediately started demolition work, with a projected two-month window to get a new bridge in place. The traffic, however, has largely stopped speeding through the narrow village road that is the town's Main Street. But commuters see the Route 140 they use as a main route from the Gardner area to the Worcester area. The traffic noise normally makes it impossible to hear conversations in front of the 1840s and 1850s-era homes set right along the road. The quiet is refreshing, as Laurie Kraemer, who lives next to the bridge, observed: "You can hear the brook." Keyes Brook runs under Route 140, though many commuters may have routinely driven over it and not even known there was a short span bridging a brook that had powered the chair factories in an earlier era. That bridge replacement drove the town's desire to participate in the road project, which was once proposed to run from Sterling to Westminster. The state project to widen the road and upgrade infrastructure such as drainage and add sidewalks and bikes lanes, as well as a roundabout at the intersection with Route 31, came along with the state paying for the bridge. Workers are taking advantage of the limited traffic to tackle the road work and are busy installing drainage lines without the one-lane traffic and backups. Residents had become accustomed to the heavy traffic, which can make it difficult to get out of driveways, especially during morning and afternoon rush hours. Now they have a respite, though the construction work will still disturb daytime hours, as one resident pointed out. Others have a fresh view of the district. Melissa Finkler moved into one of the historic homes on May 30, and has been in place, she said, "long enough to experience the traffic," which was more than she expected. Then last week, it was quiet enough that she could do things in the yard. "It's been nice and quiet," Finkler said. "I'm very excited about the whole project," she said, especially the wider sidewalks that will replace aging walks to get to the neighborhood playground up the street. Kraemer and her husband, Wayne, have lived beside the bridge for 38 years. "This week has been eventful with all the construction and road closing signs," Kraemer said. "The first night was kind of hysterical. People do not read signs or just think they can go a little bit farther. I think a lot of people are very unaware there's a bridge here because they're always speeding. And they don't know where the road actually closes. I guess they don't believe the signs." "The first night we had so many people follow one car after another and then have to turn around. The second day was a little bit better. I walked down the road, and I felt like I was in the Twilight Zone. It's very strange to have it so quiet," Kraemer said. "But we are loving it. I have lived on this road my entire life. First in Sterling and now in East Princeton. I am used to traffic. It's the speed that I don't like. I wish people would slow down. But in the meantime, having two months of peace and quiet after 3:30 (p.m.) is fantastic. It feels like a vacation," Kraemer said. Besides peace and quiet, the closing has allowed some neighborly dialogue. "The other great benefit is that I'm getting a chance to meet my neighbors," Kraemer said. "When you live on this road, the road divides you, and it is very loud. You can't talk to a neighbor across the street. And crossing is sometimes so dangerous." She is seeing neighbors or visiting them, or they walk up to check out the bridge. "It has been so much fun. I have been taking photos and posting progress on Facebook," she said. "I'll be sad when it ends. But I'm enjoying every minute while it lasts," Kraemer said, a feeling echoed by several other residents who were outside in front of their homes, an unusual sight. Business impacts But the drop in traffic is not all good. Jim Lanpher said the lack of traffic has affected his business, Lanpher's Market and West Sterling Garage, which is on Route 140 just north of the routes 140 and 62 intersection -- the recommended Route 140 detour is to take Route 62 north into Princeton center before continuing onto Mountain Road and reconnecting with Route 140. "Traffic is zero during the day," Lanpher said. "It has affected the store, and gas has suffered as well." He said he put signs up alerting people that he would be open, but he is no longer on the direct route many people take between home and work. "I'm happy with some loyal customers," Lanpher said. He added he drives Route 2 in the morning and said it is busier than usual, perhaps with some of the traffic that shifted from 140. But the convenience store and gas station remains open, and with less traffic, getting in and out is easier Meanwhile, the Kwik Stop in East Princeton has seen a 65 percent drop in business, owner Sonny Patel said. It is just north of the bridge, behind the blocked road. Although the business is open, the detour route takes regular traffic away from the routes 140 and 31 intersection. There is no easy way through the barriers to indicate his business is still open. "It's a big impact for my business," Patel said. "I've been losing money right now to keep the doors open." He said he knows the project is good for the community, but added, "I've got to have some way to survive." "If they could move the barriers down," to let traffic into the Kwik Stop store and garage area, it would help, he said. "It's very frustrating for me." Surrounding roads, however, have have had to put up with the cars that can no longer take the village route, leading to complaints, including to the Princeton police department by residents as cars travel -- often too fast, they said -- over twisting back roads rather than the suggested detour routes among main roads. Workers were busy with heavy equipment early last week pulling up the asphalt an estimated 2 feet thick, and the underlying metal decking, revealing rotted metal girders that had held the weight of heavy traffic for years. ___ (c)2019 Telegram & Gazette, Worcester, Mass. Visit Telegram & Gazette, Worcester, Mass. at www.telegram.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


A roundup of Saturday's action from the final round of Group A play at the 2019 Copa America in Brazil… [ WOMEN'S WORLD CUP: Norway tops Australia on PKs | Germany reaches QF ] Peru 0-5 Brazil Brazil put five goals   from five different goalscorers   past a helpless Peru side in Saturday's Group A finale to emphatically seal their place in the quarterfinals, alongside fellow South American powers Colombia and Chile. Following a hiccup in game no. 2   a scoreless draw with a quickly rising Venezuela side   Brazil restored a bit of order with a thoroughly dominant performance rom the opening whistle. Casemiro made it 1-0 in the 12th minute, followed quickly by Roberto Firmino in the 19th and Everton in the 32nd. Dani Alves continued regular service in the second half and made it 4-0 in the 52nd. The fifth and final goal came from Willian in the 90th minute. As the winners of Group A, with seven points, Brazil will face one of the third-place teams in the quarterfinals before a potential rematch with Venezuela   or a showdown with Argentina, should they advance   in the semifinals. Bolivia 1-3 Venezuela Venezuela secured a second-place finish in Group A and booked their place in the knockout rounds with a comfortable victory over Bolivia to round out group play. Darwin Machis bagged Venezuela's first two goals (2nd and 55th minutes) before Leonel Justiniano pulled one back for Bolivia in the 82nd. Atlanta United star Josef Martinez restored the two-goal advantage just five minutes later. Sunday's Copa America schedule Group B Qatar v. Argentina   3 p.m. ET Colombia v. Paraguay   3 p.m. ET Follow @AndyEdMLS


A U.S. federal judge blasted UnitedHealthcare last month for its "immoral and barbaric" denials of treatment for cancer patients. He made the comments in recusing himself from hearing a class-action lawsuit because of his own cancer battle -- and in so doing thrust himself into a heated debate in the oncology world. At issue is a treatment known as proton beam therapy, an expensive alternative to standard radiation that proponents say is a more precise form of treatment with fewer side effects. Opponents have questioned whether proton therapy is worth the high cost to fight some forms of cancer, and insurance companies have often denied coverage for the treatment, calling it "experimental." The case that came before US District Judge Robert N. Scola was brought by a prostate cancer survivor who alleged that UnitedHealthcare wrongfully denied him and thousands of others coverage of proton beam therapy. In his recusal, Scola cited his own battle with prostate cancer and how he consulted "with top medical experts around the country" about treatment options. Scola said that he ultimately opted for surgery but that "all the experts opined that if I opted for radiation treatment, proton radiation was by far the wiser course of action." The judge also cited a friend who was diagnosed with cancer in 2015 and got hit with a $150,000 bill after UnitedHealthcare refused to pay for his proton beam radiation from MD Anderson Cancer Center. "Only upon threat of litigation did UnitedHealthcare agree to reimburse him," Scola wrote. "It is undisputed among legitimate medical experts that proton radiation therapy is not experimental and causes much less collateral damage than traditional radiation," wrote Scola, a US District Court judge for the Southern District of Florida. "To deny a patient this treatment, if it is available, is immoral and barbaric." UnitedHealthcare declined to comment about the remarks. Instead, the insurer noted that it updated its policies in January to allow more coverage of proton beam therapy for various cancers. In a major shift on prostate cancer specifically, the company said proton beam radiation and traditional radiation "are proven and considered clinically equivalent for treating prostate cancer." "UnitedHealthcare works every day to ensure our members have access to proven, clinically effective care," spokesman Matthew Wiggin said. "We cover cancer therapies that have been clinically proven to be safe and effective, including, for some cancers, proton beam therapy. Our medical policies and coverage decisions evolve based on the most current published clinical and scientific evidence and we continually review and update these polices and coverage decisions." The judge's comments were widely shared among patients and doctors who have felt stiffed by the nation's largest insurance company. But whether he intended it or not, they stirred controversy beyond social media. The American Society for Radiation Oncology, or ASTRO, the largest organization of doctors who use radiation to treat cancer, acknowledged that the issue is one that stokes passion. Proton beam therapy can cost 60% more than standard radiation, even well over $100,000. "The reason protons are controversial is for two reasons: because of the costs and the access," said Dr. William Hartsell, ASTRO's vice chairman for health policy. "I think if protons were more available and less expensive, there are a lot more patients who would get treated with protons." Proton therapy targets difficult-to-treat tumors and allows for a higher dose of radiation to hit the targeted area, minimizing damage to other tissue, including vital organs. Standard radiation radiates the areas around a tumor rather than a pinpointed location. "We keep improving technology to do that better and better," Hartsell said. "So proton beam therapy is the next step." ASTRO updated its guidance for insurers in the summer of 2017 with a host of cancers that the organization now believes could be treated with proton beam therapy and should be covered by insurance. The guidance replaced research published in 2012 that had found evidence was lacking for proton therapy in certain cancers, including lung cancer and head-and-neck cancer. There are 31 proton beam centers in the nation and four more under construction, with the sites costing $100 million to $250 million depending on the size of the facilities, according to ASTRO. Hartsell said the 2012 research was based on information from 2009, when only five proton centers existed. "There's been a huge change in the number of studies and amount of information since then," Hartsell said. "But I don't think everybody's kept up on that." That includes insurance companies. Hartsell said a recent study showed that about two-thirds of cancer patients were initially denied proton treatment by their insurers: "If you have a patient, say with esophageal cancer, they can't wait four months for a decision on treatment." "One of the problems we have right now with these [insurance] policies is, they are a one-size-fits-all policy," he said. "They're kind of removing the medical judgment of the people who are in the best position to make that decision." He applauded UnitedHealthcare's recent decision to cover proton beam for prostate cancer when appropriate. Two studies are ongoing to determine its effectiveness for prostate cancer, he said. In its 2017 guidance , ASTRO said proton beam's use in prostate cancer is still "evolving as the comparative efficacy evidence is still being developed." And therein lies the rub among some doctors about the judge's comments: Treatment for localized prostate cancer remains a research question. "The judge is wrong. He does not know the facts, and he has fallen for some of the advertising," said Dr. Otis Brawley, a professor of oncology at Johns Hopkins University's School of Medicine and the former chief medical officer at the American Cancer Society. Brawley, who still sees prostate cancer patients, said the physics "of proton beam radiation therapy would suggest that it might have less side effects compared to conventional external beam radiation (IMRT) in the treatment of a number of diseases, including in the treatment of localized prostate cancer." "This said, there is currently no evidence that proton beam radiation therapy offers any advantages over IMRT in the treatment of prostate cancer," he said. The federal judge made his comments in response to a class-action lawsuit brought by Richard Cole, a cancer survivor and prominent Miami attorney. Cole was 70 when he was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in April 2018. "The first concern you have is: Am I going to die?" Cole said. He said he consulted with his team of doctors at the Miami Cancer Institute and with others at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. The consensus, he said, was that he needed proton beam therapy. But he said he soon learned his treatment was being delayed because UnitedHealthcare refused to cover it. He paid the $85,000 out-of-pocket to undergo treatment as soon as possible while his attorneys appealed his denial. "When delays occur because of bureaucracy," Cole said, "it gets you angry and upset." His final appeal was denied in February, he said, even though UnitedHealthcare updated its policy a month before to allow coverage for prostate cancer. That policy change, he said, was the "proof in the pudding" that the lawsuit will hold up in court. "How can you now change your position with no new studies and look at a jury or a judge with a straight face and say 'this man's cancer and many other people's cancer shouldn't be treated exactly that way'?" he asked. His suit also alleged that a subsidiary of the insurance giant has invested heavily in a proton center in New York. If his case prevails, Cole said, he will donate any monetary award to the Miami Cancer Institute. "I certainly know that not many people can write a check for $85,000, and they shouldn't be foreclosed from getting the right treatment just because they don't have the available funds," said Cole, who has defended insurance companies -- just not health ones -- in his line of work as an attorney. His most recent lab results showed that he is clinically cancer-free. He attributes his good health to his team of doctors and to proton beam therapy. He now wants more Americans to have access to the treatment. His next major hurdle may be finding a judge who will preside over the case. Two other judges have also recused themselves due to their friendships with the well-known attorney.


It has been a very, very long time since Jimmie Johnson visited Victory Lane in the Cup Series. It's been two seasons and three races since Johnson won at Dover International Speedway in June 2017. But it's been even longer since Johnson enjoyed a victory at Chicagoland Speedway. In fact, Johnson's lone win on the 1.5-mile track came in its inaugural Xfinity race in 2001 . It is his only win in the Xfinity Series. Yes, Johnson, the seven-time champion and 83-time Cup winner has not won at Chicago in NASCAR's premier series. It is one of three active Cup tracks he has multiple starts at that he has yet to win on, including Watkins Glen and Kentucky. But there's multiple reasons being winless at Chicago probably rubs Johnson the wrong way and why ending his winless streak would be made sweeter. For one, he's pretty good there. Johnson has made 17 Cup starts at Chicagoland since 2002. He has led a track-record 695 laps. The next highest total for a winless driver at Chicagoland is Kurt Busch with 124 laps led. Johnson's total is the eight highest among Cup drivers who have the most laps led at a track without a win. At least Johnson doesn't have to worry about being winless at Martinsville after leading 1,986 laps, as is the case with Bobby Allison. Johnson has been close to winning in Chicago. He has earned three runner-up results there with the most recent coming in 2012 after he led 172 laps from the pole. His most recent solid outing there came in 2016 when he started eighth and led 118 laps before he finished 12th. Should Johnson break through Sunday, it would mark the longest winless streak that was snapped in Chicago. The longest snapped streak belongs to David Reutimann, who ended a 42-race winless streak in 2010. Why should Johnson feel confident about his prospects this weekend? While he's finished 12th or worse in the last three races, he enters the weekend with the longest active streak of top 10s on 1.5-mile tracks with three. That's one more than Alex Bowman , Chase Elliott and Chris Buescher . He was sixth in the Coca-Cola 600 two weeks after he finished eighth at Kansas Speedway. The streak began at Texas Motor Speedway in March, where he started from the pole, led 60 laps and finished second in Stage 1 before eventually placing fifth. Follow @DanielMcFadin


NEW YORK (AP) Lawyers for former Auburn University assistant basketball coach Chuck Person said Tuesday the 13-year NBA veteran was broke and financially desperate when he joined a bribery conspiracy that cheated young athletes by steering them toward bribe-paying advisers and managers. They asked a judge in papers filed in Manhattan federal court to spare him from prison in the scandal that touched some of the biggest schools in college basketball. ''Chuck recognizes that his failure to manage his money responsibly led him to make the worst decision of his entire life,'' the lawyers said. ''He grew up poor and suddenly came into millions of dollars without a clue how to manage it. Chuck spent too freely, gave to anyone who asked, made dreadful investment decisions, and turned to high interest loans as his financial circumstances deteriorated.'' Prosecutors say Person, scheduled to be sentenced next Tuesday, accepted $91,500 in bribes to steer top players to a government cooperator posing as a financial adviser. Sentencing guidelines call for two years in prison though three other coaches who pleaded guilty to the same charge have received leniency. Person's March guilty plea to a bribery conspiracy charge came nearly two decades after he was a regular presence on NBA courts, known as ''The Rifleman'' for lighting up scoreboards with his long-range shooting skills. After he was drafted by the Indiana Pacers in 1986, he went on to play for five NBA teams over 13 seasons. In 2010, he earned a championship ring as an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Lakers. Lawyers wrote that Person's financial troubles intensified almost as soon as his NBA career ended when he was paying $30,000 monthly to his ex-wife while he was earning $18,000 annually in his first non-playing role with the Cleveland Cavaliers. ''Chuck's singular focus on basketball, his failure to plan for his financial future, and his unbounded generosity ultimately had catastrophic consequences,'' they wrote. The lawyers said he knew he was violating NCAA rules and was betraying his players and their families and Auburn University. By 2016, when he was an assistant coach at Auburn, where he set a record as the school's all-time leading scorer in the 1980s, he was deeply in debt with bank loans, including one to finance a community center in his hometown, and several private loans, the lawyers said. One financial institution had obtained a default judgment, which garnished 25 percent of his wages at Auburn, they added. ''Creditors were growing impatient and Chuck was becoming desperate. Chuck could have turned to his many friends for help, but he was embarrassed and ashamed,'' they said. Instead, the man who overcame racism and extreme poverty growing up in rural Alabama, got swept up in the college basketball scandal when his search for a new loan earned him an introduction to the government cooperator, the lawyers said. His lawyers' submission included letters from Charles Sonny Smith, who coached at Auburn for 11 seasons through the 1980s, and Sam Perkins, another former NBA player who met Person when both competed to be on the U.S. Olympic team in 1984. Smith called Person ''my favorite player ever.'' Perkins said Person was ''still a good friend.''


The company has reportedly already sold a few of them. Bugatti allegedly intends to debut a limited-run model during Monterey Car Week in August   an annual automotive event that includes the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. A portion of the vehicles already has buyers, according to insiders speaking with The Supercar Blog . While info about the new Bugatti remains scant, debuting the model during Monterey Car Week makes sense. Last year, the automaker gave the Divo its public unveiling at the event (see gallery below). As far back as 2008, the company even premiered Veyron Grand Sport there . As of April 2019, Bugatti reportedly only had fewer than 100 Chirons left to order out of the original 500-vehicle planned production run. If the company wants lower this figure by a few units, then the model debuting during Monterey Car Week could be a special edition. A rumor indicates that Chiron SS, lightweight Superleggera, and open-roof Aperta variants are on the way, and this new limited-run vehicle could be one of them. We also shouldn't rule out the possibility of a new take on the Divo arriving. After making a debut there last year, it would be natural for Bugatti to up the ante by introducing an even more special version. There are no rumors circulating about such a machine, but the idea certainly makes sense. A truly dark horse option for the Bugatti arriving at Monterey Car Week would be the brand's followup to the La Voiture Noire one-off . For one thing, the hints from The Supercar Blog indicate that the company intends to make more than a single example of this new vehicle. In addition, La Voiture Noire requires another 2.5 years to complete, so the timing seems off to reveal another model that would take even longer to be production ready.


Dozens of family members, their loyalties divided, filled a courtroom Friday for the tension-filled sentencing of a father who killed his only son. Many wore shirts printed with a photo of "Baby Andy"   14-year-old Andres Delgado IV, who was shot while he slept in his bed last spring. Others came to speak on behalf of the father, Andres Delgado III, 45, who admitted he killed his son but claimed it was an accident when he thought there was an intruder in the house. He faced a maximum of 12 years for manslaughter. At a hearing before Judge Ron Rangel, Delgado's lawyer suggested probation for his client, saying Delgado   a 45-year-old former gang member   suffered from post traumatic stress disorder, which explained his actions that morning. "It's a nightmare," defense attorney Miguel Najera said. "It's a nightmare for any parent to lose a son at your own hand." But prosecutor Ryan Wright urged the judge to reject leniency, reminding him that Delgado chose to continually fire, even after it became apparent that no one was breaking into their East Side home. After Rangel announced the maximum sentence, several family members   including Delgado's mother and sister   sobbed as they left the courtroom. "You always had problems, but you never wanted to listen," Delgado's sister, Lisa Devora, told her brother afterward. "We always tried to do the right thing, Andy. But you were always angry and fighting." "Everyone over there, regardless, loves you," she said, gesturing to family members. "You have to stop being mean." 'Ran into trouble' The hearing Friday came less than a month after Delgado pleaded no contest and was convicted of manslaughter. According to prosecutors, Delgado was using cocaine and drinking alcohol the morning of March 14, 2018, when he began shooting five guns, including an AR-15, to deter the supposed attacker. One of the bullets hit his son in the abdomen. He died an hour later. Delgado said he thought he heard someone breaking into his 10-year-old daughter's room. He went into the room, thought he saw a gunman and began to shoot at the figure using three handguns, an AR-15 and his shotgun. One of the bullets hit his son by accident, he said. But investigators doubted Delgado's break-in story and could find no evidence to support it. They discovered more than 50 live rounds of handgun, rifle and shotgun ammunition in the home. According to court documents, the elder Delgado's father, who lived across the street, heard several gunshots coming from his son's house that morning. He went to check on the family and his son said everything was fine. He returned home. Moments later, more gunshots rang out. This time, Andy was shot. Nearly a dozen people testified Friday, offering conflicting portraits of Delgado. Many said they weren't sure what sentence he should get. Some said Delgado was a good man who turned his life around after his two children were born, raised them single-handedly and often took them on vacations and bicycle outings. Others said there should be consequences for Delgado's actions, regardless of whether it was an accident. Devora, testifying for prosecutors, said that even as a child, her brother had anger problems. After Delgado joined a gang as a young man, she said there were several drive-by shootings at their parents' home. "My brother always ran into trouble," she said. Laura Trevino, Delgado's aunt, said she began to avoid family gatherings because she worried about her nephew's behavior and the influence it could have on her children. "He made a decision," she said. "He chose to take those drugs. He chose to pick up those guns. Those decisions have consequences." A history of mental illness John Fabian, a forensic neurological psychologist hired by Delgado, said Delgado reported being physically abused by his father as a child and sexually abused by an older male cousin. As a young man, Delgado was shot during a gang fight, which could have led to his PTSD, Fabian said, adding that he also exhibited symptoms of major depressive disorder, a mild neurological disorder and paranoid traits. According to Fabian, Delgado drank alcohol excessively and used cocaine to deal with traumas. He said Delgado was hospitalized several years ago after trying to commit suicide. "You're dealing with someone with a lot of trauma," Fabian said. "He's lived a reckless lifestyle." Fabian, who met with Delgado on two occasions, said Delgado became very upset when he talked about the shooting of his son. "He was screaming and crying during one of the evaluations," Fabian said. "We had to take a break." Devora said she is now the caretaker of Delgado's daughter, who is exhibiting symptoms of PTSD. Later, Delgado's brother and several friends testified on Delgado's behalf. They said he was a good father who began attending Narcotics Anonymous meetings in 2016 and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings about eight months ago. "He's changed a lot," one person from AA testified. Najera, the defense attorney, said during closing arguments that Delgado was "trying to deal with his demons" and that his son's death had already caused him tremendous pain. "Sometimes it seems that the easiest solution is to send him to prison," Najera said. "Give him probation. He will still be punished." But Wright, the prosecutor, said a 12-year prison sentence, though the maximum allowed, is light, considering Delgado took his son's life. "This case is about justice," Wright said. "What is justice for baby Andy?" Emilie Eaton is a criminal justice reporter in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read her on our free site , mySA.com, and on our subscriber site , ExpressNews.com. | eeaton@express-news.net | Twitter: @emilieeaton


WASHINGTON   The U.S. House Intelligence Committee has scheduled a hearing for Wednesday on counterintelligence issues raised by Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Adam Schiff, the Democrat who chairs the committee, said the panel's plan is to hear public testimony from two former senior officials of the FBI's National Security branch. "Our committee's goal will be to explain to the American people the serious counterintelligence concerns raised by the Mueller report, examine the depth and breadth of the unethical and unpatriotic conduct it describes, and produce prescriptive remedies to ensure that this never happens again," Schiff said in a written statement on Friday. Schiff noted that his committee had already held one hearing on Russia's "use of oligarchs and money to influence foreign actors." He said the panel will consider "targeted legislative initiatives" designed to respond to counterintelligence issues raised by Russia's involvement in the 2016 election. A spokesman for Schiff declined to provide further detail. Reporting by Mark Hosenball; editing by Kevin Drawbaugh and Dan Grebler


Our kitchens are the source of nearly 20% of foodborne illnesses. And the dirtiest places are not where you'd always expect. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 48 million people get sick from a foodborne illness each year, with approximately 128,000 people being hospitalized and 3,000 deaths. Researchers have identified more than 250 foodborne diseases, which is pretty scary. The top five disease-causing germs in the United States are norovirus , salmonella, clostridium perfringens, campylobacter and staphylococcus aureus. There are several other germs that can also lead to hospitalization, including clostridium botulinum (botulism), listeria and Escherichia coli. But there's no need to grab the hazmat suit yet. Small, simple habits in the kitchen can help keep your food safe to eat. Some you probably already do, like not leaving perishable food unrefrigerated and washing your counters with soap and water   but there are others you might not have thought of. Below are four surprising food safety habits that could prevent you and your family from becoming sick. 1: Don't rinse your meat before cooking. Julia Child had a habit of rinsing her chicken before cooking, but is this food safety habit a good one? Dr. Jennifer Quinlan, an associate professor in the Nutrition Sciences Department at Drexel University, studies food safety risks of minority and low income populations. Through her research, Quinlan identified the common practice of incorrectly washing raw poultry by consumers of all demographics. Her findings led to the development of the " Don't Wash Your Chicken " campaign. Washing raw chicken   or any raw meat   under running water in your kitchen sink can lead to bacterial contamination of surfaces. The campaign explains that "if germs were visible to the naked eye, you would see that washing poultry just splashes bacteria all over you, your kitchen towels, your countertops and any other food you have nearby, such as raw foods or salads." That contamination can make people sick, especially those with compromised immune systems , such as young children, pregnant women, older adults and those with compromised immune systems. Studies are finding an increase in antibiotic resistant bacteria in raw meats   all the more reason to be careful when cooking with meat. It's recommended that you place raw chicken, turkey and other meats directly from the package into the cooking pan of choice. The heat from cooking will destroy any harmful bacteria that may be present. It's also recommended that you clean up any juices that did splash and wash your hands with soap and hot or warm water. 2: Wash your avocado before slicing it. Have you ever even thought about rinsing your avocado before slicing it open? In samples taken by the FDA from 2014 to 2016, almost 18% of avocado skins tested positive for listeria. In 2019, an avocado grower in California voluntarily recalled its product from six states due to concerns about listeria contamination. Even though we don't eat the skin of the avocado, the bacteria on the skin can be potentially transferred to the pulp inside when you cut the fruit. In July 2000, hundreds of people became ill after eating watermelon contaminated with E. coli at a restaurant in Wisconsin. Dozens of people were hospitalized, and one child died. The Wisconsin Department of Health concluded that the outbreak was caused when an employee cross-contaminated fresh watermelon with raw meat. As a result, it now recommends that you rinse fruits that have a rough outer skin, like melon and avocado, before slicing. Before slicing or peeling an avocado, rinse it under running water, scrub it thoroughly with a produce brush and then dry it with a single-use paper towel or clean towel. 3: Wash reusable bags. Because of the increasing effort to reduce plastic, many folks are turning to reusable grocery bags. Although you may be doing a favor to the environment, you can also potentially be setting yourself up for illness. According to FoodSafety.gov, "the fabric or materials in reusable grocery bags can get contaminated with germs like salmonella or E. coli from food or other items. These germs could then cross-contaminate other food or items we carry in the reusable bag and make us sick." Ryan Sinclair, an associate professor at the School of Public Health at Loma Linda University, conducted a 2013 study on reusable shopping bags. He found large numbers of bacteria in almost all the bags tested and coliform bacteria in half. E. coli was found in 12% of bags. When meats were stored in bags (and subsequently leaked) and then stored in the trunks of cars for two hours, the number of bacteria increased tenfold. If you are using reusable grocery bags, do the following to help prevent illness: Wash bags frequently in the washing machine (if they are cloth) or by hand with soap and hot water. Be sure to dry before storing. Bags with plastic coatings can be wiped down with antibacterial wipes or spray. Wrap meat, poultry and fish in a separate disposable bag before placing in your reusable bag. Clean up any areas that come into contact with your reusable bags, such as the table or kitchen counter. This can help reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Avoid leaving reusable bags filled with groceries in your car for too long. Instead, plan your shopping so you can bring groceries home immediately after shopping in order to place perishable items in the refrigerator or freezer. Discard reusable bags that are torn or ripped. Wash your hands after unpacking your food. 4: Don't eat dry flour (in batters or other dishes). Many folks know to avoid raw dough because raw eggs may carry salmonella. However, it's not only the eggs that you should be worried about. Even dough made without raw eggs shouldn't be eaten raw. This is because dry flour may contain E. coli or other disease-casing germs. In 2006, an E. coli outbreak linked to raw flour caused 63 people to become sick. And in the spring of 2019 alone, there were three recalls of flour   one for 40,000 five-pound bags due to potential E. coli contamination. According to the CDC, flour is considered a raw agricultural product. That means it usually hasn't been treated to kill microorganisms that can cause illness. The germs can contaminate the grain while it's still in the field or during production. The bacteria are destroyed when the flour is cooked (like when you bake those cookies). You can prevent illness from dry flour by never tasting raw dough or batter that is made with flour. In addition, although flour has a long shelf life and tends to be stored in your pantry for a long time (months or years), the recommended shelf life for white flour, for example, is six to 12 months unopened in the pantry, six to eight months if opened and stored in the pantry and one year if opened and stored in the refrigerator. Copyright 2019 U.S. News & World Report Gallery: 50 surprising kitchen safety dos and don'ts (Eat This, Not That!)


WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (AP) Tina Charles and the New York Liberty finally ended the longest losing streak in franchise history with a complete effort against Las Vegas. Charles scored 21 points and Bria Hartley added 17 to help New York end a 17-game skid with an 88-78 win over the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday. ''Everything came together,'' Charles said. ''That's us having poise and recognizing where we needed to get better at and we did that this game.'' The Liberty (1-4) last had a win on July 15, 2018 when they beat Chicago by 23 points. New York lost the final 13 games of the season after that victory and the first four this year before the win over the Aces. ''It was nice to finally get one,'' said Hartley, who will be leaving to play with France in the EuroBasket tournament. ''We knew we'd get one soon.'' They were tied for the third longest losing streak in WNBA history, trailing only Indiana's 18-game skid and Tulsa's record 20-game run. New York got off to a strong start and led 74-70 early in the fourth quarter before scoring seven straight points capped by Charles' jumper with 4:10 left. Las Vegas (2-3) could only get within eight the rest of the way. Kayla McBride led Las Vegas with 25 points and Liz Cambage added 17 points and 10 rebounds. Rookie of the Year A'ja Wilson saw her streak of scoring in double figures end at 37 when she was held to just five. ''New York played a very fine basketball game. They needed this win more than we wanted it. We didn't come out with the energy and intensity from the start,'' Aces coach Bill Laimbeer said. ''We got down 16 and then finally started to play. Need leadership and need to understand how hard we have to play every game." New York built its eight-point halftime lead to 59-43 after a steal and layup by Hartley. Las Vegas rallied, scoring 13 of the next 14 points to cut its deficit to 60-56. The Liberty led 68-62 after three quarters. For the second straight game New York put together a really strong first half and led 45-37 thanks to strong play by Hartley, Amanda Zahui B and Charles. The Liberty were up by 11 before Sugar Rodgers hit a 3-pointer in her return to New York to cut the Aces' deficit to eight. Rodgers received a warm ovation from the crowd when she checked in late in the first quarter. TIP-INS: New York rookie Asia Durr was a late scratch because she wasn't feeling well. Durr was sitting on the bench with a towel over her shoulders. She said after the game she'd be fine. ... Las Vegas lost Sydney Colson for the game when she got hurt with 48.1 seconds left in first quarter going for a loose ball. Her head hit the floor and she had a cut over her right eye. She went back to the locker room to be evaluated for a concussion. ... Wilson held the franchise record for consecutive double figures scoring games to start her career, but was well short of the WNBA record set by Cynthia Cooper of 92. UP NEXT: Aces: Fly home and host New York on Friday Liberty: Finish up homestand against Minnesota on Wednesday.


Lewis Hamilton says Mercedes' first Formula 1 engine upgrade of the season is among the improvements he expects to see for the next race in Canada. Mercedes has dominated the start of the 2019 season, winning all six races and scoring two podium finishes at every grand prix. Hamilton won the previous race in Monaco after surviving race-long pressure from Red Bull's Max Verstappen, though his task was made harder by Mercedes later admitting it had put him on the wrong tyres. Read Also: Was Hamilton's Monaco win ever in real jeopardy? Hamilton feels he has been "average" so far in 2019 The five-time world champion said he and Mercedes still had room to improve ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix in two weekends' time. "A lot of analysis will be made, particularly towards trying to understand the tyres better and deliver better in terms of our processes," said Hamilton. "And on my side, [I am] trying to work even better with my engineers to try and extract more from my car. "That means Bono [Peter Bonnington, Hamilton's race engineer] and Marcus [Dudley, performance engineer] and a lot of the engineers trying to extract more information from the energy recovery system, and positioning the information in the right way so I can deliver more from this car. "And I know the guys back at the factory are working on developments. We will probably have a new engine by the next race, so the car will continue to move forward as we will." Mercedes intended to bring its upgraded engine to the Canadian Grand Prix last year but postponed that by one race to France after a quality issue. It is the only engine manufacturer still to introduce its first upgrade of the season, and thus Mercedes is on a conventional schedule. Honda was the first to do so, bringing forward its 'Spec 2' engine for reliability reasons at round four in Azerbaijan. Renault had a new-spec engine on reliability grounds for the following race in Spain, where Ferrari introduced its own upgrade in the pursuit of greater performance. If a driver uses more than three engines in a season they will begin to incur grid penalties, with Mercedes arguably now best-placed to avoid that scenario. Despite that, and its commanding position atop both drivers' and teams' championships, Hamilton insists Mercedes will not relent in its quest to improve. He said his rivals were "as close as they could be" in Monaco but praised his team for a race performance that "generally was very, very strong". Hamilton added: "Obviously we were on the wrong tyres, so strategically we could have done a better job, without a doubt. We don't always get that perfect and I think we'll definitely learn from it. What doesn't break you only makes you stronger."


A gas company worker was killed and more than a dozen people were hurt when a natural gas explosion leveled a home in Southern California on Monday, according to officials. The blast took place shortly after noon in Murrieta, located about 80 miles southeast of Los Angeles. Firefighters and Southern California Gas Co. workers had gone to the home after a report that a contractor had damaged a gas line. SoCalGas officials told FOX11 the contractor did not call 811, a phone number to notify utility companies about projects that involve digging so that the utility companies can safely mark all buried lines, before him and his team began digging. FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR DEAD, STUDENT PILOT INJURED AFTER HELICOPTER LANDS UPSIDE DOWN AT EAST BAY AIRPORT: REPORTS Shortly after crews arrived, an explosion killed one SoCalGas employee and injured another. Murrieta Deputy Fire Chief David Lantzer said 15 people were injured in total, including three firefighters. The explosion sent up a wall of fire and smoke and rocked nearby homes before the gas was shut off and the fire doused more than an hour later. Photos from the scene showed the home virtually torn apart, with flames burning about 20 feet high. HURRICANE BARRY RATTLES GULF COAST FISHERMEN ALREADY REELING FROM ROUGH SEASON Neighbors said the explosion shattered windows throughout the neighborhood. Jessica Molstad who lives nearby told FOX11 that, at first, she thought the blast was an earthquake after other recent temblors. Kevin McKinney, 63, lives in a home next door that was damaged by the blast. There was "just a huge, huge explosion and then I heard screams and went outside," he told the Riverside Press-Enterprise. In a statement posted to Twitter , SoCalGas said its "deepest sympathies are with all those impacted by the Murrieta incident." "Sadly, we lost one of our technicians today. He will be greatly missed," the company said. "We urge all contractors & homeowners to call 811 to have utility lines marked prior to digging of any sort." CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP The identification of the worker that was killed has not yet been released. The investigation into the deadly blast is ongoing. The Associated Press contributed to this report.


Newcastle are set to pay a club-record fee of €60m (£54m) for TSG 1899 Hoffenheim's Brazilian striker Joelinton, in what is expected to be the club's first signing of the summer. Steve Bruce has recently been appointed as head coach of the Magpies to much disdain, with a vocal section of club's fans finding the appointment hugely disappointing and deeming it as a step back from previous boss Rafael Benitez. Für 55 Mio Euro! - England angelt sich nächsten Bundesliga-Star https://t.co/LWAuvVMV6V   BILD (@BILD) July 17, 2019 It seems as though Newcastle owner Mike Ashley is aiming appease those supporters unhappy with the direction the club is taking by finalising the monumental €60m transfer of Joelinton, news which comes courtesy of Bild . The German publication appear as shocked as anyone, leading with the headline 'Oh no!', such is the sheer size of the fee in question, with the deal expected to go ahead. After starting his career in his native Brazil with Sport Recife, the 22-year-old moved to Hoffenheim on a five-year-deal, but only managed one appearance in his first season with the Bundesliga side. As such, he was loaned for Rapid Wien for the next two campaigns, where he notched 21 goals across 79 appearances in all competitions. Die Kraichgauer took him back for the 2018/19 season, where he fired in seven goals and five assists in 28 league outings. Bild add that he has probably played his last game for the club, having already missed the friendly against Regensburg on Wednesday, presumably to tie up a deal with the Premier League side. OFFICIAL: Hoffenheim have confirmed Joelinton is absent from the squad as he is in talks with a Premier League club. Team involved is believed to be Newcastle. Wolves were previously linked to the Brazilian forward. #TSG #NUFC https://t.co/Oeads3e2BB   Ronan Murphy (@swearimnotpaul) July 17, 2019 Should the move be completed, not only will it shatter Newcastle's previous transfer record of £20m for Miguel Almiron. It will also be the biggest transfer out of Hoffenheim since Roberto Firmino left the club to join Liverpool for £29m in 2015. The addition of Joelinton will aim to soften the blow of losing Ayoze Perez, as well as failing to seal a permanent deal for the Magpies' 2018/19 Player of the Season Salomon Rondon.


The playoffs set the stage for unlikely heroes , and also for superstars to be superstars. Sometimes, there are also those moments when someone more under-the-radar draws more mainstream attention. Strangely enough, St. Louis Blues defenseman Alex Pietrangelo 's postseason work seems to fit in his larger story of an All-Star-level player whose strong play deserves more attention. Through 15 games, Pietrangelo has two goals and 10 assists for 12 points. Jaden Schwartz (13 points) is the only player on the Blues who's generated more, and Ryan O'Reilly (11) ranks as the only other St. Louis player in double digits. [ NBC 2019 STANLEY CUP PLAYOFF HUB ] Pietrangelo doesn't overpower opponents like Brent Burns , but he'll be a key part of the Blues' efforts to win Game 3 on Wednesday ( 8 p.m. ET; NBCSN; stream here ) in a Round 3 series that's currently tied 1-1. Pietrangelo's bringing potent offense and a capable possession game to the table , and Pietrangelo's been a workhorse, comfortably leading the Blues in ice time with 25:35 minutes per contest. And, hey, he's bringing a fire to the ice, as you can see when he broke his stick following Logan Couture 's shorthanded goal from the Blues' eventual Game 2 win: Circling back to Pietrangelo's ice time for a minute, it seems like the rise of another defenseman is also helping him find another gear, as Pietrangelo's rising with big blueliner Colton Parayko . Earlier during Pietrangelo's playoff career, he was probably called upon to do too much. Pietrangelo averaged more than 28 minutes per game during the Blues' last two playoff runs, and Pietrangelo peaked at 30:15 minutes per night during the Blues loss in a six-game series against Chicago back in 2013-14. As another strong right-handed defenseman, Parayko's allowed the Blues to relax Pietrangelo's minutes, and also his matchups. Checking Natural Stat Trick's 5-on-5 numbers , Parayko was the one drawing Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin more often in the Stars series, and Blake Wheeler 's line more often against Winnipeg. Those matchups have been a little more unpredictable so far against the Sharks, but it wouldn't be one bit surprising if Craig Berube tries to deploy Parayko more in defensive situations and Pietrangelo more when there's a scoring opportunity. (Although the Sharks' depth makes hard matching less lucrative   Tomas Hertl or Logan Couture is a pick your poison proposition   and Parayko can bring some offense to the table, too.) Overall, the Blues have some issues. Their power play needs fixing . Jay Bouwmeester logging 22:37 per night in 2019 isn't … ideal. And, even if everything is clicking, the Sharks are the type of opponent who can make strengths look like weaknesses. Pietrangelo remains a difference-maker, whether people notice or not, especially when you can rotate him with Parayko, another defenseman worthy of greater recognition. Game 3 of Blues   Sharks takes place on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET (NBCSN; stream here ) .   James O'Brien is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports . Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @cyclelikesedins .


PHOENIX   San Diego Chargers owner Dean Spanos is hopeful of keeping his franchise and franchise quarterback in San Diego for the long run. With the possibility of the team relocating to the Los Angeles market, Spanos told USA TODAY Sports on Tuesday that his main goal is to work out an agreement with San Diego that would keep the Chargers in the city they've called home since 1961. "Our goal is to try and stay in San Diego, but we're waiting to see what happens with the plan the city comes back with," Spanos said during a break at the owners meetings. "They had said they would make some sort of proposal in May. "San Diego is a great city. I've been there over half my life. ... My kids were raised there. So I hope they come up with something that we can make it work." Spanos added emphatically that he also has no intention of trading Philip Rivers, whose contract expires after the 2015 season. Spanos has every intent of reaching a long-term extension to enable the quarterback, now 33, to retire as a Charger. Finding a way to keep the Bolts from moving north to L.A. could go a long way towards satisfying Rivers. The five-time Pro Bowler told The San Diego Union-Tribune last week that he is keeping his options open and would play out a deal scheduled to pay him $15.75 million this season as he awaits clarity on the team's 2016 location and competitive structure. Rivers and his wife have seven children, and he is a man of strong conviction when it comes to what is best for his family. Spanos said he, general manager Tom Telesco and coach Mike McCoy have made it clear to Rivers that they "would like to do an extension with him. We want him to be our quarterback. And we want him to retire a San Diego Charger. "Hopefully, that will all come to fruition at some point in time." Spanos said Telesco and McCoy met with Rivers in the last two weeks. "It's up to Philip," Spanos said. "You can't win without a quarterback." Spanos was asked about trade speculation suggesting the Chargers could move Rivers in the upcoming draft, perhaps to the Tennessee Titans where former San Diego offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt is now head coach. "No, there's nothing on our radar that's at work," Spanos said. "We're focused on the season." Rivers fought through rib and back issues down the stretch in 2014 to complete 66.5% of his passes for 31 touchdowns with 18 interceptions. The Chargers finished 9-7 but just missed postseason. "We love Philip Rivers as our franchise quarterback," McCoy said during the AFC coaches breakfast. "Our goal we've set all along since Tom (Telesco) and I have been here is that Philip is going to retire a San Diego Charger. "That's what we believe, and we're looking forward to him having a great 2015 season. And the last two years he's shown what he can do in this system, and we're looking forward to play even better this year. "He's a great quarterback. We're very fortunate to have him." *** Follow Jim Corbett on Twitter @ByJimCorbett


Royal Caribbean International has canceled a planned call in San Juan, Puerto Rico, amid protests against the embattled governor in the capital of the U.S. territory. "In light of current unrest in San Juan, Puerto Rico, we have canceled today's call to San Juan," Owen Torres, spokesman for Royal Caribbean, said in a statement to USA TODAY. "We continue to monitor the situation closely and will make adjustments as necessary to ensure the safety and security of our guests and crew." Empress of the Seas, which was slated to stop in San Juan Tuesday, has been rerouted to Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, Torres said, and guests will receive refunds for prepaid shore excursions. Tortola was already on the itinerary as a planned Wednesday stop, according to cruise-tracking site, CruiseMapper.com . The ship left Miami Saturday on an eight-day Caribbean journey with stops planned for the Royal Caribbean's private island, CocoCay , in the Bahamas; San Juan; Tortola; and Saint Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Thousands of protesters marched in San Juan to call for Gov. Ricardo Rosselló's resignation. Police tried to disperse the marchers with pepper spray in front of the Fortaleza governor's residence, which was protected by barricades. Nearly two years ago, Hurricane Maria exposed the raw dysfunction of Puerto Rico, collapsing long-neglected infrastructure and leaving several thousand dead on Rosselló's watch. Last week, two of his top former officials were arrested by the FBI on corruption charges. But the scandal that is threatening to buckle the 40-year-old governor centers on a profanity-laced and, at times, misogynistic online chat with nine other male members of his administration. The leak of at least 889 pages of the private chat has sunk Rosselló into the deepest crisis of his career. Torres noted future stops in San Juan have not been canceled but that Royal Caribbean is "monitoring the situation and will make adjustments if necessary." Related video: Take a look inside the 'Scarlet Lady,' Virgin's first adults-only cruise ship sailing to the Caribbean in 2020 (Provided by Business Insider)


A Long Island judge on Wednesday overturned the conviction of a man who spent 33 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit. Keith Bush was 17 and at a house party when police arrested him in the killing of 14-year-old Sherese Watson, who was found strangled and stabbed near the house. Though he ultimately signed a confession, prosecutors believe it was coerced. Over the years, Bush and his lawyers made several attempts to get him exonerated. Bush was released in 2007 but was placed on lifetime parole. CBS New York reported that Bush had to register as a high-risk sex offender, but never felt free. On Wednesday, he was cleared. CBS New York's Natalie Duddridge reports.


According to rental site Zumper , median rents for a one-bedroom in Los Angeles are hovering around $2,075. But how does the low-end pricing on a Los Angeles rental look these days and what might you get for your money? We took a look at local listings for studios and one-bedroom apartments from Zumper, to find out what budget-minded apartment seekers can expect to find. Read on for the cheapest listings available right now. (Note: prices and availability are subject to change.) 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. 5117 S. Avalon Blvd. First up, this studio apartment, situated at 5117 S. Avalon Blvd. in South Park, is listed for $950/month. In the fully-furnished unit, you're promised a refrigerator, a ceiling fan and a flat screen TV. The building offers assigned parking and a fitness center; however, animals are not permitted. According to Walk Score, this location is very walkable, has some bike infrastructure and has good transit options. (See the complete listing here .) 150 N. Soto St. Here's a studio apartment at 150 N. Soto St. in Boyle Heights, which, at 221 square feet, is going for $950/month. In the unit, which comes furnished, you're promised a ceiling fan and in-unit laundry. Unfortunately, pets are not welcome at this time. There isn't a leasing fee associated with this rental. According to Walk Score's assessment, this location is very walkable, is convenient for biking and has excellent transit. (See the full listing here .) 527 W. 15th St. Then there's this studio abode at 527 W. 15th St., listed at $1,050/month. The apartment features fresh paint, new granite countertops and tile flooring, while the building offers on-site laundry. Sadly, pets are not permitted. Future tenants needn't worry about a leasing fee, but there is a $1,050 deposit. Per Walk Score ratings, the surrounding area is very walkable, is quite bikeable and has good transit options. (See the listing here .) 420 W. Sixth St. This studio apartment, situated at 420 W. Sixth St., is listed for $1,095/month for its 350 square feet of space. The spacious unit promises hardwood floors and a walk-in closet, while the building features on-site laundry. Neither cats nor dogs are allowed. There isn't a leasing fee associated with this rental. According to Walk Score's assessment, the surrounding area has excellent walkability, is relatively bikeable and offers many nearby public transportation options. (See the listing here .) 5849 Sunset Blvd. And here's a studio apartment situated at 5849 Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood, which is going for $1,125/month. In the unit, expect to find hardwood floors, ceiling fans and double-paned windows. Unfortunately, pets are not welcome. The building offers secured entry and free WiFi. According to Walk Score, the area around this address is very walkable, is relatively bikeable and has good transit options. (Check out the listing here .) This story was created automatically using local real estate data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


Erik Jones and Chris Buescher each will be docked 15 minutes of practice at the end of the first Cup session Friday at Michigan International Speedway. They will serve the penalty for multiple inspection failures last weekend at Pocono Raceway. First Cup practice will be from 2:05-2:55 p.m. ET. Four Xfinity cars will be docked time at the end of the first practice session Friday at Michigan. Brandon Jones ' team will be docked 15 minutes for being out the garage late at Pocono. Chad Finchum will miss 15 minutes because his car failed inspection twice at Pocono. The cars of Paul Menard and Riley Herbst each will miss 30 minutes for being late and failing inspection twice at Pocono. The first Xfinity practice will be from 1:05   1:55 p.m. ET.