John Walker Lindh, the American captured fighting with the Afghan Taliban two months after the 9/11 attacks, is set to be released from prison Thursday amid concerns among U.S. authorities that he remains a potentially violent Islamic extremist, current and former officials told NBC News. Underscoring those worries is Lindh's 2015 handwritten letter from prison to NBC's Los Angeles station KNBC  revealed for the first time Wednesday   in which he expressed support for ISIS, saying the terror group that beheaded Americans was "doing a spectacular job." "The Islamic State is clearly very sincere and serious about fulfilling the long-neglected religious obligation of establish a caliphate through armed struggle, which is the only correct method," Lindh wrote. Lindh expressed that sentiment in response to a question from the station about whether ISIS represents Islam after ISIS had beheaded Americans in well-publicized videos, including journalist James Foley in August 2014. It was his third of four letters in a series of correspondence with KNBC. He did not respond to a follow-up question asking him about ISIS violence, saying in his final letter that he would no longer respond to the reporter's inquiries. Lindh's correspondence with journalists and other comments he made in prison formed part of the basis of a 2016 U.S. intelligence document, produced by the National Counter Terrorism Center, saying that he "continued to advocate for global jihad and to write and translate violent extremist texts." A memo making a similar point was circulating among authorities last week, according to a U.S. official who read it. After serving 17 years of a 20-year sentence, Lindh will be released for good behavior, as is standard in the federal system. Judge T.S. Ellis imposed unusually restrictive conditions on him, including mandatory monitoring of his internet usage, banning him from foreign travel and requiring mental health counseling. A U.S. official told NBC News he would live in Northern Virginia, something his lawyer affirmed to KNTV, the NBC station in the Bay Area. "It is one of the most restrictive sets of conditions I've seen in a terrorism case, and it probably speaks to their concerns about him," said Seamus Hughes, a former U.S. intelligence official who studies extremism at George Washington University. Lindh's lawyer and a representative of his family declined to comment to NBC News. The conditions of his supervised release last three years, after which Lindh will be clear of formal supervision. U.S. officials told NBC News the FBI is likely to keep a close eye on him. It's unclear whether authorities would have a legal predicate to obtain a national security warrant to intercept his communications. Lindh expressed remorse during his 2002 sentencing hearing before Judge T.S. Ellis in Alexandria, Va., saying he did not support terrorism and he made a "mistake by joining the Taliban." In his letters to NBC 4 Los Angeles, he expressed markedly different sentiments, saying he was proud "to take part in the Afghan jihad." In the letters, he signed his name as Yahya. Concerns about Lindh's extremist views were the subject of a 2017 article in Foreign Policy magazine, but they have not been widely publicized. Many people, including prominent figures, had urged that his sentence be commuted, portraying him as a misguided young man who was caught up in the heightened tensions of the post 9/11 period. One expert said Lindh would be wise to clarify his views about ISIS. "John Walker Lindh served his time. Given the support for ISIS expressed in this letter from four years ago, it would be important for Lindh to go on record declaring his intentions to live a peaceful and constructive life and to renounce terrorism and violence," said Karen Greenberg, director of Fordham University's Center on National Security. "Without that, allegations, confusion and anger will likely continue to surround him." The conditions of his supervised release don't satisfy some who are watching the case. Two U.S. senators, Richard C. Shelby, R-Ala., and Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., wrote a letter to the bureau of prisons questioning why Lindh was being released early, and pointing to a lack of government effort to deal with the many convicted terrorists who will be following Lindh to freedom. "As many as 108 other federal terrorist offenders are scheduled to complete their sentences and be released from U.S. federal prisons over the next few years," they wrote. "Little information has been made available to the public about who, when and where these offenders will be released, whether they pose an ongoing threat, and what federal agencies are doing to mitigate this threat while the offenders are in federal custody." Also disturbed by the release is Johnny Spann, whose son, CIA officer Johnny Micheal Spann, was killed during a prison riot in an Afghan holding facility where Lindh was detained. Judge Ellis said there was no evidence linking Lindh directly to the death. Span sent a letter to Ellis asking for an investigation into the intelligence reports about Lindh's extremism. Spann could not be reached for comment Wednesday. He told the New York Times: "We've got a traitor that was given 20 years and I can't do anything about it. He was given a 20-year sentence when it should've been life in prison." Nick Rasmussen, the former director of the National Counter Terrorism Center and an NBC News contributor, said he could not discuss the intelligence about Lindh. But, he said, "the looming release of John Walker Lindh highlights in the starkest possible way challenges that lie ahead of us in managing the reintegration into society of extremists who finish their prison sentences." The criminal justice system is well equipped to prosecute and convict terrorists, he said, "but we are much less well postured to carry out successful rehabilitation and de-radicalization programs. That means that convicted terrorism subjects who finish their sentences like John Walker Lindh could very well pose a security problem once they leave prison." Lindh converted from Catholicism to Islam as a teenager, leaving his home in California to study Arabic in Yemen. more than three years before the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He traveled Pakistan and later Afghanistan, where he spent time at a Qaeda training camp and briefly met Osama bin Laden, according to court testimony. He was captured fighting with the Taliban even as the fires were still burning under the wreckage of what once was the World Trade Center. His situation provoked outrage in some quarters and sympathy in others. His father, Frank Lindh, in 2006 called him "a decent and honorable young man embarked on a spiritual quest who became the focus of the grief and anger of an entire nation over an event in which he had no part." But U.S. officials say that in an era when ISIS is encouraging Americans to attack at home by driving trucks into crowds, his comments and writings in prison make him someone they continue to worry about.


Curious just how far your dollar goes in Mesa? We've rounded up the latest rental listings via rental sites Zumper and Apartment Guide to get a sense of what to expect when it comes to hunting down a rental in Mesa if you've got a budget of $1,100/month. Take a peek at what rentals the city has to offer, below. (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. 1666 S. Extension Road Listed at $1,004/month, this 942-square-foot two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment is located at 1666 S. Extension Road. The unit comes with hardwood flooring and a dishwasher. When it comes to building amenities, expect assigned parking and on-site laundry. Pet owners, take heed: Cats and dogs are welcome. The listing specifies a $300 pet fee. Walk Score indicates that the area around this address is car-dependent, is fairly bikeable and has some transit options. (Check out the complete listing here .) 1849 S. Power Road (Superstition Springs) Next, there's this one-bedroom, one-bathroom residence over at 1849 S. Power Road. It's also listed for $1,004/month. Building amenities include assigned parking, a fitness center and a swimming pool. You can also expect to find a dishwasher in the residence. Luckily for pet owners, both dogs and cats are welcome. There isn't a leasing fee associated with this rental. Per Walk Score ratings, the area around this address is somewhat walkable, is convenient for biking and has a few nearby public transportation options. (See the complete listing here .) 2107 W. Broadway Road Here's a 658-square-foot one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit at 2107 W. Broadway Road that's going for $1,005/month. In the residence, you can expect in-unit laundry, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Good news for animal lovers: Both dogs and cats are permitted here. Walk Score indicates that this location is moderately walkable, is convenient for biking and has a few nearby public transportation options. (Check out the complete listing here .) 1710 S. Gilbert Road Located at 1710 S. Gilbert Road, here's a 768-square-foot one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment that's listed for $1,014/month. You can expect to see a ceiling fan, a dishwasher and a walk-in closet in the unit. A fitness center is listed as a building amenity. Pet lovers are in luck: cats and dogs are permitted. Be prepared for a $150 pet fee. According to Walk Score, the area around this address is somewhat walkable, is fairly bikeable and has some transit options. (Take a gander at the complete listing here .) 1233 N. Mesa Drive (Hohokam Highlands) Here's a 1,219-square-foot two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment at 1233 N. Mesa Drive that's going for $1,020/month. Amenities offered in the building include a fitness center and on-site laundry. In the unit, expect to see hardwood flooring and a dishwasher. Good news for animal lovers: Both dogs and cats are allowed here. According to Walk Score's assessment, this location is moderately walkable, is quite bikeable and has some transit options. (See the full listing here .) Working with a tight budget? Here are the cheapest rentals recently listed in Mesa . 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.


The Saints and Michael Thomas are "close" to getting a deal done, Mike Florio of PFT hears. It's still not a done deal, but Florio expects a five-year extension worth either $19MM or $20MM per season. There might not be much left to debate in terms of overall value, but as with any NFL deal, the two sides are probably still haggling over guarantees, bonuses, and the all-important cash flow. In the interim, Thomas will reportedly continue to stay away from training camp . At one point in time, Thomas was reportedly pushing for $22MM per year, which would have blown the contracts of Odell Beckham Jr. and Antonio Brown out of the water. Thomas' reduced ask should be more palatable for the Saints, who are still in a tricky cap situation thanks in large part to Drew Brees ' contract. Still only 26, Thomas is one of the best young wide receivers in the NFL. Last year, he led the league with 125 catches while recording 1,405 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. Reportedly, fellow NFC South star Julio Jones is also on the cusp of a new extension. His brand new deal with the Falcons could become official before the end of business on Friday .


Chicago will see a return of last week's light rainfall over the next few days, according to drone-powered weather forecasting service Saildrone . Today's forecast shows the highest chance of rain at 96%, while the most rainfall is predicted on Friday at 0.23 inches. The coming days will also see warm temperatures, forecast to stick around through Monday. Temperatures will dip to 79 degrees on Saturday, then reach a high of 90 degrees on Tuesday. Skies will be mostly cloudy on Saturday. Winds will remain fairly calm throughout the week, with the highest speeds on Saturday at only 11 mph. This story was created automatically using Saildrone's local weather forecast data, then reviewed by an editor. We also incorporate historic weather data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


HSBC ousted John Flint as chief executive after just 18 months in a shock move the chairman of Europe's biggest bank said was needed to speed up progress on priority areas such as the turnaround of its U.S. business. The CEO's exit was a result of differences of opinion with chairman Mark Tucker over Flint's more tentative approach to cutting expenses and setting revenue targets for senior managers to boost profit growth, a person familiar with the matter said. HSBC disclosed the departure of Flint, 51, alongside its half-year results on Monday as it forecast a gloomier outlook for its business, with an escalation of a trade war between China and the United States, an easing monetary policy cycle, unrest in its key Hong Kong market and Brexit. HSBC, which makes more than 80% of its profit in Asia, said that its global commercial banking unit head Noel Quinn will be interim chief executive. Shares in HSBC, which fell nearly 14% during Flint's tenure, were down 1.7% in London at 1111 GMT, even though it reported a 16% rise in profit and a revealed a share buyback of up to $1 billion. Flint, who previously ran London-headquartered HSBC's retail and wealth management business, was chosen as CEO in February 2018 in the first major decision by Tucker, who told Reuters: "It's the right time for change, and doing it clearly and decisively from a position of strength is very important." A key difference with Tucker was over Flint's efforts to turn around HSBC's under-performing U.S. business, the person familiar with the matter said. HSBC declined to comment. Tucker, who became HSBC's first externally appointed chairman when he joined HSBC's board in late 2017, said that the search for a new CEO, which will include both internal and external candidates, could take up to a year. HSBC will also cut around 2% of its workforce or around 4,000 jobs this year as it seeks to reduce costs, Chief Financial Officer Ewen Stevenson said, adding it will pay out a total of around $650-700 million in severance costs and the reductions will be biased towards senior managers. HUAWEI HEAT Flint's exit also followed weeks of adverse Chinese media coverage over HSBC's role in the arrest of Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou. China's Global Times ran an editorial on Friday saying it 'feels heat on Huawei CFO case', suggesting HSBC had erred in cooperating with U.S. authorities and it could face penalties. "Our business operations in China continue as normal," Tucker told analysts on a conference call when asked whether the bank faced blacklisting in China over the Huawei situation. HSBC executives at the time of his appointment saw Flint as a safe pair of hands and a natural successor to mentor and previous CEO Stuart Gulliver. Outlining his strategy in June last year, Flint set out plans to invest $15-$17 billion in the next three years in areas including technology and China. "We have been uninspired by the "business as usual" strategy," analyst Ed Firth at broker KBW said. "We suspect that any new CEO is still more likely to be internal, but will need a more dynamic approach to improving underperforming areas of the business," he said. U.S. WOES HSBC said it no longer expects to achieve the targeted 6% return on tangible equity (ROE) by 2020 in the U.S., where it has struggled for years to build scale and compete. That missed U.S. goal is still below the overall group aim of getting to more than 11% ROE by 2020. HSBC hired Citigroup veteran Michael Roberts in July to head its U.S. business, in a renewed effort to turn it around. The U.S business is not "getting the proper returns", HSBC's CFO Stevenson told Reuters, adding the unit has also been hit by the change in the monetary policy cycle. HSBC's investment banking business has also struggled in recent years as it lost a string of senior executives and saw U.S. rivals cash in on booming domestic stock markets. Revenues in HSBC's global banking and markets division fell by 3% in the first half compared with the same period last year. REVENUE RISK HSBC's pretax profit for the first six months of 2019 rose to $12.41 billion from $10.71 billion in the same period a year earlier, helped by a surge in retail banking and Asia revenues. "Interest rates in the US dollar bloc are now expected to fall rather than rise, and geopolitical issues could impact a significant number of our major markets," HSBC said. The U.S.-China trade war has taken its toll on trade-focused banks like HSBC and rival Standard Chartered , which last week warned of an impact on its business customers from the escalating tensions. Tucker played down the impact of protests in Hong Kong against an extradition bill which have evolved into a broader anti-government backlash and said HSBC remained confident about the future of the Asian financial center. Analysts had been watching closely to see whether the bank would announce a fresh buyback, as a failure to do so would have been read as a sign of mounting caution by HSBC's management. Prior to the latest buyback announcement, HSBC had purchased more than $6 billion of its own shares since 2016.


Manchester United are looking to complete up to four more major first-team signings as soon as their deal for Crystal Palace defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka is officially announced. The 21-year-old has already been pictured in United gear in a leaked online video but fans are still awaiting confirmation for the club that the deal has crossed the line, with there appearing to be no real reason why the announcement is still being put off. But while supporters are waiting for Wan-Bissaka to be unveiled, a report from the Evening Standard claims that Manchester United already have their sights on who's next during the summer transfer window. It's claimed that new players could be brought in to fill three positions at Old Trafford next season, while Paul Pogba's rumoured exit would also prompt Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side to go back into the transfer market. Most importantly, both Bruno Fernandes and Sean Longstaff are being lined up as new additions as the club look to bolster their options in midfield, while Leicester City's Harry Maguire remains their top priority at centre-back. The club's top brass have apparently been holding off on moves for either Fernandes or Longstaff so far as they're confident that they will be given a clear shot at their signatures, especially now other suitors are no longer interested in Sporting CP's Portugal international. Critically for Manchester United, however, it's also claimed that they've also drawn up a three-man shortlist to replace Pogba ahead of the 2019/20 campaign. The France international has been attracting interest from his former club Juventus as well as Real Madrid after last season, where he was directly involved in 27 goals across all competitions. Although Ed Woodward and co haven't settled on one name in particular, it's understood that Youri Tielemans, James Maddison and even Christian Eriksen have been targeted as potential replacements for the 26-year-old. Everton's Idrissa Gueye is also on the club's radar, although the Senegal international is seen more as a short-term replacement for Ander Herrera .


Billed as a follow-up to "Planet Earth," one of the greatest natural history series of recent times, "Our Planet" will take four years to make and will be shown globally across all Netflix territories in 2019. The eight-part Netflix series is a collaboration with the WWF and Silverback Films, the company responsible for Planet Earth and a host of other award-winning BBC and Disney productions, and will be shot entirely in 4K. Thanks to the WWF's involvement, the series makers will have unprecedented access to the organization's projects in protected areas around the world. "'Our Planet' is going to raise the bar for natural history landmarks," said Alastair Fothergill, Executive Producer Silverback Films. "We will reveal the most amazing sights on Earth and show them in ways they have never been seen before." As well as providing access to its conservation activities, the WWF will also help bring the series to life via multimedia storytelling across its web and other platforms. "'Our Planet' will inspire millions of people around the world by showcasing the planet's most precious species and most fragile habitats through a visionary series and cutting edge multimedia storytelling," said Colin Butfield, Executive Producer, WWF.


Here is every rush of 10+ yards by #Packers RB Aaron Jones in 2018: pic.twitter.com/tKYazRWO5X - Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) July 5, 2019 Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones ripped off 22 runs of at least 10 yards during the 2018 season, his second in the NFL. Marcus Mosher of Raiders Wire provided a video of all 22 (see above). The clip lasts over two minutes. Not only did Jones produce a run of at least 10 yards on 17 percent of his total carries in 2018, but he gained a first down on 32.3 percent - proving his big-play ability and efficiency as a runner. Jones will go into the 2019 season as the Packers' starting running back and a legitimate candidate to break out as a star in Matt LaFleur's new offense. His slashing style should be a perfect fit in the wide zone run scheme attached to LaFleur's offense. MORE: Why the Lakers need Kawhi Leonard to make a decision quickly News: Cowboys who could be traded, triple-threat WRs, Eric Berry talk Raptors Private Plane Lands in San Diego, Unclear if Kawhi Leonard is Aboard 2019 NBA Summer League Rosters Kyle Caskey is the X-factor to the Lions running game


Chabad of Poway in San Diego. Christchurch Mosque in New Zealand. Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston. First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs. Just a few years ago, a shooting at a house of worship   let alone so many in so many different places   was unimaginable. Today, religious leaders across the country are grappling with the very real possibility that violence could erupt during a service. To assure their flocks that church is a safe place, some are turning to a distinctly unspiritual response: armed professional guards and even armed church members. "Nobody wants to think about security and protecting people when we're worshiping God," said Senior Pastor Bill Tucker of Concordia Lutheran Church on San Antonio's North Side. "But we live in a world that if we don't think about that we're leaving our people vulnerable and creating a situation where we're not doing our best to guarantee their safety and well being." It's a problem that echoes across denominations. "We all are in it together, whether at a synagogue or a mosque," said Sarwat Husain, president of the San Antonio chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations. "We are living in times when this (possibility of violence) is a reality. It's always in the back of your mind." On ExpressNews.com: Mass shootings becoming more commonplace, still horrific Having someone with a gun standing guard in a church might seem incongruous. But like many at Concordia, longtime church member David Seale takes comfort in the presence of the armed protection that surrounds him and his family during Sunday morning service. The line of defense begins the moment congregants drive into the parking lot, where the church's distinctive white concrete cross rises more than 120 feet high. The lot, with its hundreds of vehicles, is patrolled by security members in golf carts. In front of the church, hospitality team members clad in blue T-shirts extend the usual warm welcome   while keeping a trained eye out for anything out of the ordinary. As Seale and his family enter the church's spacious, glass-encased lobby, they pass two armed security guards who scrutinize the procession of worshipers with professional detachment. Before the pastor reads the day's Scripture to start the service, the Seales are safely in their regular pew. Stationed around the sanctuary are men in Sunday-best suits, all wearing earpieces with coiled cords, in constant contact with each other. Two stand at the front on either side of the pulpit. Two others are positioned at the sides and several are scattered in the pews, sitting with the congregation. Seale is at peace with Concordia's pro-active approach. "It was a very forward move on behalf of the church leadership to protect our people so they could enjoy worship and not have in the back of their minds the fear that something could happen," Seale said. Concordia isn't the only church with armed security. According to news reports, volunteer security teams are in place at more than 1,000 houses of prayer across the nation. Strategos International, a company that trains and provides security for schools, churches and businesses, has been conducting its National Christian Protectors Conference for several years, providing first-responder training to thousands of professionals and everyday church members as well as teaching them tactical techniques for protecting everyone from babies in a church's child care room to pastors at the pulpit. This wasn't always possible. It wasn't until September 2017, when Texas Senate Bill 2065 became law, that licensed congregation members and security teams were allowed to carry loaded firearms into church buildings   unless the church has posted signs prohibiting guns on the property. The bill also exempted churches from the state fees that private organizations had to pay to establish their own security teams. That was to help rural churches that might not have the revenue of those in the big cities. On ExpressNews.com: Attorney General says guns are allowed in Texas churches The new 'status quo' Not everyone believes arming church members is the answer, but providing a safe place to worship is still the priority. San Antonio Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller said there is a heightened awareness at Catholic churches, from parking lots to sanctuaries. Church leaders and parish staff collaborate with law enforcement and first responders to help ensure the safety of all who visit or work at their churches, he said. "We are not complacent regarding these challenges and realize there are credible threats to be taken seriously," Garcia-Siller said. "We understand that parishes are not immune from violent attacks. "Yet data suggests churches are not any more or less likely to be locales for violence," he added. "These appalling actions cannot cause us to be fearful of gathering together as worshipers." Father David Garcia, former rector of San Fernando Cathedral and now administrator of Mission Concepción, said that although parishioners aren't allowed to carry weapons in Catholic churches, all parishes have been encouraged to take steps to ensure church services are safe. Garcia said there is a security team protocol that includes having the team on call, in case an active shooter situation occurs. On ExpressNews.com: Spiritual leaders have different views on guns Husain, of CAIR's San Antonio chapter, said the religious centers of San Antonio's Muslim community also are well versed in active shooting response training and take safety workshops. She said leaders ask worshipers to be extra vigilant and law enforcement to provide extra patrols. And many times, Husain said, visitors are seeing that while they pray, someone is watching them. "This is becoming the status quo," Husain said. Rabbi Alan Berlin, executive director at Temple Beth-El, said temple leaders have always taken steps to provide security and safety for the congregation, but recent events have caused them to talk about it more often, rethinking and modifying policies. "It's a scary time for schools and public places," he said. Professional protection For those who prefer to take a more professional approach to church security, constables and sheriff's deputies are available to provide protection. Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar recently announced a new program that provides reserve deputies to area churches at no charge. Salazar said the initiative is an offshoot of the Reserves in School Resource Program, where residents with other jobs volunteer to be reserve deputies. The trained volunteers, who hold Texas peace officer licenses, work a minimum of 16 hours a month as reserve deputies at community events, schools and, now, churches. "You go to church to hear the word of God," the sheriff said, not to be worried about a possible attack. Josué Tapia, volunteer chaplain coordinator for the sheriff's office, said having a heightened volunteer force is an unfortunate necessity. The reserve deputies program is particularly helpful for small churches that don't have the budget for a security team, he said. "A need has arisen that needs to be addressed," Tapia said. That need gained national attention in 2017, when Devin Kelley killed 26 members of the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs and injured 20 others in the largest mass shooting in the state's history. Last week, the church opened a $3 million sanctuary just feet away from its old building. Security features were part of the new building's design from the beginning, including keyed access and surveillance cameras. On ExpressNews.com: Sutherland Springs church celebrates new sanctuary Recently, members of the church's security team underwent active shooter training designed with the layout of the new building in mind and team members are planning to attend the National Christian Protectors Conference in Kansas City, Mo., in 2020. The church's pastor, Frank Pomeroy, will be a featured speaker there. Days after the mass shooting in Sutherland Springs, located 35 miles south of San Antonio, area law enforcement officials addressed several church meetings at the request of concerned church leaders. The San Antonio Police Department, the Bexar Sheriff's Office and a retired FBI agent offered tips on how to watch body language, how to respond to an active shooter situation and how to safely evacuate congregants. SAPD officers explained how to report suspicious activity and to which agencies. Church leaders wondered whether the police department could offer regular protection and whether it was a good idea to hire armed security. Or perhaps it would be best to get congregation members to bring their own weapons to services, some suggested. There are no pat answers. "Ultimately, it comes down to if they want an armed presence there," SAPD Lt. Jesse Salame said. "That's something that they have the ability to do. We can't obviously dedicate on-duty resources, unless we're working an active, verifiable or credible threat." Special training The Texas District of the Lutheran Church of Missouri Synod has contracted with Paraclete Consulting Group to offer specialized training courses to congregations across the state on responding to natural and man-made disasters. Training sessions include medical life-saving care for injured people as well as how to respond to and protect others in a hostile situation. Concordia members were among the first to take the training. Paraclete training manger Christopher Ryan said, initially, some Concordia members were concerned that the training was needed because there was a specific threat toward the church, which wasn't the case. One person said he couldn't worship because a security team member was sitting in the congregation. Ryan estimated that 99 percent of the congregants have become comfortable with the team's presence. He said after 10 months, church members now ask for security at every event. "You have to find that balance between offering a safe and secure environment to the congregation and the pastor," Ryan said. "This is not a secret, what we do here as an organization. It's something we believe every church should be a part of." Julie Tucker, director of emergency management and the senior pastor's wife, said church members had trained for natural disasters in the past, but not human-made disasters "The district is hosting the sessions to bring awareness to the community," Tucker said. "we believe the frequency of the shooters is increasing and we're giving them training to be proactive and not be taken by surprise. It's critical at this point." Five sessions are scheduled from July through November in various parts of Texas. Tucker said the training has had a huge impact on the faith-based organizations that participate. She said she finds it very natural now to have a more heightened awareness of her surroundings. "It's trickled into my personal life," Tucker said. Ryan said volunteers undergo firearm standards and a rigorous qualification course. Applicants go a couple of weeks without a firearm, focusing on hospitality and greeting, before carrying a firearm for further training. He said the vetting process is intense. "We have all these people with a heart of gold that want to serve," Ryan said. "But some people can't do this job. Even though it's as a volunteer, it's still a job. There has to be a selection process." For some, having security during services isn't anything new. At Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, building and grounds supervisor Jeffery Conaway said the church's security detail dates back to the 1970s when an off-duty Bexar County Sheriff's deputy worked weekend services. Antioch heightened security in 2015 after nine people attending a prayer meeting at Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston, S.C., were gunned down. "That's when we knew we had to do something," said Conaway, a 35-year member. The church formed the Shield of Faith ministry, a team that consists of church members who wanted to be the "eyes and ears" for fellow members as they worshiped. Officers are stationed at the entrance and rear of the sanctuary. At a secluded location, a member watches a live feed of the inside and outside of the church campus. "We have a solid security system here at Antioch," he said. "We don't want more than worship. We're not promoting guns or violence or anything of that nature, we're promoting God." Silvia Foster-Frau contributed to this report. / Vincent T. Davis is a reporter in the Greater San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read him on our free site , mySA.com, and on our subscriber site , ExpressNews.com. | vtdavis@express-news.net | Twitter: @vincentdavis


After watching Cam Newton get beat up for several seasons, the Carolina Panthers finally got serious about fixing their offensive line this year. The first major move the team made in free agency was a sweet deal struck with former Denver Broncos center Matt Paradis. He will replace Ryan Kalil at center and should even prove to be an upgrade. In the second round of the draft, the Panthers went one further and selected Greg Little out of Ole Miss. He projects to be their long-term starter at left tackle. They haven't proven anything yet, but on paper this is one of the most improved units around the league. In fact, Pro Football Focus has Carolina's new-look front line ranked No. 10 going into 2019. PFF is very high on the Paradis signing and expects strong years from right guard Trai Turner and right tackle Taylor Moton. Their question marks are about Little and Daryl Williams. "Keeping the Panthers at No. 10 on this preseason list are the question marks tied to Daryl Williams and rookie offensive tackle Greg Little. . . The rookie learning curve is steep for tackles, but if Little can exceed expectations and Williams can learn to thrive at guard, Carolina will be on their way up in PFF's offensive line rankings in coming months." We don't know exactly who will be starting come September. For what it's worth, PFF has Williams projected at left guard and Little at left tackle. If that's the case and both play well then this could definitely be a legitimate top 10 line. MORE: UFC fighter Ben Askren had an excellent response to getting knocked out in 5 seconds Expected starting lineup for Lakers with LeBron James at point guard Honor thy father: Quinn Cook signed with Lakers for good reason Three Potential Trade Destinations for Russell Westbrook Mesmerizing speed could force Jon'Vea Johnson onto Cowboys roster


CNBC's Todd Haselton takes a first look at Samsung's newest phones, the Galaxy Note 10 and the Galaxy Note 10 Plus. New features include S Pen Gestures, extended battery life and the removal of the standard headphone jack.


If you've got breakfast and brunch on the mind, a recent opening is need-to-know. Called Breakfast Republic , the new addition is located at 4213 Campus Drive in University Town Center. This new business provides all the usual suspects and new takes on breakfast classics. From crab & crawfish cake Benedicts with blackberry-jalapeño jam to cinnamon roll pancakes to chilaquiles, this spot has plenty of morning menu options. There are plenty of veggie options and a full bar too. With a four-star rating out of 77 reviews on Yelp so far, the newcomer has made a promising start. Pat M., who was among the first Yelpers to review the new spot on June 4, wrote, "Great new breakfast spot across from UCI. Yes, you'll have to be patient and wait for a table (just under 60 minutes on Sunday morning at 10 a.m.), but it's well worth the wait. I recommend the strawberry rhubarb waffles." Yelper Brenda A. added , "Plenty of vegetarian and vegan options! I've gone to the one in San Diego and was so excited to see one so close open by. The quality of the food is so good! Lots of fun pancake and French toast options." Head on over to check it out: Breakfast Republic is open from 7 a.m. 3 p.m. daily. Want to keep your finger on the pulse of new businesses in Irvine? Here's what else opened recently near you . This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


Splurges AND steals! Talking budget might not be your favorite topic when it comes to your wedding but the truth is, we're all working with one and ideally we'd like to stay within it. We've all had that moment where we've fallen in love with something only to check the price tag and then suddenly we're kicking ourselves for ever trying it on. While you should totally bask in the excitement of searching for your perfect wedding dress , it helps to have a definitive price range in mind before you start trying on dresses. Sometimes it can be tricky when you begin your research process as many designers don't list prices online however their websites make it super easy to request pricing via telephone or email. Focusing on price might not sound like the most romantic way to look for your dress but once you have an idea of what designers are in your budget, you'll be able to confidently narrow down your choices and totally own your bridal salon experience! Whether you are looking for luxe for less or your budget is the sky's the limit, think about what details are the most important to you, be it, simplicity, intricate beading or delicate French lace as you are bound to find those touches at every price point. Scroll down to browse some of the most beautiful dresses from $500 and beyond and use them as a jumping off point for arguably one of the most exciting purchases ever! If Your Price Range Is: $500 - $1000 Dresses with simple yet shapely silhouettes, adorned with discreet details like insets of lace, or a flirty tier of ruffles. Jenny by Jenny Yoo "Dawson" Dress SHOP NOW: Jenny Yoo , $995 "Hestia Dress" SHOP NOW: Reformation , $528 Mignon "Naomi" Dress SHOP NOW: BHLDN , $800 "Lizette" One-Shoulder Ruffled Fluid Sequin Dress SHOP NOW: Rachel Zoe , $625 Rebecca Ingram"Rina" Dress SHOP NOW: Maggie Sottero , $849 Style: LW137 Soft Tulle Dress SHOP NOW: Amsale , $595 David's Bridal Collection Long Sleeve Off-the-Shoulder Trumpet Dress SHOP NOW: David's Bridal , was $649, now $519.20 "Everly" Two-Piece SHOP NOW: Grace Loves Lace , $990 White by Vera Wang- Après Crepe-Back Satin with Encrusted Bandeau Dress SHOP NOW: David's Bridal , from $528 If Your Price Range Is: $1,000-$3,000 Full- skirted gowns give you yards of gorgeous chiffon, lace and satin to swirl around in. Look 1"Hayley" SHOP NOW: Marchesa , $2,295 Wilderly Bride Style: F141 "Rowen" SHOP NOW: Allure Bridals , $1,079 Nouvelle Amsale "Ash" Crepe Deep V-Neck with Chantilly Lace Dress SHOP NOW: Amsale , $2,295 "Dorthea" Dress SHOP NOW: Maggie Sottero , $1,379 Willowby by Watters "Lainie" Dress SHOP NOW: Watters , $1,550 Sottero and Midgley "Dennison" Dress SHOP NOW: Maggie Sottero , $1,599 "Braham" Jumper SHOP NOW: Rime Arodaky , $1,124.60 Style: 66054 Fit and Flare with Unique Lace and Keyhole Back Dress SHOP NOW: Lillian West , $1,439 Nouvelle Amsale "Nic" Light Taffeta with Illusion Back SHOP NOW: Amsale , $2,395 If Your Price Range Is: $3,000 - $5,000 Choose a classic but super chic modern style or make a statement with a cape or a high slit. "The Newberry" SHOP NOW: Lela Rose , $3,995 "Arabella" Dress SHOP NOW: Markarian , $3,550 Champagne Tulle Dress SHOP NOW: Kaviar Gauche , $3,846.04 "Lucca" Dress SHOP NOW: Alexandra Grecco Crepe V-Neck Sheath with Embroidered Tulle Illusion Back and Side Slit Dress SHOP NOW: Bliss Monique Lhuillier , $3,400 "Vreeland" SHOP NOW: Savannah Miller , dress $2,000, cape $1,200 "Darwin" Fit and Flare with Sweetheart Neckline Dress SHOP NOW: Justin Alexander , $3,600 If Your Price Range Is: $5,000 - $7,000 Expect exquisite craftsmanship coupled with architectural frills, lady like lace or gauzy tulle. "Demeter" Dress SHOP NOW: Markarian , $5,895 "Frankie" Dress with Detachable Skirt SHOP NOW: Anne Barge , dress $3,070, skirt $2,630 "Karime" Soft Tulle High Neck with Veiled Over Leaf Lace Dress SHOP NOW: Amsale , $6,350 Cushnie V-Neck Slit Dress SHOP NOW: Nordstrom , $5,395 "Scarlett" Dress SHOP NOW: Sareh Nouri , $5,990 "Regina" SHOP NOW: Monique Lhuillier , from $5,300 If Your Price Range Is: $7,000 & Up Where fantasy really is a reality. Look: 4 SHOP NOW: Zuhair Muard "Cambridge" Hand Cut Organza A- Line Dress SHOP NOW: Naeem Khan "Eames" Corset Bodice with Celestial Embroidery SHOP NOW: Anne Barge , from $7,690 "Gigi" Dress with Detachable Skirt SHOP NOW: Spina Bride Look 13 SHOP NOW: Oscar de la Renta "Millefeuille Flower" Dress SHOP NOW: Viktor & Rolf Mariage Style: BR-19-16 Spaghetti Strap Sequin and Beading with Lace Inserts and Ruffles Dress SHOP NOW: Inbal Dror , $7,935


AGUAS VERDES, Peru (AP)   Tired and thirsty, Betania Ramírez crossed into Peru on Friday with her 1-year-old girl in her arms and her 8-year-old boy beside her. Ramírez has no friends or relatives in Peru, and some of her luggage was stolen as she crossed two countries in cargo trucks and on foot from her home in western Venezuela. But as she finished the latest leg of her 1,500-mile (2,414-kilometer) journey, she was grateful she had made it to her destination on time - just hours before Peru started imposing stricter entry requirements on Venezuelan migrants and refugees. "We are now in God's hands," Ramirez said, after passing through a border post in the region of Tumbes. "We walked down country roads, we slept on the streets, we got robbed, but thankfully I did not get sexually assaulted." With its relatively stable economy and flexible immigration laws, Peru has become a main destination for millions of Venezuelans escaping hyperinflation, medical shortages and political repression at home. But on Saturday, the South American nation will begin demanding passports and visas from Venezuelan migrants   requirements that many will not be able to meet. The new demands have prompted thousands of poor migrants like Ramírez to make a desperate dash for the Peruvian border, where they can still enter before the weekend begins by presenting national ID cards. On Thursday, the U.N.'s refugee agency said 5,400 Venezuelans entered Peru through the Tumbes crossing   almost three times the daily average. The agency was "supporting and complementing the efforts of Peruvian authorities as we face the largest number of Venezuelan people coming to Peru so far," said UNHCR Information Officer Regina de la Portilla. But at daybreak on Friday, hundreds were already standing in new lines outside the border post or sleeping on the sidewalk as they waited for immigration officials to check their IDs. "My daughter came to Peru a year ago, and she sent for me," said Leyda Murillo, an elderly migrant who was waiting in the queue. "You can't find medicines in Venezuela, and people are dying, that's why I decided to leave my country." Many more migrants were still on their way to the Peruvian border, making one last push through Colombia and Ecuador to arrive before the requirements were implemented. Marianni Luzardo, a mother of two, was in the Ecuadorean city of Tulcan on Thursday, which is some 500 miles (805 kilometers) away from Peru's northern border. She said it took her 16 hours to cross the Colombian-Ecuador border due to the large numbers of Venezuelans heading south. "In Venezuela it is almost impossible to get a passport," Luzardo said. "We need to get to Peru soon." According to Peruvian authorities, more than 820,000 Venezuelans have settled in Peru since 2016 of which 270,000 have sought refugee status. Peruvian President Martín Vizcarra has said that the new entry requirements will make immigration "safer and more orderly" and that the large influx of Venezuelan immigrants was making it harder for Peruvians to find jobs. But human rights groups in the country have criticized the move, describing it as an attempt to lessen the numbers of needy people who are entering the country. In a letter published earlier this week, Miguel Cabrejos, the president of Peru's Catholic Bishops Conference, warned that the requirements "present an imminent danger" to migrants who might be tempted to enter the country illegally. Meanwhile, Amnesty International said they will not be enough to stop desperate people from trying to cross the border, noting that passports were prohibitively expensive and take months to process in Venezuela. A poll conducted in the Peruvian capital of Lima in April found that two-thirds of residents had a negative perception of Venezuelan migrants. But that idea has been strongly disputed by Venezuelans, some of whom have opened their own businesses. "Venezuelans here work very hard," said Jorge Macchia, a street vendor who sells empanadas in the streets of Lima and noted that his family has been affected by new requirements. "My wife and my two daughters are on their way to Peru," he said. "But I'm not sure if they will make it on time."


The Barry County Sheriff's Department has released the names of two men shot to death in Orangeville Township. Deputies responded to a report of a man with a gunshot wound lying in the street on Friday, June 21, around 3 p.m. near Lewis and Lindsey Roads. 21-year-old Bryce DeGood from Haslett died at the scene. After further investigation, deputies found another man killed after being shot at a nearby home. He is identified as 73-year-old Gary Peake, from Plainwell. Several people said a man with a gun threatened them near where the shootings happened, according to the Barry County Sheriff's Department. Officers took a subject into custody, and a name will be released after their arraignment. ►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now . Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com , visit our Facebook page or Twitter .


Chelsea defender David Luiz has hinted that he will sign a new contract to remain at Stamford Bridge next season, confirming an announcement will be made in the very near future. The 32-year-old's current deal is set to expire at the end of the season and, with Chelsea set to suffer through their two-window transfer ban after FIFA rejected their appeal , there had been doubts over who would feature for the Blues next season. However, speaking to reporters (via The Sun ) after Chelsea 's victory over Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday, Luiz revealed that an announcement will soon be made. He said: " Soon everybody is going to know. It will be before the Europa League Final   in five days. I love this club. My great moments in football were here, especially the European titles   the Champions League and Europa League. "My relation with the fans has always been great since the first day I played here. I just try to do my best and make them happy. Nobody wants to play in an empty stadium, when you have an opportunity to understand that we play for them." The Sun add that Luiz's deal will likely be a one-year extension, in accordance with Chelsea's policy towards players over 30 years old. Luiz has been discussing a new contract with Chelsea for several weeks, and is said to have grinned when asked how the negotiations were going. "I live in this club so I can come here every single day," the Brazilian added. The 32-year-old has been a vital part of Maurizio Sarri's side this season, making 48 appearances in all competitions. He has regularly lined up alongside Antonio Rudiger , but has recently linked up with Andreas Christensen following the German's season-ending injury. YES DAVID LUIZ! We're all level after four each. FRA: ✅✅✅❌ CHE: ✅❌✅✅ #CHEFRA   Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 9, 2019 He switched off to allow Luka Jovic to net an equaliser shortly after half-time, but went on to make a stunning goal-line clearance, before netting a vital penalty which kept Chelsea in the shootout, which they ultimately went on to win. Luiz added: "My penalty was not easy because if I missed it, we were out. I was just trying to do what I do in training every single day. "I missed my last penalty for Chelsea in the EFL Cup Final against Manchester City and it was not a great feeling. I was happy this time because I scored."


Editor's note: The opinions in this article are the author's, as published by our content partner, and do not necessarily represent the views of MSN or Microsoft. After contentious deliberations last week, Congress passed a $4.6 billion Senate aid package to fund relief for the crisis at the southern border. This was a blow to House Democrats who passed their own version of the bill, with much stronger conditions for how the money could be spent, in an effort to mitigate the latest immigration crackdown by President Trump. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wrote in a letter to Democratic lawmakers, "In order to get resources to the children fastest, we will reluctantly pass the Senate bill." The passage of this bill came in the midst of the release of disturbing images of the humanitarian crisis at the southern border, which showed children and families in overcrowded and filthy detention centers. It is now undeniable that immigration has become the focal point of the national discourse, and this will be an issue at the forefront of the 2020 campaign, especially for the Democratic Party, which remains largely divided. The progressive wing quickly took aim at Pelosi for passing the Senate bill. Indeed, infighting within the party was rampant both during and following the passage of the bill, and the sharp contrast between the moderate and progressive factions is more apparent than ever before. The House Hispanic caucus issued a blistering statement following the passage of the bill, saying, "What happened today is unacceptable, and we will not forget this betrayal." Notable progressive lawmakers such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York also came forward to sharply criticize Pelosi for passing the bill after witnessing what she described as "vile" conditions in the detention centers along the southern border. Following attacks from White House counselor Kellyanne Conway, who called out Ocasio-Cortez for decrying the crisis on the southern border and then not voting for the Senate aid package, the freshman Democrat responded on Twitter. "The $4.6 billion wasn't humanitarian at all. It had no accountability measures for facilities that abuse children and families. It didn't fix the problem, just funded abuse. I don't believe in billion dollar blank checks for unethical, abusive administrations," Ocasio-Cortez said. Beyond being a loss for Democrats, the passage of this bill was a victory for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. Pelosi has, for the most part, been able to adeptly navigate the increasing ideological divide within the Democratic Party, but she could not maintain consensus and ultimately lost unified control of her own caucus, while McConnell came out strong. This substantive defeat for the Democrats comes off the heels of the first primary debate, where a number of the candidates shocked the nation by claiming that arriving into the country illegally should not be a federal crime. During the debate, when candidate Julian Castro called upon his contenders to say whether they would repeal Section 1325, which makes it a federal crime to cross the border illegally, several of the candidates agreed that crossing the border illegally should not be a criminal offense. This was an alarming moment and is indicative of how far left the party has moved on immigration, not just from where it once was, but from the majority of the electorate. It is clear that Democrats are deeply divided on a consequential issue of critical importance to voters. Certainly, this will carry plenty of weight as the Democrats move forward on the campaign trail. According to a recent Gallup poll, 23 percent of Americans believe immigration is our most important problem, the highest percentage ever recorded since Gallup began tracking mentions of immigration in 1993. The border crisis is saddening, and the photos are concerning. However, while the intentions of progressive Democrats come from humanitarian concerns, it is comments like those by Ocasio-Cortez, who claimed that detainees are "drinking out of toilets" but failed to prove this worrying claim and still restated her comparison of the facilities to "concentration camps," that are going to be the downfall of Democrats in 2020. These baseless claims and obscene rhetoric are harmful to the party, harmful to the cause, and do nothing but sow divisions in the country even deeper. Douglas E. Schoen ( @DouglasESchoen ) served as a pollster for President Clinton. He is a political consultant, Fox News contributor, and the author of "Collapse: A World in Crisis and the Urgency of American Leadership."


Andy Cohen talks about watching the St. Louis Blues win the Stanley Cup in an arena full of Boston Bruins fans, the upcoming tenth anniversary of "Watch What Happens Live" and how becoming a father has changed his life.


The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in a 5-4 decision that federal courts are not the appropriate venue to resolve allegations of partisan gerrymandering   in response to a suit contending that Democrats in Maryland violated Republican voters' constitutional rights while redrawing the state's congressional maps following the 2010 census. What does Thursday's ruling mean for Maryland? Here are four takeaways. 1) The state defaults to the status quo. Republican Gov. Larry Hogan and government watchdog groups immediately vowed to renew their fight for an independent, nonpartisan commission to redraw Maryland's maps. The Democratic-controlled General Assembly, however, shrugged. Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller said the issue needs to be addressed nationally. (Maryland Democrats have long argued that they will stop gerrymandering if their Republican counterparts in other states do so.) Photo gallery by Business Insider "With this lawsuit over, I hope we can put the issue of the 2011 redistricting to rest and focus on the many pressing issues facing all Marylanders," Miller said in a statement. 2) Conservatives on the Supreme Court helped Democrats in Maryland. In a twist, the conservative justices on the Supreme Court ended up helping the liberal members of Maryland politics. Chief Justice John Roberts , who was appointed by Republican President George W. Bush, and four other conservative justices concluded that "partisan gerrymandering claims present political questions beyond the reach of the federal courts." The ruling means that Democrats in Maryland can continue drawing maps to their party's advantage. Roberts did give a hat tip to a proposed national legislative fix to gerrymandering introduced by U.S. Rep. John Sarbanes, a Baltimore Democrat. By contrast, Justice Elena Kagan, who was appointed by Democratic President Barack Obama, and her more progressive colleagues on the high court sided with complaints from Maryland's Republicans. In her dissent, Kagan pointed to top Democrats in Maryland, such as former Gov. Martin O'Malley and U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer of Southern Maryland, for criticism for their role in the state's gerrymandering. Hoyer, she noted, has described himself as a "serial gerrymanderer." 3) The ruling could further entrench a partisan divide nationally. With neither party eager to give in, the ruling is likely to further entrench the political divide in the country, several analysts said. Republicans are now free to press their partisan advantage in states they control, such as North Carolina, while Democrats can do the same in states like Maryland. "This is a sad day for our democracy," Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh said. "We urged the Supreme Court to adopt a nationwide standard that would prevent extreme partisan gerrymandering. The decision today instead prevents voters everywhere from challenging in federal court any redistricting map as excessively partisan." 4) Will Maryland Democrats go for an 8-0 map? Maryland's congressional and state legislative maps will now be redrawn after the 2020 census. In a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans 2-to-1, Maryland's eight-member U.S. House delegation was split 4-4 in 2000. It now has seven Democrats and one Republican. After the 2010 Census, Democrats considered a map under which they could control all eight congressional seats, but rejected the idea. It would have required drawing a district that would jump across the Chesapeake Bay and connect the Eastern Shore to the Washington suburbs. luke.broadwater@baltsun.com twitter.com/lukebroadwater


There aren't many teams in the NFL as deep as the Los Angeles Rams. They have starting-caliber players pushed down on the depth chart as backups and reserves, which makes it difficult for overlooked players to crack the 53-man roster. Offensive lineman Aaron Neary is a player who could have a hard time making the Rams, given the talent they have up front. He's been a backup his entire career, but he appreciates the way Los Angeles treats its reserves compared to other teams he's played for. "I've been on other teams where you notice you're in the back seat," said Neary, via the Spokesman-Review . "But here you're loved. You're treated like a starter. It's awesome." Neary previously spent time with the Broncos, Eagles and Browns, bouncing around from practice squad to practice squad. The Rams actually waived him last September, at which point he was picked up by Cleveland. When the Browns released him a week later, the Rams signed him to their practice squad on Sept. 11. He has an uphill climb to the 53-man roster, having to prove he can back up Brian Allen at center and possibly even display the versatility to play guard, too. He would love to be a starter someday, but for now, he's just working on getting better despite not getting reps with the first-team offense. "You're always aiming to get to the next best thing. Even if you're getting some playing time, you're aiming to be a better player, and eventually a starter one day," Neary said. MORE: Everyone had so many LeBron jokes about the reported 'Space Jam 2' cast Five potential Kevin Durant landing spots in free agency Rob Pelinka May Not Have Known the Cap Rules for Anthony Davis Trade Reggie Bush takes shot at Lions, calls them cheap Mike Conley's trade to Utah could have a silver lining, for Boston


"It's going to continue to be a problem, not just with us but college athletes everywhere, particularly with it being legalized other places. Our team understands I don't care where it's legal and where it isn't. It's illegal according to the NCAA. "I don't think it's beneficial for guys who are trying to accomplish what our guys are trying to accomplish. We're certainly not unique in that we've had a few problems with that, but we're doing everything we can in trying to help kids not do it. We'll keep fighting that battle." That was Scott Frost at the Big Ten Media Days last week, addressing the three Nebraska football players who had been cited at some point this offseason for possession of either marijuana or drug paraphernalia. Unfortunately for the Nebraska head coach, it appears his "Just Say No" message when it comes to weed hasn't wholly taken root as the Omaha World-Herald is reporting that defensive back Myles Farmer was cited late Monday night for suspicion of possession of less than an ounce of marijuana. The incident that led to the citation being issued occurred at an on-campus residence, with the World-Herald writing that "[a] community service officer detected the smell of marijuana coming from the room." The football program is aware of the incident involving Farmer but will not comment publicly on what if any punishment the true freshman may be facing. The 6-3, 205-pound Framer was a three-star member of the Cornhuskers 2019 recruiting class. In addition to Farmer, wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson ( HERE ), defensive back Jeramiah Stovall ( HERE ) and running back Maurice Washington ( HERE ) have all been cited for weed-related offenses this offseason. Washington, of course, has bigger legal issues to worry about than a simple pot rap.


Eric Ebron has his sights set on an NFL record, and he knows a healthier diet would go a long way in helping him achieve the milestone. Ebron is fresh off a career season, his first with the Indianapolis Colts. After logging 11 combined touchdowns over the course of four campaigns with the Detroit Lions, the 10th overall pick in the 2014 draft racked up 13 receiving scores in 2018. The 26-year-old hopes to swell that total by at least four this season, which would match the high mark for a tight end set by Rob Gronkowski in 2011. "I believe Gronk still holds the record for the most touchdowns (receptions by a tight end), which is 17," Ebron said, per ESPN's Mike Wells. "So if I want to do anything that is going to be real spectacular ... I've got to go get 17. And if I go get 17, then what do I do? I help my team win games. I did that, proved that and I feel like if I'm at my best, then I feel like this team will be at their best." So, how will Ebron go about taking his game to the next level? For starters, his offseason training has included a stricter nutrition plan. "I'm a snacker," Ebron said. "When it comes to the night, we put the kids to sleep and that pantry looks real good so I could tear that thing up. I can't do that no more. ... I'm on a diet, trying to be the best person I can be. I cut out of a lot of BS." The Colts bolstered their receiving corps in the offseason with the free-agent signing of Devin Funchess and drafting of Parris Campbell, both of whom could take away touches from Ebron. And after a breakout season, opposing teams will be much keener on defending Ebron, especially in the red zone. All things considered, Ebron has his work cut out for him in trying to reach Gronkowski's record.


Dr. Janet Abrahm was in a hospital cafeteria when she heard the oncologist and his patient nearby. "Your husband isn't here?" he said. "OK, well, let me tell you anyway. Your leukemia has returned." Doctors generally overestimate their own communication skills, research shows. But when it comes to breaking bad news , even seasoned doctors often fail to handle such situations as well as they may hope. Abrahm, a Harvard Medical School professor who also trains midcareer physicians at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, is one of a growing legion of palliative specialists who are hoping to change that at a pivotal time for the medical industry. Starting this month, Medicare began reimbursing doctors for end-of-life conversations with patients, in which doctors gauge the patients' preferences for aggressive life-saving treatments and palliative care. Some researchers are exploring the optimal timing for such conversations   whether, for instance, it's possible to identify patients who've begun their final decline. And there's ongoing debate about which doctor should be the one to break the news   be it a primary care physician, specialist, or emergency room doctor   or, indeed, whether it's best left to family members to discuss around the kitchen table. The question of how to engage in such a discussion takes on deeper urgency when someone has a terminal illness. Abrahm, in her training, espouses an approach that's tailored to doctors, of course, but that would also serve family members who might wish to broach the subject with loved ones. "This is a conversation that takes an awareness of the good it'll provide to the patient and the family, and an understanding that it not only doesn't take hope away, but it enhances hope and purpose for the things that really need to get done," she said. Palliative specialists generally break the conversation into a series of steps. The first step, many said, is simply asking the patient their understanding of their health status, because they often know intuitively what is happening with their bodies. And while some patients wish to have their prognosis aired openly, others might not want to know. If they want to know, and the news is bad, Abrahm said it helps to have a spouse, or a close friend, or relative there for support. When it comes time to deliver the prognosis, she said, "Tell her some information and check to see how much information they want." Avoid phrases like "nothing more can be done," she and others said, because even when giving a terminal diagnosis, much can be done. Goals shift. Patients and families often seek to optimize their remaining time together, and treatments can be modified to help families meet those goals. So when delivering the worst news, palliative specialists say it's better to, instead, convey the message that there are no more options for cures. "And then you have to shut up," Abrahm said. Abrahm added that she coaches people to count to 20 before speaking again. It is an eternity for many people. "They're so uncomfortable with silence." "Then it's, 'How are you doing?' And, 'What can I do for you?'" "If they have good time left, they can make some choices," she said. "'We have work to do,' we'll often say." More medical schools are training students on all aspects of palliative care, including end-of-life conversations, but older doctors present challenges. "Teaching midcareer physicians is a tough piece to get at," said Dr. Kate M. Lally, director of palliative care at Care New England Health System, in Providence, R.I. "We learn best by working with specialists, by watching and listening." But few programs are set up to teach midcareer physicians, Lally and others said, and many doctors lack the time for training sessions that involve simulations, feedback, and coaching. And even those with the time may lack the desire to embrace end-of-life conversations. "I had an interaction recently with an oncologist about a patient," Lally said. "We were a little at odds. She said, 'Kate, we both went into medicine to save lives,' which startled me. "Most of us treat chronic conditions, but the 'save lives' thing isn't the bulk of what we do in medicine." Yet the idea that medicine is entirely about saving lives, Lally said, leaves no room for acknowledging death, and helping patients manage their final months. One solution is for doctors to engage each other in end-of-life conversations, as they do in training programs offered through the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and the Conversation Project. "Having a conversation and going through it from the patient's side, I think, does change their outlook," Lally said. "But I don't think it's having or not having the conversation. I think it's bigger factors: the culture, how we're trained, and being on the patient side."


It's almost impossible to imagine New York City without Central Park. Frederick Law Olmsted's first (and arguably finest) city park design fulfilled his vision that a common green space must be easily accessible to all residents and forever be defended from private takeovers. It was a radical idea in 1858 when Olmsted won the commission to create the park, but it is one that over the years has become a core feature of city park development. Even before Olmsted, though, Americans carved out public green spaces that have become local, if not national treasures. Boston Common, created in the 1630s, and the National Mall, added in the 1790s, spring first to mind. That desire for green space spread as the country grew, and the idea of city parks is inextricably woven into the fabric of American city life. The equation goes something like this: cities with more parks are nicer places to live. (But these are, in fact, America's 50 best cities to live in .) As with most everything American, there's a ranking for cities with the best parks. The Trust for Public Land just released its 2019 rankings of the best U.S. cities for public city parks. The rankings are based on four factors: accessibility, investment, acreage and amenities. Using those four categories, the Trust for Public Land named Washington, D.C., as the best city in the country for public parks. The nation's capital, with a population of about 688,000, has a park within a 10-minute walk for 98% of its residents. The national average is 54%. Among the top 10 cities, only San Francisco (population of about 878,000) and New York (8.68 million) scored higher with a perfect 100%. Access to Washington's parks is roughly equal regardless of income level or ethnicity, even though just 21% of the city's land is used for parks and recreation. The national median is 15%. Washington also has invested substantially in its park system. Mayor Muriel Bowser told website Route Fifty , "D.C. is truly a city of parks that serve as hubs of activity and beauty for neighborhoods and provide substantial social, economic, and health benefits to our residents. We've invested more than $200 million to ensure all residents have access to playgrounds, nature trails, and other public parks that have made D.C.'s park system the envy of cities across the nation." The city's parks rank in the 86th percentile for basketball hoops, with nearly six per 10,000 residents. There are about two dog parks per 100,000 residents (78th percentile) and 1.7 playgrounds per 10,000 residents (21st percentile). Park recreation and senior centers rank in the 98th percentile, with 2.3 per 20,000 residents, and the city's parks rank in the 81st percentile with nearly three bathrooms per 10,000 residents. The average size of a park in Washington is 1.4 acres, and the city's oldest park is the National Mall, which was part of architect Pierre L'Enfant's and George Washington's original 1791 plan for the nation's capital. The other nine cities named in the country's top 10 are, in order: St. Paul; Minneapolis; Arlington, Virginia; Portland, Oregon; Irvine, California; San Francisco; Cincinnati; New York City; and Chicago.


The parents of Otto Warmbier filed a claim for a North Korean cargo ship that was seized by the US in May, noting the asset could be used to pay off part of the family's $500 million judgment against the country. In December, a federal judge awarded the Warmbier family more than half a billion dollars in a wrongful death suit against the North Korean government. North Korea never engaged in settlement discussions, according to the new filing, "Hence, the Warmbiers are left to chase down the assets of North Korea to recover what they can for the torture and death of their son at the hands of North Korea's dictator, who with "his cronies, show(s) no regard for human life."" "We are committed to holding North Korea accountable for the death of our son Otto, and will work tirelessly to seize North Korean assets wherever they may be found," Fred and Cindy Warmbier said in a statement. The seized ship was used to transport coal from North Korea that was sold in other countries, including China, the Justice Department said in May. The US and the United Nations have said that North Korea has used illicit sales of its coal to fund the country's nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles program. In a statement at the time, senior Justice Department officials called the seizure the first of its kind, and said it was part of the US campaign of "maximum pressure" against the North Korean government. "This sanctions-busting ship is now out of service," said Assistant Attorney General John Demers, the head of the Justice Department's National Security Division. "We are deeply committed to the role the Justice Department plays in applying maximum pressure to the North Korean regime to cease its belligerence." The Wise Honest was North Korea's second largest merchant ship and was capable of carrying tens of thousands of tons of cargo. Prosecutors said the ship was also used to haul heavy machinery into North Korea, including 412,584 kilograms of "steel plate." Otto Warmbier was a University of Virginia student when he was detained in January 2016 during a brief sightseeing tour of the reclusive state. He was held captive by the North Korean regime for over a year, before being released back to the US in June 2017. Then 22 years old, Warmbier returned home to Ohio in a vegetative state -- blind, deaf, and having sustained severe brain damage from his time in detention. He died on June 19, 2017, days after the Trump administration had secured his return.


The Rockets may be bracing for seismic changes to the roster after a second consecutive playoff loss to the Warriors, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN . Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey has made his entire roster and future draft picks available in trade talks, a dramatic initiative with hopes of reshaping the team into a championship contender, league sources told ESPN. The possibility of trading All-NBA guard James Harden is believed to be extremely limited, but the rest of the roster - including even Chris Paul and Clint Capela - could be more realistic trade targets, sources said. The Rockets are gauging the market on their best players not just for immediate upgrades and depth, but also for salary relief. The Rockets are heading into the 2019-20 offseason only $7.5 million below the luxury tax. They are already very limited in ways to improve their roster and have an uphill battle to just to keep the previous team together due to its high payroll. It is possible that the Rockets front office has decided that the team has reached its limit and that running it back without a meaningful free agent signing will result in another early playoff exit. The Rockets could be taking a step back next season by trading their top players while taking leaps forward by getting big salaries off their books. The following is an analysis of the trade value and market for Clint Capela, one of the players mentioned in Wojnarowski's report. Clint Capela In games three and four of their second-round series against Golden State, the games the Rockets won, Capela missed all but one minute of overtime and the entire fourth quarter, respectively. That's not to conclude that the Rockets are better without him, but perhaps their best five-man lineup at the end of games won't always include him. If the Rockets won't play him at the end of every game, then maybe they shouldn't be paying him like a player that would. The Rockets re-signed him last offseason to a five-year $80 million deal with $10 million in additional incentives. For a starting center who cannot stretch the floor but rebounds and protects the rim at an elite level, he has a very team-friendly contract compared to similar players. Jusuf Nurkic is probably the best comparison in terms of the type of player, caliber, and contract. Capela is set to earn $14,896,552 in 2019-20. The biggest hurdle in trading him isn't so much finding someone willing to take on his salary rather than finding a team who actually needs a starting center right now. As of now, almost every team that is over the cap is set at the center position, and teams that have cap space this summer probably won't look to acquire Capela until after the dust settles in free agency. The Rockets can certainly get value for Capela, but it won't be a haul. If teams continue to prioritize smaller positions, particularly wing players, with their cap space this summer, this will keep the market value for centers low. The Rockets are probably looking at a return for Capela that could include players with team-friendly deals and a protected first-rounder. Sacramento Kings The Kings are projected to be able to generate a maximum of $38.4 million in cap space this summer. They are reportedly targeting Nikola Vucevic, the top unrestricted center on the market. They have the means to make him a competitive offer and are most likely bidding against the Magic for his services. With them clearly looking for a center upgrade, they could look to acquire Capela if they cannot sign Vucevic or any other top free agent center. The biggest thing they can offer is significant salary relief since they could absorb Capela like a free agent signing into their cap space. Barnes would be a nice fit in Houston if it weren't for his $25.1 million cap hit. The Kings are unlikely to part with De'Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield, Bogdan Bogdanovic, or Marvin Bagley right now. Aside from the cap relief, the Rockets could get draft compensation from the Kings. The Kings own all their picks starting in the 2020 draft, so they could offer a future protected first round pick and multiple second-rounders they own. As for a veteran player, the Rockets could probably acquire Nemanja Bjelica in such a deal. He could provide the spacing and shooting that they're lacking from a big man. He is owed a team-friendly $6.8 million this upcoming season and is completely non-guaranteed the year after that. Cleveland Cavaliers The Cavaliers don't have a definitive answer at starting center. If the deal makes sense, they could use a presence like Capela as their starting center of the future. They are an interesting team for Capela because their roster is constructed with so many avenues in which they could acquire him. If the Rockets are looking to reduce payroll, the Cavaliers can offer J.R. Smith and a draft pick or prospect for Capela. Smith is only guaranteed for $3.87 million so the Rockets could immediately waive him in order to reduce their payroll by $11 million. They could also agree to a similar framework but instead of the immediate salary relief from Smith, the Rockets could acquire an expiring contract instead. The Cavaliers have plenty of expiring contracts the Rockets can take back who can also contribute next season. Jordan Clarkson could thrive off the bench for the Rockets, providing even more scoring for them. If the Rockets are feeling really aggressive, perhaps a deal centered around Clint Capela for Kevin Love could work. Love recently signed a four-year extension worth $120 million that is about to kick in this upcoming season. Whether such a trade is executed before July 1 or after, the Rockets would have to include one of Eric Gordon or P.J. Tucker to help match salaries. Even if the Cavaliers are interested in this framework, it's hard to see the Rockets having all three of James Harden, Chris Paul and Kevin Love eating up 97 percent of their cap next season. They would probably do this if they were to trade Paul first. Others The Atlanta Hawks are projected to be able to generate a maximum of $43.4 million in cap space this summer. It is still unclear what they plan to do with it other than acquiring undesirable contracts with incentives attached. A deal for Kent Bazemore would add close to $5 million in the Rockets payroll, but a trade centered around one or both of Taurean Prince and DeAndre' Bembry could suffice in terms of value while saving them $9-11 million in payroll. Dewayne Dedmon is an unrestricted free agent so if he leaves the Hawks could look to Capela as a replacement. But even if Dedmon leaves, the Hawks already have John Collins and Alex Len who can both play the five. If they want to sign another center, they could find one much cheaper than Capela in free agency or the draft. The Dallas Mavericks are another team who have a lot of cap space, about $38.2 million with the cap holds of Kristaps Porzingis, Dorian Finney-Smith and Maxi Kleber kept. They will be looking to spend their cap space on top free agents this summer as this could be their last offseason with significant cap space once they re-sign Porzingis. If they strike out, they could look to acquire Capela with their cap space. The long-term fit of a Capela-Porzingis front court would need to be considered, though both can be staggered appropriately. The Mavericks don't have much to offer to the Rockets in terms of young prospects other than Justin Jackson and Jalen Brunson. The earliest first-round draft pick they can trade is their 2025 selection, which is way too far down the Rockets timeline. The Rockets could probably get more elsewhere. The Lakers, Knicks, Net and Clippers also have cap space and could look to use it to acquire Capela depending on how the beginning of free agency goes for them. MORE: Boxing fans, including Conor McGregor, react to Anthony Joshua's stunning loss to Andy Ruiz Jr. Kyle Shanahan on the cutting edge with 'positionless' offense Did Daryl Morey just confirm Harden, Paul won't be traded? Report: Suns, Bulls offering lottery picks for Lonzo Ball Antwaun Woods went from afterthought to aftershocks for Cowboys' D


Amazon.com Inc. has abruptly stopped buying products from many of its wholesalers, sowing panic. The company is encouraging vendors to instead sell directly to consumers on its marketplace. Amazon makes more money that way by offloading the cost of purchasing, storing and shipping products. Meanwhile, Amazon can charge suppliers for these services and take a commission on each transaction, which is much less risky than buying goods outright. Amazon is determined to boost profits at the core e-commerce business, even if that means disrupting relationships with longtime suppliers. Because many suppliers source products from manufacturers months in advance, they'll have to quickly shift their sales tactics if the expected Amazon orders don't come in. "If you're heavily reliant on Amazon, which a lot of these vendors are, you're in a lot of trouble," said Dan Brownsher, Chief Executive Officer of Channel Key, a Las Vegas e-commerce consulting business with more than 50 clients that sell more than $100 million of goods on Amazon annually. "If this goes on, it can put people out of business." Brownsher is among several consultants who said Amazon's move has affected thousands of vendors. Pushing more suppliers onto the marketplace is part of Amazon's larger effort to reduce overhead by getting more suppliers to use an automated self-service system that requires no input from Amazon managers. "We regularly review our selling partner relationships and may make changes when we see an opportunity to provide customers with improved selection, value and convenience," Amazon said in an emailed statement, declining to answer specific questions about the action. The abrupt cancellation of orders prompted panic this week at the ShopTalk retail conference that drew more than 8,000 retailers, brands and consultants to Las Vegas. Some attendees said Amazon stopped submitting routine orders last week for a variety of products, often without explanation. The drought continued this week, affecting more vendors and leaving them frustrated about the lack of communication from Amazon. One vendor who has been selling products to Amazon for five years said he got a canned response when he inquired why his routine weekly purchase order never came through. The response gave him no clarity about his standing as a vendor, he said. Related video: Amazon to close all US pop-up stores by end of April (provided by Fox Business) In recent years, Amazon has increasingly prioritized its marketplace. More than half of all products sold on Amazon in 2018 came from marketplace merchants, and revenue providing services to those merchants is growing at double the pace of revenue from the online store. Based on the target valuation of Amazon, the marketplace business is worth about $250 billion, according to Evercore ISI analyst Anthony DiClemente, more than double the value of the online retail business. Online marketplaces can offer greater selection than even the biggest of stores. Walmart Inc., Target Corp. and Best Buy Co. are all copying Amazon's marketplace model to increase online sales. Amazon will generate e-commerce revenue of $317 billion this year, representing 52.4 percent of all online sales in the U.S., according to EMarketer Inc. "If you're already drawing eyeballs to your website, you want to have all of the products your customers are looking for," said Frank Poore, CEO of CommerceHub, which sells online marketplace software. "You have to have a bigger assortment online than you do in the store." Now more Amazon vendors will be forced to sell on the marketplace or risk getting stuck with unsold inventory, said Will Land, CEO of Marketplace Valet, an e-commerce logistics provider and consulting firm in Riverside, California. "When you get used to those big checks," he said, "it's hard to pull away." --With assistance from Matt Day.


It's all about Dwayne Haskins for the Washington Redskins. At the least, it feels that way with rookie minicamp in the rearview. John Clayton of the Washington Post is the latest to chime in with praise while outlining his biggest takeaways from the post-draft process so far: Clearly, he has plenty of things to work on before he can beat out Case Keenum and Colt McCoy for the starting job, but early on he showed why the Redskins were smart to wait and snap him up in the first round. For a team put in a challenging spot following Alex Smith's injury, Haskins could provide a way out. Haskins indeed received praise from Jay Gruden himself once camp was over and it's all but confirmed he has a serious shot at taking the starting job. Again, these are just reviews coming out of rookie camp and expected ones for a first-round pick. If this same chatter follows Haskins throughout training camp, the Redskins might have some really interesting on their hands. MORE: Report: Browns rookie RB LJ Scott decides to quit NFL after just 2 days Zion Williamson still has options if he doesn't want to play for the Pelicans NBA Free Agency 2019: The top players Cowboys News: Prescott's circle of trust questioned, Kris Richard RKGs Roundup: Britney Spears Manager Clarifies Comments, Daryl Johnston XFL Job, Rick and Morty Season 4 Details


A church in northern Greece on Wednesday said it would bless a hilltop forest recently devastated by bark beetle attacks. "Our Church has always used its weapons, prayer and blessings, even to address natural disasters," the Dormition of Mary church of Oreokastro said in a statement. Experts earlier this month said that almost ten percent of pine trees at the Seich Sou forest overlooking Thessaloniki had been destroyed by larvae of the Tomicus piniperda beetle. Better known as the common pine bark beetle, Tomicus piniperda is identified as a serious pest in the United States and is regarded as one of the most destructive shoot-feeding species in Europe. Seich Sou forest hosts 277 plant species, among which pine trees are dominant. There are also scattered cypress and plane trees, and many species of poplars. In 1997, a large fire broke out and burned down more than half of the forest.


Yesterday Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Joe Musgrove showed off his new glove for Players' Weekend . And while it was a big hit and made me laugh, in hindsight it seems, I dunno . . . inevitable that someone would go with this model. Yes, it's a glove made to look like the Infinity Gauntlet from the Avengers movie. Musgrove is not that big of a guy, so I'm skeptical that he forced the dwarves of Nidavellir to forge it under duress. Based on the swoosh it seems to have been made by Nike. Take a gander at him showing it off before last night's game: Really nice of Thanos to let @Pirates Pitcher Joe Musgrove use his glove today. He is inevitable. pic.twitter.com/QYW0JEEUE6   FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) August 5, 2019 Here's some exclusive footage of Musgrove using it: And as we all know, Pirates pitchers are experts at going for the head . Follow @craigcalcaterra Related slideshow: The 2019 MLB season (Provided by imagn)


Traveling Brighton and Hove Albion fans saw their side score 16 goals last season away from the Amex Stadium. The Seagulls scored three at Vicarage Road on Saturday. Graham Potter and his boys beat Watford 3-0 in a win which will almost certainly have Brighton supporters daydreaming that their new boss is the British Pep Guardiola . [ RECAP: Watford 0-3 Brighton ] They have the same initials, after all. Here's record signing Neal Maupay who, along with Florin Andone , came off the bench to score in the win: "We have a new manager and he has got his vision of football," Maupay said . "We have been trying to play like that. The boys are behind the manager and agree with his ideas. We have to be ready on the bench. The gaffer made two changes and we both scored. It is good to have good players on and off the pitch." For Potter, he clearly sees a group of players who underachieved last season and are capable of so much more. Playing with five at the back for much of the game, Brighton often had Watford at sixes and sevens. Potter's been hailed for his tactical approach to the game, and his men were ready for Vicarage Road. From Sky Sports : "We know there is a good foundation here with a really good group of players   the job is to help them improve and get better. We must now dust ourselves done and not get carried away. We know we can improve. We need to focus on another tough match on Saturday." An amazing start to the season for a side which scored 35 goals all of last season. 1   Graham Potter has won as many @premierleague games as a manager as he did in eight appearances as a player in the competition; his only victory as a player was 6-3 against Man Utd with Southampton in 1996-97. Wizard. #WATBHA   OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 10, 2019 Follow @NicholasMendola


Looking to sample the best ice cream and frozen yogurt around town? Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top ice cream and frozen yogurt hot spots in New York City, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to fill the bill. 1. Taiyaki Topping the list is Taiyaki NYC . Located at 119 Baxter St. (between Canal and Hester streets) in Little Italy, the spot to score ice cream, frozen yogurt and more is the most popular ice cream and frozen yogurt spot in New York City, boasting 4.5 stars out of 2,548 reviews on Yelp. 2. Max & Mina's Kew Gardens Hills's Max & Mina's , located at 7126 Main St., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the spot to score ice cream and frozen yogurt 4.5 stars out of 189 reviews. 3. Soft Swerve Soft Swerve , a spot to score frozen treats in the Lower East Side, is another much-loved go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 1,506 Yelp reviews. Head over to 85B Allen St. to see for yourself. 4. Sundaes and Cones Over in the East Village, check out Sundaes and Cones , which has earned 4.5 stars out of 1,436 reviews on Yelp. You can find the bakery at 95 E. 10th St. 5. Ample Hills Creamery Last but not least, there's Ample Hills Creamery , a Prospect Heights favorite with 4.5 stars out of 1,299 reviews. Stop by 623 Vanderbilt Ave. (between Prospect Place and St. Marks Avenue) to hit up the spot to score ice cream, frozen yogurt and coffee next time you're looking to satisfy your cravings. This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


Almost three weeks before the world's best fight it out for the French Open titles, hundreds of players, including grizzled veterans and teenage hopefuls, have descended on Roland Garros for qualifying. The men's opening round got underway on Monday, despite the tournament proper not due to start until Sunday, with 128 entrants playing for only 16 spots in the main draw. On Tuesday, 96 women will start their bids for just 12 places, with the potential rewards life-changing. While former Grand Slam surprise packages Denis Istomin and Dustin Brown were going toe-to-toe in front of a smattering of spectators on Court 7, 23-time major champion Serena Williams was practising on the Philippe Chatrier show-court. Just two years ago, Istomin stunned Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open second round, but on the Parisian clay he fell to Brown -- the camper-van driving, shock Wimbledon conqueror of Rafael Nadal in 2015. Serbian Viktor Troicki was ranked 12th in the world only eight years ago and has reached the second week at Roland Garros three times, but found himself having to battle past 267th-ranked German Kevin Krawietz out on Court 9. The 33-year-old is a lowly 256th in the rankings himself after a severe loss of form and fresh injury problems. "Last time I was coming back I basically didn't have a ranking and came back to the top 100 really fast  - in three months  - but it's much tougher coming back from an injury when I'm a bit older now and my body is responding differently," Troicki told rolandgarros.com. - Robredo still going - Some players just cannot seem to get enough of the sport despite appearing to have little hope of ever returning to its upper echelons. The 37-year-old Tommy Robredo, a five-time French Open quarter-finalist who has accrued over $13 million in career prize money, saw his hopes of qualifying ended for another year with defeat by Germany's Rudolf Molleker -- 19 years his junior. The prize for just reaching the early stages of qualifying cannot be sniffed at, with even the first-round losers taking home 6,000 euros ($6,704) after changes introduced this year by tournament organisers. But that figure is utterly dwarfed by the 40,000 euros on offer for first-round losers in the competition proper, and new rules saw a record-breaking eight men's lucky losers finding themselves a windfall last year. Marco Trungelliti was perhaps the most fortunate of the lot in 2018, having already returned to his base in Barcelona after his qualifying exit before finding out there might be a first-round spot on offer as an alternate. His 10-hour car journey back to Paris, alongside his brother, grandmother and mother, captured the hearts of tennis fans, with his story further enhanced by a surprise victory over former Wimbledon quarter-finalist Bernard Tomic. This year, though, there was no fairytale for the Argentinian who has only qualified for one ATP event this season, as he was dumped out on Monday by French world number 516 Hugo Gaston in straight sets. - Dream qualifying runs - Although the majority of qualifiers would jump at the chance of a possible run to the second round and a big payday like Trungelliti, some do go on to create shockwaves deep into the big tournaments. Arguably the most staggering effort by a qualifier came from then-world number 129 Jelena Dokic, as she thrashed top seed Martina Hingis 6-2, 6-0 in the 1999 Wimbledon first round. The Australian went on to reach the last eight, where she lost to another qualifier, Alexandra Stevenson. Timea Bacsinszky could be one to watch this time around when she starts her campaign on Tuesday -- the 29-year-old Swiss is a two-time French Open semi-finalist. Whether or not any of the players in France this week can pull off something Dokic-esque remains to be seen, but many will dream of a career-defining match against one of the big guns on a show court -- win or lose.


MINNEAPOLIS, MN   A lawsuit filed by nine University of Minnesota football players, claiming racial and gender discrimination, was dismissed by a U.S. District Court judge on Tuesday, according to reports. The lawsuit was filed by players involved in a 2016 investigation into sexual assault allegations. The players, all African-American, alleged "racial and gender discrimination; intentional, willful, and malicious misconduct; and deliberate indifference" by the university, as well as outgoing President Eric Kaler and Tina Marisam, director of the university's Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, KSTP-TV reported . The players also claimed they were subject to "extreme gender bias" because of extensive media coverage, "pressure to crack down on alleged sexual offenders" and an ongoing investigation into the university's "failure to properly address charges of sexual harassment by white men in the athletics department. In a 29-page order dismissing the case, Frank found no merit in the players' claims. The university had filed a motion to dismiss last November, saying they would "vigorously defend" the claims. However, U.S. District Judge Donovan Frank said the players offered "no factual support for their allegations of disparate treatment" they claimed were based on a "assumption" of a culture of sexual misconduct among male athletes at the University of Minnesota, the Star-Tribune reported. The lawsuit stemmed from an incident in September 2016 when a female student accused several Gopher football players of sexual assault. After a police investigation, the Hennepin County Attorney's Office declined to press criminal charges. However, 10 players were initially suspended, leading to a bowl game boycott and eventually a coaching change. Four players ultimately were expelled, one had his expulsion reduced to a one-year suspension and the rest were cleared of wrongdoing.