DANY MAG

A university inEnglandfaces a "real risk" ofclosure due to insolvencyfor the first time, a situation MPs have warned could be "catastrophic" for students, staff, and local communities.

TheEducation Committeesaid the government has no clear strategy for universities facing insolvency as higher education institutions battle a “financial crisis”.

In a new report on higher education funding, the committee also raised concerns that current immigration policies could negatively impact the number of international students, whose fees are a crucial revenue stream for institutions.

TheOffice for Students(OfS),England's higher education regulator, informed cross-party MPs that it fears 24 providers are at risk of insolvency and closure within the 12 months from last November. It also said 45 per cent of higher education providers could be facing a deficit for 2025/26.

Among the 24 institutions identified as being at risk, seven serve more than 3,000 students each.

“The higher education sector inEnglandis facing a financial crisis that now poses a real risk of institutional insolvency,” the committee said.

“We heard compelling evidence that, without urgent and coordinated action, there is a clear possibility of a university closing.”

It added: “While no university has ever closed in England due to insolvency, the risk is clear.

“It could have a catastrophic impact, not only on the students and staff connected with the institution, but on the wider local economy and community.”

The committee said there is currently “no clearly understood protocol for how the Government might respond to a situation of a provider at risk of imminent insolvency”, calling it “a very serious problem”.

MPs recommended the Government establish an early warning system which should set out plans for protecting students, staff and the wider community in the event of insolvency and provide a range of options on what providers can do, including restructuring, merging with another institution, direct financial support or orderly exit.

They also called on the Government to legislate to ensure insolvent institutions can continue to operate to avoid an institution having to be liquidated immediately.

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The committee found student protection plans, which should ensure students can continue and complete their studies or be compensated if a course, campus or institution closes, are “inadequate” and said the OfS must strengthen them.

The report also said the Home Office plays a “significant, even preeminent role in the financial health of the higher education sector” as international students are “heavily affected” by changes in immigration rules.

“The financial pressures on the higher education sector have driven the sector’s reliance on international students,” MPs said.

“This reliance has been directly driven by decisions of the Government.

“Immigration policies have a very significant effect on the higher education sector, and the Government must consider the consequences of its decisions in a joined-up way.

“If the aim is to have fewer international students, the Government must set out how it will support the financial sustainability of higher education institutions.”

In figures published in January, the number of international undergraduate students who accepted a university place through Ucas increased 6.8 per cent in 2025 to 74,660 after falling slightly the year before.

Data published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency in the same month showed the total number of international students starting postgraduate degrees in the UK in 2024 fell 8 per cent from the previous year.

The Education Committee also heard “strong opposition” to the International Student Levy from the sector and is urging the Government to take on board concerns.

Universities are preparing for the introduction of the levy, which will see them charged £925 per student each year from 2028/29.

ADepartment for Educationspokesperson said: “We have taken action to put the sector on a secure financial footing, including raising the maximum cap on tuition fees annually and refocusing the Office for Students to support universities’ financial stability.

“Through our ambitious reforms announced in the Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper, we will restore universities as engines of growth, aspiration and opportunity.

“We will carefully consider the thoughtful recommendations in the Committee’s report and respond in due course.”

GIBRALTAR – Jefferson’s track and field team didn’t plan to compete in the Metro Classic.

Several of the boys convinced coach Josh Ludwick they should attend in hopes of recording state-qualifying times.

The Bears wound up breaking two school records in relays and getting one of those relays through to state during the meet at Gibraltar Carlson on Saturday, May 9.

“Ended up work out for us,” Ludwick said. “We had maybe half the team out there.”

More:Monroe County Region varsity high school sports roundup for May 7-8

One of the normal runners on the 1,600 relay was unable to make it because he had to work.

Zane Knezevich replaced him and combined with Maddex Shotwell, Josh Hargreaves and Orion Galloway to win with a school-record and state-qualifying time of 3:23.42.

The previous record was set in 2021.

The 400 relay of Grant Hakeos, Alex Brown, Zy'Rell Henley and Drake Jones wiped an even older record off the books with a time of :44.20. That quartet finished third and just missed a state-qualifying time. That record was set in 1988.

St. Mary Catholic Central’s foursome of Lucas Rafko, Gavin Swartout, Vince Harris and Brady Reinhardt won that race in :43.07.

SMCC also finished first in the 800 relay with Reinhardt, Carson Welker, Easton Kwiatkowski and Harris.

Luke Dulecki of New Boston Huron won the 800 with a personal-best time of 2:00.06 and SMCC’s Christian Craanen was the 1,600-meter champ with a personal-best 4:25.24.

Gibraltar Carlson’s Sam Przytula topped both throwing events and teammate Zachary Peterson ruled the high jump.

Huron’s Cameron Crane soared over the rest of the field in the pole vault.

Carlson scored 88 points to take runner-up honors in the team standings. SMCC (58) was third.

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Flat Rock’s Breanna Sexton won the shot-put and Olivia Beaudrie of SMCC took first in the high jump.

SATURDAY’S TOP PERFORMERS

Carson Weeman, Ida: Stroked a two-run triple, scored a run and pitched a perfect sixth inning during an 11-0 whitewash of Hudson. Carter Derian gave up just three hits over the first five innings and Cam Riggs, Jacob Towne and Owen Snyder logged two hits each for the 17-6 Blue Streaks.

Drake Ferris, Airport: Went 3-for-3 to spark a 6-1 victory over Wyandotte Roosevelt. The Jets got seven of their 11 hits from the bottom three hitters in the lineup as Wally Sisler and Colton Alston added two each. Carter Sell, Brady Harrison and Brenden Smith combined for a 3-hitter.

Jordan Godfrey and Alex Beaudrie, Flat Rock: Drove in three runs apiece as the Rams rallied from an 11-4 deficit to pull out a 15-14 win over Plymouth Christian. David Riddle and Breyden Sutherby drove in four runs each in the second game, but the Rams fell 12-10. Riddle hit a home run.

Dayton Miller and Ryan Fisher, New Boston Huron: Allowed a total of three hits as Huron swept Detroit Western 5-1 and 10-2. Offensive standouts were Cash Moczdlowsky, Max Morse and Owen DeLano.

Grant Potcova, SMCC: Logged three hits in a 19-16 win over Whiteford and pitched well in relief during a 12-4 loss to Brooklyn Columbia Centra. Lukas Linzell hit a grand slam against Whiteford and Charlie Leach racked up two hits.

Cam Fairchild, Dundee: Went 2-for-3 while driving in three runs and scoring four during an 11-7 victory over Milan. Wyatt Hickey delivered three hits and Angelo Graves drove in four runs. Milan won the first game 5-4 as Cam Dessellier went 2-for-2 and drove in two runs.

Addison Skinner, Gibraltar Carlson: Scattered five hits and did not give up an earned run in a 4-1 win over Whiteford. Kennedy Warren went 2-for-3 and drove in two runs to lead the offense. Skinner and Averie Gendron logged two hits each as Carlson lost its second game 10-4 to South Lyon East. Ava Steven went 2-for-3 against Carlson for Whiteford, which also fell 12-1 to South Lyon East.

Alli Schrader, Ida: Went 2-for-3 in a 6-5 win over Clay. Alex Haws and Adisyn Swiderski drove in two runs each.

Maeve Westerlund, Monroe: Tossed a shutout as Monroe beat Plymouth 6-0 in the first game of a doubleheader. The Trojans los the second game 8-1.

Abby Marek, Dundee: Went 2-for-3 during a 13-3 loss to Erie Mason.

GIRLS TENNIS

Kelsey Brubaker, Milan: Was the runner-up at No. 1 singles at the Huron League Tournament. Milan finished second in three doubles flights with Alaina Brubaker-Annika Koch, Ava Thornton-Charlotte Finch and Evelyn Gill-Dakota Ludwig.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News:Last-second scheduling produces two school records for Jefferson boys

Kevin Hart can dish it out.

Tonight, we'll find out if he can take it.

A little more than two years after the Roast of Tom Brady, Netflix is holding its second roast. This time, Kevin Hart is the man of the hour.

Philadelphia's favorite comedian, Hart will get taken to task by some of his best friends. Here's everything you need to know about the next roast, the Roast of Kevin Hart.

When is the Roast of Kevin Hart?

The Roast of Kevin Hart is Sunday, May 10.

What time is the Roast of Kevin Hart?

The Roast of Kevin Hart will start at 8 p.m. EST.

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Where is the Roast of Kevin Hart?

The Roast of Kevin Hart will be at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles.

Who is hosting the Roast of Kevin Hart?

Shane Gillis is hosting the Roast of Kevin Hart.

How long is the Roast of Kevin Hart?

The roast is expected to last three hours.

Where to watch Roast of Kevin Hart

The roast will air live on Netflix.

Roast of Kevin Hart cast

So far, we know very little about who will be doing the roasting. Gillis will be there, Hart will be there, and Jeff Ross will be there. Other than that, the guest list is top secret.

It wouldn't be shocking to see Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Could Will Ferrell show up? What about his Philly friend Will Smith? These are all pure guesses, but could be logical ones.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press:Where is the Roast of Kevin Hart? When is the roast of kevin hart on

If you're trying to do your grocery shopping, you might have to actually leave your house.

At least right now, because users are reporting problems with Instacart.

According to Downdetector, there were more than 200 reports of problems using the online grocery marketplace just after 11 a.m. on Mother's Day.

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The problems are pretty spread out too, with the two biggest concerns for shoppers are using the app, where about half of the complaints are coming in about, and using the app, where more than 40 percent of the issues are happening.

There is no timetable for when the issues will be resolved, but it just popped up, so there's no reason to think it will be a sustained outage yet. But something to know if you're having problems logging on to do your shopping.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press:Instacart is down; Instacart outage reported on Downdetector

As a gospel choir sang at the front of the Summer Grove Baptist Church sanctuary,mourners ushered downa pathway of open caskets for the viewing of theEternal Eight.

Theeight children tragically murdered on April 19were celebrated during a two-hourfuneral service, followed by a horse-drawn carriage arrival to the burial site at Forest Park West Cemetery on Saturday, May 9.

During the funeral services, dignitaries and religious leaders from across the United States showed up to honor the lives of Jayla Elkins, Shayla Elkins, Kayla Pugh, Layla Pugh, Markaydon Pugh, Sariahh Snow, Khedarrion Snow and Braylon Snow.

Gospel recording artists such as Lady Kim Burrell and Kirisma Evans honored the victims through song and word.

"We are not just here to spectate, be a part of a story. No, we are here for you," Burrell said. "I came from another state because I care. I want this family to know that God is real."

She continued by stating, "He is the God that makes decision like these, that makes us walk away scratching our heads, but he is a God that doesn't have to give us all the clues. Just know he makes no mistake."

Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux said the absence of these children has been deeply felt by the community, from teachers to classmates to neighbors.

"The community, bound together by love, now grieves together, holding tightly to the beauty these children brought into the world," Arceneaux said. "Their lives, though far too brief, were deeply meaningful, and their lives continue to shine in ways, both seen and unseen."

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Councilwoman Tabitha Taylor said, "The Eternal Eight will never be forgotten in the City of Shreveport."

Caddo Parish made a resolution, and Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry issued an executive order that the U.S. and Louisiana State flags will fly at half-staff for the next 8 days.

This days are in honor of the Eternal Eight:

• Saturday, May 9 – Jayla Elkins, 3

• Sunday, May 10 – Shayla Elkins, 5

• Monday, May 11 – Kayla Pugh, 6

• Tuesday, May 12 – Layla Pugh, 7

• Wednesday, May 13 – Markaydon Pugh, 10

• Thursday, May 14 – Braylon Snow, 5

• Saturday, May 16 – Khedarrion Snow, 6

• Sunday, May 17 – Sariahh Snow, 11

Louisiana State Sen. Sam Jenkins read the executive order issued by Landry, stating, "As a solemn tribute to these children whose lives were taken far too soon."

Before the mourners left the services to attend the burial ceremony several blocks away, Bishop Joseph Hall gave the funeral oration and message.

"God, Shreveport, Louisiana, loves you with all their hearts," he said. "God, we thank you even now, as hard as this is we thank you, God."

Check this story out:Shreveport grieves eight children killed in mass shooting

Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times:Shreveport mourns 'Eternal Eight' children at funeral service, burial

The owner of aTexaswellness spa is facing a felony murder charge after one of her customers allegedly died from an IV treatment.

Jenifer Cleveland, 47, visited the Luxe Medspa in Wortham, Texas, in July 2023, where she ordered and received anIV infusionthat was filled with vitamins and electrolytes.

The IV was administered by anunlicensed individual working at the spa, say prosecutors.Approximately half an hour after receiving the IV, Cleveland suffered acardiac arrestand was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Amber Johnson, the owner of the spa, turned herself in to the Freestone County Jail on Tuesday, April 28, according toPEOPLE.

She has been charged with felony murder, criminally negligenthomicide, manslaughter, tampering with physical evidence, practicing medicine without a license, and nine counts of delivery of a dangerous drug, according to a Freestone County Jail spokesperson.

Johnson was released on April 28 on a $69,000 bond.

Following Cleveland's final autopsy, it was determined that she died from “sudden cardiac death of uncertain etiology,” with the report noting that the IV therapy “cannot be definitely ruled-in or ruled-out as contributory.”

However, the Texas Medical Board investigated the death and determined in 2024 that Cleveland died "due to the improper administration" of an IV therapy.

According toPEOPLE, the IV contained TPN electrolytes, which require a slow infusion rate due to the high concentration of potassium found in the mixture.

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If too much potassium is delivered directly to the bloodstream in a short amount of time, it can cause fatal cardiac arrhythmias.

Johnson did not have a medical license and operated the medspa despite Texas laws prohibiting anyone without medical licensure from being the majority owner of medical practices.

Dr Michael Gallagher worked with Johnson as the spa's medical director. He has also been charged in Cleveland's death and faces a single count of murder, manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and multiple counts relating to the provision of dangerous drugs.

He was arrested and was released on a $96,500 bond on April 29.

Gallagher's medical license was suspended in 2023 amid the investigation into Cleveland's death.

Cleveland's husband, Brian Cleveland, is suing Luxe Medspa for wrongful death, and helped to get a law passed in his wife's name that introduces regulations on the administration of IV therapies.

"Naming the legislation after Jenifer is maybe her way of giving back... Continue to help even though she's not physically still here with us, that she's always gonna be right here in the heart," he toldKCENin April 2025.

Under the new law, every IV session has to be ordered by a qualified prescriber — which includes physicians, physician assistants, or nurse practitioners — and only medical professionals can administer the IVs.

The law — called "Jenifer's Law" — was signed by Governor Gregg Abbott in June.

TheLos Angeles Lakersare potentially staring down a sweep at the hands of theOklahoma City Thunder, and the possible end of the LeBron James era in LA.

The No. 4 seed Lakers led the No. 1 seed Thunder at halftime for the second straight game, but were outscored by 25 points in the second half following yet another collapse over the final two quarters tofind themselves down 3-0to the defending NBA champions.

"I'm not angry or disappointed," James told reporters postgame. "Obviously, I'm disappointed being down 3-0, but we still got life and that's all you can ask for, and we gotta be much better on Monday. We'll see what happens."

NBA takeaways:Lakers have no answer for Thunder and their antics

Whatever happens in Game 4, there's a chance it could be James' last in a Lakers uniform. His contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and the fact that no extension has been worked out has been at the center of a season-long soap opera filled with rumors suggesting a deterioration of his relationship with team governor Jeanie Buss. There's also been rumors to the contrary, that the Lakers would be happy to keep James in purple and gold through the remainder of his playing days.

And, of course, there's also the chance that James retires this summer.

All signs throughout the season have pointed to James playing a 24th NBA season next year, but his recent declaration that he wouldn't want a retirement tour sparked renewed speculation.

James' legacy as a Laker is a complicated one, but that's another story for another time. He brought a championship back to LA in his second season, ending a decade-long drought for the second-most decorated franchise in NBA history. He was the superstar who wanted the pressure of playing in LA when several in the years before 2018 eschewed what was then perceived as a dysfunctional, rebuilding team that lacked direction (remember LaMarcus Aldridge?).

Though James will probably forever be associated with theCleveland Cavaliersfirst, his eight years as a Laker is his longest continuous stretch with any one team, surpassing the first seven years of his career in his home state (though he later rejoined the Cavs for four more seasons following his stint in Miami). He broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's all-time scoring record — and several others — wearing a gold jersey.

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But none of that matters right now. There's still more basketball to be played.

Both James and Austin Reaves had off nights offensively on Saturday; James contributed 19 points to go with eight assists and six rebounds, but was an inefficient 7-of-19 (36.8%) from the field and 2-of-6 from long range and was a -24 in his 37 minutes played. He and Reaves combined for eight total turnovers, half of the Lakers' total.

That's not to place the blame solely on the Lakers' two stars. Realistically, the Lakers were doomed from the momentLuka Doncic strained his hamstringon April 2 in Oklahoma City. It was James who turned back the clock and showed that he can still do incredible things on the court at 41 years old by leading LA to a first-round win over the Houston Rockets; don't forget his game-tying 3 in the final seconds to send one game to overtime, where they eventually gutted out a 112-108 win behind his 29 points, 13 rebounds and six assists.

In this round, however, the Lakers have simply run into a team that's just flat-out better than them.

They've done an admirable job limiting MVP finalist Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but Chet Holmgren has thrived. So has Ajay Mitchell, who has stepped into a bigger role while Jalen Williams has been sidelined with a hamstring strain of his own. Mitchell led OKC on Saturday with 24 points, 10 assists, four rebounds and three steals. Jared McCain and Cason Wallace have been sparkplugs off the bench all series. The Thunder are simply too talented and too deep across the board for the Lakers to compete with for all four quarters, especially without the NBA's leading scorer this season in Doncic.

"They're pretty damn good, from top to bottom," James told reporters. "They don't let their foot off the gas. ... They have a lot of bodies and they got a lot of guys who can do multiple things on the floor, so it helps to have that depth."

As for the possibility that Monday might be it?

"Nah, you don't really talk about that," James told reporters. "Just focus on the moment, and go from there."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:LeBron James contract status, future is uncertain with Lakers down 3-0

Tennessee, Alabama consider congressional redistricting in special sessions 04:41

Tennessee's Republican lawmakers on Thursday approved redrawing the state's congressional map to carve up the lone Democratic represented district, the latest state toscramble to redistrictas both parties seek control of the U.S. House in November.

Republican Gov. Bill Lee signed the bill Thursday afternoon. The General Assembly first on Thursday had to pass a measure to overturn its own ban on mid-decade redistricting.

The new map splits Memphis, a Black majority city, and the county that encompasses it, Shelby, into three districts, a move that would favor Republicans. Memphis and Shelby County are currently represented by Democratic Rep. Steve Cohen, who has said he will sue over the new map.

The Supreme Court has opined that redistricting, like the judicial system, should be color-blind. The decision indicated states can redistrict based off partisan politics. Today, Tennessee joins other red and blue states in redrawing their congressional maps.@ltgovmcnallypic.twitter.com/lOeBf5tGMF

— Speaker Cameron Sexton (@CSexton25)May 6, 2026

Nashville, which had been a Democratic stronghold until it was split up during the 2021 redistricting, remains divided between three districts, although the new map changes those boundaries. Before the map was redrawn this week, Democrats were targeting District 5, currently represented by GOP Rep. Andy Ogles, but that district now includes the affluent Nashville suburbs and runs into downtown Memphis.

Lee called the special session of the Tennessee legislature last week after theSupreme Court threw out Louisiana's congressional map. In the ruling, the Supreme Court narrowed Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which considered race in redrawing its House district lines.

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"These maps were drawn to maximize our partisan advantage," said Republican state Sen. John Stevens, who represents northwest Tennessee.

Democrats strenuously objected to the new map, and protesters against the measure filled the State Capitol on Thursday. Ahead of the Senate vote, protesters yelled: "Don't do this!" Democratic state Sen. London Lamar, who represents Memphis, warned Republicans, "You have awakened a sleeping giant today."

The measure first passed the Tennessee House during the rowdy session in which the audience was ejected. Democratic lawmakers then walked out when the measure passed.

Although some have warned that the newly redrawn congressional maps in other states won't necessarily result in the outcome that the party drawing the maps wants, University of Tennessee political science professor Anthony Nownes noted that Tennessee is a "deep red state," and Republicans have been targeting the Memphis district for a long time.

"I think it will have exactly the effect that they had planned." Nownes said.

The mid-decade redistricting war, which kicked off last summer whenPresident Trump pushed Texas Republicansto redraw their congressional map, gained renewed momentum last week after the Supreme Court ruling. California and Virginia have put forward Democratic-led ballot referendums that passed to net more seats, while Missouri and North Carolina Republicans have followed Texas' lead to redraw their map to get more seats.

After last week's Supreme Court decision,Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry delayedthe state's House primaries one day before early voting was set to begin in order to redraw the state's congressional map.Several othersouthern states, including Alabama and South Carolina, have also indicated they will undertake efforts to redraw their maps.

University of Tennessee political science professor Jordan Carr Peterson described the rapid-fire movement in Nashville as "kind of the sandbox we're playing in now."

"Democratic states are doing it. Republican states are doing it," Peterson said. "This is a function of when you have elected politicans draw district lines there, and where there are fewer and fewer legal guardrails on how those district lines are drawn."

The latest controversy surrounding theDetroit Pistonsdoesn't involve basketball, but whether or not local fans have been calling them "Stones." And it's tearing social media apart.

OK, not really – but it's still an interesting discussion.

Many Detroit basketball fans claim they have been hearing the "Stones" nickname for over 20 years. Other longtime fans say they have never heard it before. But if it indeed is a part of Pistons lore, how come so many fans say it's not a real nickname?

First, let's dive into the origin of this recent "controversy."

Evan Fox, a video producer for ESPN's "The Pat McAfee Show" and Detroit sports fan, has been claiming that Pistons fans "really call them [the Stones]" on various episodes of the show, most recently on a May 7 broadcast that featured NBA star Tyrese Haliburton and former NBA player Quentin Richardson.

Notably, neither Haliburton nor Richardson seemed to recognize the nickname.

Fox has been fanning the "Stones" flame on his X account throughout the NBA playoffs, and as the Pistons have improved to a 2-0 series lead against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, more people have started to argue whether "The Stones" is real or fake.

Our Pistons insider Omari Sankofa II weighed in, saying that while the nickname is "not super common," it has "been a thing for a long time."

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Many commentors on that post and others claim they had never heard the nickname, while others claim they have been hearing it for decades.

Jemele Hill, former Free Press sportswriter and current writer for "The Atlantic," believes the separation between those who have heard "The Stones" and those who haven't starts at the border of Detroit's city limits.

Hill was born and raised in Detroit and is a Michigan State graduate, while Fox, also a Michigan State graduate,is from Williamston.

The Pistons do not use "The Stones" in any official marketing, and much of the social media conversation around the nickname has been limited to the past couple of days. But one post from nearly 10 years ago from Pistons legend Rick Mahorn has resurfaced, with Mahorn casually referring to the Pistons as "Stones."

So while your exposure to "The Stones" may depend on where you live, it has certainly existed (at least in some parts of Metro Detroit) for a while now.

But what do you think? Vote in our poll below!

Need to catch up on the news during your lunch break?Sign up for our Sports Briefing newsletterto get daily summaries of Detroit sports!

You can reach Christian at cromo@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press:Is 'The Stones' a real nickname for the Detroit Pistons?

Over the last few days,Golden State Warriorsforward Draymond Green and 11-year NBA veteran Austin Rivers have been going at it on social media.

Rivers originally called out Green for thecommentshe made involving Warriors head coach Steve Kerr.

However, things escalated Thursday as Riverschallengedthe four-time champion to a 1-on-1 matchup, saying, "Why don’t you play me 1 on 1, Draymond? You can’t do handoffs in 1 on 1; you can’t set no pick and roll in 1 on 1."

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In 707 career games, Rivers averaged 8.5 points, 2.1 assists and two rebounds. Currently, Rivers is 33 years old but hasn't played in the NBA since the 2022-23 season, where he averaged 4.9 points for theMinnesota Timberwolves.

Now Rivers works with NBA Sports as a commentator.

While Green is unlikely to accept the challenge, given that he's still an active player, fans are still awaiting his response.

This article originally appeared on Warriors Wire:11-year NBA veteran challenges Draymond Green to 1-on-1

Amarillo Police Chief Thomas Hover sat down with various members of the media for a one-on-one discussion on Thursday, May 7, about the growing concerns regarding gun violence in Amarillo and the area.

Hover wasconfirmedas Chief of Police on Jan. 13 andsworn inon Feb. 6. He noted in a May 2 statement that in 2025, Amarillo had 16 homicides: "In 2026 there have been 10 homicides including the two from early this morning. ... This criminal behavior is unacceptable, and the Amarillo Police Department and our regional law enforcement partners are committed to the safety of our community."

Before he took office, New Year's Day brought the city's first homicide of the year, when a15-year-oldwas killed in a shooting early Jan. 1. Two months later, Hoverspoke at a news conferenceMarch 22 following an outbreak of deadly violence in the Amarillo area, detailing how three separate shooting incidents quickly unfolded that morning and led to the deaths of six victims and one gunman, as well as multiple injuries. In April, police said a womanwho was not the intended targetwas shot and killed in her home while she was sleeping.

Then early on Saturday morning, May 2, violence broke out around 2 a.m., when two people were asked to leave a party and then followed the gathering to another location at Westminster Apartments. The two gunmen followed the party, then tried to enter and ended upshooting 12 people, two of which diedfrom the incident.

Regarding the incident on early Saturday, May 2, Hover said, “We still have some people of interest that we’re interviewing and speaking with about the violent attack. While no formal charges have been made, we’re still working through the investigation.”

New focus on gang activity, parents knowing where kids are

Hover said that the Amarillo Police Department is focusing on parents knowing and understanding where their kids are and what they are doing online. Other topics were: What friends do they have? Where are they going at night? and Are there changes in their behavior?

As far as changes in behavior, the police chief offered these key questions for parents to ask:

• Do kids have more extra money that they didn’t have?

• Do they have an extra phone that you don’t know where it came from?

Hover wants parents to not be afraid to ask questions like, What are you doing? Who are you hanging out with?

“I think sometime that gets lost. Some of the small things can be the most advantageous force,” he said. “The other thing is our weapons and guns.”

Hover said to not leave any weapons in cars, especially unintended in a vehicle, because that leads to an opportunity for someone to access that gun.

“If guns are in your homes, there are plenty of biometric safes that are out there than can provide quick access to the weapon when you need it but also keep it safe,” he said.

Gang members intelligence unit now full-time job

“We already have documented over 400 gangs in Amarillo,” Hover said. “Coming from a town that was a similar size but had more gangs, my concern is that we haven’t been focused on gangs 100% of the time.”

“We have folks involved … doing gang intelligence, but it wasn’t full time," he added. "The creation of the gang unit is to do just that, to have officers that are involved with that along with a sergeant to spend 100% of their time focused on that.”

Hover emphasized that it wouldn’t be just investigative, but also in recognizing who is associated with the gangs.

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"The educational part on the back end would be — as we continue to get into a groove — maybe six months to a year from now on to go into schools, talking to school members and also talking to our parents at public forums, to help people understand what they’re looking at, so they can begin to recognize some of the signs of involvement,” he said.

Hover said they need to do a better job of preventing these type of events from happening, having a more proactive approach and letting people know that their kids are involved in a gang.

Hover said part of the Gang Unit's responsibility is going to be going around and knocking on doors, talking to parents and letting them know their son or daughter is involved in a gang, and that they are aware of their kids being connected to some of the folks involved and that parents should be concerned.

“It’s a more holistic approach overall, but also an educational piece to let the parents know,” he explained.

How does APD get ahead of the issue?

Hover said the disruption part involved seeing things that are going on, who members are talking to, rumors that are happening, knocking on doors before things happen and having a more proactive approach.

The police chief also wants kids to start to understand when a situation is not going to end well and to get out of there, hopefully letting authorities know the situation is spiraling quickly, as they do.

What about curfews or filing on parents for children’s actions?

As of Sept. 1, 2023, Texas law (HB 1819) prohibits cities and counties from enforcing juvenile curfew ordinances, making most local curfew laws for minors under 19 invalid. There is no statewide curfew, and municipalities cannot enforce general nighttime or daytime curfews, except during officially declared emergencies.

As far as taking legal action against parents, that is more of a court-related action or legislative act that police can’t tackle, Hover said.

Fighting technology that turns handguns or rifles into semi-automatic weapons

During several of the shooting incidents this year, people could hear the rapid fire of bullets, including the May 2 incident. Police said rifle-style weapons have been used — which Hover said can happen using certain devices readily available.

“A lot of these devices that can alter a weapon into a semi-automatic firing machine can be found online," according to Hover. “You can easily do a search online on TikTok or Instagram, and videos are out there. All they have to do is break open the AR-15 and drop in one plastic piece over the trigger housing, and it becomes a fully automatic weapon, obviously illegal at the federal and state level."

There are also Glock switches where someone can put a piece of plastic or metal on the back and it affects the trigger to make it a fully automatic piece, Hover said.

The police chief said that in Irving, they had some proactive approaches and worked with the ATF and made some big arrests. But as soon as one dealer is shut down, another appears, and many are from overseas.

In addition to the late night party scenes getting violent, they are still working on Polk Street issues in particular, and whether it’s in a bar or party, it always involves drugs or alcohol, which is also a continuing problem.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News:Amarillo Police Chief outlines steps to address gun violence

Florida is forecast to have a warmer-than-usual summer, which is saying something. Floridians and tourists are already gearing up for long days on the Sunshine State's famous beaches and some backyard tanning, which brings up a frequent question: Do women have to keep their tops on?

It depends on where you expose yourself and what your intentions are.

What are Florida laws about public nudity?

Florida law is pretty direct: It bans "exposing or exhibiting" "sexual organs" in public or on someone else's private property in a "vulgar or indecent manner." You are also prohibited from being vulgar or indecent exposure naked in public, which generally means an accidental flash is no big deal, but lewd or sexual activity is forbidden.

The law does exempt nudity for nursing mothers and simple nakedness in a place "provided or set apart for that purpose," which covers locker rooms, changing rooms, doctors' offices, and also designated nude beaches and private resorts. Florida law also does not mention how trans men, trans women, or trans nonbinary people would be characterized under the statute.

Violations are a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. Second and later violations are third-degree felonies, punishable by up to five years in jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000.

Can I be topless or nude in my backyard in Florida?

If you are not committing lewd or "vulgar" acts and you cannot readily be seen by neighbors or the public, yes.

The same goes for skinny-dipping in your pool or walking around naked in your home in front of windows.

However, if people can easily see you, you could face public exposure charges. Worse, if you are found to be exposing yourself where children can easily see you, you could be charged withcommitting lewd and lascivious conduct, a first-degree felony if the naked person is 18 or older and a third-degree felony if they are under 18.

Is it legal to skinny-dip in Florida?

Is it legal to breastfeed in public in Florida?

Yes. The Florida anti-nudity statute specifically exempts mothers breastfeeding their babies.

What does your bathing suit have to cover in Florida?

Florida law doesn't specify, but many local ordinances do. Daytona Beach ordinances, for example, go intoprecise detailabout how much breast by surface area must be covered and exactly where buttocks start. Checkyour local rulesby searching for "public nudity" or "exposure."

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Can I go to a nude beach in Florida?

You are permitted to strip down if you are at a location established for it, and out of the view of the unsuspecting public.

There isno restriction on nudity in the National Parks Service, and nudists and naturalists have taken advantage of that by establishing well-labeled nude beaches at several parks. Florida also boasts nude beaches at two county-owned parks, and an unofficial nude island on the west coast.

• Apollo Beach, Beach No. 5 at Canaveral National Seashore Park on the New Smyrna Beach end.

• Playalinda Beach, Canaveral National Seashore Park, coming from the Titusville end (nudity only permitted in the Volusia County portion, north of Lot 13).

• Blind Creek Beach, a clothing-optional beach between Pierce and Stuart that is sanctioned and operated by St. Lucie County.

• Haulover Beach, a designated quarter-mile section of Haulover Park near Hollywood and Miami, operated by Miami-Dade County.

• Passage Key, also called "Naked Island," a sandbar just north of Anna Maria at the mouth of Tampa Bay. The island itself is a designated bird sanctuary, and stepping on the beach itself is prohibited.

However, note that if your activity causes problems with other park goers, the NPS will step in to resolve the issue, and sexual or lewd activity at the other beaches will bring the law.

Are there any nude resorts in Florida?

There are several nudist and naturalist resorts in the Sunshine State, with some established many decades ago. They include:

• Cypress Cove, family-friendly clothing-optional resort in Kissimmee since 1964

• Paradise Lakes, adult-only resort in Lutz, Pasco County, the self-proclaimed "nudist capital of the US"

• Calinete Club & Resorts, adult-only resort in Land O'Lakes

• Island House Key West, gay, bisexual and trans men resort in Key West

• Sunsport Gardens, family-friendly resort near West Palm Beach

• Suwannee Valley Resort, adults-only resort in North Florida on the Suwannee River

• Rooftop Resort, adults-only nudist hotel in Hollywood

Check each one for rules and availability. Andwear sunscreen.

Is it legal to go topless while protesting topless laws?

Apparently, although you may wish to consult local ordinances and an attorney before heading out. Public nudity remains illegal, but there have been localized rulings on specific topless protests.

In 2004, Elizabeth Book of Ormond Beach was arrested for exposing her chest on the Main Street Bridge during Bike Week under Daytona Beach's anti-nudity ordinance, according to Daytona Beach News-Journal archives. Book, a self-avowed top-free activist, was protesting what she called the unconstitutional inequality of women being forced to cover their breasts while men are not.

A judge later threw out the charges on the grounds that she was exercising her constitutionally protected free speech rights under the First Amendment.

She was arrested again for the same reason the next year, andthat case was dismissed as well.However, Book'sattempt to sue the cityover what she called false arrestsultimately failed.

Daytona Beach ordinancesnow acknowledge nudity in constitutionally protected communication, demonstration, or performance when it is necessary for a genuine message or public expression, provided it is not a guise or pretense utilized to exploit nudity for profit or commercial gain."

C. A. Bridges is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida's service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter,Florida TODAY.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal:Florida's nudity laws on beaches, tanning. What's legal in your yard

Since May isNational Burger Month, we wanted to join in the celebration.

South Jersey has plenty of options for a good old hamburger for your tasting pleasure.

From Burlington County down to Cumberland County, there are some spots you might want to try. Here are seven of those places:

Blue Monkey Tavern, Merchantville

Blue Monkey Tavern is an iconic neighborhood restaurant and bar, which is known for its craft beer, craft cocktails and vivacious atmosphere.

The tavern is nestled in the heart of Merchantville, a small borough of approximately 3,820 people located in Camden County.

It's located in the historic Collins House. The building has been a theater, lumberyard, ice cream parlor, Freemasons lounge and restaurant.

There are televisions for watching sports, and there's a mahogany bar as well, which adds to the ambiance.

Blue Monkey Tavern’s burgers and mussels are popular items.

Some of the burger choices sound heavenly: Blue Monkey burger (a house blend of short rib brisket and chuck, topped with portabella mushrooms, caramelized onions and blue cheese), Centre smash burger, G.O.A.T Burger, Au Poivre Burger (a house blend of short rib, brisket and chucker burger beef) and chipotle black bean burger. Or you can build your own burger.

There's also cheesesteaks, flatbread, tacos, salads, chicken sandwiches and more on the menu.

Go:2 S. Centre St.; 856-661-8008;bluemonkeytavern.com.

Burger Barr, Sewell

Beef burgers, Impossible burgers, chicken burgers, grilled cheese, truffle fries, onion strings, mac and cheese bites, and handmade milkshakes are on the menu here.

Burger Barr opened in August of 2018 and is known for some of its limited-time offerings.

Last June, for example, they had a special Southwest Black Bean Burger, which was a chuck burger and smashed black bean patty on Texas toast with habanero cheddar, lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado and bacon, plus their house-made chipotle ranch.

In addition to offering a variety of cheese types, it’s the same with the bun types. Offerings include: Texas toast, brioche, pretzel, golden wheat yogurt, gluten-free white, seed or seedless white.

Go: #13, 508 Hurffville - Cross Keys Road; 856-218-5830;burgerbarr.com.

B-UNOS, Willingboro, Mount Holly, Florence

Customers have an option for a Willingboro location now.

B-UNOS shut down the flagship location in Burlington City location and moved that a few miles over to Willingboro at the Willingboro Town Center.

B-UNOS burgers, birria tacos, tacos and burritos are all crowd pleasers.

Known for its Mexican street food and breakfast classics, B-UNOS is also popular because of its burgers.

There’s the Mack Daddy, which is a crowd favorite, owners say. It includes twin patties, sesame seeded bun, shrettuce (shredded lettuce), cheddar cheese, pickles and B-UNOS Mack Daddy sauce. It’ll make you jump, jump.

The Seafood Drippin’ Monsta — crab cake, blackened shrimp, Provolone, mango aioli and hand-smashed patty on brioche — is an eye-opener.

The website calls the Lowrider burger their “most wanted." That has twin hand-smashed patties, cheddar and pepperjack cheese, bacon, spicy barbecue and fried jalapenos topped with crispy onion rings on brioche.

Go: 4 Mill St., Mount Holly; 609 -261-1500; 2043 Route130 South, Florence; 609 -447-0349; 4376 US-130, Willingboro; 609-386-0060;bunosbbb.com.

Cousin’s Burger, Cinnaminson

Some would call it gas station food because it is, well, located inside the market at the Pilot Travel Center and gas station.

Their food is made-to-order. They have a classic smashburger (single), double and even a triple, which features three beef patties, melted cheese and caramelized onions on a soft bun.

Cousin’s Burger features wings and milkshakes and cheesesteaks as well as fried chicken sandwiches. There are also classic chicken-loaded fries and beef-loaded cheese fries.

The Cousin’s Burger website calls it the fastest-growing burger restaurant in Philadelphia.

In addition to the Cinnaminson location, there are currently four locations in Pennsylvania (two of those in Philadelphia) and one in Newark, Delaware.

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Go: 2601 US-130; 856-543-4234;cousinsburger.com.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburger, Burlington Township, Cinnaminson

This retro-themed, fast-casual restaurant has more than 550 locations across the country, including two in South Jersey.

The Burlington Township location opened in March 2024, while the Cinnaminson location opened in December 2024.

Steakburgers are made-to-order with premium beef. They come in varieties such as the original double with cheese, mustard, onion and pickles, and the prime rib with two steakburger patties, prime rib, melted Swiss cheese, grilled onions, sauteed portobello mushrooms and garlic aioli.

They're all embellished with a house seasoning and hand-smashed.

The restaurant also offers chicken sandwiches and hot dogs, and the custard menu offers sundaes, shakes, cones and more. The shakes are another go-to for many customers.

Go: 2325 Mount Holly Road, Burlington Township; 1107 Route 130, Cinnaminson;freddys.com.

Gouldsburger’s, Haddonfield, Medford, Bordentown, Sicklerville, Marlton

Founded by Walter Gouldsbury, a trained chef and attorney, and chef David Murray, the brand has grown quite a bit over the last few years and offers franchising now, which has sped up its growth.

Gouldsburger’s opened its flagship location in Haddonfield in 2023 and has developed quite a reputation for its burgers and cheesesteaks.

There are also South Jersey locations in Sicklerville, Marlton, Medford and Bordentown, and one is soon to open in Glassboro.

Their smokehouse burger includes house made onion rings, cheddar, barbecue sauce and applewood smoked bacon. The Pocketful of Sunshine comes with roasted tomatoes, avocado and a sunny-side up egg.

They also offer vegan options and have crispy chicken sandwiches and strips, hot dogs, truffle fries, waffle fries, cheesesteak fries, loaded fries, fried pickles and onion rings. Some locations have slaw and mac and cheese on the menu as well.

Go:109 Kings Highway East, Haddonfield; 609-301-5293; 2 S. Main St., Medford; 609-257-4342; 1 1/2 Crosswicks St., Bordentown; 973-864-3210; 685 Berlin-Cross Keys Road, Sicklerville; 27 N. Maple Ave., Marlton; 856-405-7719;gouldsburgers.com.

Outlaw’s Burger Barn & Creamery, Vineland

A top location for gourmet smashburgers in the state, the family-owned Outlaw’s Burger Barn & Creamery also offers cheesesteaks, fried chicken sandwiches and homemade ice cream as well.

Some of the burger options include: Shroomin, The Works, Smoke house, farm fresh, bacon jam smash, avocado ranch, sweet onion smash, bacon butter and more.

Chicken wings and milkshakes are popular go-to items for customers.

A kids’ menu and outdoor seating are also options at this Cumberland County mainstay.

The restaurant was born in 2016. Owner Ryan Briggs said he wanted to create a place for families to gather “over fresh, local food and leave feeling part of the Outlaw’s family.”

It started as a small mom-and-pop shop, the website says, but grew into a hometown favorite, which sponsors local programs and is an important part of the Vineland community.

The menu offers fresh, local ingredients and the spot is also known for its gourmet ice cream cakes.

Go: 1370 S. Main Road; 856-691-5438;outlawsburgerbarn.com.

The Raging Bull, Pennsauken

This smashburger and cheesesteak spot, which also offers hand-spun milkshakes, opened in 2025 in Pennsauken where Royal Indian Cuisine once was.

Owner Eric Adili grew up in the restaurant business, working with his late father at Palombo’s in Cinnaminson and later at The Fat Tomato in Berlin, a press release from the company has stated.

Adili took over The Fat Tomato in 2018 when his father retired because of an illness. His father died a few years later.

Some of the “notable menu items” on The Raging Bull menu include: Buffalo cheesesteak with brined and shaved chicken, The Raging Bull cheesesteak with Cooper Sharp Whiz, Chipotle mayo and roasted long hots, and The Oklahoma smash burger, with smashed thin sliced Vidalia onions, Bully burger sauce and yellow Cooper sharp American.

Other burger choices include The Classic, which has yellow Cooper sharp American, mustard, diced onion and dill pickles, and The Deluxe, which has Bibb lettuce, tomato, bacon, Bully burger sauce, dill pickles, yellow Cooper sharp American.

“Our goal is simple: Use the highest quality ingredients, prepare everything fresh, and never cut corners,” Adili said in the release.

Go:6007 Mansion Blvd.; 856-324-0725;theragingbullnj.com.

Celeste E. Whittaker joined the Courier-Post in 1998. The South Jersey native has covered the Philadelphia 76ers, college and high school sports in her tenure and now covers food, dining, events, arts and culture and more for the Courier Post, Burlington County Times and Daily Journal. She has won numerous writing awards for her work.Please consider a digital subscription to help support our journalism.

This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post:Some of the best burgers in South Jersey may be found at these spots