Josh Heupel has either the most difficult job of any head coach in the country taking over a new team or the easiest. Maybe it’s both. Hired to replace Scott Frost at Central Florida, Heupel takes over a team that went unbeaten last season and declared itself the national champion. Most of the playmakers return from one of the best offenses in the country, including gifted quarterback McKenzie Milton. Sure, it’s great to inherit a loaded roster, but anything less than another American Athletic Conference championship might not be enough to satisfy Knights fans this year. Frost, who went home to coach Nebraska after two seasons in Orlando, will be tough to follow in every way. “My job is to continue to develop those relationships and continuity,” Heupel said. Also working against Heupel and UCF is the five-year history of the AAC: The preseason favorite has not been able to close the deal with a title. Last year, USF was much-hyped, but UCF rose up and won the … [Read more...] about AAC preview: Heupel takes over talented UCF team with great expectations
Plainfield Teacher Who Gave Student ‘ADD Award’ No Longer at School
A Plainfield teacher who gave a boy who is diagnosed with ADHD a so-called “award” for getting distracted often has left the school, according to school officials. The boy’s mom, Tera Cooper, spoke with NBC Connecticut in June and said she was confused why the teacher at Plainfield Central School would think it’s funny to give something like this to her 13-year-old son, Derek. The certificate was titled “#ADDAward” and reads “Most likely to be distracted by … look something shiny!” It has a zombie being held up by a balloon and a little gold ribbon that says “good work.” “He had tears in his eyes. He’s embarrassed because he had to accept it in front of his entire class,” Cooper said at the time. Top News Photos: Vermont's Hallquist Becomes First Transgender Nominee for Governor Charles Krupa/AP While she never met the teacher, Cooper said the school and the teacher knew about Derek’s … [Read more...] about Plainfield Teacher Who Gave Student ‘ADD Award’ No Longer at School
Shelter Pups Get Celebrity Treatment at Vanderpump Dogs
Reality TV star Lisa Vanderpump is well-known on the ”Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" for two things: an affinity to all things pink and a soft spot for animals. Her love for her four-legged companions prompted Vanderpump and her husband Ken Todd to open a dog rescue center in Los Angeles last year. Updates: Download the NBCLA App The Vanderpump Dog Rescue Center is a non-profit organization that serves as a rescue and an adoption facility for neglected, abused or mistreated dogs and puppies. The center is one of hundreds nationwide teaming up with NBC and Telemundo stations across the country for the fourth annual Clear the Shelters event on August 18. The pet adoption initiative helps pets in need find loving homes. Click Here or Email Your Photos to [email protected] "Don't buy, don't shop, but adopt," said Vanderpump, adding that these dogs will "enhance your life, they will enrich your life and they will hopefully get all the love they deserve." The center has … [Read more...] about Shelter Pups Get Celebrity Treatment at Vanderpump Dogs
Fake weed seen as a public health danger
A decade after first appearing in the United States, fake weed is seen as a growing health danger. Some marijuana smokers turned to it because it is relatively cheap and not detected in routine drug testing. Dozens of people in New Haven, Connecticut, went to the hospital this week after overdosing on a batch of synthetic marijuana. A look at the issue: WHAT IS IT? While states have moved to legalize traditional marijuana, fake pot has become a public health threat. Synthetic marijuana is a mind-altering drug made by taking plant material and spraying it with chemicals that can mimic the high from marijuana. It is sold under names like K2, AK47, Spice, Kush, Kronic, and Scooby Snax. The chemicals also can also be mixed into a liquid and vaped, and even mixed into tea or food. The substances can produce some similar effects to traditional marijuana including relaxation, elevated mood and altered perception. WHAT’S IN FAKE WEED? Authorities have detected scores of chemicals in … [Read more...] about Fake weed seen as a public health danger
‘I know he’s frustrated’: GOP megadonor on staggering losing streak
Elections Richard Uihlein, one of the top donors of 2018, has dropped tens of millions of dollars only to watch most of his picks go down. WAUKESHA, Wis. — Conservative megadonor Richard Uihlein needed a win, and Kevin Nicholson was his guy. After watching his other recent political investments crash spectacularly — Roy Moore in Alabama, and a Republican challenger who lost a primary challenge to Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner — Uihlein plowed $8 million in recent months into Nicholson’s bid for Senate in Wisconsin, for an astounding $11 million in all. Story Continued Below Nicholson lost by nearly 6 percentage points in Tuesday’s Republican primary. It was the latest in a string of costly defeats for Uihlein, who stormed on the scene this year to become one of the most prolific GOP donors of the 2018 election cycle. Now the reclusive packing supply magnate is second-guessing strategists giving him political advice on big-money races, according to people … [Read more...] about ‘I know he’s frustrated’: GOP megadonor on staggering losing streak
College football preview: Michigan-Notre Dame leads off games to watch in 2018
Remember last year, when everyone was eyeing the season-opening Alabama-Florida State game as one of the most anticipated matchups? The third-ranked Seminoles lost that game and several more, barely finishing with a winning record. Even late in the season, a huge showdown between two top teams might not mean as much in hindsight. Consider the Iron Bowl between No. 1 Alabama and No. 6 Auburn. The Crimson Tide lost but still went on to win the national title. So predicting the most important games of the regular season is a tricky proposition, but with that caveat out of the way, there are several matchups that already stand out when looking through this year’s schedule. Here are a few of those games to watch in 2018: Michigan at Notre Dame (Sept. 1) Jim Harbaugh is 28-11 since taking over the Wolverines. That’s a clear improvement from where Michigan was, but a bit underwhelming considering the hype and expectations that accompanied Harbaugh’s arrival. Specifically, … [Read more...] about College football preview: Michigan-Notre Dame leads off games to watch in 2018
LIFE: Stan Lee gets 3-year restraining order against ex-adviser
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Stan Lee’s restraining order against a former business manager has been extended for three years. A Los Angeles Superior Court judge approved the move Friday, ordering Keya Morgan to stay away from the Marvel Comics mogul and his family. The order makes permanent a previous temporary restraining order Lee’s lawyers had received. It’s another step toward restoring stability for the 95-year-old Lee, who has been the subject of a power struggle involving his daughter, Morgan, and others who sought roles in his life and business. Lee’s lawyer Jonathan Freund says Lee’s family is pleased he can move forward without being bothered or harassed, and that his previously deteriorating health is improving. Morgan’s attorney, Alex Kessel, says Morgan has never done anything harmful to Lee, and never will. … [Read more...] about LIFE: Stan Lee gets 3-year restraining order against ex-adviser
Manafort judge alludes to ‘threats’ in not releasing jurors’ names
The federal judge overseeing the Paul Manafort fraud trial signaled Friday afternoon a reluctance to publicly identify the jurors, saying they were “scared” and “afraid” and adding, “I’m not going to reveal any threats.” “I had no idea this case would incite this emotion,” U.S. District Court Judge T.S. Ellis III said in an open court hearing, responding to a motion from seven news organizations, including POLITICO, seeking access to sealed materials related to the trial.Story Continued Below Ellis said he didn’t “feel right” releasing the names of the 12-person jury that has been deliberating since Thursday morning in Manafort’s trial on charges of bank and tax fraud. The three-week case in Alexandria, Virginia, against the former Trump campaign chairman is special counsel Robert Mueller’s first to reach trial, and it has drawn dozens of reporters from U.S. and international outlets each day to cover … [Read more...] about Manafort judge alludes to ‘threats’ in not releasing jurors’ names
Severe Thunderstorm Watch For Parts of Connecticut
A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for most of Connecticut on Friday afternoon. The watch remains in effect through 11 p.m. for Litchfield, Fairfield, Hartford, New Haven, Middlesex and Tolland counties. The stormy weather will come in two different waves. The first wave of thunderstorms will arrive in Connecticut this afternoon between 2 and 7 p.m. A second round of storms could move into the state late tonight and early Saturday morning. It appears the second round of storms tonight will be more widespread and could be more significant. What Kind of Dog Best Fits Your Lifestyle? The main threat with the afternoon storms will be strong gusty winds, frequent lightning, and heavy rain. Get the latest from NBC Connecticut anywhere, anytime Download the App Available for IOS and Android Follow NBC Connecticut on Twitter … [Read more...] about Severe Thunderstorm Watch For Parts of Connecticut
Lee campaign beefs up staff
Prominent fundraiser, former Boyd press secretary join team authors Staff Reports The campaign team behind Bill Lee’s push to be Tennessee’s next governor has grown by four of late, the new additions including a longtime Republican fundraiser, an unsuccessful challenger of Beth Harwell’s state House seat and the former press secretary for Randy Boyd’s gubernatorial campaign.Lee’s campaign on Friday announced the hiring of:• Laine Arnold, Boyd’s former spokeswoman, as press secretary. Arnold also has been communications director for Battle Ground Academy. Arnold (pictured) takes over the press secretary role from Chris Burger, a former consultant to David Fox’s mayoral campaign who also is Lee’s director of operations. • Julie Hannah, a former chair of the Williamson County Republican Party, who is returning to the campaign as special projects and grassroots coordinator.• Fundraiser Kim Kaegi, who has three decades of … [Read more...] about Lee campaign beefs up staff