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[h=4]The Short List: Brady suspended; Arctic drilling; Zimmerman shooting[/h]Out of the loop today? We've got what you missed.
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Out of the loop today? We've got what you missed.(Photo: Lucy Nicholson, Reuters)
It's a tough day to be a Pats fan
Cheating isn't black and white and Tom Brady's actions were more light gray than dark. But that didn't stop the NFL from suspending the New England Patriots quarterback for the first four games of the 2015 season as part of sweeping punishment against the organization for its actions in the so-called Deflategate scandal. Brady was suspended "for conduct detrimental to the integrity of the NFL" after a 243-page report released last week indicated he was likely aware that two low-level team employees deflated balls to give the team an advantage in the playoffs (deflated balls are easier to grip in bad weather). The league also fined the Patriots $1 million and docked them two draft picks — a first-rounder in 2016 and a fourth-rounder in 2017. See current and former NFL players' reactions here. For The Win's Chris Chase says that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell "couldn't afford the perception of going soft on Brady. To ignore Brady's cheating — which affected the outcome of one of the three biggest football games of the year — would have meant giving off the appearance of an NFL star system." Brady is virtually certain to appeal. In the meantime, here are five things to know about backup QB Jimmy Garoppolo.
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With Tom Brady suspended, New England Patriots fans get the 2014 second-round pick for four weeks.
We're one step closer to drilling in the Arctic
That's one point for big oil. The Obama administration approved a plan today for Shell Gulf of Mexico to drill six wells off the coast of Alaska. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's approval of the permit doesn't mean Shell can start drilling right away, but it does get the company one step closer to its goal. Shell still has to get permits from three other federal agencies and Alaska to drill each well. What Shell says: Spokesman Curtis Smith said the approval "is an important milestone and signals the confidence regulators have in our plan." What the Interior Department says: The plan "would not cause any significant impacts" to human populations, the environment, historical places or endangered species. What environmental groups say: It's deplorable. "Issuing this first permit is a slippery slope that could lead to environmental catastrophe for birds, other wildlife and people," Audubon President David Yarnold said.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's approval of the drilling plan is just one step to allow drilling.<span style="color: Red;">*</span>(Photo: Daniella Beccaria, AP)
George Zimmerman can't stop making headlines
Really? Again? George Zimmerman, who won a controversial acquittal in the 2012 shooting death of Trayvon Martin, has had another brush with the law. This time the incident was a shooting in an Orlando suburb. There aren't a lot of details, but we do know that Zimmerman was shot at while driving and a bullet missed his head. The shooting appeared to involve a man with whom Zimmerman had a previous road rage encounter, police said. Zimmerman has had several brushes with the law since he was acquitted in July 2013. In January he was accused of assault by a girlfriend, but she recanted and no charges were filed. In September 2013, his estranged wife, Shellie, called 911 claiming he had punched her father and threatened her with a gun. She didn't press charges. Two months later, Zimmerman was arrested and accused of domestic violence by girlfriend Samantha Scheibe. Scheibe dropped the charges. Something tells us this isn't his last headline.
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The man who called 911 to report he was involved in a shooting with George Zimmerman appears to be the same person involved in a road rage incident with the former neighborhood watch volunteer last year. (May 11) AP
Tsarnaev 'genuinely sorry for what he did,' activist nun tells jurors
She's a nun, and she's an expert on remorse. Sister Helen Prejean says she believes Dzhokhar Tsarnaev is really sorry for what he did, and his lawyers hope that resonates with the jurors weighing his fate. Tsarnaev, 21, was convicted last month in the Boston Marathon bomb attack that killed three people and left more than 260 wounded. Prejean is a well-known anti-death penalty activist whose story came to fame with the 1995 film Dead Man Walking. Tsarnaev's defense team rested its case after her testimony in the penalty phase of his trial. (The prosecution rested around lunchtime.) Prejean said she had met with him five times since early March and that he "kind of lowered his eyes" when he spoke about the victims. His "face registered" what he was saying. She interpreted his remorseful sentiment "as absolutely sincere," she said. Victims of the attacks who were sitting in the gallery didn't seem to buy it. Several were seen shaking their heads and looking around, Tsarnaev's lawyers are hoping he gets life in prison; he is eligible for a death sentence.
Dzhokhar Tsarnaev has been convicted in the Boston Marathon bombing.<span style="color: Red;">*</span>(Photo: FBI via AP)
'American Idol' gets eliminated
The show's 15th season starting in January will be its last one. Singing competition American Idol, which gave us superstar talents such as Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Jessica Simpson has finally been voted off after seeing its ratings sag in recent years. (We stopped watching after Phillip Phillips won with that song that's still stuck in our head.) It's been quite a run: Idol contestants have sold more than 130 million track downloads, released 20 platinum albums and won 13 Grammy Awards. Shows that have followed in its wake, such as The Voice or The X Factor, haven't come close to matching that. And let's not forget the judges — Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson were the originals, followed by a revolving door of big names. Sometimes the judges were even better entertainment than the roster of contestants. If you're an Idol lover and are wondering what to do next, read this. And take a minute to revisit the top-selling singles from Idol acts.
Bonus: Starbucks is now selling a 'Mini Frappuccino' so you don't have to feel so guilty
Sometimes smaller is better. And cheaper and cuter and healthier. Starbucks is now selling a petite version of its much-loved frap. The "Mini Frappuccino" can be yours today through July 6. The new size is just 10 ounces, compared with 12 ounces for the "tall." Starbucks says the mini (cuter) should cost about 20 to 30 cents less than a small (cheaper) and have 120 calories and 24 grams of sugar (healthier). Starbucks isn't the only chain trying to tempt people with smaller serving sizes. Sonic offers ice cream shakes in a "mini" size and recently ran a limited-time offer for mini hot dogs and mini fried chicken sandwiches. Coke has also been playing up its mini cans, which are 7.5 ounces, compared with 12 ounces for a regular can.
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Starbucks (SBUX) says it will start selling a ‘Mini Frappuccino’ starting Monday through July 6. The new size is just 10 ounces, compared with 12 ounces for the company's ‘tall’ or small size. The Street
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Extra Bites:
But can Chris Evans do this? Swipe through more great shots from the Day in Pictures.
A Prairie dog wearing a costume of US superhero comic character Captain America stands with pet food on its head during the Pet Expo Thailand 2015 press conference in Bangkok on May 11, 2015.<span style="color: Red;">*</span>(Photo: Rungroj Yongrit, European Pressphoto Agency)
Love Olive Garden's breadsticks? Read on, because you should know the chain is unveiling new breadstick sandwiches.
In a move to keep its most iconic car fresh, Ford introduced two new packages for its Mustang. Just order up the California Special or the Pony Pack.
Downton Abbey may be ending, but you could live on in Lady Violet Crawley's estate. The one we've seen the Dowager Countess take tea in countless times is reportedly being put up for sale. Asking price: $6.1 million.
Who wants a $9 computer? We do.
What else is on our reading list:
Tea Party sets sights on White House
Report: Defense Department paid NFL teams millions to salute the military
Sheryl Sandberg on how to express sympathy
We all need a little distraction at some point during the day (what else are smartphones for?), so add DISTRACTME on the YO app. It'll be fun, we promise.
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This is a compilation of stories from across USA TODAY.
Contributing: John Bacon, Bill Keveney, Brian Mansfield, USA TODAY; G. Jeffrey MacDonald, Special for USA TODAY; Tom Pelissero, Chris Chase, Greg Presto, Nick Schwartz, Nate Scott, USA TODAY Sports; Associated Press
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