Free Republic

San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano is reportedly facing a lifetime ban from baseball for violating MLB's gambling policy, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan and Jared Diamond and Lindsey Adler of the Wall Street Journal. Per the WSJ's report, "Marcano, 24 years old, has been accused of betting on games involving the Pittsburgh Pirates last season while he was on the injured list for that team." Four other players are also reportedly facing punishments for betting on games at the minor league level, according to Diamond and Adler.

Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) said Wednesday on MSNBC’s “Andrea Mitchell Reports” that he would consider a 2024 presidential run during an interview from NBC’s “Meet the Press” that will air Sunday. Anchor Kristen Welker said, “Let’s talk about your future, because obviously you are facing a big decision. Can you take us inside your thinking right now? Are you seriously contemplating a run for the White House?” Manchin said, “Here’s is what i’m seriously contemplating. I’ve said this clearly, people say, are you going to run? I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure, and immobilize the...

This morning, a high-ranking Chick-Fil-A employee leaked the news to a small group of bloggers that the restaurant will soon open seven days a week. (Silent scream!) Historically, the famed Southern chicken chain has adamantly refused to open on Sundays, citing a conflict with its Christian values, but widespread customer demand, impending expansion plans, and a still-flagging economy have caused executives to reconsider that policy. “Our customers have been asking for this for a long time, and we just can’t say no any longer,” the source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, explained. The expanded hours will apply to each...

Friday, July 1, 2005 10:09 a.m. EDT Billy Graham: I Didn't Endorse Hillary Clinton The Rev. Billy Graham said Friday that he didn't intend to endorse Hillary Clinton for president when he told her husband at a massive New York City revival meeting last weekend that she should "run the country." His son Franklin Graham, who heads the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, tells the Charlotte Observer: Story Continues Below "For a long time, my father has refrained from endorsing political candidates and he certainly did not intend for his comments to be an endorsement for Senator Hillary Clinton." "My father,...