By JAKE BLEIBERG (Associated Press)

An Oklahoma judge has thrown out a lawsuit seeking reparations for the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, dashing an effort to obtain some measure of legal justice by survivors of the deadly racist rampage.

Judge Caroline Wall on Friday dismissed with prejudice the lawsuit trying to force the city and others to make recompense for the destruction of the once-thriving Black district known as Greenwood.

The order comes in a case by three survivors of the attack, who are all now over 100 years old and sued in 2020 with the hope of seeing what their attorney called “justice in their lifetime.”

Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum said in a statement that the city has yet to receive the full court order. “The city remains committed to finding the graves of 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre victims, fostering economic investment in the Greenwood District, educating future generations about the worst event in our community’s history, and building a city where every person has an equal opportunity for a great life,” he said.

A lawyer for the survivors — Lessie Benningfield Randle, Viola Fletcher and Hughes Van Ellis — did not say Sunday whether they plan to appeal. But a group supporting the lawsuit suggested they are likely to challenge Wall’s decision.

“Judge Wall effectively condemned the three living Tulsa Race Massacre Survivors to languish — genuinely to death — on Oklahoma’s appellate docket,” the group, Justice for Greenwood, said in a statement. “There is no semblance of justice or access to justice here.”

Wall, a Tulsa County District Court judge, wrote in a brief order that she was tossing the case based on arguments from the city, regional chamber of commerce and other state and local government agencies. She had ruled against the defendants’ motions to dismiss and allowed the case to proceed last year.

Local judicial elections in Oklahoma are technically nonpartisan, but Wall has described herself as a “Constitutional Conservative” in past campaign questionnaires.

The lawsuit was brought under Oklahoma’s public nuisance law, saying the actions of the white mob that killed hundreds of Black residents and destroyed what had been the nation’s most prosperous Black business district continue to affect the city today.

It contended that Tulsa’s long history of racial division and tension stemmed from the massacre, during which an angry white mob descended on a 35-block area, looting, killing and burning it to the ground. Beyond those killed, thousands more were left homeless and living in a hastily constructed internment camp.

The city and insurance companies never compensated victims for their losses, and the massacre ultimately resulted in racial and economic disparities that still exist today, the lawsuit argued. It sought a detailed accounting of the property and wealth lost or stolen in the massacre, the construction of a hospital in north Tulsa and the creation of a victims compensation fund, among other things.

A Chamber of Commerce attorney previously said that the massacre was horrible, but the nuisance it caused was not ongoing.

Fletcher, who is 109 and the oldest living survivor, released a memoir last week about the life she lived in the shadow of the massacre. It will become widely available for purchase in August.

In 2019, Oklahoma’s attorney general used the public nuisance law to force opioid drug maker Johnson & Johnson to pay the state $465 million in damages. The Oklahoma Supreme Court overturned that decision two years later.

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This story has been updated to reflect that Fletcher’s memoir has already been published, rather than being published next month, and will become widely available for purchase in August.

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Bleiberg reported from Dallas and Associated Press staff writer Michael Biesecker contributed reporting from Washington.

By TYLER MASON (Associated Press)

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Baltimore Orioles activated infielder Ryan Mountcastle from the 10-day injured list on Sunday.

Mountcastle last played on June 8 but has since been sidelined with vertigo. The 26-year-old Mountcastle was batting .227 with 11 home runs and 39 RBI before landing on the IL.

“I’m happy to see him today. He looks great,” said Orioles manager Brandon Hyde.

To make room for Mountcastle on the roster, Baltimore optioned left-hander Bruce Zimmermann to Triple-A Norfolk.

Mountcastle batted .244 through April but struggled at the plate before his time on the IL. He hit just .158 (9 for 57) in his 15 games before his IL stint.

Hyde added Mountcastle’s rehab at Norfolk was set to end soon, so the team opted to reinstate him Sunday despite the All-Star break beginning Monday. He was originally placed on the injured list on June 13 after experiencing vertigo symptoms.

“It’s not easy, for sure. I felt terrible for him. The whole team did,” Hyde said. “He was down in Norfolk for a while trying to get back into the swing of things for a little bit. He’s feeling better. He feels great today. That was a tough time.”

Mountcastle was not in the starting lineup for Sunday’s series finale at Minnesota.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Indiana Jones’ reign atop the box office was short-lived. In its second weekend in theaters, the Disney release was usurped by another franchise fifth – “ Insidious: The Red Door.” The horror film starring and directed by Patrick Wilson scared up $32.7 million in ticket sales from 3,188 theaters, according to studio estimates on Sunday.

It did better than the last installment, “Insidious: The Last Key,” from 2018 and is the most any PG-13 horror movie has earned in its debut in the past two years.

“Insidious 5” was not well reviewed — but modestly budgeted scary movies are often critic-proof when it comes to the box office. This Blumhouse-produced franchise starring Wilson and Rose Byrne began in 2011 under the direction of James Wan and has been responsible for over $570 million in global box office returns — and none of the films have cost more than $16 million to produce. Only the first movie received a “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes; The “Insidious” films more often garner sub 40% scores.

“The horror genre seems to have a never-ending allure for audiences,” said Paul Dergarabedian, the senior media analyst for Comscore. “Horror movies are profitable and they’re popular. Audiences love them and the accountants love them, too.”

It was shrewd of Sony to release “Insidious” on the weekend between two Hollywood tentpoles, in this case “ Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny ” and “ Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part I,” which opens on Wednesday. But it was still a surprise that it was able to take No. 1 from something as well-known as “Indiana Jones.”

“It was a perfect release date,” Dergarabedian said. “This adds more complexity to the dynamics of the marketplace.”

“Indiana Jones 5” took second place in its second weekend with $26.5 million in North America (down 56% from its opening), bringing its domestic total to $121.2 million. Globally it’s earned an estimated $247.9 million.

Indy had some other competition too, in “Sound of Freedom,” a child trafficking drama starring Jim Caveziel, that opened on July 4 and nearly boasted similar ticket sales for the day. “Sound of Freedom” was made and distributed by Angel Studios, a faith-based, crowdfunded operation, and managed to come in third place this weekend with an estimated $18.2 million from 2,850 theaters.

Brandon Purdie, head of theatrical distribution at Angel Studios, said in a statement that the numbers exceeded expectations and attributed its success to word of mouth.

“We’re deeply grateful to AMC, Cinemark, Regal, and all our theater partners — and their hard-working theater staff members — for working with us to accommodate the surging demand for this film and having the courage to release ‘Sound of Freedom’ during the busiest movie season of the year,” Purdie said.

Part of Angel Studios operation involved the ability to buy “pay it forward” tickets on behalf of others. On opening day, the studio estimated that $11.6 million came from direct box office and $2.7 million through the pay it forward option. The film has been popular among right-wing pundits too and has appeared on QAnon message boards.

“ Joy Ride ” also made its theatrical debut this weekend in 2,820 locations and earned an underwhelming $5.9 million to take sixth place behind “Elemental” and “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.” The R-rated comedy directed and co-written by Adele Lim follows four friends on an international trip, played by Ashley Park, Sherry Cola, Stephanie Hsu and Sabrina Wu.

The modestly budgeted Lionsgate release got rave reviews out of the South by Southwest Film Festival and maintains a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, but it didn’t motivate big crowds this weekend. Those that did go (58% women, 72% over age 25, according to PostTrak) gave it a B- CinemaScore, suggesting the movie did not meet expectations, which can sometimes be because of how the film was marketed. The hope is that word-of-mouth might help “Joy Ride” in the coming weeks.

“Joy Ride” is one of several raunchy, adult comedies in theaters this summer, including the Jennifer Lawrence movie “No Hard Feelings,” which earned $5.3 million in its third weekend, bringing its domestic total to $40.3 million.

In more limited release, “The Lesson,” a literary chamber thriller starring Richard E. Grant and Daryl McCormack, opened to $157,752 from 268 screens.

With the summer movie season at its midway point, there is concern about the overall box office, which is about on par with where it was at the same point in 2022.

“By now, we thought we’d be well ahead of last year,” Dergarabedian said. “But (movies like ‘Insidious’ and ‘Sound of Freedom) add more revenue to the bottom line that a lot of people didn’t expect. Sometimes surprises come along and that’s great for theaters.”

He added: “But we need the next few weeks to really overperform.”

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore. Final domestic figures will be released Monday.

1. “Insidious: The Red Door,” $32.7 million.

2. “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,” $26.5 million.

3. “Sound of Freedom,” $18.2 million.

4. “Elemental,” $9.6 million.

5.“ Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” $8 million.

6. “Joy Ride,” $5.9 million.

7. “No Hard Feelings,” $5.3 million.

8. “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,” $5 million.

9. “The Little Mermaid,” $3.5 million.

10. “Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken,” $2.8 million.

The National Weather Service at Wakefield issued a watch for severe thunderstorms and possible floods for a large area that includes northeast North Carolina, southeast Virginia and south central Virginia.

The severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 8 p.m., and the flood watch is in effect until midnight.

“For the Hampton Roads area, it’s likely after two or three o’clock that storms will start to move in,” said Cody Poché, National Weather Service meteorologist.

Storms are moving quickly from west to east across central Virginia this afternoon, Poché said.

Scattered thunderstorms are expected across the watch area, with one to two inches of rainfall and higher amounts in areas with multiple thunderstorms. The flood risk is exacerbated in areas that have received heavy rain over the past few days.

Isolated hail and scattered wind gusts up to 70 miles per hour are also possible.

Cianna Morales, 757-957-1304, [email protected]

It’s been about a century since one of the City of Brotherly Love’s most delicious icons first pleased palates.

Philadelphia brothers Pat and Harry Oliveri thickly sliced steak and grilled it on a griddle; onions received the same treatment on the same flattop.

Once sizzling hot, the frazzled meat and soft onions were scooped up by spatula and tucked inside a proper hoagie roll. It became the Philly Cheesesteak, although cheese wasn’t added to the original until some time later. And, as they say, the rest is history.

In Chesapeake, there’s a sandwich that is worth a bite that is inspired by the world-famous cheesesteak, the Beer Cheese Filet Mignon Philly at Tap It Local.

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The Eat: Beer cheese filet mignon Philly, $15

I love a good Philly cheesesteak, and the messier the better.

Pile my hoagie high with meat, cheese, and onions and let it drip down my arm as I attack it bite-by-bite, I say. Inasmuch, In true Philadelphia fashion, I am definitely Team Cheez Whiz over sliced provolone.

At Tap It Local, located in Chesapeake’s Grassfield and also in downtown Norfolk, the Beer Cheese Filet Mignon Philly fits the bill.

Here house-shaved tenderloin steak is grilled with onions and then stuffed in a hoagie roll before being enrobed in a generous amount of scratch-made craft beer cheese.

The attention to details makes this one delish dish. The thin, quality meat is grilled perfectly. It’s tender and juicy, and is complimented with the onions, also tender and full of umami.

Pulling everything together is the addictive cheese sauce. The housemade beer cheese was creamy and rich, wonderfully savory with just the right tanginess. It was a messy sandwich, just like I like. Fries come alongside.

My partner Doug and I started the meal with the Crab and Shrimp Dip, a decadent mix of local crab, shrimp, and cream cheese. A crock is filled with a generous serving, which comes out bubbling hot, with tortilla chips on the side for dipping.

Simply seasoned, the Crab and Shrimp Dip allows the flavor of the seafood to shine through. The abundance of cheese makes it easy to spread. A note: because of the richness, it’s easily shareable with another person or two.

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The Drink: Nansemond Brewing Station Myrtle’s Diary Red Ale

Tap It Local is known for its extensive offerings of craft beers, many of them local. That’s the case with the Nansemond Brewing Station’s Myrtle’s Diary Red Ale.

From the Suffolk brewery comes a classic red ale, sometimes called an Irish ale, with a respectable 5.1 alcohol by volume (ABV) percentage.

A style of pale ale, the Myrtle’s Diary Red Ale is refreshing with a pleasant bitterness. It went great with the cheesesteak.

Tap It Local is at 648 Grassfield Parkway., Chesapeake. Call 757-698-4025 or visit www.TapItLocalCraftBeer.com.

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A la carte

Look for two upcoming wine tastings at Cork & Bull Raw Bar and Chophouse.

On July 13 at 4 p.m., a tasting of six Keenan Winery vintages from Napa Valley is offered at $55.

On July 23 at 4 p.m., six wines from Australia are sampled, priced at $35.

Well-noted sommelier Charlie Rizzo also serves as wine director for the restaurant. Folks can join the eatery’s wine society free at www.MMWineSociety.com.

Cork & Bull is at 600 Belaire Ave., Chesapeake. Call 757-277-9095 or visit www.CorkAndBullChophouse.com.

Vegan Cooking Class with Lisbet Chiriboga takes place at Unity Renaissance Spiritual Life Center, offering tips on healthy, plant-based eating. On July 20, Cooking with Jackfruit takes place at 6 p.m. The hands-on workshop lets folks through preparing jackfruit tacos while getting tips on healthy plant-based eating. Registration is required, and the class costs $40.

Unity Renaissance Spiritual Life Center is at 1120 N. Eden Way, Chesapeake. Call 757-420-5280 or visit www.UnityRenaissance.org.

Patrick Evans-Hylton, [email protected] 

Zachary Zeller is a car guy. Plain and simple. When he’s not running National Car Care, the business he owns, on Diamond Springs Road, he’s repairing his cars, racing them on weekends, and adding to his ever-growing personal collection of distinctive vehicles.

Recently, Zeller added a 1929 Ford Model A to his collection. He had never considered acquiring a Ford Model A. It wasn’t on his list of preferred automobiles. When he came across an old Model A sedan that had been reconfigured into a makeshift pickup truck by an Edenton farmer, Zeller had to add the rusty, patina-covered vehicle to his wide-ranging stockpile of eccentric automotive treasures.

“I’m a car guy so I’ll buy anything that tickles my interest,” said Zeller. “I had zero intention of ever buying a Model A in my life. I saw it online and thought – that’s cool.”

Zeller spotted the Model A in a Facebook Marketplace listing. Zeller’s wife was busy and he was “unsupervised” so he drove down to Edenton, North Carolina, to check it out.

“It was not a barn find. It belonged to an 80-year-old gentleman who could no longer get out of the house,” said Zeller. “His brother who was 75 listed it for sale.”

When the old farmer’s younger brother started the Model A, Zeller was almost sold. Zeller started to leave.

“He asked me if I wanted to go for a ride. He drove me around the block,” said Zeller. “I gave him the money. I didn’t know how I was going to get it home. I didn’t even have my trailer. I just had to have it.”

When Ford Motor Company introduced the new Ford model A in December of 1927, the coordinated advertising campaign promoted the new Ford as a “world of difference” in styling, engineering, and operation from the previous Model T. The Model A came in 40 colors and 50 body styles from sporty roadsters to stylish sedans – and trucks.

By the spring of 1928, the automobile purchasing public had placed more than 800,000 orders for the new Ford offering. By the time production ended in late 1931, more than 5,000,000 Model A’s had been built.

In 1929, a Model A Ford Roadster sold for $450. A Model A Fordor sold for $625. A Ford Model A Closed Cab Pickup cost $475 – new. Zeller paid considerably more for his antique treasure.

“I paid $4,500 for it. It was a bargain,” said Zeller. “I’d probably sell it for $6,500. I don’t want to sell it.”

Zack Zeller’s Ford Model A was among the 5,000,000 that rolled off the Ford Motor Company’s assembly line. More than 500,000 antique Model A’s are known to still exist in the hands of collectors and automobile restorers. Hundreds more vintage Model A’s may be stashed away and forgotten in farmers’ barns.

“It puts the biggest smile on my face. It’s sketchy. It’s kind of balky, but it makes me so happy,” said Zeller. “When you go about 40 mph, it’s really sketchy. Hopefully, that can be fixed. It’s not meant to be an everyday road-driven vehicle.”

Over the last ten decades, the original drive train in Zeller’s Model A has remained intact, but the body itself has been “customized” into an open cab style pickup for use on the farm. It now features a 12-volt electrical system with an alternator, an updated electrical conversion.

Zeller’s acquisition proved to be a mixed bag. It was mechanically sound but visually in rustic shape. Although he plans to make his Ford safe to drive, Zeller has “absolutely” no intention in restoring the vehicle cosmetically.

“The motor was rebuilt a year ago. Mechanically, you don’t even have to pump the gas. The car starts. It starts better than my modern car,” bragged Zeller. “The rough shape absolutely adds to the appeal. When they had doors and everything, they looked so small. The restored Model A’s look cool when they are done, but this car has character. Everything I have has character.”

The original electrical system was a 6-volt system with a generator and starter. It had a single-point distributor, coil, ammeter, and wiring. It has the original three-speed, sliding gear transmission with a standard H-pattern. The transmission case is cast iron. It still has the 4-cylinder, 200.5 cubic inch L-head engine that produced a dazzling 40 horsepower with a centrifugal impeller water pump attached to the front of the cylinder head. It has a 10-gallon fuel tank.

“Electrically, it has been converted to 12-volt system. It has an alternator and an electric kill switch. Other than that, it has the original engine which has just been rebuilt,” noted Zeller. “It has the original engine, transmission, wheels – everything. Except the seat. It looks like it came from a school bus.”

Aesthetically speaking, Zeller’s Model A is in rough shape. The car’s doors, door pillars, and roof have long since vanished. It came with a vintage 1931 North Carolina license plate. The faded, weather-worn paint and patches of rust on the fenders only add charm – personality – to the time-worn auto. Zeller’s Ford wears her plethora of scars as well-deserved badges of honor.

“It’s a farm truck style vehicle. It originally had a body and doors. It was just cut-up to make into a truck,” said Zeller. “It has spent the last 25 years on a farm in North Carolina.”

While Zeller resists – vehemently – any notion of returning his Model A to her former youthful beauty, he has definite plans to make his “new” acquisition safe and roadworthy. For Zeller, whose business specializes in inspections and associated repairs, automobile safety has always been a primary concern – professionally and personally. He plans to tighten up the steering and improve the brakes.

“The brakes are stock. They’re not the best. They work,” said Zeller. “I want to make it safe to drive. I’ll replace the kingpins. It has a weird steering box. It’s a different style from anything I’ve ever seen before.”

Zeller recognizes the challenge that working on and maintaining antique autos presents. While his years of experience with modern car repair is extensive, he knows he still has a lot to learn about vintage vehicles.

“I’m going have to learn about maintenance. It works really good now, but I know that you have to work on these old cars a lot more. I’m not used to that,” said Zeller. “I have to learn more about it. Every car is different. That Model A Ford is more like a generator than a car.”

Today, the Ford Model A ranks as one of the most popular collector cars in the world. More than 500,000 Model A’s still exist. Zeller ranks his significantly modified 1929 Model A Ford as the worst and one the best cars he’s ever owned.

“For speed, it’s the worst car I’ve ever owned. For just sheer enjoyment and sharing with people, it’s one of the best cars I’ve ever owned,” Zeller said. “I had no way to justify buying it. You only live once. That’s the way I looked at it.”

Too often, we only think of upgrades as extravagant options, such as remodeling the kitchen or building an addition. In reality, you can dramatically enhance your home without spending much money at all. For example, adding string lights to your patio decor can quickly and easily transform your outdoor living space into something magical.

Learning how to make significant changes without disrupting your backyard budget is as much of an art as it is a skill. Making the right choices starts with knowing what options are available. Here is a list of simple patio upgrades that cost less than $100.

Why upgrade your patio?

Your patio is a versatile extension of your living space. It can serve many purposes and increase your home’s curb appeal and value. It can also help you love where you live. Here are a few reasons why you should upgrade your patio.

Encourages outdoor activities

Jenga Giant

Upgrading your patio makes it a more desirable place to be. If you like being there, you will find more reasons to go there. This could be all the incentive you need to tidy up your yard, start that garden or begin a new activity, such as croquet or Jenga Giant.

Available at Amazon

Spending time outside is beneficial to your overall health

Spending more time in the sunlight has numerous benefits. These positives can range from bolstering your immune system and reducing stress to helping you achieve a better night’s sleep and increasing your life span. 

Gives you a place to entertain family and friends

Even if you have a small home, you can entertain large numbers of family and friends simply by moving the festivities outdoors. Upgrading your patio gives you a comfortable location to enjoy the people you cherish.

Serves as a second kitchen

Especially in the summer, cooking indoors can be uncomfortable. It can also raise your cooling bills. Adding an affordable charcoal grill (or an expensive gas grill, if you prefer) can give your home a second kitchen. 

Offers a change of scenery

When many people first started working from home, the experience was freeing: No more commuting, many could set their hours and you never had to get out of your pajamas/sleepwear. However, spending too much time in the same environment can feel a little confining. Taking occasional breaks on the patio can give you the change of scenery you need to reenergize.

Patio upgrades for less than $100 

Char-Broil American Gourmet Offset Smoker

This combination offset smoker has multiple dampers to control the heat and smoke so you can cook low and slow like the pros. It offers 290 square inches of main cooking surface and an additional 140 square inches of cooking surface in the firebox. The side shelf gives you a perfect spot to store utensils and condiments.

Available at Amazon

Emsco Granite Resin Garden Bench

Add a touch of style to your patio with this striking bench. The durable resin construction looks like granite and holds up in all types of weather. For added stability, you can fill the large base with sand. It is 16 inches high by 34 inches long.

Available at Amazon

PHI VILLA Modern Slatted Steel Patio Single-Seat Garden Bench

If you prefer a single-seat bench with backing and armrests, this slatted option may be more to your liking. It features an iron frame with a waterproof, anti-corrosive coating, and it is easy to assemble and clean. The arched feet add stability. 

Available at Amazon

Hampton Bay Warm White Landscape Path Lights (10-Pack)

This 10-pack of solar lights can illuminate your patio and walkways with an elegant style. The solar-powered stakes require no wiring, turn on automatically and offer eight hours of performance when fully charged. The crackle glass lens creates intriguing light patterns.

Available at Amazon

Hampton Bay Quadripod 26-inch Round Fire Pit

A fire pit adds warmth and elegance to your outdoor living space. Hampton Bay’s 26-inch model has an antique bronze finish and comes with a poker and a mesh cover to help protect you and your patio from sparks. The deep bowl construction lets you build a larger fire.

Available at Amazon

Outdoor Essentials Raised Cedar Garden Bed Planter

Cedar is naturally resistant to insects and rot. This rustic planter is 28 inches by 20 inches and is raised 27.5 inches off the ground. The planter can be assembled in minutes with just a cordless drill and Phillips head bit. The purchase includes a plastic liner that helps keep the soil moist.

Available at Amazon

Theater Solutions Outdoor Granite Rock 2-Speaker Set

If you want to add a little music to your patio, you need a pair of outdoor speakers. These weatherproof, camouflaged rock speakers blend in seamlessly with your backyard environment and feature a 20-degree angle in the design, making them ideal for installation at ground level. 

Available at Amazon

Woodstock Chimes Musical Wind Chimes

Not all wind chimes are the same. This set, for instance, is tuned to the opening notes of “Amazing Grace.” The husband and wife team that creates these musical wonders has been doing so for over 30 years.

Available at Amazon

Brightown Outdoor String Lights Patio Lights

One of the quickest and easiest ways to transform your patio into a magical wonderland is to add a string of lights. These dimmable, energy-saving lights come 100 on a string that features a rugged design so you can light up your outdoor living space all year round.

Available at Amazon

Alpine Corporation 4-Tier Step Tabletop Fountain with Rustic Bowls

This four-tier rock fountain makes a great accent piece for a patio table or a garden. The soothing flow creates a meditative space that can help you reduce stress and relax.

Available at Amazon

Raindrip Automatic Watering Kit for Container and Hanging Baskets

A drip irrigation system isn’t an upgrade you’ll see, but it will make your life easier. This kit from Raindrip is completely customizable, allowing you to water your potted and hanging plants with zero effort. The included timer lets you add the perfect amount of water each week so your plants can thrive.

Available at Amazon

Perky-Pet Red Daisy Vase Decorative Glass Hummingbird Feeder

To lure hummingbirds to your lawn, you need a feeder. This gorgeous rose-colored vase adds a dazzling flair to your backyard space. It is easy to install and maintain, and it can hold up to 24 ounces of nectar.

Available at Amazon

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A committee in the U.S. Senate is currently working on a bill that would include a change to airport rules that could seriously impact flights in and out or local and regional airports. The change being proposed is to increase the number of flights in and out of Reagan National Airport.

Since 1986, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) has managed Reagan National Airport (DCA) and Dulles International Airport (IAD) as a single system with the two airports having complementary roles. When Congress created MWAA, it mandated that Reagan National have a limited number of flights or “slots” and a perimeter (1,250 miles) beyond which flights could not fly. This was intended to maintain a stable level of activity at the smaller and geographically limited Reagan National, ensure access for smaller east coast communities, and allow Dulles to grow into a long-haul, international hub. Today, that vision has successfully been realized with both Reagan National and Dulles thriving in their respective roles.

Unfortunately, some members of Congress are pushing to change a little-known but hugely influential airport rule that could seriously impact flights, including flights at Norfolk International Airport (ORF). The proposed changes would alter rules which ensure convenient and safe flights into Reagan National, and potentially reduce service to local and regional airports such as ours that play a critical role connecting tourists and business travelers.

Given the impact this could have on Hamptons Roads, the Hampton Roads Chamber has joined the Coalition to Protect Regional Airports, a new nationwide organization dedicated to safeguarding flight options for airports and air travelers. Regionally, business leaders have reinforced this position with outreach to members of Congress.

The existing perimeter statute protects air service to smaller regional airports and communities within the perimeter. DCA cannot add more flight slots to its operations because it is already operating at maximum capacity. Therefore, in order to add slots for out-of-perimeter airports, DCA would likely take slots from existing airports, including Norfolk International Airport.

Many of our local businesses rely on this direct linkage to markets such as Washington, D.C., to create economic flows of tourism and professional traffic. Beyond the jobs that regional airports create — gate agents, rental car services, retail and restaurant workers, air traffic controllers — they also support economic development in the region. Changes to this law could threaten these operations with no consideration for the thousands of jobs being put at risk in regional economies just like ours across this country.

These proposed changes come as airports grapple with a record travel year and historic shortage of air traffic controllers. Congress should be focused on dealing with these challenges, not altering well-designed rules that will only further increase crowding and safety concerns, upset service to smaller communities, and have a potential ripple effect that will be felt throughout the regional airport economy.

The Hampton Roads Chamber joins the Norfolk Airport Authority and every international, national, regional and executive airport in Virginia; the Virginia State Chamber of Commerce, Virginia Hispanic Chamber and dozens of other regional and local chambers of commerce; the Virginia Restaurant and Tourism Association; and other industry organizations from around the country as part of the Coalition to Protect Regional Airports and urge Congress to keep the DCA perimeter and slot rules in place.

The Hampton Roads Chamber and our associated public and private sector community partners, join the Norfolk Airport Authority in urging Congress to reject this proposal and to focus on passing a long-term FAA reauthorization bill that will not expand DCA’s slots or flight perimeter, will honor the MWAA’s leadership and experienced authority, and will not interfere with the operational success of DCA, IAD, ORF, or America’s other regional airports.

Gretchen Heal is vice president of governmental affairs for the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce.

A flag football tournament with four players per team on the field at once is coming to McReynolds Athletic Complex in York County on July 15-16.

Former Menchville High, Penn State and NFL defensive back David Macklin says 4-on-4 play gets young players more repetitions in less time. He has become the president of “Glory Days 4 on 4,” the tournament organizer.

Macklin noted that Glory Days’ last tournament, on Memorial Day weekend in Roswell, New Mexico, had 104 teams.

Teams consist of seven players apiece except for the adult coed bracket, where teams can have eight. There are divisions for 8-, 10-, 12- and 15-and-under, high school, 18-and-over women’s and 18-and-over men’s as well as coed teams. Teams need to register by noon Monday at glorydays4on4.org.

Bethea to speak at MEAC event: Newport News native Antoine Bethea, a Denbigh High and Howard University graduate whose 14-year NFL career included a Super Bowl championship with the Indianapolis Colts, will be the keynote speaker at the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference’s Men’s Empowerment Breakfast.

It will be held at 9 a.m. on July 21 at the Hilton Norfolk the Main hotel, and tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.com. MEAC football’s media day will follow at noon.

Bethea came up from the FCS ranks to reach three Pro Bowls. In 2015, he was inducted into the MEAC Hall of Fame.

Baseball champs: Little Creek National, located in Norfolk, held a Pitch, Hit & Run competition last weekend for youths.

Landon Nohe (8-and-under), Christopher Saillant (10U), Austin Gupton (12U) and David Farmer (14U) earned top honors in baseball.

In softball, the champs were Sofia Urbina (8U), Presley Santana (10U), Katelyn Vesey (12U) and Valerie Miranda (14U).

All eight of them will advance to Nationals Park in Washington for regional competition in August. The victors at Nats Park will gain trips to compete in conjunction with the World Series.

‘Big3’ connections: “Big3” basketball, which often is carried from major arenas on CBS (WTKR) and CBS Sports Network and features three-on-three competition among relatively well-known players, has a few with local connections.

The Aliens are coached by Hampton University great and former Detroit Pistons “Bad Boy” Rick Mahorn, and their team includes former Virginia and Vanderbilt player Derrick Byars.

The Power team is coached by Old Dominion legend Nancy Lieberman. Her son, former Richmond Spiders forward TJ Cline, and former UVA forward Akil Mitchell are on her squad.

Ex-VCU center Larry Sanders is on the Triplets.

Field hockey clinic: “Pain and Gain Sports” will conduct a field hockey clinic featuring accomplished players from Argentina from July 17-19 in Virginia Beach.

According to Richard Magnano, the camp staff will include three-time Olympic women’s goalie Belén Succi, women’s Olympian Florencia Habif, former Argentine men’s team captain German Orozco and Ivana Dell’Era, a standout female player who now is on the men’s coaching staff for Portugal.

Pain and Gain Sports, located on Princess Anne Road in Virginia Beach and with a phone number of 757-756-0206, is a store devoted to field hockey. Information on the camp is at painandgainsports.com.

Tennis events: About 20 players connected with Hampton Roads are in the field for the Mid-Atlantic Open Clay Court Championships, a $30,000 tournament whose qualifying brackets start Sunday at Salisbury Country Club in Midlothian.

Cape Henry Racquet Club co-owner Darryl Cummings, whose coaching career includes stints with Old Dominion, Norfolk State and Virginia Wesleyan, is one of the tournament’s organizers. He also has lined up Canadian pro Vasek Pospisil for hitting sessions Tuesday at Cape Henry and Thursday at Salisbury, both at 10 a.m.

Pospisil, 33, has been ranked as high as No. 4 in the world in doubles and No. 25 in singles. He won the 2014 Wimbledon men’s doubles title with Jack Sock and reached the ’15 Wimbledon singles quarterfinals.

Contact Cummings at 747-641-6146 or his son, Clark, at 737-352-8014 to register for the sessions.

The Norfolk relief corps turned in clutch work Saturday night as the Tides edged Durham 4-3 at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.

Norfolk relievers gave up just two hits and a run in six innings as the Tides took a 3-2 lead in a six-game series in North Carolina. The set will conclude with Sunday’s 5:05 p.m. game before the teams head to the All-Star break. The Tides’ Grayson Rodriguez (4-0, 2.11 ERA), the reigning International League Pitcher of the Week, is scheduled to start against left-hander Jacob Lopez (3-2, 1.19).

Kyle Dowdy (7-2) gained the triumph with 2 2/3 hitless innings out of the bullpen. Darwinzon Hernandez, Wandisson Charles and Logan Gillaspie mostly shut down Durham in the final 3 1/3 innings.

The Bulls drew 10 walks but had just four hits, stranding 13 runners.

The Tides (55-29, 7-3 in the International League’s second half) continued to cope well after the recent call-ups to Baltimore of Colton Cowser and Jordan Westburg, two of the men so important in their winning the first-half championship, and the visit of Keston Hjerstad to Saturday’s All-Star Futures Game in Seattle. Kjerstad was 1 for 2 with a single in the American League team’s 5-0 loss to the National League.

In the top of the second inning, the Tides’ Joey Ortiz scored as Daz Cameron was credited with a single on a short fly ball.Durham (45-41, 5-6) went ahead 2-1 in the bottom of the second on Greg Jones’ two-run homer to left-center off starter Ryan Watson, who lasted three innings.

Connor Norby’s single to center drove home Ryan McKenna for a 2-2 tie in the third, and the Tides moved ahead to stay in the sixth inning on unusual fashion.

With runners on second and third and two out, Lewin Diaz swung for strike three against reliever Jalen Beeks. But the ball got away from catcher Blake Hunt for a wild pitch, allowing Ortiz to score and Diaz to reach first base. Ramón Rodriguez then singled to center, bringing home Cameron for a 4-2 lead.

In the eighth, the Bulls’ Vidal Brujan singled home Ruben Cardenas with two out, but Charles caught Curtis Mead looking at a third strike to halt the threat.

In the ninth, Gillaspie walked two batters with two out but gained a save by retiring Cardenas on a fielder’s-choice grounder to third.