Month: June 2023

Summer is here and with it comes a whole lot of National Park vacations. Meaning you’ll be hiking, climbing, camping, and running — and then jumping in as many bodies of water as possible to cool off from all the activity. While I love a long hike or a scenic drive, there’s just nothing quite like relaxing in cold water surrounded by some of the United States’ most beautiful backdrops. And you might be surprised at how many of the major park sites that are otherwise landlocked have epic swim spots.

But with so many options, which should you prioritize this summer? That’s where I come in. I’ve visited nearly every major National Park in the United States over the past four years, and have jumped in as many swimming holes, lakes, rivers, and streams as humanly possible during my travels. So today, I’ve picked my favorites and ranked them.

METHODOLOGY:

When ranking the swimming spots, I considered several things.

1. That the water wasn’t from an ocean. While many National Parks are on islands and the coast, those are obvious. I wanted the lesser-known and more unexpected. And while lakes are not generally considered a “swimming hole,” I feel like a swimming spot is a nice in-between — so those are the ones I ranked.
2. I thought about what you’d be surrounded by while soaking. Is the background a 10,000+ ft mountain or a simple prairie? Is the landscape surreal or fairly easy to find in other places?
3. Is the spot accessible to the majority of people? While backpacking into an alpine lake to jump in (and freeze) is invigoration (and looks cool on the gram) it’s not the undertaking most of us want when we’re looking for some summer swimming.
4. I considered the crowds. While the swim spots aren’t generally the most crowded parts of many National Parks, getting into the parks that have the best ones can be.
5. Finally, are there other cool things to do nearby? Hikes to work up a sweat before your dip? Drinks to be procured or spots to sit and watch the sunset? Those spots ranked higher for me.

Let’s dive — figuratively and then literally — in!

THE RANKING:

13 – VOYAGEURS – RAINY LAKE – MINNESOTA

This lesser-visited park in Northern Minnesota is a “water-based” park, with many locations in the park only accessible by watercraft in the summer. With more than a third of the park underwater, it is a great place to take a dip when the water warms up in the summer months.

A nice choice is Rainy Lake, where you can canoe, kayak, fish, and even houseboat in designated or undesignated sites on the water. Then when the midwestern humidity starts to get to you, just jump in the lake.

BEST FOR: A POST-FISHING DIP

12 – NEW RIVER GORGE — GLADE CREEK TRAIL — WEST VIRGINIA

New River Gorge is the United States’ newest park designated as a “National Park” — number 63! And with reportedly over 2/3 of the population of the United States living within a days drive, it is the perfect option for a quick weekend getaway for most Americans.

I’ve visited a couple of times and I’m excited to get back and find some swimming holes and waterfalls while enjoying a part of the country that isn’t often thought about when considering a National Park vacation. A popular swimming hole is located on the Glade Creek Trail, a 5.6-mile (one-way) moderate hike that follows an abandoned narrow gauge railroad trail along Glade Creek. Work up a sweat before getting in the refreshing water at the falls.

Plan your trip to New River Gorge here.

BEST FOR: EAST COAST WEEKEND WARRIORS

11 – GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS — GREENBRIER SWIMMING HOLE— NORTH CAROLINA / TENNESSEE

Did you know that of the 63 major US National Parks, last year one park had nearly three times the amount of visitors as the second most visited? It’s true. Despite the parks being more popular than ever, there is still one park with visitation that always tops the list: Great Smoky Mountains. In 2022 nearly 13 million people ventured to the lush southern landscape, with Grand Canyon coming in second with just 4.7 million visitors.

I’ve visited in winter and summer and thoroughly enjoyed both. And while there are several areas of water, one spot comes up much more than others: the Greenbrier swimming hole. It’s located near Gatlinburg (one of the gateway cities to the Smokies) and easily accessible from Route 321. The swimming hole is on the Little Pigeon River, and deep enough for a relaxing swim day.

Make a camping reservation for Great Smoky Mountains National Park here.

BEST FOR: FAMILY TRAVELERS

10 – INDIANA DUNES – WEST BEACH – INDIANA

Indiana Dunes is one of the newest parks to receive the designation of simply “National Park” and is still a mystery to many travelers outside of the Midwest. On the banks of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes is home to several beautiful beaches. While all beaches within the 15-mile stretch have water and restrooms, West Beach also has lifeguards and showers during the summer months.

Pro-Tip: Get there very early on weekends to secure parking, or opt for a weekday soak.

BEST FOR: CITY KIDS ON A DAY TRIP

9 – YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK – FIREHOLE CANYON SWIMMING AREA – WYOMING

I was surprised when I first saw a swimming area in Yellowstone National Park. I mean, basically, all signage everywhere in the park is committed to telling visitors to stay on the trails and paths and never step anywhere near the otherworldly hydrothermal features. But Yellowstone is a huge park, with many different areas, and one that is perfect for swimming.

Firehole Canyon Swimming Area is generally closed until mid-summer to swimmers in the Firehole River due to high water and strong currents. But if you time your visit right – and get a parking spot – you’re in for a unique and refreshing experience.

Make a camping reservation for Yellowstone National Park here.

BEST FOR: BUCKET LIST TRAVELERS

8 – OLYMPIC — LAKE CRESCENT— WASHINGTON STATE

The Olympic Peninsula is by far one of the most beautiful and diverse places I have ever visited. Olympic National Park boasts mountain ranges, rainforests, hot springs, waterfalls, beaches, and lakes — truly an outdoors person’s paradise. Not to mention it’s just a short drive from Seattle.

I’ve visited primarily during the rainy springtime and could only sit on the lakeshores imagining what my day might be like in another season. Swimming surrounded by rolling mountains and lush forests whose colors look too emerald green to be real. When I make my way back on a sunny summer day the first lake I’m jumping in is Lake Crescent.

Make a camping reservation for Olympic National Park here.

BEST FOR: PACIFIC NORTHWEST EXPLORERS

7 – GREAT SAND DUNES — MEDANO CREEK— COLORADO

Great Sand Dunes National Park might feel like a surprising addition to this list. As a park that’s known for being home to the tallest sand dune in North America, water isn’t the first (or even second or third) thing that comes to mind when you ponder planning a trip. But while there’s not exactly a swimming hole, the park does boast one of the most fun places to get into the water in a National Park.

Medano Creek is a seasonally flowing creek that runs between the parking area and the sand dunes. As the snow starts to melt in the Sangre de Cristo mountains in late April, the water begins to flow. By late May to early June, you can experience the “surge flow” of the creek, with waves up to 20 inches deep! It’s a great place to play in the water or even just float.

Make a camping reservation for Great Sand Dunes here.

BEST FOR: THE AMATEUR SKIMBOARDER

6 – NORTH CASCADES — DIABLO LAKE — WASHINGTON STATE

Look at any list of “Underrated National Parks” and North Cascades is probably at the top. Despite its paradoxical “famously underrated” status, it still isn’t well visited, despite not being very difficult to get to and looking like the photo above with #nofilter.

North Cascades is known for its high mountain peaks and the clear blue water of Diablo Lake. But many people don’t seem to know that you can swim here, too. Colonial Creek Campground is a great place to get in and see the shockingly blue water for yourself.

Make a camping reservation for North Cascades National Park here.

BEST FOR: BLUE WATER-OBSESSED INSTAGRAMMERS

5 – GRAND TETON – STRING LAKE – WYOMING

Grand Teton is chock full of lakes and rivers that are a welcome respite on a summer day. String Lake is a favorite of mine, with close proximity to trailheads, plenty of spots to lounge around the shore, and shallow waters perfect for a SUP and then a dip.

The sandy bottom of the lake makes it more comfortable than many other alpine swim spots, and the shallow water warms up a bit more than some of your other options in the park. Stop for a swim after a long hike, then stay to watch the sunset.

Make a camping reservation for Grand Teton here.

BEST FOR: SUNSET LOVERS

4 – YOSEMITE — MERCED RIVER — CALIFORNIA

Yosemite is nothing if not iconic. The granite surroundings and waterfalls take your breath away. It’s known for hiking and backpacking primarily, but what I really love to do is relax near the water. The Merced River runs through the valley and is the perfect place to get away from some of the hustle of the park and refresh yourself after a hike.

Make a camping reservation for Yosemite National Park here.

BEST FOR: BAY AREA LONG WEEKENDERS

3 – CRATER LAKE – CLEETWOOD COVE – OREGON

Crater Lake often gets sidelined in the summer by its impressive neighbors to the north – Olympic, Mount Rainier, and North Cascades National Park. But it is one of the most shockingly beautiful places to visit in the United States. Formed by a volcanic eruption collapsing a tall peak, it is the deepest and arguably most pristine lake in the country. Fed by rain and snow, its dramatic blue waters are a sight to see – and swim in.

Cleetwood Cove Trail is the only legal way to access the shore of the lake, and swimming is permitted within 100 yards of the shore. The short but strenuous 1.1-mile hike down drops 700 feet through a series of switchbacks. Take a dip in the cool waters, but conserve your energy to make it back up.

BEST FOR: SMALL PARK LOVERS

2 – GLACIER — LAKE MCDONALD — MONTANA

Visiting Glacier National Park is a bucket list experience, to be sure. There are so many iconic images of the park, but one that is most often shared also happens to be the best spot to swim: Lake McDonald. With its multicolored pebbles that are just begging to be Instagrammed, to the clear water and beautiful mountains all around you. I hate the cliche, but… Lake McDonald is almost too beautiful to believe.

I’ve spent whole days walking the shore, dipping in the lake, and drinking a beer at the Lake McDonald Lodge wondering how on earth this was real life. I recommend you do the same.

Make a camping reservation for Glacier National Park here and a reservation to enter most areas of the park and drive the Going-to-the-Sun road here.

BEST FOR: ROAD-TRIP WARRIORS

1 – GRAND TETON — JACKSON LAKE — WYOMING

I can’t write a National Parks list without including Grand Teton National Park in some way, usually at the top of the list. It has it all: dramatic vistas and mountain ranges, incredible hiking and mountaineering. But what I love the most is the water. There are lakes for every activity: kayak, SUP, and even a marina filled with motor and sailboats. I always make a stop at the swim beach (well, “rocks on the shore” beach) on Jackson Lake to spend an afternoon relaxing. Surprisingly it is never that crowded, and always more beautiful than I remembered.

Jackson is a big lake with big views. Pro-tip: camp at Colter Bay and you can walk right to the beach. Otherwise, there’s parking right nearby, and a grocery store (with liquor store) to grab some food and picnic on the shore.

Make a camping reservation for Grand Teton National Park here.

BEST FOR: EPIC MOUNTAIN VIEW CHASERS

I don’t care who you are, there is only one name that comes to mind when you hear the words Top Chef, and that’s Padma Lakshmi. Even Tom Colicchio thinks of Padma Lakshmi before himself, and that’s because, for 17 years and 19 seasons of the cooking competition show, Lakshmi — who has served as the host since as far back as season two and is also an executive producer — has solidified herself as the face of the brand.

Now, after 17 years, Lakshmi is packing up her knives and going home. Er… over to Hulu. In an announcement posted to her Instagram, Lakshmi wrote:

“After much soul searching, I have made the difficult decision to leave Top Chef.”

The show is about to complete its 20th season, Top Chef: World All-Stars, on June 8th and has already been renewed for a new season. We can’t even imagine what the show will look like now.

Lakshmi continued:

“I am extremely proud to have been part of building such a successful show and of the impact it has had in the worlds of television and food. After 17 years, many of the cast and crew are like family to me and I will miss working alongside them dearly. I feel it’s time to move on and need to make space for Taste the Nation, my books, and other creative pursuits.”

Top Chef has its work cut out for them filling Lakshmi’s shoes, but fans of the host and judge still have a lot of content to look forward to, including Hulu’s Taste The Nation, which Uproxx’s Zach Johnston raved about at the show’s launch, writing: ‘The issue of real depth vs. virtue signaling is where Padma Lakshmi’s new show… rises above every other series in the genre. The show absolutely peddles in travel and food porn but it asks viewers for more than just their spare time. Lakshmi wants you to think, to care, and to throw out the bullshit you’ve been erroneously taught about the United States as a country.” Hell of a review!

Few food personalities do what Lakshmi does, she invites us to care, dig deeper, and explore the food world in a way that no one else in the food media industry has, so while we’re sad to see her exit Top Chef, we’re also psyched to see what she has in store for us moving forward. As for Tom, well… Expect more fedoras and scarves in season 21!

The audio recording of Donald Trump bragging about having classified documents has been a major sign that special counsel investigation into the former president is sitting on some serious evidence. According to Joe Scarborough, his sources in Trump world seemed to be noticeably freaking out last week, and the Morning Joe host is convinced it’s because Trump’s people knew the tape was about to be released.

“He can call it witch hunt all he wants, but they’ve got him dead to right on intent, on stealing the documents,” Scarborough said on Friday morning before sharing what he’s been hearing from his sources.

Via Raw Story:

“It is so interesting, you’re hearing that reporting, because I started hearing that a week ago, that despite the bravado, Trump himself and people close to Trump are really, really concerned about the documents case,” Scarborough said, “and they understand that he’s busted.”

“I’m wondering if this tape had something to do with that,” Scarborough added. “People who have been whistling past the graveyard the last five, six, seven years, there’s been a change around Trump’s people, and they know he is busted. Even Trump is deeply concerned about this.”

Scarborough’s hunch is likely correct. Hours after Morning Joe aired, CNN reported that Trump’s lawyers can’t find the classified documents pertaining to an attack on Iran that the former president bragged about in the recording. In other words, those documents are in the wind and not in the possession of the Department of Justice, which does not bode well for Trump’s case.

(Via Raw Story)

Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour has been the biggest thing in music for the past few months, but so far, the trek has remained within the US. She revealed today, though, that she’ll soon be taking it international, as she has a Latin American tour in Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil set for later this year. On all those shows, Sabrina Carpenter will be opening and her fans are beyond excited: Shortly after the news was revealed, Carpenter (more specifically, just “SABRINA”) was the No. 1 trending topic on Twitter.

One thing a number of those tweets pointed to is an old video of Carpenter covering Swift’s “Picture To Burn.” The video, the oldest one currently on Carpenter’s YouTube account, was uploaded on August 3, 2009, so Carpenter would have been 10 years old at the time. Of course, fans couldn’t help but notice that in a Swiftian coincidence, the video was uploaded 13 years ago (13 being an important number in the Swift universe).

(It’s more like 13 years and 10 months, so pretty much 14 years ago, but YouTube still says “13 years ago,” so it’s OK. Let the people have their fun.)

As for Carpenter’s own reaction to the Eras Tour news, she shared the tour dates on social media and wrote, “trying to process this but alas i shant CANT WAIT TO JOIN THE ERAS TOUR IN LATIN AMERICA. thank u @taylorswift u the 1 :’) this is a dream come true.”

A story out of St. Louis shows how some students have to overcome many more barriers than others on their road to success. But in this student’s case, people in important positions recognized his perseverance and rewarded him in a way that could make his future less of a struggle.

According to a report from KAKE, 14-year-old Xavier Jones had no ride to his 8th-grade graduation ceremony, so he walked six miles to pick up his diploma.

“I was going to tell an adult, but my grandpa’s car was down. So I was just going to walk there,” he told KAKE.

Jones was graduating from Yeatman Middle School, but the ceremony was held at Harris-Stowe State University, a public historically-Black university in St. Louis.

“I looked up Harris-Stowe University on Google Maps and then I saw the walking distance and then I said I could probably make it,” Xavier told KAKE. “I wanted to walk across the stage.”

---

Knowing it would be a long walk, he brought along his brother and friend for the journey. To get from his home in West Florissant to Harris-Stowe State University took them two and a half hours.

Darren Seals, Jones’ mentor, called attention to the student’s incredible dedication during a speech at the ceremony.

“I had to stop my speech and call him on board and was like, ‘Hey, everybody get off your feet and give him a standing ovation,’” Seals told Fox 2. “They clapped for him. They were like, ‘Woah, this boy walked.’”

Jones’ journey also caught the attention of Dr. Latonia Collins Smith, the president of Harris-Stowe State University, who was impressed by his determination.

“When I heard that story and to see that young man who was so bright and excited and driven,” President Collins Smith said. “It spoke volumes to me. It spoke resilience, persistence, perseverance. Regardless of what the adversity is, I’m going to press my way to this promotion ceremony. So that is what sparked my interest in saying, ‘Hey, this is the type of kid that we want to recruit to Harris-Stowe.”

President Collins Smith sees Jones as an example of the many barriers that students in the area face to getting an education. “Many of our students come with a story and many of our students come with environmental barriers they have overcome or that they are currently overcoming,” President Collins Smith told KAKE.

To reward his incredible dedication, the school gave him a full-ride scholarship for when he graduates high school. The scholarship includes four years of tuition, books and student fees.

When Jones heard he got a “free ride” to college, he thought it meant transportation. When Seals explained it was a scholarship, Jones couldn’t believe it. “Wait a minute, I don’t have to pay for college?” he asked Seals.

Jones hopes he can be a NASCAR driver after he graduates college.

“At the end of the rainbow, there’s a pot of gold. I learned a lot from Xavier that day,” says President Collins Smith. “Even on your worst day, keep pressing forward.”

Hey, everyone!

It’s officially June, the kickoff of summer excitement, when people’s calendars fill with graduations, weddings, Pride celebrations, barbecues, longed-for vacations and more. So much fun to be had in June!

But with the good comes the not-so-good, of course. Summer also means annoying construction, pesky mosquitos, sticky hot grossness when the temp gets too high, spending a fortune on sunscreen, etc.

We can always find things to be happy about and we can always find things to complain about. That’s just life. The more we shift our focus to the positive, even while we grapple our way through the tough stuff, the better off we’ll be. That’s not just airy-fairy fluff—there’s science behind the power of positivity.

---

Johns Hopkins Medicine says that a positive personality may be something we’re born with, but there are things we all can to do brighten our outlook on things. Their first tip? “Simply smile more.”

“A University of Kansas study found that smiling—even fake smiling—reduces heart rate and blood pressure during stressful situations,” Johns Hopkins shares. “So try a few minutes of YouTube humor therapy when you’re stomping your feet waiting in line or fuming over a work or family situation.”

We’ve got something better—or rather, 10 things better. Here’s a roundup of smile-worthy things that crossed our path this week. Enjoy!

1. Melissa McCarthy describes Halle Bailey’s endearing humming habit on ‘The Little Mermaid’ set

@triplejradio

melissa mccarthy shares one of her favourite moments from the little mermaid set 🥹 #hallebailey #melissamccarthy #thelittlemermaid

She’s like a real-life Disney princess! Love that even the boom mic guy was moved by it. Read the full story here.

2. Uber Eats driver accidentally knocks over a porch planter and what followed is just good people all around.

See on Instagram

Swipe through to see the whole story and give your faith in humanity a booster shot.

3. Woman surprises boyfriend with his beloved grandmother, and his reaction is pure elation

Some surprises are priceless and beautiful
by u/Kelmo7 in MadeMeSmile

Sound up for this one. It looks like he’s about to scoop her right up off the ground in his excitement but then forces himself to be gentle with her. What a sweetheart. Read the full story here.

4. Speaking of grandmas, try not to smile at this Italian ‘Happy Birthday’ performance for 95-year-old Nonna Franca

See on Instagram

She was so thrilled. What a wonderful gift.

5. Couple recreates bride’s parents’ ‘recovery day’ photos by swapping bride and groom attire

See on Instagram

For those unfamiliar, “recovery day” is simply the day after the wedding, when some folks have a low-key gathering to round out the celebrations before sending the couple off for their honeymoon. What a fun pair these two are!

6. ‘Hotel California’ performed on traditional Chinese guzheng is gorgeously hypnotic

Seeing it done this way really highlights the beauty of the song as well as the instrument, doesn’t it? Just awesome.

7. Woman squeals in delight as raccoon proves that truly everyone runs on Dunkin’

@samguptuppy

#Raccoon at #Dunkin proves that EVERYONE RUNS ON DUNKIN 🤣🦝🍩

The casual way the person at the window hands the trash panda its doughnut and the way it grabs it with both hands? Too precious. Give that cutie all the doughnuts it desires.

8. South African youth choir pays moving tribute with Nightbirde’s ‘It’s OK’ and brings Simon Cowell to tears

Nightbirde was the stage name of Jane Marczewski, a singer who touched millions with her resilience and positivity in the face of a terminal cancer diagnosis. The fact that her song reached all the way around the world to inspire young people in South Africa is just beautiful. Read the full story here.

9. Teacher wakes up to find the entire senior class sleeping in her house

See on Instagram

That initial shock followed by a quick rally! She’s clearly a seasoned teacher. Impressive that they pulled the senior prank off, but even more impressive the way she responded—”This is the most beautiful sight.” Three cheers for Ms. McGrath.

10. Dance your way through the weekend with the energy of these two delightful dance partners

u201cItu2019s Friday! ud83cudf89u201d

— Buitengebieden (@Buitengebieden)
1685685613

Ah, the agility and stamina a lifetime of dancing together can give! Total #aginggoals.

Hope this week’s list gave you the smiles you needed! If you’d like to have these roundups delivered to your inbox, sign up for our free email newsletter, The Upworthiest, here.

Vinyl Me, Please has shared plenty of exciting announcements this year, like the exclusive Dolly Parton series, as well as a limited edition box-set honoring Miles Davis. Now, they’re back with VMP Rock.

VMP Rock is “a celebration of the ever-changing genre that changed the world,” per their site. “Rock was music’s Big Bang, and the particles that started spreading the moment someone plugged a guitar into an amp are still reverberating; from punks in Detroit to Zamrockers in sub-Saharan Africa, guitar shredders in London to arty downtown New Yorkers blowing things up, VMP Rock will capture it all.”

This year, they’re shinning a light on The Strokes’ Is This It, Sublime’s 40 oz To Freedom, Iggy Pop’s Raw Power, System Of A Down’s Toxicity, Stone Temple Pilot’s No4, ZZ Top’s Tres Hombres, and more. It begins shipping in July and pre-orders are available now at this link.

About her collaboration with Vinyl Me, Please, Parton said, “I love listening to records, and to know that fans around the world are discovering music on vinyl is wonderful. I am really happy to see some of my favorite albums that have been out of print on vinyl or were never pressed on vinyl be made available. What’s old is new again!”

Justified: City Primeval showrunners have already cautioned their audience that U.S. Deputy Marshal Raylan Givens may not get out of Detroit alive, but nonetheless, anticipation is high for the revival. The story will pick up fifteen years after Raylan left Harlan County, and as with a certain essential episode, he’ll take his boots and hat elsewhere. This time around, Timothy Olyphant’s most infamous lawman will be in particular pursuit of “Oklahoma Wildman” Clement Mansell, portrayed by Boyd Holbrook.

Will this presumed limited series (whether or not Raylan survives) truly be a one-and-done revival season, however? Olyphant, who’s currently in Austin for City Primeval world premiere events, expressed interest in keeping this shindig going if possible. Deadline passes on the word:

“I’d show up,” Timothy Olyphant, star and executive producer, said at the conclusion of the show’s panel at ATX TV Festival in Austin on Thursday. “I had a good time. Every time we’ve done this I’ve had a good time,” he added.

Executive producer Sarah Timberman echoed the statement, “If he shows up I show up–we all show up.”

This could potentially be good news, of course, but first, a word of caution about getting hopes too high. Olyphant is an effusive fellow, and this is quite charming, but we’ll have to wait and see how things go. Back in 2019 when Netflix cancelled the beloved Santa Clarita Diet after three seasons, Olyphant insisted that “I’m going to continue coming in and doing scenes. If they don’t want to film it, that’s up to them.” And to my dismay, it doesn’t seem like Netflix took him up on that generous offer. Of course, FX has a long history with Justified and doesn’t cancel shows as readily as Netflix does, so we can keep our fingers crossed on City Primeval longevity. Also, we can hope that Raylan doesn’t, you know, actually die this season. (Don’t take off the hat!)

(Via Deadline)

Earlier this week, Donald Trump was rocked by a recording that threw a significant hole in his defense that he declassified all of the documents found at his various residences and golf clubs with his mind. In the audio captured after Trump ended his term, the former president can be heard boasting about having sensitive documents pertaining to an attack on Iran, and he even states that the intel is classified.

The recording is already a damning piece of evidence for the special counsel investigation, and now, there’s an even more troublesome development. Trump’s attorneys can’t find the documents mentioned in the recording.

Via CNN:

The sources say prosecutors made clear to Trump’s attorneys after issuing the subpoena that they specifically wanted the Iran document he talked about on tape as well as any material referencing classified information – like meeting notes, audio recordings or copies of the document – that may still be Trump’s possession.

The fact that Trump’s team was unable to produce the document underscores the challenges the government has faced in trying to recover classified material that Trump took when he left the White House and in understanding the movement of government records that Trump kept.

A major lynchpin of the Department of Justice investigation is the belief that Trump has not returned all of the classified documents in his possession, or worse, may have provided them to other parties. Considering his lawyers can’t locate a specific piece of intel that Trump openly bragged about, those suspicions would appear to be warranted.

(Via CNN)

If Cardi B ever decides to try basketball in addition to wedding planning, sushi cheffing, and football training, it looks like she’s already got a roster spot thanks to her verse on Latto’s “Put It On Da Floor Again” remix. The Louisana State University Women’s Basketball Twitter account responded to Cardi’s lyrical shout-out in the song (“I been ballin’ so damn hard, could’ve went to LSU”), writing, “ok @iamcardib we’re ready for you,” and including a photo of Cardi in a Tigers jersey. It’s incredible:

The appreciation certainly appeared to go both ways. LSU’s star forward Angel Reese makes a cameo appearance in the video for “Put It On Da Floor Again,” thanks to her impressive performance in the NCAA National Championship — both on and off the court — on the way to LSU becoming the NCAA Champions. Reese became a star after drawing criticism and acclaim for performing the Tony Yayo/John Cena “You can’t see me” gesture at rival Caitlin Clark, mimicking Clark doing it herself just a few games before. The instantly viral moment sparked a slew of discussions from the inane (“sportsmanship!”) to the vital (“Why is the media only lavishing attention on the white girl amidst this historic run by LSU?”)

The only way any of this gets any cooler is if Latto and Cardi do another remix, this time with Reese’s LSU teammate Flau’jae Johnson, who has already been invited to rap with Lil Wayne. Cardi, Latto, if you see this: Make it happen. For me. Please.

Cardi B is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.