Washington
Brooklyn Nets steamroll Washington Wizards in preseason game #2, 131-92

“I think we’re all excited. We’ve been working really hard. The whole month of September was just a grind for us, and I think everybody’s excited to kind of beat up on somebody else.”
That was first-year Brooklyn Net Shake Milton discussing the unofficial end to training camp, as Brooklyn’s preseason contest vs. the Washington Wizards on Monday night marked the beginning of real competition. Three preseason games this week, then the start to the regular season.
Ziaire Williams, are you also excited to beat up on somebody else?
“Yeah, one-thousand percent man. I’m tired of guarding Cam Thomas and Cam Johnson man, I’ve had plenty of reps against them.”
Preseason talk is to be taken with a grain of salt — as fans of the team that employs Ben Simmons well know — but every Net has emphasized how grueling Jordi Fernández’s inaugural training camp has been. Conditioning, hustle, effort, none of these drills too extreme, just more of them.
“You know, nowadays you go up and down two or three times, and they say your load is too high, right? So it’s not too much of that over here,” half-joked Williams.
So it’s no wonder Fernández — who spent much of the night windmilling his arm like a third-base coach to call for full-court pressure — called a timeout three minutes into Monday’s contest, following two possessions where Jordan Poole walked into buckets without any ball-pressure.
“We started okay, but we didn’t find a way to apply our ball-pressure like we’re supposed to, picking up full-court,” said Fernández.
However, his team responded strongly enough to finish the quarter with a 28-20 lead, while Nets fans likely noticed a development on the other end: Ben Simmons!
Simmons finished his 13-minute first half with a team-high 11 points, five boards, and two assists on 5-of-7 shooting. His last bucket, a hanging alley-oop tip-in from Dennis Schröder, didn’t break the backboard, but it did prompt YES Network’s Frank Isola to immediately say, “it looks like the surgery was successful.”
Simmons came out of the halftime break with the warm-up on; his night was done, but it was already a successful one.
Fernández admitted a clerical error on his part capped Simmons’ minutes at 13 (the plan was always a second-half break) while noting how his starting point guard did what he expected: pushing the pace, getting downhill, and finding the open man.
As for the rest of the game, the Nets ceded their lead to the Wizards midway through the second quarter. However, a Jaylen Martin/Jalen Wilson/Noah Clowney/Shake Milton/Ziaire Williams lineup may have been doomed from the start, and when the starters came back in, they immediately course-corrected.
Though Washington did miss many of their open looks, Brooklyn won the possession battle by only turning it over five times and allowing five offensive boards by the time main rotation players were subbed out toward the end of the third quarter.
“Well, this game, we put together a full game,” said Dorian Finney-Smith. “I feel like that first game we played in spurts; it was a full game, from the starters to the bench. Y’all got a glimpse of how coach wants to play, he wants to pick up full-court, wants to be disruptive and shoot a lot of threes.”
In that third quarter, Cam Thomas and Shake Milton, a couple of bucket-getting combo guards, reminded us that they do indeed get buckets. Thomas finished with a game-high 17 points, Milton with 16, and Jalen Wilson rounded out the trio with 14 points, with much of the trio’s collective damage coming in the third quarter…
As a whole, the Nets reminded us what having a handful of real NBA players looks like. No, Brooklyn will not be a good NBA team this season in part because, yes, they will trade some of those real NBA players to ensure a successful tank. But my god, the Washington Wizards are awful. Bub Carrington might be good though.
The Nets even ran up the score in the fourth quarter, entering the final dozen with an 89-70 lead and turning it into something much larger than that. Every player but Amari Bailey scored on the night, Noah Clowney dunked a couple times, and Tyrese Martin made some highlight plays.
As a nightcap, Cui Yongxi delighted the Barclays Center crowd (and his bench) with a couple buckets…
…and though he got a little ahead of himself by calling an iso that ended in an airball, it was a joyous end to the blowout.
“[He] plays with a joy man, and I love to see he’s always smiling,’ said Finney-Smith. “When you look at him play, you realize it’s just basketball because he always got a smile on his face.”
Cam Thomas, with an equally big smile, said of the moment: “Everybody got lit and then he called for the iso, so everybody just went went crazy. So it was good, definitely good. You know, everybody — we all like each other. I feel like that also helps us as a team. We all like each other.”
While Thomas’ reaction was nothing but genuine, it is easier to like each other when you’re winning. And the Nets won big on Monday night. It was even fun! Preseason, baby!
Final Score: Brooklyn Nets 131, Washington Wizards 92
Next Up
Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images
Brooklyn will play their second of three preseason games this week on Wednesday night against the Philadelphia 76ers. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET from the Wells Fargo Center.

Washington
Where to buy Nintendo Switch 2 on launch day in Washington

Nintendo Switch 2: Reno mom first in line to preorder latest console
A 65-year-old mom in Reno lined up for hours to be the first to preorder the Nintendo Switch 2 at a GameStop store.
The follow-up to the massively popular Nintendo Switch console is here.
Nintendo Switch 2 launches on June 5. The video game system retails for $449.99. The system bundled with the game “Mario Kart World” retails for $499.99.
Some major retailers have announced that they’re reserving in-store and online stock for customers who were unable to secure a preorder.
Here’s what to know in Washington.
Best Buy
The electronics retailer Best Buy said select stores will open at 12:01 a.m. ET on June 5 for the Nintendo Switch 2 launch. That means participating stores in Washington will open at 9:01 p.m. PT on June 4, according to a Best Buy news release.
“In addition to pre-order pickups at opening, Best Buy stores will also have a limited number of consoles, games and accessories available for walk-in customers,” the news release states.
The store provided a “late-night store openings” tool showing that multiple Washington locations will be participating, though the company warns that “store events are subject to change without notice.”
Here are the Washington Best Buys that are participating in the late-night Switch 2 openings, according to the tool:
- Bellevue
- Bellingham
- Burlington
- Everett
- Federal Way
- Issaquah
- Kennewick
- Lynnwood
- Marysville
- Northgate
- Olympia Capital Mall
- Puyallup
- Silverdale
- Spokane North
- Spokane Valley
- Tacoma
- Tukwila
- Yakima
Target
Target’s website lists the Nintendo Switch 2 as out of stock, but it says the system will be available for purchase in-store on June 5 and online on June 6.
There are 38 Target locations in Washington, according to the company’s store directory.
Gamestop
Video game store Gamestop will be holding launch events for the Nintendo Switch 2 beginning at 3 p.m. local time on June 4, according to the company’s website. Like Best Buy, systems will be available at participating locations at 9 p.m. PT on June 4.
“Didn’t pre-order the Switch 2? Don’t worry, we’ll have MORE available at midnight!” Gamestop’s website states.
Gamestop released a tool to find locations participating in the Nintendo Switch 2 launch event here. The tool shows that multiple stores with Washington zip codes are participating.
Walmart
For those who didn’t snag a preorder through Walmart, the company’s website has a countdown stating Nintendo Switch will be available at Walmart.com on June 4 at 9 p.m. PT
Customers can sign up to receive alerts when the item is in stock.
Amazon
Amazon did not offer Nintendo Switch 2 preorders through its website in the U.S., and the retailer isn’t listed on Nintendo’s website for “how to buy” the system.
Costco
Costco’s website states it will be offering a Nintendo Switch 2 bundle including the “Mario Kart World” game and a 12-month Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. It will be available to purchase on June 5, according to the website.
The product page says “prices may vary,” and the bundle is expected to be in stock and available for purchase soon. Check back again later.”
There are 34 Costco warehouses in Washington, according to the company’s website.
Washington
36 hours in Washington: The journey of the 51st mission of the Utah Honor Flight

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On May 27, I was invited to be on board the 51st Utah Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., in what is often called the “trip of a lifetime” for Utah veterans.
On this mission, there were two Korean War veterans, three Korean/Vietnam War veterans, and 45 Vietnam veterans, all with their own stories.
This article will separate out the places we went and will include interviews and stories with the veterans who felt a special connection to each of those places.
Taking off from Provo Airport at 7 in the morning, in the air, each vet was given a special envelope containing several letters from loved ones, friends, and those wanting to pay tribute.
I was honored to read a few letters that some of those on the flights shared with me, and many spoke about how inspiring each vet’s dedication to their country was, and how the person writing the letter was touched by that person’s service.
Landing at Washington Dulles International Airport, hundreds greeted them with signs and music.
Quickly, the apprehension of the trip turned to smiles for many of those on the flight as this was just a small preview for what they would be in store for.
National Museum of the United States Army:
Day 1 wrap
The first stop on the tour was the National Museum of the United States Army, a place dedicated to showcasing the comprehensive history and traditions of the Army through the lens of the American Soldier.
This museum is simply remarkable, going through every era of conflict that the Army has been involved in from the Revolutionary War to today.
As Donald Kocherhans, a U.S. Army veteran, surveyed the displays from the Vietnam Era, he was filled with nostalgia and emotion.
“I see some of this old equipment I used to remember and see the old uniforms I used to wear,” he remarked, eyes bright with recollection.
Walking through the halls, veterans encountered displays that brought back memories of their own service.
U.S. Air Force Memorial:
Air Force Memorial
Next, the veterans visited the U.S. Air Force Memorial, an architectural marvel that stands in tribute to the men and women who have served in the Air Force.
Three stainless steel spires reaching toward the sky, modeled after the USAF Thunderbirds and their trails.
The memorial sits just above the Pentagon, overlooking Washington and Arlington National Cemetery.
Geoff Cox, a Vietnam veteran, expressed his admiration for the memorial, saying: “When you look at all the vets out here, it just gives you that inspiration.”
Standing before the wall inscribed with core values such as “Excellence,” “Service,” and “Integrity,” veterans like Alan Smith reflected on what these ideals mean to them.
“I’m proud to be here and be in America,” he said. “Brings tears to my eyes, because I never thought about wanting to be a hero, just do the best I could for my country.”
U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial:
The next morning, bright and early, the journey continued to the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, also known as the Iwo Jima Memorial.
In the pouring rain, the 78-foot-tall bronze depiction of Associated Press combat photographer Joe Rosenthal’s famous picture brought a few vets to tears.
The memorial also has gold lettering around the entire base, listing every conflict or action the United States Marine Corps has been involved in from 1775 to present.
U.S. Navy Memorial:
Navy memorial
After a short stop for photos at the United States Capitol Building, across from the National Archives is the U.S. Navy Memorial, a celebration of the rich heritage of America’s Navy.
The memorial itself contains what is claimed to be the largest map in the world, known as the “Granite Sea.”
It is home to the “Lone Sailor statue,” as well as masts with signal flags, fountain pools, and 26 bronze sculptures depicting Navy history.
A short walk across the memorial is where the U.S. Navy Museum is with displays looking back on its almost 250-year history.
Here, Kevin Heath, a Navy veteran, found himself reminiscing about his time aboard the USS Davis.
“It just goes back to my time in Vietnam and on the ship, and to see the different things that that was on my ship and the different experiences,” he said. “I needed [this trip] in order to heal fully.”
Watch the above video to hear his story.
Korean War Veterans Memorial:
Korean War
Next, the honor flight visited the Korean War Veterans Memorial where a surprise was waiting for several of those on the trip.
This memorial pays homage to the veterans who served in the Korean War and is a testament to the sacrifices made for freedom, emphasized by the words etched on the wall: “Freedom is not Free.”
In a heartfelt moment, Korean War veterans from Utah were surprised with medals from the Korean Embassy.
“It is great honor and pleasure to express the everlasting gratitude of the Republic of Korea and our people we cherish in our hearts the memory of your boundary sacrifices in helping us reestablish our free nation,” said the veteran’s attaché from the South Korean Embassy.
Richard Colborn, a recipient of the Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal, expressed his deep gratitude, saying: “It is a great honor,” adding that he was “Totally surprised, I had no idea.”
Four others were honored with the Korean Service Defense Medal.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial:
Utah Honor Flight veterans visit Vietnam Veterans Memorial
The journey continued just across the National Mall at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, perhaps one of the most significant and sobering sites in the nation’s capital, or anywhere in the world.
This wall, adorned with the names of more than 58,000 individuals who lost their lives or are missing from the Vietnam War, held deep meaning for veterans like Martin Skougard.
“I think of all the young people who didn’t have the opportunity to have families in life,” he said.
The stark black granite, a living memorial with names being added every year, symbolizes the ongoing legacy of sacrifice.
Skougard has one of the most heartbreaking and unique stories among the Honor Flight veterans, so watch the above video to see his story.
Arlington National Cemetery:
Arlington National Cemetery
As a final stop on the journey, we visited one of the most beautiful and somber places on the planet.
Arlington National Cemetery is the largest cemetery in the United States National Cemetery System.
More than 400,000 people are buried in its 639 acres, including presidents, senators, Supreme Court justices, and countless members of our military who gave their lives protecting our freedoms.
As a part of the Utah Honor Flight, vets were able to watch one of the most incredible ceremonies in the country, the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The tomb itself contains the remains of three U.S. service members, one from each World War I and II as well as the Korean War.
The Tomb is guarded 24/7, 365 days of the year by a soldier from the U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment.
The ceremony brought many on the flight, including me, to tears as a showcase of absolute perfection and dedication for the fallen service members of the United States.
Back Home:
Returning home
After a 4-hour flight back home to Provo, waiting were hundreds of these vets’ friends and family as well as community members to celebrate with them.
Many of them expressed the power of this moment since many did not receive the welcome home they deserved following the Vietnam and Korean conflicts.
Conclusion:
It is impossible to capture the story of all 50 of the veterans who were honored as a part of this trip, but it was put to me by several people that each of them has their own unwritten book.
A book of memories, a book of pain, a book of triumph, and a book that through this program can be shared and celebrated.
The open arms that were given to every guardian of these veterans, the staff, and I to hear what each and every one went through is extraordinary.
As a journalist, I have always understood that people’s stories are very near and dear to their hearts, and it is always their choice to share them.
This 36-hour window was a privilege to be able to be a part of to hear all of those who shared their stories, and it’s an experience that I will always cherish.
I went to Washington thinking that the place would be the important part, coming home, I knew that being with those men who served our country in that place was even more important than I could have known.
If you know a veteran who you think would benefit from the Utah Honor Flight program or if you would like to become a guardian or volunteer on a flight, visit utahhonorflight.org/applications
Washington
China hits backs at US, says Washington seriously undermined tariff truce | Today News

Beijing, China on Monday hit back at the US, accusing it of seriously violating their recent Geneva trade truce by introducing multiple restrictive measures like AI chip export control guidelines, stopping the sale of chip design software to China and revoking visas for Chinese students.
The US has seriously undermined the consensus reached during the China-US economic and trade talks in Geneva by successively introducing multiple discriminatory restrictive measures against China, a spokesperson for the Commerce Ministry said in a statement, refuting President Donald Trump’s allegation that China had “totally violated agreement with us”.
The US measures included issuing guidance on AI chip export controls, halting sales of chip design software to China, and announcing the revocation of visas for Chinese students, the spokesperson said.
It is significant that China has clubbed the student visas with that of trade and tariff-related issues.
About 2.7 lakh Chinese students, the second largest after India, studying in the US scrambled to work out their plans after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on May 29 that America would begin revoking the visas of some Chinese students, including those studying in “critical fields” and “those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party.”
These actions severely violated the consensus reached during a phone call between the two heads of state on Jan. 17 and gravely harmed China’s legitimate rights and interests, the statement said.
The US has unilaterally and repeatedly provoked new economic and trade frictions, exacerbating uncertainty and instability in bilateral economic and trade relations, the spokesperson said.
Both the US and China agreed to lower tit-for-tat tariffs after talks last month in Geneva. The truce is due to last 90 days to provide time for the top two economies to reach a broader substantive agreement to end their tariff war.
Trump imposed 145 per cent of tariffs against the Chinese exports of about USD 439.9 billion and China retaliated with 125 per cent on American exports of about USD 143 billion.
China also put restrictions on the exports of rare-earth minerals which are all critical materials for defence, new energy batteries, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing and Beijing has not lifted the curbs.
Under the Geneva agreement, the US lowered tariffs imposed on goods from China from 145 per cent to 30 per cent while China dropped its retaliatory tariffs from 125 per cent to 10 per cent.
The recriminations began after Trump said on Friday that China had “totally violated its agreement with us” but did not give details.
However, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer later said China had not been removing non-tariff barriers as agreed under the deal, according to reports from Washington.
Trump stirred further controversy Friday, saying he will no longer be nice to China on trade, declaring in a social media post that the country had broken an agreement with the United States.
Hours later, Trump said in the Oval Office that he would speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping and hopefully “we’ll work that out”, while still insisting China had violated the agreement.
“The bad news is that China, perhaps not surprisingly to some, HAS TOTALLY VIOLATED ITS AGREEMENT WITH US,” Trump posted. “So much for being Mr. NICE GUY!”
Greer later told TV network CNBC that China was yet to properly roll back other trade restrictions it had levied on the US, BBC reported.
Greer said when China responded to the US’s tariffs with its own, they also put in place countermeasures such as putting some US companies on blacklists and restricting exports of rare earth magnets, a critical component in cars, aircraft and semiconductors.
“They removed the tariff like we did but some of the countermeasures they’ve slowed on,” Greer said.
The strong statements from both sides have raised concerns that trade tensions could again escalate between the world’s two largest economies despite recent negotiations.
The US has unilaterally and repeatedly provoked new economic and trade frictions, exacerbating uncertainty and instability in bilateral economic and trade relations, the spokesperson said.
“Instead of reflecting on its own actions, the US has groundlessly accused China of violating the consensus, a claim that grossly distorts the facts. China firmly rejects these unjustified accusations,” the spokesperson said.
Calling the outcomes of the Geneva talks “hard-won,” the spokesperson said, “China is firm in safeguarding its rights and interests, and sincere in implementing the consensus” and urged the US to immediately correct its wrong practices, jointly uphold the consensus of the talks, and promote the healthy, stable and sustainable development of China-US economic and trade relations.
“If the US side insists on going the wrong way and continues to harm China’s interests, China will resolutely take forceful measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, according to the spokesperson,” the spokesperson added.
This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
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