LINCOLN MEMORIAL Reflecting Pool (Shutterstock).

Charges against a former Olympian accused of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool were dropped on Friday as federal prosecutors said the real culprit in the damage was contractors hired to renovate the pool who had “botched” the job.

U.S Attorney Jeannine Pirro filed a motion on Friday to drop all charges against David Hearn, a canoeist, who was accused of pulling up a two-foot square piece of the pool’s lining, according to The New York Times.

Her statement was in contradiction of President Donald Trump’s claim that persons had deliberately slashed the lining with knives.

Earlier in July, Pirro said there was “tremendous evidence” that Hearn had committed a crime, which carried a potential sentence of five to 10 years in federal prison.

The pool remains under repair – by a different contractor – and will be closed until Aug.10.

FIFA won’t sell stake of soccer assn.

A controversial proposal to sell a minority stake of FIFA, the world governing body for soccer (known as football in most of the world) was rebuffed.

According to USA Today, the proposal from a group called FIFA Forward Enterprise, had planned to sell a minority stake of its ownership to private investors, hoping to raise $4.2 billion for the purpose.

Two soccer conferences voiced their objections to the arrangement, which would allow FFE to take control of the World Cup tournament. They vowed to boycott the event if FFE prevailed.

Spain won the quadrennial World Cup, this year defeating Argentina 2-1 in the final.

Russia hits Ukrainian capital with missiles, drones

An attack by Russia on the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv with drones and missiles killed at least three people and wounded another dozen or more overnight.

RUSSIA VS. UKRAINE (Shutterstock).

The Associated Press is reporting that the attack damaged a five- story residential building, with people still trapped inside by fallen debris. Another residential building suffered a partial collapse of its first and second floors.

Additionally, several warehouse buildings were set on fire.

This assault took place two days after another Russian drone-and-missile attack killed 10 people and wounded over 50 more.

Weather: Warm weather and maybe rain

Our West Orange County cities are forecast for warm temperatures through the weekend and beyond, but also a chance (18 to 20 percent) of rain Saturday through Monday. During that time, daytime highs will range from 88 to 85 with overnight lows from 67 to 69. Monday is a tiny bit cooler at 84 (67).

Great Thoughts (shyness)

“A shy failure is nobler than an immodest success.”
– Kahlil Gibran

“So many people are shut up inside themselves like boxes, yet they would open up, unfolding quite wonderfully, if only you were interested in them.”
– Sylvia Plath

“Shyness is a shield that protects the sensitive soul.”
– Unknown