Gathering ‘scalps?’ Trump allies dig dirt against perceived enemies in media

That’s what Sam Nunberg, a former Trump aide, told the New York Times when he was asked about a campaign being run by Trump allies to uncover dirt on journalists who have been hammering this administration with negative coverage.

“The media has long targeted Republicans with deep dives into their social media, looking to caricature all conservatives and Trump voters as racists,” he said.

Several sources familiar with the operation say that the group has gathered embarrassing and damaging information against hundreds of journalists who’ve been critical of Trump. CNN, the Washington Post and the New York Times NYT, -1.62% have already been targeted.

The Times pointed to Arthur Schwartz, a conservative consultant and friend of Don Trump, Jr., as a key figure in the operation, referring to this tweet:

Schwartz has since said, in a Sunday tweet, that his “role in these efforts was profoundly overexaggerated in that NYT story.”

The Trump campaign denied any involvement in the operation but a spokesman said “it’s clear that the media has a lot of work to do to clean up its own house.”

Of course, Trump isn’t afraid to tangle with the media, and he didn’t let the G-7 get in the way of firing off more jabs in the ongoing battle:

Tropical Storm Dorian picks up strength as it heads toward Caribbean

MIAMI — Forecasters say the fourth tropical storm of the Atlantic hurricane season has strengthened as it moves toward the Lesser Antilles.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center said Sunday that Tropical Storm Dorian could intensify to near hurricane strength over the eastern Caribbean Sea by Tuesday.

As of 5 p.m. EDT Sunday, Dorian’s center was located about 375 miles east-southeast of Barbados and was moving westward at 14 mph. Maximum sustained winds had increased to 50 mph.

Read: Trump has reportedly suggested nuking hurricanes headed toward the U.S.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. A tropical storm watch was issued for Grenada and its dependencies, as well as for Martinique.

Forecasters say Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and the Virgin Islands should monitor Dorian’s progress.

Air strikes Israeli hit Lebanon-Syria border area: Lebanon's An-Nahar news

BEIRUT (Reuters) – Israeli air strikes hit Lebanon’s border area with Syria early on Sunday, Lebanon’s An-Nahar news said.

“Three Israeli air strikes target the Lebanese-Syria border east of Zahle … explosions were heard in several parts of the Bekaa valley,” An-Nahar said.

The Rock And Elizabeth Warren Share The Love Again Over ‘Ballers’ On Twitter

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) have bonded again in sweet tweets over Johnson’s NFL comedy “Ballers” on HBO.

The program may seem like a surprise favorite for the Democratic presidential candidate. But the senator gushed that she “can’t wait” for the premiere Sunday of the series’ fifth — and final — season. She also sent “congrats” to The Rock on his marriage.

The 47-year-old wrestler-turned-action star and longtime girlfriend Lauren Hashian, 34, were married a week ago. The couple, who met in 2006 on the set of “Game Plan,” have two young daughters.

Johnson tweeted back: “Mahalo, my ballin’ friend. It’s been a helluva run and I’m grateful to the people.” He thanked Warren for the marriage “well wishes” — and “for all your hard work on behalf of our country. ”

Warren and Johnson’s special “Ballers” link popped up two years ago.  Before the fourth season premiere last year, Warren posted part of an interview when she explained what drew her to the show.“Ohh,” she explained, it’s “The Rock.”

Johnson thanked Warren then for “the love” and promised her a “big Rock-sized hug coming when I see ya.”

Earlier this year, Warren tweeted that she keeps a signed “Ballers” script from her “not so secret crush” on her desk as a reminder to “stay ballin’.”  

Air strikes hit Palestinian position in Lebanon, no casualties: official to An-Nahar news

BEIRUT (Reuters) – An official from a military position belonging to a Palestinian group in the Lebanese town of Qusaya, near the Syrian border, said three air strikes hit it, causing only material damage.

“MK planes (drones) targeted one of our sites with three small rockets. There were no casualties, only material damage,” Abu Muhammad told An-Nahar.

Nathan Patterson, fan who signed with Oakland A’s, posts scoreless outing in third pro game

In his third professional game, Nathan Patterson pitched 2 ⅔ scoreless innings for the A's in the Rookie-level Arizona League on Sunday night.

The 23-year-old right-hander started the game against the Indians and retired the first eight batters he faced before giving up a two-out single to right fielder Marlin Made in the third inning.

Patterson was removed from the game after surrendering the hit.

Dating back to his last appearance, Patterson had retired 14 batters in a row until Made's single. He struck out the side in his professional debut and then gave up three runs in two innings in his second outing.

He now has a 4.76 ERA across 5 ⅔ innings.

Patterson was signed by the Athletics organization after throwing 96 mph at a speed-pitch radar booth at a Colorado Rockies game in July.

The average age in the Arizona League is 20.6 for pitchers and 19.4 for hitters, making Patterson one of the older players in the league.