75th anniversary of D-Day: Trump visits Normandy Like many presidents before him, Donald Trump will stand at the edge of Omaha Beach in Normandy on Thursday to commemorate a D-Day invasion anniversary   the 75th, in this case. But with his "America First" foreign policy and his history of criticizing NATO, Trump is unlikely to echo past presidents' "all-for-one" message of allied unity, experts say. On Wednesday, Trump attended D-Day events with Queen Elizabeth II in Britain, where he recited a prayer read by President Franklin Roosevelt on June 6, 1944 . D-Day was the largest invasion by air, land and sea in history, with more than 5,000 ships, 11,000 airplanes and 150,000 soldiers from the United States, Britain and Canada taking part. Here are five things to know about the day that changed world history . Service remembers Virginia Beach shooting victims The Virginia Beach city government will hold a remembrance service Thursday night for the 12 victims killed in the mass shooting at a city office building last week . The non-denominational service, which is open to the public, will be held at Rock Church at 7:30 p.m. ET. A longtime Virginia Beach public works employee shot and killed the 12 victims and wounded four others Friday before he was fatally wounded during a gunbattle with police. His motive so far remains a mystery , police said. Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam on Tuesday called a special legislative session to address gun violence. Blues, Bruins do battle in all-important Game 5 The Stanley Cup Final now is a best-of-three series following the St. Louis Blues' win in Game 4 . With the playoff series tied at two games apiece, it moves to Boston for Game 5 Thursday night (8 p.m. on NBC). The Boston Bruins could be without the services of captain Zdeno Chara , who left the Bruins' Game 4 loss after taking a puck to the face . The Blues, meanwhile, remain relatively healthy as the team chases its first Stanley Cup in franchise history. Veterans to get expanded access to private doctors Veterans will have expanded access to medical care outside Department of Veterans Affairs facilities beginning Thursday under a law signed by President Donald Trump last year. VA officials previously estimated the new rules could increase the number of veterans eligible for VA-sponsored private care to as many as 2.1 million   up from about 560,000. Rules established under the law say the VA will pay for veterans to see non-VA doctors if they have to wait longer than 20 days or drive more than 30 minutes for primary or mental healthcare at a VA facility. For specialty care, they can see private doctors at VA expense if they have to wait longer than 28 days or drive more than an hour to see a VA provider. Denzel Washington gets lifetime acting honor Spike Lee will honor Denzel Washington's career by presenting his friend and collaborator with the American Film Institute's Life Achievement Award. Lee will present the actor and director with the honor at a gala Thursday at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California. The tribute will air on TNT on June 20 at 10 p.m. ET/ PT. The 64-year-old Washington joins the ranks of Mel Brooks, Robert De Niro, Meryl Streep and Alfred Hitchcock. Contributing: Associated Press This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Remembering D-Day, Stanley Cup Final, Virginia Beach shooting victims: 5 things to know Thursday


In collaboration with Polo Ralph Lauren, Justin Thomas has launched a collection with summer Americana themes, classic looks and an ultra-cool patriotic camo pattern. The line includes golf shirts, layering pieces and golf pants each incorporating the Justin Thomas Logo . "I am beyond excited about this collaboration," Thomas said in a press release. "Fashion has always been something I've been intrigued about, so to be a part of the design process for this collaboration was really fun." In addition to his logo, keep an eye out for the Thomas-inspired version of the popular Polo Bear. The bear image was a popular graphic in the early 1990s, typically dressed in dapper RL looks and found adorning hats, shirts, sweaters and everything in between. The Polo Golf Justin Thomas Polo Bear Cap features the bear dressed in Thomas' now-iconic sweater and tie look that he debuted at the 2017 British Open. Polo Golf Justin Thomas Polo Bear Cap available at ralphlauren.com BUY NOW: $45 The collection is primarily red, white and blue which was timed appropriately with the launch just before the U.S. Open. Thomas will also be wearing pieces from the line at Pebble Beach. Solid white and navy golf shirts, and a clean navy vest with red details maintain the patriotic palette and ensure sophisticated looks in line with the 26-year-old's refined style. But there is one bolder pattern we're excited to see JT wear. The star camo print uses various shades of blue to remix the traditional camouflage pattern and gets lightened up by the incorporation of red, white and blue stars. The print will be available in a golf pant (below) and quarter-zip knit ($148). "I love the camo print with the different shades of blue, different sizes of stars and the red, white and blue theme it's perfect for the U.S. Open," Thomas said. "It's going to look really good and you don't look down at your pants and think you look weird or anything. [The camo pants] are definitely one of my favorite pieces." Polo Golf x Justin Thomas Pant available at ralphlauren.com BUY NOW: $125 The Polo Golf x Justin Thomas Knit flag sweater is another headliner in the collection. The classic navy sweater with an American Flag across the chest is stylish, sophisticated and brings a touch of nostalgia. It's also got Coolmax fibers that are cooling and moisture-wicking for a more comfortable wear during the summer months. Polo Golf X Justin Thomas Knit Flag Sweater available at ralphlauren.com BUY NOW: $198 Shop the entire Polo Golf x Justin Thomas collaboration at ralphlauren.com SHOP NOW Related: Billy Horschel debuts first Ralph Lauren golf collaboration


Memphis found the magic number: One not too high to blow its budget, but one not so low that Minnesota would match. The Timberwolves will not match the qualifying offer tendered point guard Tyus Jones by the Grizzlies, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. The Minnesota Timberwolves are declining to match the Memphis Grizzlies' three-year, $28M offer sheet for restricted free agent guard Tyus Jones, league sources tell ESPN.   Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 10, 2019 Among reasons for not matching on Jones: Minnesota is pursuing max cap space in 2020 free agency. Without space this summer, Wolves were a finalist for D'Angelo Russell. They'll work to get back into market with real flexibility next year. https://t.co/5bh2fSn5Sz   Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 10, 2019 The offer sheet is for $24 million but could get to $28 million with incentives. Ja Morant will be the point guard of the future in Memphis, but behind him is was only De'Anthony Melton . Now the Grizzlies add a young player who has shown promise and averaged 6.9 points and 4.8 assists per game last season in nearly 23 minutes a night for the Timberwolves. Jones is not a great shooter (31.7 percent shooting from three last season, and a well below average 49.1 true shooting percentage) but he can run a team and will fit nicely in Memphis.


Soon enough, we might be able to tell how well our brains are working with a simple flicker of a light. That's the hope generated by a small-scale pilot study recently published in the Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology this September. The team of researchers, hailing from the University of Georgia (UGA), devised a simple test intended to measure how fast we can visually process information, an ability that has long been believed to indicate our overall higher cognitive functions, such as problem solving, task-organization, and reasoning. The study and test design brought together researchers from both UGA's Neuropsychology and Memory Assessment Laboratory and its Vision Sciences Laboratory. "We knew that sensory function is important for cognitive function, and we had a unique opportunity with this collaboration," said study author Catherine Mewborn, a doctoral candidate in UGA's Franklin College of Arts and Sciences department of psychology in a statement released by the university. The test goes like this: Participants are asked to peer into a device that features two different wavelengths of light that alternatively flash with one another, creating the illusion of one singular light flickering on and off. "The flickering starts out very slowly, and almost everyone can see that," Mewborn explained. "During the test, the frequency of the flickering light would change, becoming faster. It'd continue to speed up and eventually go so fast that at some point the flickering can't be seen anymore, and it just looks like a solid circle of light." The exact point at which it stops moving for any one person is meant to measure their critical flicker fusion (CFF), which is then translated as a measure of executive function. Because it's known that the later progression of age somewhat slows down that skillset, Mewborn and her team tested two groups of participants: one college-aged (72 participants, averaging 21-years-old) and one elderly (57 participants, averaging 72-years-old). In addition to the flicker test, all their subjects were tested explicitly for "global cognition, and several cognitive subdomains." As expected, age did predict lower CFF scores. Once taking that into account, however, they found that "CFF predicted executive function across both age groups and accounted for unique variance in performance above and beyond age and global cognitive status." It's a great first step for the UGA team, though one that will need further verification. Should things continue to progress smoothly though, it may lead to a less lengthy process for testing someone's mental faculties. "If I wanted to know something about your cognition in relation to your risks for dementia, I'd have to give a very long test or an MRI. But if you can test for dementia by testing visual processing speed, that's very easy and quick," said study co-author and director of the Vision Sciences Laboratory, Professor Billy Hammond."We used a method that didn't have a lot of the past limitations of other studies, and it could measure this speed much more accurately. If I show you a flickering light, and it flickers faster and faster, until it doesn't flicker, that is pretty objective, with a lot less variability." Mewborn said of their research's future, "The next step would be to look at these same sorts of tasks and see whether or not it could predict individuals who are beginning to show early signs of cognitive impairment, such as early signs of Alzheimer's disease." Source: Mewborn C, Renzi L, Hammond B, et al.Critical Flicker Fusion Predicts Executive Function in Younger and Older Adults. Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology . 2015.


"We need to secure the border and address our nation's broken immigration system, but it cannot be done on the backs of Iowa farmers," said Gov. Kim Reynolds. Guatemalan asylum seeker Miley blows bubbles at the new Casa del Refugiado in east El Paso, Texas, as her father Jaime looks on. Jaime said their life in Guatemala was getting very dangerous. "There are people who will kill you for a quetzal or your cell phone. People board the bus with a gun and rob everybody." he said. "It's hard to live there." Migrants find anywhere they can to sleep at the Albergue Para Migrantes "El Buen Pastor" in Juarez as they await their number to be called by U.S. authorities for their asylum hearing on May 1, 2019. Border Patrol agents check a tunnel in the Rio Grande basin Wednesday as they search for asylum seekers on May 1, 2019 between El Paso and Juarez. A Central American asylum seeker washes her family's laundry in a sink at the Albergue Para Migrantes "El Buen Pastor" in Juarez. Asylum seekers are seeing long waits for their number to be called by U.S. authorities. Border agents watch a popular crossing point along El Paso's border with Juarez as asylum seekers continue to flow through the border on May 1, 2019. A Guatemalan girl peeks from behind the pew she sleeps in at the Albergue Para Migrantes "El Buen Pastor" as her family awaits their number to be called for their initial asylum hearing on May 1, 2019. A Border Patrol agent walks with a family of asylum seekers after they crossed the border near downtown El Paso. Hundreds of Central Americans are crossing into El Paso seeking asylum daily. A tote board in the courtyard of the Albergue Para Migrantes "El Buen Pastor" lets asylum seekers know when their number is close. Many at the shelter had numbers well over 12,000. Pastor Juan Fierro locks up a warehouse he is converting into additional shelter space for asylum seekers in Juarez on May 1, 2019. His current shelter Albergue Para Migrantes "El Buen Pastor," which is across the street, is at capacity. Asylum seekers at the Albergue Para Migrantes "El Buen Pastor" pass the times as they await their initial asylum hearings. A young girl keeps warm under her blanket at the new Casa del Refugiado in east El Paso, Texas. Annunciaiton House, which houses asylum seekers, recently opened a 125,000-square-foot center which will house over 1,000 migrants once fully operational. The El Paso area is seeing over 1,000 migrant releases daily. A Guatemalan man poses for a photo with his young son at the new Casa del Refugiado in east El Paso on April, 24, 2019. Behind him, a full-wall mural which reads Esperanza, or hope. The new 125,000 square foot center run by Annunciation House could house well over 1,000 asylum seekers once the facility is up to code. Annunciation house is asking for volunteer electricians, plumbers and others to help make the center livable. Migrants are loaded onto a bus at the Border Patrol Headquarters on Hondo Pass in El Paso Saturday. The facility at the headquarters will grow as they build a large tent to house asylum seekers on Saturday, April, 20, 2019. Asylum-seeking families with their children staying in tents housing waiting for their names to be called by CBP at the border in San Luis Rio Colorado, Mexico. Residents in the twin cities of San Luis, Arizona and San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora remained a bit on edge over this potential scenario on Monday, although there were some more immediate concerns they had in the meantime. Asylum-seeking families with their children staying in tents housing waiting for their names to be called by CBP at the border in San Luis Rio Colorado, Mexico. Asylum-seeking families with their children staying in tents housing waiting for their names to be called by CBP at the border in San Luis Rio Colorado, Mexico. Asylum-seeking families with their children staying in tents housing waiting for their names to be called by CBP at the border in San Luis Rio Colorado, Mexico on April 2, 2019. Asylum-seeking families with their children staying in tents housing waiting for their names to be called by CBP at the border in San Luis Rio Colorado, Mexico. Asylum-seeking families with their children staying in tents housing waiting for their names to be called by CBP at the border in San Luis Rio Colorado, Mexico. Asylum-seeking families with their children staying in tents housing waiting for their names to be called by CBP at the border in San Luis Rio Colorado, Mexico. Ana Landa Cenova, a single mother of two from Veracruz, Mexico, said she came to San Luis fleeing violence in her hometown. She said she expected that crossing through here would be easier than other larger cities, with longer wait times, or safer than through Texas. But she stays her so far has been filled with hardship, especially for her two children, a six-year-old Kimberly, and a one-year-old Emanuel. "It's been so tough." She has been staying out for two months. She heard about Trump's threats about possibly closing the border, and it worries her, not least of all, because she's close to having her name called. "I'm among the next numbers that will be called, so I won't lose my faith. Hopefully in the next week I'll get called," she said.


Kirk Cousins knows better than anyone that offense doesn't always win games. While speaking Wednesday at Minnesota's mandatory minicamp, the Vikings quarterback admitted his place in the NFL landscape isn't the strongest and reiterated the need to change that in 2019 if the team hopes to improve its position in the brutal NFC North. "I think the next level, really, is all about winning," Cousins told reporters . "I'm pretty much a .500 quarterback in my career so far and I don't think that's where you want to be and that's not why you are brought in or people are excited about you. "If I don't play well, if I don't have gaudy statistics but we win multiple playoff games this year, the narrative will be I went to the next level and I may not walk off the field every day feeling like I did but if we win, that's the life of a quarterback, you are at the next level. If I have my best year yet in 2018 but we're 8-8, I didn't go to the next level. That's the reality of it." Cousins had a career season in 2018 as he posted his highest completion percentage (70.1) and his second highest total in passing yards (4,298) while throwing more touchdowns (30) than he has ever had since being drafted by the Redskins in 2012. Still, it wasn't enough to help the Vikings as Minnesota finished 8-7-1 and missed the playoffs after making it to the NFC title game the year before. This time around, however, Cousins is hopeful for a different outcome. "I'm going to do all I can, control what I can control," Cousins said. "And I think one thing I can do beyond just playing the best I can is to start really coaching and leading other people so that I can never walk off the field saying, 'Hey, I did my part but so-and-so didn't,' that can't happen. "As a quarterback, you have to be bringing others along so that isn't a point you're making at the end of a practice or a game. That's really what it's all about." MORE : Titans to retire Steve McNair, Eddie George uniform numbers | JuJu Smith-Schuster says he has no beef with Antonio Brown | Bears waive Chris Blewitt, leaving number of kickers at 2 Cousins, who signed a three-year deal worth $84 million with Minnesota last March after finishing his tenure in Washington, has gone 32-30-2 with the Redskins and Vikings since becoming a full-time starter in 2015. He is 34-37-2 overall as a starter since entering the league. Related slideshow: 2019 minicamp highlights (Provided by imagn)


The U.S women's national team kicked of its 2019 World Cup run on Tuesday with a 13-0 victory over Thailand. Yes, you read that correctly - it was a 13-0 win that quickly got out of hand . Alex Morgan, who had five goals, as well as other players had fun after each goal, celebrating as players are known to do after scoring a goal in a World Cup, which is the sport's biggest stage. Some people, however, didn't like that they would have the gall to celebrate after all those goals. I'm not one of those people, though, because I think it's a game and it's OK to celebrate and if I was on the other team I wouldn't care at all if the other team celebrated. We all need to calm down a little on certain issues that really aren't necessary to get worked up over. But these analysts from Canada sure didn't like Team USA having some fun, as they called it "disrespectful" and "disgraceful" on this TSN World Cup show: Canada was not impressed by the #USWNT today. Clare Rustad, Kaylyn Kyle, and Diana Matheson rip Rapinoe and Morgan for what they call "classless behavior". #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/2U3eVCFb2M - WoSo Comps (@WoSo_Comps) June 11, 2019 I mean, come on. That's a little much. Listen, Team USA is the best team in the world and if these leads them to being the role of the villain than I say more power too 'em. I love it. Celebrate away and have fun. Life's too short not too. MORE: Most bizarre and incredible catches by fishermen in past decade 2019 aggregate mock draft 9.0: First look after withdrawal deadline Report: Celtics don't want to keep all of their first-round picks Watch as judge declares mistrial on remaining 8 charges against Kellen Winslow Jr. Packers rookie CB Ka'dar Hollman impressing early with press coverage Related Slideshow: Best photos from the Women's World Cup (provided by imagn)


North Korea conducted a fresh short-range missile tests on Wednesday, its second such launch in less than a week as Pyongyang tries to exert pressure on Washington and Seoul before major military exercises commence and nuclear talks resume. Two short-range ballistic missiles of an unknown type were fired from a site close to the eastern city of Wonsan, where such tests are often conducted. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the projectiles flew around 155 miles at a maximum altitude of 19 miles before landing off the country's east coast, The Associated Press reported. The South Korean JCS said the North's repeated launches "are not helpful to efforts to ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula, and we urge [North Korea] to stop this kind of behavior." Both the U.S. and South Korea are working to establish more details about the missiles launched on Wednesday. The test is the second in less than a week. North Korea is attempting to ratchet up pressure on the U.S. and South Korea to cancel a major military exercise planned for August, while the secretive nation is also trying to maintain a negotiating edge as American and North Korean representatives prepare to re-open stalled denuclearization talks. Last week's launches sent two short-range missiles around 370 miles at a maximum altitude of 30 miles. The South Korean military said the missiles' flight data indicated similarities between them and the Russian-made short-range, nuclear-capable Iskander ballistic missile. A North Korean version of the Iskander would be able to hit any target in South Korea, including the 28,500 U.S. forces stationed there. Deployed with Russian forces from 2006 onward, the Iskander can fly at Mach 5.9 over 4,500 miles per hour. Harry J. Kazianis, the Center for the National Interest's senior director of Korean Studies, said Wednesday's test "is a message to Washington and Seoul: stop joint exercises or we will continue to show off our own offensive military capabilities and raise tensions to a slow boil over time." Sean King, vice president at the Park Strategies policy consulting firm, noted there are conflicting reports as to whether Wednesday's missiles were indeed of the new North Korean type similar to the Russian Iskanker. Regardless, Kazianis pointed to the "design, flight pattern and imagery" available for recent launches, which all indicate "a more advanced short-range ballistic missile and something very dangerous." The American THAAD Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system is currently deployed in South Korea to defend against North Korean missiles. But a new North Korean missile means a new challenge for the THAAD. "Such a missile, if based loosely on the Iskander, flies in a way to make it hard for radar to pick it up, and in fact, there have been rumors in the press that South Korean radar had trouble detecting the previous set of missiles, a fact that if true is very concerning," Kazianis explained. Kazianis also noted that no matter how sophisticated a defensive system is, it can still be defeated by an overwhelming or "saturation" barrage of missiles. "You can have the best missile defenses on the planet, however, if you don't have enough of them even the most primitive of missiles can defeat," he told Newsweek . "Math will win every single time." Though the short-range tests are in breach of United Nations Security Council resolutions, President Donald Trump has refused to publicly condemn the launches. He has contradicted allies and senior members of his own administration in dismissing the tests as inconsequential. But Kim Jong Un is clearly sending a message. Earlier this month, the young dictator was also pictured inspecting a submarine which appeared to be designed to be able to fire ballistic missiles while at sea. This would be the country's first submarine capable of firing ballistic missiles from launch tubes, making detection and destruction of Pyongyang's nuclear weapons much more difficult. King noted that the fact that the missiles used in recent tests have been mobile-launched, as opposed to static, "underscores what a meaningless 'concession' it was when North Korea offered to dismantle its Sohae fixed-launch missile testing site last year." Kazianis said the president is correct to believe that recent test launches do not change the balance of power in the region, nor do they require "any sort of rash or provocative counter move." Indeed, he noted that the missile launches are as important for their domestic propaganda value as for international diplomacy. For that reason, these tests are unlikely to be the last. The U.S.-South Korean drills are due to commence on August 5 and continue until the end of the month. North Korean launches are likely to accompany the start and end of the exercises, Kazianis predicted. "I think Washington gets this and has handled these recent missile tests quite well," he added. "However, if Kim were to start testing longer range missiles say [intermediate-range ballistic missiles] like the ones that flew over Japan in 2017 or [intercontinental ballistic missiles] that can hit the U.S.  that is a clear red line for Trump. If that happens we are back to the days of 'fire and fury' and potential war." But for King, Trump's insistence that short-range missiles are no threat may undermine vital regional alliances. "He's implying that when push comes to shove, South Korea and Japan are on their own," King explained. "Comments like these fuel doubts and uncertainties among our allies about U.S. commitment to their security which is a win not only for Pyongyang but also for Beijing." Related Articles North Korea Hostage Freed by Trump Details His CIA Work and Torture in Prison Camp: 'I Became a Traitor Overnight' Photos Show Kim Jong Un Inspecting New Submarine, Deployment Is 'Near at Hand' to Implement 'Military Strategic Intention' Has North Korea Just Tested a New Missile? Latest Device Covered More Than 400 Miles Sign up to our newsletter and get Newsweek stories delivered to your e-mail


The Carolina Panthers have signed wide receiver Aldrick Robinson to a one-year contract. Robinson was a sixth-round pick by Washington in the 2011 NFL draft. He played three years there before moving on, putting in time with Baltimore, Atlanta and San Francisco before landing with Minnesota last season. Robinson posted 17 catches, 231 yards and five touchdowns with the Vikings. If anybody on the roster has cause for concern about this move, it's veteran receiver Torrey Smith. Robinson can also stretch the field, which is what he's been asked to do, per the team website . "They want to stretch the field. They want me to add to that. They like my speed and my ability to open things up. . . I can create separation and get by defenders." The Panthers can save $5 million in cap room by cutting Smith. While keeping both him and Robinson on the roster may seem redundant, it's becoming clear that the team is prioritizing speed and play-making ability over size and catch radius for their receiver corps this year. MORE: What Steph Curry and his brother Seth said in their free-throw trash talking moment What Michael Floyd brings to Ravens WR depth chart Five potential Jimmy Butler landing spots in free agency Why rookie Devin Bush is the cure for what ails the Steelers defense The Ringer: A.J. Green-Saints trade would be dream come true


Jets rookie Quinnen Williams knows that Tom Brady is the No. 1 target for any defensive lineman in the AFC East is. Even if he doesn't know all the details about Brady's biography. Williams said that getting to sack Brady would be a special experience, and then made a comment about their age difference. "It's crazy because Tom Brady started playing in the NFL before I was born ," Williams said. "To sack him would be amazing." That is not correct. Williams was born in 1997. Brady was drafted in 2000. Brady isn't quite as old as Williams thinks he is. And Williams' presence in the division gives Brady one more reason to keep working on his pliability and staying one step ahead of the pass rush.


Here's the most recent top news you may have missed in Boston. Pit bull puppies found in cemetery Animal control officers are asking for help finding the owners of the three lost puppies. Read the full story on WBZ | CBS Boston . Woman injured by falling construction debris A woman suffered life-threatening injuries Thursday after being struck by a piece of metal that fell off of a building in the North End. Read the full story on 7News - WHDH Boston . Specialists help families cope with loss With the help of unique specialists at Boston Children's Hospital, families are able to create memories that help them heal when their loved one is gone. Read the full story on WCVB . Survey finds criticism of pricey waterfront The lack of affordable things to do and eat is one of the biggest threats to the city's waterfront, according to 42% of respondents to a poll by the nonprofit Conservation Law Foundation. Read the full story on Curbed Boston . Man injured after falling 25 feet onto metro tracks A man fell over a ledge into a pit along MBTA tracks early Thursday. Read the full story on WCVB . This story was created automatically using data about news stories on social media from CrowdTangle , then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


Liverpool are not expected to pursue highly coveted Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt this summer, despite recent speculation linking the Reds with an approach for the teenage prodigy. De Ligt's starring role in Ajax's run to within a few seconds of the Champions League final has seen the young Dutchman linked with most of Europe's best and richest clubs this season. Barcelona have long been seen as the favourites to strike a deal after already completing an €86m deal for teammate Frenkie de Jong. But the likes of Juventus , Real Madrid, Manchester City and Manchester United have all been mentioned as suitors at one point or another. Liverpool also had also been credited with alleged interest, with the idea of De Ligt partnering international colleague Virgil van Dijk in defence a mouth watering prospect to fans. The speculation of a potential move to Anfield was even accelerated when a claim attributed to author and Spanish football writer Guillem Balague suggested Liverpool have 'been talking' with De Ligt ahead of potentially making a more formal approach. However, the popular James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo has now quickly moved to quash such rumours, explaining that there is no truth to the claims of any negotiations, adding that Liverpool 'are not trying to secure the services of De Ligt'. The point is made that manager Jurgen Klopp is 'happy' with his existing centre-back options ahead of next season - Joel Matip, Joe Gomez, Dejan Lovren in addition to Van Dijk - and therefore 'isn't looking to strengthen' that part of the squad ahead of the 2019/20 campaign. For the latest on where De Ligt might actually be going, Sky Sports have waded in to claim that he is 'set to join' Barcelona this summer, which is where most had expected him to go anyway. Matthijs De Ligt to join Barcelona. What a few days it's been for him. First he's included in a massively fake Roy Keane quote that everyone believed, and now this.   Paddy Power (@paddypower) May 20, 2019 De Light would join a healthy centre-back stable containing Gerard Pique, Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti, with 19-year-old Jean-Clair Todibo a potential candidate to spend next season out on loan and Thomas Vermaelen expected to leave Camp Nou this summer.


CLINTON, Mo. -- A potentially infectious patient's arrival at the emergency department at Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare in Clinton Tuesday prompted the hospital to divert ambulance traffic. Through the utilization of routine screening, medical personnel quickly identified the potential risk and implemented Centers for Disease Control (CDC) protocol to ensure the safety of patients and staff, the hospital said through a news release late Tuesday night. While treating the patient, the emergency department was on diversion to ambulance traffic. An alternate emergency site in the hospital was established to treat patients who sought care during this time. After consultation with appropriate authorities, the patient was transferred to another facility. There is no risk to patients, staff or community members interacting with or seeking care at GVMH, according to the hospital. "The quick action of our staff helped a patient receive timely and appropriate care," chief executive officer Craig Thompson said. "I would like to thank the Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and state and local law enforcement agencies for their assistance. GVMH's highest priority is the health and wellness of our community and I'm proud of how our staff and providers responded." The hospital has not indicated what disease or ailment the potentially infectious patient may have or what symptoms the patient exhibited. It's also unclear where the patient was transported. ___ (c)2019 WDAF-TV, Kansas City Visit WDAF-TV, Kansas City at www.fox4kc.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


Romain Grosjean believes the Haas Formula 1 team needs to "stop blaming the tyres and start blaming ourselves" after its struggles in French Grand Prix qualifying. The American outfit has been one of the hardest hit by this year's specification of tyres, which are harder to get into their optimum working range, and regularly found it difficult to get sufficient performance to fight at the front of the midfield. However, after both Haas drivers failed to qualifying in the top 10 in France, Grosjean   who was eliminated in the first phase   said the team needed to take responsibility. "I think we need to stop blaming the tyres and start blaming ourselves," he said. "It's 50 degrees [track temperature] today and it's a lot of energy in the circuit. "So, we don't have really any excuse to not warm the tyre up." Read Also: Grosjean "gutted" not to have Haas update for home race After qualifying Grosjean, his teammate Kevin Magnussen and team boss Gunther Steiner all admitted they were confounded by the lack of performance at Paul Ricard. Steiner said how the team would fare in the race was "just a mystery". "There is nothing I can say that "it will be fine" and that we'll go from 15th to eighth," said Steiner. "We have to hope that someone drops back. In Canada, we couldn't keep the tyres together but on Friday [in France], every lap we dropped a second almost. "If you do that someone will overtake you." Steiner said Haas was hoping that performance would "come towards us for qualifying with increased heat and track temperature, but it didn't". French GP qualifying was the furthest Haas has been from the front of the grid all season, and Grosjean said there was no excuse. "It's been a tough weekend up to now," he admitted. "I think this morning we were happier with the car but the pace was not very very good. "The car is very difficult to understand, in terms of balance, and the last lap was looking pretty OK until Turn 9, then the rear end went. "But we just don't have any explanation, so we just need to dig harder, to understand and then to make sure the car is better. Because here it's hot, it's warm, there is a lot of energy going in the tyres, so we can't really blame the tyres."


BOSTON (CBS)   A fire that damaged two three-family homes on Mt. Everett Street was sparked by fireworks, the Boston Fire Investigation Unit determined. The fire, which has displaced 20 people, broke out at 1:30 a.m. Friday. "This is the reason we try to warn of the dangers and the damages they can cause. This is why they are illegal," the Boston Fire Department tweeted . The Boston Fire investigation Unit has determined the the cause of last nights 4 Alarm Fire on Mt. Everett St was caused by fireworks . This is the reason we try to warn of the dangers and the damages they can cause. This is why they are illegal . pic.twitter.com/8726W3UnvW   Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) July 5, 2019 The fire department estimated about $1 million worth of damage. The Red Cross and Neighborhood Services will help the displaced residents find temporary housing.


CHICAGO (CBS)   Welcome to July and the reality you'll pay more in taxes to generate money for Rebuild Illinois, the state's first large-scale infrastructure program in 10 years. The $45 billion capital plan is expected to repair roads and bridges across Illinois, and create more than 500,000 jobs. The program would be funded by doubling the state's gasoline tax, increasing vehicle registration fees, higher taxes on cigarettes and electronic cigarettes, a new state parking tax, and revenue from expanded gambling. Starting July 1, the state's gas tax will double from 19 cents to 38 cents per gallon, bringing in an estimated $590 million a year for the state, $400 million a year for local governments, and $250 million a year for transit agencies, according to the governor's office. Vehicle registration fees would increase from $101 to $151 a year beginning with 2021 registrations, and electrical vehicle registration fees would go up from $34 every two years to $251 every year. Truck registration fees will rise by $50 for vehicles 8,000 pounds and less, and $100 for vehicles 8,001 pounds and more. The increases in vehicle registration fees will generate an estimated $529 million a year in new state revenue, the governor's office said. A new 6% tax on daily and hourly garage parking and a 9% tax on annual garage parking will bring in $60 million in new state revenue. A $1 per pack increase in cigarette taxes will create $160 million in new revenue, and a 15% tax on e-cigarettes would bring in another $10 million. Also note, beginning July 1, the age for purchasing tobacco products in Illinois now is 21 years old. The state's expansion of casino, video, and sports gambling would generate at least $350 million a year in new revenue, according to the governor's office. The gambling expansion plan creates six new casino licenses, including one in Chicago, and allows for slot machines at horse racing tracks and at O'Hare and Midway airports   though only in private clubs beyond airport security checkpoints. One major project that will be funded by the state's capital plan is the Interstate 80 bridge over the Des Plaines River. Approximately $1.2 billion in funding is now budgeted for repairs on I-80 between New Lenox and Minooka, including the deteriorating bridge.


Sofía Vergara stole our hearts (and the hearts of shoppers) when she launched her first denim collection at Walmart . Customers have gone wild for her super affordable line, Sofía Jeans by Sofía Vergara , which is chock-full of nearly 100 denim-inspired pieces like jean jackets, graphic tees, and denim skirts. But the one thing that really won us over was her size-inclusive, booty-flattering jeans. Think: peach emoji. So much so, that almost every denim style sold out within the first few weeks of the launch back in February. People are so eager to get their butts in a pair of her jeans that the styles have collectively racked up a 5,000-person waitlist. And we're happy to inform you that, after months of waiting, all off Vergara's best-selling denim styles have finally been restocked   including Vergara's go-to pair, the Sofía skinny mid-rise jeans . If skinny jeans aren't your thing, there's also an adorable pair of destructed straight-leg jeans and a super retro high-waisted flare jeans style , too. All of the best-selling styles come in sizes 0 to 20 and cost (drumroll, please) under $30. Given their amazing price tag and history of selling out, we have a feeling these styles won't be available much longer   so, you'd better hurry if you want to scoop up a pair for yourself. Keep scrolling to see our favorite styles that have been restocked. Go, go, go! Buy It! Sofía Jeans by Sofía Vergara Sofía Skinny Mid Rise Soft Stretch Ankle Jeans, $22.50; walmart.com Buy It! Sofía Jeans by Sofía Vergara Sofía Skinny Lace-Up Sides Mid Rise Ankle Jean, $29.50; walmart.com Buy It! Sofía Jeans by Sofía Vergara Melisa High Waist Stretch Flare Jean, $27.50; walmart.com Buy It! Sofía Jeans by Sofía Vergara Rosa Curvy High Waist Ripped Hem Ankle Jean, $24.50; walmart.com Buy It! Sofía Jeans by Sofía Vergara Veronica Destructed Cuffed Straight High Waist Jean, $27.50; walmart.com Buy It! Sofía Jeans by Sofía Vergara Paula Soft Stretch Knit Denim Jogger, $26.50; walmart.com Buy It! Sofía Jeans by Sofía Vergara Sofía Destructed Mid Rise Ankle Jean, $24.50; walmart.com


The attack on two tankers in a vital Gulf of Oman waterway Thursday comes at a time of heightened tensions between the United States and Iran in the oil-rich region and raises concerns of a potential conflict in the Middle East. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was quick to point the finger at Iran, saying his assessment was "based on intelligence." While Iran denied involvement, the US military on Thursday released a video that it said showed an Iranian navy boat removing an unexploded mine attached to the hull of one of the tankers in an apparent attempt to recover evidence of its participation. On Friday, however, the Japanese shipping company that owns one of the tankers said it did not believe its ship was attacked by a mine. The incident bears similarities to an attack on May 12 when four oil tankers were targeted off the coast of the United Arab Emirates in the Gulf of Oman. Like Thursday's attack, that incident took place near the Strait of Hormuz , a vital shipping route that has been the focal point of regional tensions for decades. About 30% of the world's sea-borne crude oil passes through the strategic choke point, making it a flashpoint for political and economic friction. Here's how the attacks played out. Slideshow by Reuters The first tanker attack On May 12, four commercial oil tankers were targeted near the strategic Emirati port of Fujairah in the Gulf of Oman, in what the UAE described as a "sabotage attack." One was flying a UAE flag, and another the Norwegian flag. The other two were owned by Saudi Arabia, which described the incident as a threat to the security of global oil supplies. The US blamed Iran for the attack, with US national security adviser John Bolton saying, "I think it is clear these (attacks) were naval mines almost certainly from Iran." He did not offer evidence that Tehran was responsible. Iran denounced the attack and denied involvement. But the incident came as tensions between the US and its Gulf allies were ramping up amid deteriorating relations. Days before the attack, the US Maritime Administration issued an advisory warning commercial shipping vessels that Iran or its proxies could be targeting commercial vessels and oil production infrastructure. The US had also recently deployed the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group and a bomber task force to the Strait of Hormuz in response to a "number of troubling and escalatory indications and warnings" from Iran, a US official with direct knowledge of the situation told CNN at the time. Following the attack, President Donald Trump approved sending an additional 1,500 US troops to the Middle East as part of a "mostly protective" effort to deter Iranian threats. Weeks before, Trump had announced that the US would formally designate Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Tehran's most powerful military institution, a terrorist organization. The incidents come as Iran is promising to restart elements of its nuclear program, following the US's withdrawal from the nuclear pact last year. It also comes as Iran and Saudi Arabia continue to fight a deadly proxy war in Yemen. In recent years, Houthi rebels have frequently fired Iranian-supplied missiles into Saudi Arabia -- on Wednesday Houthis struck the arrivals hall of an airport in southwestern Saudi Arabia, injuring 26 people. Ongoing investigation On June 6, the initial findings of an international investigation into attacks on the four tankers concluded that a "state actor" was the most likely culprit, but did not mention any state by name. The UAE, Saudi Arabia and Norway told the United Nations Security Council that there were "strong indications that the four attacks were part of a sophisticated and coordinated operation carried out with significant operational capacity." Diplomats said the assessment of the damage to the four vessels and chemical analysis of the debris recovered revealed "it was highly likely that limpet mines were deployed." In a printed statement describing the conclusions, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Norway said the attacks required trained divers and explosive charges placed under the waterline, near the engines so as to not sink the ships or detonate their cargoes, which indicated a knowledge of the design of the targeted ships. The countries say rapid withdrawal of the plotters by fast boats indicated understanding of the geographic area. June 13 attack The most recent attack occurred a week later on June 13, when two tankers -- one carrying oil and the other transporting a cargo of chemicals -- were struck in broad daylight sailing through the Gulf of Oman, near the Strait of Hormuz. The Norwegian Maritime Agency said that three explosions were reported on board the Marshall Islands-flagged Front Altair oil tanker, which is owned by the Bermuda-based Norwegian company Frontline. The company said that a fire broke out after an explosion and that the cause of the blast was unclear. A second vessel, the Japanese-owned chemical tanker Kokura Courageous, was "attacked" twice "with some sort of shell," the ship's co-manager, Michio Yuube, said. The vessels were hit "at or below the waterline, in close proximity to the engine room," said the International Association of Independent Tanker Owners (Intertanko). "These appeared to be well-planned and coordinated" attacks, it added. All 21 Philippine crew members on the Kokura Courageous were evacuated, Yuube said. The ship's Singapore-based management company, BSM, said a sailor was injured and the vessel had suffered damage to its hull. The USS Bainbridge was nearby when the incident happened and a tug ferried crew members of the Kokuka Courageous to it. Images released by the US Central Command showed crew from the Bainbridge assisting the sailors following their rescue. The 23 crew members of the Front Altair were picked up by a South Korean cargo ship, the Hyundai Dubai, which responded to their distress call. According to a Hyundai Merchant Marine official, the ship's captain said in an official report that he heard three explosions prior to the Front Altair's distress call. He went outside to the dock and saw the ship was on fire. Two sailors approached the Norwegian tanker on a lifeboat and rescued the 23 crew, bringing them to the Hyundai Dubai, which has now docked in Abu Dhabi. On Friday, the Japanese shipping company that owns the chemical tanker Kokuka Courageous said it did not believe the ship was attacked by a mine. In a press conference Friday in Tokyo, the president of Kokuka Sangyo Marine, Yutaka Katada, said he believed "there is no possibility of mine attack as the attack is well above the naval line." According to Katada, a crew member said the second attack came from a flying shell. Katada said that all crew members were now back on board the tanker, which is currently tagged to the UAE city of Khor Fakkan, and were working to get electricity fully up and running. Iran blamed again Pompeo blamed Iran for the attacks, saying the assessment was based on intelligence but offered no evidence to support his claim. "It is the assessment by the United States government that the Islamic Republic of Iran is responsible for the attacks that occurred in the Gulf of Oman today," Pompeo said in specially scheduled remarks at the State Department Thursday, as investigations into the attacks were beginning. "This assessment is based on intelligence, the weapons used, the level of expertise needed to execute the operation, recent similar Iranian attacks on shipping, and the fact that no proxy group operating in the area has the resources and proficiency to act with such a high degree of sophistication." On Thursday evening, the US military released video in support of Pompeo's claims of what it said showed an Iranian navy boat removing an unexploded mine attached to the hull of the Kokura Courageous. In the video, a smaller boat is shown coming up to the side of the tanker. An individual stands up on the bow of the boat and can be seen removing an object from the tanker's hull. The US says that object is likely an unexploded mine. Another official told CNN that multiple Iranian small boats had entered the area where the Bainbridge continued to be on the scene, prompting US Central Command to issue a statement saying, "No interference with USS Bainbridge, or its mission, will be tolerated." Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir told CNN's Wolf Blitzer that the Saudis "have no reason to disagree" with Pompeo's comments blaming Iran for being behind Thursday's attacks, saying "Iran has a history of doing this." Iran denies any involvement Iran Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said "suspicious doesn't begin to describe" this latest incident, noting that one of the tankers is Japanese owned and the attack took place as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was visiting Iran in an effort to calm tensions between Washington and Tehran. Alireza Miryousefi, a spokesman for the Iranian mission, tweeted a statement saying Iran "categorically rejects the US unfounded claim" that Iran is behind the attacks and "condemns it in the strongest possible terms." He added that Iran "expresses concern" over the "suspicious incidents." And he called it "ironic" that the US, which withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action nuclear deal with Iran, was now calling Iran to come back for negotiations and diplomacy. The UN Security Council privately discussed the latest on the attack but declined to produce any formal reaction.


When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers released former All-Pro Gerald McCoy last week, conventional wisdom said the defensive tackle wouldn't be out of work for long, and sure enough, interest was high. McCoy visited with the Cleveland Browns recently, but left town without a deal. The team might come to regret that decision, especially since McCoy is visiting their division rival, the Baltimore Ravens. And, as you'd expect when a talent like McCoy visits a team, fans and media in Baltimore are eagerly taking part in McCoy Watch 2019. Take a look. Free agent defensive tackle Gerald McCoy left the Ravens facility a little after 7 pm after arriving in the afternoon. No word on where contract talks stand. - Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) May 28, 2019 For those asking, Gerald McCoy's FA visit with Ravens is ongoing. Could even stretch into Wednesday am. Not sure where contract talks stand but Ravens obviously would love to get a deal before he leaves town. - Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) May 28, 2019 Having dinner downtown with players and coaches. Hope is he's back at facility tomorrow am. - Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) May 28, 2019 McCoy would be a huge get for the Ravens who also added former Seahawks All-Pro safety Earl Thomas this offseason. With a rising star in quarterback Lamar Jackson leading the charge on offense, having veterans like McCoy and Thomas balancing out the defense would be a huge offseason win for the Ravens. MORE: This first pitch at Royals-White Sox game took a wild turn that the photographer never saw coming Draymond Green to LeBron James' 14-Year-Old Son: "I'm at Your F--king Neck This Summer" Louis Riddick: 'Dwayne Haskins is twice the thrower of Robert Griffin III' Jags Day 4 OTA rundown: McGough gets off to a hot start, Minshew flashes late in practice Carson Wentz, DeSean Jackson are quickly developing a lethal chemistry


The Arizona Cardinals had the worst run defense in the entire league in 2018. It was embarrassing after three straight seasons having a total defense ranked in the top 10 and a run defense consistently ranked near the top. They hope that improves dramatically in 2019 with the return to a 3-4 defense and with new defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. However, some are not so optimistic. According to Pro Football Focus, they have improved but it isn't by much. In their rankings of all 32 teams' run defenses , PFF's Mike Renner puts them 30th. While Terrell Suggs has been ageless to some degree as a pass-rusher, his run-defense grade took a steep downturn in 2018. His 64.4 run-defense grade was easily the lowest we've ever seen from him. Suggs might not be what he used to be against the run, but Brooks Reed is strong against it. Chandler Jones is good. The defensive line now with Darius Philon, Corey Peters and Rodney Gunter should be solid. This isn't to say the Cardinals are going to the top of the NFL in run defense but to move up only two spots would be a massive disappointment. So hopefully the actual execution of the defense far better than the projected ranking. However, there is one thing to like if you are Cardinals fan. Despite being 30th, they are far from the worst in the NFC West. In fact, they are second. The Rams and the 49ers are the two teams below them in PFF's rankings. Listen to the latest from Cards Wire's Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio . View embedded content MORE: Poker player argues over dealer chip counting error during crucial all-in hand at WSOP Main Event 3 under-the-radar Cowboys who could cash in after 2019 season Colts ranked No. 1 in NFL future power rankings Montez Sweat is following the Preston Smith path so far The Cubs Are Very Mad About Barstool Chicago and Beer Cup Snake Videos


A new yoga studio has opened in the neighborhood. The fresh addition to downtown, called Illumin8 , is located at 950 F St. NW, Suite 106. Illumin8's tag line is "where hustle meets flow." Pop, hip hop and remixes are the musical background for the classes, which include hot and hotter yoga, with higher temperature settings, all in candlelit rooms. Room temperatures range from 90-105 degrees for 45 and 60-minute sessions. The new arrival has garnered rave reviews thus far, with a five-star rating out of three reviews on Yelp. Carolyn W., who was among the first Yelpers to review the new spot on May 14, wrote, "It's like a spa. You get your own locker and complimentary towels. But the yoga itself is what I am here for. The instructors have awesome playlists, the class is super intense and it is hard." Yelper Elissa S. added , "The studio is gorgeous and the amenities are abundant. There is something for everyone." Head on over to check it out: Illumin8 is open from 6 a.m. 8 p.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m. 1 p.m. on weekends. Better dentistry does exist Not all dentists in San Francisco provide you with the same experience, which is why we make your life easier by rewarding you with a $50 gift card for visiting one of the top rated dentists in your area on Opencare. Don't believe us? Opencare is also proud to offer a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee™, so if your new dentist doesn't live up to the hype, we'll also reimburse you up to $100 to cover your appointment costs! Click here to book an appointment and claim your $50 reward → This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


PALM HARBOR, Fla. (Reuters) - An immigrant to the United States, Suzanne Vale took no offense at Republican President Donald Trump's tweet this week telling Democratic congresswomen they are free to "go back" to their ancestral homes if America is not to their liking. She disagrees with critics who accuse Trump of race-baiting with his attacks on the four women of color. "I don't care what you are - what religion, where you come from," said Vale, 61, a Trump supporter from England who also voted for Democrat Barack Obama, America's first black president. "If you believe the same things we believe, you are welcome." Vale's views were quietly echoed Thursday night around white-clothed tables at an Italian restaurant during the monthly meeting of a local Republican club in Pinellas County, Florida, the largest county that swings between the political parties in presidential elections in America's largest swing state. A day after a crowd at a raucous Trump rally in North Carolina chanted "send her back" about one of the Democratic women, Somali-born U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, these Republican voters in Florida focused their agenda on a discussion with their local sheriff about traffic and avoiding tickets under a new state law that banned texting while driving. The group of suburban Republicans, mostly around retirement age in collared shirts and slacks, showed none of the hostility to the news media common at Trump's rallies and welcomed a Reuters reporter's questions about the political maelstrom swirling after what Elise Kay, 61, called the president's latest tweetstorm "kerfuffle." "Our president has an unfortunate habit of distracting with tweets," Kay said. "It's just silliness. But the economy is not silly. It's doing great, and I am afraid if we don't re-elect the president, that will stop." Democrats and some Republicans have criticized Trump's attacks on Omar and fellow U.S. Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib and Ayanna Pressley as racist, along with denouncing the subsequent rally chants. Republican support for Trump, however, rose by 5 percentage points to 72% after his weekend tweetstorm, a Reuters/Ipsos public opinion poll showed. Sitting across the table from Kay, retired Postal Service worker John Keller, 58, lamented how the president's statements were often blown out of proportion, though he said he would not have used Trump's exact words. He said the congresswomen known as "the squad" use their own inflammatory rhetoric against Trump, calling him a fascist and at times refusing to refer to him by his title of president. "It's always, 'the president should take the high road.' But anybody in Congress should also take the high road," he said. "What I'd really like to see happen is both sides stop this and take care of business." 'EVERYTHING IS TRUMP'S FAULT' Pinellas is one of four battleground counties that Reuters will report from through the November 2020 election to better understand the states set to play an outsized role in picking the next president. Trump won Pinellas in 2016 by about one percentage point, flipping by a razor-thin margin a county that had twice voted for Obama. The county's voting rolls currently show almost an even split in registered Republicans and Democrats, as well as a large number of independents. Tim Bryce, 65, a freelance writer who penned a column about the controversy and shared it with the local Republican group's Facebook page, was disheartened by the Democratic-controlled U.S. House of Representatives' vote on Tuesday to condemn Trump's tweet as racist. "You mean we haven't got better things to do than talk about this?" he recalls remarking to a friend watching the news headlines at a cigar shop. "We should be talking about infrastructure. How about correcting the immigration laws?" He thinks it has become a knee-jerk reaction for Democrats to accuse Trump of race-baiting. "They are always going to accuse him of being a racist, a xenophobe, divider-in-chief - and so on and so forth," Bryce said. "Everything is Trump's fault," said Kathy Corbin, 66, who sat at another table at the group's meeting. "If he said, 'air is free,' they would limit air. It's sad." Debbie Buschman, who posted an invite for the gathering on social media, tried to tune out the controversy as it escalated this week. She said she expected the details would only leave her feeling "angry with what I'm hearing from both sides." Buschman, whose Mexican ancestors sought political asylum in the United States, said she did not share her party's rightward lurch on immigration attitudes under Trump. Although she voted for Trump in the last election, Buschman, 50, said she was weary of his ongoing personal attacks and open to looking at a Democratic alternative in the November 2020 election. "I might consider it," she said, "if it was the right candidate." (Reporting by Letitia Stein; editing by Colleen Jenkins and Jonathan Oatis)


Six high-ranking employees at a nonprofit organization housing thousands of migrant children for the federal government made at least $1 million for their work in 2017, according to tax filings released Tuesday. The tax records show that Juan Sanchez, founder of Southwest Key Programs, the Texas-based nonprofit, earned $3.6 million in total compensation that year, which The Washington Post reported last week. They also showed that other prominent employees   including the group's chief financial officer, who earned more than $2.4 million   were earning substantial, seven-figure salaries at the nonprofit. Sanchez left Southwest Key earlier this year amid anger over his income and scrutiny of the nonprofit's facilities and processes. Three of the other officials who earned at least $1 million in 2017 also have left the group, according to an official at Southwest Key who was not authorized to speak publicly. Subscribe to the Post Most newsletter: Today's most popular stories on The Washington Post Southwest Key is a prominent contractor housing unaccompanied migrant children awaiting placement with relatives or other adults. It shelters about 4,500 children and teens in Texas, California and Arizona, caring for a little more than a third of the 12,500 minors held by the Department of Health and Human Services. This work has proved to be very lucrative: The nonprofit has an annual contract of about $460 million to house children, and it has collected more than $1 billion since 2014, according to federal records. Other companies and nonprofits also have gotten contracts that could be worth hundreds of millions of dollars apiece for housing children, though some executives have expressed a grim view of their work. Kevin Dinnin, head of the San Antonio-based nonprofit BCFS Health and Human Services, told reporters at a new emergency shelter for unaccompanied migrant children: "I hate this mission. The only reason we do it is to keep the kids out of the Border Patrol jail cells." Sanchez's compensation ballooned in recent years , nearly doubling from $786,222 in 2015 to $1.48 million a year later. Then it doubled again in 2017, according to the tax form released Tuesday and another filed by a Southwest Key subsidiary that manages charter schools in Texas. In a 2018 interview , Sanchez said the increase between 2015 and 2016 came from a retirement contribution rather than a salary bump. He said that in the nonprofit's early years, they "had nothing. No benefits, no 401(k), no insurance. We just go out there keeping kids out of prisons and jails." A representative for Sanchez reached Tuesday declined to comment on his compensation and the tax filing and referred all questions to Southwest Key. Joella Brooks, who as chief operating officer made more than $1.2 million in 2017 and is now the nonprofit's interim chief executive, has said the change in Sanchez's compensation was because of a life insurance and retirement policy that has since been abandoned. After the tax filing was made public Tuesday, Brooks said in a statement that she "and other leaders who participated in the program separately agreed to return substantial portions of the life insurance benefits." In addition to Sanchez, other top officials who made more than $1 million in 2017 and have since left included Jennifer Sanchez, his wife, who had been a vice president, along with another vice president and the chief financial officer. Brooks said the nonprofit was "moving in a new direction" with a new chief financial officer and that she has asked top officials to reevaluate how they approach compensation. "These retirement and life insurance programs were designed and implemented by executives no longer with us," Brooks said. "Those who participated in this program and have left are required to return a significant amount of the retirement portion of the funds that are not vested. We've recovered hundreds of thousands of dollars so far." In its tax filings, Southwest Key describes itself as "an integral partner in the U.S. response at our southern border, sheltering immigrant children under 18 years of age who arrive in this country without a parent or guardian and reunifying them with their parents, relatives or a sponsor." The nonprofit also said most of the children in their shelters last year came from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador and that most were teenage males "fleeing violence and gang threats in their home countries." Under a section asking for a brief description of its mission, the nonprofit stated: "The mission is opening doors to opportunity, so individuals can achieve their dreams." mark.berman@washpost.com Maria Sacchetti contributed to this report.


Saudi Arabia has reopened a key oil pipeline, an official said Thursday, after it was shut down by drone attacks claimed by Iran-aligned Yemen rebels. The official from state oil giant Aramco told AFP that the East West Pipeline "is fully operational". Yemen's Huthi rebels had claimed responsibility Tuesday for twin drone strikes on the pipeline from the oil-rich Eastern Province to the Red Sea coast. That came amid spiralling tensions between the United States and Iran after Washington sent a maritime strike group to the region and a series of mysterious sabotage attacks hit ships in the Gulf. The pipeline, which can pump five million barrels of crude per day, provides a strategic alternative route for Saudi exports if the shipping lane from the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz is closed. Iran has repeatedly threatened to close the strait, a vital conduit for global oil supplies, in case of a military confrontation with the US. Saudi Arabia's deputy defence minister Khalid bin Salman accused Iran of ordering the pipeline strikes, which he labelled "terrorist acts". "The attack by the Iranian-backed Huthi militias against the two Aramco pumping stations proves that these militias are merely a tool that Iran's regime uses to implement its expansionist agenda in the region," he wrote on Twitter. The Huthis said the attacks were to avenge Saudi actions in Yemen. Riyadh and its allies intervened in the Arab world's most impoverished country in 2015 to bolster the government of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi as the Huthis seized much of the country including the capital Sanaa. Coalition-backed forces have retaken much of the south but the capital and most of the populous central highlands remain in rebel hands. More than four years of conflict have triggered what the UN describes as the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Over 24 million people, more than two-thirds of the population, are in need of aid.


PARIS (Reuters) - It took Alexander Zverev all five sets again as he reached the fourth round of the French Open with a 6-4 6-2 4-6 1-6 6-2 victory over Serbian Dusan Lajovic on Saturday. The German fifth seed, who fought his way through a five-set thriller in the opening round, threw away a two-set lead against the 30th seed on Court Simonne Mathieu before setting up a meeting with Fabio Fognini. It was a highly inconsistent performance by the lanky 22-year-old Zverev, who will need to sharpen his focus against the Italian ninth seed. Monte Carlo Masters winner Fognini progressed with a 7-6(5) 6-4 4-6 6-1 victory against Spanish 18th seed Roberto Bautista Agut. "He's been one of the best claycourt players this season, winning his first Masters, so obviously playing great tennis," Zverev, whose best Grand Slam came last year when he reached the last eight at Roland Garros, told reporters. "Beating Rafa there, as well, and I think along the way a lot of good players - so it's going to be a difficult match. "I think he's playing very well. Hasn't lost more than a set so far in a match. So it's going to be a difficult match." Zverev did not make things easy for himself as he fell 3-1 behind in the opening set before managing to turn things around and take the lead. He raced through the second only to find himself on the back foot again in the third and fourth as Lajovic forced a decider with temperatures flirting with 30 degrees Celsius -- in contrast to the chilly weather in the first week of the tournament. After an early trade of breaks in the fifth, Zverev finally got his confidence back and finished it off with a whipping forehand, his 52nd winner barely making up for a woeful 55 unforced errors. It was Zverev's fifth five-setter at Roland Garros, and he has won them all. "It's a good thing to have in the back of your head. Hopefully I can continue this run. We'll see how it goes," the German said. "They didn't explain me the rules of five sets yet, so somebody needs to tell me I don't necessarily need to play five sets every time I step on the court!" (Reporting by Julien Pretot; Editing by Hugh Lawson and Tony Lawrence)


Natalie Jill will never forget something she saw nearly 10 years ago: her own reflection in a store window. Hit with multiple life stressors that year-a job loss, a divorce, and pregnancy-Jill had sunk into a depression and, like many of us, turned to food for comfort. "I ate lots of fast food and junk, and wasn't active," recalls Jill. The result was a 60-pound weight gain-50 pounds of pregnancy weight plus 10 in addition-leaving her feeling unhealthy, overwhelmed, and even more stressed out . That day, as she was taking her newborn daughter for a walk, her own image looking back at her from the glass was shocking. She'd always been fit before, and "the person I saw, with all those bulges and things sagging, was not me," she says. Something clicked. Jill walked straight home, put her daughter down for a nap, and began mapping out a plan. The first thing Jill did was decide on her goals. "I grabbed a stack of magazines and cut out photos of fit women and happy, healthy moms-images I knew would motivate me," she says. She displayed these cutouts on a vision board that she placed in the kitchen, where she would see it every morning, and then started sussing out how to make those images come to life for herself. Her research convinced her that the best plan involved not crazy diets or running a marathon, but the tried-and-true approach of eating better and exercising more, a strategy she could adapt and make her own. She vowed to start incorporating more natural, unprocessed foods and adding a little more activity every day. "I promised I would give it four months and see what happened-no obsessing, no scale." Step one for Jill was balancing her diet-out went the junk, and in came fresh, whole foods. "I made sure that all of my meals contained lean protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats. I ate a lot of salads with grilled chicken or fish, and I added olive oil or avocado for fat." Low-calorie veggies and berries were unlimited, and for snacks she enjoyed apples with a few bits of chocolate. One of Jill's rules was that she had to be able to pronounce all the ingredients in her food-if she couldn't say it, it was probably a poor choice. Another was that she ate all the most nutritious foods first, filling up on the good so she'd "have less room for the 'bad.'" After Jill divorced, both money and time were tight, so investing in equipment, pricey fitness classes, or a gym membership was out of the question. Instead, Jill's research taught her that she could use her own body weight for resistance , which is key to building muscle. Her workouts included lots of strength-training exercises like pull-ups, squats, planks, and triceps dips. "I didn't spend hours working out," she says, adding, "If you are exercising daily, you really don't need more than 15 to 20 minutes." One part of the equation that she found difficult, however, was not having a strong support system. Jill had recently relocated from Washington, DC, to California with her daughter and had yet to make friends nearby. Social media to the rescue: Jill shared her routine with her online friends and posted photos of her gorgeous, healthy meals. Sharing didn't inspire just her: It also motivated other women who wanted to lose a few pounds. "People were interested-they would say, 'Oh, what are you doing to get in shape? I want to try it.' That kept me accountable," she says. Finally, after four months, Jill climbed on the scale and held her breath. "I couldn't believe it: I had lost 50 pounds and completely changed my body," she recalls. "It made me want to keep going." The pregnancy weight was gone, and soon the rest of the extra weight fell away too. Jill felt happier and more energized than she had in years. Jill's success sparked even greater social media interest in her eating and exercise plans. Fans of her Facebook and Instagram posts started asking her for more recipes and workout suggestions. Her simple exercises appeal to people of all ages, but especially to insanely busy, multitasking women over 40 who are grateful for basic, doable moves that work. And what began as a personal journey has turned into a career. Now 47 and a licensed master sports nutritionist and functional fitness trainer, Jill has more than 3 million social media followers and has helped many women lose weight and get in shape. "Every single thing on that vision board has come true for me," she says. "I am that healthy, happy mom. I've completely changed my life and body. And I'm not unique. Anyone can do this. You just have to start." Natalie Jill's 15-Minute Strong and Lean Workout 💪Workout How-To : Perform each exercise for 60 seconds. Do the circuit 3 times. ❗What You'll Need: A sturdy chair and a yoga mat or carpeted surface 1. AIR CHIN-UPS Targets: Upper back, biceps How to do it: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Extend arms overhead as if grasping a pull-up bar, hands in fists. As you pull both arms down, squeeze shoulder blades together, ending with fists in front of chest. Pause, then reverse the move back to start. Expert tip: Move slowly and squeeze through your arms and back as if you are doing a chin-up. 2. AIR CURL Targets: Biceps How to do it: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Place right hand on left palm. Curl left hand to chest while resisting with right hand. Pause, then return to start, pressing up with left hand as you press down with right. Do 30 seconds, then switch hands and do other side. Expert tip: Move slowly, using biceps to fight against pressure on both upward and downward motions. 3. SUMO SQUAT Targets: Inner thighs and butt How to do it: Stand with feet wider than shoulder-width apart, toes pointed slightly outward, hands on hips. Bend knees and lower hips into a plié squat. Return to starting position and immediately go into next rep. Expert tip: Keep knees in line with toes. 4. ACTIVE RUNNER'S LUNGE Targets: Butt, legs How to do it: Stand grasping chair. Squat, back straight and core engaged. Extend left leg back and tap toes to the floor. Return to squat and repeat tap back on the opposite leg. Continue alternating legs. Expert tip: Move as fast as you can without sacrificing form. 5. KNEE PLANK WALK-OUTS Targets: Abs and back How to do it: Start on all fours, wrists under shoulders and knees under hips. Slowly walk hands forward to a modified plank. Hold, then slowly reverse movement back to start. Expert tip: Keep back flat, abs tight, and navel pulled toward spine. Shop Now


Charlotte will see a return of last week's light rainfall as early as tomorrow, according to drone-powered weather forecasting service Saildrone . The highest chance of rain is forecast on Saturday at 54 percent, with the possibility of light rainfall of 0.16 inches. The immediate forecast also has hot temperatures in store for today. Temperatures will reach a high of 92 degrees on Monday, then drop a bit from Tuesday to Sunday. Skies will be partly cloudy today and cloudy on Thursday. Winds will stay light in the course of the week, with the highest speeds today at just 9 mph. This story was created automatically using Saildrone's local weather forecast data, then reviewed by an editor. We also incorporate historic weather data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


CHESAPEAKE, Va.   Even after the gunfire erupted, Ned Carlstrom thought the shooting at the Virginia Beach government building where he works was an elaborately staged drill for city employees. He crossed paths with the gunman three times   and survived. Reality set in when Carlstrom looked outside and saw a team of police officers point guns at the building as they dragged away a fatally wounded contractor, leaving behind a pool of blood. Carlstrom said he locked eyes with the shooter, DeWayne Craddock, twice during the rampage but didn't exchange words over a blaring fire alarm. He can only guess why Craddock killed 12 people but spared him, never even pointing a gun at him. He said that before the shooting, he often would have lighthearted conversations with the soft-spoken Craddock, a civil engineer, as they walked into the office from the parking lot. He wonders if that's why Craddock let him live. "I guess it's a feeling of being fortunate," Carlstrom told The Associated Press on Sunday during an interview at his home in Chesapeake, Virginia. Carlstrom, who works in the billing section of the city's water department, was sitting at his desk in a second-floor office when the shooting started Friday afternoon. He heard popping noises and co-workers screaming. Carlstrom is responsible for monitoring the safety of stairwells during drills, so he and a co-worker, Terry Inman, began piecing together an evacuation plan for an active-shooter drill. "We didn't think it was real," he said. He said he turned a corner on his way to a stairwell and came face-to-face with Craddock, who was armed with a handgun with a noise suppressor. "He had the gun down at his side. He was so close to me, he swung his arm out, he damn near hit me with the gun. That's how close we were," Carlstrom said. "But he never raised the gun at me. He looked up at me briefly." Carlstrom said he thought Craddock was pretending to be a shooter for a drill because the "obnoxious-looking gun" appeared to be a prop, and he didn't point it at him. "By the way he walked past me, he barely gave me a glance and never broke stride," he said. "I either thought he was playing the part of the bad guy or playing the part of someone pursuing a bad guy." About five minutes later, Carlstrom went back to his desk to retrieve his phone. Craddock entered the room. Inman, an account clerk in the city's public utilities department, said he turned around and saw Craddock standing there with a gun. Inman said he told him, "Dwayne, stop!" "He turned and looked straight at me, but he didn't see me. He looked straight in my face and he did not see me standing there because he didn't raise the gun. He didn't even make an indication that he saw anyone there," Inman told the AP on Sunday. "To me, that was the Holy Spirit inflecting something on that man to the point where he didn't see Terry Inman standing there." Slideshow by photo services After Craddock left the room, Carlstrom and Inman heard gunshots again. They think that was when their friend and co-worker, Ryan Keith Cox, was killed. Carlstrom encountered Craddock a third time, when the gunman came to the window of an office where Carlstrom and other co-workers were hiding. "We had the door locked, but he could have punched through it or shot through it," Carlstrom said. Carlstrom never saw Craddock fire a gun, but he saw the carnage when he and others were rescued. "That's when I had to step over the body of one of my co-workers in the stairwell," he said. Carlstrom said he feels lucky to be alive, but he is grieving for the loss of his friends, including Cox. He said Cox was trying to round up co-workers and get them in a safe place when he was shot. "I don't think it will (sink in) until we go back to work and we don't have these people anymore," he said.


Jordan Spieth's slump looked like a distant memory Friday at Bethpage Black. Spieth was his vintage self in making six birdies, four on his second nine, and shooting 4-under 66 to climb into solo second midway through the second round of the PGA Championship. Spieth started on the back nine Friday and quickly got into red numbers for the day, birdieing the par-4 11th from 15 feet. Spieth rolls in an early birdie to move to -2. 🐦 #PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/hENBjepb29   PGA of America (@PGA) May 17, 2019 He slipped a bit with back-to-back bogeys, at Nos. 15 and 16, but made an 8-footer for birdie at the par-3 17th to get one of those shots back. He carried that momentum into the front nine and kicked his final nine off with a 20-foot make at the par-4 first hole. A perfect read from Spieth. #PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/3V1IKI6355   PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 17, 2019 Two holes later, Spieth's putter was big again as Spieth saved par from 12 feet. "Uh-huh." #PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/YvTdauxUwc   PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 17, 2019 Spieth followed with a 6-foot conversion at the par-5 fourth. It's birdie number 4 for Spieth. He's T2. #PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/iNFoONkM8c   PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 17, 2019 After another birdie at the par-4 seventh, Spieth got a good read from Dustin Johnson before sinking a 40-footer for birdie at the par-3 eighth. 🐦 for Mr. Spieth. 2 back. #PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/denza49fRg   PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 17, 2019 Spieth finished strong with a nice up-and-down par at the par-4 ninth. Spieth finishing 💪 #PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/IrT4ie5obj   PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 17, 2019


The Mets could trade Noah Syndergaard and/or Zack Wheeler by Wednesday's trade deadline, but they might land at least one immediate rotation replacement in the coming days. Already connected to Blue Jays right-hander Marcus Stroman , the club's also "on" Diamondbacks left-hander Robbie Ray , per Andy Martino of SNY.tv . Interest in Stroman and Ray agrees with the notion that the Mets, despite their dreadful 2019, are aiming to contend and not rebuild next season. Whether it would be an ill-advised plan for the prospect-needy Mets is up for debate, but it seems the goal would be to collect a haul for at least Syndergaard (there's reportedly interest in extending Wheeler) and trade from their farm to acquire Stroman or Ray. Each of those two would bring back less in a deal than Syndergaard, who's under control for one more year than they are, but they'd hardly come cheap. There's little doubt Ray would cost less to land than Stroman, who owns the superior track record. But there's plenty of value with Ray, a proven mid-rotation starter who's on an affordable $6.05M salary now and controllable through arbitration next season. The playoff-contending Diamondbacks might not even give him up, but if they were to send Ray to the Mets, he'd join Jacob deGrom in giving the team two elite strikeout pitchers. The 27-year-old Ray is obviously less effective overall than deGrom, but Ray's nonetheless on his way to a third straight season with a sky-high strikeout rate and a sub-4.00 ERA. Ray has logged a 3.95 ERA/4.27 FIP with 11.85 K/9 through 123 innings. He has, however, walked upward of four batters per nine for the second year in a row, posted a sub-40 percent ground-ball rate for the second straight campaign and kept up his yearslong struggles with home runs.


A Stanislaus County child support attorney turned himself in Thursday because he faces misdemeanor sex charges, the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office said. San Joaquin detectives posed as underage minors on the internet. The Sheriff's Office said Jeffrey Drabin contacted one of those detectives posing as a minor, sent her inappropriate messages and solicited her for sex. Drabin is a child support attorney for Stanislaus County, officials said. "The employee has been placed on leave. I cannot comment any further because it is a confidential personnel matter," Stanislaus County spokeswoman Amy Vickery said. Drabin was booked into jail, but has since made bail. He is set to appear in a Manteca court on May 22. No other details are available. READ MORE: Stanislaus County child attorney faces sex charges after internet sting CHECK OUT KCRA: Stay informed. Get the latest Modesto, Stockton and Sacramento news and weather from the KCRA news team.


With training camps kicking off in a few weeks, it's easy to forget there are a handful of noteworthy players still available on the open market. A number of veteran free agents have yet to find new homes amid a rather active NFL offseason, including Morris Claiborne, Jay Ajayi, Michael Crabtree and Muhammad Wilkerson. It remains to be seen where these top free agents will end up, but NFL analyst Gil Brandt believes one of the best of the bunch would be best served to take his talents to New England. In a recent column for NFL.com, Brandt explained why veteran defensive lineman Allen Bailey would be a good fit with the Patriots. "Bailey has made the rounds this offseason, reportedly visiting with the Panthers, Falcons, Seahawks and Patriots," Brandt writes. "Bailey has been in Kansas City since the Chiefs picked him in the third round in 2011, and his last season with the team was his best, as he racked up six sacks, two forced fumbles and a touchdown. New England has a history of signing versatile defensive linemen on the cheap, and the 30-year-old Bailey fits the profile." New England hosted Bailey on a free-agent visit back on March 14 and reportedly engaged in contract talks with the 30-year-old shortly thereafter. Bailey certainly would help beef up the interior of the Patriots' front line and would serve as quality depth following the departure of 2015 first-round pick Malcom Brown. As Brandt notes, Bailey has generated quite a bit of interest on the open market, so the reason for his extended free agency is unclear. But if he's healthy and willing to take a team-friendly deal, it wouldn't hurt the Patriots to give him a look.


The Toronto Raptors did more than just win Game 1 on Thursday night . They laid out a roadmap for them to beat Golden State and win the NBA Finals. That is what has Raptors fans so optimistic   the Raptors posed questions to the Warriors in Game 1 that will be difficult to answer in Game 2 (especially without Kevin Durant , who remains out ). If Toronto can win Game 2, even if KD returns back in the Bay Area, you have to like Toronto's chances. The Warriors need Game 2. Which means they need to do a couple of things much better, starting with better halfcourt offense. It seemed like Game 1 of the NBA Finals was played at a fast pace because both teams tried to push the ball up the court and get some easy transition buckets. The Raptors, in particular, went with some long passes up the court, and they exposed the Warriors' transition defense to the tune of 24 fast break points. More importantly, on the other end, Toronto also did a fantastic job of getting back, taking away those easy buckets from Golden State   there were only 97 possessions in this game. The Warriors want that into the triple digits at least, and Golden State had just 17 fast break points. In the halfcourt, the Raptors defense locked the Warriors down   0.84 points per possession ( stats via Cleaning the Glass , which only counts the first shot toward that number). For comparison, in the regular season, the Warriors averaged over a point per possession in the halfcourt. What the Raptors did should not be a surprise, this is how they beat the Bucks in the last round. With no Durant, it leads to one of the two big questions for the Warriors in Game 2 on Sunday night in Toronto: Where are they going their points from? Golden State got to the free throw line 31 times in Game 1, led by Stephen Curry going 14-of-14 from the stripe. Toronto will likely foul less in Game 2, which means the Warriors need to find a way to create mismatches, and come up with counters to plays the Raptors clearly were prepared for, to get cleaner looks. Klay Thompson had 21 points on 17 shots, he can do more, and Andre Iguodala hasn't hit a three since the Houston series (literally) and they need him to get a few buckets. It can't be just Curry and Thompson. That said, the Warriors still had a 112.4 offensive rating for the game, slightly below their regular season average but still enough offense to win. Which leads to the bigger question for Golden State: Can they get enough stops to win Game 2? Golden State has to be flat-out better on that end of the court, starting with transition defense. "The biggest thing for me was our transition defense was just awful and that's the game," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said after Game 1. "That's the No. 1 priority when you play Toronto, you have to take care of their transition and we gave up 24 fast-break points, we turned it over 17 times. So that's the game, really." For my money, an equally significant issue is the Warriors need better rim protection. The Raptors shot 20-of-28 within eight feet of the rim in Game 1   they got inside and they scored. Those are the easy buckets the Warriors need to take away, both with Draymond Green and whoever is playing center ( Jordan Bell , DeMarcus Cousins , Kevon Looney ). Toronto can't get that many good shots at the rim. Expect Green to play a little more attention to Pascal Siakam , but the Raptors can get more offense out of Kawhi Leonard (who was happy to facilitate when trapped) and Kyle Lowry (who was just off). The Warriors need to do a better job of making the Raptors work for their buckets. If not, Golden State is going to find itself in a place it has not in the Steve Kerr era   down 0-2 in the NBA Finals. Related slideshow: Best of the NBA Finals (Provided by imagn)


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The Boston Celtics locked up both of their first-round draft selections Thursday, and as is the case with many young players nowadays, one of the ways they celebrated was with a post on Instagram. Romeo Langford (14th overall) and Grant Williams (22nd) both officially signed their rookie deals while in Las Vegas for the NBA summer league. Now, the Celtics have inked all four players they took in the 2019 NBA Draft. Langford's post, which featured a pretty short caption, showed a photo of him signing the deal. You can view that post here . Williams' post also was a photo of him signing the deal, but his caption was much longer. You can view that post here . The Celtics will feature a new look in the upcoming season, and both players likely will be an important part of the squad. And so far, all signs have pointed to them being up for the challenge.