In the year 2019, Argentina are really quite bad at playing football. Anyone who watched them kick off their Copa America campaign with a distinct lack of style can attest to this. It's not just that they lost the game 2-0. Teams can often play well and still lose games, and Colombia are definitely no mugs. 'The score didn't reflect the game' had joined the pantheon of awful football cliches a long time ago, but this was certainly not the case. They lost the game because they were very poor. Very, very poor. Pinpointing precisely why they were so dreadful isn't easy, though the manager clearly has to take some of the blame. The side that Lionel Scaloni picked always seemed to be shy a few midfielders, and that proved to be the case. With no ball-winner and no one in the centre of the field able to take the ball on the half turn and feed their talented attackers, Argentina were lethargic, easy to defend against, and downright nap-inducing for large portions of the game. Fell asleep at HT, watched the second half this morning. Argentina still dreadful. Colombia already look a classic Queiroz team - good and solid, real pace to threaten on the break.   Jonathan Wilson (@jonawils) June 16, 2019 The people tasked with organising Argentina's preparation for the tournament also deserve a degree of scrutiny. Since being eliminated from the World Cup by France almost a year ago, the Argentinian national team have played just three fixtures; two of which were almost three months ago, with the third being a rout against a Nicaragua side currently ranked 139th in the world. A lack of cohesiveness and competitiveness was not just expected, but almost guaranteed by such dismal preparation. To put it into perspective, prior to their Nations League semi final clash against the Netherlands at the beginning of the month, England had played eight times since the World Cup - including fixtures against Spain and Croatia. Whilst it may be unfair to compare Argentina to a side that was competing in the Nations League throughout much of the year, it still shows that there are opportunities to schedule international fixtures. Even fellow South Americans Brazil managed to play two warm-up games, and they are blessed with a far more talented crop of players than this Argentina squad. Of course, there is no shame in having a less impressive squad than a Brazil team that boasts a spine of Alisson, Thiago Silva, Fernandinho , Philippe Coutinho (whose Brazil output is far more comparable to his Liverpool form than his Barcelona showings), and Roberto Firmino . However, Argentina's squad isn't just poor compared to Brazil, it's poor compared to a lot of sides. They are currently ranked 11th in the FIFA World Rankings, and a fair few countries sitting just below them would undoubtedly consider that to be a smidge generous. It's not that the bulk of their players are bad, they are just afflicted with one of professional football's most crippling diseases: mediocrity. Nicolas Otamendi has been a solid, dependable servant for Manchester City for years, but when everyone is fit he doesn't start. Across the midfield, the likes of Giovani Lo Celso and Leandro Paredes are clearly talented footballers, but they are accompanied by a player who still plies his trade in the Mexican league. The entirety of Argentina's defence and midfield are made up of good footballers, but not great footballers. This is something that certainly cannot be said of their attack, where Paulo Dybala is only good enough for a spot on the bench. Yet even the proven quality of a player like Angel Di Maria has always been most apparent whilst playing within a dominant side - he is a player who excels when surrounded by top class teammates, something that is in short supply when he plays in an Argentina shirt. Of course, when it comes to discussing Argentinian football there is only one name that really matters. Even Lionel Messi - the man considered by many to be the greatest footballer of all time - has never been able to consistently replicate his club form for his country, and will always be reminded of the empty shelf - in what must be a trophy cabinet of Narnian proportions - where an international crown should sit. Of course, many of Messi's staunchest supporters will inevitably point to his crowning as the player of the tournament for the 2014 World Cup, where Argentina lost the final against Germany thanks to an extra-time winner from Mario Gotze. However, even those with the thickest of Messi-tinted glasses on would have to admit that he was a dubious choice for the Golden Ball that year. FIFA clearly followed some flawed logic of; the best player in the world is in the World Cup final, therefore he must be the best player of the tournament. All this when in fact, by his own standards, he had been fairly average. The Argentine magician's inability to claim glory for his country was further accentuated at approximately 22:00 on Sunday 9 June, when Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo notched up another trophy by claiming the inaugural Nations League title. Another international triumph for Messi's arch rival sent the Twitter warriors into a frenzy; like coiled springs patiently waiting for the war cry that was referee Alberto Mallenco's final whistle. The result was, of course , indisputable proof that Ronaldo was the better player than Messi. The fact that the former had only played in two of the six fixtures, and that his teammate Bernardo Silva had just run himself into the ground to claim the man of the match and player of the tournament titles, were inconsequential details - this was about Ronaldo's triumph, and almost more importantly, Messi's failure. Portugal just won the Nations League but all im seeing is Messi vs Ronaldo on my TL pic.twitter.com/mkIJr43h45   Griezmann Chief (Fan Account) (@Griezmannility) June 9, 2019 This has long been the narrative of the rivalry between these two titans of the game: fans of each player seem to need to tear one down in order to build the other up. Liking both is heresy. Whilst the last thing the world needs is another article comparing Messi and Ronaldo, it does serve in reinforcing just how below par Argentina's squad is compared to Portugal's. That is not to rob Ronaldo of his personal performances, or to completely dissolve Messi of blame for his lower standards in an Argentina shirt, but If you can somehow manage to make Lionel Messi look anything less than extraordinary, then there are serious, serious problems. It is clearly far too early to write off Argentina for this year's Copa America; they have only played one game, and it was against one of the strongest sides in the tournament. As lamentable as they were last Saturday, one would think that they will be much improved in the early hours of Thursday morning when they face a Paraguay side who only managed a draw with Qatar in their opening fixture. However, it is bordering on the impossible to envisage this Argentina side improving drastically enough to claim their first Copa America since 1993. While football fans around the globe will be hoping that this will be the year Messi breaks his international voodoo, there is very, very little evidence to suggest that this squad is capable of it. All we can say with absolute certainty is that whether Argentina lose all their group games and Messi misses three penalties and five open goals, or whether he scores 20 times and single-handedly gifts Argentina the 2019 Copa America, stances on Twitter will not alter one iota.


Lee Carter was mowing the lawn of the beige stucco Manchester Square home he's lived in for more than three decades Friday when he heard pops. His grandson, who had been moving his car out of the driveway and onto the street, had been shot multiple times. Paramedics took him to a hospital, where he later died. Now his family and the music industry are mourning the killing of music producer Leslie Andre Wakefield Jr., 26, known as DJ Official. Wakefield worked with artists Ty Dolla $ign, Tyga, Cardi B and others. His family said he was a father to a newborn son. On Tuesday afternoon, his mother, Vera Carter, sat quietly on her front porch asking: Why? "I want to know who killed my son," she said. "They just took my world." Wakefield was sitting in his car with a friend in the 1900 block of West 78th Street at about 4 p.m. when police said a light-colored sedan drove by and a person inside shot at them. Both men were wounded   Wakefield fatally. The other man is expected to survive. Police said no suspects have been identified. Wakefield got his start in music by DJing parties with his friends in high school. After graduating in 2010, he began working with rapper Joe Moses and the two went on three U.S. tours together. "He was my producer, but over the years he became one of my best friends," Moses said. What stood out to Moses about Wakefield was his dogged work ethic. "He wasn't someone who didn't know what he wanted to do in life," Moses said. "He just wanted to make music to help take care of his family." As Wakefield became more popular, he never let fame go to his head, his friends and family said. He worked on Cardi B's "Invasion of Privacy," which won this year's Grammy for best rap album, his family said. He signed with 10 Summers Records founded by DJ Mustard, the label confirmed. He was earning more royalties from his work and hired a lawyer to help him navigate the legal hazards of the music industry, his mother said. "This was his time to shine and somebody took it away from him," Vera Carter said. In one of his last Instagram posts, Wakefield mourned the killing of rapper Nipsey Hussle, whose death also shocked the music industry. Wakefield's family said he had worked with Hussle, born Ermias Asghedom, shortly before he was shot in front his Hyde Park clothing store on March 31. Ty Dolla $ign wrote an emotional post on Instagram about Wakefield, calling him "a father, a successful producer, a solid homie who meant a lot to all of us." DJ Mustard also paid his respects on social media, saying in a recent post that Wakefield, "wasn't trying to do the right thing, he was doing the right thing." Vera Carter described their family neighborhood as "close-knit." "Everyone can't understand, why would someone want to do something like this," she said. Her son's routine was simple, his mother said. Wakefield spent most of his time working in the studio and hanging out with his girlfriend and son, who was born Jan. 30. Arri Flournoy has known Wakefield since high school when he played music at parties. Each day after leaving her job, she comes to the scene of the shooting to pay her respects, tending to the growing tributes left by fans and organizing candles to spell out "DJ Official." The two were planning a joint birthday party next month, when Wakefield would have turned 27. When he became more well-known, he didn't leave his group of high school friends behind, Flournoy said. "If anything, he was taking us with him." nicole.santacruz@latimes.com For more crime news, follow @nicolesantacruz on Twitter.


Three of the big six sides in the Premier League were in action on Sunday as preseason preparation progresses ahead of the start of the season. Here's a closer look at how the Premier League clubs fared. [READ: Transfer Rumor Roundup ] Chelsea top Reading in seven-goal thriller A trio of Americans hit the field as Chelsea held off a pair of Reading comebacks to win at the Madejski Stadium, 4-3, in Frank Lampard 's first (unofficial) match on English soil. Christian Pulisic got the start for the Blues as it took a 2-1 lead into the halftime break. Joshua Barrett gave the hosts an early lead in the 13th minute with a sweet finish off the half-volley, looping the ball over Wily Caballero's head in goal for Chelsea. Ross Barkley equalized just eight minutes later with a sweet free kick into the top left corner, before Kenedy put Chelsea ahead with a strike from outside the box that was re-directed and left Reading's goalkeeper Joao Virginia flat footed. While Pulisic departed the match at halftime, Reading brought on centerback Matt Miazga and striker Andrija Novakovich among other subs to play the second half. The pair were involved as Reading tied the score through Michael Morrison in just the 49th minute. Yet it was the former Derby County midfielder and Chelsea youngster Mason Mount that made the difference in the match. Mount's two second half goals gave Chelsea the distance it needed to close out the win. The first goal was a cracking shot in the box but the second was an absolute gift from Virginia, who turned the ball over to Tammy Abraham in the box, who centered to Mount who couldn't miss from five yards out. Sam Baldock slipped one home in the 71th minute for Reading but it couldn't find another equalizer as Chelsea held on for the win. Arsenal fall to Lyon at Emirates Cup It was a new-look Emirates Cup with a double-header including the men's and women's teams for Arsenal. However, on the men's side, it was a disappointing result for Unai Emery 's squad. Arsenal was defeated, 2-1 by Lyon with two second-half goals coming from former Fulham and Celtic striker Moussa Dembele . Arsenal completely dominated the first half of the match in terms of chances created, and arguably should have been up by more than the 1-0 scoreline it earned at the break. A cross from Henrikh Mkhitaryan was re-directed with lightning-speed into the net by none-other-than Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to put Arsenal in front in the first half. Later, even though Dembele had tied the score at 1-1 with a header, it appeared new Arsenal signing, 18-year-old Gabriel Martinelli had given the Gunners the lead, poking home off a rebound in the box. However, the goal was ruled off for offside on Martinelli. Seconds later, Dembele beat the offside trap and then scored on Bernd Leno who was way off his line. To make matters worse for Arsenal, striker Alexandre Lacazette was forced off in the 12th minute due to an apparent sprained ankle, per Arsenal. The club stated postgame, via Unai Emery, that it didn't think the injury was serious, but he was taken off as a precaution. Still, it's never good to see a star player go down with an injury, especially during preseason. Liverpool trounced by Napoli in Scotland In terms of just wins and losses results on the field, it hasn't been a very successful preseason so far for Liverpool. The Reds continued their traveling preseason tour with a match in Edinburgh, Scotland against Napoli, and the Italian side came away with a 3-0 victory. Lorenzo Insigne and Arkadiusz Milik scored for Carlo Ancelotti's side in the first half before Amin Younes put Liverpool away with a goal in the second half. It's been a tough preseason for the Reds, but of course, they're missing a large chunk of their squad due to international tournaments this summer. Jurgen Klopp started a pretty-strong backline in Andrew Robertson , Virgil Van Dijk , Joel Matip and Trent Alexander-Arnold . However, Divock Origi started on his own up top and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain , who is still recovering from a serious knee injury, also got a start as he builds back his fitness after missing almost all of last season. Starters Mo Salah, Sadio Mane, Alisson and Roberto Firmino are all either on international break rest or working their way back to fitness. Liverpool did get some time to play some of it's potential stars of the future. Sepp van den Berg played the final 11 minutes of the match, as did new Liverpool signing Harvey Elliot, the 16-year-old recently acquired from Fulham.


Consider these tips if retirement is on the horizon. 50 things every 50-something should know about retirement People in their 50s who are nearing retirement have a lot on their plates. Between mortgages, adult-age kids and other responsibilities, it can be hard to prioritize everything. However, it's never too late to prepare yourself for those golden years . Click through to see how you can save more and retire rich . Create a Budget   Now Look at your spending to figure out where your money is going and if you need to start budgeting so you'll have enough savings for retirement. "I often see couples unaware of each other's spending habits until they create a budget," said Dolph Janis, income strategist at Clear Income Strategies Group. So have a serious talk with your spouse about establishing spending controls and setting aside funds for your future. Lengthen Your Long-Term Plan These days, some people who retire in their 60s live until they're 90 years old. That's a 30-year gap of time you'll need to fill with meaningful experiences and, well, money. Don't retire without knowing what you want to do with the rest of your life   and how you'll afford it. Start preparing a retirement plan that will last you decades. Automate Your Savings Automate savings each month to increase your retirement contributions without much effort. Not only is it one of the best ways to save for retirement, but automating savings is a less painful way to save   and you'll hardly notice the money is missing. Discover More: 42 Ways to Save for Retirement Pay Yourself First The golden rule of personal finance is to pay yourself first, and it's especially important when it comes to saving for retirement. It's the most effective way to build a large nest egg. So before you pay the mortgage or any other bill, put some money directly into your retirement fund. Have a Retirement Goal Age You'll need to decide ahead of time when you will retire. After all, the age you retire will affect Social Security benefits and how you approach your retirement savings strategy. You should also speak with your employer about when you plan to retire so you can work together to form an exit strategy. Put Extra Money Toward Retirement Savings Any extra money that comes your way should be put into your retirement savings. Whether it's a birthday gift or a bonus from work, stow it away in an investment account so it starts building interest. Consult a Financial Advisor Retirement planning can be difficult on your own. Look for a financial advisor who will work with you to put together an individualized, strategic plan to ensure your retirement funds last. Figure Out Your Retirement Income Gap One important part of retirement planning is figuring out if you have an income gap. To determine whether you have an income gap, estimate how much money you'll have to spend in retirement each year. If you can't sustain the lifestyle you plan to have in retirement, then you have an income gap and need to find ways to close it. Consider a Longevity Annuity Dr. Robert R. Johnson, president and CEO of The American College of Financial Services, said one way to ensure that you won't outlive your savings is to purchase a longevity annuity   a payment stream that starts when you reach a certain age, say 85. "If you buy a longevity annuity that covers your essential expenses, you will have peace of mind that you won't outlive your savings," he said. Find Out: Retirement Planning Steps You Aren't Taking Now, But Should 70 Is the New 65 Between 2000 and 2014, the number of Americans who were a century or older increased by about 44 percent, according to a 2016 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. With many people living longer, you might find that retiring a few years after age 65 is a better choice for your situation. "People should no longer look at 65 as the appropriate retirement age," said Johnson. "In fact, many believe that 70 is the new 65." Don't Dip Into Your Retirement Funds Early Don't touch the money you've already saved for retirement. Withdrawing from your retirement accounts too early will likely lead to the loss of principal and interest. And, at this point in the game, it's more difficult for people in their 50s to make up for losses. Learn From Others Retirement can be a tough landscape to navigate, so talk to advisors, family and friends for retirement advice. From there, you can design a custom retirement plan that best suits your needs. Pay Down Debts Before Retirement "Focus on paying down all debt and downsizing   if necessary   because living debt-free in retirement means living stress-free," Janis said. Of course, don't focus so much on paying off debts that your retirement contributions suffer. Find a balance between debt repayment and saving money. Downsize Your Lifestyle When you retire, chances are you'll have less income to live off of. If you're used to eating takeout every night or taking pricey vacations abroad every year, you need to adjust your mindset come retirement. Otherwise, you might come up short on savings. Upsize Your Savings After Downsizing If your adult-age kids have moved out of the house and you have a lot of empty space, it might be time to downsize. Downsizing from a $250,000 house to a $150,000 home is a great way to make your retirement nest egg last longer , and such a move will save you an extra $6,250 every year, according to the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College. That's a lot of extra cash you can put toward debt repayment and savings. Build Emergency Savings Even if you live a relatively safe lifestyle, you need to plan for the unexpected. A car accident, medical emergency or other unfortunate happenstance can derail your finances. Plan for the worst, and save up an emergency fund with three to six months of living expenses. Start Saving for Retirement No Matter How Old Even at the age of 50, it's never too late to start saving for retirement. You still have 15 or more years to save. Consider the following scenario: You have $10,000 saved. You use that $10,000 as your current principal and put it in an account that earns an interest rate of 7 percent. For 15 years, you let it grow while adding $500 each month. After 15 years, you'll have $178,364.45 saved. Sure, that's probably not enough to cover all of your retirement expenses, but it's better than nothing. Choose an IRA Based on Expected Income Many experts say that a traditional IRA is a smart choice if you think you'll be in a lower tax bracket when you reach retirement. Roth IRAs, on the other hand, are often recommended for younger workers who believe they'll be in a higher tax bracket by the time they retire. Reduce Your Tax Bill Even if you have a lot of money saved, taxes can eat into your retirement income. Make sure you use tax-advantaged retirement accounts and other strategies to help reduce or eliminate your tax bill . Consider a Traditional IRA for Tax Benefits Putting your retirement savings in a traditional IRA can offer two tax benefits. For one, the contributions you make might be tax deductible. Second, the earnings and gains in your traditional IRA are not taxed until they're distributed. Don't Overlook Your 401k You might be able to save for retirement using a 401k. Although different from IRAs, 401ks have their own tax benefits as well. For example, the money you put in a 401k is considered "pretax dollars," which can lower your current taxable income. But although contributions from your paycheck won't be deducted for income taxes right away, you will pay taxes on your withdrawals when you retire. Plan Accordingly: 9 Smart Strategies to Maximize 401k Contributions Take Advantage of a 401k Match Sign up for your employer's 401k match program if it's offered. It can make you a lot of money. Let's say, for example, your employer offers to match 50 percent of employee contributions up to 5 percent. If you earn a $50,000 salary and contribute $2,500 to your retirement plan, then your employer will put in $1,250, according to Merrill Edge. That's free money you can't pass up . Contribute More to Your IRA If you're 50 or older by the end of 2017, you can contribute up to $6,500 to your traditional or Roth IRA. That's $1,000 more than the limit for people who are 50 and younger. Don't Overlook an Old Pension or 401k Plan "Go through paperwork of old jobs because you may have started a 401k or have a pension plan that you are not aware of," Janis said. This money can be a welcome surprise when you're trying to get a clear picture of your finances. Watch Out for Early Withdrawal Penalties Get to know the 401k rules to avoid penalties . For example, when it comes to your 401k, you might be taxed an additional 10 percent on distributions you receive before age 59 and a half. Find a Way to Avoid the Tax Penalty In some cases, you might be able to dodge the additional 10 percent tax. It just comes down to what you're doing with the money. For example, if you roll over or transfer distributions from one IRA to another, those funds won't be subject to additional taxes. Related: 17 IRA Withdrawal Rules You Need to Know Resist the Urge to Check Your Portfolio As you near retirement, you might start feeling anxious. But don't start checking in on your investment portfolio every day or week. Stick to the general rule of checking your portfolio once or twice a year and rebalancing as needed. Otherwise, your emotions might kill your investments. Delay Social Security Now for Higher Returns Later Johnson said healthy Americans should delay taking Social Security to increase income . The implied return for waiting is 8 percent per year for those born in 1943 or later. "In a low-return environment, the 8 percent a year you 'earn' for waiting until you turn 70 is a terrific investment," he said. "Where else in these markets can you earn 8 percent on a safe investment?" Estimate Your Social Security Earnings Online Social Security replaces about 40 percent of an average person's income, according to the Social Security Administration. So it's important to know approximately how much you'll be receiving in retirement to plan accordingly. Use the retirement estimator on the SSA's website for a free estimate. Get a Part-Time Job Some retirees can't stand all the free time that comes with retirement. Working part-time can help keep you and your brain active. If working under someone doesn't sound ideal, though, look for ways to turn your hobbies into extra income . Ask for a Raise Even if you're nearing retirement, don't neglect asking for a pay raise every year. Your income needs to increase to keep up with inflation and rising taxes. Plan for Inflation Even a low inflation rate can eat away at your retirement savings and purchasing power. According to Fidelity Investments, something that costs $50,000 today will cost $82,030 in 25 years, assuming a 2 percent inflation rate. With a 4 percent inflation rate, that expense balloons to $133,292 over the same period. Aim for a Balanced Portfolio As you near retirement, your investment portfolio should be more conservative. But being too conservative can hurt your returns if inflation increases. On the opposite end of the spectrum, being too aggressive can have a negative effect if markets are volatile. Your goal should be to maintain a balanced portfolio with a blend of stocks, bonds and short-term investments with varying risk levels. Plan for Healthcare Costs Healthcare is no small expense in retirement. The average 65-year-old couple who retired in 2017 will need $275,000 to cover future healthcare costs, according to Fidelity Benefits Consulting. This amount is up $15,000 from the previous year's estimate. Don't Miss: 27 Ugly Truths About Retirement Move to Medicare at 65 Once you turn 65 years old, you are eligible for Medicare. That should take care of most of your medical needs, but certainly not all of them. Look into your healthcare options to determine what kind of coverage you need. Consider Medigap Insurance You might want to consider purchasing a Medigap policy to cover some of the costs that Medicare doesn't. Medigap policies are sold by private companies to fill in the gaps of Medicare coverage. Look Into Long-Term Care Insurance A lot of medical expenses aren't planned, but they can be pricey. For example, long-term care is pricey, but its costs can be mitigated with long-term care insurance. This type of insurance can help cover personal and custodial care costs, including daily living activities such as bathing, dressing and eating. Pay for Healthcare With a Reverse Mortgage Seniors age 62 and older can get a reverse mortgage to turn their home equity into cash. If you suspect you'll have trouble covering certain expenses in retirement, keep this option in mind. Of course, talk to a professional before taking the plunge. Add Up the Costs of Traveling Being retired means you'll have extra time to travel, but traveling costs do add up. Opt to travel during the off-season to cut costs, and research the top vacation spots for retirees for low-cost options. Take Trips With Retired Friends Have friends or family members who are also retired? Consider taking a trip with them rather than by yourself. You'll likely save money on housing, transportation and more. Save Money by Taking a Cruise If you want to see more of the world on a budget, consider going on a cruise with at least three or four stops in countries you've never been. You'll save money on transportation costs to each city, plus on hotel accommodations and food. Don't Overlook Senior Citizen Discounts Before you make any type of purchase, you should always check to see if you qualify for a senior or retiree discount. Or consider becoming an AARP member. Membership costs just $16 and gives you access to exclusive discounts. Have a Hobby Retirement is the perfect time to pick up old hobbies. Plus, the right ones can even save you money. For example, taking on DIY projects can help you save money on gardening expenses or home renovation costs. Make Fitness a Priority For the first time in many people's lives, retirement is an opportunity to make fitness a priority. Regular physical activity is directly correlated to happiness and quality of life, and staying healthy will help you save on medical costs in retirement. Mentally Prepare for Retirement Retirement can be a tough shift for Americans who are used to long days in the office. If you think adapting to a retirement lifestyle will be difficult for you, talk to a mental health professional now to find ways to mentally prepare for the next phase in your life. Focus on What's Important If you're working with a financial planner, make sure your investments suit your needs   not your advisor's. Have a clear idea of what you want in retirement, whether it's traveling or spending more time with family, and then communicate that to your planner. Answer These Questions Before You Retire Yasmin Musani, head of retirement at Retirement Research Centre at the University of Waterloo, encourages people to ask themselves these important questions before retiring :   What do I want to do when I retire?   What kind of life do I want to live in retirement?   How important is it to have family and friends nearby? Delay Your Retirement If you and your financial planner find that you need to accumulate more savings before you enter retirement, it might be a good idea to delay your retirement, if possible. This can give you some much-needed extra time to catch up on your retirement savings. Don't Let Your Children Ruin Your Retirement Saving for retirement should come before paying for your adult kid's college tuition, mortgage or other expenses. Remember: Your children can always take out loans for college, cars and houses, but you can't do the same for retirement. Don't let your kids become a financial burden in your golden years. Make a Retirement Bucket List You've worked your entire life for retirement, so create a bucket list of everything you want to do in your golden years. Whether it's seeing the pyramids in Egypt, taking up a dance class or buying the yacht you've always wanted, it's important to have goals and plans in retirement that will keep you excited   and motivated to save. Discuss your bucket list with your spouse, and pin it up somewhere in your home to remind you of your upcoming adventures. Up Next: How Much Money Do I Need to Retire?


Cleveland will see a return of last week's light rainfall through Tuesday, according to the seven-day forecast from drone-powered weather service Saildrone . Tuesday should see the most rain, with a forecast accumulation of 0.41 inches. The next few days will also see warm temperatures, expected to persist through Sunday. The weather will bring a high temperature of 85 degrees on Monday. Skies will partially clear on Wednesday. Winds will remain light in the course of the week, with the highest speeds today at only 12 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.


Stacker ranks the newly revealed hottest baby names from 2018 Most popular baby names It's a question expecting parents get on the regular: Do they have a name for their soon-to-be-born child yet? Naming a child is a massive responsibility; one that will impact how people see them throughout the rest of their lives. Parents vary greatly on their approach to naming their newborns. Some prefer to stick to family names, some look to classic and timeless names that will never go out of fashion, others favor unique names that may raise a few eyebrows, and some parents even let their children choose. Naming trends follow a fascinating path throughout American history, reflecting historical figures, religious references, and pop culture. To help understand which names dominate today Stacker looked to newly revealed data from the Social Security Administration which ranks names by the number of babies born in 2018. Read on to find out if your name, or the name of your children, land on this list of the most popular names in the U.S. You may also like: Baby names with the most timeless popularity #50. Leo (for boys) Babies born Leo in 2018: 6,719 Leo is Latin for lion and represents an astrological sign as well as many famous popes, 13 of them to be exact. #49. Thomas (for boys) Babies born Thomas in 2018: 6,779 In Aramaic, Thomas means "twin." The name has biblical ties, too. In the New Testament, it's Thomas the apostle who doubted the return of Jesus, inspiring the term " doubting Thomas ." #48. Nathan (for boys) Babies born Nathan in 2018: 6,790 Nathan, often shortened to "Nate," means "God has given ." Nathan has been in the Top 100 names since 1972, peaking at #20 in 2004 and 2005. #47. Asher (for boys) Babies born Asher in 2018: 6,802 Asher, a name with Jewish origins, means happy or blessed, and can be traced to the Old Testament: Asher was Jacob's eighth son and Zilpah's second son. Asher began shooting up in popularity in the U.S. in the early 2000s. #46. Ryan (for boys) Babies born Ryan in 2018: 6,905 With Irish origins and a meaning of "little king ," boys named Ryan share the name with a number of well-known celebrities. Ryan O'Neal was one of the first to make the name famous , and nowadays, actors like Ryan Gosling, Ryan Reynolds, and TV and radio host Ryan Seacrest keep the name in headlines . #45. Caleb (for boys) Babies born Caleb in 2018: 6,929 The name Caleb comes from the Hebrew word for "dog." Modern translations, however, often include references to faith and devotion . #44. Theodore (for boys) Babies born Theodore in 2018: 7,020 Theodore, often shortened to Teddy, has religious connotations: the name means God-given. Perhaps the most famous Theodore in American history was the 26th president Theodore Roosevelt, for which the classic childrens' toy is named after, the teddy bear. #43. Andrew (for boys) Babies born Andrew in 2018: 7,234 The name Andrew has biblical roots, and means "manly." It's often shortened to Andy or Drew, both of which also made it to the Top 500 names of 2017. #42. Christopher (for boys) Babies born Christopher in 2018: 7,261 Christopher has Greek origins and a meaning of "one who carries Christ." It has been a popular name for boys for decades, peaking at #2 first in 1972 '73, and then again from 1979 to 1994. #41. Joshua (for boys) Babies born Joshua in 2018: 7,364 Modern-day Joshuas share the name with the Book of Joshua in the Bible's Old Testament. Its common nickname, Josh, also has joking associations that date back to the Old West. #40. Lincoln (for boys) Babies born Lincoln in 2018: 7,368 Perhaps most well-known as the surname of the 16th U.S. president , Lincoln now holds its own as a popular first name. The name has Celtic and English origins, and means "lakeside colony." #39. Jaxon (for boys) Babies born Jaxon in 2018: 7,701 Jaxon, another version of Jackson, is quite literally " son of Jack ." Jaxon debuted in the Social Security Top 1,000 names in 1997, and has been climbing up the ranks ever since. #38. Anthony (for boys) Babies born Anthony in 2018: 8,003 Most parents probably feel that their sons are beyond precious, and the name Anthony fits those sentiments well. It's Latin in origin, and means " priceless one ." #37. Mateo (for boys) Babies born Mateo in 2018: 8,169 A Spanish take on a biblical name, Mateo has soared in popularity in recent years while the English version, Matthew, has been steadily near the top of the charts for decades. The name means, "Gift of God." #36. Julian (for boys) Babies born Julian in 2018: 8,307 With English and Latin origins, Julian is "youthful, downy ." It's been one of the top 100 boy names in the United States since 2000, ranking #74 from 2000 to 2010 . #35. Gabriel (for boys) Babies born Gabriel in 2018: 8,335 The name of a messenger of God in the Bible, Gabriel means "God is my strong man ." The angel Gabriel also serves as a prominent figure in Jewish and Islamic texts . #34. Isaac (for boys) Babies born Isaac in 2018: 8,417 Another name with strong biblical roots, Isaac is Hebrew for "he will laugh ." In all seriousness, the name also belongs to renowned English physicist, Isaac Newton. #33. Levi (for boys) Babies born Levi in 2018: 8,440 Meaning " joined in harmony ," Levi has roots in Hebrew. The name also has ties to modern U.S. history since it also belongs to Levi Strauss, whose Levi Strauss and Co. made the first blue jeans . #32. Grayson (for boys) Babies born Grayson in 2018: 8,538 An English name that means "son of the gray-haired one," Grayson also serves as a surname. Those with the name share it with the fictional Dick Grayson, alter-ego of Robin , sidekick to superhero Batman. #31. Dylan (for boys) Babies born Dylan in 2018: 8,549 Dylan as a name first entered charts in the 1960s , shortly after recording artist Bob Dylan came on the scene. It also has origins in Welsh mythology as the name of a god of the sea . #30. Jayden (for boys) Babies born Jayden in 2018: 8,553 A newer name to climb the charts, Jayden skyrocketed to popularity in the first decade of this century when multiple celebrities chose it for their sons. The name, which has Hebrew roots and means "thankful," was given to nearly 90,000 boys between 2000 and 2009. #29. Luke (for boys) Babies born Luke in 2018: 8,577 Luke has a meaning of "light giving ." It also has biblical ties the third book in the New Testament is the Book of Luke as well as pop culture connections. The original "Star Wars" film, with lead character Luke Skywalker, was released in 1977, just three years before Luke first appeared on the top 100 names chart. #28. Jack (for boys) Babies born Jack in 2018: 8,834 Jack is one of the few names to make the list that's widely considered to be an independent name . Few male names rival it in long-term popularity. It was so common in the Middle Ages, in fact, that it was a slang term for "man" or "boy ." #27. John (for boys) Babies born John in 2018: 9,119 John reigns as one of the most popular boy names of all time, with over 4.5 million Johns born in the United States since 1918. The name means "God is gracious" in Hebrew. #26. Wyatt (for boys) Babies born Wyatt in 2018: 9,127 With roots as an English last name, Wyatt is now popular as a first name, too. It means " little warrior ." #25. Owen (for boys) Babies born Owen in 2018: 9,288 A traditional Welsh name, parents who pick the name Owen may be drawn to its meanings of "young warrior" and "noble." Well-known Owens of pop culture include actor Owen Wilson , the title character in John Irving's " A Prayer For Owen Meany ," and more recently, fictional protagonist Owen Grady of the "Jurassic World" movie series. #24. Carter (for boys) Babies born Carter in 2018: 9,312 An adapted English surname of a cart driver , Carter has been consistently in the top 1,000 names since 1900 . It reached its highest rank to date, #24, in both 2015 and 2017. #23. Joseph (for boys) Babies born Joseph in 2018: 9,555 The name Joseph carries strong biblical ties and Hebrew origins meaning, "may God give increase." The name has been consistently used in the United States for decades, and is the ninth most popular male name of the past century. #22. David (for boys) Babies born David in 2018: 9,697 With Hebrew origins, David means "beloved" or "uncle." A number of notable Davids have existed both past and present, from well-known biblical figure King David (of the David and Goliath legend) to musician David Bowie, soccer player David Beckham, and comedian Dave Chapelle. #21. Samuel (for boys) Babies born Samuel in 2018: 9,734 Samuel was ranked as one of top male names of the past century , coming in at #45. The name, which means "God heard ," has continued to grow in popularity since 2000, and now holds its highest position ever on the charts. #20. Matthew (for boys) Babies born Matthew in 2018: 9,924 Matthew is a biblical name that's shared with the writer of the first gospel of the New Testament. It means "gift from God," and is the 13th most popular name of the past century. #19. Aiden (for boys) Babies born Aiden in 2018: 9,979 Aiden's "fiery" meaning is consistent with the name's burst into popularity. Between 1995 and 2010, it jumped over 900 spots in the top 1,000 list, finally peaking at #9 in 2010 and 2011, and ultimately placing as the 12th most popular name so far this decade . #18. Sebastian (for boys) Babies born Sebastian in 2018: 10,054 Sebastian has Latin and Greek origins, and means "venerable." Current Sebastians share the name with a martyred saint, composer Johann Sebastian Bach, and a classic Disney character from "The Little Mermaid." #17. Jackson (for boys) Babies born Jackson in 2018: 10,323 Not to be confused with Jaxon, Jackson, or "son of Jack," was originally an English surname that has taken on a first name life of its own. Famous Jacksons include painter Jackson Pollock and singer-songwriter Jackson Browne. #16. Henry (for boys) Babies born Henry in 2018: 10,649 Henry, which has German roots and a meaning of "estate ruler," peaked in popularity in the early 1900s, when it was the 11th most popular boy's name of the decade. The name also has royal ties ; it is shared with a line of English kings. #15. Daniel (for boys) Babies born Daniel in 2018: 11,173 Daniel has Hebrew roots and a meaning of "God is my judge." The name has been ranked as high as #5 four times in 1985, 1990, 2007, and 2008. #14. Michael (for boys) Babies born Michael in 2018: 11,620 Michael has been the most popular name in the United States 44 times in the past century, though it's currently #12. The name is Hebrew for "who is like God?" #13. Jacob (for boys) Babies born Jacob in 2018: 11,770 In Hebrew, Jacob means "supplanter," someone who takes the place of someone else. The name, which has ties to the Old Testament, has been popular for decades, ranking as high as #1 from 1999 to 2012 . #12. Ethan (for boys) Babies born Ethan in 2018: 11,854 Since 2002, Ethan has held every spot in the top five, except the elusive #1 . The name has Hebrew origins, and means "strong" and "firm." Well-known modern-day Ethans include actor Ethan Hawke, as well as Ethan Hunt, the protagonist in the "Mission Impossible" film series. #11. Alexander (for boys) Babies born Alexander in 2018: 11,989 Based on its continued popularity, the phrase "Alexander the Great" can also be applied to the popular name. The ancient Greek name, shared by a king and military conqueror, means "defender or helper of mankind ." #10. Logan (for boys) Babies born Logan in 2018: 12,352 Logan, a Top 100 name since the early 1990s , has Scottish origins and means "small hollow ." With a change in 13 spots, it shows the second-largest jump of any of the year's Top 50 names, beaten only by Mateo, which increased by 17, from #59 to #42. #9. Mason (for boys) Babies born Mason in 2018: 12,435 On top of being a name that's recently skyrocketed in popularity , a mason is also a bricklayer. Thought it's never held the #1 position, it's been as high as #2, and spent six of the past seven years in the top five . #8. Lucas (for boys) Babies born Lucas in 2018: 12,585 Lucas, or " bringer of light ," has been steadily growing in popularity since the 1960s. The name entered the top 100 for the first time in 1980, shortly after George Lucas released "Star Wars ," which also overlapped with the shorthand version, Luke, rising in popularity, too. #7. Elijah (for boys) Babies born Elijah in 2018: 12,886 Another name with strong biblical roots, Elijah has had a steady presence among the Top 600 names since the early 1900s. It didn't break into the Top 10 until 2016. In Hebrew, it means "Yahweh is God." #6. Benjamin (for boys) Babies born Benjamin in 2018: 13,381 The name Benjamin has been given to over 700,000 boys in the past century, securing it a spot as the #42 most popular boy's name. The name means "son of my right hand," and has ties to the Old Testament, as well as American history, thanks to Benjamin Franklin. #5. Oliver (for boys) Babies born Oliver in 2018: 13,389 Oliver is often considered to have Latin roots meaning "olive tree." The name re-entered the Top 100 chart in 2009, more than 100 years after a streak of popularity in the 1880s and 1890s. #4. James (for boys) Babies born James in 2018: 13,525 Not only is it highly ranked this year, the name James also has the distinct honor of being the top male name for the past century , with nearly 4.8 million boys and men sharing it. It means "supplanter," just like another Top 10 boy's name, Jacob. #3. William (for boys) Babies born William in 2018: 14,516 William also has earned a spot as the fifth most popular name of the century . The name, which means "resolute protector ," is shared among a number of notable figures in history and present-day pop culture, including William Shakespeare, William Wallace, and Prince William. It's even the given first name of William "Brad" Pitt. #2. Noah (for boys) Babies born Noah in 2018: 18,267 Noah, which comes from a Hebrew word for "rest," is the name of the biblical hero who survived the flood in the Old Testament. It's also seeing a surge in pop culture references, too, perhaps most notably as the name of the male lead in "The Notebook ," played by Ryan Gosling. The film was released in 2004, shortly before the name broke into the Top 20 for the first time. #1. Liam (for boys) Babies born Liam in 2018: 19,837 Liam has soared to popularity so quickly that it doesn't yet have a spot on the Top 100 names of the century. It's a shorter version of William, and has the same protective meaning . Baby boys named Liam share the moniker with celebrities , including actors Liam Neeson and Liam Hemsworth, and singer Liam Payne. #50. Skylar (for girls) Babies born Skylar in 2018: 4,378 Skylar is a unisex name that was brought to New York in the 17th century by English settlers . It has many different spellings and spiked in popularity, as both a girl's and boy's name, in the early 2000s. #49. Claire (for girls) Babies born Claire in 2018: 4,379 The name Claire also is of Latin origin and means "bright" and "famous." It was popular in the early 1900s , but rose again to the top of the baby lists in the mid-1980s and has stayed there ever since. #48. Bella (for girls) Babies born Bella in 2018: 4,518 The name Bella started to rise to the top of the charts in 2010, thanks to the "Twilight" book and movie series . Its origin is Latin and is a form of the name "Belle," meaning beauty. #47. Brooklyn (for girls) Babies born Brooklyn in 2018: 4,611 Brooklyn has been on the rise for baby girl names in the past two decades, most likely due to David and Victoria Beckham naming their son Brooklyn in 1999. Surprisingly, the name is not as popular in New York as it is in other places. In English, Brooklyn means "water" or "stream," but it is most popularly linked to the New York City borough. #46. Audrey (for girls) Babies born Audrey in 2018: 4,662 Audrey is a name that has been around since the time of Shakespeare and means "noble strength." It was originally derived from Saint Audrey, and became more popular because of Hollywood icon Audrey Hepburn. It has stayed high on the list ever since the 19th century, but saw a surge in the 2000s . #45. Savannah (for girls) Babies born Savannah in 2018: 4,745 The name Savannah has a Spanish origin and means "treeless plain," however because of the city in the state of Georgia, some take this as more of a Southern name. It was very popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s, then took a steep dive in the 1950s. But it picked back up in the 1980s and has remained a top girl's name ever since. #44. Aurora (for girls) Babies born Aurora in 2018: 4,785 Aurora is derived from the Latin word for dawn. The name can be seen in the phenomena the northern lights or the Aurora Borealis. #43. Violet (for girls) Babies born Violet in 2018: 4,794 Violet has three different origins with different meanings. The English meaning comes from the "Viola," who was a character in Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night," while the Italian and American meaning of the girl's name is "flower." #42. Hazel (for girls) Babies born Hazel in 2018: 4,916 In 2016, Bustle picked the name Hazel as a retro baby name that is making a comeback . Indeed, ever since 2015, Hazel has seen an uptick for the first time since the 19th century. The name is English and is based on the hazel tree. #41. Leah (for girls) Babies born Leah in 2018: 4,995 Leah is a traditional name that first appeared in the Bible . The popularity of the name comes from English and Hebrew backgrounds. It also has different meanings. In English and Hebrew, it means "tired and weary." However, in Gaelic, it means "the light of the sun." #40. Zoe (for girls) Babies born Zoe in 2018: 5,062 A Greek name, Zoe means "life." When the name first came about, Hellenized Jews took the name as a translation of "Eve." As time went on, it became a more Christian name and had peak popularity in the 1990s. The name dropped to a lower point on the most popular baby names list in 2007 and then spiked again in 2008. #39. Natalie (for girls) Babies born Natalie in 2018: 5,095 The name Natalie means being born at Christmastime , especially in the Russian language. In Spanish, Natalie is derived from the word "natalis," which means birthday. The name has been among top baby girl names since the 1970s. It was the most popular in 2006 when over 10,000 girls were given the name. #38. Stella (for girls) Babies born Stella in 2018: 5,121 Stella comes from the Latin language and means "star." It was most popular in the early 1900s, but popped up again (and stayed at the top) in the late 1990s. Stella, in pop culture, is widely known for a main character in Tennessee Williams' play, "A Streetcar Named Desire." #37. Ellie (for girls) Babies born Ellie in 2018: 5,190 The name Ellie has Greek origin and means "shining light." It's commonly used as a nickname for Eleanor or Ellen. The name's popularity grew after 2002, the same year NBC released a new sitcom called "Watching Ellie" starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Steve Carrell, and Darren Boyd. #36. Aubrey (for girls) Babies born Aubrey in 2018: 5,190 The name Aubrey means "elf ruler" and has a Germanic origin. It can also be spelled as Aubree or Aubri, although the latter two are not as popular. The name has flip-flopped in popularity over time; it was very popular from the 1920s to the 1940s, but took a nose dive after 1960. It wasn't until 2008 that the name became popular again. #35. Addison (for girls) Babies born Addison in 2018: 5,203 Addison is English in origin and translates to mean "Adam," which in Hebrew means earth. It was mildly popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s, but it reached its peak in 2007. That is the year that the character Addison Shepherd was introduced in the hit television show "Grey's Anatomy," which could be why it rose in popularity. #34. Lillian (for girls) Babies born Lillian in 2018: 5,534 Lillian is an English name that means "innocence," "beauty," and "purity." It is often a nickname for Elizabeth and can be a longer version of the name Lilly. From 1885 to 1915 it was popular, but dropped from favor from 1920 to 1990. It starting coming back into vogue from 2002 on. #33. Hannah (for girls) Babies born Hannah in 2018: 5,629 Hannah is another name that has multiple meanings in multiple languages . The American and biblical meanings, show Hannah means "gracious," "merciful" and "willingly to give." In Hebrew and English, Hannah is the name of Samuel the Prophet and means "favor of grace." It was insanely popular in the late 1800s, dipped in the 1900s, and climbed back to the top in the 1980s where it remains a top name. #32. Eleanor (for girls) Babies born Eleanor in 2018: 5,694 The name Eleanor originally came from the French name Aliénor , which is derived from the name Helen. Eleanor, in the English language, means "shining one" or "bright one," and in German, it means "alien" or "foreign." Eleanor was at the height of its popularity in 1915, dropped significantly, but eventually made its way back up the list. #31. Lily (for girls) Babies born Lily in 2018: 5,706 Lily, or Lilly, which is a common spelling, comes from the English perennial flower . It's currently most popular in Scotland and Wales, but is still at the top of the charts in the United States. Lily reached its peak in 2008 after a slow climb to the top. #30. Nora (for girls) Babies born Nora in 2018: 5,799 Nora has been incredibly popular among those with Irish heritage , but is Latin in origin. It is commonly used as a nickname for Eleanor and means "torch" or "honor." It was popular in the 1880s , but slowly declined through the 1900s. It started its rise again in 2002 and remained at the top since. #29. Zoey (for girls) Babies born Zoey in 2018: 5,899 While we saw the name "Zoe" previously on this list, Zoey is ranked higher than the other spelling. The meaning of the name is the same; it means "life" in Greek. This spelling has had rising popularity since 1990. It peaked in 2004 and has remained high on the most popular names for baby girls lists ever since. #28. Riley (for girls) Babies born Riley in 2018: 5,976 Riley is a unisex name that has English origin that combines the words "ryge" and "leah," and means "one who dwells near a rye field." It also is derived from the Scottish name Reilly. The name reached peak popularity in 2010 and has remained a favorite ever since. #27. Layla (for girls) Babies born Layla in 2018: 6,468 Layla means "night" and "dark beauty," and has a Middle-Eastern/Arabic origin , usually Egypt. Layla didn't rise to popularity until 2012 when over 6,000 baby girls were given that name . #26. Penelope (for girls) Babies born Penelope in 2018: 6,474 Penelope is a Greek name that means weaver because in Greek mythology the goddess Penelope, wife of Odysseus, weaved to ward off suitors and pass the time before her husband came home. Popularity of the name has gone up and down over time, but its most recent peak started in 2006 and it has continued to climb. #25. Chloe (for girls) Babies born Chloe in 2018: 6,626 Chloe seems to be a more recent popular baby name, but it does have ancient ties ; the Greek goddess Demeter was sometimes known as Demeter Chloe. Chloe was also named in the New Testament in the Gospel of Paul. It has a meaning of all things nature and translates to "green shoot." Before cracking the top baby names in the United States, it was popular in France and the United Kingdom. It started to become more popular in 2008, just as the Kardashians, including Khloe Kardashian, started to become more famous. #24. Grace (for girls) Babies born Grace in 2018: 6,724 Grace seems like a traditional, religious name that is rooted in Latin heritage and means "blessing" or "favor." The name was dormant for most of the 20th century, but reached new popularity in the mid-1990s and has continued to rise. #23. Luna (for girls) Babies born Luna in 2018: 6,897 Luna translates literally as "moon," and has been on the rise of baby names ever since J.K Rowling introduced her "Harry Potter" character, Luna Lovegood. Another famous Luna is Chrissy Teigen and John Legend's daughter, born in 2016. #22. Madison (for girls) Babies born Madison in 2018: 7,036 Madison is of German and English descent and means "son of a mighty warrior." There are many spellings of the name, including Madyson, Maddison, and Madisson, but Madison is by far the most popular. While Madison was always a common name, it started to rise in 2007. #21. Victoria (for girls) Babies born Victoria in 2018: 7,089 Victoria is the female version of Victor; in English and Latin, the name means "victory" and "victorious." It also has strong English roots because of the royal Family and Queen Victoria. Victoria has remained generally popular throughout the years. #20. Scarlett (for girls) Babies born Scarlett in 2018: 7,182 Scarlett is an English name and most notably means "red" when it is spelled as Scarlet. It is derived from the French word "escarlate" which translates to someone who sells rich cloth. The name became increasingly popular because of "Gone with the Wind" main character Scarlett O'Hara, but skyrocketed in 2006 and has stayed in the list of top baby girl names. #19. Aria (for girls) Babies born Aria in 2018: 7,394 Aria is a name of Italian heritage and means " solo melody ." Some may also consider it a derivation of the Greek name Ariana, which means "very holy." The alternate spelling is Arya, which can also be a boy's name. Aria started to rise in popularity in 2013, most likely due to the character on the TV series "Pretty Little Liars." #18. Camila (for girls) Babies born Camila in 2018: 7,473 Camila is an Italian name that means "attendant." Its recent rise in popularity started in 2000 and has remained high on the list of baby girl names ever since. #17. Sofia (for girls) Babies born Sofia in 2018: 7,621 Sofia has two spellings: Sofia and Sophia. Sofia comes from the Greek word wisdom and is mostly used in Spanish culture because their former queen holds the name. Sofia has increasingly become more popular because of stars like Sofia Coppola, Sofia Vergara, and Sofia Richie. The name was low on the popular list from 1930 to 1980, but quickly started to rise afterwards. #16. Avery (for girls) Babies born Avery in 2018: 8,053 Avery is an Old English name that means "elf," and initially was a boy's name. The name was mildly popular in the mid-20th century but it wasn't until 1980s that it started a slow rise in popularity. #15. Ella (for girls) Babies born Ella in 2018: 8,055 Ella is a French name, but it has different meanings in other languages. In French it means "little cinders," which can refer to the origin of Cinderella. In Gothic, Ella means "truly lively" and in Greek, it means "shining, bright one." It has remained high on the list of top names for baby girls since 2000. #14. Mila (for girls) Babies born Mila in 2018: 8,126 Mila is a name that has a Slavic origin and the most popular meaning is "pleasant" or "dear." Other meanings are "favor" and "grace." While Mila is most popular in Northern Europe, the popularity in the United States has been increasing since 2005, possibly due to rising star, actress Mila Kunis. #13. Elizabeth (for girls) Babies born Elizabeth in 2018: 8,513 Elizabeth can be spelled as Elisabeth, but it is most popular with a "z." It means "God is my oath" in Hebrew. It also can mean "my God is my abundance, my God is my vow." Elizabeth has always been a popular name, most notably because of Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Elizabeth II. With some dips along way, Elizabeth again was on the upswing in 2012 and has remained popular. #12. Emily (for girls) Babies born Emily in 2018: 8,656 Emily is of Latin origin and translates to mean "rival." It originally began as the name "Emil," but later the last letter was added. Emily has always been popular, but it wasn't until 1994 that it hit a huge spike . Emily fell to the bottom of the list soon after, but picked back up in 2008. #11. Abigail (for girls) Babies born Abigail in 2018: 9,796 As a traditional Hebrew name, Abigail means "joy of the father." It also can be considered a biblical name because it was King David's wife's name in the Bible. The name hit its popular height in the 1980s and has remained a top choice ever since. #10. Evelyn (for girls) Babies born Evelyn in 2018: 10,376 The first time Evelyn ever appeared as a popular baby name was in 1910. In the 1970s, Evelyn hit a peak and it wasn't until mid-2010s that it rose to the top again. Evelyn has origins in French, Hebrew, and Celtic and means "lively," "life," and "pleasant." #9. Harper (for girls) Babies born Harper in 2018: 10,582 Harper began as a boy's name and while it still remains unisex, it is more popular now as a girl's name. It is an English, Scottish, and Irish name that means "harp player." The name began rising in popularity in 2012 after David and Victoria Beckham named their daughter Harper the previous year. #8. Amelia (for girls) Babies born Amelia in 2018: 12,301 Amelia was never at the top of the charts and it wasn't until 2006 that it started to gain more popularity. It has Latin roots and is said to be a combination of the names Emelia and Amalia . It also can be a variation of Emily. #7. Mia (for girls) Babies born Mia in 2018: 12,642 The name Mia has many origins  Israeli, Scandinavian, Latin, Italian, and American. The name's most common meanings are "wished for child" or "rebellion." In Israeli, the name is short for Michal and in Italian, it's short for Marie. The name has been popular since the 1960s and has remained on top lists. #6. Charlotte (for girls) Babies born Charlotte in 2018: 12,940 Charlotte is the feminine version of Charles , which means "free man." Charlotte's rise to the top of the name charts has only been happening since 2013 when it cracked the top 20. The rise of the name likely will continue because of Princess Charlotte of Cambridge. #5. Sophia (for girls) Babies born Sophia in 2018: 13,928 Sophia is more popular than its previous spelling, Sofia, but holds the same meaning of "wisdom" in Greek. Sophia rose to popularity in 2002 and has been a favorite name since. #4. Isabella (for girls) Babies born Isabella in 2018: 14,464 Isabella is the Italian and Spanish version of Elizabeth and means "pledged to God." It has been one of the most popular and used girl's names since 1990 and has never left the spotlight. #3. Ava (for girls) Babies born Ava in 2018: 14,924 Ava has a Germanic history and can mean "desire;" in Latin, it can also be translated to "bird like." Ava often has been a popular name since the 19th century and started to make a run again in 2012. #2. Olivia (for girls) Babies born Olivia in 2018: 17,921 Olivia is of Latin origin and means "olive tree" and is the female version of Oliver . It has been a favorite baby name for a few years and finally became #1 in 2016, and has remained a top name. #1. Emma (for girls) Babies born Emma in 2018: 18,688 The #1 baby girl name in 2017 was Emma. It's an English name, taken from the German word for "whole" or "universal." It was always a popular name, but skyrocketed starting in in 2004.


James Carter may not have achieved his ultimate goal of playing in the major leagues, but the pitching prospect announced this week that he is embarking on an exciting new career adventure   modeling. Carter, a 25-year-old prospect who was with the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, announced in an Instagram post on Friday that he is retiring from baseball. He ended the post with "stay tuned." On Saturday, Carter revealed that he has decided to go into professional modeling. He's now going by the name James Turlington, which is his middle name. He shared some of his modeling shots on Instagram: Carter posted a 5-2 record and 3.79 ERA across three seasons in the minors. Considering some of the complaints we have heard about lower-level pro baseball in recent years, you can't blame him for pursuing another career if he didn't think he could make it to the big show. Related slideshow: Best of the 2019 MLB season (Provided by imagn)


We are a month away from the start of the NFL regular season, and even though preseason games haven't been played yet for the majority of teams, many experts already feel they have a handle on which teams will fare best in 2019. ESPN 's Bill Barnwell wrote a column today picking five teams he believes will improve on their record from 2018, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers being one of the five. (The others were the New York Jets, New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers and Carolina Panthers.) Barnwell starts off by saying he understands if people aren't excited by the Bucs pick, especially when you consider the team has had just one winning season over the past eight years and during that time have complied the third-worst record in the NFL at 42-86. But, as most Bucs fans know, the arrival of Bruce Arians has signified the start of a new era in Tampa Bay, and Barnwell says Arians' track record as a head coach shows that success follows him. Here's an excerpt from Barnwell's piece : "I have question marks about the talent, but there are two reasons to think the Bucs might at least approach mediocrity on defense in 2019. One is health; last year's Bucs posted the most adjusted games lost on defense of any team in the statistic's history . JPP was the only defender who started all 16 games, but history tells us that it's virtually impossible the Bucs will be as banged-up, even as they're already working from behind after losing their star defensive end for a chunk of the year… Tampa is also likely going to be better in the red zone than it was a year ago." Barnwell's numbers project the Bucs at 6.5 wins right now, given that their Football Power Index (FPI) projected strength of schedule is the seventh toughest in the league. Tampa Bay's long road trip away from home certainly won't help matters, but having an experienced coach like Arians running the show can only be a positive. MORE: Raiders stadium in Las Vegas to be called 'Allegiant Stadium' Cleveland Indians completely roasted Colin Cowherd after Baker Mayfield chugged a beer 40 Under 40: Sports Media Talents 2019 Dontrelle Inman doesn't care he's getting buried on Patriots depth chart What G Alex Lewis' release means for Ravens


If the Toronto Maple Leafs' negotiations with Mitch Marner last as long this season as they did with William Nylander last season, many other NHL teams are going to be in trouble. According to The Athletic's Joe Smith, many other agents are waiting to see how Marner's deal shakes out before finalizing terms for their own top restricted free agent forwards. A surprising number of prominent RFA forwards remains unsigned and could stay that way until the Marner deal sets the market. Writing specifically about the Lightning, a team facing its own RFA conundrum with breakout center Brayden Point , Smith states that Tampa Bay expects Point to be ready for camp in September, but agent Gerry Johansson is content with the "slow process". The agents for Mikko Rantanen , Matthew Tkachuk , Kyle Connor , Brock Boeser , Patrik Laine , and Travis Konecny likely feel the same way and are apparently waiting to see where Marner, the best of the group, ends up before moving forward. In fact, Sportsnet's Rick Dhaliwal also added today that things are very quiet around Boeser's camp and he acknowledges that the process has been slow for most big-name RFAs. So who will be the first domino to fall? Will Marner really sign first and set the stage for everyone else? Or will another unsigned star finally budge and give the market a much-needed comparable? While Marner, who recorded 94 points in 82 games last season, is the most established player and considered the top RFA who would be the ceiling for the market, he was actually quite comparable to Rantanen and Point last season. However, the rest of the group could benefit from any of the group signing a contract to use as a point of comparison. At this point in the summer, the odds are high that at least one of these negotiations will last into the regular season. But if the reports are true that the market waits on Marner, those teams with top unsigned RFA forwards better hope that Toronto and its star winger are closer than it seems.


Tyler Reddick , Christopher Bell and Cole Custer have combined to win the last seven Xfinity races. The last time a driver other than Reddick, Bell or Custer won a NXS race was nearly three months ago (March 31), when Kyle Busch won at Texas. Reddick has won three of the last seven races, including last Saturday's win at Michigan International Speedway. Will the combined winning streak by Reddick, Bell and Custer continue today at Iowa Speedway? Here's all the info for today's CircuitCity.com 250: (All times are Eastern) START: Ronny Shmoel, CEO of Circuit City, and Kai Leung, Tamron North American Business Manager, will give the c ommand to start engines at 5:38 p.m. The green flag is scheduled for 5:45 p.m. PRERACE: Qualifying is at 2:35 p.m.; single car/two laps (FS2, no radio). Driver/crew chief meeting is at 3:30 p.m. Driver introductions are at 5 p.m. The invocation will be given at 5:30 p.m. by Aaron Loree. First Lt. Kyle Patterson, 224th Brigade Engineer Battalion, will perform the National Anthem at 5:31 p.m. DISTANCE: The race is 250 laps (218.75 miles) around the 7/8-mile track. STAGES: Stage 1 ends on Lap 6 0. Stage 2 ends on Lap 12 0. TV/RADIO: FS1 will televise the race. Coverage begins at 5 p.m. The Motor Racing Network's radio broadcast begins at 5 p.m. and also can be heard at mrn.com. SiriusXM NASCAR Radio will carry MRN's broadcast. FORECAST : wunderground.com calls for partly cloudy skies with a high of 77 degrees and a 14 percent chance of rain for the start of the race. LAST TIME: Justin Allgaier won this race a year ago and was followed by Christopher Bell and Daniel Hemric . Five races later, Bell returned to Iowa to claim the win, followed by Allgaier and Kyle Benjamin . STARTING LINEUP: Click here Follow @JerryBonkowski


We heard yesterday that there was "mounting pessimism" surrounding the Melvin Gordon situation, and that it was looking increasingly likely the Chargers running back would miss regular season time. Los Angeles' GM Tom Telesco said recently that he did make Gordon an extension offer and we know the Wisconsin product is seeking top of the running back market money, but we didn't know the exact details of what either side wanted. Until now. The "talks are $2-$3 million apart in average salary," reports Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports (Twitter link ). Robinson writes that the Chargers are hoping to give him something slightly more than what Devonta Freeman got from the Falcons (five-years, $41.25M), while Gordon is " aiming closer" to what the Cardinals gave David Johnson (3 yrs, $39 mil). Robinson adds that he thinks "$12 mil per yr w/ incentives would get it done." Gordon has been a workhorse for the Chargers the past few seasons, but they seem hesitant to commit that much money to him. Los Angeles has genuine Super Bowl aspirations, and this situation not only threatens the offense but the locker room chemistry as well. Philip Rivers ' comments yesterday that the team was "deep" at running back caused quite a firestorm online. While it sounds like the two sides aren't too far apart, neither side seems willing to budge. Now that we've defined where each camp stands, it'll be very interesting to see who blinks first.


Veteran offensive tackle Donald Penn is flying to Washington DC today to sign a 1-year deal with the #Redskins tomorrow, sources say. Key veteran help given Trent Williams' likely lengthy holdout. - Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 30, 2019 Am told per source that a deal for Donald Penn is "99 percent done". - John Keim (@john_keim) July 30, 2019 It appears that the Washington Redskins are close to finalizing another free agent signing ahead of the 2019 season. Although they just recently signed veteran left tackle Corey Robinson over the weekend, reports are out now that the Redskins are bringing in Donald Penn to sign a deal soon. Penn was with the team early last week to workout as training camp began. In the wake of pro bowler Trent Williams holdout, which has no updates and is unlikely to end any time soon, Washington is experiencing a lack of depth on the left side of the offensive line, and they are looking for veteran players to fill the hole. Once the Penn deal is finalized, the Redskins will have an array of choices to play at LT, including Geron Christian, Ereck Flowers, Penn, and Robinson. MORE: Jayson Tatum and others defend LeBron James for celebrating at Bronny's AAU game Za'Darius Smith, Preston Smith have 'been as advertised' for Packers Day 3 Cowboys Camp: Prescott's deep ball, passing zones impressive Steve Ballmer is Open to Changing Clippers' Name and Logo Malik Jackson on Fletcher Cox being biggest reason he signed with the Eagles


An elephant calf was rescued from a lake by forest authorities on Friday, after becoming separated from its mother in India's northeastern Kamrup district. Rough cut (no reporter narration)


The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating religious discrimination claims against two airports because plans for Chick-fil-A restaurants were scrapped after complaints about the fast food chain's stance on LGBTQ issues. "The Department of Transportation has received complaints alleging discrimination by two airport operators against a private company due to the expression of the owner's religious beliefs," an FAA statement said. "FAA's Office of Civil Rights has notified the San Antonio International Airport (SAT) and Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) that it has opened investigations into these complaints. The FAA notes that Federal requirements prohibit airport operators from excluding persons on the basis of religious creed from participating in airport activities that receive or benefit from FAA grant funding." CNN has reached out to officials at both airports for comment. Chick-fil-A said in a statement released to CNN that the company is not involved in the investigation. "We are a restaurant company ... and we have no social or political stance," the company said. "We welcome and embrace all people, regardless of religion, race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity." In March, the San Antonio city council approved a new concessions contract for the airport -- on the condition that Chick-fil-A be excluded. One city council member said that action was needed because of the company's "legacy of anti-LGBTQ behavior." Backlash on the state level was quick. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said his office would investigate whether the city violated Chick-fil-A's religious liberty. On Tuesday, the Texas House passed a "Save Chick-fil-A bill," which supporters say provides religious protections, but Democrats and critics argue would allow discrimination against the state's LGBTQ community. The San Antonio Express News reported Friday that City Attorney Andy Segovia said his office received the FAA notice but his office would need time to review it before commenting. In New York state, Assemblyman Sean Ryan had complained that the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority had discussed bringing a Chick-fil-A to the airport. Ryan said last month that plans to open a Chick-fil-A were scrapped by Delaware North, the private firm that operates the airport's restaurants, not the airport authority, according to CNN affiliate WIVB. "(Delaware North) was very quick to realize that this is a potential problem, having a company like this in a state-run facility," Ryan said. Kevin Kelly, a Delaware North official, said plans for a Chick-fil-A at the airport were never a done deal and that the company had not gotten enough community input, CNN affiliate WKBW reported in April. "This was purely a business decision," he said. Chick-fil-A has come under fire from supporters of same-sex marriage in recent years after its president, Dan Cathy, said the company supported "the biblical definition of the family unit." ThinkProgress, a left-leaning website , reported last week that Chick-fil-A donated $1.8 million in 2017 to groups with a discriminatory record against the LGBTQ community. The company responded, saying in a statement that "to suggest that our efforts in supporting these organizations was focused on suppressing a group of people is misleading and inaccurate."


An aerial promotions company in California created a one-of-a-kind flying Christmas tree. Jen Markham has the story.


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Former U.S. Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning, who was being detained for refusing to testify before a grand jury, was released on Thursday and immediately summoned to appear before a new grand jury next week, her lawyers said. Manning was released after the term expired for the previous grand jury in Virginia that was seeking her testimony in connection with what is believed to be the government's long-running investigation into WikiLeaks and its founder Julian Assange. She was simultaneously subpoenaed to appear before a different grand jury on May 16, meaning she could be found in contempt again for refusing to testify and returned to jail, her lawyers said in a statement. Manning had appeared before the grand jury in early March but declined to answer questions. She was jailed for 62 days for contempt of court. A U.S. appeals court denied her request to be released on bail and upheld the lower court's decision to hold her in civil contempt for refusing to testify. "Chelsea will continue to refuse to answer questions, and will use every available legal defense to prove to District Judge (Anthony) Trenga that she has just cause for her refusal to give testimony," the statement said. It is unclear exactly why federal prosecutors want Manning to testify, although her representatives say the questions she was asked concern the release of information she disclosed to the public in 2010 through WikiLeaks. Manning was convicted by court-martial in 2013 of espionage and other offenses for furnishing more than 700,000 documents, videos, diplomatic cables and battlefield accounts to WikiLeaks while she was an intelligence analyst in Iraq. Former U.S. President Barack Obama, in his final days in office, commuted the final 28 years of Manning's 35-year sentence. After nearly seven years of giving Assange refuge in its embassy in London, Ecuador on April 11 ended its protection and he was arrested by British police. The United States is seeking his extradition to face charges of conspiracy to commit computer intrusion. Assange plans to fight the U.S. extradition request. WikiLeaks published a classified U.S. military video showing a 2007 attack by Apache helicopters in Baghdad that killed a dozen people, including two Reuters news staff. The U.S. government said Assange tried to help Manning gain access to a government computer. It is not clear if the alleged collaboration between Manning and Assange led to a successful intrusion into any U.S. government computer. (Reporting by David Alexander; editing by Grant McCool)


A 25-year-old mother was among the victims of Saturday's deadly mass shooting in El Paso, Texas. Jordan Anchondo's cousin Brianna Contreras confirmed to the Arizona Republic Anchondo was among the 20 people killed in Saturday's shooting , which took place at a crowded Walmart store. Leta Jamrowski, Anchondo's 19-year-old sister, told the Associated Press Anchondo, a mother of three, was shopping for back-to-school supplies. Jamrowski spoke to the Associated Press while waiting at the University Medical Center of El Paso. El Paso shooting: Suspect Patrick Crusius could face the death penalty; hate crime charges possible Dayton, El Paso, Gilroy and beyond: You're right to be afraid. Mass shootings are more numerous and deadly Slideshow by photo services "From the baby's injuries, they said that more than likely my sister was trying to shield him," she said. "So when she got shot she was holding him and she fell on him, so that's why he broke some of his bones. So he pretty much lived because she gave her life." She also said she was hoping for information regarding her brother-in-law, Andre Anchondo, who was still missing. Anchondo's story was originally described by Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Tx. Speaking with ABC's "This Week," Escobar described the child as one of the victims who is recovering from the shooting . Escobar did not identify the woman as Anchondo. The Associated Press contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jordan Anchondo killed shielding her 2-month-old in El Paso, Texas shooting


Haikal became the second Kentucky Derby horse to be scratched from the field. It was announced Friday morning that Haikal, who finished third in the Wood Memorial, would not race in the Run for the Roses after it did not train Thursday morning at Churchill Downs. The news comes after opening morning-line favorite Omaha Beach was scratched Wednesday night. Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin said Haikal has an abscess in his left front hoof. "It's going to be a quick fix, but I don't know if it's going to be quick enough," McLaughlin said on Wednesday. "He has to train for us to be comfortable with him. ... If he's still sore, he won't be." TRAGEDY AT TRACK: Inside story of one of 23 horses who died at Santa Anita this season WANT TO WIN BIG?: Take a look at this Derby contender Breaking: 11-Haikal to scratch from @KentuckyDerby (abscess left hoof). More to come. Field of 19 to break from gate in posts 2-20; program numbers of horses do not change.   Churchill Downs PR (@DerbyMedia) May 3, 2019 Kentucky Derby odds: Check out the Derby 2019 post position draw, jockeys, odds Haikal was at 30-1 odds and was going to run out of the No. 11 post position. He is 3-1-1 in five starts. Jockey Rajiv Maragh will get the ride if Haikal is still able to go. Maragh is 0 for 5 in the Derby. The final scratch deadline is 9 a.m. Friday. Bodexpress was the first also-eligible this year and replaces Omaha Beach. There is no second alternate, so now the Derby will be run with 19 horses. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Haikal scratched from the Kentucky Derby field Related slideshow: The best Kentucky Derby celebrity sightings (Provided by imagn)


According to rental site Zumper , median rents for a one bedroom in Mahncke Park are hovering around $1,029, compared to an $875 one-bedroom median for San Antonio as a whole. So how does the low-end pricing on a Mahncke Park rental look these days   and what might you get for your money? We took a look at local listings for studios and one-bedroom apartments from Zumper and Apartment Guide to find out what budget-minded apartment seekers can expect to find in the neighborhood, which, according to Walk Score ratings , isn't very walkable, is somewhat bikeable and has some transit options. Take a look at the cheapest listings available right now, below. (Note: prices and availability are subject to change.) Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. 114 Andrews St. Listed at $600/month, this one-bedroom, one-bathroom rental, located at 114 Andrews St., is 41.7% less than the $1,029/month median rent for a one bedroom in Mahncke Park. Cats and dogs are not welcome. The rental doesn't require a leasing fee. (See the complete listing here .) 218 Natalen Ave. Here's a one-bedroom, one-bathroom residence at 218 Natalen Ave., which, at 500 square feet, is going for $800/month. The building offers on-site laundry. The unit has central air conditioning. Good news for animal lovers: both dogs and cats are allowed here. The listing specifies a $60 application fee. (See the full listing here .) East Mulberry Avenue and Broadway Street Then there's one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment at East Mulberry Avenue and Broadway Street, listed at $1,000/month. In the unit, the listing promises a mix of hardwood floors and carpeting, in-unit laundry and a dishwasher. Pet owners are in luck: cats and dogs are welcome. The building offers on-site laundry. (See the listing here .) This story was created automatically using local real estate data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


A brawl broke out in a Triple-A game between Mets and Yankees affiliates. And, Tim Tebow, of course, tried to be a peacemaker. Benches just emptied in Syracuse. Mike Ford hit a home run, then Breyvic Valera took a pitch in the back from reliever Arquimedes Caminero. Caminero was immediately ejected. Danny Espinosa then started saying something to the RailRiders bench, and sparked some pushing and shoving - Conor Foley (@RailRidersTT) May 27, 2019 The melee started when the Mike Ford homered for Yankees' affiliate Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Soon after, Syracuse Mets reliever Arquimedes Caminero threw at Breyvic Valeras's back, leading to the pitcher's ejection and the benches clearing. Bad blood in IL @Yankees @Mets @SyracuseMets @swbrailriders All because @Mike7Ford had the nerve to hit homer. pic.twitter.com/kkxCkyrNxa - Andy Collins (@AndyNY2) May 27, 2019 When things started to break up, the two guys in the middle playing peacekeepers: Jay Bell and Tim Tebow. - Conor Foley (@RailRidersTT) May 27, 2019 Meanwhile, in other Tebow news, a fan paid a major price for one of the former football star's baseball jerseys. Per Syracuse.com: Brandon Metz, who works in a bio-pharmaceutical lab in Whitesboro, topped all bidders with an offer of $890 in an on-line auction Sunday. He monitored the game on his computer and with two outs in the bottom of the seventh he dropped in his final offer just under the deadline. The jersey was a specialty look for "Paw Patrol" day. Metz said he originally intended to cap his price at $450-$500, but when Tebow hit his first Triple-A homer earlier in the game he knew he'd have to open his wallet a little wider. MORE: Kevin Na gives caddie awesome present right after PGA Tour win: 'That's your car!' Ahead of Finals, Stephen Curry defends Kevin Durant against critics There's serious potential in a Kyrie Irving - D'Angelo Russell pairing NFL world responds to passing of Packers legend Bart Starr This is how the Milwaukee Bucks head into the offseason Related slideshow: 2019 MLB Season (Provided by imagn)


The Yankees have moved to within a half game of the first place Tampa Bay Rays in the AL East while most of their big bats have been on the injured list. Now they're starting to get some of those bats back. Today New York activated outfielder Aaron Hicks . He will start in center field and bat leadoff against the Orioles. This will be Hicks' 2019 debut following a couple of months on the shelf due to back problems. The Yankees are hoping that he will resume his 2018-level production in which he hit .248/.366/.467 (123 OPS+) with 27 homers, 79 RBI and 11 stolen bases. That production earned Hicks a seven-year, $70 million extension this past offseason. Follow @craigcalcaterra Related slideshow: 2019 MLB season (provided by imagn)


The Iowa Cubs have always played a small role in the Iowa caucuses with a number of presidential candidates routinely making trips to Principal Park while visiting central Iowa. Later this summer, the team will take it to a new level. The Iowa Cubs will transform into the Iowa Caucuses for their Aug. 30 game against the Memphis Redbirds at Principal Park. The game is slated to start at 7:08 p.m. It'll open the Labor Day weekend series that closes out the 2019 regular season. The Cubs will wear special uniforms with a Caucuses logo focused on "being inclusive to all who are proud to participate in the process across the state," according to a statement issued by the team. Iowa's caps for the game are red, white and blue and feature the Iowa Caucuses character logo which is shaped like the state of Iowa with Uncle Sam pants and a patriotic cap. The character is holding a foam finger with "1st" imprinted on it to tie the sports theme with Iowa's first-in-the-nation status in the election process. The uniforms still include the iconic Cubs pinstripes while incorporating stars and stripes. They'll also feature a special "1st in the Nation" alternate logo worn above the numbers on the back of the uniform. During the game, the Cubs will offer voter registration opportunities, among other promotional activities that will be announced later. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa Cubs to become Iowa Caucuses for Labor Day weekend game


In the past day or so, I've said and written plenty of things about the Raiders' decision to sign Richie Incognito. On Wednesday afternoon, I downloaded all thoughts on the matter in one place. Raiders fans, I encourage you to have a listen. All fans should give it a listen, because the broader questions raised by the Incognito signing aren't going away. Not as long as fans continue to make low-risk acquisitions, and not as long as the league does nothing to make those risks more significant. There's plenty more in the hour-long edition of the show. Give it a listen below. And then subscribe , rate , and review .


Sixty-seven percent of voters said the census should be able to ask whether people living in the U.S. are citizens, going against the recent Supreme Court decision on the matter, according to a new Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll. The poll also found that the inclusion of the question was supported among members of both parties, with 88 percent of Republicans and 52 percent of Democrats supporting its inclusion. Sixty-three percent of independents said they supported including the question on the census. "The public here agrees with the administration that it makes sense to ask citizenship on the census," Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll Director Mark Penn said. "It is a clear supermajority of Americans on this issue." Last month, the Supreme Court blocked the Trump administration from including a citizenship question on the census and demanded that the Commerce Department provide a more clear-cut explanation for the move. A number of Democratic lawmakers and presidential candidates praised the high court's decision. President Trump said Monday that he was looking at delaying the 2020 census if the administration is not able to include the citizenship question. "So you can ask other things, but you can't ask whether or not somebody is a citizen? So we are trying to do that. We're looking at that very strongly," Trump said. The Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll online survey of 2,182 registered voters was conducted from June 26 to June 29. The Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll is a collaboration of the Center for American Political Studies at Harvard University and The Harris Poll. The Hill will be working with Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll throughout 2019. Full poll results will be posted online later this week. The Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll survey is an online sample drawn from the Harris Panel and weighted to reflect known demographics. As a representative online sample, it does not report a probability confidence interval.