Traffic in Seattle is never good, but the city and a lot of the state will have construction and demolition going on this weekend that will affect summer travel plans. The Alaskan Way Viaduct demolition is the elephant in the room -- and on the waterfront. Crews just started working in Pioneer Square this week, having all-but finished their work on the waterfront. Alaskan Way is again down to two lanes through at least Sunday, this time from Columbia Street to South Dearborn Street. RELATED: Road trip: Keeping cool on the Oregon Coast Some cross streets at Alaskan Way will be closed as well, including Yesler Way and South King Street, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation . A demolition tracker of what's been finished, what's being demolished and what's left can be found here . As for highways and roads around Washington that will be closed, WSDOT has listed the following: All northbound lanes of the state Route 99 tunnel will be closed from 10 p.m. Friday through 8 a.m. Saturday. All lanes on state Route 18 between Issaquah and Interstate 90 will be closed from 9 p.m. Friday through 1 p.m. Sunday. Montlake Bridge will be one lane in each direction from 6 to 11 a.m. Saturday. Major events around Seattle will surely snarl traffic as well. Capitol Hill will swell with locals and visitors for the Capitol Hill Block Party, a three-day music festival in the heart of the Seattle neighborhood. A preview of the lineup can be found here . For a taste of the madness from last year, click here . And while the Mariners aren't exactly, well, good lately, the two home games this weekend will bring in traffic to Pioneer Square and the Washington State Ferries which were running 20 to 30 minutes late Thursday evening. Whatever your plan for the weekend is, whether it's a trip to the Darrington Bluegrass Festival or a road trip down the Oregon coast , check with WSDOT for traffic alerts and updates.


Long Beach will continue to see warm weather in the coming days, according to drone-powered weather forecasting service Saildrone . Temperatures will reach 78 degrees on Sunday and Monday. The coming days will also bring mostly cloudy skies, expected to stick around through Monday. Skies will partially clear on Tuesday. Winds will stay fairly calm in the course of the week, with the highest speeds today at just 9 mph. This story was created automatically using Saildrone's local weather forecast data, then reviewed by an editor. We also incorporate historic weather data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


A pregnant woman and her son died in a flash flood in southeastern Pennsylvania last Thursday after the National Weather Service issued a flash flood emergency for the region. She was on the phone with 911 as her car was swept away by the sudden rush of water. Just days later, Tropical Storm Barry dropped 5-6 inches of rain on the Gulf Coast   far less than the 15-20 inches originally forecast to top the already swollen Mississippi River. Though flooding damaged homes and knocked out power to 153,000 people in Louisiana, the storm's effect was not nearly as devastating as expected. There's a clear need for residents to take emergency alert warnings for flash floods and other disasters seriously, but with a shaky track record of predictions, forecasters are questioning how best to provide warnings that will not be met with skepticism. The NWS, which sends out approximately 12,000 flash flood warnings every year, hopes that a new emergency alert system is the answer. Preliminary numbers suggest that the new system   with a planned rollout beginning Sept. 16   would pare down the number of warnings by about 80 percent, Mary Mullusky, chief of the agency's Water Resources Services Branch, said. The aim is to emphasize the most dangerous floods, as well as simplify the warnings so that they are easily understood and relatable for the people who receive them. "People are becoming desensitized to the warning," Mullusky said. "There were just too many and we were getting complaints about them. We wanted to be responsive to that and help people readily understand what the warning is and take the appropriate actions." Experts warn that flooding is the top weather-related killer in the United States. Approximately 6,000 people in the U.S. died in flooding or tropical cyclone-related flooding between 2004 and 2018, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The cost of damage for those storms topped $825 billion. The biggest killer, experts say, are people choosing to drive their cars through flooded areas. The impact-based warnings will fall into three categories: base, considerable and catastrophic. The latter two, considerable and catastrophic, which warn of floodwaters that could severely impact lives and property, will be the approximately 20 percent of warnings that the NWS will push out to people's phones. "There's been a discussion going on in the weather community for at least five years now of the number and complexity of the warnings that go out," said Rebecca Morss, a National Center for Atmospheric Research scientist who studies decision making in hurricane and flood risk communications and evacuations. "There are different ways they are trying to simplify the system so that people can really identify the most important threat that they need to respond to," she added. "It's especially important in a flash flood that can evolve really quickly." The NWS interviewed local leaders and storm survivors to best grasp how flood warnings helped or hurt communities. Kim Klockow McClain, a scientist and researcher at the National Severe Storms Laboratory in Oklahoma, spoke to storm survivors to better learn how they had reacted to warnings in the past. She said the challenge still is to break down the information in a way that people can quickly understand and trust to use in their decision making. "There's a lot of challenge still in trying to communicate how flooding is going to evolve in ways that people can understand and relate to it," Klockow McClain said. "They have to understand and personalize it. They need to know where it's going to occur, what it will look like and how it will unfold and evolve." Another issue that some worry about is that people who receive these warnings still won't all react the same. That was seen when Washington, D.C., recently received enough rain for the NWS to categorize the storm as a once-in-100-year event, causing massive flooding and triggering more than 70 water rescues between Washington and northern Virginia. The new warning system aims to get the largest number of people to react safely to a disaster. "How do you provide information that is succinct, easily available, accurate, and reflects the uncertainties of our ability to predict the future but still meets the needs of all people?" Morss asked. "It's a really difficult question." It's one that will need to be answered, as climate change continues to affect the movement of water and weather forecasting. "Flooding is absolutely not going away," Klockow McClain said. "It's something we expect to continue to be a problem pretty much everywhere."


Juventus forward Eniola Aluko has said that women's football needs to become a more sustainable brand, in order to keep the game growing. The former England international was speaking at the launch of the #WorldAtHerFeet report by Burson Cohn & Wolfe (BCW), which looks at key findings on the development of the women's game. Aluko explained how the women's game has grown, as well as what can be done to help it further grow. Tomorrow, BCW launches #WorldAtHerFeet , a report examining the future of women's football. The launch will take place in London, but the report will be available to all   featuring stars from on and off the pitch, keep an eye out for it! #Football #FIFAWWC #WePlayStrong pic.twitter.com/p06wTE3hJc   BCW Global (@BCWGlobal) May 28, 2019 Aluko said: "It's about making women's football a sustainable brand so that other brands want to be part of it, not just for one or two years but for the next 10 or 15 years. It is always a matter of sustainability. "For the women's game, we need to create a brand that can attract 2,000 fans every week and, step by step, build up to 10,000." Aluko joined Juventus last summer from Chelsea , having spent six years in west London. She has already enjoyed success since arriving in Turin, winning the Coppa Italia and the Championship in her debut season with the Bianconeri. Italy is the third country Aluko has played in during her 18-year career, having gone between England and the United States before. The 32-year-old had won it all in England, winning three Super League titles and two FA Cups in her time at Chelsea. She went on to say: "We are now seeing multi-million-pound sponsorships, record attendances in different countries, and brands making specially designed kits for women's teams. We are just starting what has been the norm in men's sport for years. "The sky's the limit for the women's sport, provided we achieve and maintain financial sustainability, brand sustainability and fan sustainability." Speaking about her time in Italy so far, Aluko referred to the fantastic attendance at Juventus' league clash with Fiorentina at the Allianz Stadium in March. The Bianconeri secured a vital 1-0 win in front of 39,000 people, breaking the previous record attendance of 14,000 for women's football in Italy. On the match, Aluko said: "Five years ago that wouldn't have happened. It's a measure of just how much the game has grown. But the challenge now is how do we repeat this five times next season and not just once." She added: "The transformation we've seen in the game in recent years means that more young women will see a brighter future in the game and not have to juggle careers." The #WorldAtHerFeet report was unveiled by BCW at a debate in London on 29 May, with football stakeholders and media present for the presentation of the findings.


Two 15-year-old girls from Merrimack were last seen hitchhiking 46 years ago before their bodies were found months later, and the case remains unsolved. -- Last seen alive: July 12, 1973 -- Bodies found: Sept. 29, 1973 -- Case status: Unsolved homicide Diane Compagna and Anne Psaradelis had been seen at Hampton Beach and were last seen hitchhiking in the direction of Merrimack late in the afternoon of July 12, 1973. It was initially thought that the girls had run away, but their bodies were found on Sept. 29, 1973, in a wooded area off of New Boston Road in Candia -- a short distance away from Route 101, a common route used by drivers in the Merrimack Valley to travel to and from Hampton Beach. The manner of girls' deaths was undetermined because of the condition of their bodies, but it is believed that the girls were strangled to death, authorities said. Some investigators at the time believed there might have been two killers. During what initially was a missing persons investigation, police at the time learned that one of the girls told some people that she had been sexually assaulted on July 4, 1973, eight days before she disappeared. A potential suspect was questioned about the alleged sexual assault after the girls vanished, but he was not arrested. Despite decades of investigating, the cases have gone cold. Can you help police solve this case? Submit a tip to the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit. READ MORE: NH girls found dead 46 years ago were last seen hitchhiking CHECK OUT WMUR: Get the top New Hampshire news of the day. With the latest Manchester news, weather and sports, WMUR is your local news leader.


Curious just how far your dollar goes in Kenmore? According to Walk Score, this Boston neighborhood has excellent walkability, is easy to get around on a bicycle and has excellent transit. Data from rental site Zumper shows that the median rent for a one bedroom in Kenmore is currently hovering around $2,395. So, what might you expect to find with a budget of $1,700 / month? Read on for a roundup of the latest rental offerings, via Zumper and Apartment Guide . (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. 11 Queensberry St. Listed at $1,625/month, this studio apartment is located at 11 Queensberry St. In the apartment, you can expect hardwood flooring. When it comes to building amenities, anticipate on-site laundry. Cats are permitted. Be prepared for a broker's fee equal to one month's rent. (See the complete listing here .) 104 Queensberry St. Next, there's this studio apartment situated at 104 Queensberry St. It's also listed for $1,625/month. Cats are welcome. The listing specifies a broker's fee equal to one month's rent. (Check out the complete listing here .) 137 Peterborough St. Next, check out this 425-square-foot studio condo that's located at 137 Peterborough St. It's listed for $1,700/month. The building features on-site laundry and an elevator. Also, expect to find hardwood flooring, central heating and high ceilings in the unit. Pets are not welcome. Be prepared for a broker's fee equal to one month's rent. (Take a look at the complete listing here .) This story was created automatically using local real estate data from Zumper and Apartment Guide , then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


People from around the state went to Clinton National Airport for an early-morning flight on Saturday. The boarding process was different from a typical flight, however, because the people were not the passengers. Instead, they were helping send abandoned pets to a better future and giving a little more hope to families affected by flooding. Wings of Rescue took 168 cats and dogs from a trio of Arkansas animal shelters and flew them to the Pacific Northwest, where they will have better odds of being adopted. "This is a high-intake time of year, and we are bringing them in faster than we can find them homes," said Tracy Roark, who oversees Little Rock Animal Village as part of his job as Manager of Animal Services for the City of Little Rock. "So, any time that we can get help from other states that want our animals, we're glad to get them to 'em." Transporting animals from shelters in southern states to those in northern states has become more common in recent years because it helps reduce overcrowding in southern states, and brings pets to families in northern states with a smaller supply of adoptable cats and dogs. "There's always a backlog, always people wanting to bring us animals," Roark stated. "Every day. We got in, probably 25 yesterday, and probably the same will be coming today. So, any time we can move 50 or 60 animals, it's a great day." LRAV, the Humane Society of Saline County, and the Northeast Arkansas Humane Society filled vans with cats and dogs and brought them to the tarmac for a flight operated by Wings of Rescue. "These people are amazing, aren't they?" said Ric Browde, president of Wings of Rescue . "Showing up at 6:30 in the morning, they're here, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, caffeinated and ready to go. It's exciting too, you know, to know that your pets are going to a good place." You can help! "This mission was not just about the pets at the shelters, however, the volunteers were thinking about the animals they expect to receive in the days to come. "These are pets that were in the shelters prior to the weather," Browde mentioned, "so we're opening up shelter space for the pets, the tidal wave of pets that are going to be flooding the shelters in the next few days." Browde mentioned that many families lose their pets during disasters, either because the animal runs away or because the family cannot take them when they evacuate. "We wanna make sure that these pets that are being rescued now have every opportunity to be reunited with their families, cause the last thing we want to do is have somebody go, 'oh, my pet's in Washington now!' People have suffered enough here." Some of the pets will go to a shelter in Couer d'Alene, Idaho, while the rest end up at a shelter in Everett, Washington. Browde said you should not feel bad that the dogs and cats will have to travel across the country, only to end up at different shelters. "And they're going to be kind of cool because they're going to be the Kardashians of pets up there," he said with a laugh, "and they'll be adopted within three days, probably."


By now, those who don't want to see the Washington Redskins start Dwayne Haskins in 2019 have loudly made their claims. And they all make plenty of sense. The schedule is brutal, he might not be ready, etc. No matter where one falls in the argument, the points are valid. Some fresh points from Bleacher Report's Mike Tanier join the "understandable" column too: "If Haskins is thrown into the lineup right away, he might get injured behind a line featuring Flowers and left tackle Rando McNottrentwilliams. Or he could develop shaky habits that might jeopardize his career. Or he could end up a pawn in yet another Washington power struggle." The potentially terrible state of the offensive line is just one of the points Tanier brings up too - the other is just as important. He points to reports that Dan Snyder overruled his coaches with the drafting of Haskins, which suggests guys like Jay Gruden were comfortable with Case Keenum. Regardless of whether that's the case, Redskins brass like Snyder have to think long term, which could mean looking past Gruden's tenure. Gruden indeed might go into next year with his guy, Keenum, and pending the results, Snyder might make a change and have a potential franchise quarterback like Haskins waiting for the next guy. That's a lot to digest on the Haskins front, though there is plenty of time between now and September to chew. MORE: Report: Kawhi Leonard will keep us waiting until Saturday, at the earliest 2019 NBA Summer League Rosters News: Cowboys who could be traded, triple-threat WRs, Eric Berry talk Three Teams That Should Take a Chance on DeMarcus Cousins NZ Breakers owner thinks it's a long shot Thunder trade Steven Adams


Missed the last week in high school softball? We've got you covered with a roundup of the latest local girls varsity softball action in and around Philadelphia, powered by data from high school sports source MaxPreps . (Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Details like game dates, times, scores and team records are based on data provided by MaxPreps and may be subject to change; the latest up-to-date information is available at the links below.) Shipley scores 11 runs, overthrows Germantown Friends On Tuesday, May 14, Bryn Mawr's Shipley girls team clashed with the Germantown Friends girls team . The Shipley team walked away with the victory , beating Germantown Friends soundly, 11-1. Shipley had nine hits, while the Germantown Friends team had five. Following this victory, Shipley raised its conference to 11-1, while Germantown Friends' record fell to 4-5. Friends Select edges out George School On Tuesday, May 14, the Friends Select girls team clashed with Newtown's George School Cougars . Friends Select inched past the Cougars to claim a 6-5 win . The win brought Friends Select's conference record to 5-1, while George School's record fell to 3-3. Philadelphia Academy Charter triumphs over Kensington, scores playoff win On Wednesday, May 15, the Philadelphia Academy Charter girls team cinched a playoff victory , defeating the Kensington girls team by a score of 9-7. The win brought Philadelphia Academy Charter's record to 12-3, while Kensington's record fell to 7-6. Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush outsmarts Abraham Lincoln, scores playoff win Also on Wednesday, the Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush KNIGHTS cinched a playoff victory . They defeated the Abraham Lincoln Rail Splitters by a score of 12-2 at home. The win brought Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush's record to 12-2, while Abraham Lincoln's record fell to 6-7. Gwynedd Mercy Academy prevails over St. Hubert Catholic for Girls Wednesday also saw Gwynedd Valley's Gwynedd Mercy Academy girls team topple the St. Hubert Catholic for Girls girls team by a score of 4-2. The win brought Gwynedd Mercy Academy's record to 13-7, while St. Hubert Catholic for Girls' record fell to 12-8. MAST Community Charter sneaks past Delaware County Christian Also on Wednesday, the Newtown Square Delaware County Christian Knights lost to the MAST Community Charter Panthers by a score of 7-6 at home. The Delaware County Christian Knights had eight hits, while the MAST Community Charter Panthers had nine. The loss brought Delaware County Christian's conference record to 9-7, while MAST Community Charter's record rose to 3-11. Friends Select snuffs out Shipley Also on Wednesday, Bryn Mawr's Shipley girls team lost to the Friends Select girls team by a score of 9-2. The loss brought Shipley's conference record to 11-1, while Friends Select's record rose to 5-1. St. Hubert Catholic for Girls snags playoff win against Archbishop Carroll On Friday, May 17, the St. Hubert Catholic for Girls girls team cinched a playoff victory , defeating Radnor's Archbishop Carroll Patriots by a score of 5-1. The win brought St. Hubert Catholic for Girls' record to 12-8, while Archbishop Carroll's record fell to 6-4. Springside Chestnut Hill Academy unseats Shipley, scores playoff win Also on Friday, the Springside Chestnut Hill Academy Blue Devils cinched a playoff victory . They defeated Bryn Mawr's Shipley girls team 9-4. Shipley hit one home run and ran its record to 11-2. Springside triumphs over Friends Select Friday also saw the Springside girls team confront the Friends Select girls team . The Springside team ultimately snuffed out the Friends Select girls in a 9-4 victory. Following this win, Springside remained undefeated with a record of 2-0, while Friends Select's record fell to 6-3. This story was created automatically using local sports data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


For every Hank Aaron, Cal Ripken Jr. or Mike Trout, there are dozens upon dozens of other guys who reach All-Star status for just a fleeting moment. Whether it was a hot half, stepping up as a replacement or simply being the best candidate for a ball club's mandatory representation, many of these players chosen for the Midsummer Classic have either surprising or forgettable appearances as All-Stars. With the 2019 MLB All-Star Game quickly approaching, it is a fine time to look back at the most obscure All-Star from each team over the past 20 years. For every Hank Aaron, Cal Ripken Jr. or Mike Trout, there are dozens upon dozens of other guys who reach All-Star status for just a fleeting moment. Whether it was a hot half, stepping up as a replacement or simply being the best candidate for a ball club's mandatory representation, many of these players chosen for the Midsummer Classic have either surprising or forgettable appearances as All-Stars. With the 2019 MLB All-Star Game quickly approaching, it is a fine time to look back at the most obscure All-Star from each team over the past 20 years. Arizona Diamondbacks: Damian Miller, 2002 Miller was best known as the catcher on the Diamondbacks 2001 World Series championship team, but his career hit a separate personal high the following season. Miller made the National League All-Star team in 2002 after hitting .263 with nine home runs in the first half. Miller tailed off in the second half of the season, playing in just 30 games with a .205 average and reaching 24 total bases as injuries took their toll. Atlanta Braves: Johnny Estrada, 2004 Estrada spent his eight-year career bouncing among five different stops but hit his summit in the summer of 2004. The 28-year-old stepped in behind the plate for Javy Lopez, who left via free agency before the season. Estrada put up an admirable performance, hitting .332 in the first half and making the NL All-Star team as the backup to Mike Piazza. He would go on to pick up Silver Slugger honors at catcher for the year. Baltimore Orioles: Ty Wigginton, 2010 Wigginton was a well-traveled veteran by the time he made his All-Star debut, with stints with the Mets, Pirates, Devil Rays and Astros already under his belt. But with 14 first-half homers, Wigginton made his lone All-Star appearance as the O's mandatory participant. He would tail off in the second half of the year, hitting .248 and finishing with 22 homers and 76 RBI. Boston Red Sox: Steven Wright, 2016 After making his MLB debut at age 28 and seeing action in 28 games spread over three years, Wright had a breakout season in 2016. He earned a place on the AL All-Star team after posting the lowest ERA in the league during the first half of the year: 2.68. The knuckleballer would go on to win 13 games on the year over 24 starts   which still stands as the only year to date that he reached double digits in wins or games as a starter. Chicago Cubs: Jeff Samardzija, 2014 In one of the more awkward twists in All-Star Game history, Samardzija was elected to the game as a Chicago Cub…despite being a member of the A's. After being selected to the All-Star Game on July 6, he was traded to Oakland days later, therefore making him an NL selection…but on an American League team. Since he could not play as a member of a league he was no longer a part of, Samardzija was declared ineligible for his lone All-Star selection while also being an odd hybrid of two different teams at once. Chicago White Sox: Avisail Garcia, 2017 After never hitting above .257 in his first three years with the Sox, Garcia blew up on the scene in 2017. He hit .310 in the first half, spearheaded by a .368 effort in parts of March and April. It landed Garcia with a spot in the AL All-Star team, but he was far from done. Garcia hit .423 in August and .363 as a whole in the second half to finish second in the AL in batting at .330. He severely regressed the following year, hitting .236 and being sent to free agency the following winter. Cincinnati Reds: Alfredo Simon, 2014 Simon went from the waiver wire in 2012 to All-Star two years later. He made the jump from hard-throwing setup man to joining the Reds rotation in 2014, where he immediately thrived, winning an NL-best 12 games before the All-Star break. Simon won only three more games after the break, however, while working a career-high 196.1 innings. He played only two more seasons following his breakout 2014 showing. Cleveland Indians: Ronnie Belliard, 2012 Belliard is a recognizable name due to a long, 13-year MLB career that included a World Series championship with the Cardinals in 2006. However, it gets lost in the mix that he was an All-Star-level performer at his peak powers. Belliard made the American League team in 2004 after hitting .304 with five home runs and 37 RBI in the first half. He would go on to hit a career-best 48 doubles on the year while ranking in the top five for hits (169) and RBI (69) for AL second basemen on the year. Colorado Rockies: Shawn Chacon, 2003 Chacon became the rare Rockies pitcher to make get an All-Star selection, in 2004 after posting 11 victories before the break. However, he never got to make an appearance in the game due to an elbow injury. It was an injury he never rallied from as a starter, as he didn't add on to his first-half win total following the ASG, and then he moved to the bullpen the following year. Detroit Tigers: Joe Jimenez, 2018 Jimenez stood as the Tigers sole representative last season amid a pronounced rebuilding effort in Detroit. Working mostly as a setup man, Jimenez owned a 2.72 ERA over 46 first-half appearances. His excellent start was a short-lived one though, as he was bombarded to the tone of a 7.71 ERA in the second half with a 12.26 August mark, proving to be the lowlight of the effort. Houston Astros: Morgan Ensberg, 2005 Ensberg isn't as much of an unknown, as he spent parts of seven mostly productive seasons in Houston from 2000 to 2007. He reached All-Star level just once but did so during an out-of-the-blue explosive 2005 season when he launched 36 home runs, drove in 101 runs and finished fourth in AL MVP voting. He replaced an injured Scott Rolen on the NL All-Star team that season but played a vital role later in helping to send the Astros to their first World Series appearance. Kansas City Royals: Ken Harvey, 2004 Harvey's MLB career was a quick one, lasting just four seasons. During his time with the club, the Royals never lost less than 95 games, which made finding an All-Star delegate a challenge, to say the least. Harvey got the call in 2004 behind a solid .305, 10 home run, .805 OPS first half. He failed to recapture that power in the later parts of the season, hitting just three more homers over his final 42 games. Los Angeles Angels: Brendan Donnelly, 2003 Donnelly spent nine years in the minors before finally reaching the majors with the Angels at age 30. The following year, he represented the club in the All-Star Game, amid a strong run as setup man for closer Troy Pervical. Donnelly posted a 1.58 ERA on the year over 74 innings and picked up the win for the AL team after working a scoreless eighth inning. Los Angeles Dodgers: Hung-Chih Kuo, 2010 Kuo made his only All-Star appearance amid a historic first half. Working as a middle reliever, he set a then-MLB record of 36 consecutive batters retired in relief. This performance made him the first Taiwanese All-Star in MLB history. He finished the year with a 1.20 ERA and as Dodgers closer, replacing Jonathan Broxton in the role. He converted 12 of 13 save opportunities and set a new Dodger relief ERA record. Miami Marlins: Gaby Sanchez, 2011 Sanchez got the nod as the Marlins sole representative in 2011, on the heels of finishing fourth in NL Rookie of the Year voting the prior season. It came in a year where he equaled his rookie total of 19 home runs, but saw his numbers dip slightly elsewhere across the board. After a slow start the following season, Sanchez was dealt to the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he spent three more seasons before departing to play in Japan. Milwaukee Brewers: Jesus Aguilar, 2018 Just two years after being claimed off waivers from the Cleveland Indians, Aguilar took the league by storm last season. He hit .307 with 23 home runs and 67 RBI in the first half alone, which helped him to be elected via the NL Final Vote slot. He competed in the All-Star Home Run Derby as well, before finishing with 35 home runs on the year. Minnesota Twins: Joe Mays, 2001 Mays parlayed the start of a career year into an All-Star selection in 2001, winning 17 games and working 233 innings as a 25-year-old. The season would prove to be the by far highlight of Mays' career, as before his 2001 effort, he owned a 13-26 career record. He never posted a record above .500 again in his career and underwent Tommy John surgery in 2004. New York Mets: R.A. Dickey, 2012 One the game's great emergences in history, a year after posting an 8-13 record, Dickey took the National League by storm for the Mets in 2012. Armed with one of the most dominant knuckleballs in history that season, Dickey's dominant season was highlighted a Mets-record of 32.2 consecutive scoreless innings and consecutive one-hit shutouts during the first half. In addition to his lone All-Star appearance, Dickey would win 20-games and capture NL Cy Young Award honors for the season. New York Yankees: Phil Hughes, 2010 For a franchise as decorated and regularly star-studded as the Yankees, it can be tough to find a truly obscure All-Star caliber player. The closest that comes to fitting that bill is Hughes, who made his All-Star debut as a 24-year-old, who as the time was pegged for a future as a frontline arm for the Yankees for years to come. After opening the season as the Yankees fifth starter, Hughes won his first five outings, in route to going 18-8 as a 24-year-old. It would prove to be a career-best for the righty, who reached double digits in wins only twice with the club. Oakland Athletics: Ryan Cook, 2012 In his first year with the A's after being traded from the Arizona Diamondbacks the previous winter, Cook emerged as one of the best relievers in the American League. Amid a season where he posted a 2.09 ERA over 71 appearances  which included a four-strikeout inning  Cook stood as Oakland's only All-Star representative in 2012. He would work a scoreless seventh inning in his lone ASG appearance. Philadelphia Phillies: Vincente Padilla, 2002 Padilla came to Philly as a third of the package sent in exchange for Curt Schilling in mid-2000. Two years later, he represented the club as an All-Star, going 14-11 as a 24-year old. Padilla would continue on with a solid, not spectacular 14-year MLB career, owning a 108-91 career record. However, his 3.0 WAR during his All-Star season would remain the high point. Pittsburgh Pirates: Jeff Locke, 2013 Locke's first-half brilliance as a rookie for the Pirates was the definition of a one-half wonder campaign. After going 8-2 with a 2.15 ERA over the first 18 games of the year, the 25-year-old southpaw was named as the Pirates' All-Star selection. The season quickly evolved into a gruesome tale of two halves however, as Locke posted a brutal 6.12 post-ASG ERA and was demoted back to the minors by late August. San Diego Padres: Everth Cabrera, 2013 A year after leading the NL in stolen bases, Cabrera was named the Padres' All-Star delegate in 2013. Continuing to be a speed threat with 34 stolen bases, Cabrera had improved at the plate as well, hitting .291, which was an over-50-point improvement from the year before. However, his moment in the sun soon passed, as Cabrera was suspended for 50 games shortly after his All-Star appearance due to his involvement in the Biogenesis drug scandal . San Francisco Giants: Ryan Vogelsong, 2011 After signing a minor league deal with the Giants before the year, Vogelsong delivered a huge return on investment. He went 6-1 across the first half, with his manager Bruce Bochy naming him to the NL All-Star team. He would finish the year with a 13-7 mark and fourth in the NL in ERA, at 2.71. Seattle Mariners: Jose Lopez, 2006 After rising to the MLB as the Mariners' top prospect, Lopez enjoyed seven mostly productive seasons in Seattle. He made his lone All-Star appearance as a replacement for an injured (then-Yankee) Robinson Cano. In his only ASG appearance, Lopez made an impact, entering as a pinch runner in the ninth inning and scoring the game-winning run. St. Louis Cardinals: Pat Neshek, 2014 After signing a minor league deal and being the final player named to the Cardinals roster in the spring, Neshek took his career to new heights in 2014. The sidearm-throwing sinker specialist became the NL's most dominant middle reliever, allowing no runs over a 22-game streak and sporting an 0.70 ERA at the All-Star break. In his lone season in St. Louis, Neshek went 7-2 and sported an incredible 0.78 WHIP. Tampa Bay Rays: Lance Carter, 2003 Carter earned his spot on the Tampa Bay roster following a promising eight-game stint at the end of the previous year, producing a 1.33 ERA over eight appearances. The following season he assumed closer responsibilities for the Rays, notching 26 saves for the last place team. Overall, he spent four of his six MLB seasons with the club. Texas Rangers: Gary Matthews, 2006 After spending his career bouncing among six franchises before turning 30, Matthews experienced a breakout campaign out of nowhere in his second season in Texas. The outfielder was named an All-Star amid a season where he set personal highs in hits (194) doubles (44), home runs (19), runs scored (102) and batting average (.313). However, it would be discovered later in the year that Matthews had been involved in performance-enhancing drugs after being named in the Mitchell Report , shortly after signing a $50 million contract with the Angels on the heels of his (enhanced) All-Star campaign. Toronto Blue Jays: Steve Delabar, 2013 Delabar debuted in the majors at age 28, after a prolonged bounce back from Tommy John surgery early in his career. A year later, following a trade from Seattle to Toronto, Delabar pitched his way onto the AL All-Star team after being selected via the Final Vote slot. He pitched a third of an inning in the game, which included striking out Buster Posey. Delabar finished the year sixth among AL relievers in strikeouts despite missing nearly all of August. Washington Nationals: Matt Capps, 2010 Although he spent parts of only five months wearing the Nationals cap, Capps made the most of it. The closer achieved All-Star status after converting 26 of his 42 saves on the year with the club and was the winning pitcher of record in the Midsummer Classic. Shortly after his ASG appearance, Capps was traded to the Minnesota Twins and helped them to a postseason berth.


If you love to eat and drink, this week offers a great chance to explore the world of food and beverage beyond restaurants and bars. From a Pride celebration to a dinner cruise, there's plenty to explore and enjoy if you're hungry for something new. 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. Pride Tastings From the event description: This is a tasting event you won't want to miss. Come celebrate Pride with us and enjoy a variety of tastings from local breweries, each providing fun giveaways and prizes. When: Thursday, June 27, 5-7 p.m. Where: Downtown Spirits, 2300 Seventh Ave. Price: Free Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Spirit Pairing Dinner Cruise with Fremont Mischief From the event description: Join us for a fun evening on a Spirits Pairing Dinner Cruise with the award-winning and well-known, Fremont Mischief Distillery. Step aboard and experience these beautifully crafted spirits paired with a delicious three-course dinner prepared by our Executive Chef. As you cruise Lake Union and Lake Washington, the Mischief experts will guide you through the tasting and answer any questions you may have. When: Friday, June 28, 6:30 p.m. Where: Waterways Cruises and Events, 2441 N. Northlake Way Price: $46 Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Margarita Madness Party Cruise From the event description: Sip on our specialty margaritas or your favorite summer cocktail while cruising for two and half hours aboard a beautiful Waterways Cruises yacht on Lake Union and Lake Washington in Seattle. Enjoy delicious appetizers and fun on-board giveaways while dancing the night away with live DJ entertainment. When: Friday, June 28, 9 p.m. Where: Waterways Cruises Yacht at HomePort, 2441 N. Northlake Way Price: $48 Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Parking in Seattle can be tough, especially during popular events. To find free or cheap parking and to book parking in advance, see this map of Seattle parking from SpotAngels. And to get there by public transportation, check King County Metro or Sound Transit for nearby options. This story was created automatically using local event data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


NEW YORK   Health officials now think Ebola survivors can spread the disease through unprotected sex nearly twice as long as previously believed. Scientists thought the Ebola virus could remain in semen for about three months. But a recent case in West Africa suggests infection through sex can happen more than five months later. Based on the case, officials are now telling male Ebola survivors to avoid unprotected sex indefinitely. They had previously advised using condoms for at least three months. A report released Friday detailed the case of a 44-year-old Liberian woman whose infection likely came from a 46-year-old man who had Ebola symptoms last September. She fell ill in March, a week after sex with him, and died. Another woman he had sex with around the same time tested negative. The Ebola virus spreads through direct contact with an Ebola patient's blood or other bodily fluids like urine, saliva, semen and sweat. Once patients recover, health officials say they aren't contagious except there's a chance it could still be in semen. Investigations of other recent Ebola cases in Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone have pointed to sexual transmission from survivors, but those have not been confirmed, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. There have been fewer than 10 such cases, said CDC spokeswoman Kristen Nordlund. It's been difficult to pinpoint that sex was the only way they may have been infected, she added. In Guinea, Dr. Sakoba Keita, the national coordinator for Ebola response, said a woman in the southeastern town of Macenta contracted Ebola after having unprotected sex with her husband. For the past month, officials have recommended all survivors use condoms until more is known. "We give a kit containing a condom," to all survivors leaving the treatment center, he said. ___ AP reporter Boubacar Diallo in Conakry, Guinea contributed to this report. ___ Online: Report: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr


UNESCO's World Heritage Committee voted on Friday to list the sprawling Mesopotamian metropolis of Babylon as a World Heritage Site after three decades of lobbying efforts by Iraq. Iraq had been trying since 1983 to have the site -- a massive 10-square-kilometre complex of which just 18 percent has been excavated thus far -- recognised by UNESCO. Straddling Iraq's Euphrates River about 100 kilometres (60 miles) south of Baghdad, the city was the centre of the ancient Babylonian empire more than 4,000 years ago. "What is the world heritage list without Babylon? How to tell the history of humanity without the earliest of old chapters, Babylon?" said Iraq's representative to UNESCO's World Heritage Committee ahead of the vote. The committee met in Azerbaijan's capital of Baku to consider Babylon and another 34 sites, including in Brazil and Burkina Faso, for the List. "It fills a gap that was evident on the list and indeed, this is a type of site that we can say this convention was actually designed to protect," said Tunisia's delegate. After the successful vote, Iraq's delegation clasped hands and invited all delegates "to visit Babylon, the cradle of civilisation." Babylon developed as a walled city of mudbrick temples and towers, known internationally for its hanging gardens, the Tower of Babel, and the Ishtar Gate. Excavation began there in the early 1800s and artefacts were sent abroad, including parts of the Ishtar Gate which remain in museums across Europe. - 'Extremely vulnerable condition' - The site was substantially impacted by new structures built under dictator Saddam Hussein and further damaged by soldiers during the US-led invasion that toppled him in 2003. UNESCO on Friday said the site's "extremely vulnerable condition" sparked "serious concerns, with many structures in urgent need of conservation and several on the verge of collapse." But it opted not to designate Babylon as a World Heritage Site in Danger after objections from Iraq, and instead said it would work with local authorities to set a plan of action for conservation. "Babylon is the largest populated city in ancient history," said Qahtan al-Abeed, who heads the Basra Antiquities Department and led efforts to get the site listed. "The Babylonians were the civilisation of writing, administration and science," he told AFP. The UNESCO designation "will encourage research and development of the site," and would "be free publicity for tourists," he added excitedly. Babylon is one of 7,000 archeological sites across Iraq, many of which were destroyed by the Islamic State group or ravaged by lucrative artefact smuggling. Five have been listed by UNESCO, including the Arbil citadel in northern Iraq and the southern Mesopotamian marshes. The three others are also on the agency's "World Heritage in Danger" list and include Hatra, an ancient city in northern Nineweh province damaged by IS in 2014. Samarra, along the Tigris River, was added in 2007 and Ashur, the capital of the Assyrian empire, in 2003. Iraq has another 11 "tentative" sites hoping to be listed by UNESCO. After decades of back-to-back conflict, the country declared victory against IS in 2017 and is now basking in a period of relative calm. It has sought to attract both international investors and tourists, and hopes its prominence on UNESCO's lists can do both.


Indian food, with its hodgepodge of ingredients and intoxicating aromas, is coveted around the world. The labor-intensive cuisine and its mix of spices is more often than not a revelation for those who sit down to eat it for the first time. Heavy doses of cardamom, cayenne, tamarind and other flavors can overwhelm an unfamiliar palate. Together, they help form the pillars of what tastes so good to so many people. But behind the appeal of Indian food   what makes it so novel and so delicious   is also a stranger and subtler truth. In a large new analysis of more than 2,000 popular recipes, data scientists have discovered perhaps the key reason why Indian food tastes so unique: It does something radical with flavors, something very different from what we tend to do in the United States and the rest of Western culture. And it does it at the molecular level. Before we go further, let's take a step back and consider what flavors are and how they interact. If you were to hold a microscope to most Western dishes, you would find an interesting but not all-too-surprising trend. Popular food pairings in this part of the world combine ingredients that share like flavors, which food chemists have broken down into their molecular parts--precise chemical compounds that, when combined, give off a distinct taste. Most of the compounds have scientific names, though one of the simpler compounds is acetal, which, as the food chemist George Burdock has written, is "refreshing, pleasant, and [has a] fruity-green odor," and can be found in whiskey, apple juice, orange juice and raw beets. On average, there are just over 50 flavor compounds in each food ingredient. A nifty chart shared by Scientific American in 2013 shows which foods share the most flavor compounds with others and which food pairings have the most flavor compounds in common. Peanut butter and roasted peanuts have one of the most significant overlaps (no surprise there). But there are connections that are more difficult to predict: strawberries, for instance, have more in common with white wine they do with apples, oranges or honey. Data crunching Indian recipes Chefs in the West like to make dishes with ingredients that have overlapping flavors. But not all cuisines adhere to the same rule. Many Asian cuisines have been shown to belie the trend by favoring dishes with ingredients that don't overlap in flavor. And Indian food, in particular, is one of the most powerful counterexamples . Researchers at the Indian Institute for Technology in Jodhpur crunched data on several thousand recipes from a popular online recipe site called Tarla Dalal. They broke each dish down to its ingredients, and then compared how often and heavily ingredients share flavor compounds. The answer? Not too often. Here's an easy way to make sense of what they did, through the lens of a single, theoretical dish. Say you have a dish with 4 different ingredients, like the one below: Each one of those ingredients has its own list of flavor compounds. And any two of those ingredients' lists might have some overlap. Take the coconut and onion, for instance. We can all agree that these two things are pretty different, but we can also see (in the Venn diagram below) that there's some overlap in their flavor make-up. (Ignore the math symbols.) You could create the same diagram for all the ingredients with overlapping flavor compounds, as in this diagram. There are six that have overlap. (Again, ignore the math.) The researchers did this for each of the several thousand recipes, which used a total of 200 ingredients. They examined how much the underlying flavor compounds overlapped in single dishes and discovered something very different from Western cuisines. Indian cuisine tended to mix ingredients whose flavors don't overlap at all. "We found that average flavor sharing in Indian cuisine was significantly lesser than expected," the researchers wrote. In other words, the more overlap two ingredients have in flavor, the less likely they are to appear in the same Indian dish. The unique makeup of Indian cuisine can be seen in some dishes more than others, and it seems to be tied to the use of specific ingredients. Spices usually indicate dishes with flavors that have no chemical common ground. More specifically, many Indian recipes contain cayenne, the basis of curry powder that is in dishes like red curry, green curry, or massaman curry. And when a dish contains cayenne, the researchers found, it's unlikely to have other ingredients that share similar flavors. The same can be said of green bell pepper, coriander and garam masala, which are nearly as ubiquitous in Indian cuisine. "Each of the spices is uniquely placed in its recipe to shape the flavor sharing pattern with rest of the ingredients," the researchers noted. Milk, butter, bread, and rice, meanwhile all of which are hallmarks of Western cuisine were found to be associated with just the opposite: flavor pairings that match. When any of those ingredients appeared in an Indian dish, there was a good chance there would be a lot of flavor overlap. A lesson for all chefs The takeaway is that part of what makes Indian food so unique is the way flavors rub up against each other. The cuisine is complicated, no doubt: the average Indian dish, after all, contains at least 7 ingredients, and the total number of ingredients observed by the researchers amounted to almost 200 out of the roughly 381 observed around the world. But all those ingredients and the spices especially are all uniquely important because in any single dish, each one brings a unique flavor. But the upshot should also be a thought that we might be approaching food from the wrong angle. Combining ingredients with like flavors is a useful (and often delicious) strategy, but it might a somewhat misleading rule of thumb. Indian cuisine, after all, is cherished globally, and yet hinges on a decidedly different ingredient pairing logic.


Summer technically starts June 21, but they know differently on the Coney Island boardwalk. PIX11`s Greg Mocker headed out to Coney Island and Luna Park ahead of Memorial Day Weekend to see how ready they are for the unofficial kick-off to the summer.


Nicholas Brendon has been arrested yet again in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. RadarOnline.com has learned the former Buffy The Vampire Slayer actor was charged with public intoxication and impairment and booked just after midnight Saturday morning. The troubled 44-year-old star's latest issue comes on the heels of a string of shocking incidents, including a recent Florida booze bender during which he reportedly ran up a huge bar tab at The Hilton in Fort Lauderdale and passed out in the executive offices of the hotel. Cops found Brendon "lying face-up, asleep, with his legs in the cubicle and his upper body strewn out across the hallway" with his pants "soaked through." In 2014, he was arrested in Boise, Idaho where he was attending a Comic Con convention. After showing signs of intoxication and breaking a decorative plate at a hotel, police cuffed him for resisting and obstructing. He entered rehab after the run-in. And in 2010, an allegedly drunk Brendon was tasered and arrested by Los Angeles cops after swinging at them and trying to run away. As Radar exclusively reported, that same year he checked into rehab for addiction to alcohol and sleeping pills.


The Upper East Side may be museum-ville to many New Yorkers, but it's also home to some of the city's swankiest hotels, many of which overlook Central Park or are flanked by posh boutiques and elegant eateries. Here are the best hotels on the Upper East Side. View an interactive Google Maps list of the best hotels on New York's Upper East Side. 1. The Carlyle The New York home for many visiting world leaders and A-list celebrities, this iconic hotel offers 193 rooms and 60 residential suites. Locals know Bemelman's Bar, named for the author of the Madeline children's books, is the place for exceptional martinis. The ultra-spacious rooms are loaded with amenities, including a well-stocked minibar, a flat-screen TV, and luxury bath products from Kiehl's. 35 E 76th St. 2. Hôtel Plaza Athénée Attracting the well-heeled since 1927, this property a block from Central Park is the gold standard of luxury and service in New York: Its 134 rooms are bedecked with Old World charm and boast high-thread-count linens, supremely comfortable mattresses and the usual tech gadgets (flat-screen TV, iPod docking stations, etc.). The in-house eatery, Arabelle, is worth a look just to see the gold domed ceiling. 37 E 64th St. 3. Loews Regency New York With 379 rooms and 58 suites including six Signature Suites (which are more like residences) the Loews Regency is a large property. But it still feel homey, thanks to the friendly staff and a cool Art Deco-meets-modern design. The Park Avenue hotel is also home to the Regency Bar and Grill, where chef Serge Devesa prepares seasonal fare with locally sourced ingredients. 540 Park Ave. 4. The Lowell Just one block from Central Park, this 74-room boutique hotel has all the trappings of a luxurious New York home-away-from-home: free WiFi, plus-sized flat-screen TVs and upscale bath products. Many rooms have terraces, kitchenettes and even wood-burning fireplaces. 28 East 63rd St. 5. The Mark A tablet in every one of the Mark's 152 rooms let guests control every aspect of their room from the TV to the lights and to curtains. Other property perks include free bicycle rentals for cruising around Central Park (a block away), plus a hotel pedicab to ferry guests anywhere in the city. Meanwhile, in the Mark's eponymous restaurant, lauded French chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten serves innovative European classics. 25 E 77th St. 6. The Pierre This iconic Fifth Avenue hotel is housed in an elegant neo-classical building just across from Central Park. The Pierre's 189 rooms are on the spacious side for New York hotels and sport Bose Wave speakers and DVD players, huge flat-screen TVs and marble bathrooms stocked with Etro toiletries. Need more luxury? The elevators are manned by white-gloved attendants and there's complimentary hotel Jaguar service on a first-come, first-serve basis. Perrine, the Pierre's Gallic-accented restaurant, is a wonderful refuge from the hustle and bustle, as is the swanky cocktail bar Two E. 2 East 61st St. 7. The Surrey Just a block from Central Park, this ultra-luxurious property houses superstar chef Daniel Boulud's Café Boulud, as well a a posh lounge, Pleiades, and an exclusive rooftop garden and bar. The 190 rooms include the luxe trappings you'd expect from a hotel of this caliber, down to the Dux mattress and Sferra linens. 20 E 76th St. WATCH: The coolest hotels in the world Sign up to our newsletter and get Newsweek stories delivered to your e-mail


After you've found a cheap flight online and used social media to scoop up some perks , your next method for scoring the best travel deals is to get off the computer and start asking questions. Whether you're speaking to the gate agent or the hotel concierge, there are certain questions you can pose to score better travel deals. For tips on what to ask and when, U.S. News spoke with Jeanenne Tornatore, senior editor at Orbitz.com . She gave us the scoop on hotel and airfare upgrades, how to save on attraction tickets, plus the questions to ask yourself when booking. 1) How flexible are you? Before you can start asking other people questions, there are a few questions you'll need to answer first. According to Tornatore, determining your own flexibility is one of the easiest ways to sniff out cheaper airfare and lodging deals. If you're looking at flights on a travel search engine like Kayak or Orbitz, Tornatore advised making sure you're searching for multiple days before and after your target departure date. If your schedule allows you to sidestep flying during the heaviest travel period   usually Friday to Sunday   you can save just by avoiding the travel patterns of your fellow jetsetters. 2) What components do you need? Another question to ask yourself: Am I looking to book flights and lodging? If you need both, you can save hundreds by booking a package . Tornatore also recommended looking for promo codes, especially now when travel booking sites and hotels are running sales for spring break. For example, through March 29, Orbitz is offering a 15 percent discount on hotel stays of two nights or more for travel before Sept. 30. Meanwhile, Priceline is offering up to 25 percent off on select hotels during its "Great Getaway Sale." Hotel stays have to be booked by March 31 for travel between March 16 and April 15. 3) Are any upgrades available? According to Tornatore, this can be a fruitless pursuit, especially when you're seeking an upgrade for your flight . Of course, it never hurts to ask the gate agent if there are any upgrades available (either complimentary or at a reduced rate than what you would purchase at booking), but Tornatore said that airlines are much less likely to grant free seat upgrades, unless the traveler requesting the upgrade is a frequent flier program member. Tornatore said you're more likely to score an upgrade at your hotel, especially if you're traveling during the off-season when properties aren't as busy and have more inventory to offer. You can mention that you're celebrating a special occasion to see if that spurs the property to offer a larger room or free amenities, but Tornatore said that being polite and friendly to the hotel's front desk staff can often be your best tool for receiving perks. And if you're a member of the hotel's loyalty program, see if you can leverage your loyalty for extra perks, such as free or discounted parking or complimentary Wi-Fi. 4) Are there any value add-ons? Determining if a property offers value add-ons, or vacation extras like free Wi-Fi access, shuttle service or continental breakfast, is another answer you should seek, according to Tornatore. These extras are things you're going to spend money on anyway, so finding out if they're included in the overall cost can help you plan your budget . If you're considering a cruise, check if the cruise line offers any extras, such as free shore excursions or onboard credits for spa services, before you book. Speaking of cruises, see if your chosen cruise line offers a resident rate discount that applies to you. Some cruise lines, including Disney, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, offer reduced rates for residents of certain states with departure ports, such as Cape Liberty in New Jersey and Tampa and Port Canaveral in Florida. 5) Is there an attraction pass? Check with your hotel concierge or on the website of the local visitors bureau to see if the destination offers a pass that grants access to several of the city's top attractions for one flat rate. For example, the Nashville Visitors Bureau offers a "Music City Total Access Pass" that allows travelers to choose four attractions for $60, a savings of up to 57 percent. You can also look on sites like CityPASS, which provide combined, discounted admission for points of interest in big cities around the U.S. and Canada, including Boston, New York and Toronto. Beyond attractions, you can find deals on Groupon for local classes, sporting events and restaurants. 6) What do reviewers say? Looking at user generated reviews on sites like TripAdvisor is one of the best ways to determine if a hotel, cruise ship or attraction is right for you, according to Tornatore. Sure, some reviewers may be pickier about certain aspects of the resort than you would be, but you can get a general idea about the state of the rooms, the quality of customer service and ways to save by reading a few reviews from like-minded globetrotters.


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Three people, including a 1-year-old child, were being treated for injuries after fire crews found a vehicle upside down in the garage of a West Valley home. Captain Chris Gentry with the Phoenix Fire Department said fire crews responded to a call of a vehicle that struck a house in the area of 83rd Avenue and Indian School Road. Gentry said crews found the car upside down in the garage and said the passengers, a 21-year-old man, a 17-year-old girl and the child, appeared to have gotten out of the vehicle themselves. RELATED: Car crashes into Phoenix home after possible road rage incident The child is in unstable condition, Gentry said. The condition of the other two passengers was not immediately known. The cause of the crash was not immediately known. Phoenix police were investigating. Stay with 12 News for the latest.


The National Football League can be a soap opera. He said vs. he said. Backstabbing, bickering, and finger pointing. Divas in cleats. Players don't save the drama for their mamas. Here are the top five teams with the most potential for turmoil: 5. Green Bay Packers Drama potential: Katy Perry vs. Taylor Swift Is Aaron Rodgers both the solution and problem for the Green Bay Packers? Seems ridiculous. Tom Brady is the NFL's most successful quarterback, but you can make an argument that Aaron Rodgers is the greatest quarterback. His ability to consistently win despite a marginal supporting cast and questionable coaching was amazing. But everything imploded last year during a 6-9-1 season, costing former head coach Mike McCarthy his job. Everyone knew the Rodgers-McCarthy marriage was strained. But we didn't know how bad it was until Bleacher Report's bombshell deep dive that dropped in April. The article alleges that Rodgers undermined McCarthy by ignoring his play-calling. That story also painted a picture of the star quarterback as being overly sensitive and critical. There are a bunch of other allegations, including McCarthy getting massages instead of attending meetings, and former general manager Ted Thompson falling asleep during meetings. McCarthy and Thompson are gone. But according to Bleacher Report, Packers president Mark Murphy called Rodgers to tell the quarterback that Matt LaFleur would be the next Green Bay head coach. "Murphy made it clear that Rodgers would need to accept coaching. 'Don't be the problem." Rodgers called the Bleacher Report story "100 percent patently false" and a "smear attack." In a "bad" season, Rodgers passed for 25 touchdowns with 2 interceptions. With better coaching and better talent, perhaps all will be forgiven and forgotten. 4. New York Giants Drama potential: Alec Baldwin True leadership risks unpopularity so perhaps there is a method to this madness. But it's difficult for any reasonable pundit to see. The New York Giants used to be one of the premier franchises in terms of stability and success. They have won a Super Bowl in every decade since the 1980s. However, the team's moves in recent years have been puzzling. The drama existed before cartoonish GM David Gettleman arrived in 2018. Maybe owners John Mara and Steve Tisch are to blame. Management's insistence on playing washed Eli Manning is astounding. Does winning a pair of Super Bowls guarantee you to a starting job forever? Former Giants head coach Ben McAdoo was right to bench Manning in 2017   and that move probably cost him his job. Manning has been below average for the past two seasons. What does Gettleman do? He throws gasoline on this fire by trading away the Giants' best and most popular player, Odell Beckham Jr., soon after saying that he wasn't going to deal the wide receiver. Then Gettleman reaches in the draft for a quarterback that virtually nobody thought was worthy of the No. 6 overall pick. Maybe rookie Daniel Jones will turn out to good. However, New York might not start him in 2019   which would be a total waste. As bad as last season was for the Giants (5-11), this year could be even worse. 3. Pittsburgh Steelers Drama potential: Charlie Sheen circa 2011 No more Antonio Brown. No more Le'Veon Bell. But guess who's still there? The Steelers' biggest diva is Ben Roethlisberger. He gets a pass because he's a two-time Super Bowl champion. But Roethlisberger seems like a major pain in the arse. At best, he's a 37-year-old who has difficulty connecting with younger players. At worst, he's a lousy teammate. Roethlisberger blamed Brown for a late-game interception against Denver . Former Steelers player and coach Joey Porter described Roethlisberger as selfish and a bad leader . Plus, there are allegations that Roethlisberger intentionally fumbled in a game . The company line: Pittsburgh is better without Brown and Bell. And certainly, the Steelers have earned the benefit of the doubt. James Conner filled in nicely for Bell. JuJu Smith-Schuster seems poised to be a No. 1 receiver. The Steelers have an excellent track record of developing wideouts (Brown and Smith-Schuster weren't first-round picks). But management took some risk when they decided to give Roethlisberger a new contract rather than pay Brown and Bell. Yes, Roethlisberger passed for an NFL-high and franchise record 5129 yards, but will he age gracefully without them? And who will he blame if his performance dips? Is he going to threaten to retire again? Managing this circus is Mike Tomlin, whose reputation has taken a hit in recent years. What's worse? The Steelers could be the third-best team in the AFC North. 2. New York Jets Drama potential: Kanye There is good news and bad news. The good: new head coach Adam Gase is right. None of what has happened will matter if New York reaches the playoffs . The bad: if the Jets have another bad season, what has happened will be viewed as a prime example of dysfunction. There's no way to minimize this. Was it philosophical and irreconcilable differences? A coup? Both? Who the fires a general manager in May? The Jets! It's almost like they saw what was happening with the New York Giants and were jealous of the tabloid attention. "You think Gettleman is nuts? Hold our beer." A coach and a GM having a power struggle is nothing new. But it virtually never happens when that coach has been just been hired (presumably) by that general manger. It makes you wonder how much ousted GM Mike Maccagnan was involved in the first place. Then there is Gase complaining about the contract of free-agent acquisition Le'Veon Bell. Awkward. If Gase had a proven track record, this could be excused or overlooked. But he went 23-25 in three seasons at Miami before being canned. Maybe the Jets think they have the next Belichick who was 36-44 with the Cleveland Browns. Doubtful. Those crazy eyes should've warned us. 1. Cleveland Browns Drama potential: Britney Spears circa 2007 Here's a sentence that hasn't been written in decades: The Cleveland Browns will enter the season as the league's top story. The Browns could be contenders. They have better Super Bowl odds than the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers. Whoa! They reek of boom-or-bust potential. The hype alone makes them No. 1 on this list. When you add in Baker Mayfield and Odell Beckham Jr., this is a combustible mix. Handle with care. Mayfield is still (for some weird reason) feuding with Colin Cowherd . Dude. You've already won. Don't beef down. Cowherd's just egging you on for his own ratings. Then there's Beckham, one of the few non-quarterbacks who is recognized outside of sports. He loves attention. He also loves touchdowns (44 in 59 career games). As long as he keeps scoring, he can propose to as many as many kicking nets as he wants to . The pizza box incident is disturbing, but if he's healthy and in the lineup, no one will care. We haven't even gotten to Kareem Hunt, who's suspended for the first 8 games due to a violation of the league's personal conduct policy. Buckle up folks. This season is going to be a wild ride. The post Top 5 NFL teams with the most drama potential for 2019 appeared first on The Comeback . Related slideshow: NFL minicamp highlights (Provided by imagn)


William Byron finished fourth in the Gander RV 400 at Pocono Raceway Sunday. It's Byron's second top-five finish of the season. Denny Hamlin earned the checkered flag in the race, with Erik Jones finishing second, and Martin Truex Jr placing third. Kyle Larson followed in fifth. Kyle Busch came away victorious in Stage 1, and Jimmie Johnson took Stage 2. Each driver earned 10 bonus points for their efforts. Byron earned 33 points over the weekend, increasing his total to 582 on the season. He ranks No. 12 in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series standings. Byron did not grab any playoff points and remains with one on the season. The second-year driver qualified in 31st position. Byron still is looking for his first career win but boasts one top-five finish and 10 finishes in the top 10. There were 38 cars in the field and the race endured seven cautions and 24 caution laps. Prior to the checkered flag, there were nine lead changes. With Hamlin driving his Camry to victory for Joe Gibbs Racing, Toyota added 40 points. Overall, Toyota ranks No. 1 with 767 points, followed by Ford in the No. 2 spot with 744. Chevrolet sits at No. 3 with 708 points on the season. William Byron Driver Page | Get William Byron Gear | Race Center ]]>


The two-row midsize crossover segment has been neglected for a few years, but the crossover craze has started churning new entries out again. The 2019 Chevy Blazer is GM's take on the vehicle, and it's already getting lots of attention thanks to its bold, angular design. And none are bolder or more angular than the sporty Blazer RS. We gave it a cool reception in our first drive , but we wanted another, longer test here at our Michigan headquarters to see if the new Blazer makes a better case for itself. Does it drive as good as it looks, and can it support its mega-sized price? Related Video: 2019 Chevrolet Blazer Road Test (Provided by Consumer Reports) Research the Chevrolet Blazer on MSN Autos We should get that elephant of a price out of the room before we go any farther. The Blazer RS starts at $44,695, which even disregarding the competition, is a significant figure since you can get a Blazer with the same 3.6-liter V6 for as little as $34,495. The extra $10,000 gets you more aggressive body extensions, lots of black trim, 20-inch wheels and a black leather interior with red accents. It also brings a torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system, heated front seats and steering wheel, rear parking sensors, a power liftgate, power-adjustable passenger seat, ambient lighting, auto-dimming mirror, navigation, blind-spot monitoring and remote start. Ah, but it doesn't stop there. Our tester also came with the $3,575 Enhanced Convenience and Driver Confidence II Package that added adaptive cruise control, heated and cooled front seats, driver memory settings, rearview camera mirror display, heated rear seats, a power-adjustable steering wheel, lane-keeping assist, surround-view camera and a Bose sound system. It also had the $2,495 Sun and Wheels Package that adds a panoramic sunroof and 21-inch wheels. That's a lot of equipment, but its total price of $50,765 is a lot of money that could buy you a well-optioned Mercedes GLC-Class or BMW X3 . To put it another way, it's also $6,000 more than the loaded Honda Passport Elite we recently tested . So is it all worth it? Well it certainly delivers on the styling front. Our test car's bright gloss red pops against the RS trim's black accents. The deeper front air dam and more sculpted side skirts amplify the creased and curved exterior even more than the regular model. It's a ferocious beast of a crossover from the outside, and it gets attention. While it sat in our office parking lot, someone came over to compliment the giant wheels, color and shape. That's expected when we have a cool sports car ; it's practically unheard of in a family crossover. Inside, Chevy commendably tried to make the Blazer as stylish as the exterior, but it isn't as successful. It leans heavily on the Camaro stylistically, boasting similarly huge vents with bold red trim rings that are exclusive to the RS. The seats are perforated black leather with red accents in the perforations, piping and stitching. Many of the dash and door surfaces are covered in a leatherette material. It's a sporty effect, and the leather and leatherette surfaces do give it a more premium feel, but there are still large sections of cheap, hard plastic around the center vents and the glove box, and everything still has a monochrome, chunky feel that just doesn't feel upscale. That's an issue when in the $50,000 price bracket. The Blazer is on-par with most of the competition as far as passenger space is concerned, which means it feels spacious with plenty of head-, leg- and shoulder room. The back seat has plenty of space for your 5-foot-10 author to sit behind himself. Backseat passengers will also be pleased by the sliding and reclining adjustments. While there's plenty of room, there's a lack of support. They're basically boards with firm foam over them. It likely wouldn't be comfortable on a long drive, and when driving enthusiastically, I was sliding right out of the seats. Cargo space is among the smallest in its class at 30.5 cubic feet with the seats up and 64.2 with the rear seats folded. We go into more detail about it in the video below. Behind the wheel, the Blazer RS is competent but unexceptional. It features GM's 3.6-liter 305-horsepower V6. In previous applications, we've appreciated this engine's strong power and eagerness to rev. But the Blazer RS weighs 4,253 pounds, so the performance only feels adequate, and with the power coming at higher rpm, it feels like it's struggling more than its power numbers would suggest. Perhaps a turbocharged engine with more torque would be a better choice for the Blazer. Still, the engine it has is very smooth with a good tone, and the nine-speed transmission is silky and prompt in its shifting. The V6 is also an undoubtedly better choice than the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-four standard on the L and 1LT trim levels, even though that engine is not the doggedly slow lump we were expecting. The ride and handling continue the theme of basic competence. The Blazer will corner fairly quickly with moderate body roll. It feels very stable and composed doing so. But the steering is devoid of feeling and precision, and it feels unenthusiastic about entering a corner, despite being good about finishing one. There's a surprising amount of road and wind noise, and the ride is also on the firm side for the segment, especially with the RS' available 21-inch wheels. We didn't find it as tiresome back in Michigan as we did during the first drive in San Diego, but would still advise trying a Blazer with smaller wheels before signing on the dotted line. Research the Chevrolet Blazer on MSN Autos Overall, the Blazer is a perfectly acceptable crossover, but the RS still doesn't live up to expectations. Its aggressive, Camaro-inspired styling promises an exciting drive, but it just doesn't go far enough beyond the typical family hauler. Meanwhile, its $50,000 price puts it in competition with crossovers from Audi , Mercedes , BMW and even GM's own Cadillac , but we get a Chevy cabin that's no nicer than a Honda or a Mazda   if even a bit worse. Perhaps a less expensive Blazer would make more sense than the sharp-looking RS, but considering that no trim offers compelling value, we suggest you cross-shop the segment before buying one of these pricey showboats. 2019 Chevy Blazer RS AWD Review | Lots of style, not value originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Jun 2019


Megan Telles reports for the KTLA 5 Morning News at 10 on June 23, 2019.


DENVER (AP) With nearly every swing, Brandon Crawford's day at the plate got better and better. Crawford went 5 for 6 with two homers and tied a San Francisco team record with eight RBIs, and the Giants scored a season high in runs in a 19-2 rout of the Colorado Rockies on Monday in the first game of a split doubleheader. ''I never expect a five-hit game to come along, but yeah I have been feeling a lot better at the plate,'' Crawford said. ''There were a couple of at-bats in Milwaukee where I was having good at-bats, kind of battling and getting deep into counts. Even drawing walks kind of helps your confidence going forward. I've been feeling good, seeing the ball well. You expect to get hits when that happens.'' The rest of the Giants followed his lead. Mike Yastrzemski went 4 for 6 with a homer and Buster Posey also went deep for San Francisco, which earned a rare victory at Coors Field in the makeup for a May 8 rainout. Crawford has eight home runs on the season. It was just the fifth win in the Giants' past 25 games at the Rockies' ballpark, though San Francisco has been hot recently winning nine of its past 11. For the Rockies, it was the most runs they have ever allowed to the Giants, an NL West rival. It marked only the fourth time in the Rockies' history that they had lost by at least 17 runs, and the first since losing by 17 to Florida on Sept. 17, 1995. Preserving his bullpen in the one-sided slugfest, Rockies manager Bud Black inserted first baseman Mark Reynolds to pitch the ninth. Reynolds allowed two runs and two hits. It was the third time in Rockies history that a position player had been used as a pitcher. ''You have to preserve their innings when you need to,'' said Black, also alluding to the number of runs being scored at Coors Field lately as well as overall in the major leagues. Rockies pitchers have allowed 148 runs over 15 home games since June 12, an average of 9.9 runs while Colorado has scored 114 (7.6 runs) in that same span. ''I think it's been a little wacky for the last month, really,'' Black said. ''This is what's happening in 2019. We've really got to cinch our belts a little tighter as pitchers and work our way through this. And we've got to get the ball down more consistently, now more than ever before, because of what's happening with home run totals and what's happening on offense across the big leagues.'' Jeff Samardzija (7-7), who had allowed 17 runs in 12 1/3 innings in losing his three previous starts at Colorado, didn't give up a run until pinch-hitter Raimel Tapia homered to straightaway center with two outs in the sixth inning. It was Tapia's fourth-career pinch homer and the third this season. Ryan McMahon homered in the seventh for the Rockies' other run. Samardzija retired the first six batters he faced and finished with nine strikeouts in 6 2/3 innings. He allowed two runs and four hits. German Marquez, who won both of his previous starts against the Giants in San Francisco this season, was in trouble from the outset. Five of the first six batters he faced connected for hits capped by back-to-back home runs by Crawford and Yastrzemski in San Francisco's five-run first inning. Marquez (8-5) allowed a career-high 11 runs on 11 hits in 2 2/3 innings. It was the second time in four days that Rockies pitchers had been tagged for 17 or more runs in a game. The Reds beat Colorado 17-9 on Friday. The Giants put together a seven-run third that included a two-run homer by Posey off Jesus Tinoco. Crawford added an RBI single in the fourth, a two-run drive off Tinoco in the sixth and a two-run single in the ninth off Reynolds. Others in the San Francisco era with eight RBIs in a game are Willie Mays on April 30, 1961, and Orlando Cepeda on July 4, 1961. TAKING THE MOUND First baseman Mark Reynolds made his second career pitching appearance when he pitched the ninth inning. He also pitched last July 8 against Miami while with Washington. Reynolds threw 21 pitches, 10 for strikes and allowed two hits and two runs. He walked one and hit Posey in the back with a pitch when he tried to throw a curveball. Posey glared at Reynolds as he walked to first and Reynolds said after the game that Posey texted him to make sure he knew that he was just joking with him. Reynolds also said he didn't try another curveball and save for a changeup, stuck with fastballs the rest of the way. TRAINER'S ROOM Giants: 3B Evan Longoria was placed on the 10-day injured list because of left foot plantar fasciitis. His roster spot was filled by the recall of RHP Ray Black from Triple A-Sacramento. Longoria was lifted from Sunday's game at Milwaukee in the fifth inning because of left foot soreness. 26th MAN The Giants had RHP Sam Coonrod as their 26th man for Monday's split doubleheader while the Rockies appointed RHP Yency Almonte. Both appeared in the first game. Coonrod threw a scoreless ninth and Almonte allowed a run and two hits in 2 2/3 innings. UP NEXT Giants: RHP Dereck Rodriguez (3-5, 5.27 ERA) was scheduled to be recalled from Triple-A Sacramento to start Game 2 of the doubleheader. Rockies: RHP Chi Chi Gonzalez (0-1, 6.00 ERA) is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque to start the second game. --- More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP-Sports


A Brazilian police document says an unidentified woman has accused soccer star Neymar of raping her in Paris last month. After the revelation, the player used Instagram to publish a 7-minute video that includes WhatsApp messages he says he exchanged with the accuser in a friendly way days later. Neymar calls the incident "a setup" and insists it is an attempt of extortion against him. The document obtained by The Associated Press on Saturday says the incident took place May 15 at 8:20 p.m. in a hotel. The woman went to police Friday in Sao Paulo. Sao Paulo state's Public Security Secretariat, which oversees police, confirmed in a statement that the complaint was registered, but did not offer details. Once more involved in an incident off the pitch, Neymar said he fell in a trap and will learn from the incident. "There was a relationship between a man and a woman between four walls. On the next day nothing happened," the striker said. "I hope investigators read the messages and see what happened." The first messages in Neymar's video are dated March 11. The video includes multiple erotic photos and messages he said he exchanged with the accuser. The last date that appears on the video is of May 16, with no reference to the alleged crime. Earlier his father and agent, Neymar da Silva Santos, said his son had consensual sexual relations with the accuser and was blackmailed by her lawyer after they broke up. "This is a tough moment. If we can't show the truth quickly it will be a snowball. If we have to show Neymar's WhatsApp messages and the conversations with this lady, we will," Santos told TV Band. Neymar's father said he has evidence that his son was blackmailed, including pictures and witnesses, but did not show either in the interview. He also said his son is already preparing his defense for a legal case if needed. The Paris police and the city's prosecutors' office said through spokesmen that they were unaware of any complaint. The woman says she and the Brazil star met in France after exchanging Instagram messages. She told police a representative of the Paris Saint-Germain player named Gallo allegedly bought her tickets to Paris and booked her a hotel room. She said Neymar arrived apparently drunk at the hotel. The woman described to police that they "touched each other, but in a given moment Neymar became aggressive and, with violence, had sexual intercourse against the victim's will." The text also says the woman left Paris two days later and said she did not file her complaint in Paris because she was shaken. The police document says the woman will go through medical exams as part of an investigation. Neymar is in Brazil preparing for the Copa America starting next week. He arrived at the Granja Comary training ground outside Rio de Janeiro 10 days after the alleged incident. Brazil players had a day off Saturday. Neymar left the training ground with other teammates in his helicopter earlier in the day. On Sunday, an event named after the player is expected to take place in Rio, but his presence is not assured. The 27-year-old Brazilian has had problems on and off the pitch. One week before the accusation of rape became known, he lost Brazil's national team's captaincy for the Copa America to veteran Dani Alves. Coach Tite did not lay out the reasons for the move, but he was under pressure to punish Neymar for his disciplinary problems at Paris Saint-Germain. After PSG lost the French Cup final to tiny Rennes on April 27, Neymar had altercation with a fan and publicly criticized teammates he didn't name for not listening to him enough. That was one of his first matches since January, when he once more picked up a fifth metatarsal injury in his right-foot. That was the same problem that affected his performances in the last World Cup, a tournament he prefers to forget because of an image disaster caused by his constant diving. Brazil's fitness coaches say he will be in better shape once the South American tournament begins. This week Neymar skipped two Brazil training sessions in Copa America preparations because of pains in his left knee. Brazil's soccer confederation said Friday he was fully recovered. Fan love for the player has also been stained because of politics after his showing of support to far-right Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who has made a series of racist, misogynistic and anti-gay statements. As Neymar prepared for his return after the injury, Brazilian media reported his father had met Bolsonaro and Economy Minister Paulo Guedes to discuss the player's tax problems, which didn't help him with fans that will pressure him more than ever to win a Copa America on home soil later this month. ------ AP Sports Writer John Leicester in Paris contributed to this report. ___ More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/apf-Soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


Welcome to the latest installment of 3 Up, 3 Down, our weekly gauge of who's streaking and who's slumping throughout Major League Baseball. Our latest edition includes notes on a new slugger in Atlanta, the dinger parade at Target Field and a power outage in Cleveland. ↑ Another Rising Star in Atlanta ↑ The Braves' lineup was scary enough for National League pitchers entering 2019 as Ronald Acuña Jr. and Freddie Freeman anchored what was projected to be one of baseball's best offenses. Atlanta has held firm offensively through its first 54 games ranking second in the NL in hits and fourth in OPS and Brian Snitker's squad is streaking of late thanks to an unexpected rookie performance. . @austinriley1308 IS A HUMAN CHEAT CODE 😱 pic.twitter.com/aFciROeZob   Atlanta Braves (@Braves) May 23, 2019 Austin Riley is the latest Brave to burst onto the scene and into Atlanta's everyday lineup. The 22-year-old third baseman enters Tuesday slashing .333/.373/.688, smacking five home runs with 14 RBIs. He homered in his first career game on May 15, then drove in eight RBIs in a four-game series at San Francisco last week. Riley's stout frame has drawn comparisons to Troy Glaus, and he's been reportedly worked with Chipper Jones through his climb to the majors. Riley has a long way to go to mirror Atlanta's 2018 Hall of Famer, but his first 12 games indicate the Braves have another blue chip bat as they chase their second-straight NL East title. ↑ Twins Teeing Off ↑ If the Braves lineup has been impressive in 2019, Minnesota's has been downright terrifying. The Twins became the second team in MLB history to bash 100 homers in its first 50 games on Friday  joining Ken Griffey Jr. and the 1999 Mariners and they advanced 11 games ahead of the Indians for the AL Central lead on Monday. Minnesota is on an 113-win pace, set to shatter the franchise record of 102 set in 1965. Three seasons after losing 103 games, Minnesota could be a power atop the AL Central for a while. So just exactly how have the Twins sprinted to first place in the AL Central? To put it bluntly, through bashing damn near everything in sight. The Minnesota Twins hit 8 home runs in one game today. Unbelievable pic.twitter.com/DP6URr2sbW   MyBookie Sportsbook (@betmybookie) May 24, 2019 Minnesota leads baseball in runs, doubles and homers, with 10 players registering five-plus homers in 2019. The Twins have seven players with an OPS of .850 or better. Only Boston has more than five. Eddie Rosario is an MVP candidate and the Jorge Polanco extension has already paid off. Minnesota's shortstop is slashing .332/.404/.584 while leading the American League in hits. Paired with a strong start from Max Kepler, and Twins GM Thad Levi could be in line for Executive of the Year honors. Perhaps Cleveland gets hot and challenges the Twins down the stretch for the AL Central crown. And even if Minnesota wins the division, a difficult bracket awaits. The rotation outside of Jose Berrios is unproven, and Jake Odorizzi and Martin Perez are bound for some regression. But we'll save the cold analysis for early October. The Twins have been baseball's best story through May, tearing up the American League with a historic parade of home runs. ↑ Here Come the A's ↑ As the Astros rule the AL West, the A's will likely again be relegated to the one-game wild-card if they reach the postseason. But while Oakland lags behind the Astros in the division standings, the gap in the American League hierarchy may not be as wide as originally assumed. Following their 10th straight win Monday , the A's could very well enter October as a dark horse contender for the American League crown. Oakland's bullpen continues to shine behind Blake Treinen, this year led by Yusmeiro Petit, Lou Trivino and Joakim Soria as the pre-closer triumvirate. Frankie Montas has beefed-up a typically light staff, and Mike Fiers miraculously tossed his second-career no-hitter on May 8 . But the anchor of the A's recent success has been its lineup, mining impressive production from unlikely sources. Even with Khris Davis on the IL, Oakland's lineup continues to pounce. We haven't had to do laundry in a while because we've been out streaking. #RootedInOakland pic.twitter.com/NpWvWJaEx8   Oakland A's (@Athletics) May 27, 2019 The long ball has powered Bob Melvin and Co. in their recent hot streak. The A's totaled 22 homers in nine games from May 16-26, including five in a 17-3 drubbing over the Tigers on May 17. A four-game stretch from May 20-24 saw 22 extra-base hits from the A's with 10 homers. Mark Canha has three dingers in Davis's absence and Jurickson Profar seems to have turned his season around. Oakland boasts a deep core of quality bats, capable of carrying the momentum into October for a likely one-game playoff. ↓ Max Scherzer's Help ↓ Max Scherzer is largely the same ace he's always been through 12 starts in 2019. He leads baseball in strikeouts while sporting a career-best 2.35 FIP, taking the mound each start as one of the most intimidating aces in baseball. Yet the Nationals are just 2 10 in games Scherzer started following a 3-2 loss to the Marlins on Monday, failing to take advantage of the three-time Cy Young winner. Scherzer can thank his bullpen for the poor record. Washington posts an 11.71 ERA in Scherzer starts in 2019 ( h/t Jon Heyman ) with blown leads in each of his last two outings. Washington's bullpen ERA is a ghastly 7.25 through 54 games, over a full earned run worse than the Orioles for the league-worst mark. Scherzer and the Nationals entered 2019 eyeing a World Series berth in the first year without Bryce Harper. They're instead sinking to the bottom of the NL behind one of the worst bullpens in recent memory. ↓ Cleveland's Power Outage ↓ While the Twins bruise their way past the rest of the AL Central, the Indians' lineup continued its season-long slump last week. Cleveland scored an MLB-worst 17 runs from May 20-26, losing six of seven games. The Indians hit .193 in that span (also the league's worst mark) and slugged .332 (third-worst mark). One of baseball's most potent attacks prior to 2019 has become punchless. "How would you describe the 2019 Cleveland Indians season thus far?" "Like a knee to the groin... that leads to a three-run inside-the-park home run." https://t.co/G51a7unV42   Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) May 23, 2019 There are plenty of culprits for Cleveland's poor offensive start. Francisco Lindor is more replacement-level than All-Star and Jose Ramirez is slashing .197/.297/.295. But a share of the blame belongs in the Indians' front office. As Michael Brantley sprints toward a potential MVP campaign in Houston, Cleveland's outfield has been abysmal. Four Indians outfielders have registered 90-plus plate appearances (Leonys Martin, Jake Bauers, Carlos Gonzalez (now released) and Tyler Naquin) and all have an OPS under .700. Maybe Jordan Luplow can continue to add a semblance of power, though he projects to be more of a bottom-third piece in a quality lineup. Cleveland's options quickly run thin after Lindor and Ramirez. Two months is too early to bury Cleveland, especially after three-straight American League Central titles. Terry Francona is the division's best manager, and Mike Clevinger should return to the rotation soon. Add in Corey Kluber after the All-Star break , and the Indians could be in place to make a run. Yet even with the stable of impressive arms, Cleveland's executives may need to pull off an impactful midseason trade to overtake Minnesota. ↓ Seattle Fading Fast ↓ The Mariners were a heartwarming story through the first two weeks of 2019 with a 13 2 record through April 11. Seattle swept the A's in Japan then won three of four against Boston to start the season, closing their hot streak with a four-game sweep in Kansas City from April 7-11. The 15-game sample indicated the best stretch of Mariners baseball in recent memory, providing a stark contrast to the last two weeks in the Pacific Northwest. No matter how far the Mariners fall, they still have these banners and no one can take that away from them! pic.twitter.com/yGePuTwNoc   Basebalake (@bahlahkaay) May 25, 2019 Seattle rose to 24 32 with Monday's win over Texas, though it's only a small step forward following a dismal stretch. The Mariners lost nine of its last 10 prior to Monday, including six straight losses to Texas and Oakland. Their ERA stands above only the White Sox, Royals and Orioles, while the team's offense has dipped toward the middle of the pack after a torrid start. Seattle's last playoff series was in 2001. That drought looks poised to continue in 2019. Related slideshow: The 2019 MLB season (Provided by imagn)