ST. LOUIS   It's no secret that Jon Hamm is a big St. Louis Blues fan. The actor grew up in the city, going to games with his father back in the days when the team played in the Checkerdome, a.k.a. St. Louis Arena. The last time Hamm was in Enterprise Center was when the Blues eliminated the San Jose Sharks in Game 7 of the Western Conference Final and he celebrated downstairs in the arena with the players. Following the win, he sent a text to his best friend in Australia and told him he was flying him in to be a part of the experience. Even with championships won in the city in recent years by the Rams and Cardinals, Hamm is one who understands just what this run to the Cup Final has meant to the city. As he was by his hotel Saturday afternoon, he noticed many more people were walking toward the hockey rink than the baseball stadium; an odd sight for him, especially with the Chicago Cubs in town. "I think that's probably the first time in the history of the city that that's happened," Hamm said before Game 3. "It's a big deal. I mean, it's a really big deal. I think the whole 'Gloria' phenomenon, it's another thing that, especially for the guys on the team, but even more so for the people of the city, it's something to unite and rally around. And I love that people have taken it up and run with it." Are the voices in your head calling #Gloria ? Jon Hamm says they should be. The @StLouisBlues are hosting a #StanleyCup Final game for the first time in 49 years TONIGHT. pic.twitter.com/6Kvr2Nd5AG   NBC Sports (@NBCSports) June 1, 2019 Three years after losing the Rams to Los Angeles and after 49 years of NHL seasons ending in disappointment for the Blues, Hamm agrees with the thought that St. Louis needed a sports run like this. "Sure. I mean, who says no to the Stanley Cup?," Hamm said. "But yeah, we could use a win. It's been a rough run for the city the last three decades or so with the odd Cardinals championship here and there and what-not. It would be nice for a million different reasons, but mostly I think for the guys on this team. when you look back, whatever it was, January 2, last in the League. And to have the guts and fortitude and strength and character and the skill to come back from that, yeah, I mean, I think these guys believe. And I think the city's starting to." Hamm, who was also at the 2017 Winter Classic at Busch Stadium between the Blues and Chicago Blackhawks, says he wouldn't trade any of the city's sports championships in order for the hockey team to finally win the Stanley Cup. "Why not both? I don't want to get greedy, but come on. We're here," Hamm said. "Part of it really is the novelty of it and finally getting this far for the first time in 49 years. And I really do think, who cares what I think. I'm honestly like an actor that is just a fan of the team. You can pull anybody off the concourse and they'll say the same thing. "But I think that people are really in a different way this year believers. And I think it says a lot." MORE: • 'Mad Men' star Jon Hamm calls Blues goal   Sean Leahy is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports . Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @Sean_Leahy .


FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.   If Haley Moore and her Arizona teammates needed any reminder that they were the defending NCAA champions, they got it Tuesday afternoon. While waiting out a six-plus-hour weather delay in the Blessings Golf Club lounge, the Wildcats sat around as last year's triumph at Karsten Creek replayed on the televisions. "They were watching themselves on TV winning a national championship," Arizona head coach Laura Ianello said. "If there's anything more motivating than that, I don't know what that is. "They were kind of building confidence without us even knowing it." None more so than Moore, the senior who last year became the Wildcats' hero vy sinking the clinching putt. Three down on Tuesday to USC sophomore Gabi Ruffels through six holes, Moore wasn't worried, using the break not to retreat from a poor start but rather regroup and reload for an afternoon rally. After all, she had done this before. "I did make some good putts coming down the stretch [last year]," Moore said, "and I was like, 'It could happen.'" It did. In shades of Stillwater, Moore delivered in the clutch again for Arizona, rallying past Ruffels and making an 18-footer for birdie on the final hole to send the Wildcats to the semifinals. "I think they know that I do come in clutch, so to have that pressure on me is kind of fun," Moore said, "but it's also nerve-racking." Moore is more equipped now than ever to handle those nerves. Last year was the breakthrough, when Moore proved to herself and her teammates that she could overcome her emotions on the biggest of stages. Now, she's comfortable in the spotlight. She showed it last month at the Augusta National Women's Amateur. And she showed it again Tuesday. Moore immediately grabbed the momentum after the restart, winning Nos. 16 and 17 to get back to 1 down. Even after losing the par-4 18 th with a double bogey, Moore didn't waver. Three holes later, she had squared the match. Then came a short miss on the par-4 fifth. Moore had been forcing Ruffels, who was struggling with her putter, to make short putts for much of the match. She even failed to concede a 3-footer for par to Ruffels despite already double-bogeying the 18 th. Moore apologized afterwards, saying, "I just forgot. … That's one on me." But this time, it was Moore missing from close range. "I was like, 'Oh my gosh, the wheels might be turning a little bit,'" Ianello said. Ianello went up to Moore on the next tee and attempted to give her a confidence boost. "Don't worry, we'll get it back," she said. Moore didn't need it. "She nodded," Ianello said. "No tears, no quivering. Nothing. Totally calm." At that moment, Ianello knew Moore would win. Moore birdied three of her next four holes, including the last, to earn the Wildcats a semifinal date with second-seeded Duke. "She's so clutch under pressure," Ianello said. "She's a stud." Moore will go off second Wednesday morning against the Blue Devils' best player, Jaravee Boonchant. Ianello is confident Moore can get the job done again. More importantly, so is Moore. Moore's story of how she's overcome being bullied and transformed into a confident champion has made her an inspiration to many. Moore said she's gotten many kind messages from strangers who have been impacted by her journey. From being bullied to becoming a hero, Moore perseveres "I think they inspired me even more," Moore said. Ianello is reduced to tears whenever she thinks about Moore turning pro. She bawled like a baby at Moore's recent graduation. And she cried again Tuesday. "We're not going to have Haley anymore, and I don't know what the team is going to be like without her because she's been such a huge force and a huge impact on her team," Ianello said. "It's going to be so different without her." It will be impossible to replace Haley the hero, who on Wednesday could find herself with yet another chance to secure a national title for Arizona. She doesn't need to be reminded, she knows she can deliver.


Oakland Looking to add a new companion to the family? There are dozens of fluffy felines up for adoption at animal shelters in and around Oakland, so you won't have to look far to find the perfect fit. Hoodline used data from Petfinder to power this roundup of kittens available for adoption near you. Read on to meet some friendly, furry locals. (Details like pet availability, training, vaccinations and other features are based on data provided by Petfinder and may be subject to change; contact the shelter for the latest information.) Clive, domestic mix Clive is a sweet male domestic kitten in the care of Maine Coon Adoptions (MCA) . Clive is a social animal, and he'll get along great with other cats. No need to worry: He is already house-trained, and he's been vaccinated. About Clive: My name is Clive and that seems to me to be a rather elegant and sophisticated name for a kitten who's full of life, spirit, love, happiness and energy. I was super lucky in that I was rescued early on in my life by a kind woman so I got lots and lots of attention and pets. Though I can be a bit shy at first with new people or in a new place, my happy and exuberant nature comes out and I am ready to play, purr, be held and run around. I was raised with my brother Clark and it would be super if we could be adopted together, but as long as I have a playful kitten or adult cat in my new life, I'm set. Read more about Clive on Petfinder . Clark, domestic mix Clark is a male domestic kitten currently residing at Maine Coon Adoptions (MCA) . Clarkis happy to keep company with other cats. Good news: He is already house-trained. He has all his shots. More on Clark: Hi, I'm Clark. I do a good job playing with my mouse toy, and I can't catch bad guys, but I do catch my feather wand as you'll see in my video. Oh, rest assured that I've been on eye medication for a slight eye infection and it's clearing up beautifully. I'm confident, outgoing, curious, playful and fun   and you will have a lot of joy watching me play as I leap into the air after my wand toys. Read more about how to adopt Clark on Petfinder . Fritz, tabby Fritz is a lovable male tabby kitten in the care of Compassionate Pet Sanctuary . Fritz is friendly as can be   he'll get along great with kids, dogs or cats. He has all his shots, and he has mastered his house-training etiquette. Fritz's current caretakers say: Fritz is a special boy. His purr is super loud and his heart is full of love. He's a mellow boy with a playful streak. He makes friends quickly and he's going to make someone happy to call him their fur baby. Indoor only home for Fritz. Apply to adopt Fritz today at Petfinder . This story was created automatically using local animal shelter data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


Mesa is due to turn hot over the next few days, according to the seven-day forecast from drone-powered weather service Saildrone . The weather today and Saturday includes forecast highs of 107 degrees. The immediate forecast also includes light rainfall. The best chance of rain is expected today at 57 percent. Skies will partially clear on Sunday, remaining partly cloudy through Tuesday. Winds will continue to be light in the course of the week, with the highest speeds on Wednesday at just 12 mph. This story was created automatically using Saildrone's local weather forecast data, then reviewed by an editor. We also incorporate historic weather data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


Ford has released pricing for the new Escape compact SUV, which has been redesigned for 2020. The base S model starts at $25,980, while a fully loaded Escape Titanium can surpass $40,000 with options. Ford says the Escape and Escape hybrid models will go on sale this fall, with the plug-in hybrid arriving next spring. The new 2020 Ford Escape isn't scheduled to go on sale for a few more months, but we now know how much it will cost. It mostly holds the line on price compared with its predecessor, with just a slight uptick of a few hundred dollars for most versions of the redesigned compact crossover. The trim levels and their prices are as follows: Escape S, $25,980 Escape SE, $28,190 Escape SE Sport (hybrid), $29,530 Escape SEL, $30,350 Escape Titanium (hybrid), $34,495 Escape Titanium, $37,780 The Escape S serves as the base model and starts at $25,980, $780 more than the previous Escape's starting price despite newly standard features such as a suite of driver-assist features including blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning. The $28,190 SE model adds an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the $30,350 SEL models add more features. These models all come standard with front-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic, and a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine making 180 horsepower. Research the Ford Escape | Find a Ford Escape close to you All-wheel drive is a $1500 option and, on the SEL trim, choosing AWD opens up the option for a more powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower, for $2285. The top-of-the-line Escape Titanium starts at $37,780 and comes only with all-wheel-drive and the 2.0-liter engine. Adding options to the Escape Titanium can push its price past $40,000. Returning to the lineup is an Escape hybrid model , which comes in two trims: the $29,530 SE Sport and the $34,495 Titanium. Both offer front-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive as either a $1320 or a $1500 option. We don't have official EPA fuel-economy estimates for the Escape hybrid yet but we expect it to get up to around 38 mpg combined. A plug-in hybrid model with a claimed 30 miles of all-electric driving range arrives next year, but pricing hasn't been released for that version yet.


Also: Finland wins gold and the Stanley Cup final finally begins. At long last, there is again NHL hockey tonight. One more series to go before awards, the draft and free agency rule the summer. Islanders Reading Rouyn-Noranda has followed up its QMJHL title with its first Memorial Cup title, which is Islanders prospect Noah Dobson 's second in a row, with two different teams   just the 13th player to do that. [ Sportsnet ] They've also got a post-game, on-ice interview with Dobson , who was a beast throughout the postseason and is going to give the Islanders a tough decision at training camp next fall. He logged well over 30 minutes again. According to this report, the Islanders turn their UFA focus to Anders Lee (who may be seeking near $8 million per) and Robin Lehner , while Jordan Eberle is more likely to hit the market. [ Fourth Period ] They're giving Thomas Greiss ' pokecheck of Sidney Crosby in OT the Isles "Save of the Year." [ Isles ] Hate that a kid gets booed every shift he plays, but Dobson hasn't let it effect him. So effective in every zone, but this subtle sequence stuck out to me. Little deception and quick soft touch to C. Great support by the Fwds to allow him to make this play. pic.twitter.com/9uERcsbmn1   Kyle MacLennan (@MacLennan28) May 25, 2019 Elsewhere Well, here we are. At long last, the Stanley Cup finals are set to begin tonight in Boston. Even if it's a short series, it will be lengthy   there are lots of two-day gaps in between games on the schedule. Come on, Gloria. Many believe the Blues and Bruins are mirror images of each other. For that to be true, however, I believe some unlucky Blues player's buttocks must look just like Brad Marchand . [ NHL ] Vladimir Tarasenko sure wouldn't mind joining his Russian Caps friends in putting his name on the Stanley Cup. [ NHL ] The national media (and maybe you too) are starting to discover what an interview gem Jordan Binnington is. It's a very sincere non-plussed minimum compliance. [ STLtoday ] Here are 10 mini-battles to look to in the series. [ Sportsnet ] Injury updates: Brad (tool) Marchand and David Krejci are expected to play Game 1, but Vince Dunn is expected to still be out. [ NHL ] Not that a player needs any more motivation in the playoffs, but several Blues keep a diehard fan named Laila close to their thoughts. She's battling a rare disease that kept her in medical isolation for six months, until she started getting to go to playoff games last round. [ STLtoday ] The Jiggs McDonald of the St. Louis Blues was Dan Kelly , who sadly died way too soon. In terms of hockey announcers, I was spoiled with the best. Dan's son John does Blues TV now and their radio PBP man Chris Kerber insists he does some calls during the finals. [ NHL ] 30 Thoughts on the finals, attempts to trade Phil Kessel , and more. Friedman says DJ Smith was going to be the Islanders coach last summer before Barry Trotz became available. [ Sportsnet ] Finland repeated as World Championship champions, defeating the favorite Canadians, and surely the TSN broadcasters spent at least a minute or two not talking about how the Finns had no NHLers on their roster. (Surely...?) [ IIHF ] Russia beat the Czechs for bronze. [ IIHF ]


There is nothing wrong with not liking sports. Lying about it is the problem. Jimmy Kimmel is back with another segment of "Lie Witness News" to catch people telling fibs about their sports knowledge. The March Madness edition will separate the real from the pretenders. This also goes to show that people will lie about anything if it makes them look smart about a subject. MORE: ODU stuns Murray State | Sweet 16 betting props | Nigel Hayes doesn't realize mic is on Seriously, how are these people's pants not in engulfed in flames by now?


SAN DIEGO (AP) With Greg Garcia having a big day for his hometown team, the San Diego Padres' offense jumped on Arizona early and helped left-hander Eric Lauer win for the first time in seven starts. Garcia had three hits, scored twice and drove in a run while Lauer pitched seven strong innings as the Padres beat the Diamondbacks 5-2 Wednesday for a three-game sweep. While the Padres needed sixth-inning rallies in winning the first two games of the series, they jumped on rookie Merrill Kelly early, which allowed Lauer to go a season-high seven innings. ''We weren't in desperate need to see him do that, but if the offense gives the starting pitcher a cushion it's a lot easier to give him some leash to pitch,'' manager Andy Green said. ''Our offense did that today so you could roll with Eric through the seventh even if the matchup's not the most ideal matchup in the world.'' Lauer (3-4) held the Diamondbacks to one run and four hits, struck out seven and walked none to win for the first time since April 8 at San Francisco. Since then he had three losses and three no-decisions. He allowed Eduardo Escobar's RBI double in the sixth before striking out the side in the seventh. ''That's exactly what every starter wants,'' Lauer said of the big early lead. ''You want to pitch with the lead, you want to go out there and be comfortable, knowing that your guys are behind you scoring runs for you.'' Kirby Yates got the final three outs for his major league-leading 20th save after Adam Warren allowed a run. Eric Hosmer had a big two-run hit for the second game in a row, this time a single off rookie Merrill Kelly in the three-run first that gave Lauer all the support he needed. Garcia was aboard on a leadoff single. Rookie Ty France doubled in Hosmer. Hosmer hit a two-run homer off Zack Greinke to help the Padres to a 3-2 victory Tuesday night. Garcia also doubled in the second and scored on Manny Machado's sacrifice fly, and hit an RBI single in the third during a brief downpour that sent fans scurrying for cover. ''We have a great pitching staff and to give Eric some early runs was great,'' Garcia said. ''We just kind of cruised from there and we just tried to keep adding on. ''More importantly it was just a good day for the Padres. The fact I'm from here is just kind of icing on the cake,'' he said. ''First and foremost, winning for the Padres is the best thing ever.'' Garcia went to Valhalla High in suburban El Cajon and is the grandson of the late Dave Garcia, who was a coach on the Padres' staff in the 1970s and later managed the Angels and Indians. He was claimed off waivers from St. Louis on Nov. 6. Lauer appreciated Garcia's big game. ''It's awesome,'' the lefty said. ''It's got to be great for him, too, to do it in front of his hometown and fans.'' The Padres roughed up Kelly (4-5) for four runs and five hits in 1 2/3 innings. He walked four and struck out none. ''I think we got clipped early,'' manager Torey Lovullo said. ''I thought Merrill just got jumped. He didn't get a chance to get into a really good rhythm and we were playing catch-up from the very beginning. We were fairly dormant for a couple of innings there. I thought the tone was definitely set in the first couple of innings.'' Said Kelly: ''I just didn't do my job. Coming off of some losses in a row it would have been big to get a nice quality start out of me today, and I just wasn't able to do that. Pretty much everything was off today.'' Kelly beat the Padres 10-3 here on April 1. TRAINER'S ROOM Diamondbacks: Lovullo said INF Wilmer Flores has a small fracture on the top of his right foot. He was placed on the injured list on Tuesday after being hit with a pitch on Sunday. Padres: Green said he doesn't expect rookie SS Fernando Tatis Jr. to rejoin the team on its forthcoming road trip. Tatis has been out since straining his left hamstring on April 28. UP NEXT Diamondbacks: LHP Robbie Ray (3-1, 3.25) is scheduled to start Friday night in the opener of a three-game series at San Francisco. Padres: LHP Joey Lucchesi (3-3, 4.28) is scheduled to start the opener of a three-game series at Toronto on Friday. The Blue Jays are expected to start RHP Trent Thornton (1-4, 4.41). --- More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP-Sports


Kelly Rowland says that Jennifer Lopez inspires her to exercise almost every day. "Jennifer Lopez is my motivation," Rowland, who's promoting her partnership with Honey Nut Cheerios and the brand's Happy Hearts initiative , told INSIDER . "I'm not even joking." The 38-year-old singer went on to praise Lopez, who often shares workout videos and photos of her toned physique on social media. "Her body is killer," Rowland told us. Rowland also said that she works out "pretty much every day" for several reasons. Aside from the "Hustlers" star serving as motivation, she decided to focus more on her health after her mother, Doris Rowland Garrison, died due to cardiac arrest in 2014 . "I made a vow to myself to change the way I would eat [and] how I would take care of my body when it came to exercising because that was something I really wish she would have done more of," Rowland said. The "Voice Australia" coach continued: "I promised myself - for the sake of myself, for my child, for my family - that I would do that, and I have." As someone who has been in the spotlight since the '90s as part of Destiny's Child , Rowland exercises to strengthen her body. "The older I get, the stronger I want my body to be because from years of performing, it did a number on my body," she said. Rowland teamed up with Honey Nut Cheerios because their Happy Hearts campaign aligns with her commitment to staying healthy. "I like the fact that they're encouraging everyone to really pay attention to your heart and matters of the heart, like what really counts," she said. For Rowland, going for walks and even roller-skating can benefit the heart. In addition to doing low intensity and high intensity workouts, Rowland tries to drink more water every day and monitor what she eats. "My nutrition has been a really tricky one," she said. "I'm a southern girl. I love my food and I don't hold back. I've had to basically have certain things in moderation and learn what foods work for my body and what doesn't." Rowland added: "You have to take care of your body as a whole. One thing trickles something else in your body. So the older you get ... we're not getting any younger, so at least lift a weight, run a lap or two." Slideshow: Get rock-hard abs, sculpted arms, and a butt like J.Lo's with these exercises (Provided by PopSugar)


The Colorado Avalanche are aggressively attempting to improve as a team on the rise. The Washington Capitals are trying to stay at a high level while navigating salary cap challenges. If that strikes you as a perfect combination for a trade, then you're right. The two teams made an interesting splash on Friday, as the Capitals sent the rights of intriguing forward Andre Burakovsky to the Avalanche for what amounts to a couple picks. Here's the exchange, confirmed by the Capitals : Avalanche receive: Burakovsky, 24, who is an RFA. The Capitals extended a $3.25 million qualifying offer to Burakovsky earlier this week, so we'll see where a final deal might land once Colorado gets cracking. Capitals receive: 2020 second-round pick (Colorado's pick), 2020 third-round pick (Arizona's pick, which was part of the Carl Soderberg trade), and unsigned free agent forward Scott Kosmachuk. Frustrations, and limitations, for Capitals A bit more than a week ago, Capitals GM Brian McClellan discussed Burakovsky's struggles in 2018-19, while also saying he's a good player, as NBC Sports' Brian McNally reported . "Andre had a frustrating year this year, but I think he finished it up well," MacLellan said. "I think from the trade deadline on, I thought he had a good playoffs. We like the player. There's been some inconsistencies there, but when he's on his game, he's a good player." One could see where Washington was getting a little frustrated with Burakovsky. [ ProHockeyTalk's 2019 NHL free agency tracker ] After generating 22 points in just 53 games as a teenage rookie in 2014-15, Burakovsky enjoyed his peak years in 2015-16 and 2016-17, scoring 38 and 35 points respectively. Injuries have been an issue at times, making 2017-18's 25 points easier to stomach, as Burakovsky was limited to 56 games played. It must have been irritating to see his stats stagnate at 25 points in 76 games this past season, though. Most obviously, you could see the lost patience in Burakovsky in his ice time, as it slipped all the way down to just 11:08 per game in 2018-19 after he was a pretty steady 13+ minute per night guy before. With the Capitals in a tight cap situation ( Cap Friendly estimates $9.235M of room with 17 roster spots covered ), and some big expenditures looming with Braden Holtby and Nicklas Backstrom about to enter contract years, this ultimately might have been necessary surgery for Washington. Especially if, frankly, Burakovsky was never really going to get out of the doghouse. TRADE Avalanche: Andre Burakovsky Capitals: 2nd, 3rd Burakovsky has fallen off a bit in recent seasons, but looks like an average player that's young enough to bounce back in a larger role, one he arguably deserves. pic.twitter.com/ulD5qJkyQ3   dom luszczyszyn (@domluszczyszyn) June 28, 2019 Still, Caps fans have room to wonder: could they have gotten more for Burakovsky if they acknowledged the inevitable and moved him during the trade deadline? This is … not exactly the strongest return for a player with such potential and pedigree (23rd overall in 2013). Especially if you compare that to, um, other not-so-great trades. for a second and a third you can procure either Andre Burakovsky or Justin Braun and there's no way of knowing which of those options is better   Namita (@nnstats) June 28, 2019 Is it too simplistic to say that Burakovsky ultimately "lost out" to Jakub Vrana , another fine first-round find the Capitals managed despite being a regular contender? To some extent, it will feel that way, as there were only so many prominent spots to earn on a Capitals club with entrenched forwards like Alex Ovechkin , Backstrom, Evgeny Kuznetsov and T.J. Oshie already (justifiably) claiming big minutes. Avalanche are rising, but will have a busy summer In case it wasn't clear, I love this trade for the Avalanche. It reminds me of the New Jersey Devils exploiting the Capitals' previous cap troubles to land Marcus Johansson , so here's hoping that Burakovsky   someone who's dealt with injury challenges   will enjoy better health luck than Johansson had in New Jersey. One can picture Burakovsky really taking off if given the minutes and opportunities he struggled to gain with Washington. Again, aside from 2018-19, Burakovsky generated strong possession numbers, and his scoring totals are quite good when you realize that his ice time was usually pretty modest. Could he take off if the Avalanche use him as a much-needed supporting scorer behind the mega-line of Nathan MacKinnon , Mikko Rantanen , and Gabriel Landeskog ? Perhaps Burakovsky could even ascend to the top line so the Avalanche can enjoy better lineup balance? The possibilities are pretty dazzling. One way or another, the Avalanche aren't done yet. For one thing, they figure to have the cap space to land a much bigger fish. In a lot of ways, they're the snazziest landing spot for superstar Artemi Panarin , although we'll have to see if the stars align (particularly, if Panarin prefers skiing to suntanning in, say, Florida?). Beyond that, the Avalanche have some contracts to hash out. Burakovsky is an RFA with arbitration rights, while Rantanen could cost Colorado eight figures, depending upon how his negotiations play out. Getting those contracts right won't be simple, yet it's still easy to see the Avalanche making big strides this offseason. Considering how they dominated the West's top seed in the Flames in Round 1, and pushed the Sharks to the limit in Round 2 even before making upgrades   and considering how they were one of the biggest winners of the 2019 NHL Draft   the sky seems to be the limit for this Avs team. Consider smart deals like this one for Burakovsky as jet fuel for such a rise, then.   James O'Brien is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports . Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @cyclelikesedins .


More women than ever are opting out of having kids, according to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Nearly half of women between the ages of 15 and 44 didn't have kids in 2014, and that's the highest number since the government started measuring that statistic, Time reports . Birth control advances and reform may play the biggest role in the decline. In the 1970s, when the government first started tracking fertility statistics, the Pill had only been around for a decade. Now, it's widely used, which means women can choose when they want to get pregnant. Fewer teenagers than ever are having babies, thanks to expanded access to contraception . Love this? Follow us on Facebook. But some of the urge to go child-free might also come from career pressures   women from 40 to 50 were more likely to not have kids if they were in managerial or professional occupations. And Census statistics showed that women who don't have a child by 40 are unlikely to have one later. (Note: Women over 44 aren't officially counted in the general fertility rate, since births at that age are still rare, but they are on the rise.) People are also choosing to get married later and delay childbirth, which has lowered the divorce rate but has also lowered the birth rate. In fact, the birth rate in the United States dropped for the sixth consecutive year last year, to 1.86 babies born per woman. That's under the 2.1 rate that's necessary to keep the population stable, even though the number of women in key childbearing ages has risen recently. The economy may also be to blame for the low birth rate, since it's easier to afford one child (or none) than two ore more. According to the Census stats, women who did have children were more likely to stop at one; the number of women from 40 to 44 who only had one child doubled between 1976 and 2014. But there's no need to stress out, says family demographer Andrew J. Cherlin. "Americans haven't worried much about birthrates in the past, because we have the faucet of immigration to turn on and off," he told the New York Times .


The infinite monkey theorem states that a monkey hitting keys at random on a typewriter for an infinite amount of time will produce any text, such as the entirety of William Shakespeare's works - or yet another Manchester United transfer rumour. Although this time, for a change, it's about players leaving Old Trafford. It doesn't stop there though, oh no, and we've also got some rumours coming out of Spain and Germany to keep things fresh. So without babbling on any further, here's your roundup all of things transfer related for today. Rafael Benitez Keen on Juan Mata Reunion As is clearly abundantly evident, unless you've been living under a rock for quite some time, Benitez isn't blessed with a shedload of money in the north east. The deciding factor on whether he opts to stay with Newcastle hinges on Mike Ashley's willingness to unzip his Sports Direct trackie bottoms and splash a bit of cash. Well, either way, The Sun  claim Benitez fancies a one particular player who would be available for diddly squat this summer, as Mata's United contract is set to expire. He can't get too carried away though, as if the Magpies were to lure Mata to the north east it would break certain club policies of signing players over 26. Furthermore, the Spaniard would be asking for considerable wages to switch to St. James' Park. Benitez worked with Mata when he managed Chelsea during the 2012/13 season and is eager to add his creative spark to his squad. Wolves & West Ham After Cardiff's Spanish Loan Signing It didn't end well for Cardiff this season, as relegation was confirmed to the Championship at the first time of asking. The one player who seemingly caught the eye, however, wasn't even one of their permanent players. Victor Camarasa was the club's joint top scorer with five goals during the 2018/19 season, enough to prompt duo Wolves and West Ham to fancy bringing the Real Betis player back to the Premier League . His one-year loan stint in Wales seems to have done him some favours according to the Daily Mail , with a possible return to England on the cards. Inter Unsurprisingly Don't Agree With Manchester United's Valuation of Matteo Darmian For the 100th time there are suggestions that Darmian might return to Italy with Inter , yet again, willing to offer the right back a one-way ticket out of his miserable four-year stint at Old Trafford. FC inter News state that the Serie A outfit are back in towards 29-year-old Darmian who has mustered just 14 league appearances in the past two seasons. Naturally, United are keen on a refund for the player they paid £12.7m for but the €10-12m they're asking for is double Inter's valuation. Poor, poor Darmian, although with the player earning €3m net maybe he could fund the move himself? Ha, fat chance. Arsenal Eyeing Goalkeeping Reinforcements With Unknown Bundesliga 2 Player Hats off if you had heard of Markus Schubert before you just read his name, because you clearly know too much about football. Or, you are a Dynamo Dresden fan. Petr Cech's departure from not just Arsenal but playing football entirely is just one match away, and Unai Emery is keen on making a swift move to replace the legendary Czech by scooping up the 20-year-old on a free transfer, according to Bild . Schubert has run down his deal with Dresden therefore offers the Gunners with the kind of move that suits their pitiful transfer budget. Highly regarded in his native Germany, the goalkeeper made 43 appearances for the second-tier side this season, keeping 12 clean sheets in the process. Barcelona Toying With the Option of Filipe Luis as Jordi Alba Backup Blessed with talent across the pitch, it's hardly like Barcelona need to go gung-ho in signing players worth upwards of £60m. Except, they already have, and, it looks likely that they will again. Well, either way, there is no need to spend any more money in transfer fees if Sport are to be believed - with the club are mulling over the free signing of Filipe Luis who is set t leave La Liga rivals Atletico . The Brazilian left back is out of contract with Los Rojiblancos and seeking a new challenge, so bench warming at the Camp Nou might tickles his tastebuds. Alba is unquestionably the number one but, even at 33 years old, Luis would offer the Spaniard a chance for a rest every now and then after several seasons of solid displays in the top leagues. Bayern Munich Have 'Agreement in Principle' for Everton's Forgotten Man Henry Onyekuru Everton are crying out for a talented, goalscoring forward, but have seemingly failed to see what is right in front of them. Onyekuru joined from Eupen back in 2017 for £7m before immediately being sent on loan to Anderlecht. There, he netted ten times before Galatasaray took note of the Nigerian's ability and he joined them for the 2018/19 campaign. He has torn it up in the Super Lig, netting 12 league goals in 26 games, showcasing a real eye for goal. Now, Kewse Sports' Colin Udoh claims Bayern have an 'agreement' to sign the player and that a deal is 'close'. You don't get pinched by the Bundesliga champions if you're rubbish, yet still Marco Silva would prefer to persist with Cenk Tosun up front. Go figure. Watford Striker Offered Huge Wages to Join Schalke Watford 's Dodi Lukebakio has garnered some attention after successful loan stint for Fortuna Dusseldorf this season. 11 goals in 23 outings is a fair return for the 21-year-old Belgian, as fellow German side Schalke are looking to offer the winger a deal with significant financial benefits. SportBild, as relayed by Sport Witness , claim Die Knappen have 'promised' to blow his current €500k-per-year wages out of the water and attempt to lure him to Gelsenkirchen with a basic salary that could reach €5m. Watford are after a €20m fee to part with the player they brought in from Anderlecht, which could act as a slight stumbling block for the Bundesliga side, however.


Google started its mobile-first search indexing over a year ago, and now it's ready to make that approach the law of the land. As of July 1st, 2019, Google will index the phone-oriented sites by default for any new web domain it registers. If you're starting a new site, you'll want to be sure its mobile version is polished and full-featured -- that's the version Google will use to parse the site's structure and extract useful snippets. The strategy has been a long time in coming. Google first signaled its intentions in late 2016 , and it wasn't until early 2018 that it was active for more than a handful of sites. And remember, mobile searches overtook their desktop counterparts back in 2015. This is as much about catching up to the reality of a mobile-dominated web as it is persuading web developers to give phones a first-class experience.


Less than a month into the first term of Chicago's newly elected Mayor Lori Lightfoot, the city is experiencing a second straight weekend of gun violence. Since Friday, two people have been killed in shootings and 22 others have been wounded, according to the Chicago Police Department. This comes just a week after the city's most violent weekend so far this year, which left 10 dead and 52 wounded in shootings. (MORE: Lori Lightfoot makes history as Chicago's first African American female mayor, AP projects) Lightfoot, who was sworn in as mayor on May 20, and Chicago Police Department Superintendent Eddie Johnson have made tackling the city's crime rate a top priority. Last week, the city experienced an outburst of shootings due to gang-related incidents. The violent outburst came just hours after the department announced a sharp decrease in crime on Friday. (MORE: Violent Chicago weekend leaves 10 dead, at least 52 wounded) Data collected by the Chicago Police Department from the first five months of this year showed a 13% decrease in shootings and a 7% decrease in murders compared to a year ago. Police said 41 people were shot and seven were killed in the city just two weeks before. More shootings are often reported in warmer months, when large numbers of people tend to congregate outdoors. This weekend, police said Chicago residents should expect to see a "heavy" police preference. (MORE: Boy saved by Chicago police officers who just graduated from the police academy weeks earlier) "While we don't comment on specifics in terms of officer deployments, we have positioned saturation and tactical teams in areas of the city that we are addressing ongoing gang conflicts that are contributing to recent violence ," Chicago Police Department Chief Communications Officer Anthony Guglielmi told ABC News. "Additionally, there will be heavy saturation patrols along Lake Shore Drive and major thoroughfares beginning Friday and through the weekend. Supplemental summer patrols were also deployed in neighborhoods across the south and west side of the city," Guglielmi added. Detectives have already made 1 arrest in connection with last night's shootings and there are also several initiatives underway city wide to address the proliferation of guns, police said. Since Friday, 14 people have been arrested on illegal gun charges and 43 weapons have been seized. On the day of her inauguration last month, Lightfoot, a former federal prosecutor who is the city's first black female mayor, said there was "no higher calling than restoring safety and peace in our neighborhoods," according to the Chicago Tribune. "Enough of the shootings. Enough of the guns. Enough of the violence," the newspaper quoted her as saying. ABC News' Karma Allen contributed to this report.


Martin Truex Jr. was fastest in the first of two NASCAR Cup practice sessions Friday afternoon at Sonoma Raceway. Truex covered the twisting road course layout with a top speed of 95.326 mph. Ryan Blaney was second-fastest at 95.195 mph. Third through 10th were Chris Buescher (95.041 mph), Jimmie Johnson (95.035), Michael McDowell (94.773), Alex Bowman (94.761), Clint Bowyer (94.619), Kyle Busch (94.333), Daniel Suarez (94.105) and David Ragan (93.928). Bubba Wallace was the first car off track. I found out we got the 750 HP package back in, the first 10 secs on track! Loopin Leroy at your service!😂🤘🏽 pic.twitter.com/jTMoj6k0ro   Bubba Wallace (@BubbaWallace) June 21, 2019 This marked the first time Sonoma's noted Carousel has been used in 22 years in Cup competition. It begins in Turn 4 and rejoins the course in what was the old Turn 7. The Carousel was part of Sonoma's layout from 1968-97. The Carousel extends Sonoma's length from 1.99 miles to 2.52 miles. The second and final Cup practice will take place from 5:40-6:55 p.m. ET. Martin Truex Jr. will have a 15-minute practice hold for twice failing inspection at Michigan. Click here for the first practice report. Follow @JerryBonkowski


Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) has enjoyed an excellent run over the past five years. With its share price up 117% and another 50% in fully franked dividends, it's fair to say investors have been well-rewarded for risking their hard-earned cash on the market. However, at around $6.30 per share, does Telstra still offer the same risk-reward trade-off it did back in 2010? Unfortunately, I don't think so. I'm on record as saying, I'd want to pick up Telstra shares below $5.00. However with interest rates of just 2.25% (and possibly going lower) and its dividend yield still an impressive 4.7% fully franked, I doubt I'll get the opportunity to buy some anytime soon. Grossed-up for franking credits, its yield of 6.7% crushes the 2.7% interest rates on term deposits at a big four bank. It's important to remind ourselves however that successful share market investing is more about managing risk than making money. Once you've determined a good price to pay, you've got to stick to it. As billionaire investor, Warren Buffett, famously said, there are two rules to investing: Never lose money Never forget rule number one It might sound simple - and it is - but it's certainly not easy . As the following graph shows, if you lose 50% of your investment in the first year, it'll take 17 years at double the growth rate to catch up to the conservative investor who plodded along at 5% per year. Is Telstra a Buy, Hold or Sell? In my opinion, at today's price of around $6.30, Telstra's risk-reward trade-off isn't in favour of investors looking to beat the market. Whilst it may have all the characteristics of a great income stock, in a low-interest rate environment, investors are advised to keep it on their watchlist and wait for a better entry point.


Julia Rooney made her way through the somber crowd and knelt on the lawn of a home where Marlen Ochoa-Lopez   a young woman she had mentored   had been found dead less than 48 hours before. She set down things she thought Ochoa-Lopez would have liked: flowers, chocolates, a pregnancy book and a kite decorated with a unicorn and bright yellow stars. "I would like to make sure that it looks nice," Rooney said about the growing memorial to the 19-year-old. As police released details of how Ochoa-Lopez was lured to the Southwest Side home and killed   and her baby cut from her womb   Rooney was among a crowd of 40 to 50 people who watched over a memorial as the sun set Thursday. Friends, neighbors and a day care worker who watches Ochoa-Lopez's toddler son, left behind teddy bears, flowers and religious candles. The crowd, which included groups of teenage girls, handed around a box of tissues. Rooney took out a notebook and marker so people could write condolences to the family. People walking by stopped in front of the memorial to make the sign of the cross. Motorists slowed down and took photos. "My God, it's just so scary," said Sara Lopez, a neighbor. Ochoa-Lopez went missing on April 23, less than two weeks from when she was expected to give birth to her second son. At 19, she was married and hoping to graduate from the Latino Youth High School. Chicago police and her family believe Ochoa-Lopez left the high school and drove to the 4100 block of West 77th Place to pick up a double stroller and baby clothes from a woman she'd met through a Facebook group for mothers. Once inside, she was killed and the baby removed, police said. "I feel angry and really hurt and just devastated," said Keiddy Ramos, who had stopped by with Rooney. She buried her face in her hands as she knelt in front of the memorial. Ramos, 28, thought of Ochoa-Lopez as a little sister. They became friends after meeting at a church. The two bonded over their experiences as young mothers, their love of beauty and makeup trends. Just a week before Ochoa-Lopez disappeared, the two friends got together and ate tostadas. Ramos did Ochoa-Lopez's makeup for what would be the last time. Ochoa-Lopez closed her eyes and posed for a photo as she showed off the bright pink and yellow eye shadow adorned with an arch of glitter. "We were talking about her baby and how excited we were," Ramos said. Rooney thought of Ochoa-Lopez as a daughter or niece. She met the teen while working as a social worker at the girl's school. The teen asked for help because her family didn't have furniture. Rooney helped the family get a voucher for Goodwill to buy furniture. For years, Rooney held on to a graduation photo Ochoa-Lopez had given her at the end of eighth grade. The photo was inscribed with the message, "Thank you for helping me." They reconnected through Facebook, where Ochoa-Lopez would turn to Rooney for guidance. Rooney said Ochoa-Lopez took on a mothering role for her siblings and friends. One time, Ochoa-Lopez asked Rooney for help because a friend wanted to get out of a turbulent relationship. Another time, she needed help figuring out how to continue her education as a young mother. "She just needed some support," Rooney said. "I just wanted to be there for her. She was a tough girl." Rooney started picking up brochures at resource fairs for programs aimed at young mothers. Ochoa-Lopez's family said the teen had aspirations of going into the fashion industry or becoming a singer. But one of her immediate goals was to finish high school. "She wanted to make her life better for her child," Rooney said. "Otherwise, she would have never come to me and said can you help me. That's what I believe." The memorial for the teen mother kept growing into the night. Lucia Marquez brought a small outdoor table from her home. So many flowers had been dropped off and Marquez didn't want the teen's photo to become obscured. "So it can be seen," Marquez said in Spanish. She and other women placed the teen's framed photo on the table, and then adorned it with flowers and candles. Marquez has lived in the neighborhood for about six years, and she immediately recognized the Ochoa-Lopez family after watching the television news. Marquez's husband once worked with one of Ochoa-Lopez's relative. She remembers Ochoa-Lopez as a happy and nice 14-year-old girl. But Marquez had lost touch with the family and hadn't seen Ochoa-Lopez in years. "It's very sad," Marquez said in Spanish. "Even if you don't know her, it's horrible what they did to her." She took comfort in praying at the memorial with other women. Still, she can't shake one question. Marquez can see the home where Ochoa-Lopez was killed from her window, and she walks by the house regularly to catch a nearby bus. "Why didn't I hear anything?" Marquez said in Spanish. "It's what stays in your conscience." emalagon@chicagotribune.com jvillagomez@chicagotribune.com Read more local breaking news »


[What you need to know to start the day: Get New York Today in your inbox .] When the Rev. Dr. Amy K. Butler was hired to lead Riverside Church in Manhattan in 2014, she was hailed as a rising star, the first woman to join a distinguished line of pastors at one of the pre-eminent progressive Protestant congregations in the United States. Two years into her tenure, an influential former member of the church's governing council left a bottle of wine and a T-shirt on her desk, both with labels that read "Sweet Bitch," according to an internal investigation ordered by the church after Dr. Butler filed a formal complaint. Sign Up For the Morning Briefing Newsletter The former governing council member also sent suggestive emails and text messages to Dr. Butler's female colleagues, the investigation found. Dr. Butler, 49, went public about the incidents last year, writing a blog post titled "From #MeToo to #ChurchToo to #NeverAtChurch" that said exchanges between her and the former member of the governing council had left her "feeling deeply uncomfortable." This month, the governing council dismissed Dr. Butler by not renewing her contract, shocking the 1,750-member congregation and touching off a wrenching debate about sexism, harassment and hypocrisy in a church where past leaders had marched for civil rights with Martin Luther King Jr. The discord reflected the tension between veteran members and a new wave of activism-oriented congregants drawn in by Dr. Butler. Dr. Butler's supporters said she lost her job because she had spoken up against harassment and pursued better treatment for women and minorities, with the aim of fixing a difficult environment that had led some church employees to complain and even quit. Her persistence strained an increasingly fractured relationship between her and the church's lay leaders, her supporters said. "There is absolutely no doubt that sexism played a role," said the Rev. Kevin Wright, who had been recruited by Dr. Butler in 2015 and served as executive minister for programs before leaving last year. "I don't understand how anyone could think anything different." But her opponents said her dismissal was being misconstrued, and pointed to the governing council's significant misgivings about changes she made to the church staff and programming and spending priorities. Her philosophy and leadership style, they said, collided with a church whose culture remained deeply traditional, despite its politics. Riverside Church is recognized for its soaring Gothic sanctuary in Morningside Heights, built in 1930 by John D. Rockefeller and styled after a cathedral in France. Yet it has gained wider prominence for its devotion to social justice causes. The church has ministries that fight climate change, support immigrants seeking asylum in the United States and help former prisoners after incarceration. It has also issued many "faith-based proclamations," including one declaring the church's embrace of the L.G.B.T.Q. community. ("Our sexuality," it said, "is a gift from God.") The announcement that Dr. Butler's contract would not be renewed came in a July 1 email to the congregation , signed by Dr. Butler and Marilyn Mitchell, the chairwoman of the church's governing council. It hinted at none of the turmoil. The email praised Dr. Butler's contributions to the congregation and asked members to pray for her "continued ministry as a leader in the progressive Christian world." Last week, the Rev. Michael Livingston, who has stepped in as interim senior minister, said the church would not comment on Dr. Butler's dismissal. Dr. Butler did not respond to messages seeking comment, but in a Twitter post last week, she called her time at the congregation "one of the greatest honors of my life." "I love that beautiful, beloved congregation," Dr. Butler said, "and I believe that when we love each other, we can change the world." A day later, the post on Twitter had been deleted and replaced with a link to the church's letter to congregants and one word: "Transitions." Accounts of her dismissal were based on interviews with congregants, lay leaders and current and former employees, as well as internal church documents obtained by The New York Times from church officials who were critical of how Dr. Butler had been treated. The investigation of Dr. Butler's complaint was conducted by an outside company. It found that the former member of the church's governing council, Dr. Ed Lowe, had violated the church's anti-harassment policy and engaged in behavior that was "condescending and dismissive," according to a copy of the report. Dr. Butler recounted "inappropriate comments" by Dr. Lowe, 70, toward her and other members of the staff, the investigation determined. When she sent Dr. Lowe a photograph taken as he was looking at a baby, he replied, "I still have a way with the young girls." In a text message about shifting church funds, he told one female minister, "We should've gotten a thank-you note from the church for that. Or, you should've at least kissed me first," according to the investigation. In a separate instance, when a dog at a church function kept going to that minister, he said, "Well, he isn't the first dirty dog" who wanted to be in her lap. Dr. Lowe, a physician, said in an interview that the allegations against him stemmed from his criticism of Dr. Butler's management style. "It was clearly a put-up job, as far as I'm concerned," he said, arguing that his opponents were trying to marginalize him. "A bully can only ride your back if you bend over, and I stood tall and erect," he said, referring to Dr. Butler. "That irritated her more than anything else." He said he went through coaching over his behavior, and had apologized to the women. He called the wine and T-shirt, which had the "Sweet Bitch" logo, a "gesture on my part to be friendly." He said his comments to a church employee, which she believed were condescending, were harmless. "It was back and forth, back and forth with this young lady," he said. "I decided to end with, 'I respect your right to fail.'" He said he welcomed Dr. Butler's departure. "When I heard what was going on, I felt redeemed," Dr. Lowe said. "I felt my church has been saved. I felt vindicated." In interviews, some members of the congregation said they were dismayed that Dr. Butler had left. "I guess it's the first time in my adult life   and this is a very privileged statement to say   that I've been disappointed and hurt by the church," said Rebecca Kesting, 30, who joined Riverside after Dr. Butler's arrival. "I know that the church is more than our senior minister, but we had a lot of momentum, and I'm concerned what a loss of leadership will mean for that." But her critics contend that her style alienated many in the congregation, and that the divide could not be bridged. "I didn't agree with the direction of some of the things that were going on," said Virl Andrick, a member of the church for 35 years. "There will be a new regime," he said. "We just want the church to thrive and flourish." Dr. Butler had been recruited from a church in Washington, D.C., that she had grown from a 75-member congregation to nearly 300 people. As mainline Protestant churches have struggled to resonate with younger people, Dr. Butler assembled a solid following, and built a reputation with progressive Christians outside the church, as she championed Riverside's social justice mandate. She wrote in searing, and deeply personal, terms about her decision years ago to have a late-term abortion. She visited the border with Mexico, where she prayed for separated migrant families and decried the barrier wall as a "monument to the hubris of empire ." And she wrote about how she wrestled with the harassment allegations. She said she had been forced to challenge "lessons I had learned my whole life   lessons of 'just get used to it' and 'experiences like this are part of being a woman in leadership.'" "And one day, witnessing another exchange I found unprofessional and uncomfortable," Dr. Butler wrote in the post, which was published on the Patheos website , "I had the realization: I wonder if this one lay leader has been allowed to continue behaving inappropriately because I did not report the incident that had happened to me several months before?" An embrace of dissent is baked into the collective soul of Riverside. There have been differences over pastors before. Her predecessor surprised the congregation by resigning less than a year into the job . In his resignation letter, he cited disharmony that had made it "virtually impossible to establish a fruitful covenant between the congregation and me." Mr. Wright, the former executive minister for programs, said the charged environment grew out of the congregation's passion. "We strive to be a heavenly banquet where all are welcome," he said. "But often that banquet erupts into a food fight." Now, some congregants said they see the protracted search for a leader as a distraction, burning through energy that should be directed toward the church's mission. "I want to see the congregation united in its vision," said David Vaughn, who joined the church in the 1980s. "I'm tired of this side versus this side. Let's be God's church and do God's work." Edgar Sandoval contributed reporting, and Alain Delaqueriere contributed research.


Home to just 4% of the world's population and nearly 25% of global economic activity, the United States is one of the richest countries in the world. The poorest town in each state Home to just 4% o f the world's population and nearly 25% of global economic activity, the United States is one of the richest countries in the world . Despite the concentration of wealth in the United States, parts of the country have been left behind. In nearly every state, there is at least one town where financial hardship and poverty are the defining characteristics. 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the median annual household income in over 2,600 cities, towns, villages, and Census designated places to identify the poorest town in every state. We only considered areas with populations between 1,000 and 25,000. To ensure accuracy, we only considered places where the margin of error for population and median household income was less than 10%. Even in wealthy states like Maryland and New Jersey , there are towns where about half of all households earn $35,000 a year or less. In the majority of towns on this list, the share of residents living below the poverty line is more than double the share across the state as a whole. In many of these places, low incomes have forced large segments of the population to depend on government assistance. In the majority of the 50 towns on this list, at least one in every five residents receive SNAP benefits -- formerly known as food stamps. All data on income, education, poverty, and demographics are five-year estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2017 American Community Survey. Click or swipe through to see the full list. Alabama: Selma > Median household income: $24,223 (state: $46,472) > Poverty rate: 38.3% (state: 18.0%) > Median home value: $89,100 (state: $132,100) > Population: 19,176 Selma is the only town in Alabama where over half of all households earn less than $25,000 a year. In Jackson, the second poorest town in the state, the typical household earns just over $30,000, and the median annual household income across the state as a whole is $46,472. Because so many in Selma live on such low incomes, a relatively large share of the population depends on government support to pay for basic necessities. The SNAP, or food stamps, recipiency rate in Selma is 38%, more than double the 15% rate across the state as a whole. Alaska: Ketchikan > Median household income: $56,372 (state: $76,114) > Poverty rate: 12.4% (state: 10.2%) > Median home value: $237,000 (state: $261,900) > Population: 8,195 Alaska is one of the wealthiest states in the country. The median annual household income in Alaska is $76,114, more than in every other state except for New Jersey and Maryland. Even in Ketchikan, the poorest town in the state, the typical household earns $56,372 a year -- only slightly less than the national median household income of $57,652. Ketchikan residents are also less likely to live below the poverty line than most Americans. Ketchikan's 12.4% poverty rate is considerably lower than the 14.6% national poverty rate. ALSO READ: How the Middle Class is Faring in Alaska Arizona: South Tucson > Median household income: $21,160 (state: $53,510) > Poverty rate: 46.2% (state: 17.0%) > Median home value: $77,700 (state: $193,200) > Population: 5,624 South Tucson is the poorest town in Arizona and one of the poorest towns in the United States. The typical South Tucson household earns just $21,160 a year, less than half the median annual household income of $53,510 across Arizona as a whole. Additionally, nearly 15% of South Tucson households earn less than $10,000 a year, more than triple the 4.6% share of all Arizona households. Arkansas: Helena-West Helena > Median household income: $21,667 (state: $43,813) > Poverty rate: 42.5% (state: 18.1%) > Median home value: $75,400 (state: $118,500) > Population: 11,210 Trailing only Mississippi, Arkansas is the second poorest state in the country, with a median household income of just $43,813 a year. In Helena-West Helena, Arkansas's poorest town, over 50% of households earn less than $22,000 a year. Of the area's 11,200 residents, 42.5% live below the poverty line, more than double the 18.1% poverty rate across the state as a whole. ALSO READ: Best City to Live in Arkansas California: Clearlake > Median household income: $27,034 (state: $67,169) > Poverty rate: 35.9% (state: 15.1%) > Median home value: $93,900 (state: $443,400) > Population: 15,061 With a median annual household income of $27,034, the northern California town of Clearlake is the poorest town in the state. Clearlake's poverty rate of 35.9% is more than double the poverty rate of 15.1% across the state as a whole. California has some of the most expensive real estate in the country. Home values are often a reflection of what area residents can afford, however Clearlake is the only town in the state where most homes are worth less than $100,000. Colorado: Federal Heights > Median household income: $38,328 (state: $65,458) > Poverty rate: 21.1% (state: 11.5%) > Median home value: $47,700 (state: $286,100) > Population: 12,449 Federal Heights is a small town of about 12,500 just north of Denver. The typical household in Federal Heights earns just $38,328 a year, about $27,000 less than the typical Colorado household. For individuals, as well as across populations, income tends to rise with educational attainment. In Federal Heights, just 10.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or higher -- less than one-third of the state bachelor's degree attainment rate of 39.4%. ALSO READ: Most Dangerous City in Colorado Connecticut: Willimantic > Median household income: $33,564 (state: $73,781) > Poverty rate: 29.9% (state: 10.1%) > Median home value: $140,400 (state: $270,100) > Population: 17,550 Connecticut is a relatively wealthy state. The typical Connecticut household earns $73,781 a year, $16,000 more than the typical American household. Economic prosperity is not evenly spread throughout the state, however. In Willimantic, a Census designated place in eastern Connecticut, the typical household earns $33,564 a year -- less than half the statewide median. Due to widespread financial insecurity in the area, more than a third of Willimantic residents rely on SNAP benefits to afford groceries. Delaware: Claymont > Median household income: $52,277 (state: $63,036) > Poverty rate: 12.2% (state: 12.1%) > Median home value: $200,600 (state: $238,600) > Population: 8,707 The typical Delaware household earns $63,036 a year, slightly over $5,000 more than the typical American household. Delaware is a geographically small state, and as such, it is not as economically varied as many other larger states. Even in Claymont, the poorest town in the state, the typical household earns $52,277 -- just $5,000 less than the typical American household. ALSO READ: The Fastest Growing City in Delaware Florida: Belle Glade > Median household income: $25,873 (state: $50,883) > Poverty rate: 39.1% (state: 15.5%) > Median home value: $111,400 (state: $178,700) > Population: 19,175 Belle Glade, a small town just south of Lake Okeechobee, is the poorest town in Florida. The typical household in Belle Glade earns just $25,873 a year, about half the median income of $50,883 across the state as a whole. Over 39.1% of area residents live below the poverty line compared to 15.5% of all Floridians -- and about one in every four households earn less than $10,000 a year, compared to just 7.2% of households across the state as a whole. Georgia: Brunswick > Median household income: $24,417 (state: $52,977) > Poverty rate: 39.0% (state: 16.9%) > Median home value: $91,800 (state: $158,400) > Population: 15,919 Brunswick, a town of about 16,000 in southeastern Georgia, is the only town in the state where over half of households earn less than $25,000 a year. Brunswick also has a 39% poverty rate, one of the highest in both the state and the country. Due to widespread financial insecurity, more than a third of all Brunswick residents rely on SNAP benefits to afford groceries -- more than double the 14.5% state SNAP recipiency rate. ALSO READ: How the Middle Class is Faring in Georgia Hawaii: Hawaiian Paradise Park > Median household income: $51,908 (state: $74,923) > Poverty rate: 22.2% (state: 10.3%) > Median home value: $255,300 (state: $563,900) > Population: 11,564 Hawaii is one of the wealthiest states in the country. The median annual household income in Hawaii is $74,923, more than in every other state except New Jersey, Maryland, and Alaska. Even in Hawaiian Paradise Park, the poorest town in the state, the typical household earns $51,908 a year -- compared to the national median household income of $57,652. Even though the median income in Hawaiian Paradise Park is higher than the median incomes in most towns on this list, the town's poverty rate is high. More than one in every five town residents live below the poverty line, more than double the 10.3% state poverty rate and well above the 14.5% national poverty rate. Idaho: Bonners Ferry > Median household income: $30,971 (state: $50,985) > Poverty rate: 22.5% (state: 14.5%) > Median home value: $148,200 (state: $176,800) > Population: 2,502 Bonners Ferry is a small town in northern Idaho of less than 3,000 people. The typical household in Bonners Ferry earns just $30,971 a year, less than any every other town in the state. Jobs in forestry and lumber production are far more concentrated in Bonners Ferry than they are nationwide, and annual wages for logging workers are typically lower than most other jobs. ALSO READ: Best City to Live in Idaho Illinois: Centreville > Median household income: $17,441 (state: $61,229) > Poverty rate: 48.1% (state: 13.5%) > Median home value: $47,900 (state: $179,700) > Population: 5,094 The typical household in Illinois earns $61,229 a year, about $3,600 more than the typical American household income. Despite Illinois' relatively high median annual household income, the state is home to the poorest town in the United States. In Centreville, a small town of about 5,000 just outside of East St. Louis, the typical household earns just $17,441 a year, and 48.1% of the population lives below the poverty line. Due to widespread financial insecurity, 36.9% of the population depends on SNAP benefits to afford groceries. Meanwhile, the SNAP recipiency rates across the state and nationally are 13.3% and 12.6%, respectively. Indiana: Knox > Median household income: $33,709 (state: $52,182) > Poverty rate: 21.5% (state: 14.6%) > Median home value: $76,600 (state: $130,200) > Population: 3,520 Knox is a small northern Indiana town of 3,500. The poorest town in the state, Knox has a median annual household income of $33,709, about $18,500 less than the median income across the state as a whole. Real estate values are often indicative of what area residents can afford. In Knox, the typical home is worth just $76,600 -- well below Indiana's $130,200 median home value. ALSO READ: Most Dangerous City in Indiana Iowa: Onawa > Median household income: $31,089 (state: $56,570) > Poverty rate: 25.3% (state: 12.0%) > Median home value: $93,500 (state: $137,200) > Population: 2,849 Onawa, a small town in western Iowa, is the only town in the state where more than one in every four residents live below the poverty line. As the poorest town in the state, Onawa has a median annual household income of just $31,089, about $25,000 less than the median annual income across Iowa as a whole. Because of widespread financial insecurity, Onawa's 24.9% SNAP benefit recipiency rate is more than double the 11.2% rate for all of Iowa residents. Kansas: Fort Scott > Median household income: $31,542 (state: $55,477) > Poverty rate: 18.7% (state: 12.8%) > Median home value: $63,800 (state: $139,200) > Population: 7,822 The typical household in Kansas earns $55,477 a year, nearly in line with the median annual household income of $57,652 nationwide. Income levels in the state, however, are uneven. In Fort Scott, a town of about 8,000 people in eastern Kansas, the typical household earns just $31,542 a year. The area's low incomes are reflected in property values. The typical Fort Scott home is worth just $63,800, less than half the $139,200 median home value across the state. ALSO READ: The Fastest Growing City in Kansas Kentucky: Glasgow > Median household income: $30,731 (state: $46,535) > Poverty rate: 29.0% (state: 18.3%) > Median home value: $110,600 (state: $130,000) > Population: 14,318 With a median annual household income of $46,535, about $10,000 less than the national median, Kentucky is one of the poorest states in the country. In Glasgow, a town of about 14,000 in southern Kentucky, incomes are even lower. The typical Glasgow household earns just $30,731 a year. The area's high poverty rate is indicative of the low incomes. Some 29% of Glasgow residents live below the poverty line, well above the 18.3% state poverty rate and the 14.6% national rate. Louisiana: Bastrop > Median household income: $21,364 (state: $46,710) > Poverty rate: 43.5% (state: 19.6%) > Median home value: $73,000 (state: $152,900) > Population: 10,643 Bastrop is the poorest town in one of the poorest states. The median annual household income in Louisiana is $46,710, about $10,000 less than the national median. In Bastrop, a small town in northern Louisiana, the typical household lives on just $21,364 a year. Bastrop's 43.5% poverty rate is more than double the 19.6% state poverty rate and nearly triple the 14.6% national poverty rate. Due to widespread financial hardship, over a third of Bastrop's 10,600 residents depend on SNAP benefits. ALSO READ: How the Middle Class is Faring in Louisiana Maine: Presque Isle > Median household income: $37,036 (state: $53,024) > Poverty rate: 23.2% (state: 12.9%) > Median home value: $108,700 (state: $179,900) > Population: 9,246 Presque Isle is a small town in northeastern Maine. The typical household in the town earns just $37,036 a year, the lowest median income of any town in the state. Presque Isle is the only small town in the state where most households earn less than $40,000 a year. The town's poverty rate of 23.2% is also the highest of any Maine town, as is the 12.0% of area households earning less than $10,000 a year. Statewide, just 6.4% of households earn less than $10,000 a year. Maryland: Cumberland > Median household income: $32,825 (state: $78,916) > Poverty rate: 24.4% (state: 9.7%) > Median home value: $89,600 (state: $296,500) > Population: 20,084 With a median annual household income of $78,916, Maryland is the wealthiest state in the country. Still, Maryland's poorest town ranks among the poorest towns in the country. In Cumberland, a northern Maryland town situated along the West Virginia state border, the typical household earns just $32,825 a year -- nearly $25,000 less than the national median income and less than half the state median. Additionally, nearly one in every four Cumberland residents live below the poverty line. Many of Maryland's wealthier towns are located on the other side of the state, in and around the Washington D.C. metro area. ALSO READ: Best City to Live in Maryland Massachusetts: North Adams > Median household income: $38,774 (state: $74,167) > Poverty rate: 17.8% (state: 11.1%) > Median home value: $147,500 (state: $352,600) > Population: 13,211 North Adams is a small northwestern Massachusetts city of 13,000, located near the Vermont and New York state borders. Of all towns and cities in the state of comparable size, North Adams has the lowest median household income by far. The typical household in the town earns just $38,774 a year -- nearly $8,000 less than the median income in Athol, the second poorest town in the state. Overall, Massachusetts is one of the wealthiest states in the country. The typical household in the state earns $74,167 a year, $16,500 more than the typical American household income. Michigan: Hamtramck > Median household income: $24,369 (state: $52,668) > Poverty rate: 50.9% (state: 15.6%) > Median home value: $53,900 (state: $136,400) > Population: 21,959 Hamtramck is the poorest town in Michigan and one of the poorest towns in the United States. The majority of area households earn $25,000 a year or less -- less than half the statewide median annual household income of $52,668. Hamtramck is one of only three towns in the United States where over half of the population lives below the poverty line. Due to widespread financial insecurity, about 45% of Hamtramck's 22,000 residents rely on SNAP benefits. ALSO READ: Most Dangerous City in Michigan Minnesota: Brainerd > Median household income: $34,358 (state: $65,699) > Poverty rate: 16.4% (state: 10.5%) > Median home value: $110,400 (state: $199,700) > Population: 13,394 Brainerd is a small town of less than 15,000 in central Minnesota. It is the only town in the state where over 50% of households earn less than $35,000 a year. Though the median household income in Brainerd is the lowest in the state -- and about $23,000 less than the national median annual household income -- the poverty rate is not especially high relative to most towns on this list. Some 16.4% of Brainerd's population lives below the poverty line, well above the 10.5% state poverty rate, but only slightly higher than the 14.6% national poverty rate. Mississippi: Vicksburg > Median household income: $29,799 (state: $42,009) > Poverty rate: 36.1% (state: 21.5%) > Median home value: $96,800 (state: $109,300) > Population: 22,961 Vicksburg is the poorest town in the poorest state in the country. The typical Mississippi household earns just $42,009 a year, nearly $16,000 less than the typical American household. In Vicksburg, over half of households earn less than $30,000 a year. Additionally, more than one in every three Vicksburg residents live below the poverty line, compared to 21.5% of Mississippi residents and 14.6% of Americans. ALSO READ: The Fastest Growing City in Mississippi Missouri: Fredericktown > Median household income: $24,640 (state: $51,542) > Poverty rate: 28.9% (state: 14.6%) > Median home value: $84,500 (state: $145,400) > Population: 3,999 Fredericktown is a small eastern Missouri town of about 4,000 people. The poorest town in the state, Fredericktown has a median annual household income of $24,640, less than half the median income of $51,542 across the state as a whole. Incomes typically rise with educational attainment. In Fredericktown, just 16.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to 28.2% of adults in Missouri. Montana: Conrad > Median household income: $43,372 (state: $50,801) > Poverty rate: 16.0% (state: 14.4%) > Median home value: $118,000 (state: $209,100) > Population: 2,841 Though Conrad ranks as the poorest town in Montana, the median income in the small northern Montana city is not much lower than the median income across the state as a whole. The typical household in Conrad earns $43,372 a year, only about $7,000 less than the median annual household income statewide. Similarly, Conrad's 16.0% poverty rate is only slightly higher than Montana's 14.4% poverty rate. ALSO READ: How the Middle Class is Faring in Montana Nebraska: Red Cloud > Median household income: $35,742 (state: $56,675) > Poverty rate: 17.4% (state: 12.0%) > Median home value: $48,800 (state: $142,400) > Population: 1,138 Red Cloud is a small town in southern Nebraska with a lowest-in-the-state median annual household income of $35,742. Additionally, fewer than 1% of all households in Red Cloud earn at least $200,000 a year. Real estate values are often indicative of what area residents can afford -- and not only does Red Cloud have the lowest median income in the state, but also the least expensive housing market. Red Cloud is the only town in the state where most homes are worth less than $50,000. Nevada: Laughlin > Median household income: $32,610 (state: $55,434) > Poverty rate: 18.4% (state: 14.2%) > Median home value: $143,100 (state: $216,400) > Population: 7,758 The typical household in Laughlin, Nevada, earns $32,610 a year, less than in every other town in the state. Laughlin also has the state's highest poverty rate. Some 18.4% of Laughlin residents live on poverty level incomes, compared to 14.2% of people across Nevada as a whole. Due to the lower incomes, a relatively large share of Laughlin residents rely on government assistance. The town's SNAP benefit recipiency rate is 16.8% -- compared to the 12.3% share of Nevada residents who receive SNAP benefits. ALSO READ: Best City to Live in Nevada New Hampshire: Littleton > Median household income: $37,419 (state: $71,305) > Poverty rate: 19.5% (state: 8.1%) > Median home value: $159,500 (state: $244,900) > Population: 4,420 The typical New Hampshire household earns $71,305 a year, nearly $14,000 more than the typical American household income. Despite its ranking among the wealthier states in the country, New Hampshire is not without several lower-income areas. In Littleton, a small town along the Vermont state border, over half of households earn about $37,500 or less a year -- the lowest median income in the state. Littleton also has the state's highest poverty rate. Nearly one in every five Littleton residents live on poverty level income, well above the 14.6% national poverty rate and more than double the 8.1% statewide poverty rate. New Jersey: Holiday City-Berkeley > Median household income: $35,204 (state: $76,475) > Poverty rate: 8.4% (state: 10.7%) > Median home value: $145,800 (state: $321,100) > Population: 12,242 The median annual household income in New Jersey is $76,475, second highest in the country after Maryland. Not all parts of the state are equally prosperous, however. In Holiday City-Berkeley, a Census designated place in central New Jersey, over 50% of households earn only about $35,000 or less a year. Incomes tend to rise with educational attainment, and in Holiday City-Berkeley, only 11.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or higher. Meanwhile, the bachelor's degree attainment rate across New Jersey is 38.1%. ALSO READ: Most Dangerous City in New Jersey New Mexico: Deming > Median household income: $25,428 (state: $46,718) > Poverty rate: 34.3% (state: 20.6%) > Median home value: $87,200 (state: $163,900) > Population: 14,339 Deming is the poorest town in one of the poorest states. The typical Deming household earns just $25,428 a year, compared to the median annual household income of $46,718 across the state as a whole -- which itself is about $11,000 less than what the typical American household earns in a year. Serious financial hardship is common in Deming, as 20.0% of area households live on less than $10,000 a year, more than double the 9.5% share of households across the state as a whole. Nationwide, only 6.7% of households earn so little. New York: New Square > Median household income: $23,924 (state: $62,765) > Poverty rate: 64.4% (state: 15.1%) > Median home value: $338,200 (state: $293,000) > Population: 7,995 Home to some of the wealthiest and some of the poorest towns in the United States, New York has the worst income inequality of any state. In New Square, a small town in southern New York, most households earn $24,000 a year or less. Meanwhile, less than 60 miles away, in the Long Island neighborhood of East Hills, the typical household earns $199,000 a year. New Square also has a poverty rate of 64.4% -- the highest in both the state and the country. ALSO READ: The Fastest Growing City in New York North Carolina: Forest City > Median household income: $24,383 (state: $50,320) > Poverty rate: 37.4% (state: 16.1%) > Median home value: $88,500 (state: $161,000) > Population: 7,250 The typical household in Forest City, North Carolina, earns just $24,383 a year, less than half the median annual household income of $50,320 across the state as a whole. Forest City also has the state's highest poverty rate and SNAP benefit recipiency rate, at 37.4% and 37.7%, respectively. Incomes tend to rise with educational attainment, and in Forest City, just 14.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to 29.9% of adults in North Carolina. North Dakota: Devils Lake > Median household income: $43,791 (state: $61,285) > Poverty rate: 17.1% (state: 11.0%) > Median home value: $96,600 (state: $174,100) > Population: 7,313 The typical household in Devils Lake, North Dakota, earns just $43,791 a year, well below the statewide median income of $61,285. In addition to low incomes, the town also has a relatively high share of extremely poor residents. In Devils Lake, 11.4% of households live on less than $10,000 a year, the largest share of any town in the state and nearly double the 5.9% share of households statewide living on such low incomes. Real estate values often reflect what area residents can afford -- and Devils Lake is the only town in North Dakota where most homes are worth less than $100,000. ALSO READ: How the Middle Class is Faring in North Dakota Ohio: East Cleveland > Median household income: $21,184 (state: $52,407) > Poverty rate: 40.5% (state: 14.9%) > Median home value: $56,800 (state: $135,100) > Population: 17,375 Half of all households in East Cleveland earn $22,000 or less per year, and over a quarter of all area households earn less than $10,000 a year. Additionally, 40.5% of town residents live on poverty level incomes, and 41.9% rely on SNAP benefits -- each well more than double the corresponding statewide rates. Higher educational attainment typically leads to higher incomes, and in East Cleveland, just 11.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or higher, less than half the 27.2% share of adults in Ohio with a bachelor's degree. Oklahoma: Wewoka > Median household income: $25,567 (state: $49,767) > Poverty rate: 41.7% (state: 16.2%) > Median home value: $46,400 (state: $125,800) > Population: 3,396 Over a third of Wewoka, Oklahoma, residents rely on SNAP benefits to afford groceries, and an even larger 41.7% of the population lives below the poverty line. The typical household in the central Oklahoma town earns just $25,567 a year, $24,200 less than the typical Oklahoma household. Low incomes in the area are reflected in the low home values. Wewoka is one of just two Oklahoma towns where most homes are worth less than $50,000. Across the state as a whole, the typical home is worth $125,800. ALSO READ: Best City to Live in Oklahoma Oregon: Coquille > Median household income: $31,220 (state: $56,119) > Poverty rate: 21.7% (state: 14.9%) > Median home value: $134,500 (state: $265,700) > Population: 3,846 The typical household in Oregon earns $56,119 a year, nearly in line with the national median income of $57,652. In some parts of the state, however, residents are far less likely to be as financially secure as the typical American. In Coquille, for example, a small town in the western part of the state, the typical household earns just $31,220 a year. College graduates typically earn far more than those with just a high school diploma, and in Coquille, just 12.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree, a fraction of the 32.3% statewide bachelor's degree attainment rate. Pennsylvania: Johnstown > Median household income: $23,636 (state: $56,951) > Poverty rate: 37.9% (state: 13.1%) > Median home value: $41,500 (state: $170,500) > Population: 19,967 The median annual household income in Pennsylvania of $56,951 is nearly in line with the national median household income of $57,652. Still, the state is home to some of the poorest towns in the United States. In Johnstown, a town of about 20,000 70 miles east of Pittsburgh, the median household income is about half what it is across the state as a whole, and 37.9% of the population lives below the poverty line, the highest poverty rate of any town in the state and more than triple the 13.1% poverty rate across Pennsylvania. ALSO READ: Most Dangerous City in Pennsylvania Rhode Island: Central Falls > Median household income: $30,794 (state: $61,043) > Poverty rate: 30.7% (state: 13.4%) > Median home value: $149,100 (state: $242,200) > Population: 19,395 Central Falls, a small town in northern Rhode Island, is by far the poorest town in the state. The typical household in town earns just $30,794 a year, about half the median income in Westerly, the second poorest town in the state. Additionally, Central Falls' 30.7% poverty rate is more than double the poverty rate of any other town for which accurate data is available in the state. Incomes tend to rise with educational attainment, and Central Falls is home to a far smaller than typical share of college graduates. Just 8.0% of adults in town have a bachelor's degree or higher. In every other Rhode Island town, at least 30% of adults have a bachelor's degree. South Carolina: Central > Median household income: $26,623 (state: $48,781) > Poverty rate: 40.8% (state: 16.6%) > Median home value: $106,400 (state: $148,600) > Population: 5,161 Central is the poorest town in one of the poorest states in the country. The typical Central household earns just $26,623 a year, compared to the median annual household income of $48,781 across the state as a whole -- which itself is about $9,000 less than what the typical American household earns in a year. Low incomes are likely partly the result to the large number of students living in the area, as Central is home to Southern Wesleyan University and its roughly 1,500 students. In most towns on this list, large shares of the population rely on SNAP benefits to afford groceries. In Central, just 5.7% of residents receive SNAP benefits, compared to 14.0% of residents across the state. ALSO READ: The Fastest Growing City in South Carolina South Dakota: Sisseton > Median household income: $38,500 (state: $54,126) > Poverty rate: 22.8% (state: 13.9%) > Median home value: $70,100 (state: $152,700) > Population: 2,548 In Sisseton, more than one in every five residents rely on SNAP benefits, more than double the 10.6% SNAP recipiency rate across the state as a whole. The greater than typical dependence on government benefits is due to the relatively large number of low-income residents. Half of all Sisseton households earn $38,500 or less a year, and 8.4% of households earn less than $10,000 a year. Native American Indian reservations have some of the worst economic conditions in the United States, and Sisseton, South Dakota, is located entirely within the Lake Tahoe Reservation in the northeastern corner of the state. Tennessee: Camden > Median household income: $28,750 (state: $48,708) > Poverty rate: 25.1% (state: 16.7%) > Median home value: $92,000 (state: $151,700) > Population: 3,554 Camden, a small town in northwestern Tennessee, is the only town reviewed in the state where most households earn less than $30,000 a year. The typical Tennessee household earns $48,708 a year, about $20,000 more than the median income in Camden, but about $9,000 below the median nationwide. The area's low incomes are profoundly detrimental to the quality of life of a large share of residents, as more than one in every four live below the poverty line -- nearly 10 percentage points higher than the state poverty rate of 16.7%. ALSO READ: How the Middle Class is Faring in Tennessee Texas: San Benito > Median household income: $26,583 (state: $57,051) > Poverty rate: 37.4% (state: 16.0%) > Median home value: $55,100 (state: $151,500) > Population: 24,474 San Benito is a southern Texas town just north of the U.S.-Mexico border. It is the only town in Texas where most households earn less than $30,000 a year. Texas is one of the largest states both by geography and population -- and incomes vary considerably from town to town. In University Park, the wealthiest town in the state, the typical household earns $211,741 a year, eight times as much as the typical household in San Benito. Incomes typically go up with educational attainment, and in San Benito, just 11.7% of adult residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to a near nation-leading 87.2% bachelor's degree attainment rate in University Park. Utah: South Salt Lake > Median household income: $41,457 (state: $65,325) > Poverty rate: 22.5% (state: 11.0%) > Median home value: $184,200 (state: $238,300) > Population: 24,722 South Salt Lake, Utah, is a small city within the broader Salt Lake City metro area. Compared to other similarly sized towns, South Salt Lake's 22.5% poverty rate is by far the highest in the state and more than double Utah's 11.0% poverty rate. The typical household in South Salt Lake earns $41,457 a year -- about $24,000 less than the typical Utah household and $16,000 less than the typical American household. ALSO READ: Best City to Live in Utah Vermont: St. Johnsbury > Median household income: $36,958 (state: $57,808) > Poverty rate: 15.0% (state: 11.4%) > Median home value: $148,800 (state: $220,600) > Population: 5,789 St. Johnsbury is a small town in northern Vermont along the I-91 corridor. The typical household in St. Johnsbury earns just $36,958 a year, the least of any town of comparable size in the state and well below Vermont's median annual household income of $57,808. Despite the area's low incomes, relatively few residents face serious financial hardship. St. Johnsbury's poverty rate of 15.0%, while the highest in the state, is only slightly worse than the 14.6% national poverty rate. Virginia: Bensley > Median household income: $37,692 (state: $68,766) > Poverty rate: 29.8% (state: 11.2%) > Median home value: $131,300 (state: $255,800) > Population: 6,363 The typical household in Bensley, a small Census designated place just south of Richmond, earns just $37,692 a year, about $31,000 less than the typical Virginia household. Bensley also has the highest poverty rate in the state at 29.8%, which is nearly triple Virginia's 11.2% poverty rate. High school dropouts typically earn less than half the income college graduates earn a year. In Bensley, only about a third of adults have a high school diploma, compared to 89% of adults across the state as a whole. ALSO READ: Most Dangerous City in Virginia Washington: Chewelah > Median household income: $31,858 (state: $66,174) > Poverty rate: 20.0% (state: 12.2%) > Median home value: $136,200 (state: $286,800) > Population: 2,601 Chewelah is a small city of less than 3,000 in northeast Washington. The typical household in Chewelah earns just $31,858 a year, less than half the median income of $66,174 across the state as a whole. Incomes typically rise with educational attainment, and in Chewelah, just 16.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree, less than half the 34.5% share of adults in Washington. West Virginia: Beckley > Median household income: $39,695 (state: $44,061) > Poverty rate: 20.2% (state: 17.8%) > Median home value: $114,300 (state: $111,600) > Population: 16,963 West Virginia's median annual household income of $44,061 is among the lowest of all states and about $13,600 less than the median household income nationwide. In Beckley, a small city in southern West Virginia, the typical household earns less than $40,000 a year. Beckley is also the only town in the state where more than one in every five residents live below the poverty line. ALSO READ: The Fastest Growing City in West Virginia Wisconsin: Whitewater > Median household income: $31,827 (state: $56,759) > Poverty rate: 40.2% (state: 12.3%) > Median home value: $164,400 (state: $169,300) > Population: 14,762 Whitewater, a small town in southern Wisconsin, has a median annual household income of $31,827, the lowest of any town of comparable size in the state. For reference, the typical Wisconsin household earns $56,759 a year. Whitewater's poverty rate of 40.2% is also by far the highest in the state and more than triple Wisconsin's 12.3% poverty rate. The low incomes in Whitewater are likely attributable to the large share of full-time students. There are currently about 13,000 students enrolled at the University of Wisconsin Whitewater. Wyoming: Wheatland > Median household income: $46,924 (state: $60,938) > Poverty rate: 4.8% (state: 11.1%) > Median home value: $166,200 (state: $204,900) > Population: 3,617 Wheatland is a small town in southeastern Wyoming. It is the only town in the state where most households earn less than $50,000 a year. Despite a low median household income, relatively few area residents face serious financial hardship. Just 4.8% of the town's 3,617 residents live below the poverty line. Across the state as a whole, 11.1% of the population lives in poverty. Incomes tend to rise with educational attainment, and as is often the case, Wyoming's poorest town is also its least educated. Just 18.6% of adults in Wheatland have a bachelor's degree, below the 26.7% of adults statewide. ALSO READ: How the Middle Class is Faring in Wyoming


It's been over 12 hours since it was announced that the No. 1 pick in NBA draft belongs to the New Orleans Pelicans, and fans and employees may still be blinking in disbelief. The team had just a four percent chance of landing the top pick, and now they're looking at a future that almost certainly contains Zion Williamson. New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton doesn't think Williamson should stop at the Pelicans, though. He has visions of grandeur in his head, visions of a two-sport athlete who could take the city and the sports world by storm. Allow Payton to introduce you to Saints player Zion Williamson. @ZionW32 @PelicansNBA Had a thought......... pic.twitter.com/OAmAuVWGYW   Sean Payton (@SeanPayton) May 15, 2019 Payton was obviously joking, though he would probably change his tune if Zion called him tomorrow and said "when can I try out?" And if he did, it's not like Zion is unfamiliar with football. He played quarterback before he focused on basketball, and he can throw a football really, really, really, really far. And at 6'7 and 284 pounds, he's certainly got the size for it. He's bigger than Rob Gronkowski, who is listed at 6'6 and 265 pounds. Zion will not be calling Payton to ask about tryouts, but the dream of seeing him in a Saints jersey isn't dead. If he goes to a game at the Superdome this fall, he'll probably wear one to the stadium. More from Yahoo Sports: Haynes: Blazers could be in for short series vs. Warriors Robinson: If Kraft walks, can NFL still go after him? Goodwill: Inside look as Pelicans win Zion sweepstakes Twitter on fire after Knicks lose out on Zion


The Indianapolis Colts have improved the depth of their roster tenfold since the new regime took over the front office in 2017, and they've collected talent at some very important positions. As Ali Bhanpuri of NFL.com took a look at the top triplets in the NFL -quarterback, running back, pass catcher-the Colts were ranked just inside the top 10, coming in at No. 9. Quarterback: Andrew Luck - Rank: T-5th (One game: 6th | 2019 prod.: 5th) Running back: Marlon Mack - Rank: 25th Pass catcher: T.Y. Hilton - Rank: 13th Luck's return to elite-level play after missing the entire 2017 season with a shoulder injury was one of the best stories in the NFL last year. A vastly improved offensive line and a concerted effort to get the ball out of his hand more quickly (dropped his time to throw to 2.63 seconds from 2.88 seconds in 2016, per Next Gen Stats) allowed Luck to operate more efficiently (and safely) from the pocket. His completion percentage (67.3) and passer rating (98.7) were both career highs. It feels like Luck's on the brink of having an MVP-type season. After a quiet rookie year, Mack - like the Colts as a whole - caught much of the league by surprise, rushing for 908 yards and nine touchdowns with an impressive 4.7 yards per carry. But like most of the backs ranked in the 20s, Mack's stock takes a hit because he's not much of a factor in the passing game. That said, with only one fewer 10-yard-plus run than Alvin Kamara (per PFF), despite playing in three fewer games, Mack probably warrants more touches, including as a pass catcher. Too often overlooked but always productive, Hilton has been a reliably consistent deep threat since he was drafted 92nd overall in 2012. He has the sixth-best yards-per-reception average (15.97) since his rookie season, and over the past three years, only Brandin Cooks and Antonio Brown have caught more passes (37) that traveled at least 20 air yards than Hilton's 36, according to Next Gen Stats. The potential for this triplet to rise up the board depends mainly on Mack's progression. While Luck and Hilton were leading the offense well before Chris Ballard took over as general manager, the depth around the entire roster has increased dramatically. This has allowed the veteran duo to thrive when on the field together. Mack, who is expected to lead the backfield in touches, has a chance to take the next step into the conversation as one of the top tiered backs in the league. Is he going to be an elite back? Probably not. The lack of impact in the passing game likely keeps him from that tier. However, the Colts offense will run largely through those three players. And behind a stout offensive line, it's a very exciting time for the unit. MORE: Steph Curry opens up about Kevin Durant's exit, state of Warriors after big changes Chris Paul's Contract Is So Bad The Rockets Gave Up Everything in Thunder Trade News: Major trade target at safety, levels to Cowboys WRs, NFL's best back NBA Depth Charts The Ringer believes Raiders could trade SS Karl Joseph to Cowboys