BOSTON (AP) -- Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia will take an "indefinite leave" in his long struggle to recover from knee trouble, putting in doubt whether he'll play again in the majors. The 35-year-old Pedroia has tried the past two seasons to fully return from surgery on his left knee. At a news conference Monday at Fenway Park, Red Sox President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski called it an "indefinite leave at this point." Boston put the longtime star on the 60-day injured list. Pedroia said "time will give me the right answer if my knee can do this." The gritty 2008 AL MVP had surgery on Oct. 25, 2017 and played in just three games last season. This year, he's played in only six games, getting two singles in 20 at-bats. "You don't know the end result and that part's hard," he said. "So that's why a little reflection right now, I need to re-evaluate, go home, chill out and see how everything responds." Indians manager Terry Francona, who was with the Red Sox from 2004-11 and won a World Series title with Pedroia in 2007, talked with the second baseman earlier in the day. Cleveland is in Boston for a three-game series. "He came over this morning for about a half hour," Francona said. "I think he's in a pretty good place. I think, I don't want to speak for him, but I think he knows he emptied his tank. He didn't leave any stone unturned. He probably gave more than he should, and his body is feeling it now. I don't think he has any regrets - nor should he." Pedroia said the time away will help him think about his future. "I'm going to go home for a little bit to be with my family, kind of get away for a little bit and then we'll figure it out from there," he said. Pedroia did say he'd be there when the team needs him -- via video chat. "You can always FaceTime," Red Sox manager Alex Cora said, smiling, sitting to Pedroia's right in a press conference with Dombrowski on Pedroia's left. "I FaceTime a lot," Pedroia said. "In our hitters' meetings when I was away last year." Pedroia's knee troubles began in April 2017, when then-Orioles star Manny Machado took out Pedroia with a hard slide at second base. "It sucks," said Machado, now with the Padres. "Obviously, he could down as one of the greatest Red Sox to play this game. Whenever stuff like that happens, you definitely don't want to walk away from the game, and hopefully he gets back and he gets healthy. I think he has a couple of more years on his contract, so I think he has a lot of time to get healthy and hopefully get back in the game." Pedroia has a $15 million salary this year and is owed $13 million in 2020 and $12 million in 2021, with $2.5 million a year deferred without interest. He re-aggravated his left knee in a game at Yankee Stadium on April 17 and was put on the 10-day IL with left knee irritation. He's started and stopped rehab assignments a few times before he removed himself from a game at Double-A Portland last Friday due to soreness. "It's kind of tough when all the doctors are saying `No' and I'm saying `Yes,'" he said. ------ AP Baseball Writer Ronald Blum and AP Freelancer Larry Fleisher in New York contributed to this story. ------ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP--Sports Related slideshow: 2019 MLB season (provided by imagn)


Steve Stricker didn't win a major on the PGA Tour, but he's making up for that on the senior circuit, capturing the U.S. Senior Open with a startling display of golf that ended with his second senior major of 2019. Stricker, who said he came into the championship feeling a little ornery after a playoff loss last week to Jerry Kelly, left nothing to chance, cruising to a six-shot win with rounds of 62-64-66-69 for a 19-under-par 261 that included just two bogeys and a 57-hole stretch without a bogey. Stricker tied the largest margin of victory in tournament history and fell one short of Fred Funk's 20-under-par 268 in 2009 at Crooked Stick for lowest 72-hole score. Nearly more remarkable are the clubs Stricker did it with as virtually every club in his bag is dated to some extent, some remarkably so. His Titleist 755 Forged irons, for example, go back to 2006 when Stricker first put them in play at the Shell Houston Open. His Titleist 913D3 driver was introduced in fall 2012 and the 915 fairway wood two years later. And then, of course, is his Odyssey White Hot 2 putter that he has used for the majority of the last 18 years. "My whole objective is to get it in the fairway and then see what pins I feel comfortable shooting at or steering away from," Stricker said after the third round. "That's been the game plan. And, I've been putting well." Stricker's putting stats at the Warren Golf Course at Notre Dame were misleading. While Stricker only ranked T-7 in putts, when you consider that he led the field in greens in regulation, there weren't a lot of up-and-down one-putts to boost the putting stats. And as for those old sticks? "I've been trying to find some clubs and equipment that I like, and so I went back to an old set that feels really good," he said. "That's part of it, too, I think. I'm swinging at it a little bit more confidently, feeling good with what I have in my hand." Going 19 under par in the U.S. Senior Open will do that to you. Winner's bag: Steve Stricker's equipment at the U.S. Senior Open Ball: Titleist Pro V1x Driver: Titleist 913D3, 8.5 degrees 3-wood: Titleist 915F, 13.5 degrees Hybrid: Titleist 816H1, 17 degrees Irons (3-PW): Titleist 755 Forged Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM6 (54 degrees); Titleist Vokey SM4 (60 degrees) Putter: Odyssey White Hot 2 Check out Golf Digest Schools for the best in video golf instruction WATCH: GOLF DIGEST VIDEOS See the video.


WASHINGTON   Donald Trump may be leading the polls for the Republican presidential nomination, but his record suggests that little of his support stems from a lengthy history of harboring bedrock conservative principles. A look at Trump's stands on a number of issues shows him changing his stance from left- to right-leaning   as does his voting registration. Here are some of topics on which Trump has changed his tune: ABORTION THEN: "I'm very pro-choice. I hate the concept of abortion. I hate it. I hate everything it stands for. I cringe when I hear people debating the subject. But I just believe in choice."   "Meet the Press," Oct. 24, 1999. He said in the interview that he was pro-choice "in every respect" and would not ban partial birth abortions. MORE RECENTLY: "I'm pro-life, but I changed my view a number of years ago," he said, citing a friend's decision to keep an unwanted child. "It's the greatest thing that's ever happened to him. And you know, here's a baby that wasn't going to be let into life. And I heard this, and some other stories, and I am pro-life."   "Christian Broadcast News," April 2011 NOW: "I'm pro-life and I have been pro-life." He said he believed there should be "caveats" in cases of rape, incest or the life of the mother.   Interview with Bloomberg, Jan. 24, 2015 IMMIGRATION THEN: "For people that have been here for years, that have been hard workers, have good jobs, they're supporting their family   it's very, very tough to just say, 'By the way, 22 years, you have to leave. Get out.' I'm one of the world's very conservative people, but I have to tell you on a human basis, how do you throw somebody out that's lived in this country for 20 years?" Fox News, June 18, 2012. THEN: He called 2012 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney's call for migrants to voluntarily return home a "crazy policy of self-deportation which was maniacal. It sounded as bad as it was, and he lost all of the Latino vote. He lost the Asian vote. He lost everybody who is inspired to come into this country." He added that Democrats "didn't have a policy for dealing with illegal immigrants, but what they did have going for them is they weren't mean-spirited about it. They didn't know what the policy was, but what they were is they were kind." Interview with Newsmax's Ronald Kessler, after Romney's 2012 loss to President Barack Obama. NOW: "When Mexico sends its people, they're not sending their best .... They're sending people that have lots of problems, and they're bringing those problems with us. They're bringing drugs. They're bringing crime. They're rapists. And some, I assume, are good people."   Trump presidential announcement, June 16, 2015, in New York. NOW: Calls for tripling the number of immigration agents, deporting those here illegally, ending birthright citizenship and making Mexico pay for a wall along the southern border. Trump Immigration Policy NOW: "They have to go. We either have a country, or we don't have a country." "Meet the Press," Aug. 16, 2015. GUN CONTROL THEN: "Democrats want to confiscate all guns, which is a dumb idea because only the law-abiding citizens would turn in their guns and the bad guys would be the only ones left armed. The Republicans walk the NRA line and refuse even limited restrictions. I generally oppose gun control, but I support the ban on assault weapons and I also support a slightly longer waiting period to purchase a gun. With today's Internet technology we should be able to tell within 72 hours if a potential gun owner has a record." Trump, The America We Deserve, 2000 NOW: "The problem is once you get into that you start getting into a situation, the slippery slope, where all of a sudden you are going to violate the Second Amendment. I don't want to do anything to violate the Second Amendment. To me the Second Amendment is very important. NBC News, July 18 2015 SINGLE-PAYER HEALTH CARE THEN: "If you can't take care of your sick in the country, forget it, it's all over. I mean, it's no good. So I'm very liberal when it comes to health care. I believe in universal health care. I believe in whatever it takes to make people well and better."   "Larry King Live," Oct. 8 1999 NOW: Trump says a single-payer system works in Canada and works "incredibly well in Scotland and "could have worked in a different age, which is the age you're talking about here." He called for a private system but said: "We have to take care of the people that can't take care of themselves. And I will do that through a different system." VOTER REGISTRATION JULY 1987: Trump registers for the first time in Manhattan, as a Republican. OCTOBER 1999: Trump registers as a member of the Independence Party. AUGUST 2001: Trump registers as a Democrat. SEPTEMBER 2009: After eight years as a Democrat, Trump returns to the Republican Party. DECEMBER 2011: Trump leaves all three parties, checking off the box marked "I do not wish to enroll in a party." APRIL 2012: Trump registers as a Republican  The Smoking Gun, citing New York City Board of Elections records. Trump's campaign did not respond to a request for comment. Asked about conservative skepticism over some of his stands, Trump, in a recent Fox News interview, invoked Ronald Reagan, a one-time Democrat turned conservative icon. "He was a Democrat with a liberal bent, and he became a great conservative, in my opinion," Trump said. "He had something very special. But if you think of it, he was a little bit less conservative, actually, than people think. He had a great heart. And I have a great heart."


Brace for sugar: National Doughnut Day is on the way. The event, held this year on June 7, isn't a new tradition. Perhaps surprisingly, it's dipped in patriotic history. National Doughnut Day originated in 1938 to pay tribute to the Salvation Army volunteers who provided doughnuts to Uncle Sam's soldiers during World War I. According to doughnut lore, those "Donut Lassies" were the reason the fried treats caught on in the United States after the troops returned home. Ready to celebrate by finding fresh doughnuts near you? Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top options for doughnuts around Seattle, using both Yelp data and our own methodology to produce a ranked list of the city's best. 1. Family Donut Shop Topping the list is Family Donut Shop . Located at 2100 N. Northgate Way, Suite F (between North Meridian Avenue) in Haller Lake, the spot to score doughnuts and more is the highest-rated doughnut spot in Seattle, boasting 4.5 stars out of 187 reviews on Yelp. 2. General Porpoise Next up is Capitol Hill's General Porpoise , situated at 1020 E. Union St. (between 11th and 10th avenues). With four stars out of 579 reviews on Yelp, the spot to score doughnuts, coffee and tea has proven to be a local favorite. 3. The Original Bakery West Seattle's The Original Bakery , located at 9253 45th Ave. SW, is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the bakery, which offers doughnuts and other baked goods, 4.5 stars out of 132 reviews. 4. Mighty-O Donuts Mighty-O Donuts , a spot to score doughnuts, coffee and tea in the Denny Triangle, is another much-loved go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 52 Yelp reviews. Head over to 1812 Boren Ave. (between Howell and Stewart streets) to see for yourself. 5. Aurora Donuts Over in Bitter Lake, check out Aurora Donuts , which has earned 4.5 stars out of 77 reviews on Yelp. You can find the bakery, which offers doughnuts and more, at 13201 Aurora Ave. North (between 130th Street). This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


Seven weeks. Just seven weeks. That's how far away the Dallas Cowboys first preseason game is. The Cowboys will head south from their training camp perch in Oxnard, California to take on the San Fransisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Saturday, August 10. Between here and there, players and coaches will infuse their offense with fresh ideas from new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, and sharpen their defense under the continued guidance of the two-headed defensive monster coaching combo of Rod Marinelli and Kris Richard. While the summer quickly gives way to training camp opening on July 27, media and pundits continue to pour praise on the America's Team. Dak Prescott takes center stage as he's named "One of the best quarterbacks in the NFL," and has his outright dominance of the NFC East highlighted, bolded, italicized and underlined. Prescott will rely heavily on his No. 1 wide receiver to maintain that mastery, but what if No. 19 weren't around? Dak Prescott pretty much owns the NFC East :: Blogging the Boys Prescott is always going to be compared to inter-divisional contemporary Carson Wentz simply because they were both drafted in 2016. While Wentz has missed considerable time with a smattering of injuries, Prescott has been busy laying waste to the the NFC East. It's not just the Eagles, it's the Redskins and Giants too. As Blogging the Boys point out, Prescott's numbers against the NFC East mirror another Cowboys QB, his predecessor Tony Romo. Dak Prescott Has Developed into one of the Best Quarterbacks in the NFL :: Pre-Snap Reads Continuing the theme of Prescott's dominance, as it turns out, it's not just the NFC East he balls out against, it's everyone. The Cowboys QB1 is slowly backing the brinks truck up to a $100 million payday this offseason, and Pre-Snap Reads analysis indicates that the former 4th round pick has earned every penny. "He was the sixth-most accurate passer when throwing the ball behind the down-and-distance. He was the fifth-best passer when throwing the ball to/past the first down line from behind the down-and-distance. It's not like this was a quarterback who was just throwing screens all day. (10.7 percent of his throws were screens, 15th in the league). Nor was he reliant on play action to be precise. (Only 19 percent of Prescott's attempts came after a play fake, surprisingly ranking as low as 22nd in the league)." Could the Cowboys end up losing Amari Cooper? :: The Landry Hat Just reading that line spikes the blood pressure. The Cowboys gave up their 2019 first round pick in order to acquire Cooper, and were able to utilize his skill set to boost their offense in the second half of 2018. The plan all along has been to re-sign Cooper long term, and making him the Cowboys franchise wide receiver for the foreseeable future. As the spring has lingered on, Cooper seems to be in no hurry to sign, waiting patiently, likely hoping Julio Jones or Michael Thomas lift the bottom dollar on his next deal. Bleacher Report took a stab at predicting Cooper's contract. Dallas Cowboys: 3 Early breakout candidates for the 2019 season :: SpinZone SpinZone name Michael Gallup, Jourdan Lewis and Jaylon Smith as the three Cowboys likely to breakout in 2019. Gallup showed flashes in 2018, including racking up 119 yards receiving in the divisional round loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Lewis had trouble getting on the field early last year, a victim of Kris Richard's preference for larger cornerbacks, but that didn't keep Lewis down; he earned his playing time and showed out, even getting to touch the ball on offense. Now the young corner looks to play his was upward and establish himself long-term. As for Smith, the stud linebacker continues to ascend, and probably should have made the Pro Bowl in 2018. If he plays any better he'll be in the conversation for the best linebacker in football. You can follow Burke at @BurkeDowner. MORE: Pelicans coach gets last laugh over Anthony Davis' 'That's All Folks' shirt NBA Free Agency 2019: The top players We'll know shortly about the future of NFL Sunday Ticket With all eyes on Browns' receiving group, Nick Chubb brings necessary balance Is Roquan Smith primed for his first Pro Bowl in 2019?


A cigarette caused a fire early Saturday morning that displaced about 200 people from the Extended Stay Hotel on Fortune Circle Drive, fire officials said. A discarded cigarette left in the mulch outside of the west-side hotel caused a fire that crept up the side of the building and spread into the attic space, the Wayne Township Fire Department said in a news release. Sprinklers activated in the attic prevented the fire from spreading further, the fire department said. IMPD: Officers shot and killed man who showed gun during traffic stop With 102 of 105 total rooms occupied, the hotel was almost full. The fire department said many of the occupants were visiting Indianapolis for Gen Con, a convention that brings more than 65,000 people to the city each year . All of the building's occupants were evacuated shortly before 5 a.m., and no one was injured, the fire department said. Authorities had the fire under control within 30 minutes, the fire department said, with assistance from the Decatur Township Fire Department and Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. All three floors of the hotel were damaged, the fire department said. The fire damage is mostly limited to the outside of the building, but water from the sprinklers in the attic caused substantial damage to part of the building, authorities said. Support our journalism Please support the work of IndyStar reporters and visual journalists by becoming a subscriber today. Get unlimited digital access here! The fire department helped the hotel guests retrieve their belongings early this morning. The American Red Cross also is helping the hotel guests find places to stay. Contact IndyStar reporter London Gibson at 317-444-6043 or lbgibson@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @londongibson. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Cigarette starts fire at Indianapolis hotel, displaces 200 people


The Washington Redskins had a highly successful offseason, highlighted by a solid draft in April. The Cleveland Browns bolstered their roster with the addition of wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. via trade. Both teams are historically bottom-feeders, but the rare feeling of hope lingers near. When they meet up on Thursday night to kick off the preseason, who will come out on top? With this matchup on tap, Redskins Wire took the opportunity to hold a Q&A with Browns Wire managing editor Jeff Risdon. Redskins Wire: Retooled coaching staff, retooled receiving corps - there is a lot of newness with the Browns this season. What do you think is going to be the one thing that people will take away from watching this Cleveland team play for the first time under Kitchens? Jeff Risdon: Everyone is looking to see how well Kitchens manages a game and in-game situations. He did fine last year, but there is considerably more on his plate now as the head coach. He is keenly aware of the microscope on his coaching and seems comfortable with it, but the bright lights and new situation are unprecedented for him. RW: It's possible that most of the starting-level players will see minimal playing time on Thursday, but who should fans keep an eye out for on the field? JR: I don't expect any of the marquee players - [Baker] Mayfield, Beckham, [Myles] Garrett, [Denzel] Ward, [Nick] Chubb, [Jarvis] Landry, [David] Njoku - to play more than a series, if at all. The biggest position battles are at right guard and the depth at wide receiver and cornerback. There is a lot of pressure on Austin Corbett when he's in the game. He's losing the battle at right guard to journeyman Eric Kush, and if the 2018 second-round pick doesn't show real progress soon he's in jeopardy. The Browns kicking battle is a heated one, too. Greg Joseph vs. Austin Seibert might not sell a lot of tickets, but it's a huge focus in training camp. RW: Both the Browns and Redskins have some high expectations coming into the 2019 season, though success has avoided both franchises for the past several years. If you had to put your own money down on who will have a better season, who would you choose? JR: The expectations for the Browns are higher, both locally and nationally. With all the premium talent on the roster, it would be a major disappointment for this Cleveland team to miss the playoffs. Mayfield raises the bar. RW: Let's hear it - who will win Thursday night's preseason game, what will the score be and why should anyone care? JR: Nobody should care about the final score. I do think there is some value in the score at the end of the first quarter because that shows what some starters vs. starters can produce, but with it being the first week it's pretty insignificant. In looking at the Washington depth, the Browns appear to have more talent in more places, so I'll go with them to win. Browns 20, Redskins 13 MORE: A furious Chris Davis had to be held back from Orioles manager Brandon Hyde 8 players to watch during Packers' preseason opener vs. Texans Deadline passes as Elliott loses accrued season, fines reach $500K 3 Predictions for the Browns' preseason opener against the Redskins NFL veteran Ted Ginn Jr. shares story of when LeBron James lent him one of his cars for prom


The weather report shows hot temperatures are in store for Milwaukee today, according to drone-powered weather forecasting service Saildrone . Temperatures will reach 90 degrees today and 86 on Tuesday. The immediate forecast also includes rain. Today's forecast shows the highest chance of rain at 98%, with predicted rainfall of 0.06 inches. Skies will be mostly cloudy on Wednesday. Winds are forecast to reach a modest high of 17 mph on Thursday, and remain in the teens through Friday. 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.


Nemanja Matic is keen to discuss his Manchester United future with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, after reports linked the Serbian with a move away from the club. After a fairly impressive first campaign for United under Jose Mourinho, Matic's performances have been increasingly questioned, and Solskjaer is now under pressure to make a decision regarding the player's future before the close of the summer transfer window. ESPN claim that Inter and AC Milan are both monitoring Matic's situation. Inter's potential offer is expected to be a player-plus-cash deal, involving their out-of-favour midfielder Radja Nainggolan and a £10m fee. Matic could be joined at San Siro by current teammate Romelu Lukaku, who has been linked with a £80m deal to Inter all summer. However, with the United squad travelling to Perth on Sunday for a pre-season tour of Australia, Antonio Conte will be desperate to make progress on both of these deal sooner rather than later. Newcastle fans really like Sean Longstaff. Manchester United fans are not convinced. So @IMBO_WILL - famously a Newcastle fan - has written an informative piece outlining what he's done so far and what he could bring to OT, for @90min_Football  https://t.co/umYfPUCuIH   Scott Saunders (@_scottsaunders) June 27, 2019 Newcastle United's Sean Longstaff has been touted as the most likely replacement for the departing Matic. The 21-year-old centre-midfielder has been being tracked by United for a number of weeks, with a £15m opening bid expected to be placed in the near future. Longstaff would represent Solskjaer's third signing of the summer, after Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, all of whom are under the age of 22. Despite this evident focus on the future in their recruitment, the United manager has been keen to assert that he is also looking for an immediate upturns in their fortunes this season, following a disappointing sixth place finish last campaign. 'It's a long term and short-term project' Solskjaer told the club website . 'You cannot just think three years down the line and so we've got short-term goals as well' he added. The United boss went on to praise the club's transfer dealings so far, whilst also revealing that he expects 'some more business [to be] done', before the close of the window.


Civic Center , Mid-Market , Tenderloin Performance group Skywatchers will host its annual festival in the Tenderloin this weekend, with three days of free performances and art exhibits, along with a shared community meal. Part of choreographer Anne Bluethenthal's ABD Productions , the organization, which just marked its eighth anniversary, aims to use the arts to inspire social change. Its work is inspired by the stories and experiences of an intergenerational group of Tenderloin residents, and often features them as performers as well. This year's event, Skywatchers Festival at the Table: Visions , marks the culmination of a two-year effort by Skywatchers to capture changes in the neighborhood, and highlight the community's role in preserving it. A National Endowment For the Arts grant helped fund the project. The festival will include three performances of Came Here to Live , a performance work featuring the Skywatchers Ensemble, comprised of Tenderloin residents, as well as ABD's artists. The original work, inspired by performers' life experiences, tackles tough topics like displacement and disfranchisement in the Tenderloin. Staged at the Kelly Cullen Community Center (220 Golden Gate Ave.), each performance will be followed by a community discussion about housing justice and building community in an evolving neighborhood. As part of the festival, the Cullen Center will also host a multimedia exhibition of artwork created over the past two years by Tenderloin residents, open for an hour before each performance of Came Here To Live The works on display will include large-scale photo portraits of community members rendered as the god or goddess of their imagination; a short documentary about the Hotel Iroquois , a single-room occupancy hotel where Skywatchers has held performances in partnership with residents; and an exhibition of 200 handmade banners memorializing those who died on the Tenderloin's streets in 2018. On Saturday evening, Tenderloin residents, neighbors, and community supporters are invited to share a communal meal at the festival, sponsored by Imperfect Produce and Farming Hope, and prepared and served by the staff of GLIDE community church. The meal will offer attendees a seat "At the Table" to discuss the issues raised by the performance and art installation. The festival's schedule is as follows: Friday, May 17 5:30 - Opening reception 7:00 - Performance of Came Here to Live Saturday, May 18 4:00 - Performance of Came Here to Live 5:30 - Community meal & conversations Sunday, May 19 12:30 - Processional from GLIDE to 220 Golden Gate Ave. 1:00 - Performance of Came Here to Live All events are free and open to the public, and spaces can be reserved on ABD's website . In addition to ABD Productions and the meal sponsors, the festival is supported by dozens of other neighborhood partners and businesses, including the Luggage Store/509 Community Space, Larkin Street Youth Services, Faithful Fools Street Ministry, Tenderloin Museum, Cutting Ball Theaters, SafeHouse, CounterPulse, Coalition on Homelessness, the Hospitality House, Center City SRO, the Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation, the Tenderloin Community Benefit District, the Tenderloin People's Congress, the California Arts Council, Mazza Foundation, and the San Francisco Arts Commission.


The Boston Celtics soon are expected to come into quite a bit of cash, and they reportedly plan to use the bulk of it on one of the league's preeminent talents. With Kyrie Irving and Al Horford all but certainly bound for new homes, the Celtics suddenly were put in position to be a major player on the open market. It might not be very long until the C's make a sizeable splash in free agency either, as Boston reportedly has become to the frontrunner to land Kemba Walker. The Hornets originally were viewed as the leading candidate to sign Walker, a notion that was further solidified when the 29-year-old stated he was open to a taking a pay cut in order to stay in Charlotte. But even with a hometown discount, the Hornets reportedly still aren't willing to meet Walker's financial demands . The Celtics, on the other hand, appear ready to pounce. "Walker's eight-year career with the Hornets appears to be coming to close, with owner Michael Jordan no longer determined to extend far enough financially to re-sign his franchise player, league sources tell ESPN," Adrian Wojnarowski writes. "Walker, a three-time All-Star, is expected to be offered a four-year, $141 million contract from the Celtics when free agency opens Sunday at 6 p.m. ET -- a deal that he's increasingly likely to accept, league sources said." Walker, at least on paper, would be a great addition for the Celtics, whose fans surely will endear the UConn product for his high energy and upbeat attitude. And aside from everything Walker can bring to the court, he'd be a strong veteran presence in the locker room for Boston's young and inexperienced players. Risk always comes with a contract as lucrative as the one Walker reportedly will be offered by the Celtics. But Boston couldn't afford to stand pat after its disappointing 2018-19 season, and Walker is the type of player worth investing in as your franchise looks to start fresh.


Curious just how far your dollar goes in Milwaukee? We've rounded up the latest rental offerings via rental sites Zumper and Apartment Guide to get a sense of what to expect when it comes to finding housing in Milwaukee if you're on a budget of $1,600/month. Take a look at the listings, below. (Note: prices and availability are subject to change.) Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. 159 N. Jackson St. (Historic Third Ward) Listed at $1,525/month, this 900-square-foot one-bedroom, one-bathroom abode is located at 159 N. Jackson St. You can expect to see a walk-in closet, a dishwasher and a mix of hardwood floors and carpeting in the unit. If you've got a pet, you'll be happy to learn that cats and dogs are permitted. Future tenants needn't worry about a leasing fee. Per Walk Score ratings, the area around this address is very walkable, is convenient for biking and offers many nearby public transportation options. (Take a look at the complete listing here .) 626 E. Kilbourn Ave. (Juneau Town) Next, check out this 1,200-square-foot two-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bathroom townhome that's located at 626 E. Kilbourn Ave. It's listed for $1,525/month. The building offers on-site laundry. In the residence, which comes furnished, you'll see a dishwasher, hardwood flooring and air conditioning. Pets are not permitted. Per Walk Score ratings, this location is a "walker's paradise," is convenient for biking and offers many nearby public transportation options. (Check out the complete listing here .) 1632 N. Franklin Place (Lower East Side) Here's an 813-square-foot one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment at 1632 N. Franklin Place that's going for $1,510/month. The apartment offers a mix of hardwood floors and carpeting. Amenities in the smoke-free building include garage parking. Pet owners, take heed: Cats and dogs are welcome. Look out for a $300 pet fee. Walk Score indicates that this location is extremely walkable, is great for biking and offers many nearby public transportation options. (Take a look at the full listing here .) 1303 N. 10th St. (Kilbourn Town) Listed at $1,504/month, this 678-square-foot one-bedroom, one-bathroom residence is located at 1303 N. 10th St. The unit has in-unit laundry, a walk-in closet, a balcony and a dishwasher. Pet lovers are in luck: Cats and dogs are welcome. According to Walk Score, the area around this address is very walkable, is fairly bikeable and offers many nearby public transportation options. (Check out the complete listing here .) 1818 N. Commerce St. (Brewer's Hill) Finally, there's this one-bedroom, one-bathroom abode situated at 1818 N. Commerce St. It's listed for $1,491/month for its 772 square feet. Building amenities include a fitness center. The unit also features a dishwasher, a balcony and in-unit laundry. Luckily for pet owners, both dogs and cats are permitted. There's no leasing fee required for this rental. According to Walk Score, this location is friendly for those on foot, is very bikeable and offers many nearby public transportation options. (Take a gander at the complete listing here .) Working with a tight budget? Here are the cheapest rentals recently listed in Milwaukee . This story was created automatically using local real estate data from Zumper and Apartment Guide , then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


Defensive lineman Calais Campbell came back from Von Miller 's pass rush summit with tips to share with his teammates about how to better pressure quarterbacks, but he doesn't think that the defense will be the deciding factor in Jacksonville this season. The Jaguars made a big bet on Nick Foles in free agency and Campbell believes that the team's outlook for the 2019 season is largely colored by the quarterback. "The thing I love about this year is it really comes down to Nick Foles," Campbell said to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media. "He's a guy who's over 30, has a lot of experience, won a Super Bowl MVP, but really what he brings is that confidence. He's a natural leader. When he breaks the team huddle at the end of practice, you can see guys really hear him and that's so important. Obviously what he can do throwing the ball is great, but what he does for the actual overall team, giving us more confidence and belief." Campbell further illustrated how that "confidence and belief" goes beyond what the team felt when Blake Bortles was running the offense. Referring to the defense, Campbell said "we're going to play so much better trying to get him the ball because we know what he'll do with it." That's a formula for more success in Jacksonville, but the chance to show that everything will come together as hoped won't come for a few more months.


Offseason surgery to Chiefs starting left guard Cameron Erving has thrust a a different player into the starting lineup. Andrew Wylie has been filling in for Erving as he recovers from shoulder surgery. It's not yet clear how long Erving will be out with his injury as there are varying degrees of shoulder injuries he could be dealing with. It shouldn't be a problem for Wylie, he's been through this rodeo before. Spot starter isn't a role that Wylie is unfamiliar with. During the 2018 season he found himself occupying Laurent Duvernay-Tardif's spot at right guard while he dealt with a nasty leg injury. He did a fine job too, earning the Chiefs' Mack Lee Hill award for an outstanding rookie or first-year player. Andy Reid had some high praise for the second-year guard during his media availability on Thursday. Reporters wanted to know what made the coaching staff confident in Wylie's ability to transition from the right side to the left side of the interior offensive line. "You know he's one of the better athletes we have up front there and that's a good question because I don't think people know that," Reid said. "He's really a good athlete, he gets out and he runs. You see him do that, you see him lock on to people, kind of glue on to people in the screen game and on pulls. I don't think that's a huge adjustment for him. (Offensive Line Coach) Andy (Heck) moves those guys around anyways, he has them all over the place, just in case something like this happens. I think he'll be fine." Moving from the right side to the left side can be a tricky thing. Not everyone is capable of doing it. However, Reid seems to believe that Wylie is the type of player that will be able to do that because of his superior athleticism. It isn't just one facet of his game either, it's in both the run game and the pass game that Wylie's athleticism shows. Reid also spoke about how offensive like coach Andy Heck likes to move the guys around. This keeps each of them (including Wylie) prepared in the event that something happens on gameday where they have to play out of position. You can only dress so many offensive linemen so the more you can do the bigger asset you are for the offense. Thus far Wylie is proving his worth as a versatile piece along the offensive line. MORE: This flying-knee KO just 10 seconds into a PFL fight had the MMA world in awe Spurs' DeMar DeRozan 'possibly could be on the trade block' to Lakers Mallory Edens: Five Things To Know About Bucks Owner's Daughter Matthew Stafford chugs past Aaron Rodgers with pride Source: Warriors brought in Terence Davis for pre-draft NBA workout


CHICAGO (CBS)   More than 3,000 people in Illinois are currently on the waiting list to receive the life-saving donation of a kidney. Sunday the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois will host its annual Walk for Kidneys at Soldier Field to raise awareness for chronic kidney disease. According to Dr. Dinee Simpson, a transplant surgeon at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, 30 million American adults, or 13% of the American population, have chronic kidney disease. Uncontrolled diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of kidney disease , Simpson says. Kidney disease is the ninth leading cause of death in the United States. Simpson, the first and only African American female transplant surgeon in Illinois, focuses on educating the African American community and addressing the disparities in awareness and care. Simpson says African Americans are four times more likely to develop kidney disease, and 35% of all American adults with kidney failure are African American. African Americans are also twice as likely to have diabetes. Almost half of all African American have high blood pressure. Right now more then 3,300 people in Illinois are waiting for kidney transplants, and the wait for a deceased donor kidney is five to eight years, but what Simpson says a lot of people don't know is that donors can be living donors in what's known as a paired kidney exchange. Living donors can be family members, friends or even strangers. People can register Sunday at the south entrance of Soldier Field starting at 8:30 a.m. The Walk for Kidneys will also include activities for all ages. The walk begins at 10 a.m. and will take place rain or shine. More information can be found at nkfi.org.


Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt has endured three years of pain and obstacles, that would have easily taken down anybody else. But not him. The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year returned to the field full-time in 2018 recording an astounding 16.0 sacks, remarkable for a player who was previously considering retirement due to the injuries and pain his body had gone through. After such an impressive comeback year, Watt is making a comeback to our screens as he eases back into appearing in commercials, one of which, is Gatorade . Debuting on Thursday, this latest campaign involves Watt discussing rivalry and it's importance in an athlete's life. If I could give an athlete, one piece of advice, it would be to find a rival. Someone committed, to taking you down. They should scare you, into starting early, and staying late. They might be far away, or across town. They might be family, but they should make you obsessed, like "this time it's personal" obsessed. And they'll bring you pain, and frustration, you will hate them, but then you'll respect them and love them. Because that rival, that wants to take you down, is gonna make you raise your game even higher. With two brothers in the NFL, he should know all about rivalries, not to mention being drafted in the same year as someone who has all but matched him every step of the way throughout his career in fellow defensive end Von Miller. For any aspiring NFL stars, you've heard it from the man himself, if you want to succeed you need to thrive within a rivalry. MORE: The top 100 players in the NFL today Baker Mayfield believed the Patriots would trade up to draft him Roundup: Hustlers Trailer, El Chapo Getting Supermax Prison, Dan Patrick on Ben Simmons Big Baller Brand's demise looks imminent with sad clearance sale at a local gym NBA Free Agency 2020: The top players


Just before MLS set in for the only sustained break of the season (with the action set to return on 23 June) week 15 saw Philadelphia Union manage to keep hold of their lead at the top of the Easter conference despite Montreal Impact's victory over the Seattle Sounders. Montreal managed to close the gap between them and the conference leaders to just one point ahead of Philadelphia's match against the New York Red Bulls, in a match that saw them struggle early on. Sounders manager Brian Schmetzer saw his game plan play out perfectly during the first 70 minutes of the match, staying defensively compact and allowing Montreal just one shot on target. In the 64th minute, they finally managed to break the deadlock as Harry Shipp drew a penalty from a reckless challenge by Victor Cabrera, and Victor Rodriguez converted the spot kick to give them the lead. FAITS SAILLANTS | Trois gros points avant la pause internationale. HIGHLIGHTS | Three huge points before the international break. #IMFC #MTLvSEA #AllezMTL pic.twitter.com/WIUla66jTr   Impact de Montréal (@impactmontreal) June 6, 2019 Montreal opened up after falling behind, and Seattle almost managed to put the game to bed on the counter, but Joevin Jones missed a golden opportunity after failing to capitalise on a wonderful through-ball from Alex Roldan. They were left to rue their missed chance, as Montreal's Saphir Taider drew a penalty and stepped up to convert in the 74th minute. Just four minutes later the comeback was complete, as Taider pounced on Omar Browne's half-shot to give the Impact all three points. Saturday's matches were some of the best examples of thrilling MLS action, with four goals scored in each game. Sporting Kansas City headed north to face Toronto and managed to find the lead early on when Felipe Gutierrez got on the scoresheet after successfully converting a penalty. Just before the break Toronto's Nick DeLeon managed to find the equaliser, however, Gutierrez managed to complete his brace with another penalty in the 73rd minute. We take a point. #TORvSKC // #ForGloryForCity pic.twitter.com/2taxYbxLQp   Sporting KC (@SportingKC) June 8, 2019 Kansas City looked set to take home all three points, but Toronto had the last word deep into added time when substitute Jordan Hamilton completed a wonderful attack to leave Kansas City with their second straight draw and three points shy of a spot in the Western Conference playoffs. In the second match of the day, San Jose suffered from an embarrassing own-goal from keeper Daniel Vega who accidentally let the ball in from a back-pass under zero pressure, but they managed to regroup in the second half as Chris Wondolowski and Magnus Eriksson put them ahead. San Jose's lead lasted for just 11 minutes, as Francis Atuahene scored the first MLS goal of his career with a curled a shot to the far left corner. The Earthquakes will be severely disappointed with the result, and the blame will most likely rest on the shoulder of Vega for his mistake. Eastern Conference leaders Philadelphia Union stole the show, ending New York Red Bulls' five-game unbeaten streak and maintaining their four-point lead at the top of the table with a game in hand. Ya know what? You're gonna wanna just skip ⏩ to 1:54 of these highlights cuz THAT'S when it gets good...and I mean GOOD. #DOOP pic.twitter.com/ECzeUaqJDX   Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) June 9, 2019 Red Bulls continued their excellent form going into the match, breaking the deadlock in the 28th minute. Alejandro Romero ended a beautiful team play, as Kyle Duncan side-passed the ball with a single touch to give the charging Romero a clear chance which he failed to miss. Just before half time New York doubled their lead, as Philadelphia keeper Andre Blake mistimed a long ball from Alex Muyl, giving Brian White a chance to chip the ball over the keeper and into the net. Philadelphia came out of the gate with a mission, and in the 60th minute they managed to get on the scoreboard thanks to Jamiro Monteiro who capitalised on a wonderful pass from Ilsinho. Brazilian star Ilsinho was on fire, and after providing the assist he also got the equaliser for Philadelphia just one minute later - passing two players on the right side to hit a low kick to the far corner. Is this man even human?? #Skilsinho | #DOOP | #Tekkers pic.twitter.com/gIbaX5YyiB   Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) June 9, 2019 Union kept pressing and in the 70th minute when their efforts were rewarded after a handball in the box. Monteiro was the one tasked with taking the kick but he was magnificently blocked by New York keeper Luis Robles, but the ball ricocheted towards red-hot Ilsinho who smashed the ball into the net with a single touch to complete a remarkable comeback for Philadelphia. In the remaining fixtures before the US Open Cup and the Gold Cup break, NYC FC ran out 5-2 winners over minnows Cincinnati, and Colorado overcame Minnesota United 1-0 thanks to a solitary goal from Kei Kamara.


Managing a chronic health condition like diabetes, Crohn's disease, or rheumatoid arthritis isn't just about taking your medications or avoiding triggers that cause flares. It's also about keeping your stress levels in check. While it may seem insignificant, constant worrying can actually mess with your immune system, digestion, and sleep, leaving you feeling even worse, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Keeping your cool won't always be easy to do, though and we get that. For many, living with a chronic condition means worrying about uncomfortable symptoms or squeezing in doctors appointments in the middle of the workweek. That's where these eight coping mechanisms come in. They'll make living with a chronic condition a bit easier, and may just improve your physical health outcomes, too. 1. Find a doctor you love. Managing a chronic condition often means working closely with your healthcare provider, so it's important to find someone you like and feel comfortable with. "A strong patient-doctor relationship can help ease any unnecessary stress. A good place to start is by asking your primary care provider if they have any recommendations," says Marc Bernstein , MD, a gastroenterologist who treats chronic conditions like Crohn's disease. 2. Focus on one thing at a time. There's a lot of information out there on the steps you might be able to take to improve your health from making dietary changes and adopting stress management techniques to getting more sleep. But trying to overhaul your life all at once can be overwhelming. "You'll quickly burn yourself out," says Susan Masterson, PhD, a health psychologist with Sjögren's Syndrome (an autoimmune disorder that causes dry eyes and dry mouth). Rather than attempt tons of changes in one fell swoop, she recommends talking with your doctor about which one can have the most significant impact. Start with that, then move on to something else. 3. Get some exercise. Take a walk, ride your bike, or make plans to play basketball with a friend. Just 30 minutes of daily movement may be enough to lift your spirits and lower your stress levels, according to the NIMH . It also just might make your condition more manageable, findings suggest . Just be sure to get the green light from your doctor first. If your condition makes it harder to be active, consider working with a physical therapist to find exercise options that will be safe and enjoyable for you. 4. Join a support group. Yes, your friends and family are there for you. But they don't really get what it's like to not be able to button a shirt because your fingers are too stiff, or worry about the toilet clogging every time you use the bathroom at someone else's house. And that can sometimes feel pretty isolating. Research suggests that connecting with others who share your diagnosis (or a similar one) can help you feel less alone and maybe even give you a fresh perspective on the issues you're dealing with. 5. Talk with a professional. Regular sessions with a therapist or psychologist who specializes in chronic illness can be a worthwhile investment. "You're probably dealing with frustration, a sense of disconnection with your body, the pressures of living in an ableist world, the torture of the medical system, and the ways that people around you invalidate, question, and misunderstand your illness," says Karen McDowell , PhD, Clinical Director of AR Psychological Services. A mental health professional can help you work through all of these issues (and more), so they take up less space in your brain. 6. Flex your creative muscles. Draw or paint, take up an instrument, keep a journal, or just dance around in your living room. Creative activities are proven pick-me-ups that can fight feelings of stress and depression and even ease symptoms in those with chronic diseases, Pennsylvania State University research shows . And you don't have to be a natural Picasso or Mozart to reap the benefits. All you need to do is have fun. 7. Hit the pause button. It's easy to worry about an upcoming medical test or whether your symptoms might flare up at the worst possible time. Next time you notice that happening, take a deep breath and bring your attention back to the present. A few minutes of mindfulness can slow your racing thoughts, helping you feel calmer and more in control, Masterson says. Over time, that could add up to a greater sense of wellbeing overall, an Australian study found . 8. Make peace with the present. Coming to terms with the fact that your condition may not be curable isn't a failure it's freeing. " Many people cling to the goal of getting back to where they were before, which may not be realistic," McDowell says. Instead of wishing that your body behaved differently, consider simply being okay with it as it is. "When you're working on acceptance, you're learning how to let yourself be where you are," she says. "You're being kind and compassionate to your body." And often, that's the best coping mechanism there is. Gallery: 30 celebrities who are fighting chronic illnesses


As fans of cronuts and cake pops can attest, food trends come and go. So how can you tell which tastes are trending right now? We took a data-driven look at the question, using Yelp to analyze which local businesses have been on the tips of diners' tongues this month. To find out who made the list, we looked at Houston businesses on Yelp by category and counted how many reviews each received. Rather than compare them based on number of reviews alone, we calculated a percentage increase in reviews over the past month, and tracked businesses that consistently increased their volume of reviews to identify statistically significant outliers compared to past performance. Read on to see which spots are riding a trend, right now. Cielito Cafe Open since April, this breakfast and brunch and Mexican spot is trending compared to other businesses categorized as "Mexican" on Yelp. Citywide, Mexican spots saw a median 2.9% increase in new reviews over the past month, but Cielito Cafe saw a 76.8% increase, with a slight downward trend from a five-star rating a month ago to 4.5 stars today. Located at 1915 Dunlavy St. in Neartown - Montrose, Cielito Cafe offers breakfast sandwiches, pancakes, eggs, soup and more. Brunch favorites at this cafe include the cajeta toast (Mexican-flavored french toast cooked in caramelized goat's milk and topped with bacon and eggs, nopolitos (scrambled eggs mixed with cactus, tomatoes, red onion, cheese and peppers) and breakfast tacos. (Check out the full menu here .) Watershed Whether or not you've been hearing buzz about Willow Meadows / Willowbend Area's Watershed , the German and New American spot, which offers beer, wine and spirits and more, is a hot topic according to Yelp review data. While businesses categorized as "American (New)" on Yelp saw a median 2.5% increase in new reviews over the past month, Watershed bagged a 100% increase in new reviews within that timeframe, maintaining a solid 4.5-star rating. Open at 4820 W. Bellfort Ave. since April, Watershed offers 30 beers on tap, along with a full menu of bar bites, sausages and sandwiches. Diners and drinkers can admire the feature wall made of cassette tapes while enjoying a smoked Reuben sandwich (smoked pastrami, sauerkraut and Swiss cheese on toasted marbled rye) or fish and chips, among other options. (The full menu can be found here .) Taste Bar + Kitchen Midtown's Taste Bar + Kitchen is also making waves. Open since March at 3015 Bagby St., the well-established cocktail bar and breakfast and brunch and Southern spot has seen a 44.2% bump in new reviews over the last month, compared to a median review increase of 4.2% for all businesses tagged "Breakfast & Brunch" on Yelp. According to the business' website , "Guests to Taste Bar + Kitchen can expect comfort foods featuring an extensive chicken and waffles menu." Look for the smothered chicken & waffles (c hicken topped with rich brown gravy and waffles) and the Nashville Hot chicken & waffles. In the mood for something sweet? Order the pecan praline or chocolate chip waffles. Over the past month, it's maintained a mixed 3.5-star rating among Yelpers. (Explore the full menu here .) Boomtown Coffee Main St. Café & Bar Downtown Houston's Boomtown Coffee Main St. Café & Bar is the city's buzziest bar by the numbers. The cafe and bar has three Houston-area locations. Open at 300 Main St. since March 2018, Boomtown Coffee Main St. Café & Bar has increased its new review count by 22.2% over the past month, an outlier when compared to the median new review count of 3.3% for the Yelp category "Bars." It outperformed the previous month by gaining 4.0 times more reviews than expected based on past performance. Boomtown Coffee Main St. Café & Bar offers eggs, tacos, sandwiches, salads, coffee and tea. Menu standouts include the Classic Breakfast with two eggs your way, plus roasted potatoes or latkes, and either bacon or avocadotoast served with seasonal house-made jam, as well as the Boomtown Burger with arugula, tomato, caramelized onions, aioli and blue cheese on a challah bun. The spot also has a full cocktail menu with all the classics as well as breakfast libations like mimosas, bloody marys and the Old Fashioned Breakfast with bourbon, maple syrup, angostura bitters and orange oil. (Check out the menu here .) Blue Onyx Bistro Afton Oaks / River Oaks Area's Blue Onyx Bistro is currently on the upswing in the steakhouse category on Yelp. While businesses categorized as "Steakhouses" on Yelp saw a median 2.2% increase in new reviews over the past month, this steakhouse, sushi bar and seafood spot increased its new reviews by 7%  and kept its rating consistent at 4.5 stars. Open for business at 4720 Richmond Ave. since March 2018, the business offers seafood, steak and sushi. Start with the Blue Onyx pasta with fresh hand-cut pasta with shrimp, bay scallops, white fish and clams served in a Champagne cream sauce and topped with Parmesan cheese, before moving onto the Wagyu Baseball Cut Sirloin with a crab meat demi glaze sauce served with zucchini and yellow squash and Parmesan-crusted garlic mashed potatoes for the main course. (Check out the rest of the menu here .) This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


SAINT PAUL, MN   A new report finds that Minnesota's capitol is the worst city to live in the state. The news company 24/7 Wall St. created an index listing the least-desirable city to live in for every state in America. "The kinds of issues affecting the cities on this list vary considerably ," the report reads. Here's what they found for Saint Paul: Population: 300,820 Median home value: $187,400 (state: $199,700) Poverty rate: 20.4 percent (state: 10.5 percent) Violent crimes per 100,000 people: 651 (state: 238) "Crime, especially violent crime like robbery and homicide, can greatly detract from quality of life in any city," states the report. "In St. Paul, there were 651 violent crimes for every 100,000 people, more than double the violent crime rate of 238 incidents per 100,000 people across Minnesota as a whole. Crime is often concentrated in poor areas, and in St. Paul 20.4% of the population lives below the poverty line, nearly double the 10.5% state poverty rate." The worst cities were Minnesota's neighboring states were Beloit (Wisconsin), Keokuk (Iowa), Grand Forks (North Dakota) and Box Elder (South Dakota). Read the entire report here.


Looking to uncover all that Fairfax has to offer? Get to know this Cleveland neighborhood by browsing its most popular local businesses, from a soup kitchen supreme to a salami, corned beef and pastrami emporium. Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top places to visit in Fairfax, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of neighborhood businesses. Read on for the results. 1. Souper Market Topping the list is Souper Market , a spot to score soup and more. Located at 7501 Carnegie Ave., it's the highest-rated business in the neighborhood, boasting 4.5 stars out of 67 reviews on Yelp. Soup offerings include jambalaya and pulled chicken noodle and vegan chicken ginger soups. Yelper Krista B., wrote , "I love the selection of soups and specials! There's so many different choices that can satisfy a variety of dietary needs." 2. Vienna Distributing Co of Ohio Meat shop Vienna Distributing Co of Ohio is another top choice. Yelpers give the business, located at 8110 Carnegie Ave., five stars out of 11 reviews. Fans rave about the pastrami, salami and especially the corned beef. 3. Wasabi Restaurant Wasabi Restaurant , a sushi bar and Japanese and Chinese spot, is another much-loved neighborhood go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 12 Yelp reviews. Head over to 2123 79th St. to see for yourself. Wasabi's location in a strip shopping center is no frills, but fans say that just means the top-notch cuisine   including sushi and Japanese-style hibachi-grilled shrimp, steak and salmon   is all the more affordable. Yelper Kelli M. wrote , "This place has food that rivals that of the expensive Japanese hibachi spots at a fraction of the cost. I have literally never been disappointed or had an incorrect order, which is astounding." This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


WASHINGTON   Andy Murray remembers his 2018 showing at the Citi Open. He remembers the pain in his right hip, how he hobbled when he walked and could hardly push off on his serves. He remembers withdrawing from the tournament , burying his face in a towel and crying following a match that finished just after 3 a.m. Those were dark days for Murray, but he still had a way to go before he'd reach his nadir in January at the Australian Open . By then, his hip was "completely gone." Some, Murray included, wondered if the former No. 1 would ever reach those heights again. But Murray's back at the 2019 Citi Open, and he's full of optimism. Shortly after the Australian Open, Murray underwent a hip resurfacing operation , which is an alternate procedure to a full hip replacement. He didn't have high hopes for the results   his past hip operations had left plenty to be desired   but he has been pleasantly surprised, offering a lifeline for his career. MORE TENNIS: Stefanos Tsitsipas, Nick Kyrgios find the fun in unlikely doubles pairing So before he takes the court at the Citi Open alongside his brother, Jamie, in a doubles match Wednesday, Murray has a new question: Rather than asking if he'll ever get back to normal, get back to competing for Grand Slams, the 32-year-old is wondering, "Why not?" "Now, just not being in pain, it's amazing what that will do to you," Murray said. "How I feel every single day when I wake up, it's amazing. I couldn't remember what that was like." At this point last year, Bob Bryan, a 41-year-old doubles player, underwent his own hip resurfacing surgery. He quickly became a sounding board for Murray, and the three-time Grand Slam winner would message Bryan "two or three times a week," asking for updates on Bryan's recovery and trying to determine if the operation was something Murray should try. "He was like my guinea pig," Murray said. Since then, Bryan has returned to the court with his brother, Mike, and the pairing has won two doubles titles already in 2019. Bryan's post-surgery success offered Murray more confidence in the procedure. "I'm glad he did it," Murray said, "because if it wasn't for him, I wouldn't have maybe given it a go even." Murray is still in the early stages of a comeback. He hasn't played a competitive singles match since the Australian Open, but has played doubles in three tournaments since June, including mixed doubles matches with Serena Williams at Wimbledon. Murray has started practicing singles again, though. At the Citi Open, Murray played a set on Sunday and "seven or eight games" Monday on the practice courts. What's holding him back from entering the singles bracket of a tournament is his cardio. Some news... 🇺🇸 @jamie_murray @CitiOpen pic.twitter.com/x7iMWEbeDd   Andy Murray (@andy_murray) July 24, 2019 "I'm closer than maybe I thought I was," Murray said. "All of my time in the gym recently has been building up strength and improving the flexibility of my hip. … To get to where maybe I want to get to, I'll need to play matches and get a little bit more work done in the gym on my cardio." The "best, best-case scenario" would be a return to singles at the Cincinnati Masters tournament in August. In January, Murray pondered retirement. That tearful Australian Open news conference was in stark contrast to the hopeful one Murray held in Washington, D.C. on Monday ahead of his Citi Open return. "Why should I not be able to get back to playing?" Murray said. "What's the reason for why I shouldn't be able to get back to where I was? There's no good reason for why I shouldn't be able to. It just takes time." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Why not?' Former world No. 1 Andy Murray optimistic, ready to rejuvenate career


Busch Gardens is bringing another round of Bier Fest this month. The Tampa theme park has been serving up free beer samples all year, but starting Aug. 17 through Sept. 8, Busch Gardens brings 40 new brews to try along with a slew of pub food. More than 20 Florida breweries and more than a dozen Tampa Bay favorites will be on tap, including 3 Daughters Brewing, Big Storm Brewing, Cigar City Brewing, Coppertail Brewing, Dunedin House of Beer, Green Bench Brewing and Tampa Bay Brewing. Busch Gardens said this year's brew lineup will also include flavors like pumpkin and fruit ciders to toast to the end of the summer and the beginning of fall. Last year: Busch Gardens hosts new Bier Fest with more than 100 brews New food options include the schnitzelwich slider with maple-bacon honey mustard, a grilled cheesecake melt with guava sauce, sweet potato fries with a marshmallow dipping sauce, fried pretzel sticks with beer cheese and a hard coffee float featuring the new Pabst Blue Ribbon hard coffee. Bier Fest is included with park admission, but food and drink purchases are separate. Sampling lanyards for guests and passholders are also available starting at $29.99. Bier Fest runs weekends Aug. 17 through Sept. 8, including Labor Day. Find tickets, tap list and menus here . What other people are reading right now: 9 killed, 26 injured in shooting in Dayton, Ohio 20 dead, 26 wounded in El Paso shooting; suspect in custody 5-year-old drowns at Florida wave pool Man accused of threatening local Walmart arrested Dayton gunman drove to shooting with sister, who became one of his 9 victims ► Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the 10News app now . Have a news tip? Email desk@wtsp.com, or visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed .


Using US Census Bureau data, we rank the US states in order of how much wealth the average household has. Typical household net worth across America The average US household has assets totaling $96,679, but the typical figure varies wildly depending on the state. Wealth inequality is also rife throughout America, with the richest 1% holding around 40% of the nation's wealth while half the population survive paycheck to paycheck and 40 million live below the poverty line. Take a look at the average household's wealth in each state from lowest to highest, according to the US Census Bureau, and see how yours compares. Wealth is the total net worth of a household, ie all assets including real estate, cars, jewelry, savings, mutual funds, IRAs, and more, minus any debts, while income is simply the money coming in. As a general rule, households with retirees tend to be asset-rich and income-poor, while younger families often pull in relatively high incomes but lack assets. Washington DC: $52,201 Though not a state, DC has the lowest average household net worth in the country. Enormous wealth disparities exist in the capital. While DC has one of the nation's highest number of millionaires per capita, almost one in five residents live below the poverty line, and white families are typically 81% richer than black households in the federal district. DC also has the lowest percentage of homeowners in the country at just 39.8% and the highest house prices. Nevada: $63,224 Annual household income levels out at just $70,855 in Nevada and residents have a tendency to be asset-poor. Living costs are high in the Silver State, while incomes are reasonably modest, squeezing households there. House prices can be excessive and home ownership is relatively uncommon with Nevada ranked 48th in the country on this measure   just 58.5% of residents are property owners. Mississippi: $75,772 Rich folks are few and far between in Mississippi. The Magnolia State has the highest poverty rate in the US at 21.9% and the lowest average household income at a paltry $56,358 per year. The state also has the lowest number of millionaires per capita and zero billionaires. No wonder typical household wealth is so modest. Arkansas: $78,554 Households in Arkansas have the second-lowest average income in the country, as well as fairly low home ownership and savings rates, with much of their disposable income going on living costs, leaving little money to save and invest. Georgia: $78,710 Like other Southern states, Georgia is among the poorest in America. As many as 18.4% of the population live below the poverty line, meaning they have very little if any money to save or acquire property and other assets. Incomes are low and fewer people are saving for the future. Texas: $78,825 You'd be forgiven for thinking Texas would rank higher when it comes to average household net worth. In reality, not many of its residents live the Dallas lifestyle, and the gap between rich and poor is only getting wider. In contrast to the Lone Star State's 566,578 millionaire households, 17.2% residents live below the poverty line. Arizona: $79,785 It's a similar story in Arizona where the gap between rich and poor, and even the most affluent and middle-class households, is widening. The rate of home ownership in the state is lower than the nationwide average and this, combined with other factors, results in a typical household wealth figure of just $79,785. Oklahoma: $82,256 Though some Oklahomans are very comfortably well-off, the number of people living below the poverty line is pretty high. Wealth inequality in the Sooner State is greater than the nationwide average and the racial wealth gap is very wide   white households in Oklahoma possess 20 times more wealth than black families in the state. Alabama: $83,349 Like other states in the Deep South, average household incomes in Alabama are significantly lower than the national average, but households in the state do slightly better than several of their counterparts in terms of savings, which pushes up the average net worth. Three-quarters of households have some savings, while 28% have $1,000 or more deposited in the bank. Louisiana: $86,574 Louisiana has the third-highest poverty rate in America at 19.9% and is one of the worst for income inequality   the gap between rich and poor is pretty gaping in the Pelican State. Millionaires and other very wealthy households are thin on the ground and the typical household net worth is below the US average at $86,574. Tennessee: $87,508 Both the rate of poverty and wealth inequality are fairly extreme in Tennessee and incomes tend to be on the lower side. Though the state has some 122,585 millionaire households, many people struggle to get by and the average household wealth figure is low at $87,508. Ohio: $87,717 On average, Ohioans watch what they spend more than other Americans and tend not to go overboard   they have the lowest average credit card debt in the country at $5,801. This helps boost the typical household wealth figure, which is nevertheless pegged back by low household incomes and not many people putting money into savings. Michigan: $87,983 Michigan households (almost) always pay their debts. A recent study by finance website Credible found that residents in the state are the best in America for settling their dues. The home ownership rate is high, as is the savings rate. Be that as it may, Michigan's poverty rate is higher than the national average, which may explain the modest average household net worth figure. Kentucky: $87,998 One of the states with the lowest number of millionaires, Kentucky isn't famed for having multitudes of rich residents and the poverty rate is marked at 19%. The rate of home ownership may be high at 71.9% but house prices are generally low, averaging out at $184,900 according to Zillow, which depresses typical household wealth. New Mexico: $88,135 New Mexico has America's second-highest poverty rate. A shocking 20.6% of residents live below the poverty line and have very little wealth to speak of. The state also has the highest number of per capita food stamp recipients in America. Unemployment is relatively high in the state and salaries for those in work are low on average, which doesn't leave a lot to spend or save. Florida: $88,938 A significantly large proportion of Florida's population live below the poverty line and many families struggle to make ends meet. The Sunshine State does however have America's largest retirement population, which tends to be asset-rich, and these seniors bump up the average household net worth figure, which stands at $88,938. Indiana: $90,247 Indiana has a high rate of home ownership coupled with America's third-lowest average mortgage debt figure. Personal debt levels are lower than other states, and Indiana ranks high for affordability according to U.S. News. Median income however is low, hence the average household wealth figure, which is below the nationwide average. Missouri: $91,123 Mirroring the situation in many other states, the gap between rich and poor, and rich and just getting by, is becoming ever larger in Missouri. Pockets of poverty as well as enclaves of wealth exist in the state   per capita income for instance in Platte Country is more than double that of Oregon County. State-wide, the typical household has a net worth of $91,123. West Virginia: $92,262 West Virginia has long been considered poor with high unemployment and plenty of residents living below the poverty line, but it's actually the state with the greatest percentage of homeowners. In fact, a whopping 75.8% of adult residents own their property. West Virginians also have the lowest average mortgage debt in America, though house prices are the lowest in the US. Oregon: $93,621 Oregon may be home to 89,383 millionaire households and a couple of billionaires, but the percentage of people living below the poverty line is the third-highest in the Western US after New Mexico and Arizona. The cost of living can be high, especially in cities such as Portland, which drains disposable income, and average household wealth is below the national average at $93,621. South Carolina: $93,925 Households in South Carolina are among the most asset-rich in the Southern US. Relatively high incomes and affordable living costs free up more cash to pump into assets, and South Carolinians have the second-lowest average credit card debt levels in the country, as well as the third-highest rate of home ownership at 72.9%. North Carolina: $93,956 North Carolina just about beats its southern namesake where average household wealth is concerned and is actually one of the wealthiest Southern states in terms of typical household net worth. Average credit card and other debts are higher than in South Carolina, but wages are more generous, making for more cash to invest in assets. Idaho: $95,389 Idaho is another state where households are becoming increasingly squeezed. Home ownership is high but incomes are low, and the number of working adults who lack any savings at all or savings amounting to less than $1,000 is rising. At the last count, the typical household net worth was $95,389, over $1,000 below the national average. California: $96,190 A place of striking economic contrasts, California is the state with the most millionaire households   the Golden State has 885,000   but enormous wealth disparities. The poverty rate stands at 16.4% and California has the third-lowest rate of home ownership in America, not to mention punishing living costs, all of which eat into household wealth and drag down the average figure. Nebraska: $96,347 Nebraska may be the fourth most affordable state yet average annual income levels are several thousand dollars below the nationwide average and the rate of home ownership is rather low at 65%. Typical household wealth is also shy of the national average at $96,347. Kansas: $96,608 Kansas is bang in the middle of the country and average household wealth in the state is almost bang on the national average of $96,679. Incomes and house prices are relatively modest but the poverty rate is below the national median and Kansas has the lowest percentage of households in America with zero savings. South Dakota: $99,726 Unlike its more moneyed northern namesake, South Dakota hasn't benefited as strikingly from the fracking boom, which peaked in 2012 and sent incomes and household wealth on an upward trajectory in the state. Even so, typical household wealth is above the nationwide average at a not too shabby $99,726. New York: $100,543 There's a veritable chasm between rich and poor in New York. While well-heeled Manhattanites and the denizens of Long Island's most upscale neighborhoods tend to be extremely asset-rich, many households in the less wealthy areas of New York City and upstate have a hard time making ends meet. Accordingly, New York is the state with the highest income inequality. Still, the average household net worth figure is a decent $100,543. Illinois: $102,768 Illinois ranks fifth in the nation for millionaire households   300,142 or 6.14% have assets worth $1 million or more. And though many hard-working residents live paycheck to paycheck and wealth inequality is a serious issue, the percentage of people living below the poverty line is under the national average at 14.3%. North Dakota: $103,615 The shale oil boom has resulted in mushrooming incomes in North Dakota and has had a very positive effect on household wealth, making for increased disposable income. Poverty isn't as prevalent in the state as it once was yet the rate of home ownership is low at 61%, presumably due to house prices, which have risen dramatically over the past decade. Utah: $104,950 While average annual household income in Utah isn't spectacularly high, it beats the nationwide average by several thousand dollars, plus the state has the second-lowest income inequality in the US, a low poverty rate and the lowest student debt levels. On top of all this, the home ownership rate is high at 71.6%. Washington: $106,626 Wages are higher on average in Washington state and disposable income per capita is higher too, so households can afford to accumulate assets compared to those in other less affluent states. To rain on the parade however, Washington households are worse than their counterparts in almost every other state for paying off personal debt and also face the challenge of high house prices. Iowa: $108,512 Iowa has a larger population of baby boomers than many other states. On average, these seniors have plenty of assets to play with, from IRAs to real estate, and the typical household in the state is worth $108,512. The savings rate is excellent among all age groups, who have plenty of everything from retirement funds to simple savings accounts, and the state has the third-highest number of cars per capita. Rhode Island: $108,967 Though Rhode Island is a mostly middle-income state there are 26,032 millionaire households, which make up 6.22% of the total. Incomes are reasonably generous in America's smallest state but the poverty rate is rather high and the home ownership rate is low at only 59.4%. Wisconsin: $111,986 Wisconsin has a lower than nationwide average poverty rate and less wealth inequality. Pay might be lower overall than in Rhode Island, but house prices are a lot more affordable, and the rate of home ownership is higher at 68%, which makes for a higher average household net worth figure. Montana: $112,580 In this mostly rural state, home ownership is commonplace. Montana also has the second-highest number of cars and other light vehicles per capita in the US. The state has a higher retirement age population than most, but its poverty rate lets it down. At 15.2%, it is greater than the national average of 14.8%. Pennsylvania: $113,131 Pennsylvania is the state with the highest number of over-65s after Florida and, as we have seen with the Sunshine State, the older the general population the more asset-rich it is likely to be overall. A lower than average poverty rate, higher than average number of people saving, and other factors too translate to a robust average household net worth of $113,131. Maine: $115,971 As in the case in many other Northern states, households in Maine tend to be more affluent than most thanks to a number of factors, from high average incomes to a large population of people of retirement age who are asset-rich, and a high rate of home ownership and a larger number of people saving. Colorado: $118,180 Colorado ranks 29th in the country for wealth inequality, making it better than many states, and the percentage of households living below the poverty line is lower than elsewhere. The rate of home ownership though is low at just 59.8%. House prices have shot up in the past decade, pricing many people out of the market. Virginia: $119,459 The richest Southern state after Maryland, Virginia has a high number of millionaires per capita   just under a whopping 7% of households have assets of $1 million or more. The state also has the lowest rate of poverty in the south aside from Maryland   just 11.8% of Virginia's residents live below the poverty line. Wyoming: $119,763 Household wealth is well above the national average in Wyoming at $119,763. Home ownership is more common and many people are saving their money. Living up to its official nickname, the Equality State has one of the lowest levels of income inequality in America and, interestingly, the highest number of cars per capita. Alaska: $120,365 Wealth is relatively fairly distributed up in the Last Frontier. Alaska is the state with the lowest income inequality, wages are on the high side and there's no income tax to worry about. The savings rate is decent too and only 11.4% of households live below the poverty line. Nevertheless, unemployment is the highest in America at 7.3%, credit card debt is the highest in the nation and the cost of living, because of its remoteness, can be exorbitant. Delaware: $126,219 The average household savings rate for retirement and other eventualities is more than satisfactory in Delaware, while unemployment and poverty are low. The high rate of home ownership, which stands at 70.9%, also boosts the typical household net worth figure, as does the rather generous average income. Minnesota: $133,224 Minnesota has everything from a low rate of poverty to plenty of people saving, as well as a larger number of asset-wealthy baby boomers than many other states, and relatively high incomes and low living costs. These factors all combine to push up the typical household net worth to a very respectable $133,224. Maryland: $136,853 Maryland has the highest density of millionaires in America. More than one in 12 households have assets of $1 million or greater. Median household incomes are high and a large number of residents own property. Maryland's poverty rate is the second-lowest in the land at just 10.4%. Vermont: $141,716 Households in Vermont are diligent when it comes to putting aside cash for a rainy day. They have the highest savings rate in the country at 83% and 49% have savings of $1,000 or more. Home ownership is commonplace   71.6% of residents own property, and poverty is not as prevalent compared to many other states. New Jersey: $143,831 Considerably wealthier than neighboring New York, the Garden State has America's second-highest number of millionaires per capita. The total number of households holding assets of $1 million or more stands at 258,988. The rate of poverty is the fifth-lowest in the nation and 74% of residents have savings they can dip into. Connecticut: $147,278 Back to New England. Connecticut is renowned for its rich residents and has the third-highest number of millionaires per capita and the second-highest average household income in the nation. Be that as it may, income inequality is pronounced in the Constitution State and the cost of living is high. New Hampshire: $148,468 New Hampshire households are by and large affluent. An impressive 81% of residents are savers and 34% have $1,000 or more put aside. Though average student debt levels are the highest in the country, the state has the lowest percentage of people living below the poverty line at just 9.2%, home ownership is high and wealth is relatively well-distributed. Massachusetts: $148,838 The richest state in New England and the contiguous US, Massachusetts boasts a high minimum wage and bumper average household income of $97,295. The poverty rate is low at 11.7% and 198,750 households have more $1 million or more in assets. It's hardly surprising therefore that the typical household net worth figure is so high. Which state's residents pay most for their groceries? Check out the ranking Hawaii: $153,570 The state with the highest average household wealth figure is none other than Hawaii. A relatively high population of asset-rich baby boomers, many lured by the sunshine lifestyle, plus America's lowest unemployment at 2.1%, an impressive typical savings rate, a low rate of poverty, and bulging incomes make for an average household net worth of $153,570. Now discover the best and worst US states to grow old in


LAS VEGAS   A Las Vegas woman has sued the Transportation Security Administration after she says they made her strip down in Oklahoma before a flight back to Nevada, KTNV reports. Rhonda Mengert says in her lawsuit she was traveling through Tulsa International Airport on Mother's Day when an implant in her hip set off the metal detector, The TV station reported. Mengert said she agreed to be pat down by a TSA agent. During the search, the agent found a "common feminine hygiene product" that she was wearing underneath her clothes. Mengert told KNTV that TSA agents then took her to a private room and asked her to strip down and expose her genitals. The lawsuit says they then instructed her to remove the feminine hygiene product. "I was told I needed to pull my pants and my underwear down to my knees and remove the item and show it to them for inspection," Mengert said, "it was horrific. It was horrible. It was degrading." Mengert said she is suffering severe emotional distress and says the search violated her rights. The TSA issued the following statement about the lawsuit: "Due to pending litigation, we cannot comment on the specifics of this case. TSA does not conduct strip searches and is committed to ensuring the security of travelers, while treating passengers of all ages with dignity and respect."


The Patriots are the ninth NFL team to sign their entire 2019 rookie class , as New England has agreed to terms with third-round running back Damien Harris , according to Field Yates of ESPN.com ( Twitter link ). Harris, the 87th overall selection in April's draft, will sign a four-year deal worth roughly $3.6M. He'll join the Patriots' roster following a four-year career at Alabama, during which he won two National Championships and earned second-team All-SEC honors during his senior season. Harris came off the board 60 picks after fellow Tide running back Joshua Jacobs , but Harris actually surpassed Jacobs in rushing attempts, rushing yards, and receptions in 2018. Harris, who stands 5'10", 216 pounds, topped 1,000 yards rushing in both his sophomore and junior seasons, averaging more than seven yards per carry in each campaign. In a pre-draft scouting report, Lance Zierlein of NFL.com compared Harris to former Bears/Bengals back Cedric Benson , noting Harris' "no-nonsense" running style but identifying his lack of burst. The Patriots already have a roster full of running backs with defined roles, including 2018 first-rounder Sony Michel , receiving back James White , and do-it-all Rex Burkhead . Harris will likely start out with a heavy role on special teams, but he could carve out a niche slot as the season progresses. Here's New England's 2019 draft in full: 1-32: N'Keal Harry , WR (Arizona State) 2-45: JoeJuan Williams , CB (Vanderbilt) 3-77: Chase Winovich , DE (Michigan) 3-87: Damien Harris , RB (Alabama) 3-101: Yodny Cajuste , T (West Virginia) 4-118: Hjalte Froholdt , G ( Arkansas) 4-133: Jarrett Stidham , QB (Auburn) 5-159: Byron Cowart , DT (Maryland) 5-163: Jake Bailey , P (Stanford) 7-252: Ken Webster , CB (Ole Miss)


Finally, some good news for BART and its beleaguered riders: The transit agency will pick up $300 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation, money that's crucial to stay ahead of rush-hour crowds through the tube that connects Oakland to San Francisco, officials said Thursday. BART is on track to receive the full $1.2 billion it requested to boost capacity for crossing San Francisco Bay, from 27,000 people each hour to 39,000. The system currently runs 23 trains of varying lengths but officials want to increase that number to 30 10-car trains. The money will pay for new cars and a train-control system, among other improvements. "This is huge," said Board President Bevan Dufty, who got the news during a Twitter town hall, when managers packed a war room at the agency's Oakland headquarters and answered riders' questions for an hour. "The Federal Transit Administration, they were tweeting at us today," Dufty said, his voice rising in near-disbelief. "They were actually sending out positive tweets," he marveled. "It's a day to remember at BART." FTA said the agency will receive the money once it completes steps necessary to get approval for a construction grant agreement. Riders will see the first signs of a transformation when BART starts running only 10-car trains through the tube, which could happen as early as February. By 2022 BART officials hope to have a full fleet of 775 silvery Bombardier cars, now manufactured at a plant in Pittsburg. Over the following three years, BART expects to expand its fleet to 1,081 new cars. General Manager Grace Crunican announced the news in a Twitter video. "Hey, everyone, breaking news from Washington, D.C.," she said. "I just got a call from Jane Williams. She's the acting administrator for the Federal Transit Administration. We got the grant." BART sought the grant in 2017 but its application languished for months in Washington , causing anxiety for officials who say a more robust rail system is essential for the region's growing economy and population. Pressure ramped up in May, when California's U.S. senators sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, urging immediate action on the grant application. "BART's project is a shining example of the type of infrastructure investment that the Core Capacity program was designed to support," said the letter from Bay Area congressional leaders, including Sens. Kamala Harris and Dianne Feinstein. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi sent a letter, highlighting the economic and social benefits of BART's proposed Transbay Core Capacity project. "At a time when we are discussing working together for a big, bold infrastructure package, the Department of Transportation should be doing everything it can to support projects like BART's Transbay Core Capacity that will create immediate good-paying jobs, bolster commerce, reduce emissions, improve safety and improve our infrastructure system," Pelosi wrote. On Thursday, the speaker praised Chao. "This critical, multibillion-dollar initiative will create good-paying jobs and finally ensure the Bay Area receives the critical infrastructure investment it needs to continue to thrive," Pelosi said. She added that the money to pay for new cars and a train-control system will ease crowding and decrease commute times. BART managers say it will also ease pressure on jammed freeways, as illustrated by the massive influx of passengers when an early-morning crash caused gridlock on the Bay Bridge last month. "BART carries more than twice as many passengers between Oakland and San Francisco as the Bay Bridge," Feinstein said. "Its expansion is an absolutely crucial step to reduce traffic congestion in the Bay Area, and it's long overdue to receive an upgrade." In the past, Feinstein has called for construction of a second transbay bridge   the "Southern Crossing"   to stretch from the East Bay to San Francisco, somewhere south of the always-choked Bay Bridge. Other politicians rejected the idea as too costly and environmentally problematic, in that it undermines the region's goal to lure people out of cars. But Feinstein is also a fierce proponent of BART. She and Pelosi were instrumental in securing the grant. In addition to new cars and a train control system, the funds will provide storage tracks for BART's maintenance yard in Hayward, and traction power substations to carry more people through the tube. In essence, it's a new heart and lungs for the rail system, and a cap to Crunican's legacy as she retires from BART next month. She downplayed the personal victory in a phone interview. "It's about BART's relationship with the Federal Transit Administration," Crunican said. "And I want to give a shout-out to Pelosi, Feinstein, and (Acting FTA Administrator) Jane Williams. They have all been working on this diligently." Crunican found out about the award late Thursday morning, just ahead of the tweet storm. Rachel Swan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rswan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rachelswan


These guys will be the key players for the Bucs' new-look defense. If you missed the indispensable players on offense, click here . The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were once known as one of the best defensive teams in the league for close to a decade a while ago. Nowadays, they're known as one of the worst. But there seems to be a new dawn ahead with the hiring of defensive coordinator Todd Bowles. He was named as the inaugural AP Assistant Coach of the Year in 2014, so one would think he knows what he is doing. Coaches can't make it work without the players though, in case you didn't know. Bowles will certainly have his hands full trying to turn things around, while also assessing and evaluating each player in order to determine their best abilities. But just like the offense, there are certain players this defense can't live without in 2019. May I present to you the most indispensable Bucs on defense. 3. LB Devin White It's very hard for me to include a player that has never played a down in the NFL on this list, but White is not your typical rookie. He has a rare combination of smarts, speed, strength, and agility for the middle linebacker position. On top of that, his work ethic is one of the best, which usually comes with a top-5 draft pick. But where White stands out is the fact that he will be the leader of this defense and he'll be responsible for making calls on the field in 2019. He will be responsible for relaying the play call from Bowles and the subsequent action of getting everyone into their proper alignment(s). All of these factors make White nearly irreplaceable if he goes down. Sure, Lavonte David would likely take over the play calling duties, but Tampa Bay would be left with major hole next to David on the second level. You're likely looking at a rotation of Kevin Minter and Deone Buccanon at inside linebacker to fill the void if White were to bite the dust for the season. While those two aren't bad options, one of the trickle down effects would be the fact that Buccanon's versatility would be limited due to his new role, which could hamper the defense in certain situations. Even though we don't really know what White can do just yet, I think it's safe to say we don't want to find out how this defense will perform without him. 2. DL Vita Vea Vea definitely went through some growing pains during his rookie season, but it looked like he began to figure things out toward season's end. A calf injury caused him to sit out all of training camp and miss the first three games of the season, which limited to him to 13 games in 2018. During his first six games, he played 50.5% of defensive snaps and racked up one sack and three total tackles. But over the last six games, Vea was on the field for over 65% of the time and was able to amass two sacks, 25 combined tackles, and three quarterback hits. While he is capable of pushing the pocket and getting to the quarterback, most of Vea's impact won't come in the form of stats and numbers. Even though he won't be featured in a two-gapping role, he will certainly free up his teammates around him to make plays of their own. Lavonte David , White, Carl Nassib , and others will be able to take advantage of Vea's abillity to draw double teams and take up space. Without Vea in the mix, they would have a lot more difficulty getting to the necessary spots on the field. He will be the anchor of this defense and how he performs will predicate much of the defense's effectiveness. And like the other indispensable players - and this is pretty much the situation for all positions on the team - there isn't much depth behind Vea. Beau Allen is more effective as a rotational player and I'm pretty sure the team doesn't want to have to rely on seventh-round rookie Terry Beckner Jr. at the nose. Plus, the flashes that Vea showed toward the end of the year were something the Bucs haven't had - outside of Gerald McCoy - in a long time: a disruptive force in the middle that must be accounted for. He should thrive in Bowles' 3-4 and one has to think the Bucs' defense won't thrive without him. 1. LB Lavonte David Once McCoy was officially released, it became clear that this was David's defense. And it's not just because he is entering his eighth season with the team. It's because he is the best player on the defense. David has been nothing but a stud since he was drafted in the second round back in 2012. He's missed just seven games throughout his career and dipped below 100 combined tackles on the season just once. The Bucs will need him more than ever in 2019 after the aforementioned departure of McCoy and the transition to a 3-4 defense, which is basically a foreign language for a team that has been primarily a 4-3 base for the past 25 years. Tampa Bay has already taken hits at the linebacker position and the season hasn't even began yet. Kendell Beckwith 's season is already over and no one really has any definitive information as to when Jason Pierre-Paul will return from his injury. No one knows how effective he'll be after his return, either. All of this forms a nightmarish set of circumstances to where the Bucs' defense would take a drastic nosedive if David were to ever miss any significant time. It would also be very similar to the loss of Kwon Alexander in the fact that an injury to David would be an emotional blow to the team. A world without David on the field is a world both the Bucs and their fans don't want to know.