Who you can expect to see come in and out of the team heading into the next World Cup in four years. The World Cup is over and there won't be another one for four years, but the United States women's national team will have to spend that period constantly developing its roster. There are 12 players 30 or older on the current USWNT, and it had the oldest average age of any team at the World Cup. There's also some incredible young talent in the youth national team ranks. The squad is likely to experience some significant turnover ahead of the 2023 World Cup, and these are the players you should be keeping an eye on. But first... They're going to run it back for the Olympics Many of the players on the current USWNT were also on the 2016 side that disappointed in Brazil , and they're going to want to make amends for that. The Olympics has a smaller roster size   18 instead of 23   so there will be some tough omissions. But don't expect any of the older star players to retire or get cut until after the Olympics in Japan . Expected to be on their way out These are players who, due to either age or a recent lack of playing time, will probably not be on every USWNT roster after 2020. GK Ashlyn Harris   She's two years older than starting goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher so Jill Ellis (or whoever replaces her) will likely want to start giving the backup reps to a young player and start grooming Harris' future replacement. DF Ali Krieger   Krieger is 34 and was out of the team for two years until just before the World Cup, so it would be surprising if she continued past the Olympics. DF Becky Sauerbrunn   Center backs tend to age better than players at other positions, so perhaps we shouldn't count Sauerbrunn out. But she hasn't been at quite her previous world-beating form for club or country over the past couple of years, and she'll be 38 when the next World Cup rolls around. MF Allie Long   Long spent more team off the USWNT than on it during the past year and likely made her way back into the squad for locker room chemistry reasons, rather than footballing ones. Unless she starts turning in NWSL MVP-quality performances, she's among the prime candidates to miss out on the Olympics due to the smaller roster size. FW Carli Lloyd   Don't tell Lloyd that a 40-year-old is unlikely to make the USWNT's next World Cup roster... but a 40-year-old is unlikely to make the USWNT's next World Cup roster. FW Jessica McDonald   McDonald finally getting her USWNT shot at 31 has been an amazing story. But unfortunately, the other forwards she's behind are around the same age, and Ellis is going to need to start succession planning for the front line immediately. That means a young player is likely to take McDonald's place. FW Megan Rapinoe   Hey, I'm not going to bet against Rapinoe. But she'll be 38 when 2023 rolls around, and with her increased public profile following this World Cup, she has opportunities to make a lot more money outside of soccer than she ever did playing the game. Future unclear These players won't necessarily be too old to be at their physical peak in 2023, but for various reasons, it's not obvious how much of a future they have with the USWNT. GK Adrianna Franch   On NWSL form, Franch should have been the starting keeper already. At 28, she's probably a bit too old to take over from Naeher in the future. She might stay on the roster as a backup, but it wouldn't be surprising to see Ellis opt for two young keepers that she rotates behind Naeher. DF Kelley O'Hara   O'Hara said herself that she didn't think she'd be able to make the impact she did at the World Cup after her injury issues over the past couple of years. Her ankles might not let her make it another four years at the top of the pro game. DF Emily Sonnett   There's no real knock on Sonnett, and no reason she shouldn't stay in the team. She's 25, and will probably be better in four years. She's played well for Portland Thorns. But Ellis doesn't seem to rate her as highly as her other defenders, and she's been left off rosters when healthy before. MF Morgan Brian   Ellis clearly believes in Brian's talent. Even when she's been in poor club form or struggling for fitness, she's gotten call-ups and substitute appearances. But if Brian can't stay fit for an entire season, Ellis will have to start considering other options. FW Alex Morgan   No one would put it past Morgan to stay on top of her game for the next four years and chase down Abby Wambach's record. Her development as a deep-lying forward that is no longer reliant on her pace means she can continue to be an effective national team player well into her 30s. But she's going to be 34 when the next World Cup rolls around, which is old for a women's soccer player, so she's in this section. FW Tobin Heath   Same deal as Morgan, basically. Her technical skills mean she'll be useful even if she has no pace, but she's even older than Morgan. FW Christen Press   Unlike Morgan and Heath, Press clearly is not first choice at the moment, so she might have a harder time hanging onto her place as she ages into her mid-30s. Even better next time? These players are definitely sticking around for the next four years, and they'll be expected to become the new stars of the team. GK Alyssa Naeher   Naeher exceeded expectations in her first World Cup as the USWNT No. 1, and she should get better with experience. Goalkeepers usually don't decline until well into their late 30s. DF Abby Dahlkemper   She's one of the best passing center backs in the world at 26, and she should be an even more intelligent distributor of the ball at 30. DF/MF Julie Ertz   I'm not sure if Ertz's future is at defensive midfield or center back, but she's sensational at both of them, and shouldn't be any slower in 2023 than she is right now. DF Tierna Davidson   A prediction: Davidson will become the USWNT's starting left back shortly, clearing the way for... DF/FW Crystal Dunn   Dunn to move into a wide forward role. She's one of the best attackers in NWSL and it wouldn't be surprising to see her take over Rapinoe's role shortly. MF Lindsey Horan   Another prediction: By 2023, Horan will be the consensus best player on the planet. MF Sam Mewis   Mewis is one of the slickest passers in the world, and at 26, she still has room to grow in that area. Expect her to be a truly world class playmaker in four years. MF Rose Lavelle   It looks like Lavelle has finally put her recurring injuries behind her, and now the sky's the limit. She hasn't had an extended run in a club team with decent teammates and an attacking philosophy yet. We have no idea how good she can be. FW Mallory Pugh   Same for Pugh, and she's on the same team with Lavelle. Their combinations were nuts in the couple games they got to play together for the Washington Spirit before heading off to international duty. With every other forward on the squad being 30 or older, 21-year-old Pugh will be counted on to become one of the team's best players quickly. Fringe players still battling These NWSL players didn't make the USWNT roster this time around, and probably won't for the Olympics. However, their national team dreams are far from over if they play well in NWSL. GK Jane Campbell   Previously on the roster, Campbell is the leading candidate to start getting Harris' minutes. She's having a very solid season for the Houston Dash . GK Aubrey Bledsoe   Bledsoe isn't as young as Campbell, and her distribution leaves quite a bit to be desired, but she's developed into NWSL's best shot-stopper. If she can improve her goal kicks and passing, she'll get a NT shot. DF Casey Short   Short is one of NWSL's most consistent defenders, but doesn't make much of an attacking contribution from fullback, which Ellis values. Still, she's one of the best fullbacks in the country and should be on the roster. DF Megan Oyster   While the international players were away, Oyster was arguably the best center back in NWSL and one of the biggest reasons that Reign FC moved up into first place. She's had two caps, and is clearly on Ellis' radar. DF Emily Menges   Ask Thorns fans and some will tell you, in a low whisper so no one hears, that Menges is actually the best central defender on their team. She doesn't quite have Sonnett's physical talent, but she's more composed and makes fewer mistakes. DF Jaelene Hinkle   You probably think that Hinkle is out of the national team because of her personal views on homosexuality, and most fans seem OK with that decision. If that's the case, she obviously has no path back to the national team. But U.S. Soccer says she was only cut for soccer reasons and that her personal views have nothing to do with her exclusion. If that's true, her status as the league's assist leader while playing good defense on arguably the best team in NWSL is going to lead to her being reconsidered. MF Danielle Colaprico   An injury led to Colaprico having to decline a call-up just before the World Cup, and that was that for her chances of making the roster. She's been the most consistent holding midfielder in the league since she arrived, though, and should get another shot. MF Sofia Huerta   This is a weird case. Huerta was tried out at right back by Ellis, and asked for a trade from Chicago to Houston to get more time at that position, in order to make the World Cup team. Houston correctly identified that Huerta was one of the best attacking midfielders in the league, so they played her there, ruining her chances of making the USWNT. Unfortunately, her 2019 numbers aren't even close to what she did in 2018, and now she doesn't look USWNT quality at either position. But there's no denying that Huerta, at her best, is one of the 23 best American footballers. Don't count her out yet. FW Kealia Ohai   I don't know why it hasn't quite worked out for Ohai. She's looked amazing in bursts at Houston, and she's got a few national team caps. But she hasn't translated her best performances and blazing speed into consistent production yet. At 27, her time isn't up yet, but the clock is ticking fast. FW Midge Purce   Like Huerta, Purce is likely considered a right back prospect by Ellis. Problem for Portland is, she's been balling in a more advanced position, and right back Ellie Carpenter is back from Australia duty. Purce is talented enough to play for the USWNT, but it's hard to see her getting a chance under the current circumstances. FW Lynn Williams   The former NWSL MVP has gotten plenty of national team call-ups, but hasn't quite meshed with Ellis and her system. There's a serious dearth of prime-age striker talent in the pool, though, with most of Ellis' options being in their 30s or teenagers. Being a good 26-year-old is enough to get Williams another look. Coming soon... we think These young players have turned pro and had a taste of USWNT action. I expect them to become regulars over the next couple of years. GK Casey Murphy   The prime candidate to replace Harris' minutes and become Naeher's understudy. The 23-year-old has played a pro season in France with Montpellier and is currently playing out of her mind for Reign FC. UT Hailie Mace   Mace is going to make the national team simply because of her ability to play literally every position on the field. She's getting most of her minutes for Rosengard in Sweden at striker, but she's played a lot of winger, fullback, and even a little center back, on the left and right sides. She's a player Ellis wants on her bench. MF Andi Sullivan   Ask any coach in NWSL and they'll tell you that Sullivan is a lock to be a national team fixture for the next decade. The 23-year-old is already captain of the Washington Spirit and can play any midfield position. MF/FW Savannah McCaskill   McCaskill has gotten her national team minutes under Ellis at central midfield, but it looks like her new team Chicago Red Stars intend on using her as a deep-lying forward, linking superstar striker Sam Kerr and the midfield behind her. As a hard-working midfield-forward tweener, she could replace a lot of Carli Lloyd 's minutes. Ones for the longer-range future These players are rookies or college players at the moment, but they've turned in impressive youth national team performances, and are firmly on Ellis' radar. GK Meagan McClelland   She was the Big Ten freshman of the year at Rutgers and is already getting called into Under-23 camps at 18 years old. DF Tegan McGrady   Hamstring injuries have kept the Spirit left back from making a big impact in her rookie season, but if she gets healthy, she's expected to enter the national team rotation. DF Emily Fox   Fox already has three caps and is probably the best player still plying her trade in college. The UNC star should become a fixture on the roster whenever Sauerbrunn decides to call it quits. DF Sam Staab   Staab has exceeded expectations in her rookie year for the Spirit and is one of the big contenders for rookie of the year. She's incredible at hitting long-range passes with her left foot, something Ellis values. DF Alana Cook   Currently out of the USWNT hype spotlight due to her move to Paris Saint-Germain. Hopefully she can keep getting paid abroad and doesn't need to move home to get onto Ellis' radar. DF/MF Naomi Girma   The Stanford sophomore can play in defense or midfield, which is certainly a plus for her future national team prospects. With Cook and Davidson gone, she'll be expected to lead the Stanford defense. MF Jaelin Howell   The 19-year-old has already been to a senior camp and was the midfield anchor for Florida State's national title-winning team as a frehsman. She's already a good enough DM to help any team in the world that doesn't have Julie Ertz. MF Brianna Pinto   An intelligent and slick passing midfielder, Pinto has already been called into a senior national team camp. With Dorian Bailey graduating, she'll now be expected to lead UNC's midfield. MF Kate Wiesner   Wiesner has yet to make her collegiate debut, but she's the No. 1 ranked player in her recruiting class. She should become the starting left winger at Penn State immediately and start making a case for national team looks with her excellent left foot service. FW Ashley Sanchez   Sanchez has actually failed to reach the heights she was predicted to since she first got called into a full national team camp, but no one is writing her off at 20 years old. With Mace departing UCLA, Sanchez will be expected to take over a starring role this season. FW Catarina Macario   Brazilian-American Macario is widely considered the best player in college soccer, but won't be eligible for U.S. citizenship for two years. She's made it clear that she wants to play for the USWNT, though, and regularly participates in Under-23 national team camps even though she can't play official games under FIFA rules. She should be fast-tracked to the full national team whenever her citizenship comes through. FW Sophia Smith   The most obvious candidate for USWNT stardom in the future, Smith has 21 goals in 25 Under-20 appearances, and scored seven goals in 13 appearances for Stanford as a freshman. There are so many great NWSL and college players we couldn't fit here Seriously, watch NWSL . If you're a real nerd and want to get into this stuff hardcore, you can find great info on youth soccer at Top Drawer Soccer , and college soccer games are usually on streaming services you already have like ESPN3 and ESPN+. There are   no joke   50 other players I thought of that could have conceivably made this list, so huge thanks to my supremely nerdy pals Fitzcamel and Travis Clark for helping me put this together.


The hype grew this summer at a notable rate. Jerome Baker is going to be a big X-factor for the Dolphins defense. Jerome Baker is probably going to get pass rush reps. Did you hear Jerome Baker bulked up to 228 this offseason? And in a sport where every player always enter training camp each year in the best shape of their lives, it is hard at times to separate the fact from the fiction. But after the first week of training camp, it is apparent that Jerome Baker is walking the walk with his performance in Davie. Baker has been a constant performer and is showing off impressive range despite the added weight - but more importantly Baker is thriving in all kinds of roles for this defense, exactly what the Dolphins had suggested we might get from Baker by the time the offseason came to a close. Baker's performance has drawn rave reviews from effectively every media member in attendance of training camp. The expectations for the second year pro now extend beyond being the defensive play-caller. Some expect him to be named a captain. Others think - on this Dolphins roster - he could lead the team in sacks. But one thing is for certain - the Dolphins are going to let him roam. They've used him in coverage, they've used him as a blitzer and they've used him as a run defender through the first week in camp. He's impressed in all phases. No more need for talk - Baker is walking the walk. View embedded content MORE: Baker Mayfield's sassy response to Jets' trash talk won over the Browns offensive line Chiefs have CB Tremon Smith playing RB at training camp Michael Irvin begged Jerry Jones to draft Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster Roundup: A$AP Rocky Pleads Not Guilty; Katy Perry Owes Damages for 'Dark Horse'; Pound Plummets as Boris Johnson Preps for Brexit Jon Gruden has high expectations for Raiders' safeties, Karl Joseph and Johnathan Abram


Just in time for the 50th anniversary of NASA's Apollo 11 astronauts landing on the moon , the space agency has a very big piece of history it's looking to offload. The historic Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in Alabama played a central role in developing the Saturn rockets that powered the Apollo rocket program, and apparently it had one of the earliest models just lying around after all these years. According to documents and emails obtained by CNET, MSFC "has excessed a Saturn 1 Block 1 Booster portion of a Saturn rocket stack up." The booster is the bottom or first stage of the Saturn I, which was the United States' first heavy-lift rocket, developed in the early 1960s. It was the more massive fifth version, or Saturn V, that would send Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins on their trip to the moon in 1969. Presumably, this rocket never flew since the standard practice for all NASA launches prior to the emergence of SpaceX was to allow spent boosters to fall in the ocean. So this is basically an unused, genuine space rocket being given away to interested schools, universities, museum or libraries for free. All any interested organization has to do is pay for shipping, which happens to cost a quarter million dollars in this case. NASA occasionally offers free artifacts to schools and museums through the federal government's General Services Administration. In fact, it's currently also trying to get rid of some old space shuttle tiles and astronaut food packets . If the $250,000 shipping and handling fees for a rocket are a little steep for your burgeoning space museum, you might do better to start building your exhibit around some nice shuttle tiles, which can be had for one ten-thousandth the cost, or about $25 in shipping costs.


Grant County residents woke up to smoke and flames after a wildfire ignited overnight. Just after 10 p.m., the Grant County Sheriff's Office issued a Level 3 evacuation notice for the area of Beverly Burke/Road T between state Route 26 and state Route 243, located about 140 miles east of Seattle . "Level 3 means you are in immediate danger," the Grant County Sheriff's Office said in a tweet . "Load family and pets into your vehicle and GO NOW." RELATED: Wildfire season   and firefighter prep   is already underway, as officials eye dry conditions As of 10:36 p.m., the fire had appeared to have burned over 300 acres. It moved to the southeast and, by 5 a.m., it had torched over 3,000 acres. By 6 a.m., the fire had passed the intersection of Road 15-SW/Beverly Burke Road and was continuing to grow. RELATED: Wildfire concerns mount with hot, dry weather outlook in Washington A Level 2 evacuation notice had also been issued for Beverly, Schawana and Wanapum Village, indicating residents in that area should be prepared to evacuate at any time. A Level 1 notice was in place for Smyrna, which is an alert indicating no immediate danger, but be aware that the fire may move in that direction. For the most up-to-date information regarding evacuations, follow the Grant County Sheriff's Office on Twitter.


Tariffs imposed by the Trump administration have a small, negative impact on gross domestic product growth, according to economists, the Congressional Budget Office, the International Monetary Fund and the top White House economic adviser. That contradicts President Donald Trump's repeated claim that the tariffs have boosted the GDP. As the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service put it in February, the "consensus among most economists is that the tariffs are likely to have a negative effect on the U.S. economy overall." As the trade war between China and the U.S. intensified, Trump insisted on May 13 that tariffs imposed so far by the U.S. have increased revenues to the Treasury and improved the economy. The president said in a tweet that the 3.2 percent GDP growth for the first quarter "was greatly helped by Tariffs from China." Trump repeated the claim in a press conference before his meeting with Hungary's prime minister later in the day. After boasting about the "tremendous amounts of money" coming to the U.S. via tariffs imposed last year on $250 billion worth of Chinese goods, as well as what will be coming from the latest round of tariffs imposed last week, he turned to the GDP. "If you looked at the first quarter   which is always, historically, the worst quarter   we were at 3.2 percent [GDP growth]," Trump said. "People were very surprised. Well, a lot of that was the tariffs that we were taking in from China. So we're in a very good position and I think it's only going to get better." Last summer, after the Trump administration raised tariffs on $250 billion of Chinese goods, China retaliated with tariffs on $110 billion of U.S. goods. On May 10, Trump increased tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods from 10 percent to 25 percent. China retaliated with an announcement that it would raise tariffs on $60 billion worth of American products. Trump responded by threatening to expand U.S. tariffs to cover all $540 billion in Chinese imports. The tariffs imposed last July have brought in more revenue   the Treasury Department has collected nearly $40 billion in customs duties over the first seven months of the current fiscal year, roughly $18 billion more than in the same period last year ( see Table 3 )   but that's a tiny fraction of the more than $2 trillion in government revenues taken in so far this year. The U.S. GDP increased at an annual rate of 3.2 percent in the first quarter, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis . While it's difficult to determine how the president's tariffs may have affected the higher-than-expected growth in that particular quarter, most economists agree the tariffs generally have a slightly negative impact on the GDP, according to a report by the Congressional Research Service. The Feb. 22 report on Trump's tariffs at that time noted that the "consensus among most economists is that the tariffs are likely to have a negative effect on the U.S. economy overall. … Economic analyses of the tariff actions estimate a range of potential effects, but generally suggest a 0.1%- 0.2% reduction in U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) growth annually owing to the actions to date." Although different markets may be affected differently, the report states, "Import tariffs are effectively a tax on domestic consumption and thus increase costs for U.S. consumers and downstream industries that use products subject to tariffs. Retaliatory tariffs create disadvantages for U.S. exports in foreign markets, and can lead to fewer sales of U.S. products abroad and depressed prices." According to the report, studies by the U.S. government, international institutions, think tanks and consulting groups "have produced a range of estimates, but generally suggest a moderately negative impact." The Congressional Budget Office, for example, estimated a 0.1 percent decline in the annual U.S. GDP growth rate as a result of the tariffs in place before May 10, and the International Monetary Fund put the decline at 0.2 percent, the report says. The report warns that the negative effects "could grow if U.S. tariff actions and retaliation escalates," as they have now. Kent Smetters , a professor of business economics and public policy at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, told us: "Overall, the trade deficit has actually increased since 2017, thereby not consistent with higher GDP. The trade deficit with China is slightly smaller but well within normal range and not statistically significantly different than previous years. I estimate that the new tariffs imposed under Trump will cost the average American family between $500 and $550 in 2019. As a result, the tariffs will have a slight drag on GDP growth." A recent report by the Rhodium Group, commissioned by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, concluded the GDP   which was $20.5 trillion in 2018   "would face $1 trillion in cumulative losses within ten years across all tariff escalation scenarios. The costs of such action are unambiguous: bilateral tariffs result in lower GDP, employment, investment, and trade for the US." According to the report's estimates, in the five years after implementation of tariffs, the GDP would be 1.5 percent to 2.2 percent lower, cumulatively. "Tariffs do not help GDP in the short term," Daniel Rosen, a founding partner of Rhodium Group and one of the report's authors, told us via email. "At best, they might create space for a domestic industry to develop for the future. Trump's theory is that tariff receipts are somehow additive to GDP. They are not. They are paid by Americans. Or in part by foreign firms sacrificing profit margin to protect market share, but that doesn't add to GDP, just redistributes a little." "We run a lot of simulations looking at the impact of tariffs, and generally they are negative for growth," Gregory Daco, chief U.S. economist for Oxford Economics, told us in a phone interview. In the short run, he said, there can be periods when tariffs are positive from a GDP perspective, such as when companies front-load purchases in anticipation of tariffs. The first quarter of this year, for example, saw a rebound in the purchase of agricultural products from the U.S., particularly soybeans, he said. But it came after two months in which tariffs severely depressed soybean exports. Those kinds of changes are superficial. Ultimately, Daco said, "all tariffs are a drag on GDP." Daco told CNBC that the tariffs in place since last year depressed U.S. gross domestic product growth by about 0.1 percentage point this year. And he estimated that the additional tariffs imposed by Trump on May 10 will reduce GDP growth by 0.3 percentage point next year. A study released in February by the Trade Partnership Worldwide , a nonpartisan group that supports free trade, warned that if the U.S. follows through with a 25 percent tariff on all remaining imports from China it would reduce GDP by 1.01 percent annually. Larry Kudlow, the top White House economic adviser, said on " Fox News Sunday" that the White House's Council of Economic Advisers and National Economic Council believes that forecast is "pretty wildly exaggerated." But he acknowledged that the White House estimates that increased tariffs on all Chinese goods would amount to "about two tenths of 1 percent of GDP, so it's a very modest number. We have a $20 trillion GDP." Kudlow argued that is " a risk we should and can take without damaging our economy in any appreciable way" in order "to correct 20 years plus of unfair trading practices with China." "We have had unfair trading practices all these years, and so in my judgment, the economic consequences are so small that the possible improvement in trade and exports and open markets for the United States, this is worthwhile doing," Kudlow said. It's a matter of opinion whether a short-term, modest hit to the GDP is necessary in order to negotiate a better long-term trade agreement with China or other countries, but economists say the president is wrong to claim that the tariffs are boosting the GDP in the short run. The post Economists: Tariffs Not Boosting GDP appeared first on FactCheck.org .


Veteran defenseman Marc Methot had a tough go of it in Dallas, playing in a combined 45 games over the last two seasons with the team. Battling lingering injury issues in his left knee, Methot has been sidelined for most of the past two years and hit the free agent market this summer with next to no noise thanks to questions about his health moving forward. To make matters worse, Methot underwent a cartilage replacement surgery last month that will extend his on-ice absence even further. With all of these prominent questions and concerns, it should come as little surprise that the 34-year-old is at least considering retirement. Marc Brassard of leDroit reports that Methot is continuing to rehab after his recent surgery, but is unsure if he will be able to play next season. That does not mean that the respected veteran couldn't continue to work at getting in game shape and try his hand at next summer's market. After all, Methot is just a few years removed from being one of the league's top shutdown defenders, a title he held for the better part of this decade with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Ottawa Senators. However, Brasssard believes that he is strongly considering hanging it up instead. Brassard also points out that Methot has a desire to work in sports media, which could also drive his decision to retire. Methot will get a try out on Thursday, when he joins TSN 1200 Radio in Ottawa as a guest host. The appearance could also act to further update his playing status, so stay tuned.


LOS ANGELES_For most of the last two years, the question facing the NBA's most glamorous franchise for the summer of 2019 was clear. Which superstar is going to sign with the Lakers? Yet, in recent months, as gaping cracks have appeared in the organization's credibility, the question has dramatically changed. Why would any superstar want to sign with the Lakers? Why, indeed, would anyone want to forge a lengthy business partnership in the prime of their careers with a franchise owned by a confused Jeanie Buss, abandoned by a frustrated Magic Johnson, run by a domineering LeBron James, and operated under the heavy hand of a distrusted Rob Pelinka? Superstars want a championship culture. Not happening here. Superstars want to a stable front office. Not even close. Superstars want distraction-free basketball. Not a chance. The Lakers' internal problems have been exacerbated by the public nature of their various fusses and feuds. In an odd Hollywood twist, reality has become perception, and the idea that Lakerland has become a wasteland will surely haunt the team during the upcoming free-agent season. Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse, well, it got worse, their problems accentuated with Tuesday's publishing of an ESPN story by Baxter Holmes that represents another deep dive into their franchise dysfunction. Nothing in the story was surprising. The Lakers mess has been well-documented in the Los Angeles Times and throughout the national media landscape. Video by CBS Sports But the piece does contain several new anecdotes in which their chaos is startlingly reinforced. It is these sorts of nuggets that will be used against them by opponents during superstars recruiting. These little stories will be tossed on a big pile that could eventually smother the Lakers' future hopes. If you're cringing while reading this stuff, how do you think the likes of Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard and Kyrie Irving are reacting? For example, we all knew Pelinka had trust issues, but the ESPN story cites a supposedly inspirational story he told the team that could not possibly be true. During a team meeting featuring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in March of 2018 - an event captured on a video uploaded to YouTube - Pelinka regaled his players of a meeting between his former client Kobe Bryant and actor Heath Ledger. "There was one time when Kobe, who I worked with for 18 years, was going back to play in Madison Square Garden, and he had just seen, 'The Dark Knight.'" Pelinka reportedly said. "Obviously, you guys saw that movie, and he's like, 'Hey, hook me up with dinner with Heath Ledger, because he got so locked into that role. I want to know how he mentally went there.' So he had dinner with Heath and he talked about how he locks in for a role. And Kobe used some of that in his game against the Knicks." There was one problem with the anecdote - "The Dark Knight'' wasn't released until six months after Ledger died. The ESPN story also details how, in the 2018 draft, Lakers staffers thought they were going to take Villanova forward Omari Spellman until Pelinka surprised everyone by taking Michigan's Mo Wagner. Pelinka reportedly justified his decision by telling staffers that the Lakers' Josh Hart, also a former Villanova star, had expressed concerns about Spellman. On Tuesday after the ESPN story was published, Spellman tweeted his disappointment in Hart, to which Hart denied any involvement by tweeting back, "There's a lot of snakes in the industry but I ain't one of them.'' The ESPN story clarified more madness elsewhere. We all knew Rich Paul, LeBron James' agent, was plotting get Luke Walton fired. But the story cites an anecdote where Paul actually takes his concerns to Commissioner Adam Silver back in November in a restaurant meeting, complaining about Walton and endorsing Tyronn Lue as if he spoke for the organization. The story also cites how Paul rode the Lakers team charter plane, "on multiple occasions" this season, a move which is rare even in the agent-friendly NBA. The Lakers confirmed to ESPN that Paul had ridden the plane once with Walton's permission. And you still wonder if James runs this team? We all knew that Earvin Johnson has a different, tougher personality than Magic Johnson. But the story alleges how his overbearing management style led to two office employees suffering panic attacks, with one longtime staffer quitting because of the distress he caused her. "Every day you go in there and get this horrible feeling of anxiety,'' ESPN quoted one executive saying. "In the last year, I can't tell you how many panic attacks I've had from the (bleep) that has happened there.'' ESPN wrote that another person described as a "former athletic training official'' said of Johnson, "He's a fear monger.'' Responding to the ESPN.com story in an appearance on ESPN television Tuesday afternoon, Johnson denied workplace bullying, saying, "Do you think Jeanie Buss would allow me to abuse the employees? If that was the case, she would have called me in. ... It never happened. I'm a person who brings everybody together, uplift the employees. I've never abused an employee and I never will, that's not what I'm all about." He added, "It's OK if you want to try and lie on Magic, go ahead. But I know the truth. Jeanie knows the truth. Because if I had disrespected somebody, she would have called me in her office and that never happened. HR (human resources) would have called me. It never happened. Two years. Never." Finally, it has been consistently written in this space that Linda Rambis, for reasons that don't seem to go beyond friendship with Buss, is the Lakers' shadow owner. The ESPN story quotes an unnamed person saying that Rambis, "controls and manipulates Jeanie." In all, the ESPN story reiterates and strengthens the narrative that the Lakers, as currently constituted, would be a problematic place for a superstar free agent to play. Buss has about a month to change this perception, and the stakes are huge. The Lakers legacy, and possibly her future, depend on whether she can. Visit the Los Angeles Times at www.latimes.com Related Slideshow: Best of the 2019 NBA Playoffs (provided by imagn)


Warren Buffett, who is worth nearly $89 billion according to Forbes, is famous for spending only $3 a day on breakfast . So how much cash does the frugal billionaire have in his wallet ? "I probably carry maybe $400," Buffett told Yahoo Finance editor in chief Andy Serwer in an interview published Monday. "My wife likes to use cash, so I just take home a chunk of cash every now and then and she doles it out," said Buffett of wife Astrid Menks . "She looks at my billfold and sees whether all the 100s are gone," Buffett said. Buffett said he uses cash "98% of the time. If I'm in a restaurant, I'll always pay cash. It's just easier." But he does have at least one credit card: "I've got an American Express card which I got in 1964," Buffett said. (Buffett's holding company, Berkshire Hathaway, owned 17.9% of American Express at the end of 2018, according to its year-end financial report .) Related video: Here are the big stocks Buffett's betting on in 2019 Buffett's tendency to use cash puts him in the minority among Americans   in 2018, only 18% made "all or almost all of their purchases" with cash, according to the PEW Research Center . About half (52%) of Americans made "some" of their purchases with cash and 29% made none of their purchases with cash. Using cash, however, can actually be a good way to save money. Paying with cash can be used as a negotiation tool , according to Mark Cuban. And researchers have found that physically handing over money feels painful , making you less likely to do it, CNBC Make It previously reported . See also: Warren Buffett: This is the best way to put cash in the pockets of people who need it Warren Buffett: This is how to be successful Happiness expert: These are the 3 components of lasting happiness (and the mistakes people make)


The NBA free agency period began only a few days ago, but a large portion of the 2019 free agent class has already found landing spots. Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving are heading to Brooklyn. Jimmy Butler is taking his talents to South Beach. Kemba Walker will replace Irving in Boston. Tobias Harris and Al Horford both chose Philadelphia, helping to form one of the biggest teams in league history. NBA FREE AGENCY 2019: Follow SN's live rumors tracker Kawhi Leonard is still on the board, of course, though his decision is reportedly down to the Clippers, Lakers and Raptors. The rest of the free agents are largely role players searching for an opportunity rather than a huge payday. So with that in mind, let's roll through the early winners and losers from free agency. (The winners and losers are subject to change. We're working with what we've got so far.) NBA free agency winners Brooklyn Nets What an incredible turnaround. In three years, Nets general manager Sean Marks somehow took a franchise with no significant assets and rebuilt it from the ashes   and he didn't go full "Trust the Process" to pull it off. Brooklyn is in position to be a contender over the next few seasons. There is a certain amount of risk in signing KD and Kyrie. Durant may never be the same player again after rupturing his Achilles. Irving has unceremoniously left his last two teams. How will this sudden shift impact the mentality of their new teammates? But this is a swing for the fences any front office would take. The 2018-19 Nets capped out as a fun playoff team. This new group has championship potential. DeAndre Jordan Four years and $40 million? With Jarrett Allen already on the Nets? In this economy? It helps to be friends with Durant and Irving. Indiana Pacers The Pacers lost Bojan Bogdanovic and Thaddeus Young in free agency, two key contributors who helped keep Indiana afloat when Victor Oladipo went down with a quad injury. However, the Pacers recovered nicely by snagging Malcolm Brogdon from the Bucks and adding Jeremy Lamb on a team-friendly contract (three years, $31 million). Brogdon and Lamb offer some much-needed offense next to Oladipo. And with Brogdon and Lamb at 26 and 27 years old, respectively, there is potential for improvement in the right environment. They didn't acquire a superstar, but the Pacers may have improved after a 48-win season. Utah Jazz Don't look now, but the Jazz could be the team to beat in the Western Conference next season. Trading for Grizzlies guard Mike Conley was huge considering how much weight had been put on Donovan Mitchell's shoulders the past two years, but Utah didn't stop there. The Jazz signed Bogdanovic, Ed Davis, Jeff Green and Emmanuel Mudiay, providing some depth at multiple positions. Ahead of opening night, the Jazz could be looking at a starting five of Conley, Mitchell, Bogdanovic, Joe Ingles and Rudy Gobert. Good luck trying to score against that. And so it begins....   Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) June 30, 2019 New Orleans Pelicans President of basketball operations David Griffin accepted the challenge of flipping the page on the Anthony Davis era and leading the Pelicans into the future. He's pretty much nailed it every step of the way. New Orleans got young prospects (Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, Brandon Ingram), a pile of picks and a partridge in a pear tree from the Lakers in the Davis trade. The Pels selected Zion Williamson, Jaxson Hayes and Nickeil Alexander-Walker in the draft. Then they got Derrick Favors and JJ Redick in free agency. Favors can play center if Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry prefers to slide Hayes and Williamson away from traditional NBA bigs in their rookie seasons. Redick is one of the NBA's elite 3-point threats and will create spacing as penetrators like Jrue Holiday and Ball attempt to create offense. This might not be a playoff team in the West immediately, but the pieces are coming together. Klay Thompson Max money from the Warriors (five years, $190 million) and an outstanding Instagram announcement. Klay wins. NBA free agency losers New York Knicks An annual reminder New York missed its targets in free agency. Sorry, Knicks fans. It stings a little bit more this time knowing Durant and Irving are choosing the other team in New York City. It appeared the Knicks were in the lead for both free agents the entire season, but clearly creating a culture and identity mattered more than "The Garden" and a championship history most current players weren't alive to see. Go figure! The Knicks switched gears and signed Julius Randle, a defensible contract on its own (three years, $63 million). After that, though? Bobby Portis, Taj Gibson, Reggie Bullock, Elfrid Payton and Wayne Ellington. Instead of utilizing their cap space to take on bad contracts and picks as sweeteners, the Knicks offered deals for the sake of... offering deals. New York is stuck in a cycle of incompetence. As long as James Dolan is at the top of the organizational chart, it doesn't feel like that will change. Orlando Magic The Magic finished as the East's No. 7 seed under coach Steve Clifford in 2018-19, reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2011-12. It was a surprising success. That doesn't mean Orlando should have essentially run this team back. The Magic are hoarding frontcourt players in a bunker big enough for all of their arms. They've got Nikola Vucevic, Aaron Gordon, Jonathan Isaac, Mo Bamba, Al-Farouq Aminu and first-round pick Chuma Okeke. Plus, Khem Birch is a restricted free agent. Will the Magic stack all of these guys up in front of the rim? This is confusing. Charlotte Hornets The Hornets lost their top two scorers in Walker and Lamb. They gave Terry Rozier a three-year, $58 million contract. So rather than giving Walker a supermax or traditional max   or even trading him at last year's deadline   Charlotte felt it was best to let him walk and sign an unproven gunner as his replacement. To any Hornets fans wondering how to handle this, just go outside. Take a walk. Read a book. Enjoy a taco. It's all bad news at the Spectrum Center. Minnesota Timberwolves Marc Stein of The New York Times reported Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns had met with D'Angelo Russell ahead of free agency with Minnesota figuring out what trades would be necessary in order to sign the 23-year-old point guard. A one-two punch of Towns and Russell would have given the Timberwolves a chance to both make a playoff push and build a strong foundation. Then the Warriors swooped in and stole Russell away from the Timberwolves. Just like that, Minnesota is back to Towns and not much else. Hey, maybe this is the year Andrew Wiggins finally... nope, nevermind. The Boardroom Follow The Boardroom Instagram account for the Durant decision! Source: Kevin Durant will announce his free agent decision tonight on his company owned sports business network: https://t.co/ovJCDTOEMz   Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2019 WOJ AIN'T GOT TIME FOR THAT. Kevin Durant is planning to sign with the Brooklyn Nets, league sources tell ESPN.   Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2019 To be determined . . . The Kawhi Leonard suitors The Clippers, Laker and Raptors are all-in on Leonard. Much like the Highlander, there can only be one!


According to Pro Football Focus , the Packers' presumed starting five offensive linemen consisting of David Bakhtiari, Lane Taylor, Corey Linsley, Billy Turner and Bryan Bulaga is good enough to earn the No. 8 spot among all 32 NFL teams entering the 2019 season. The All-Pro left tackle anchors the group, which trails only the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans, Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots and New Orleans Saints in the rankings. "No offensive linemen with 300 or more offensive snaps played earned a higher overall grade than Packers' David Bakhtiari (88.3)," the PFF analysis team wrote . "The stalwart left tackle turned in a league-high 93.6 pass-blocking grade along with his above-average 68.1 run-blocking grade. He alone takes this Packers offensive line up the ranks quite a lot." Bakhtiari and two other long-term starters create the foundation of one of the NFL's best pass-blocking units. When healthy, Bulaga excels as a pass blocker (84.1 pass-blocking grade), while Linsley finished fourth and sixth at his position in overall and pass blocking grades, respectively. "Returning Bulaga and Linsley as starters alongside Bakhtiari makes for quite the core in the trenches. Guards Lane Taylor and Billy Turner are less exciting, as both players earned sub-65.0 overall grades a year ago. But if the duo can fight to stay above average, Green Bay's offensive line should be among the best in 2019." Taylor is a three-year starter at left guard but is also coming off a disappointing 2018 season marred by injury, while Turner signed a four-year deal after producing a breakout season with the Denver Broncos. It's still far too early in the process to know how the offensive line will perform long-term, but if PFF is this bullish on the Packers now, the additional depth of rookie Elgton Jenkins and last year's draft pick Cole Madison should only fortify the Packers' likelihood of having one of the league's better units. Additionally, and it's a big "if" at this point, but if Jason Spriggs can show some real improvement then this group has a real opportunity to help Matt LaFleur fully realize his outside zone, play-action scheme to the fullest. Until then, the Packers will simply just have to live with PFF's top-ranked offensive line in the NFC North. MORE: Poker player wins 723K chips in 'bloodbath' hand at WSOP Main Event Former Steeler DeAngelo Williams throws shade at WR Ryan Switzer Roundup: Ariana Grande; Ross Perot Dies at 89; Tom Steyer Announces 2020 Run; Mexican Finance Minister Quits News: Believe in Maher at own risk, next Prescott ID'd, whew Larry Allen Jacob Evans impressing in early parts of 2019 NBA Summer League


These porch swing plans go with any type of home. If there's one thing summer is synonymous with, it's spending lots of time relaxing on your porch swing. Don't have one? These porch swing plans will instantly make your porch or patio incredibly cozy. If you're on the craftier side, there are many DIY porch swings you can create and customize yourself. If you'd rather buy one, there are also plenty of affordable options that you can purchase and have delivered right to your home. Whether your style is contemporary, classic, or somewhere in between, there's a porch swing here that'll look great as your newest piece of home decor. They're perfect for reading a book, lounging around, or even taking a nap. (Yes, the cushioned models are crazy comfortable!) Once your neighbors eye your sleek new swing, they'll definitely want to come over and try it out for themselves. And one of the nice things about these swings is that they can fit multiple people comfortably, so you and a friend or family member can take a seat at the same time. You'll have a tough time peeling yourself away once you've gotten comfortable-but with beautiful weather upon us, it's a wonderful time to sit back, relax, and enjoy your new addition. DIY Farmhouse Porch Swing You don't have to spend a fortune to make your suspended seat. This blogger's rustic version only costs $40. (Yes, really!) Get the tutorial at Shanty 2 Chic . DIY Porch Bed Swing This blogger writes that the rope suspension on this swing gives her "all the heart eyes." We'd have to agree! Get the tutorial at The Inspired Workshop . DIY Lumber Porch Swing Feel free to paint or stain this wood swing to match the rest of your exterior. However, it's still stunning left au naturel . Get the tutorial at Virginia Sweet Pea . Porch Swing Bed You're about to have the most coveted porch in the neighborhood once its adorned with this comfy and cute DIY. Get the tutorial at Plank and Pillow . DIY White Porch Swing You can completely transform the look of this swing with a few accent pillows. The bright hues make the swing a focal point, but if subtle is more your style, softer shades would also look nice. Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess . DIY Porch Swing and Pergola A pretty pergola will offer you some shade as you lounge in your swing on sunny days. It makes for an ideal reading nook. Get the tutorial at Sincerely, Marie Designs . White Porch Swing Add a throw blanket and decorative pillows to make your seat snug. After all, a few additions can completely change the look of the swing. See more at Tidbits . DIY Outdoor Pallet Swing An absolutely adorable swing that costs just $30 to create? We're sold! Get the tutorial at The Sorry Girls . Classic Porch Swing There's no need to overcomplicate your porch swing plans. Sometimes simple-like this all-white version-looks the best. See more at Little Bits of Home . DIY Farm-Inspired Porch Swing The secret behind making this "gorgeous and functional" DIY so welcoming? The "seat" is actually a crib mattress! Get the tutorial at How Does She? SHOP MATTRESSES DIY Wood Porch Swing The base of this creation is actually a bench that was built into this blogger's patio. She amazingly took it out and revamped it to make this DIY. Get the tutorial at Simply Designing . DIY Summertime Porch Let Yellow Brick Home's transformation inspire your own DIY. She simply added a fresh coat of paint and attached a new rope to her swing to make it look brand new! Get the tutorial at Yellow Brick Home . DIY Rope Porch Swing Thanks to this step-by-step process, you too can turn your "basic" furniture into one that looks like a "very expensive custom swing." You'll be so impressed with the before and after. Get the tutorial at Porch Daydreamer . DIY Headboard Swing Repurpose old, unused furniture to create this lounger. You can customize with any paint color you like. Get the tutorial at The Rustic Pig . DIY Hanging Bed Porch Swing Take note: This blogger recommends choosing your cushions before you begin to build your swing. She notes it makes the process "much easier." Get the tutorial at Wilker Do's . Amelia Porch Swing Three Posts $395.26 Shop Now If you're looking to add a splash of color to your porch, this version comes in eight different colors. A few of the other hues include blue, green, and black. Arianna Hardwood Hanging Porch Swing Langley Street $224.99 Shop Now Because this swing is actually attached to a stand, it can easily be moved around. It's ideal if you're an indecisive type. Silvia Porch Swing Andover Mills $174.99 Shop Now Natural-colored wood complements just about every country home. The light shade will brighten up your entire porch. Rosean Porch Swing August Grove $96.99 Shop Now If you're looking to buy rather than DIY, but have a tight budget, this wood version is a great option. As a bonus, it can be painted any color you'd like. Amdt Teak Porch Swing Red Barrel Studio $729.99 Shop Now The intricate backing on this model makes it stand out from other swings. It's unique without being over the top. Plow & Hearth Porch Swing Plow & Hearth $292.22 Shop Now If classic is your preference, check out this model. The description notes it has a "timeless style."


Curious just how far your dollar goes in Cleveland? 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 scoring a rental in Cleveland if you're on a budget of $1,700/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. 1401 Prospect Ave. East (Downtown) Listed at $1,613/month, this 1,400-square-foot two-bedroom, two-bathroom spot is located at 1401 Prospect Ave. East. The furnished unit features a walk-in closet, in-unit laundry and a dishwasher. The building boasts a fitness center. Cats are welcome. Expect a $300 pet deposit. Walk Score indicates that this location has excellent walkability, is bikeable and has excellent transit. (Check out the complete listing here .) 668 Euclid Ave. (Downtown) Next, there's this two-bedroom, two-bathroom residence located at 668 Euclid Ave. It's listed for $1,614/month for its 1,120 square feet. In the residence, look for a dishwasher and a walk-in closet. Cats are permitted with a $300 pet deposit. Per Walk Score ratings, the area around this address has excellent walkability, is fairly bikeable and is a haven for transit riders. (Take a gander at the complete listing here .) 526 Superior Ave. (Downtown) Here's a 1,005-square-foot two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment at 526 Superior Ave. that's going for $1,623/month. You can expect in-unit laundry, a fireplace, a walk-in closet and a dishwasher in the residence. Pet owners, take heed: both dogs and cats are allowed. According to Walk Score, the surrounding area is a "walker's paradise," is relatively bikeable and boasts excellent transit options. (See the full listing here .) 1701 E. 12th St. (Downtown) Located at 1701 E. 12th St., here's a 1,440-square-foot two-bedroom, two-bathroom penthouse that's listed for $1,667/month. Building amenities include a fitness center, a swimming pool, secured entry and on-site laundry. Good news for animal lovers: Both dogs and cats are permitted here. Be prepared for a $300 pet fee. According to Walk Score, the area around this address is extremely walkable, is bikeable and boasts excellent transit options. (Take a gander at the complete listing here .) 1228 Euclid Ave. (Downtown) Finally, here's a 1,155-square-foot two-bedroom, two-bathroom residence at 1228 Euclid Ave. that's going for $1,675/month. In the residence, anticipate in-unit laundry, a dishwasher, hardwood floors and a walk-in closet. The building features garage parking. If you have a furry friend in tow, you will be happy to know that pets are permitted with a $300 deposit. According to Walk Score's assessment, the area around this address is a "walker's paradise," is fairly bikeable and has excellent transit. (Take a look at the full listing here .) Working with a tight budget? Here are the cheapest rentals recently listed in Cleveland . 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.


The Cleveland Browns are continuously searching for the next weapon in what appears to be a loaded offense and they have gone the Ivy League route with one of their newest additions. Like Seth DeValve, who also hailed from Princeton, Stephen Carlson was a starting wide receiver in college, but is hoping to add weight and play more of the H-Back/TE role. Stephen Carlson, WR/TE Height: 6-4 Weight: 240 pounds Carlson was one of the more highly touted recruits to enroll at Princeton considering he was the 2014 Connolly Cup winner, which is essentially an award for the Western New York High School football MVP. This is no small feat, either, as he joins previous winners such as new Indianapolis Colts quarterback Chad Kelly, former Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Licata and former Cleveland wide receiver Naaman Roosevelt. Carlson had an extremely successful season statistically in 2018, snagging 51 receptions for 683 yards and five touchdowns. He had a very productive four years at Princeton with 125 receptions for 1,632 yards and 16 touchdowns. It is not surprising that Carlson went undrafted as he was not the most dominant player on the field, which is typically a prerequisite for Ivy League prospects. Carlson is also more of a tweener with not enough athleticism to be a true wide receiver and not enough size to play tight end on a consistent basis. He weighed 240 pounds at his pro day, but he had to add weight since his last playing and his frame appears maxed out. It is going to be an uphill battle for Carlson to make the final roster, but he may be a unique option to stash on the practice squad as the Browns try to figure out how to use him and where. Carlson has the potential to develop into a decent role player down the line, but it would be shocking if he developed into a consistent contributor. The former Ivy League star is certainly worth a deeper look. MORE: Jim and Pam from 'The Office' square off in the Stanley Cup Final Packers rookie Darnell Savage impresses with intelligence early at OTAs Roundup: Stranger Things Returning July 4th; Blues Make Stanley Cup Final; U.S. Intercepts Russian Bombers Off Coast of Alaska Stephen Carlson: What the Browns are getting in their new WR NBA Free Agency 2019: The top players


Diamondbacks starter Robbie Ray is one of the top rotation targets on this summer's trade market . The Arizona organization will have to decide whether the time is right to cash in on the southpaw, who's earning $6.05M in 2019 and can be controlled via arbitration for one more season beyond the present. The Astros and Phillies are two of the teams showing "recent interest" in Ray, according to MLB.com's Jon Morosi . It's unsurprising to see this particular connection; both of those organizations is in obvious need of starting pitching and already pursued Ray over the offseason . No doubt other organizations are also taking a look at Ray in anticipation of the Snakes' entertaining offers. At this point, it's unclear just how the Arizona organization will behave at the deadline. The club itself does not fully know, GM Mike Hazen has indicated . Final decisions will surely come down to details that aren't yet known: where exactly are the Snakes in the Wild Card standings? And what package of young talent can they achieve for Ray and others? The 'Stros and Phils are surely interested in gaining an understanding not just of what kind of pieces the D-Backs would want, but how inclined they are to pursue a deal in earnest. While the Houston organization will surely be in on rental assets, it has reasons to prefer controllable arms . It makes much more sense for the Philadelphia club to focus on the latter class , given its recent struggles. It'll certainly be interesting to see how negotiations progress on Ray. He's a particular target for strikeout-loving teams   so long as they can live with his walk issues and a few more long balls than might be preferred. Since the start of his breakout 2017 campaign, Ray has thrown nearly four hundred innings of 3.47 ERA ball with 12.0 K/9 and 4.5 BB/9 along with 1.3 dingers per nine. Though the best run of results came at the front end of that time period, by most measures Ray has been much the same pitcher throughout. There were some health hiccups last year, but he has stayed on the mound this season. All things considered, Ray is quite an appealing target for the right contender. The situation is made all the more interesting by the D-Backs' own circumstances. Both Hazen and CEO Derrick Hall have made clear the organization isn't looking for anything close to a full rebuild. That's not to say that they wouldn't be interested in highly talented but far-off prospects, but the Arizona org is not going to punt on the present entirely. That stance promises to impact the sort of deal structures that are pursued. The Snakes acquired talented players at or near the majors   Luke Weaver , Carson Kelly , and Andy Young   in last winter's Paul Goldschmidt deal, which could provide something of a model for a Ray swap.


MEXICO CITY   President Donald Trump says he's imposing tariffs on all goods from Mexico until the country stops the flow of undocumented migrants from Central America who cross its territory and enter the United States. Trump tweeted Friday that Mexico "can easily fix this problem. Time for them to finally do what must be done!" Here's a look at what Mexico has done so far: THE PROBLEM In the first three months of 2019, as many as 300,000 migrants   mostly from Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador   crossed through Mexico to reach the United States. Many were families with children, who cannot be detained for long in the United States. ___ HOW DID MEXICO'S NEW PRESIDENT LOOK AT IMMIGRATION? Lopez Obrador took office on Dec. 1, intending to reduce migration by addressing its root causes - joblessness, poverty and violence in such countries as Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala. He proposed creating a plan to develop the economies of Central America and southern Mexico, while creating humanitarian and work visas so that Central American migrants could stay in Mexico instead of heading to the U.S. ___ DID THAT CAUSE A SPIKE IN MIGRATION? The biggest drivers of the migrant exodus were in place before López Obrador took office and the first massive caravan of migrants formed last year, months before he took office. The caravans came about after tens of thousands of poor Central Americans decided they were a safer option than paying smugglers. New immigration routes for Cubans, Haitians and people from Africa also had opened up through Central America. López Obrador's offers of visas may have made it easier or safer to cross Mexico, but probably didn't play a key role in most people's decision to leave their home countries. ___ WHAT CHANGED IN MEXICO? A first huge caravan of migrants crossed Mexico headed for the U.S. border in November, before López Obrador took office. The arrival of over 10,000 migrants taxed border facilities and angered Mexican living in border cities. In January, another caravan crossed Mexico. By the time the third formed in April, it was clear that Mexico could no longer maintain an open-door policy. In April, the United States began slowing border crossings by reassigning border inspection personnel to deal with the influx of migrants already inside the United States. That started affecting Mexico's economy for the worst, especially time-sensitive shipments held up at the border. Separately, migrants began forcing their way across the border with Guatemala, overwhelming border forces and sometimes refusing to register once they arrived. ___ DID U.S. PRESSURE AFFECT MEXICAN POLICY? The border crossing slowdown in April and repeated threats by Trump to close the border or impose tariffs have played a role in changing Mexico's policies. But Mexicans' attitudes are also shifting. Increasingly, many Mexicans see large-scale movement of migrants across their country as a threat to their own safety and economy. ___ HAS MEXICO HELPED THE U.S. AT ALL? Mexico is only bound to take in its own citizens when the U.S. expels people at border crossings, and has traditionally refused to take in people from other countries. But starting in late January, Mexico has allowed the United States to return over 6,748 Central Americans to Mexican border cities as they wait to hear about their U.S. asylum claims. The Remain in Mexico policy, as it is known, is meant to reduce the attractiveness of U.S. asylum requests that in the past had allowed claimants to remain in the United States for years as their cases wound their way through the courts. ___ HAS MEXICO DONE MORE TO LIMIT MIGRATION? Mexico staged one of its first large-scale raids on a migrant caravan in April, detaining 371 people on a highway in the southern state of Chiapas. At the same time, Mexico announced that it would no longer grant humanitarian visas at the border with Guatemala after 15,000 people applied in the course of a few weeks. Instead, Mexico encouraged potential migrants to apply for such visas at Mexican consulates in Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala. Humanitarian visas are still being issued for migrants already in Mexico, but at a very slow pace. Work visas are now limited to only a few southern border states in Mexico where wages are low and few migrants want to stay. When migrants began to hop freight trains toward the U.S. border, as they did in past decades, Mexico started police raids on the train. When López Obrador took office, detentions of migrants were relatively low, with 5,884 migrants deported in January. By the end of May, the figure had risen to 15,654. ___ WHY DON'T MIGRANTS ASK FOR ASYLUM IN MEXICO? Some do. There have been over 18,000 requests for asylum filed in Mexico in the first four months of 2019, several times the levels of merely a few years ago. But many migrants say they either don't feel safe in Mexico, or they want to join relatives already in the United States. Many want to earn more money than is possible in Mexico. ___ HAS MEXICO YIELDED TO U.S. IMMIGRATION PRESSURE IN THE PAST? During a previous surge in unaccompanied minors at the U.S. border in 2014, Mexico's then-President Enrique Peña Nieto tightened security at Mexico's porous southern border, including immigration checkpoints and raids on freight trains used by the migrants.


Some obscure facts about the most recent Capitals draft class that might make you go "hmmm..." Some facts about the Washington Capitals draft class of 2019 to impress your friends and cause envy among your enemies… This is the first class since 2015 not to have a player born in the United States. Mitchell Gibson (Phoenixville, PA) was taken last season. Benton Maass (Elk River, MN) was taken in 2017. Chase Priskie (Pembroke Pines, FL) was taken in 2016. This is the smallest class (four draftees) since the 2015 class, which also had four members ( Ilya Samsonov , Jonas Siegenthaler , Connor Hobbs , and Colby Williams ). The 25th overall pick with which the Caps took Connor McMichael was the highest first selection for the club since they took Samsonov with the 22 nd overall pick in 2015. McMichael is the first forward taken with the team's first pick since they selected Jakub Vrana with the 13 th overall pick in 2014. In the 18 drafts preceding this one dating back to 2001, the Capitals selected at least one goaltender in 13 drafts (15 goalies overall among 137 selections). The Caps did not take a goalie among their four picks. Brett Leason and Aliaksei Protas were taken from the Prince Albert Raiders of the Western Hockey League. The Caps are no strangers to WHL picks, having taken 32 players from the WHL out of 137 selections from 2001-2018. However, this was the first time that the Caps dipped into the Prince Albert roster for a player since they took defenseman Ross Lupaschuk in the second round (34 th overall) in 1999. Leason and Protas are the fourth and fifth players taken from the Raiders in the draft history of the club. Brad Church (17th overall in 1995) and Jeff Nelson (36th overall in 1991) are the others. Connor McMichael is the first player drafted by the Caps from the London Knights since Justin Taylor was taken in the sixth round (180 th overall) in the 2017 draft and only the second since Krys Barch was taken in the fourth round (106 th overall) in 1998. John Carlson played one season as an amateur for the Knights, but he was drafted out of the USHL (Indiana Ice) in 2008. Thinking about the McMichael selection, drafting in the lower third of the first round has been something of a sweet spot for the Caps. Since 2004 (the Alex Ovechkin draft), the Caps have taken 11 players in the 21-30 space. That number includes: Jeff Schultz (27 th in 2004), Mike Green (29 th in 2004), Semyon Varlamov (23 rd in 2006), John Carlson (27 th in 2008), Marcus Johansson (24 th in 2009), Evgeny Kuznetsov (26 th in 2010), Andre Burakovsky (23 rd in 2013), and Ilya Samsonov (22 nd in 2015). Samsonov and Lucas Johansen (28 th in 2016) have yet to make their NHL debuts, but the only other player out of that group not to appear in at least one NHL game was Anton Gustafsson (21 st overall in 2008). Seven of the eight players to appear in the NHL have dressed for at least 300 games ( Joe Finley (27 th in 2005) dressed for 21 NHL games). Whether intentional or not, the Caps drafted for what NBA types call "length." There were 23 skaters taken who are 6'4" or taller, and the Caps selected three of them   Aliaksei Protas, Brett Leason, and Martin Hugo Has. As for Martin Hugo Has, if you are thinking that his selection as the 153 rd overall pick means he has an uphill climb to make it to the NHL, you are right. Since the NHL went to a seven-round draft in 2005, the Caps took 30 players through last summer's draft at 153 rd overall or lower. Of that group, eight have dressed for at least one NHL game. One of them   Mathieu Perreault (177 th overall in 2006) has played in 578 regular season games, and counting. Two others   Travis Boyd (177 th overall in 2011) and Christian Djoos (195 th overall in 2012) skate for the Capitals of today. Even Tyler Lewington (204 th overall in 2013) and Riley Barber (167 th overall in 2012) have gotten into the Caps' lineup for a few games over the last year or two. And, if you go back further in time, before the seven-round draft, you will find such familiar names as Richard Zednik (249 th overall in 1994), John Oduya (221 st overall in 2001), Ken Klee (177 th overall in 1990), Andrew Brunette (174 th overall in 1993)…oh, and a fellow named Peter Bondra (156 th overall in 1990)… drafted by the Caps who have dressed for a significant number of NHL games. It's a hard road for any draftee, wherever he might be selected, but not an impossible one to travel. Best of luck to all of the draftees on the journey on which they are about to embark.


The Baltimore Ravens have been one of the better teams at finding talent following the NFL draft. The Ravens have seen a UDFA make the final 53-man roster for the last 15 consecutive years. Not only have undrafted players made the roster, but many have gone on to make major impacts. Bart Scott, Patrick Onwuasor, Priest Holmes and Justin Tucker are just the tip of the iceberg for Baltimore over the years. With a whole new crop of UDFAs signed to the 90-man roster, these four have the best chance to make the final 53-man roster. DT Gerald Willis Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images Willis had a pretty solid third-round grade on him from most draft analysts. It was a shock when he went undrafted, even in spite of his off-field issues. A fight with the son of former offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg as well as maturity concerns plagued Willis into the draft. Though Willis enters one of the Ravens' deepest position groups, he'll have a chance to not only make the roster but provide a major impact as a rookie. He showed flashes of brilliance in 2018, often getting into the backfield. But he'll have to improve on his technique and his effort level to consistently play at that level in the NFL. OLB Markus Jones Jones was incredibly productive in his three years at Angelo State. Jones won the Gene Upshaw Award in 2018 as the best Division II defensive lineman after posting up 84 tackles, including 36.5 for loss and 17.5 sacks. His 31.5 total sacks over three seasons is a massive accomplishment regardless of the level of competition he faced. With the Ravens selecting only Jaylon Ferguson at linebacker in the 2019 NFL draft, Baltimore is beyond thin at outside linebacker. Jones should have a real shot at making the 53-man roster. WR Jaylen Smith Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports Smith doesn't do any one thing exceptionally well. But he has the size, speed and chemistry as Lamar Jackson's former top option to potentially make the cut. Smith will need to work on his drops, polish his route running and show versatility to play both inside and outside to make that happen. Since Smith's best seasons at Louisville came with Jackson throwing him the ball, the hope is he returns to that form. ILB Silas Stewart The Ravens are thin at inside linebacker after the departure of C.J. Mosley in free agency. With no real experienced options behind expected starters Patrick Onwuasor and Kenny Young, it's a prime chance for a UDFA like Stewart to take a roster spot. Stewart is undersized but makes up for that with speed and coverage ability. He'd be the ideal developmental option in a coverage linebacker role and good backup to Young. MORE: NBA Free Agency 2019: The top players These five photos of Kawhi Leonard watching his buzzer-beater are incredible Video confirms reports of Chris Paul's attempt to sabotage Steph Curry Dak Prescott's accuracy, aggressive quantified ahead of new deal Patriots are penciling in Isaiah Wynn at left tackle


A man shot in the city's Dorchester neighborhood early Tuesday has died, police said. The incident happened around 1:30 a.m. on Wildwood Street. The victim was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries and died Thursday, police said. His name has not been released. No arrests have been made in connection with the case. It remains under investigation. READ MORE: Man wounded in Dorchester shooting dies, police say CHECK OUT WCVB: Get the latest Boston news, weather and sports online, anytime. Stay in the know with Boston's news leader   WCVB.


Long Beach should be fairly dry this coming week, but there is light rainfall ahead, according to drone-powered weather forecasting service Saildrone . The best chance of rain is forecast on Sunday at 39 percent, with the possibility of light rainfall of 0.19 inches. The next few days will also bring cool temperatures, due to last through Monday. Temperatures will reach a high of 67 degrees on Wednesday and Friday. Skies will be mostly cloudy today and partly cloudy tomorrow. Winds will remain somewhat calm in the course of the week, with the highest speeds on Thursday at just 12 mph. This story was created automatically using Saildrone's local weather forecast data, then reviewed by an editor. We also incorporate historic weather data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


HONG KONG   A day after a citywide strike evolved into chaotic clashes between protesters, police and residents across Hong Kong, the Chinese government, Hong Kong police and a group of protesters held news conferences pushing dueling narratives on what had happened. Beijing issued its sharpest warning so far to Hong Kong protesters, calling them "arrogant lunatics" who should not underestimate the central government's "immense force," but did not take any new measures to control the situation. "We warn that tiny minority of unscrupulous, violent, illegal actors and the black hands behind them: Those who play with fire will burn in it themselves. The punishment they deserve is imminent!" said Yang Guang, spokesman for the State Council's Office of Hong Kong and Macau Affairs in a news conference. Hundreds of thousands of Hong Kong residents have been protesting since June over plans   since suspended   for an extradition law making it easier to transfer criminal defendants to mainland China. Under terms of its 1997 handover from Britain, Hong Kong is a semiautonomous territory of China. Yang said the Chinese government and "all Chinese people" supported Hong Kong's chief executive, Carrie Lam, and that she would not resign. He praised Hong Kong police and repeated last week's message that Hong Kong must return to "law and order." Slideshow by photo services Yang did not rule out the possibility of military intervention by the People's Liberation Army but said that the Hong Kong government and police were "fully capable" of restoring stability. "The PLA is a strong force that defends every inch of its sacred territory," Yang said, but added that China's military will act according to Hong Kong law, which prohibits military interference unless requested by the Hong Kong government. Police forces in Shenzhen, the closest Chinese city across the border from Hong Kong, held an anti-riot drill Tuesday. Riot police bearing shields and batons faced off in a cloud of tear gas against mock protesters wearing black T-shirts and yellow hard hats in a seemingly pointed message to Hong Kong protesters, who often dress that way. State media said the drill was in preparation for festivities marking the 70th anniversary of the People's Republic of China, which will be celebrated Oct. 1. The Communist Party-run state is planning a major celebration meant to showcase the nation's strength and military power, and has been especially sensitive to any perceived disrespect of China in preceding months. State propaganda has fixated on Hong Kong protesters' removal of two Chinese national flags that they threw into Victoria Harbor, for example, spreading nationalistic hashtags on Chinese social media in response. Yang said: "1.4 billion Chinese people are all standard bearers. They defend the national flag." Protesters also held a news conference Tuesday for the first time since the anti-extradition bill movement began. Three anonymous speakers wearing yellow hard hats and masks spoke to reporters in an office building in Mong Kok, a busy market area where multiple marches and clashes have taken place. The news conference was organized through LIHKG, a Reddit-like social forum that protesters have used to plan actions, and broadcast live via local media on Facebook. The speakers called it a "citizens' press conference," saying they were affiliated with no political organization and did not represent all protesters, but wanted to create a platform for people's voices. "This platform aims to act as a counterweight to the government's monopoly on the political discourse," one speaker said. "As the Chinese saying goes, rulers should not be left unchecked." The speakers disputed a claim that Hong Kong's financial secretary Paul Chan had made about protests damaging Hong Kong's economy, saying the economic slowdown had begun months before the protests and that external factors such as the U.S.-China trade war were to blame. They said Hong Kong's core value was "autonomy," in contrast to Lam's and Beijing's statements that Hong Kong's core value is the "rule of law" enforced by police. "We call on the government to return the government back to the people," one speaker read from a statement, adding that the government was ignoring the political crisis' root causes and empowering police abuse of power against civilians. The speakers read a list of alleged police abuses of power, saying the use of tear gas and rubber bullets was excessive and that police had assaulted civilians and colluded with organized criminal gangs, alluding to mob attacks on protesters at a mass transit station in July and in two different neighborhoods Monday night. Police had lost their self-discipline and were acting like "enemies against the public," a speaker said. Hong Kong police announced that they had arrested 148 protesters Monday in addition to 420 people arrested since the protests began. Police said they fired 800 tear gas rounds, 140 rubber bullets and 20 sponge bullets Monday in addition to a total of 1,000 tear gas rounds and 160 rubber bullets previously used since June 9.     ©2019 Los Angeles Times Visit the Los Angeles Times at www.latimes.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


Taylor Swift, 29, has quite a bit on her plate right now - an upcoming new album, talk show appearances, live performances, and magazine interviews - but she still finds time to spend with her 28-year-old boyfriend Joe Alwyn. Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn Look Très Cute Holding Hands During Their Paris Trip Taylor Swift , 29, has quite a bit on her plate right now - an upcoming new album , talk show appearances , live performances , and magazine interviews - but she still finds time to spend with her 28-year-old boyfriend Joe Alwyn . On Friday, the couple took a relaxing stroll together in the streets of Paris after grabbing a bite to eat at Café de Flore. They looked cute and casual as Taylor wore a sweatshirt and dark pants while Joe sported a white t-shirt with jeans. The two also matched with baseball caps and sunglasses. Taylor and Joe - who have been dating for about two years - typically keep details of their relationship private. But every now and then we catch a few glimpses of the lovebirds hanging out together. In January, they hit up a few Golden Globe afterparties where they reportedly "didn't shy away from showing PDA," according to Us Weekly . The following month, they attended BAFTA afterparties in London where they arrived holding hands. Their joint public outings might be rare, but they're always heartwarming!


Newsflash, offspring of America: Father's Day rolls around once again this weekend, and if you don't have anything for the big man, you're going to need to figure it out and fast. Thankfully there's always one thing that's both a good gift and an easy gift, and that thing is, of course, whiskey. But don't worry, even if you haven't touched the stuff since college, we're here to help, offering up old favorites and new surprises that are sure to make dad a happy camper...as long as you're not actually camping, of course. That never seems to end well... Basil Hayden's Caribbean Reserve Rye What is it? Blended whiskey with a touch of rum How much does it cost? $44.99 Here's one dad hasn't seen before: A blend of Canadian and Kentucky ryes spiked with a touch of dark, syrupy Black Strap rum from famed bourbon house Basil Hayden's. The result is a slow-burn summer sipper that'll turn an afternoon of bass fishing into the deep-sea adventure he's been talking about booking since you were watching Rugrats . Buy here Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Aged Whiskey What is it? Old-school Tennessee whiskey How much does it cost? $59.95 There's no more ubiquitous dad drink on earth than a Jack & Coke, and thankfully for pops Tennessee whiskey is back in a big way thanks to Uncle Nearest 1856, named for the first-known African American master distiller Nathan "Nearest" Green, who is said to have pioneered the Lincoln County filtering process that makes ol' No. 7 so distinct. This blend of 8-to-11-year-old whiskeys faithfully abides by the same charcoal filtering, but make sure dad leaves the coke in the fridge Uncle Nearest's palate of warm home-baked cookies is sweet and smooth enough all on its own. Buy here Crown Royal Noble Collection French Oak Cask Finish What is it? Canadian whisky (yes, that's how they spell it) How much does it cost? $59.99 There's just something about that purple velour bag that says "you mean *this* much to me," and this Father's Day, Canadian whisky legend Crown Royal is rolling out the red carpet for the latest installment of its fittingly titled Noble Collection. Finished in French oak barrels for a richer, more viscous elixir, this is a Canadian whisky fit for kings, but if you can't find one of those, dad will have to do. Buy here Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2011 What is it? Locavore Islay scotch whisky How much does it cost? $69.99 You won't find a purer distillation of Islay than Bruichladdich's Islay Barley 2011, the latest in the tough-to-pronounce, easy-to-drink distillery's long-running Islay Barley range, which sources grains exclusively from nearby farms off Scotland's western coast. The 2011 vintage is a bright, unpeated single malt blooming with summery notes of green apple and coconut, before finishing with a salty maritime kick. If dad is looking for a little walk on the wild side, however, perhaps the Black Art 06.1 is more his speed. Buy here RELATED: Jim Beam practically giving away $23 Father's Day vacations to their Kentucky distillery Booker's Shiny Barrel Batch What is it? Small-batch Kentucky straight bourbon How much does it cost? $79.99 At Booker's, bourbon is a family affair. From Booker Noe's inaugural hand-selected batch in 1992 to son Fred's latest selection in 2019, the Shiny Barrel Batch, the Booker's portfolio tells the story of father and son as much as whiskey. But make no mistake, the bourbon is pretty damn good as well, with the Shiny Barrel Batch named for the barrels the rackhouse workers used to dust off and sneak tastes from aged nearly 6-and-a-half years for mellowness and bottled at 124-proof for an authentic backbone. Buy here Tyrconnell 16-Year-Old Oloroso & Moscatel Cask Finish What is it? Single-malt Irish whiskey with an Iberian flair How much does it cost? $100 One of the most ambitious Irish whiskeys to ever hit the market, the Tyrconnell 16-Year-Old Oloroso & Moscatel Cask Finish is aged almost as long as its name, finishing it's lengthy slumber in Andalucian wine casks previously seasoned with alternating infusions of Oloroso sherry and Moscatel wine. The process, when combined with Tyrconnel's stellar single-malt fluid, gives way to flavors of honeysuckle, champagne, and jasmine...but don't tell dad that. Just tell him it's good. Buy here Laphroaig Lore What is it? Smokey-as-hell single-malt Islay scotch whisky How much does it cost? $124.99 If you want smoke, you got it. Laphroaig are one of the most legendary names in scotch, and the Lore perhaps their most definitive whiskey, embodying the iconic peat purveyors' unapologetic nature in a single bottle. The trademark flavor profile typified by bold notes of sea salt and spicy chili is the result of one of the most impressive cask arrays scotch has ever seen, ranging from virgin European oak to refill Laphroaig barrels, creating the most Laphroaig-y Laphroaig to ever come out of Laphroaig (try saying that five times fast.) Needless to say, if you're bringing one bottle to the Father's Day fireside, this is it. Buy here RELATED: 2019 Father's Day Golf Gift Guide: Golf Gifts for Dad Bushmills 21-Year-Old Single Malt What is it? Single-malt Irish whiskey How much does it cost? $249.99 The next best thing to scoring dad tickets to the Open Championship at Royal Portrush? A taste of it, which Bushmills' annual 21-year-old single malt provides in spades. Aged in bourbon and sherry casks for 19 years before being married in ex-Madeira wine barrels for a nice little two-year honeymoon, the Bushmills 21-year-old is one of Northern Ireland's most prized exports...besides Rory, of course. Buy here BenRiach 25 Years Old What is it? Very old Speyside single-malt scotch whiskey How much does it cost? $299.00 25 years is a lot of years. Chances are the training wheels were still on your bike yet when BenRiach's new 25-year-old soctch whisky first went into its American oak Bourbon hogsheads and French Burgundy barriques. Fast forward two-and-a-half decades, and now its a perfect gift for the man helped you get up on two wheels once and for all. Buy here


WASHINGTON (AP)   Retired Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens never really put down his pen. Without opinions and dissents to write following his retirement from the Supreme Court in 2010, Stevens chose instead to write books from his home in Florida, reflecting on his life but also the Constitution. Stevens, who died last week at age 99 and will lie in repose at the court Monday, published his first book in retirement the year after he left the court. The memoir, "Five Chiefs," reflected on the five Supreme Court chief justices he had served under or known. A second book, "Six Amendments: How and Why We Should Change the Constitution," followed in 2014. And his most recent book, an autobiography, came out in May, just a month after his most recent birthday. Stevens had been particularly outspoken recently on the topic of gun control. In "Six Amendments" he called for changing the Constitution's Second Amendment to permit gun control. Last year, after marches following the school shooting in Parkland, Florida, in which 17 people died, Stevens wrote an essay for The New York Times calling not only for significant gun control legislation but also the Second Amendment's repeal . Also last year he came out against Justice Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation following Kavanaugh's angry denial of sexual assault allegations. Other justices have chosen their own paths in retirement. A look at how the nation's three other retired Supreme Court justices have been spending their time: ___ ANTHONY KENNEDY The Supreme Court's most recent retiree left the court a year ago this month . Kennedy, 82, said in stepping down that he wanted to spend more time with his family. Former clerks say Kennedy, a father of three and "Papa" to nine grandchildren, is an enthusiastic grandparent. He's attended his grandkids' T-ball games and ballet performances. He spoke at the high school graduations of two of his grandchildren and has talked about seeing "Hamilton" on Broadway with his grandchildren. This summer, Kennedy taught at the University of the Pacific's McGeorge School of Law program in Austria, a practice of his for decades. He's taught in some capacity for the California school since 1965. ___ DAVID SOUTER Souter never really liked Washington and quickly returned to his home state of New Hampshire after leaving the court in 2009. Now 79, Souter was just shy of 70 when he retired and decided he wasn't quite done wearing his judicial robes. Before joining the Supreme Court, Souter had been a judge on the federal appeals court based in Boston, and he's served on the court regularly in retirement, hearing more than 400 cases. ___ SANDRA DAY O'CONNOR The first woman to serve on the Supreme Court left the court in 2006 under unhappy circumstances. Her husband was suffering from Alzheimer's disease and O'Connor, then 75, retired in part to care for him. He died in 2009. O'Connor, now 89, announced late last year that she too had been diagnosed with the beginning stages of dementia, probably Alzheimer's disease. O'Connor had stopped speaking publicly more than two years before the announcement, but for years she led an active retirement. O'Connor returned to her home state of Arizona upon retiring and, like Souter, served as a visiting appeals court judge, hearing more than 175 cases and serving with all but two of the nation's 13 federal appeals courts. Like Stevens, she also wrote in retirement, authoring a book of stories about Supreme Court history. She also founded iCivics, an organization that promotes civic education in schools. ___ Follow Jessica Gresko on Twitter at https://twitter.com/jessicagresko .


The number of crime incidents in Atlanta saw an overall increase last week, for the second week in a row, according to data from SpotCrime , which collects data from police agencies and validated sources. Incidents rose to 528 for the week of July 8, up from 472 the week before. Theft and robbery led the increase in crime reports. Theft rose to 293 incidents last week, from 243 the week before. Robbery went from 38 to 46. Among other categories, there was also an increase in assault, from 50 incidents per week to 57. Among the few types of offenses that saw a downturn last week, reports of burglary went from 141 to 127. There were five reports of "other" crimes, an increase of five from the previous week. SpotCrime's broad "other" category includes a variety of offenses like fraud, trespassing, public disturbance and traffic violations. As far as where crime is concentrated in the city, Midtown, Downtown and Old Fourth Ward continued to have the most reported incidents last week. Atlantic Station experienced the highest growth in crime. Crime reports in Oakland City also rose, after declining the week before, and incidents in Mechanicsville are up considerably as well. Regarding day and time factors, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday saw the most crime incidents last week. The largest increase from the previous week occurred on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, while incidents on Sunday went down. Comparing times of day, early afternoon, late afternoon and after midnight saw the most crime last week. Want a longer-term view of crime in Atlanta? Here's our latest monthly crime report . To report a crime in progress or life-threatening emergency, call 911. To report a non-urgent crime or complaint, contact your local police department. Head to SpotCrime to get free local crime alerts in your area. This story was created automatically using local crime data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about our data sources and local crime methodology. Got thoughts about what we're doing? Go here to share your feedback.