Video by CBS News WASHINGTON   The U.S. is sending an aircraft carrier group to the Middle East ahead of schedule and warning that Iran and its proxy forces are showing "troubling and escalatory" indications of a possible attack on American forces in the region. Exactly what prompted the action was unclear, but it marked a further step in sharply rising tensions between the Trump administration and the Islamic Republic. National security adviser John Bolton said Sunday night the U.S. was deploying the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group and a bomber task force to the Middle East, intending to send a message that "unrelenting force" will meet any attack on American forces or allies. "The United States is not seeking war with the Iranian regime, but we are fully prepared to respond to any attack, whether by proxy, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps or regular Iranian forces," Bolton said. Neither Bolton nor other officials would provide any details about the supposed threat, which comes as the Trump administration wages a campaign of intensifying pressure against Iran and nearly a year after it withdrew from an Obama-era nuclear deal with Tehran. In Iran, the semi-official ISNA news agency on Monday quoted an anonymous official as saying that Iranian President Hassan Rouhani planned a broadcast address Wednesday and might discuss "counteractions" Tehran will take over America's withdrawal from the international nuclear deal. The agreement limited Iran's enrichment of uranium amid Western concerns that Tehran's program could allow it to build nuclear weapons. Iran insists its program is for peaceful purposes. With its pressure campaign, the U.S. administration is trying to get Iran to halt activities such as supporting militant activities that destabilize the Middle East and threaten U.S. allies, including Israel, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said. "Our objective is to get the Islamic Republic of Iran to behave like a normal nation," Pompeo told reporters during a visit to Finland. "When they do that, we will welcome them back." The order to the carrier group would get the Abraham Lincoln into the Middle East about two weeks earlier than initially planned following exercises in the Mediterranean region, according to a U.S. defense official who wasn't authorized to speak publicly, so spoke on the condition of anonymity. It forces the ships to cancel a planned stop in Croatia. For years, the U.S. maintained a carrier presence in the Persian Gulf and Middle East region. During the height of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, there were two carriers in the area, but that was reduced to one. Last year the administration decided to end the continuous carrier presence, and send a strike group only intermittently into the region. The U.S. Navy currently has no aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf. Bolton said the U.S. wants to send a message that "unrelenting force" will meet any attack on U.S. interests or those of America's allies. Jon Alterman, senior vice president at the Center for Strategic & International Studies, questioned whether the U.S. adequately understands Iranian motivations and actions, and whether the military move was warranted. "I don't think we should let the Iranians pull our chain at the time and place of their choosing," he said. "You can communicate seriousness to the Iranians without moving a lot of assets around, because moving assets is expensive and keeps assets from being in other places." He added, however, that Iran has the capability to harm Americans, but it's difficult to assess the situation without knowing more about the intelligence that prompted the move. Mark Dubowitz, who studies Iran for the Washington-based policy institute Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said a credible threat of overwhelming force "will make war less likely." "If past is prologue, the regime will always move aggressively forward when it senses American weakness and recoil when it sensed American strength," Dubowitz said. Along with the Lincoln, Bolton mentioned "a bomber task force," which suggested the Pentagon is deploying land-based bomber aircraft somewhere in the region, perhaps on the Arabian Peninsula. Pompeo said the actions undertaken by the U.S. have been in the works for a while. The request for the accelerated move came over the weekend from the military's U.S. Central Command after reviewing various intelligence reports for some time, according to the U.S. official. Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan approved the request on Sunday. "It is absolutely the case that we have seen escalatory actions from the Iranians and it is equally the case that we will hold the Iranians accountable for attacks on American interests," Pompeo said. "If these actions take place, if they do by some third-party proxy, a militia group, Hezbollah, we will hold the Iranian leadership directly accountable for that." Asked about "escalatory actions," Pompeo replied, "I don't want to talk about what underlays it, but make no mistake, we have good reason to want to communicate clearly about how the Iranians should understand how we will respond to actions they may take." Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said Monday that the carrier move sends an important message to Iran but the administration needs to give Congress more information. "I worry that it could be misinterpreted," Blumenthal said. "I'm trusting that it isn't meant as a provocative act, but I need to know what the thought process and justifications are." Asked if the Iranian action was related to the deadly events in Gaza and Israel   militants fired rockets into Israel on Sunday and Israel responded with airstrikes   Pompeo said, "It is separate from that." The Trump administration has been intensifying its pressure campaign against Iran. Last month, President Donald Trump announced the U.S. would no longer exempt any countries from U.S. sanctions if they continue to buy Iranian oil, a decision that primarily affects the five remaining major importers: China and India and U.S. treaty allies Japan, South Korea and Turkey. The U.S. also recently designated Iran's Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist group, the first ever for an entire division of another government. Trump withdrew from the Obama administration's landmark nuclear deal with Iran in May 2018 and, in the months that followed, reimposed punishing sanctions including those targeting Iran's oil, shipping and banking sectors. ___ Associated Press writers Robert Burns and Matthew Lee contributed to this report.


The New Jersey Devils have signed free agent forward Wayne Simmonds to a one-year contract worth $5M. Coming off a brutal season, Simmonds won't sign long term but does get a nice paycheck as he tries to re-establish his value around the league. After scoring at least 24 goals for the last five consecutive seasons, Simmonds' offense dropped off a cliff in 2018-19. He had just 16 goals and 27 points when the trade deadline rolled around. At that point he was shipped off to the Nashville Predators, where things just got worse. Simmonds didn't fit in at all with his new team, eventually being demoted to the fourth line and taken off the power play. He scored just three points for the Predators in 17 games down the stretch and then was held scoreless in his two postseason appearances. The question was whether Simmonds, who plays a physical, powerful game, was hitting his decline phase early and would be out of the NHL in a few years. Even though he's only 30 and hasn't ever played fewer than 75 games in a non-lockout-shortened season, his effectiveness rapidly disintegrated. New Jersey is obviously willing to take a chance that he can bounce back, as a $5M deal provides little room for excess value. It also doesn't have a lot of risk for a team with plenty of cap space, though. Even if he fails to get back to the 30-goal powerhouse he once was, he'll be a free agent again in a year's time. If he can regain any of that production though, the Devils' power play could be getting another elite talent. Already adding star draft pick Jack Hughes and offensive dynamo P.K. Subban , the Taylor Hall -led team could potentially be extremely dangerous with the man advantage.


These playful storefronts and signs are sure to leave a lasting memory. 6 cannabis brand names we wish we'd have thought of What's in a name? When you're trying to capture the attention of new customers, everything. Here are six cannabis - branding moments we loved -- and that consumers won't soon forget. Canna-Daddy's Canna-Daddy's familial name helps it stand out in the competitive Portland, Oreg., dispensary scene, and so does its relationship with growers. Customers praise it as their trusted source of cannabis in a soothing setting. "I'm agoraphobic and only leave my house when my wife makes me. I love to go to Canna-Daddy's," reads one customer review. Pipe Dreams Dispensary While some fret about the stigma around marijuana, Pipe Dreams Dispensary goes straight for the opium association. Loyal customers of the Lincoln City, Oreg., brand are very fond of the daily specials, with quality flower for as little as $3 a gram. Starbuds Dabuccino This isn't a dispensary sign, but we had to include it. In 2016, Starbucks, revealing it has zero sense of humor, won a judgment of nearly $500,000 against Oregon artist James Landgraf, designer of the Dabuccino. Knockoffs of the Dabuccino remain defiantly for sale online. Herbal Outfitters This play on the Urban Outfitters name is doubly fun because Herbal Outfitters (a.k.a. "The first pot shop to open in the Last Frontier") is in Valdez, Alaska, population 3,936, which is not very urban at all. High Q High Q has two Colorado dispensaries -- one in Silt, the other in Carbondale -- and both offer half-priced grams on Mondays. A half-gram is plenty for a pleasant afternoon of contemplating whether the name High Q is a play on IQ or haiku. Or both? The Higher Path Apparently, medical marijuana can't cure generations of rivalry between L.A. and San Francisco. Higher Path's website describes owner Jerred Kiloh as hailing from Northern California and attributes Higher Path's success -- it was named Best Dispensary in L.A. in 2016 -- to "a very different mentality of medicine" Kiloh brought "with him to Southern California."


Clemson coach Dabo Swinney grew up in Alabama. But nowadays he said Crimson Tide fans fans aren't very happy to see him. With the Tigers winning two of the last three national titles   beating Alabama in those title games   the Crimson Tide faithful have treated the 49-year-old much differently than when he first started to garner success with the Tigers, the coach revealed. "I think it was all fun and games early on. It was, 'awe, isn't that sweet?' and that stuff," Swinney said in a recent Sirius XM Radio interview . "They aren't as happy to see me. But it's all good. It's a good problem." CARRYING THE ROCK: The 10 best college football running backs for the 2019 season BEHIND CENTER: The 10 best college football quarterbacks for the 2019 season BACK TO SCHOOL: Terry Bowden joining Clemson coaching staff as unpaid intern Swinney, a Pelham, Ala., native and Alabama graduate, was jokingly asked if there are walls up when he enters his former state. He quipped: "I don't know about walls, but I am kinda like Osama Bin Dabo. I have to navigate my way through the caves and back channels to make my way through Alabama these days." Swinney said in the interview that while he still feels like a part of the Alabama family, he has been cast out to a degree. "I think they've made me a stepbrother now," Swinney said. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Clemson's Dabo Swinney says he feels like 'Osama Bin Dabo' when he visits Alabama


The Flying Wallendas astonished the world once again , becoming the first to cross New York's Times Square on a tightrope 25 stories above the city streets. A huge crowd at the iconic New York square was pulling for famed daredevil Nik Wallenda and his sister Lijana as they made the nerve-racking 1,300 foot crossing between 1 Times Square and 2 Times Square. Nik started first from 2 Times Square at 9:20 p.m. Lijana started about a minute later at 1 Times Square. The two slowly made their way toward the other, chatting with each other, Lijana singing at times, and talking to their father via a communications system as the world listened in a live ABC broadcast . "This has been my life, longer than I've been alive," Nik said at one point during the wire walk. The breathtaking feat was Lijana's first time performing since she was seriously injured in a 2017 fall , when she and four others fell 30 feet from a tightrope during a rehearsal. About 17 dramatic minutes in, the two met. Lijana then sat down on the wire, and Nik crossed over her. After a few tense moments when Lijana realized she had rehooked her pole wrong, they went on to finish at the opposite end from where they started. For Nik, it was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream of "paying homage" to his family's performance at Madison Square Garden in 1928, he told ABC. Nik said before the act that he was worried about his sister, who had worked so hard to come back from her injuries two and a half years earlier. Lijana was worried about her brother because he was worried about her. Before the performance, Lijana said she was really nervous because it's so high up. "I've got this," she said. "I've got this." Nik and Lijana are the seventh generation of the Great Wallendas. Their great-grandfather, Karl Wallenda, brought the family to America from Germany to perform for The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, according to ABC. Karl Wallenda was killed at the age of 73, attempting to walk between two buildings in Puerto Rico in 1978.


Washington authorities are hunting a convicted rapist who they believe attacked a wheelchair-bound woman just three days after getting out of jail -- where he'd been locked up for previously raping the same woman. Francisco Carranza-Ramirez, 35, was released from jail last Thursday after serving less than a year for the rape of a White Center woman on two occasions. A spokesperson for the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office told Fox News in an email that Carranza-Ramirez was charged with rape in the 3rd degree in October and pleaded guilty in February. OHIO TEACHER ALLEGEDLY TOUCHED DOZENS OF FEMALE FIRST-GRADERS INAPPROPRIATELY, PROSECUTORS SAY After nine months in jail (including time served as the case proceeded), Carranza-Ramirez was ordered by a judge to return to Mexico as part of a plea agreement. When contacted by Fox News, the prosecution did not confirm Carranza-Ramirez's citizenship status, but did note his criminal history did not specifically indicate he was in the U.S. illegally. Authorities say he was released on Thursday and on Saturday he tracked down the 32-year-old woman he previously terrorized. He approached the woman the following day and allegedly assaulted her. The woman, who is partially paralyzed, suffered cuts and bruises, a seizure and a concussion after authorities say she was strangled and struck in the head, the Seattle Times reported. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Carranza-Ramirez met the victim in September when he was said to have offered the woman and her 2-year-old son a ride home after meeting them that day. He eventually worked his way into her apartment, where he raped her, the Seattle Post Intelligencer reported. Two days later he showed up at her apartment and again raped her. Carranza-Ramirez is now facing assault in the second degree, felony harassment, intimidating a witness and felony violation of a sexual assault protection order. A possible sentence multiplier due to allegedly reoffending only days after leaving jail was attached to each charge.


Curious just how far your dollar goes in Milwaukee? We've rounded up the latest rental offerings via rental site Zumper to get a sense of what to expect when it comes to locating a rental in Milwaukee if you've got a budget of $800/month. Read on for the listings. (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. 1802 E. Linnwood Ave. (Upper East Side) Here's this one-bedroom, one-bathroom over at 1802 E. Linnwood Ave. It's listed for $795/month. When it comes to building amenities, expect assigned parking and on-site laundry. In the unit, expect hardwood floors and a fireplace. Cats are welcome. The rental doesn't require a leasing fee. According to Walk Score, this location is very walkable, is a "biker's paradise" and offers many nearby public transportation options. (See the complete listing here .) 3817 N. Humboldt Blvd. (Riverwest) Here's a one-bedroom, one-bathroom at 3817 N. Humboldt Blvd. that's also going for $795/month. It's available August 1. In the unit, you'll get hardwood floors and in-unit laundry. Assigned parking is listed as a building amenity. Cats are allowed. Future tenants needn't worry about a leasing fee. According to Walk Score, the surrounding area is quite walkable, is very bikeable and offers many nearby public transportation options. (Take a look at the full listing here .) 1620 N. Marshall St. (Lower East Side) Next, check out this one-bedroom, one-bathroom that's located at 1620 N. Marshall St. It's listed for $795/month. In the unit, you'll find hardwood floors and air conditioning. The building offers assigned parking. Hairball alert: cats are permitted. The rental doesn't require a leasing fee. According to Walk Score, the surrounding area is extremely walkable, is easy to get around on a bicycle and has good transit options. (See the complete listing here .) 1639 N. Farwell Ave. (Lower East Side) Located at 1639 N. Farwell Ave., here's a one-bedroom, one-bathroom that's listed for $795/month. Cats are welcome. There's no leasing fee required for this rental. Walk Score indicates that the area around this address is a "walker's paradise," is great for biking and has good transit options. (Check out the complete listing here .) 3438 N. Oakland Ave. (Downer Woods) Located at 3438 N. Oakland Ave., here's a one-bedroom, one-bathroom that's listed for $775/month. The unit offers air conditioning and carpeted floors. When it comes to building amenities, anticipate an elevator and secured entry. Cats are allowed in this home. According to Walk Score, the area around this address is friendly for those on foot, is a "biker's paradise" and offers many nearby public transportation options. (Check out the complete listing here .) This story was created automatically using local real estate data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


Ten states led by New York and California have filed a lawsuit to stop T-Mobile US's $26 billion purchase of Sprint, warning that consumer prices will jump due to reduced competition. The complaint, announced by the New York attorney general's office, was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The New York attorney general office will hold a news conference this afternoon. Attorneys general from the ten states have been investigating the deal, which would reduce the number of nationwide wireless carriers to three from four. The companies have pledged not to boost rates for three years. The reduced competition would cost Sprint and T-Mobile subscribers more than $4.5 billion annually, according to the complaint. "Direct competition between Sprint and T-Mobile has led to lower prices, higher quality service, and more features for consumers. If consummated, the merger will eliminate the competition between Sprint and T-Mobile," the states said in the complaint. T-Mobile, whose parent company is Deutsche Telekom AG, and Sprint, controlled by Japan's SoftBank Group Ltd, did not comment. A spokeswoman for the New York attorney general declined to comment. Shares of Sprint dropped 4.9% at $6.65 while T-Mobile was down 1.5% at $75.52.. While AT&T and Verizon dominate the overall U.S. wireless market, T-Mobile is the most popular among customers who make less than $75,000 per year, and Sprint's Boost Mobile prepaid brand counts 83 percent of its users in that income range, according to Kagan, S&P Global Market Intelligence data. Critics of the deal fear it will likely lead to higher prices for the poorest Americans, many of whom use prepaid wireless plans. The companies have offered to sell Boost to reduce the combined company's market share in the prepaid business. They have also indicated they were considering divesting wireless spectrum. The states' complaint also said that divesting Boost would not resolve competitive concerns since Boost would be dependent on another carrier to provide network access, meaning that it is not independent. The two companies have been in regular contact with regulators as they lobby for approval. Sprint Chief Executive Officer Marcelo Claure and John Legere, his counterpart at T-Mobile, met with Justice Department officials on Monday, according to a source familiar with the matter. If the states' lawsuit goes forward, the courts would have the last say, not the Justice Department, said Blair Levin, an analyst with New Street Research, in a note on Tuesday following the development, which Reuters first reported. The next two big steps will be determining the position of Makan Delrahim, head of the antitrust division, and the identity of the judge assigned to the states' lawsuit, Levin wrote. State attorneys general often participate in lawsuits aimed at stopping mergers but rarely go it alone. The deal has won the backing of a majority of the Federal Communications Commission. The U.S. Justice Department's antitrust division staff has recommended the agency block the deal, but no final decision has been made.


NAMCHE, Nepal   Scaling Mount Everest was a dream few realized before Nepal opened its side of the mountain to commercial climbing a half-century ago. This year the government issued a record number of permits, leading to traffic jams on the world's highest peak that likely contributed to the greatest death toll in four years. As the allure of Everest grows, so have the crowds, with inexperienced climbers faltering on the narrow passageway to the peak and causing deadly delays, veteran climbers said. After 11 people died this year, Nepal tourism officials have no intention of restricting the number of permits issued, instead encouraging even more tourists and climbers to come "for both pleasure and fame," said Mohan Krishna Sapkota, secretary at the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation. Nepal, one of the world's poorest countries, relies on the climbing industry to bring in $300 million each year. It doesn't cap the number of permits it issues or control the pace or timing of the expeditions, leaving that to tour operators and guides who take advantage of brief clear weather conditions whenever they come, leading to pileups near the peak. On May 22, a climber snapped a photo from a line with dozens of hikers in colorful winter gear that snaked into the sky. Climbers were crammed crampon-to-crampon along a sharp-edged ridge above South Col, with a 7,000-foot (2,000-meter) drop on either side, all clipped onto a single line of rope, trudging toward the top of the world and risking death as each minute ticked by. "There were more people on Everest than there should be," said Kul Bahadur Gurung, general secretary of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, an umbrella group of all expedition operators in Nepal. "We lack the rules and regulations that say how many people can actually go up and when." The death toll this season is the highest since 2015. Most of those who died are believed to have suffered from altitude sickness, which is caused by low amounts of oxygen at high elevation and can cause headaches, vomiting, shortness of breath and mental confusion. Once only accessible to well-heeled elite mountaineers, Nepal's booming climbing market has driven down the cost of an expedition, opening Everest up to hobbyists and adventure-seekers. Nepal requires climbers to have a doctors' note deeming them physically fit, but not to prove their stamina at such extreme heights. Because of the altitude, climbers have just hours to reach the top before they are at risk of a pulmonary edema, when the lungs fill with liquid. From Camp Four at 8,000 meters (26,240 feet) to the 8,850-meter (29,035-foot) peak, the final push on Everest is known as the "death zone." The conditions are so intense at such times that when a person dies, no one can afford to expend energy on carrying the body down from the mountain. "Every minute counts there," said Eric Murphy, a mountain guide from Bellingham, Washington, who climbed Everest for a third time on May 23. He said what should have taken 12 hours took 17 hours because of struggling climbers who were clearly exhausted but had no one to guide or help them. Just a handful of inexperienced climbers, he said, is "enough to have a profound effect." The deaths this year on Nepal's side of the mountain included Don Cash, a sales executive from Utah, and Christopher Kulish, an attorney from Colorado, who both died on their way down from the peak. Kulish, 62, had just reached the top with a small group after crowds of climbers congested the peak last week, according to his brother, Mark Kulish. He described his brother as an attorney who was an "inveterate climber of peaks in Colorado, the West and the world over." Just before he died, Kulish made it into the so-called "Seven Summit Club" of mountaineers who have reached the highest peaks on every continent, his brother said. Cash, 55, collapsed at the summit and was given CPR and massages by his two Sherpa guides. He got up only to fall again in the same way at Hillary Step, the first cliff face down from the summit. His body was left near there. Cash had said on his LinkedIn page that he left his job as a sales executive to try to join the seven summits club. Nepal doesn't have any regulations to determine how many permits should be issued, so anyone with a doctor's note can obtain one for an $11,000 fee, Sapkota said. This year, permits were issued to 381 people in 44 teams, the highest number ever, according to the government. They were accompanied by an equal number of guides from Nepal's ethnic Sherpa community. Some climbers were originally issued permits in 2014 that were revoked mid-season when 16 Sherpa guides died in an avalanche and other Sherpas, whose support as guides and porters is essential, effectively went on strike. Another factor was China's limit on the number of permits it issued this year for routes in its territory on the north side of Everest for a clean-up. Both the north and south sides of the mountain are littered with empty oxygen canisters, food packaging and other debris. Instead of the overcrowding, Sapkota blamed the weather, equipment and inadequate supplemental oxygen for this year's deaths. "There has been concern about the number of climbers on Mount Everest but it is not because of the traffic jam that there were casualties," Sapkota said in Namche, the town that serves as the staging area for Everest trips. Still, he said, "In the next season we will work to have double rope in the area below the summit so there is better management of the flow of climbers." Mirza Ali, a Pakistani mountaineer and tour company owner who reached Everest's peak for the first time this month, on his fourth attempt, said such an approach was flawed. "Everybody wants to stand on top of the world," but tourists unprepared for the extremes of Everest endanger the entire industry, he said. "There is not a sufficient check on issuing the permits," Ali said. "The more people come, the more permits, more business. But on the other side it is a lot of risk because it is costing lives." Indian climber Ameesha Chauhan, soaking her frostbitten toes in medicine at a hospital in Kathmandu, described the agony of turning away from the peak when she realized her supplemental oxygen supply was low. Two of her team members died on the May 16 ascent. She returned and scaled the peak a week later. "If you look at it, the inexperienced climbers do not even know how to tie on the oxygen masks around their face," she said. "Many climbers are too focused on reaching the summit." ___ Associated Press researcher Chonchui Ngashangva in New Delhi contributed to this report. ___ Gurubacharya reported from Kathmandu, Nepal, and Schmall reported from New Delhi.


Lance Stroll will revert to his previous-specification Mercedes Formula 1 engine ahead of qualifying for the Canadian Grand Prix after his fiery failure in final practice. The Racing Point driver was completing his installation lap in FP3 in Montreal when a burst of flames emerged from the rear of his car as he approached the pitlane. Read Also: Mercedes engine development not "the smoothest ride" He did not take further part in the session after the problem, which has been confirmed as an internal combustion engine failure in his new 'Phase 2' Mercedes engine. Mercedes' works cars and its customer teams Racing Point and Williams all have the new-spec engines fitted for the first time this weekend. It is not known if Mercedes will need to take precautionary action with the other five cars that have the new-spec engine following Stroll's failure. Stroll had also taken a new MGU-K before the start of FP3. Racing Point is now in the process of replacing the failed Phase 2 engine with the one Stroll has completed the first six grands prix of the seasons with. Stroll will therefore not use a third engine, which would have completed his allocation of penalty-free engine changes already. However, he will be completing the weekend with a high-mileage engine that will have naturally suffered an element of degradation so far this season.


When Bills running back Frank Gore was placed on the non-football injury list, word in Buffalo was that it wasn't expected to be a long stay. That proved to be correct. Gore came off the list on Thursday after passing his physical in time to take part in the team's first practice since opening training camp. Gore's activation means all the competitors for playing time in the Buffalo backfield are taking part in practice. T.J. Yeldon and Devin Singletary join Gore as new arrivals on the roster and General Manager Brandon Beane said on Thursday that he believes LeSean McCoy will handle the increased competition just fine. "We have added depth , we've added competition at running back and a lot of other spots," Beane said, via Syracuse.com. "He's handled the challenge all through the spring. I think he sees the competition and he hasn't shown that he's afraid of it or that he's got a problem with it." The addition of other running backs wasn't the only way the Bills reacted to a down year for the run game in 2018. They also loaded up on new offensive linemen and finding the right mix for that group will be a vital part of turning things around this year.


With the NBA draft set to play out in the coming weeks, some of college basketball's best players are moving on to the big stage. That means there will be many new faces in college basketball for the 2019-2020 season. Here are some of the incoming freshman that you need to watch for in this upcoming season. James Wiseman: University of Memphis The best: The No. 1 overall recruit in the class of 2019 decided to stay home in Memphis and play for Penny Hardaway. He will lead a loaded recruiting class for the Tigers that ranked No. 1 overall. Unstoppable: The 7-foot center led Memphis East High School with 19.2 points per game as well as 8.4 rebounds per game. Opens up floor: Not only can the 7-footer dominate in the paint, but he can run the floor as well, while also knocking down threes. Wiseman loves to shoot the ball, making him an ideal stretch five for Hardaway's offense. Defensive stud: He does a great job of protecting the rim. In the McDonald's All-American practice , Wiseman showed how complete of a player he was on the defensive end. Cole Anthony: University of North Carolina Family Ties: The son of former NBA player Greg Anthony, Cole was lighting up high school basketball at perennial powerhouse Oak Hill Academy. New weapon: A 6-foot-3 guard from Briarwood, New York, his speed and athleticism led him to the rank of No. 2 overall in the 2019 class. Anthony is an offensive weapon who will be a good replacement for former UNC point guard Coby White. High school star: Anthony nearly averaged a triple-double per game with 18 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game. If he can get near replicating that success at UNC, the losses in their backcourt won't hurt as much. Accomplished: He earned the MVP of the McDonald's All-American game due his unselfishness on the offensive end and high basketball IQ. Roy Williams has to be thrilled with Anthony being on the roster. Isaiah Stewart: University of Washington Accomplished: Stewart won the prestigious award, Mr. Basketball USA. This is awarded to the most outstanding high school basketball player in the country. Double-double machine: The 6-foot-9 center from Rochester, New York led La Lumiere in points and rebounds during his senior campaign, with 19.5 points and 12 rebounds per game. Athleticism: For a center, he runs the floor very well and has the athleticism to defend all positions on the court. Stewart is a great rebounder and finisher in the paint. Added depth: Stewart joins forward Noah Dickerson on a Huskies lineup that will be one of the best frontcourts in the Pac 12. He also joins another top recruit in Jaden McDaniels who recently committed to the Huskies on May 17th. Kahlil Whitney: University of Kentucky Kentucky ties: A native of Roselle, NJ, Whitney played his high school ball at Roselle Catholic   where former Kentucky Wildcat Isaiah Briscoe played during high school. All-around forward: He has the quickness and athleticism that makes him a great fit for John Calipari's Wildcats. Not only is he a great offensive player, but he is a solid defensive force as well. Great jump shooter: Whitney's jump shot is very good. During last summer's EYBL, he shot 48 percent from three in eight games. If Whitney can transition that sort of production to the college level, he could easily be a 2020 lottery pick. Great replacement: With guys like Reid Travis and PJ Washington moving on from Kentucky, the 6-foot-7 Whitney will fill in for those guys and can stretch the floor for the Wildcats, something those two could not do consistently. Vernon Carey Jr: Duke University Family Ties: The son of former NFL offensive lineman Vernon Carey Sr., Junior is Coach K's top recruit in this year's recruiting class. Athleticism: He is a powerful forward at 6-foot-10 and 275 pounds. In comparison to Zion Williamson , Carey Jr. is 10 pounds less and three inches taller. He may not be as athletic as Zion, but he is still very fast and athletic for his size. Efficiency: Carey Jr. averaged 21.7 points on 63 percent shooting as well as nine rebounds per game. One thing he needs to improve on is his three point shooting, where he only shot 24 percent at University High School in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Added depth: Carey Jr. will likely split time with Duke seniors Javin DeLaurier and Marques Bolden in the frontcourt. Nico Mannion: University of Arizona Young gun: Mannion first burst onto the scene in eighth grade where he went viral for his crazy handles and ability to finish around the rim. Nico buckets: A 6-foot-3 guard from Scottsdale, AZ, Mannion is a real problem for opposing teams when the ball in his hands. Not only did he average 30.2 points per game, he also dished out 6.2 assists. Proven winner: Mannion led Pinnacle High School to back-to-back state championships, having 34 points in February's championship game. Fresh face: After the Wildcats had a down year last season, Mannion will join Josh Green as a dynamic duo that could lead makes the Wildcats the favorite in the Pac 12.


The Archdiocese of Indianapolis is cutting ties with Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School after the school refused to fire a gay teacher. Brebeuf, which is sponsored by the USA Midwest Province of the Society of Jesus, received notice Thursday that the Archdiocese will issue a canonical decree Friday stating that the Archbishop will no longer formally recognize Brebeuf Jesuit as a Catholic school in the Archdiocese. Brian G. Paulson, provincial for the Midwest Jesuits, called the decision "disappointing" in a statement posted to the group's website. He said the Midwest Jesuits and Brebeuf, which is in northwest Indianapolis, have been fighting the Archdiocese over the gay teacher for the last two years. The school became aware in the summer of 2017 that one of its teachers married a person of the same sex. Paulson said it became publicly known via social media. "Brebeuf's administration and Board of Trustees have determined that following the Archdiocese's directive would not only violate their informed conscience on this particular matter, but also would set a concerning precedent for future interference in the school's operations and other matters that have historically been the right and privilege of Brebeuf Jesuit officials," Paulson said in his statement. Brebeuf and Roncalli: How Catholic high school controversies over gay marriage compare He said the teacher is a "longtime valued employee of the school" and does not teach religion. Paulson said that a representative of the Archdiocese has verbally assured Brebeuf that it will continue to allow Jesuit priests to serve in leadership at the school and they can still hold Mass on campus. He said the Midwest Jesuits will appeal the Archdiocese's decision. The highly regarded private school currently serves about 800 students in grades 9-12. Support our journalism Become an IndyStar subscriber today to support stories like this one. Get unlimited digital access here! In a statement posted to the school's website Thursday, Brebeuf President William Verbryke said that the Archdiocese's decision would not change the mission or operations of the school. "As an institution with a mission to develop men and women for others, our intent has been to do the right thing by the people we employ while preserving our authority as an independent, Catholic Jesuit school," Verbryke letter read. The school has a robust nondiscrimination policy posted to its website that protects school employees and other members of the school community from discrimination based on a whole host of factors, including race, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation and marital status. Only the president, principal, religious studies teacher and campus minister are required to be staffed by practicing Catholics. Brebeuf is not the first Catholic school in Indianapolis to grapple with how to handle gay employees. Roncalli High School has been under fire since it suspended a gay school counselor last year. Shelly Fitzgerald was placed on administrative leave over her marriage to a woman. She has since filed a discrimination complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission against the school and the Archdiocese That complaint alleges intentional discrimination and retaliation on the basis of "gender, failure to conform to gender stereotypes, association with another woman and sexual orientation." Another gay counselor at the school, Lynn Starkey, has also filed a similar complaint with the EEOC. Both women intend to sue. Call IndyStar education reporter Arika Herron at 317-201-5620 or email her at Arika.Herron@indystar.com. Follow her on Twitter: @ArikaHerron . This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Brebeuf Jesuit: Indianapolis Archdiocese cuts ties over gay teacher


Presidential debate blunders, for better or worse, can determine the fate of a candidate seeking the White House. A cringe-worthy gaffe or unforced error on national television can alter a race or shift momentum away from a candidate ― sometimes even for good. Rick Perry's " oops " or Al Gore's constant sighing are just two examples. Next Wednesday and Thursday in Miami, each of the 20 Democrats will square off against nine of their peers at the first 2020 Democratic presidential primary debate. The crowded field has already seen plenty of infighting ― from this week's spat between Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and former Vice President Joe Biden to growing tensions between Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). Things are likely to get even more intense in the Miami heat. Sharing a stage with nine other people will be no easy task. The candidates must hone their lengthy campaign speeches down to a 60-second pitch, stay focused on their message, appear presidential, and, above all, avoid committing a damaging self-own. Veterans of recent presidential debates offered tips this week to Democrats about to participate in their first debate. After all, who better to ask for advice on avoiding a misstep than some of the very same people who made them? Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), for example, gave life to criticism that he was too young and inexperienced during a February 2016 GOP debate after delivering the same line three different times in a feisty exchange with former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R). "There it is," Christie responded after Rubio's third refrain, eliciting laughter from the audience. The gaffe later earned him the name "Robot Rubio" and severely cost him in the New Hampshire primary, a contest he never recovered from. Asked if he had any advice for Democratic presidential hopefuls next week, Rubio smirked and said: "When you get attacked by your opponent, don't repeat your answer three times." Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) was the first person who took a swing against Donald Trump on a presidential debate stage. After Trump refused to commit to supporting the eventual GOP nominee in August 2015, Paul raised the possibility that Trump could eventually support Hillary Clinton or run as an independent. "He buys and sells politicians of all stripes," Paul charged at the time. But Trump easily turned the tables on Paul, foreshadowing how quickly he dispensed with the rest of the GOP field on his eventual path to the nomination. "Well, I've given him plenty of money," he said, a line that drew laughter from the audience. Responding to a question about whether Democrats should emulate his strategy onstage and immediately target Biden, the front-runner in their primary race, Paul said, "It didn't work, did it?" However, the Kentucky senator, who is now a close ally of Trump, counseled that lower-ranking candidates still ought to "go after the leader" to gain media attention and political support. He further warned Democrats not to drift too far to the left in their policy positions, something he argued would help reelect Trump. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), another former GOP presidential contender who had experience battling Trump onstage, said he expected Democrats to play nice during their first debate and instead aim their fire at the president. "In many ways, the Democratic primary seems to be a battle to see who is more anti-Trump," Cruz said, adding he expected the debates to go thusly: "'I hate President Trump.' 'No, no, no, I really, really hate President Trump.' 'No, I really, really, really hate President Trump.'" Cruz offered a word of advice to Democratic candidates, too: "Speak from the heart, listen to the people and have fun." Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who once said Republicans would get "destroyed" if they nominated Trump for president before ultimately becoming one of his closest allies on Capitol Hill, counseled 2020 Democrats to use humor as a way to "stand out" on the debate stage. "You get 30 seconds if you're lucky. How do you stand out? Be funny," said Graham, who delivered lots of wisecracks and one-liners on- and offstage during his brief 2016 presidential candidacy. But Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah), the 2012 GOP presidential nominee who sometimes came across as awkward on the campaign trail, had an opposite take. "Don't try to be funny," he said this week when asked if he had any advice for 2020 Democratic contenders ahead of the debates in Miami. The Utah senator then attempted a joke of his own. "Don't lie, but whatever you do, don't blurt out the truth," he said, before quickly adding, "No, I'm kidding. That was advice given to someone appearing before a House investigative committee." His actual counsel to Democrats, though, focused on how candidates can better manage their image on television. "Don't spend time looking at other speakers. Get your message across and have a clear, compelling message of your own," Romney said. This article originally appeared on HuffPost .


Michigan football finally will win the Big Ten East. Scott Frost will begin Nebraska's renaissance in earnest. Iowa will get back to Indianapolis. And Ryan Day's first full season as Ohio State's head coach will be good   but not great. That's the early forecast for the 2019 Big Ten season, according to college football writers who cover the conference in the USA TODAY Sports Network. Each writer predicted this season's final standings and conference champion ahead of Big Ten media days in Chicago, with teams receiving seven points for a first-place vote, six for a second-place vote, five for a third-place vote, etc. Here's how the nine writers voted: [ 2019 Big Ten media days: TV schedule, how to watch ] Projected standings East Rank, Team, Points (first-place votes) 1. Michigan 61 (7) 2. Ohio State 54 (2) 3. Michigan State 43.5 4. Penn State 39.5 5. Indiana 23 6. Maryland 21 7. Rutgers 10 West 1. Iowa 56 (4) 2. Nebraska 51 (4) 3. Wisconsin 40 4. Northwestern 39 (1) T-5. Purdue 28 T-5. Minnesota 28 7. Illinois 10 Conference champion Nick Baumgardner, Detroit Free Press Michigan over Iowa: Michigan has everything it needs to finally win a Big Ten title under Jim Harbaugh: A senior quarterback, a solid offensive line, top-tier receivers, quality defensive talent and a home game against an Ohio State team not coached by Urban Meyer. It's hard to trust U-M given its history vs. the Buckeyes. But if it doesn't happen now, when will it? Graham Couch, Lansing State Journal Michigan over Iowa: U-M has the most proven offensive talent returning of any of the upper-tier teams, including up front. I don't trust the Wolverines' defense or the U-M program under Jim Harbaugh in big games. But I like that Harbaugh didn't let his ego get in the way of offensive innovation in hiring Josh Gattis as OC . Mark Emmert, Des Moines Register Northwestern over Michigan: The Wildcats have been overachieving for years under Pat Fitzgerald, and now they have a legitimate big-play quarterback in Clemson transfer Hunter Johnson, plus a sneaky-good running back in Isaiah Bowser and a rugged defense led by Paddy Fisher. It feels like the balance of power may be shifting to the west in the Big Ten. Fitzgerald and Co. finally break through in Indianapolis. Chad Leistikow, Des Moines Register Ohio State over Iowa: It seems like Michigan is the team to beat in the East, but Ohio State remains the king until proven otherwise. I like how the Buckeyes' schedule sets up for the finish, and with the combo of Justin Fields and JK Dobbins they'll be tough to stop as always   even without Urban Meyer. Ohio State will win in Ann Arbor again, then avenge a 2017 blowout loss to Iowa in the Big Ten title game. Josh Newman, Asbury Park Press Michigan over Nebraska: The Wolverines, who get Michigan State and Ohio State in Ann Arbor this season, are out of excuses. Shea Patterson's A-game is elite, there are pros at multiple positions across the field, oh, and Michigan gets Michigan State and Ohio State at home. Time for Jim Harbaugh to do what he came home to do, win the Big Ten at a minimum. Zach Osterman, Indianapolis Star Nebraska over Michigan: This feels a little like the NCAA bracket picker who falls in love with upsets until he realizes he has a 7-seed winning it all, but there's just so much about the league I don't know with any confidence right now, so I'm going with something a little weird. Jeff Potrykus, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Michigan over Nebraska: Urban Meyer's departure from the Ohio State sidelines should open the door for the other East Division powers. Michigan is best equipped to take advantage, particularly if it can reload on defense. The Wolverines will prove too talented for the West's best team, which has too many questions on defense. Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press Ohio State over Iowa: The Hawkeyes have the veteran presence at QB to win what should be a muddled and mediocre West Division. But the Buckeyes' talent, good enough to survive the East Division gauntlet again, is too much for Iowa and the rest of the league. Shawn Windsor, Detroit Free Press Michigan over Nebraska : It's hard to pick against Ohio State winning the East. But it won't be easy without Urban Meyer. And his replacement, Ryan Day, will have a new quarterback to work into the system. Meanwhile, the Wolverines have experience, speed, talent and a new coordinator. Besides, it's time. It has to happen at some point for Jim Harbaugh. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 2019 Big Ten football champion: Michigan or Ohio State?


CHICAGO   Tony Ferguson and Donald Cerrone are fighting this Saturday at UFC 238. In and of itself, the matchup is excellent. The fight has star-power on both sides, could arguably be a No. 1 lightweight title contender elimination match, and it will almost certainly include lots of action from the two showcase athletes. There's a reason why Ferguson himself seemed to suggest earlier this week that he and Cerrone were being called upon by the promotion to "save" Saturday's UFC 238 card. "We're here to do business, man," Ferguson told media on Wednesday . "We saved this card. We heard that they needed a superhero so I'm here right now." In a vacuum, Ferguson vs. Cerrone is a great fight. Placed within larger context, however, the timing of this contest is a bit concerning, to say the least. Cerrone fought Al Iaquinta just one month ago during which he absorbed nearly 100 strikes. Cerrone said the UFC called him while he was vacationing in Mexico and once the Ferguson fight was set he left his holiday early to jump right back into training, leaving virtually no time to rest in between training camps and fights. Ferguson was booked to fight Cerrone just about a month after being served with a temporary restraining order that alleged some disturbing, violent and paranoid behavior on his part, and afterward he admitted on social media that he needed "help" and that the UFC was assisting him with receiving it . Both Ferguson and Cerrone are incredible athletes who have each entertained us for over a decade with almost superhuman seeming feats of skill, strength, and endurance. Still, they are just humans, and they need to rest their bodies and minds after sustaining trauma as would anyone else. They need the space and time to look into possible mental health issues and appropriate treatment without being asked to don a cape, ignore their health and "save" a card. Yahoo Sports spoke with Ferguson, Cerrone and UFC president Dana White Thursday afternoon, all separately, to discuss the timing of this fight and whether due-diligence was done to ensure neither man is endangering their long-term health. Ferguson and White were both emphatic in providing vague assurances that things are fine, but offered little in the way of specifics. For his part, Cerrone seemed to acknowledge the risks he takes by fighting on short-notice. The game fighter admitted he didn't think much about the consequences of those risks to his long-term health, now, while in the midst of a career which he loves and is still excelling in. Ferguson rejected the idea outright that any real supporter of his might be worried about his health in light of his alleged paranoid behavior in recent months. "My fans aren't worried about me," he insisted. "They're on Instagram, sharing videos, doing the thing. And, like I've said before, everyone else can f--- off." Ferguson wasn't merely resolute that there is no reason at all to be concerned about his mental health and his fighting so soon after police were involved in the alleged domestic situations, he claims that he was ready much sooner. We asked what let Ferguson know he was ready for hard training and competition again, and when he knew it, after being served with the temporary restraining order in mid-March. "I knew I was ready by the Holloway/Poirier fight," he contended. The interim lightweight title fight between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier took place on April 13. "El Cucuy" wanted in on that title opportunity, and insists he was "ready" for it. If Ferguson means he was and is ready to compete effectively   and even win   so soon after his domestic disturbances and alleged violent psychological issues manifestations, he's likely correct. He knows how to win fights. In fact, he hasn't lost one since 2012. Ability to win fights does not always coincide with brain health, however. White told Yahoo Sports that "doctors" had indeed "cleared" Ferguson to fight before the promotion offered him the UFC 238 contract. White also provided confident but vague implicit assurance that Cerrone does not, in terms of brain health, need more than the month he's getting between his last fight and Saturday's. "I would never put a fighter in a fight that they weren't ready to fight in," White said. "No one fight is worth it." Fighters are routinely offered bouts on short notice in the UFC, and sometimes with only weeks between bouts. Most state commissions which ostensibly regulate portions of the UFC's domestic event operations do not require regular brain imaging or scans of athletes, and oftentimes give medical suspensions pretty close to immediately after bouts after relatively brief examinations, on-site, to fighters following their fights. White insisted that the UFC has fighters examined by other doctors beyond what state commissions require to ensure their fitness to train and fight, but wouldn't get specific on what types of tests are done, and how often. For White, it seems, there is not necessarily extraordinary danger in fighting on short-notice, and with little time to recover after previous outings. In 2013, White called MMA "the safest sport in the world, fact," citing something true he repeated to us Thursday   that there has never been an in-ring death in the UFC's near 26-year history. The notion that MMA, or any combat sport where athletes receive blows to the head in nearly every contest, could ever be considered the "safest sport in the world," is of course absurd. Mixed martial artists have also died as an apparent direct result of weight-cutting and competition, though none of them have been UFC athletes. It's also important to realize that traumatic brain injuries are often slow killers, with the symptoms of CTE sometimes not showing themselves until years after an athlete has stopped competing. Several UFC veterans have gone public about the symptoms they say they're experiencing now and believe are related to the brain trauma they've received during their fight careers, including Wanderlei Silva, Renato "Babalu" Sobral and Gary Goodridge. Silva is 42 years of age, Goodridge is 53 and Sobral is 43. White also insisted that the promotion goes "above and beyond with healthcare" when it comes to fighters. That may very well be a matter of perspective, however, as UFC fighters do not have employee status, rights, or year-round healthcare coverage. In Ferguson's case leading up to this bout, White would not discuss whether or not Ferguson underwent psychological evaluations or treatment but did insist that "doctors checked Tony out, and once he was checked out and cleared by them, I didn't have any concerns." White understandably would not mention what doctors, by name, examined Ferguson, but did say that he met with the fighter personally. After his May 4 win over Iaquinta, Cerrone called for either a title fight or a date with Conor McGregor. Instead, he's fighting the former interim lightweight champion in Ferguson on short-notice. Cerrone has made the "why" abundantly clear this week, and over the course of his career. He fights, and fights often, against just about anyone, he's been consistent in telling the world, because he loves the sport, has goals he wants to reach, and because it's how he makes a living for his family. So, we didn't ask Cerrone "why" he chose to fight this weekend without a real training camp or substantial rest and recovery time after his last bout, which went the distance. Instead, we asked Cerrone whether he ever, in the midst of his busy career, thinks about his own long-term health when deciding when and how often he fights. Do the potential ramifications of damage sustained now in training and fights ever factor in to decisions made about whether or not to fight on short-notice, like he's doing now and has done repeatedly in the past? "Naw," he smiles, patient with the difficult subject matter being brought up as he readies for battle and is in the middle of a weight cut. "No. I'm sure it will catch up to me someday, but I don't think about that now." That's admirable, though alarming. Fighters fight, and Ferguson and Cerrone are fighter's fighters. What we as spectators talk about when we talk about matchups like Ferguson vs. Cerrone can and should look outside of that scope, however, and state regulators should be much more careful about allowing athletes to fight as often and as long as they do, without also requiring additional brain health testing and monitoring. State commissions are often underfunded and so regulation is sometimes done on the cheap, and done fast, effectively leaving large promotions like the UFC to call the shots with fight booking and fighter healthcare. The UFC does more than it used to with and for fighters, in this regard, but it's nowhere near what athletes in other sport leagues get. Cerrone may have known what he was getting into when he got into fighting, and he's doing it because he loves it. Still, if he'd been an NFL, NBA or MLB player for as long as he's been with the UFC/WEC, he would have likely had a host of things he doesn't currently enjoy including a salary, a pension and health insurance. We mentioned this to him and ask if, even considering the lack of safety net for fighters once they hang up their gloves, he truly does not consider his long-term health when making fight decisions. "No," he concluded, still grinning and polite. "I love doing this." We all love watching fighters like Cerrone and Ferguson. Part of the reason for that is their skill, but a lot of it is because of their bravery and willingness to do what others won't. Gutsy, game, in the moment   that's all fighters being what fighters should be. The larger structures surrounding the fight world, however, as well as the conversations we have about these remarkable athletes and their bouts which we so enjoy, should be much more sensitive than they usually are to the pain and sacrifice fights like Ferguson vs. Cerrone require. More from Yahoo Sports: Haynes sources: Warriors' Thompson will return for Game 4 Raptors' Lowry shoved by fan after diving for loose ball Neymar to miss Copa America; accuser speaks on alleged rape Red Sox ace Sale is first pitch in 90 years to accomplish this


Richard Jones crouched in the snow outside a Chicago apartment building, blood smeared across his face. He was yelling and crying as police officers arrived at the scene in West Rogers Park. They asked if he needed help, but all Jones said was, "Give me your gun. I'm going to kill him," according to police reports. A trail of blood led officers to the large apartment building, where they found Anthony Houston dead inside. A veteran employee for the nonprofit Thresholds, Houston was stabbed six times in the face and upper body, a police report said. He worked in the building at a residential program for young adults with mental illness. Jones, now 24, was arrested that day and later charged with first-degree murder. He has pleaded not guilty and remains in the Cook County Jail, where he is being held without bail. The case underscores some of the broader safety risks that employees at Thresholds, one of the state's largest providers of community-based mental health services, have faced on the job   concerns that were raised prior to Houston's killing in March 2018, according to interviews and a Tribune review of police reports and court and state records. Jones, it turns out, was a former Thresholds client and longtime state ward who had previous violent encounters with Houston, other staff members and residents at the same apartment building, records show. Thresholds, however, said it was not made aware about the problem until after Houston's death. "The tragic death of Anthony Houston was absolutely devastating to Thresholds," CEO Mark Ishaug said. "Anthony was a beloved staff member. He was dedicated and passionate about helping young adults, and we all miss him very much." The case also highlights the challenges of helping older youth transition out of state care, particularly those with mental illness who may no longer want to seek help. Though Illinois' Department of Children and Family Services tries to prepare young adults for this process, sometimes called "aging out," the adjustment period can be turbulent. Between 2015 and 2018, about 600 state wards remained in DCFS care until their 21st birthday, which is typically the cutoff, compared with many states that end care at 18. Jones moved out of the Thresholds program in January 2016 when he turned 21 and declined further services, according to DCFS. He quickly became homeless, cycling in and out of jails and hospitals, according to police and court records. Later in 2016, Jones began visiting the apartment building where Houston worked, prompting police to respond several times after he was accused of attacking or threatening people. Jones, his public defender and several family members declined interview requests from the Tribune. A Cook County Juvenile Court judge also denied the Tribune's request to review Jones' child protection file, which would have shed light on why he first entered foster care, the quality of services he received and the preparations he underwent before moving out of Thresholds. Ishaug said he could not discuss Jones' history, citing privacy laws, but he explained that in general young adults with mental illness are an "especially vulnerable and a very complex population." He also offered condolences to Houston's family, saying no other employee has been slain on the job in Thresholds' 60-year history. Though Thresholds said staff safety is a top priority, some employees say management did not adequately address complaints prior to Houston's death. Employees grew so concerned that in early 2017 they started an effort to unionize, citing safety as a key issue, but that did not come to fruition, according to AFSCME 31 spokesman Anders Lindall. Three current and former Thresholds employees spoke to the Tribune on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the press. "It's a tragedy. I didn't know Anthony, but I think his death highlighted all the inadequacies of the organization to keep both staff and members safe," one employee said. A mandatory workplace inspection spurred by Houston's death also uncovered shortcomings. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration did not cite Thresholds for any violations but issued a letter warning that "all potential measures to protect employees from assaults while performing their job duties have not been fully developed, implemented or enforced," according to documents obtained through a public records request. In the wake of Houston's death, Thresholds boosted security at its residential sites by adding panic buttons, security cameras and door locking mechanisms while also increasing staffing levels. Houston's family says the 50-year-old shift supervisor loved his job at Thresholds, where he'd worked since 2010. His younger sister Cynthia Houston said she did not know that Jones was a former client until the Tribune notified her. "It made me angry," she said. "He knew the layout ... he knew exactly what to do." 'Significant behavioral challenges' Thresholds is one of the few organizations in Chicago that offers housing and assistance to older youth in state care who struggle with serious mental illness. Often, it's difficult for DCFS to find permanent homes, either with relatives or foster families, for these teenagers. "We know that our clients are coming to us from a place of trauma," said Marc Fagan, vice president of clinical operations and youth services at Thresholds. "Many have been neglected or abused, separated from their families. They have suffered or witnessed violence, lived in many different locations and they are also suffering with significant mental health challenges." Man accused of fatally stabbing 'beloved' mental health worker, prosecutors say » Ishaug added in a statement: "Our relentless dedication over decades has changed and saved the lives of thousands of young people   made them healthier, found them homes, helped them get their lives back. We will not be deterred from our unwavering commitment to this population while always doing all we can to keep our remarkable staff safe in their pursuit of this important work." A major contractor with DCFS, Thresholds received $6.4 million in 2018 to provide services to state wards between 17½ and 21, according to DCFS. Thresholds operates about 30 programs and employs 1,300 people across the state, according to Thresholds officials. Some Thresholds programs for young adults are based in regular apartment buildings, like the one where Houston worked. The idea is to treat people in the community, where they can learn independent living skills by holding a job or attending school. Jones moved into a Thresholds program in 2014 when he was 19, said Neil Skene, a DCFS spokesman at the time of Houston's death who has since left the agency. Police records indicate this was a residence in West Rogers Park, where he was arrested twice in 2015 for allegations that he hit a housemate and then threatened and pushed a staff member. It's not clear why he first entered state care at age 12, but his time in DCFS custody was otherwise marked by "significant behavioral challenges and several stays in psychiatric hospitals," Skene said. While Jones never lived at the building where Houston worked, he knew people who did, including an ex-girlfriend. A protector The brick apartment building on Fitch Avenue stands five stories high and boasts a grassy courtyard. It's located on a residential, tree-lined street not far from a large park with tennis courts. Thresholds rented seven apartments on the first floor   six for youth in care and one that was used as an office for round-the-clock supervision. Staff members like Houston provided counseling and helped residents with daily chores. As a shift supervisor, Houston was well-liked by clients and fellow staff, according to interviews conducted by DCFS after his death. Several people said they considered him a "protector" who often reminded residents to lock their doors at night. "He loved working with the kids and always wanted to just be a positive role model for them," said Anthony's sister, Cynthia Houston. "He loved to see someone smile and know that he made a difference." Struggling on the streets When it came time for Jones to leave Thresholds, he told caseworkers that he'd found another place to live and provided his new address, according to DCFS. But things took a turn, and he soon wound up on the streets, according to police reports that listed him as homeless. He was arrested nine times over the next two years for charges that included aggravated assault, battery and criminal damage to property, according to the Cook County Jail. Chicago police also took him to the hospital four times, the department said. It was during this period that Jones started visiting the Fitch apartment building, leading to violent clashes with other residents or staff, according to police reports. In a December 2016 incident, Jones went to the building looking for someone. When a worker, 62, told him the person wasn't there, Jones threatened her, saying, "You are a liar; I'm going to kill you," according to the report, which also says he was not taking his medication. The following November, Jones was accused of attacking his 19-year-old ex-girlfriend as she got off a nearby bus, according to a police report. She told police that Jones punched her and pulled her hair, but he fled before police arrived. About two months before Houston's death, Jones allegedly tried to climb into his ex-girlfriend's first-floor apartment through a window, according to police and DCFS records. A staff member said Jones tried to attack her, so she hit him. The staff member told DCFS that she did not document it in internal work notes because Houston, for reasons that are not clear, advised her not to do so. "Staff on-site knew (Jones) was coming around, but no specific concerns about him or his behavior was raised up to management for review or help," Ishaug said, adding managers also were not notified about the police responses to the building. 'Not sorry' Alone in his office, Houston heard someone banging on the front door of the apartment building just before 5:30 p.m. March 13, 2018. He grabbed a can of Mace   a weapon that Thresholds says it prohibits   and made his way to the entrance, where he found Jones ringing the buzzers and cursing, police reports said. Houston opened the door and an argument ensued until Houston sprayed the Mace in Jones' face, according to two witness accounts in police reports. Jones then pulled out a 3.5-inch folding knife, police allege, and started stabbing Houston. Houston cried out for help and dragged himself toward his office as Jones ran out the building. The witnesses called 911 and put pressure on his wounds until responders arrived and pronounced Houston dead. Jones remained outside the building, covered in blood. At the police station, Jones told detectives that he killed Houston because Houston raped a client, according to police reports. Detectives and DCFS followed up on that allegation by interviewing staff and residents and found no evidence that had occurred. "Jones related that he knew what he was doing, and he is not sorry for what he did," according to a detective's report. The killing rattled staff and residents, some of whom told DCFS officials they did not want to return to the Fitch building. The program has since been relocated, Thresholds confirmed. While the OSHA inspector began to review the workplace death, the agency received a complaint regarding Thresholds in April 2018. The complaint said that employees did not receive adequate training on deescalation or crisis prevention and that they felt endangered when conducting solo home visits with clients. It also mentioned that poor cellphone service and a lack of landlines at the main office made it difficult to reach help if a client became violent. "Several incidents have occurred where employees were threatened or attacked by Thresholds clients, and tried to dial out (to 911) or text someone to request assistance," the OSHA complaint said. Thresholds maintains that it has provided ongoing safety training to staff and encourages them to call 911 or report concerns to higher-ups. Fagan said that clients might threaten staff members or exhibit other "pain-based" behavior stemming from trauma, but that employees know how to handle those situations. "It's important to understand we are not looking to have people arrested or locked up, and it is not our inclination to turn people away," Fagan said. "We are always looking for how we can help." Jones' next court date is Thursday. Cynthia Houston, who lives in Las Vegas, said she thinks about her brother's death every day, wondering if any of the changes recently implemented by Thresholds could have saved him. "It's crazy. My life is terrible right now," she said. "I've been living through hell for the past year." echerney@chicagotribune.com Twitter @ElyssaCherney


SPARTA, Ky.   Chase Briscoe will defend his NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series victory at Eldora Speedway with ThorSport Racing, running that race again for the team this year. The Truck Series races on Eldora's dirt track Aug. 1. Briscoe will drive the same truck he used to win last year's race. DIAEDGE will be the sponsor. "Just super exciting for me to go back to Eldora to try to win two in a row," Briscoe said Thursday at Kentucky Speedway. There have been no repeat winners in the Eldora Truck race in the six times it has been held. Briscoe started third and finished first in last year's Eldora race. Briscoe finished third there in 2017 while driving for Brad Keselowski Racing. "Eldora to dirt racing is like what Daytona is to pavement racing," Briscoe said. "It means a lot to go back and race this race."


Aside from getting peppered with too many shots on goal, the worst thing for a goalie can be seeing too few pucks coming his way. It makes it tough to get into a rhythm. Tuukka Rask, the Bruins' best player in every round of the playoffs, vs. the Maple Leafs, Blue Jackets, Hurricanes and Blues, finally had a rough night in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, won by the Blues, 4-1, at the Garden. He was asked if he wished he had seen more rubber coming his way. "That'd be great," Rask said. "I thought they had what, 10 shots after two periods. That's a nightmare for a goalie. You just try to be there and make that save when it counts." Through two periods the score remained Blues 2, Bruins 0, even though the Bruins had 23 shots on goal, the Blues 10. Had the Bruins won Game 7 Wednesday night to secure the organization's seventh Stanley Cup and first since 2011, Rask undoubtedly would have won the Conn Smythe Trophy awarded to the MVP of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Instead, the hardware went to Blues center Ryan O'Reilly. Rask was the Bruins' best player in each round of the playoffs. But in Game 7, the Blues' Jordan Binnington was the better goalie. Rask's strong postseason that followed a prolonged hot streak that started in January, was no consolation to him in the minutes following the loss. "You lose as a team, win as a team," Rask said. "It sucks for all of us. … Losing sucks, period." Boston teams are now 12-6 in championship rounds this century. Aside from the #Patriots loss to the Giants in Super Bowl 42, what has been the most devastating loss? #StanleyCupFinals #Bruins   Boston Herald (@bostonherald) June 13, 2019 The game was scoreless until Jay Bouwmeester's shot deflected off O'Reilly's stick and got past Rask with 3:13 left in the first period. Alex Pietrangelo put the Bruins behind, 2-0, with a 7.9 seconds left, beating Rask high with a backhand shot. "Cut back, seven hole, maybe I opened up too much," Rask said. The bizarre period in which the puck was at the Bruins' offensive zone the majority of the time ended with the Bruins credited with 12 shots on goal, the Blues just four. The B's attempted 22 shots in the period, the Blues eight. "Obviously, it's shocking when you dominate a period and you're down 2-0," Rask said. "Still 40 minutes to go. We tried to battle back as much as we can." It felt like a much bigger deficit because of the way both teams tend to play, leading with defense. The Blues did a terrific job of clogging the middle of the ice to limit the Bruins' juicy opportunities and when they did get good shots Binnington was up to stopping them. "Both teams, us and them, we were good with leads, so that first goal, those first two goals become very important," Rask said. "I think we've come back enough times we had confidence in ourselves, and that's what we kept saying. When you're down 2-0 you try and try and try and nothing goes through. We were trying to make it a one-goal game, get the crowd back into it. … It was a different game. They were very opportunistic I guess." Rask was able to see the positive in the big picture of the 106-game season, but that didn't ease the pain of the final game. "It's a great season. We battled hard, so I'm proud of each one of us here, but 15 minutes after a Game 7 loss I don't think there's anything anybody could say that could make us feel better," Rask said. Jaroslav Halak's strong play as the backup enabled Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy to stick to his plan of curtailing Rask's workload in the regular season so that he would enter the postseason fresh. The plan worked and Rask was consistently brilliant in the Stanley Cup playoffs. He finished the postseason with a 15-9 record, a 2.02 goals-against average and a .934 save percentage. He and the Bruins were one game short, finishing a magnificent postseason with a one-night dud after a regular season in which they refused to let a barrage of injuries derail them.


Looking to add a new companion to the family? There are dozens of lovable kitties up for adoption at animal shelters in and around Worcester, so you won't have to look far to find the perfect fit. Hoodline used data from Petfinder to power this roundup of cats available for adoption near you. Read on to meet some friendly, furry locals. (Details like pet availability, training, vaccinations and other features are based on data provided by Petfinder and may be subject to change; contact the shelter for the latest information.) Tyke, domestic Tyke is a female domestic cat being kept at Broken Tail Rescue . Tyke is the life of the party, and she gets along well with other cats. She's been vaccinated and spayed. She's already house-trained. Tyke's current caretakers say: Tyke is a gorgeous, long-haired, gray and white girl, about eight years old. Understandably a little disoriented after her owner passed away, Tyke is a shy, gentle girl who'll come around with a little time and TLC. Read more about Tyke on Petfinder . Lia, domestic Lia is a female domestic cat being cared for at Broken Tail Rescue . Lia is a social butterfly, and she loves other cats. She's mastered her house-training etiquette. She is spayed, and she has all her shots. Lia's current caretakers say: Lia is a sweet medium-haired black and white girl, eight years old, whose owner recently passed away. Although she can be initially shy, Lia quickly warms up to pets, purrs and sometimes rolls over for a belly rub. Read more about Lia on Petfinder . Sully, domestic shorthair Sully is a male domestic shorthair cat in the care of Broken Tail Rescue . He's been vaccinated and neutered. Notes from Sully's caretakers: Sully is a gentle sweethearted male cat who was abandoned and left on the street in West Boylston by his owner. This outgoing black and white short-haired boy can't wait to get out and explore, loves attention and can say "hello". Read more about Sully on Petfinder . Douglas, domestic shorthair and tuxedo mix Douglas is a handsome male domestic shorthair and tuxedo mix currently residing at Broken Tail Rescue . He already has all of his shots, and he's neutered. Here's what Douglas' friends at Broken Tail Rescue think of him: Meet Douglas, a friendly five year old black and white furball. He's lanky with very distinct markings and loves to lounge upside down. Do you have room in your heart and home for this winsome charmer? Read more about how to adopt Douglas on Petfinder . This story was created automatically using local animal shelter data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


Robbie Gould said this week he and the 49ers have been negotiating a contract for well over a year. Unless the sides can come to terms by Monday's deadline for franchise-tagged players to sign extensions, he will be tethered to the 49ers at the current kicker tag rate of $5M. He has requested a trade and been mulling a holdout . Gould said, via NBC Sports Bay Area's Josh Schrock : "We've been negotiating for 17 months and it's been a complicated situation. I'm at the point where my agent is going to handle it. If there's anything I need to know about, then I'll make a decision. ... "I don't really have a plan right now," Gould said. "Obviously there is a deadline and I don't have to make any decisions anytime soon. … The deadline to sign a long-term contract is Monday, and the rest of that (potential holdout) is up to me." The 36-year-old kicker has hit 72 of 75 field-goal tries since joining the 49ers in 2017. The trade request Gould made led many to believe he wanted to return to Chicago, where his family resides. But the 15th-year specialist clarified that seeking a spot closer to his family does not necessarily mean solely seeking a Bears reunion. Though, the dot-connecting between Gould the kicker-starved Bears   for whom he played from 2005-15   is rather easy. "I never said I want to go back there," Gould said. "I just said I want to be closer to my family. That doesn't necessarily mean (the Bears)." Shifting to some non-kicker news, here is the latest from the West divisions: Melvin Gordon 's attempt to secure a new contract brought the Chargers into the news this week. But the team is not yet willing to publicly engage with the disgruntled running back. "We don't publicly discuss contract negotiations," the team said in a message sent to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk . Gordon is set to make $5.6M on the fifth-year option this season; that figure is nearly $4M less than Ezekiel Elliott would make on his 2020 option. The 26-year-old back has issued a pay-me-or-trade-me ultimatum and threatened a regular-season holdout . Rams strength and conditioning coach Ted Rath was found not guilty on three misdemeanor counts of sexual battery, a Ventura, California, jury ruled Friday, Lindsey Thiry of ESPN.com tweets . This alleged incident occurred in 2018. Rath, 35, is in his second season as a Rams assistant; he was placed on leave earlier this year. Larry Fitzgerald 's late-career move to the slot led to an uptick in his reception counts, with the Cardinals' future Hall of Famer eclipsing 100 catches for three straight seasons from 2017-19. Kliff Kingsbury said the soon-to-be 36-year-old receiver has shown an early chemistry with Kyler Murray and will be moved to different places in formations this season, per Bob McManamon of the Arizona Republic . In a 2018 season that saw the Cardinals rank last in points and total yards, Fitzgerald posted a career-low 734 yards. In the same piece, McManamon lists third-year wideout Chad Williams as being on the Cards' roster bubble. With the team drafting three receivers to join Fitzgerald, Christian Kirk and UFA addition Kevin White , the former Bruce Arians-era third-round pick (20 career catches for 202 yards and one touchdown) may be battling uphill to keep his roster spot.


Here's everything you need to know about waxing your car. Completing this task will protect your car's finish and add plenty of shine and luster. Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective. Most people don't wax their cars because they don't have the patience it requires. When done correctly, waxing your car is the best way to protect your paint from UV damage, swirl marks, and chipping. It'll also give your car a shiny finish. Paste wax is the most effective and lasts the longest, but it also takes the most effort to apply. Liquid wax is easier to apply and lasts a while, but it can be easy to apply too much. Spray wax is by far the easiest to apply, but it doesn't last very long. Based on my personal experience, I recommend Turtle Wax Super Hard Shell for paste wax, Zymöl Cleaner Wax for liquid wax, and Mothers California Gold for spray wax. While I've used all three types of waxes, I personally prefer liquid wax because it takes less time and effort to apply than paste wax, while still lasting much longer than spray wax. While most people have some level of appreciation for their cars, very few go beyond a car wash and maybe some new air fresheners to show that they care. One of the most effective ways to preserve your car's factory finish is to regularly apply a coat of wax. It'll protect the paint from UV damage, swirl marks, and paint chips. Even with those undeniable benefits, the average person rarely (if ever) does it - and the very few who do wax, are probably doing it wrong. We've all seen the famous scene from "The Karate Kid" when Mr. Miyagi made Daniel wax a car to learn the value of hard work, but you'll need to know a little bit more than the "wax on, wax off" mantra in order to do it successfully. As a car enthusiast, I've used all different kinds of waxes including pastes, liquids, and sprays. So, to help you make your car shine like new, I've explained the pros and cons of each wax type, my personal recommendations, and a step-by-step guide on how to properly wax your car. Here's everything you need to wax a car: Paste wax: Turtle Wax Super Hard Shell Paste Wax (includes applicator pad) Liquid wax: Zymol Liquid Cleaner Wax Spray wax: Mothers California Gold Spray Wax Wax applicator pads for paste or liquid wax: Viking Car Care Microfiber Applicator Pads Microfiber cloths for buffing: House Again 5 Microfiber cloth set Continue reading in the gallery above. The differences between paste, liquid, and spray waxes First, let me start by saying that waxing a car can be a very tedious job, but the results are usually worth it. When choosing a wax, you'll want to take into account your level of patience, how much time you have to spend on waxing, and your expectations for the results. While there are plenty of different kinds of waxes, they're generally broken down into three categories: paste, liquid, and spray waxes. Paste wax is usually the most effective and lasts the longest on your car and in the can. Since it's a paste, you'll waste far less of it. A single container of wax should be enough to last a pretty long time. The only downside to paste wax is that it takes much longer to apply since it must be applied to an applicator pad before it can be put on the car. Liquid wax, on the other hand, goes on a lot easier. You can squeeze it directly on to the surface of your car or onto an applicator pad and start waxing. Naturally, it's not as concentrated as solid paste wax, so it may not last as long. However, you can find convenience and longevity in liquid wax by choosing a highly-rated brand. The downside to liquid wax is that it can be too easy to apply. If you're too liberal with the wax, you'll end up with a lot of caked on residue and not that shiny finish you were going for. Lastly, spray waxes are the easiest to apply because, well, they just spray on. While they'll save you hours of tedious labor, you shouldn't expect the results to last for weeks or months on end. Spray waxes are mostly water so they won't last nearly as long as a solid paste wax or a highly-rated liquid wax. With all of that said, I personally prefer liquid wax because you can find a good middle ground between convenience and effectiveness. How to use a paste or liquid wax What you'll need: Turtle Wax Super Hard Shell Paste Wax ($6.79) or Zymöl Liquid Cleaner Wax ($25.55) and Viking Car Care Microfiber Applicator Pads ($4.99) The only difference in the process of using a paste wax or a liquid wax is getting it on the pad. If you're using paste wax, you'll need to work the wax on to the applicator pad in a circular motion and then onto to the car. If you're using liquid wax, you can apply it directly to the car or onto the applicator pad. For those who want to use paste wax, I recommend Turtle Wax Super Hard Shell Paste Wax because it's cheap, it comes with an applicator pad, it's highly rated on Amazon, and it's given me pretty good results in the past. If you'd rather use liquid wax, I strongly recommend Zymöl Cleaner Wax . For as long as I can remember, my dad (who is single-handedly responsible for my current car obsession) has used it on his cars, and I've used it on my own cars since getting my license at 17 - always with great results. And with a 4.7-out-of-5-star rating on Amazon, others seem to stand behind it, too. It's definitely more expensive than most other waxes but, with it's worth the money. 1. Wash your car. The very first step to waxing your car is washing your car since it doesn't make sense to shine up a ride that's covered in dirt, pollen, and bird poop. Make sure it's dry before you begin waxing. 2. Find some shade. It's always recommended to wax your car out of the direct sunlight because the sun will quickly dry out the wax as you're applying it. Plus, you'll be a lot more comfortable in the shade if it's hot outside. 3. Create a thin layer of wax on the surface of the car by working in a circular motion. Avoid applying wax to your headlights, windows, and plastic trim pieces. You might feel inclined to add a lot more wax to make the application process quicker, but don't. If you add too much wax, it won't dry properly, you'll end up with a lot of residue, and you may have to re-wash your car to get rid of it. 4. Let the wax dry, then buff it off in a circular motion with a microfiber towel. By the time you finish waxing, the first section you waxed should be dry and ready to buff off. You'll know it's ready to be buffed off when the wax has a matte, chalky appearance. Once you've fully buffed it off, your paint will have a nice finish with lots of shine and luster. It should look something like this before buffing off. The process is tedious, but breaking the job down into sections can make it easier to accomplish. Do the hood, fenders, doors, quarters, trunk, and other panels in some sort of order to ensure you don't miss a spot. And if you need a little motivation to continue along the way, buff off a small portion of wax to reveal the final results. For me, that's usually enough to drive me to get the entire car to look just as good. Turtle Wax Super Hard Shell 9.5 ounce Paste Wax, $6.79, available on Amazon Zymöl 20 ounce Cleaner Wax, $25.55, available on Amazon Viking Car Care Microfiber Applicator Pads, $4.99, available on Amazon House Again 5 Microfiber cloth set, $8.99, available on Amazon How to use a spray wax What you'll need: Mothers California Gold Spray Wax ($6.99) and House Again 5 Microfiber cloth set ($8.99) Spray wax is less effective than paste or liquid wax, thus serving a different purpose. It should be used as a quick touch up product or a supplementary product. It's best used when your car is already in pretty good condition and just needs some extra shine and protection after a car wash. If your paint is severely sun faded and dried out, you shouldn't expect any spray wax to work wonders. However, I've found that Mothers California Gold Carnauba Spray Wax is the best. 1. Wash your car. Just like using paste or liquid wax, you need to make sure your car is clean before applying it. The only difference here is that you can apply it to a wet car since the spray itself is also water-based. 2. Spray it on the surface of your car. You don't have to carefully avoid certain pieces as you would with a different wax, but at the same time, there's no sense in using it on parts that don't need wax (windows, headlights, tail lights, plastic trim, etc.). 3. Wipe off and buff the car with a microfiber towel. And just like that, you're done. As simple as this process is, you can't expect the results to be as long-lasting. I typically like to use a spray wax right before a car meet or photo shoot because it's quick and super easy. Now that you know exactly how to wax your car, pick up all the products you need on Amazon and dedicate a few hours this weekend to making your car look better than ever before. Mothers California Gold Spray Wax, $6.99, available on Amazon House Again 5 Microfiber cloth set, $8.99, available on Amazon


Kemba Walker already is making quite the impression in Boston. The All-Star point guard agreed to sign a four-year deal with the Celtics on Sunday, and besides Twitter erupting after the news broke, Walker was welcomed by a slew of new teammates, other Boston athletes and even fans on Newbury Street. [nesn_embed_the_score team="patriots"] But one prominent athlete certainly is excited to have Walker be part of the historic Boston franchise. Julian Edelman took to Instagram on Monday to send out a simple welcome message for the newest Celtic. Take a look: The New England Patriots wide receiver did make an interesting edit to the picture, having Walker sport No. 4 -- a number that hasn't been worn since Isaiah Thomas was on the team. Walker always could take Kyrie Irving's old No. 11. But then, of course, Edelman would need a new custom Celtics jersey. Maybe the two can work out their own jersey swap later this year.


Des Moines police are investigating the death of a child Thursday at a metro apartment complex. Authorities were called to an apartment complex at 3600 East Douglas Avenue on reports of a child needing CPR. Upon arrival, responding officers found a deceased 2-year-old. Des Moines police Sgt. Paul Parizek confirmed to KCCI that the child ingested an unknown amount of medication belonging to his mother. Parizek said police examined a 4-year-old in the home and determined he is healthy. Check back for details on this developing story on KCCI-TV, the KCCI mobile app and KCCI.com. READ MORE: Authorities investigating death of child at Des Moines apartment complex CHECK OUT KCCI: Get the latest Des Moines news and weather. The KCCI news team brings you the best in local coverage and all the top stories from across the state.


FARMINGDALE, N.Y. - Tiger Woods, dressed appropriately to combat the biting chill in the air and the spattering of raindrops from above, got back to work Monday at saturated Bethpage Black. Wood, wearing extra layers and a wool ski cap he draped over his golf hat, didn't resent the foul weather. Instead, his spirits were high despite the temps being low as the week of the 101st edition of the PGA Championship commenced. Shortly after teeing off on the first hole at 7:40 a.m. with the thermometer reading 43 degrees, Woods got a chuckle after the impact of his approach to the green brought up a couple of worms. Yes, thousands of worms littered the fairways after a drenching on Sunday. The extra spectators have been in waiting at Bethpage Black as prolonged stretches of rain and bitter temps have hovered over the public course for weeks. Woods had another chuckle at the uphill par-5 fifth when his second shot, with 250 yards to the front of the green, came up 25 yards short despite his mighty whack with a 3-wood. The ball just won't go anywhere in the frosty and thick air. But Woods said he feels good going forward despite not playing since his emotional victory at the Masters. It was his 15th major triumph but first in 11 years, his fifth Masters title but first in 14 years. "I feel good," Woods said. "Played at home for four days. Got a couple more days of work to get in and I'll be ready to go." PGA CHAMPIONSHIP: TV schedule , Tee times for Rounds 1, 2 Woods spent a considerable amount of time on and around each of the greens as he polished off the front nine in 2 hours, 20 minutes, the heavy, wet rough rimming the putting complexes sometimes giving him fits. But other than a few head-scratching moments, Woods was spot on. "First and foremost, he looks good and he's moving around well," said Joe LaCava, Woods' caddie. "That's the first thing I look for, especially considering the conditions. He's driving it well; the game looks pretty good, and his short game around the greens looks really good. I know it's just a practice round but still, looks pretty solid." LaCava said he isn't concerned about Woods taking a month off between starts, that going from one major to another isn't as alarming as some would think. "Being well rested is more important than anything," LaCava said. "And winning the Masters took a lot out of him. Playing another tournament, wherever it might have been, I don't think it would have been a setback, but it would have taken a lot out of him. Probably wouldn't have done him any good because he would have been too tired. When you're tired there's no need to play. "He's happy, he's in a good mood, he's in good spirits. And I think he misses playing. How can't you be in good spirits when you just came off a major win? He's relaxed and fresh. I love it." And it wasn't as if Woods just sat on the couch for 30 days. Woods returned to the course for a practice round at The Medalist in Florida on April 27 with Rob McNamara, his constant companion and playing partner and a vice president for TGR Ventures, and then ratcheted up his work in the gym and on the course a week ago. On May 6, President Trump awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Woods in a ceremony in the Rose Garden at the White House. Two days later, Woods spent five hours playing all 18 holes at Bethpage Black. LaCava said the day proved crucial as Woods got reacquainted with the course where he won the 2002 U.S. Open, finished in a tie for sixth in the 2009 U.S. Open and tied for 38 th in the 2012 Barclays. All three of those events were played in the summer, however, in temps that were about 35-50 degrees warmer than what greeted the golfers on Monday. And the forecast calls for highs reaching just the mid-60s this week. "Based on the forecast today and tomorrow, it was really important to play last week," LaCava said. "And it was warmer. Hopefully, it will be warmer come Thursday, so that was big because we have an idea of yardages and runouts now. MORE: NBA Free Agency 2019: The top players These five photos of Kawhi Leonard watching his buzzer-beater are incredible 5 Thoughts on Game of Thrones Season 8, Episode 5: Cersei and the Mad King Don't Look So Bad [Spoilers] Video confirms reports of Chris Paul's attempt to sabotage Steph Curry Future heir or temporary face? Assessing the unknowns of Patriots QB Jarrett Stidham Related slideshow: A look at Tiger's career (Provided by photo services)