Traveling can be an amazing experience, but from stolen luggage to water-logged phones , there are plenty of things that can go wrong. One surefire way to ruin a trip? Not being prepared to deal with setbacks. Even the savviest travelers can't anticipate everything, which is why we've rounded up products to help keep you safer as you explore the world. Whether you're wandering solo or traveling with your whole family, these products can help make your trip safe without weighing you down. 1. Travelrambo RFID blocking leather wallet ($9.99; amazon.com ) Credit and debit cards sometimes include RFID chips   which are great for things like "tap to pay" but also made it easier for crafty thieves to steal your payment info using devices that basically scan your cards as you walk past. That's why products that block RFID signals can be useful while traveling. With ten card slots, a quick-access ID window, and a two top pockets for cash, Travelrambo's minimalist wallet offers both security and convenience. The wallet's slim profile makes it easy to stash in your pocket or inside a small purse, while its RFID blocking technology keeps your personal information safe. 2. Joto Universal Waterproof phone case ($8.99 to $9.99; amazon.com ) Joto's popular case has earned five stars from nearly 20,000 reviews because it's lightweight, inexpensive, and does exactly what it says it'll do: keep your phone dry. The case is large enough to accomodate most smartphone models, and the clear windows are touch-screen friendly. You can even take photos while your phone's inside (and no, they don't come out blurry!). It's also easy to stash a credit card or extra cash alongside your phone, essentially turning the case into a mini dry bag. 3. Travelon Anti-Theft Cross Body bag ($36.27; amazon.com ) This thoughtfully designed, ultra-roomy purse is made from slash resistant material (in both the body compartment and adjustable shoulder strap), and also features locking zippers and an internal RFID-blocking compartment. Plenty of color options, two outer water bottle pockets, and the ability to securely lock the bag to a chair or post have earned the Travelon 4.5 stars from 1,800 reviews. 4. Pacsafe Metrosafe 15 liter daypack ($74.95; amazon.com ) If you're more of a backpack-wearer, Pacsafe also makes excellent anti-theft option. Both this 15 liter pack and, for those who want even more space, the Metrosafe 25 liter pack ($119.95; amazon.com ) are made from slash-proof light-weight steel mesh and include lockable zippers, internal RFID blocking compartments, and a padded back and straps. 5. Taiker personal security alarm ($7.99; amazon.com ) No one plans to get stuck in a sketchy area alone, but sometimes it happens. A portable personal alarm can offer some peace of mind, and we like this well-reviewed version from Taiker that's small enough to keep on your keychain for emergencies. Pull the attached rip cord to activate a booming 140 decibel alarm, which will sound for 30 minutes or until the pin is reinserted. The Taiker alarm also features an LED flashlight, so you don't need to waste your phone's battery if you get stuck walking home in the dark. 6. Addalock portable door lock ($17.95; amazon.com ) For situations where others might have access to your space   say, an AirBnB, hotel, or hostel   this portable lock can offer extra security and peace of mind. It only takes a few seconds to install, and weighs just 4.2 ounces. 7. Anker PowerCore II 10000 Portable charger ($29.99; amazon.com ) Constantly looking at Google maps and endlessly searching for wifi signals can put a serious drain your phone's battery, which is why it's always helpful to have a portable charger on hand when traveling. We've written about the greatness of Anker chargers before , and the company's best-selling PoweCore 10000 model is an excellent choice for travelers. The pocket-sized device weighs about the same as a baseball and will recharge most phones three times, making it perfect for long days away from outlets. 8. Waypoint Goods hidden pocket scarf (from $29.99; amazon.com ) This lightweight scarf has a hidden zipper compartment that lets you keep your valuables close without carrying a purse. The pocket is roomy enough to discreetly stash your passport, keys, and credit cards, and the classic infinity circle design comes in 36 colors. 9. LifeStraw personal water filter ($14.99; amazon.com ) A convenient option whether you're backcountry camping or just iffy on the local tap water. The LifeStraw removes 99.9% of waterborne bacteria and parasites, including E. coli, salmonella, and giarda. The straw itself weighs just 2 ounces, making it easy to stash in your bag for emergencies, and you can stick it directly into anything from a mountain stream to a puddle (though we'd recommend filling your water bottle first and then drinking from that). 10. Flexsafe portable safe ($69.95; theaquavault.com ) The Flexsafe is a lightweight bag that quickly and securely attaches to things like chair backs and beach umbrellas via a combination lock, letting you safely leave your phone, keys, etc. behind while you go swim or explore. The bag features RFID-blocking material that's both slash and water resistant. 11. L.L. Bean ultralight medical kit ($29.00; llbean.com ) Trusted outfitter L.L. Bean has compiled first aid essentials   things like antiseptic wipes, bandages, and common pain medications   into a lightweight, watertight bag. Despite weighing only 8 ounces, the kit has enough supplies for up to four people for four days. 12. Lumintrail luggage lock and steel cable ($9.99; amazon.com ) This lightweight, TSA approved combinatio n lock is perfect for keeping your luggage securely closed. Meanwhile, the included 4-foot steel cable lets you then secure your luggage itself to something else   making it much harder for anyone to simply pick it up and walk away!


Does the U.S. Constitution include a right to literacy? As a candidate for governor last summer, Gretchen Whitmer said yes. But in pleadings filed last week, the state sidestepped the question and urged the U.S. Court of Appeals to dismiss a lawsuit aimed at establishing that right. A federal judge had ruled earlier that no such right exists. The state argued the 2016 lawsuit on behalf of Detroit schoolchildren is moot on technical grounds, noting that the officials named in it no longer hold office. Former Gov. Rick Snyder, members of the State Board of Education and the state superintendent of schools have all been replaced since the suit was filed. The state also has helped Detroit schools by replacing an emergency manager with an elected school board, according to the pleadings. "Even if defendants were the proper parties when this case was filed, they are no longer the proper parties because of these changed circumstances, which has restored local control," the state argued. "As a result, the plaintiffs' claims are now moot." More: Judge says there's no fundamental right to learn to read and write More: Parents sue Snyder, saying Detroit students lack 'fighting chance' Whitmer spokeswoman Tiffany Brown wouldn't say whether the governor still supports a constitutional right to literacy. "The governor's office has signed onto the first part of the lawsuit only, which argues that the State of Michigan is no longer a proper party to the lawsuit due to changed circumstances and the fact that local control has been restored," Brown told the Free Press in an email. "The Governor's Office did not not join the second part that argued children did not have a right to literacy. The governor believes that every student deserves a quality public education." 'She campaigned on it' Backers of the suit say that amounts to a flip-flop from Whitmer. "She campaigned on it and she got votes on it," said Mark Rosenbaum, a lawyer representing the children. "She solicited and obtained votes representing that she was going to support a constitutional right to literacy." If such a right were established, states could face new pressures to ensure that students can read. The lawsuit seeks to establish such a right, with backers comparing their quest to Brown v. Board of Education, the 1954 case which found segregated schools were unconstitutional. The suit argued that the state had denied Detroit students access to literacy   the most basic building block of education   through decades of "disinvestment ... and deliberate indifference." It requested remedies such as the implementation of evidence-based literacy programs, universal screening for literacy problems and a statewide accountability system in which the state "monitors conditions that deny access to literacy" and intervenes. A team of constitutional law experts from around the country was recruited to litigate the suit. Last July, U.S. District Judge Stephen Murphy in Detroit, dismissed the case, granting the request from then-Attorney General Bill Schuette. "Plainly, literacy   and the opportunity to obtain it   is of incalculable importance," Murphy wrote. "As plaintiffs point out, voting, participating meaningfully in civic life and accessing justice require some measure of literacy." But those points, Murphy said, "do not necessarily make access to literacy a fundamental right." And, he said, the U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly emphasized that the importance of a good or service "does not determine whether it must be regarded as fundamental." Lawyers for the students appealed the ruling, prompting the latest round of pleadings. In a July interview with WDET radio a few weeks after Murphy's ruling, Whitmer said Snyder was wrong on the case. "Despite what the federal court said, despite what Bill Schuette and Gov. Snyder say, I believe every child in this state has a constitutional right to literacy," Whitmer said. "I believe you have a birthright to a good education. And it includes having a great teacher in your classroom, having facilities that promote the kind of learning that today's day and age requires. All of these are pieces of that." No resources Jamarria Hall, 19, of Detroit is one of the plaintiffs in the suit. He graduated from Osborn High School in 2017 and is now studying business at Tallahassee Community College. He said he feels the ill effects of his high school education every day. "I felt like I really got cheated out of four years," he said. "I still have struggles today reading. I had the highest SAT score in my school and I still have struggles reading." Hall said he's been able to catch up in his education by using resources at the college's library and elsewhere. If he can't understand something, he can get a book that covers it or meet with a professor who will explain it. Those kinds of resources weren't available in Detroit Public Schools, he said. Many times, his high school classrooms didn't have enough textbooks. Teachers would use copy machines to reproduce pages that could be passed around to kids with no books. Hall said he'd often walk past trash cans placed in the hallway to catch water leaking through the roof and occasionally see rats in the building. Hall said he knows friends and neighbors who have never read a novel and can't read well enough to know how to improve their own lives. "People are complaining about who the president is, how the roads aren't fixed, how the schools aren't good," he said. "There are council meetings and elections and ways for us to protest and have our voices hear, but people aren't educated enough to know that. They think there's nothing we can do. They think this is just how it's going to be and there's nothing we can do about it." More school spending Brown said Whitmer is working to improve Detroit schools. "Her proposed budget will make the biggest investment in public school operations in a generation of kids, including more than $22 million for Detroit public schools," Brown said. "Her budget will allow us to do things like triple the number of literacy coaches in Michigan, improve buildings and facilities, and help schools raise teacher pay, reduce class sizes and upgrade technology. The governor's budget will also provide more funding for low-income and at-risk children and help them get on paths to good-paying jobs." Rosenbaum called those measures "a small drop in a very large bucket." The state's pleading acknowledges that two current Republican members of the Michigan Board of Education, Tom McMillin and Nikki Snyder, conclude there is no constitutional right to literacy. "The other defendants do not address these claims and the court need not reach them," according to the pleading. But Board Vice President Pamela Pugh, a Democrat, said in a statement that she disagrees with the state's position, which was submitted on her behalf and that of her fellow board members. "Anything short of Gov. Whitmer and state education officials completely separating from former Attorney General Bill Schuette's arguments and taking responsibility for our children of color being granted the equal right to critical learning conditions that are afforded to students in other school districts is simply unacceptable," Pugh said. She added that state emergency management of the Detroit district has "robbed Detroit children of the basic right to literacy, a fundamental right which I believe should be determined to be guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, as well as other constitutional rights which require literacy skills." Attorney General Dana Nessel's office didn't respond to a request for comment on the discrepancy between Pugh's statement and the pleadings filed on her behalf. The pleading was signed by Assistant Attorney General Joshua Smith. "You'll notice that the attorney general's name does not appear in the pleading," said Daniel Olsen, a spokesman for Nessel. "She may make a decision to take a different position on the case, so a conflict wall has been established in our office." Rosenbaum said the state's decision means the courts are the only recourse for Detroit students. "This is why we have to go to court, because the politicians can't be counted upon to stand up and fight for these kids and address the fact that the state, for over a decade, decimated their schools," he said. Contact John Wisely: 313-222-6825 or jwisely@freepress.com. On Twitter @jwisely Page 1 of Literacy Lawsuit Brief Contributed to DocumentCloud by Tanya Wildt of Detroit Free Press • View document or read text This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Gretchen Whitmer silent on constitutional right to literacy in Mich.


Mazda and Mitsubishi said Friday they will recall about 624,000 more vehicles to replace air bag inflators made by Japan's Takata, following similar moves last week by domestic automakers. Mazda said it was recalling about 112,000 vehicles including the Atenza sedan, Bongo van and two models it builds for Nissan Motor Co (7201.T) and Mitsubishi Motors. A spokeswoman said it was still working out plans for any recall overseas. Mitsubishi Motors is calling back about 100,000 cars in Japan and 412,000 overseas, it said.(Corrects total in headline and paragraph 1 to 624,000, not 630,000, and Mazda recall figure in paragraph 2 to 112,000, not 120,000, after company revises number)


Souvenirs are an important part of any event and the golf world is no different. It's become almost an expectation that if you attend a major, you have to bring home some swag. As merchandise tents grow larger and the offerings more diverse, it's pretty easy to find a unique gift for everyone on your list. The PGA Shops at the 2019 PGA Championship provide a shopping experience unlike any other. From photo ops with the trophy to customizable gifts, it's a necessary stop before you leave Bethpage. We caught up with PGA of America Sr. Director of Merchandising and Licensing, Mike Quirk to tour the tent before the tournament began. Quirk and his team work to organize the tent for an exciting shopping experience. He describes the store as "PGA Championship meets PGA Show." It's also important to Quirk that golfers and non-golfers alike can find something they want in the shops. The merchandise floor is organized by product type and brand. "People want to watch golf," Quirk said. "We want them to come in, get what they want and get back on the course." The PGA Shops opened the Friday before the tournament and will remain open until 6 p.m. the day of the the final round. Over 850 volunteers staff the 60,000 square foot shop. Merchandise tents have also made a move toward making player scripting available for purchase. Superfans can buy the same shirt their favorite players are wearing, including those of Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth, and Rory McIlroy. View the Instagram photo. Nike Mock Neck Shirts, $85 One of the first displays upon entering the massive merchandise tent is of the iconic Tiger Woods mock neck Sunday red shirt. The addition of a PGA Championship logo helps with the style risk, if you've been interested in trying out the trend. Woods will wear the shirt on Sunday, his other scripting is available in the tent as well Polo Ralph Lauren "CYO" Totes and Water Bottles, $40 Also near the entrance is a Polo Ralph Lauren station where you can create custom PGA Championship items to include your name or a message of your choice. Design your item digitally at the booth and they'll make the unique water bottle or tote on the spot. Oversized Golf Balls, $12 These kickball-style oversized golf balls have become a staple in any merchandise tent. For $12, choose from a black trophy covered ball or a white ball with the iconic warning sign printed on it. The white ball is great for kids that'll be scavenging for player autographs during the week. The black one might be tough to get signatures, so be sure to pack a silver Sharpie if that's the case. Tournament logo apparel to make your buddies jealous, $65-168 The PGA Championship merchandise tent has grown its offerings to let golf fans shop their favorite brands and find the perfect fit. From golf shirts to t-shirts, outerwear to formalwear, you can get just about anything with a tournament logo on it. The Warning Sign, $16-42 Everyone wants to take home the Bethpage warning sign that has become a required photo for visitors to take before leaving the course. The sign is seen all over the merchandise tent, from decor to shirts, hats and even socks. Hats, hats and more hats, $28-30 A tournament logo hat is one of more popular purchases in the merchandise tent. It's affordable, easy to carry and you can never have enough caps in the closet. Tournament tents have upgraded hat offerings for more unique looks and stylish options that'll look great all year long. Ryder Cup gear, for a limited time only, $55-125 While the PGA Championship is the event of the year for New Yorkers, in just five short years the area will be buzzing again as the host of the 2024 Ryder Cup. For the duration of the tournament, Ryder Cup merchandise will be available on site. After this week, you won't be able to get your hands on this stuff for at least another three years, according to Quirk. Women's apparel, $32-175 Women's souvenir apparel has come a long way in recent years. Merchandise tents have moved with the trends to offer pieces women can wear both on and off the course. Brands like Ralph Lauren and Vineyard Vines offer prime golf-watching pieces, while athletic brands like Nike and Under Armour offer casual and workout apparel to show your PGA Championship pride off the course, too. Gear, gadgets and gifts, $12-100 You can get almost anything with a tournament logo on it these days. Long gone are the times where it was acceptable to bring home a keychain souvenir after an event. Upgrade your gift giving process with PGA Championship water bottles, stuffed animals or even a pop socket.


LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP)   The Little Rock Zoo says Trudy, believed to be the oldest Western Lowland gorilla in captivity, has died at age 63. Zoo spokeswoman Susan Altrui said zookeepers found Trudy dead when they checked on her Wednesday morning. Altrui says Trudy was the oldest gorilla in the records of zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, an international accrediting organization. Altrui says it's possible but highly unlikely non-accredited zoos have older gorillas. Trudy came to the Little Rock Zoo from Buffalo in 1988 with a male gorilla, Ollie, on a breeding loan. Syd Tanner, one of her former keepers, called her the "boss lady" of her all-male group. Trudy was also one of the last gorillas captured in the wild. Today, North American gorillas are born in zoos.


Washington's starting quarterback race is wide-open at the moment, but as John Keim of ESPN.com writes, 2019 first-rounder Dwayne Haskins is already making his case for the job. Haskins has impressed after two days of rookie minicamp, and head coach Jay Gruden said of the Ohio State product, "It's been a treat. He's made some throws that turn your head without a doubt." Of course, Haskins still has a long way to go, and two days of rookie minicamp will not make or break his future with Washington. But as the No. 15 overall pick, he will certainly be given ample opportunity to start right away, and his performance thus far has been promising. The Redskins' OTAs and mandatory minicamp will be critical in clarifying the team's quarterback situation, because Gruden does not like to have a three-man competition in training camp. He believes, understandably, that it is too difficult to divide meaningful repetitions between three players, so the pressure is on Haskins and veterans Case Keenum and Colt McCoy over the coming weeks. Given that Haskins has a lot of basics to master   like his footwork and dropping back from under center, which he did not do in college   Keenum and McCoy may have a leg up for the time being, especially since Gruden's job security is tenuous at best, and he needs to win games in 2019 to keep his post. But Haskins obviously has the highest upside of any of the three competitors, and the Redskins expect him to develop quickly. Gruden said: "The most important thing in the next couple weeks is, let's see how far we can push [Haskins]. Let's see if there is a chance he can win the job. If we feel like he's coming along slower, then we have to maybe push Case or push Colt. But if we feel like [Haskins] is coming along and he's firing and he's comfortable, then we'll play it out and see what happens." Gruden sounds like a man who wants his rookie signal-caller to seize the opportunity and run with it, and Haskins is up for the challenge. He said, "I'll be ready for whatever the coaches want from me, whether that's starting right away or next year or through the season. I'll prepare like I'm the starter."


PEORIA, Ill. (AP)   The same federal jury that last month convicted a former University of Illinois doctoral student of kidnapping and torturing a scholar visiting from China will now be asked to decide if the man should be executed. Prosecutors will argue Monday that Brendt Christensen should be put to death and attorneys for the 2017 kidnapping and death of Yingying Zhang. Defense attorneys will ask that Christensen be sentenced to life without parole. The proceedings will unfold as kind of a mini-trial that will include opening statements, exhibits, testimony and closing arguments. The 30-year-old Christensen might testify. And in an effort to save his life, he could possibly reveal what he did with Zhang's body, which has never been found.


After facing a torrent of pushback and harsh criticism from military veterans, Donald Trump has backed off plans to potentially pardon convicted and alleged U.S. war criminals at least for now. The president was personally taken aback by the across-the-board pushback to his administration's consideration of pardons for several U.S. servicemen accused of grisly crimes in war zones, two people familiar with the situation told The Daily Beast. The sources also noted that Trump, while monitoring much of the reaction in newspapers and cable news last month, had not expected the blowback to be as fierce and widespread among veterans as it was. Eventually, he decided to tap the brakes on the highly controversial idea, with the possibility of revisiting it in the future. The decision marks another instance of President Trump reconsidering his plans to dive head-first into a divisive debate at the egging of his media boosters. Last month, news first broke that the president's staff had ordered the fast-tracking of the required paperwork for the possible granting of pardons to American servicemen accused or convicted of war crimes, with plans to potentially issue those pardons on or right around Memorial Day. The idea had been privately pushed to the president for months by, among others, Fox & Friends co-host Pete Hegseth , who in addition to being a war veteran and Trump pal has been one of the biggest supporters of Special Operations Chief Edward Gallagher, a Navy SEAL platoon leader who was turned in by his own men for allegedly shooting civilians, including a young girl, and knifing to death a captured Islamic State fighter. After the news broke, Hegseth and others in the pro-Trump media universe continued to rally around the idea. And it all appeared to be moving towards pardons being issued, until it wasn't. No pardons were granted on Memorial Day weekend, and Trump hasn't publicly brought it up or tweeted about it since, in large part due to the backlash from veterans advocates. "The military is a profession, and it has professional standards. Non-professional militaries hold themselves above the law," said David Desroches, a former senior Pentagon official. "And America's military prides itself on operating within the law. If you have guys committing war crimes, and getting away with it, that really damages our effort tactically. No one is going to cooperate with us." Last month, major vets advocates and organizations said that they hadn't been consulted or contacted by the Trump White House on the proposal, and urged extreme caution in pardoning or excusing U.S. military personnel who may have very well commited murder overseas. "These are not the types of decisions to be rushed and should be made after long and careful consideration," Jeremy Butler, the chief executive of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, told The Associated Press . "We want to hear from the administration as to their rationale what additional information they have and why they are taking this course." The sources stressed to The Daily Beast that because Trump hadn't acted by now didn't mean that the issue was dead in his mind. Right before leaving for a Japan trip late last month, the president told reporters at the White House, "I haven't done anything yet, I haven't made any decisions" on pardons, and that "it's very possible that I'll let the trials go on, and I'll make my decision after the trial." The White House, Department of Defense, and Department of Justice press offices had not responded to requests for comment as of press time. Read more at The Daily Beast. Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast here


You can leave your umbrella at home today and Saturday, but light rainfall is in the forecast for Boston later in the week, according to the seven-day forecast from drone-powered weather service Saildrone . The highest chance of rain is forecast on Thursday at 69 percent, with the possibility of light rainfall of 0.49 inches. The next few days will also bring warm temperatures, due to last through Thursday. The weather will bring a high temperature of 83 degrees on Saturday. Skies will be clear today and partly cloudy on Saturday. Winds will stay somewhat calm in the course of the week, with the highest speeds on Saturday at only 11 mph. This story was created automatically using Saildrone's local weather forecast data, then reviewed by an editor. We also incorporate historic weather data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


Welcome to the PHT Morning Skate, a collection of links from around the hockey world. Have a link you want to submit? Email us at phtblog@nbcsports.com . • Steven Stamkos is the best shooter of the salary cap era. ( Raw Charge ) • What active NHLers are Hall of Fame worthy? Here they are, ranked. ( Yardbarker ) • Pittsburgh has players who rank among the best, worst at converting shots into goals. Who are they? ( Pensburgh ) • Russian invasion fueling Rangers revival. ( Featurd ) • Why the folding of the National Women's Hockey League could be best thing for the sport. ( AZ Central ) • Panthers view Bobrovsky signing as needed element for return to playoffs. ( NHL.com ) • It's time to move on from Jon Gillies . ( Matchsticks & Gasoline ) • Competition aplenty as under-the-radar depth piece Nicolas Aube-Kubel re-signs with Flyers. ( NBC Sports Philadelphia ) • NHL stands out when strengths of major pro leagues are pondered. ( StarTribune ) • The latest on the changes and improvements coming to NHL 20. ( Operation Sports ) Scott Billeck is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports . Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @scottbilleck


LOS ANGELES   Actor Ashton Kutcher entered a Los Angeles courtroom this week, adding more attention to a sensational murder trial. Michael Gargiulo faces two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder in attacks in the L.A. area between 2001 and 2008. He has pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty in the case. One of the women Gargiulo is accused of killing had arranged to go on a date with Kutcher in February 2001. And that was the focus on his testimony Wednesday. Kutcher testified for about an hour, describing how he became concerned when Ashley Ellerin, a 22-year-old fashion student, didn't respond to his calls or answer her door. Ellerin's slaying is just one part of what prosecutors describe as a reign of terror by Gargiulo. Here is a narrative of the accusations against him from the pages of the Los Angeles Times: Prosecutors have called Gargiulo a "serial sexual-thrill killer" who derived pleasure from slaughtering beautiful women. Court records show a chronology of attacks linked to Gargiulo that began in the Chicago area in 1993. In August of that year, Tricia Pacaccio, 18, was celebrating her high school graduation with friends before each headed off to college. She was bound for Purdue University, where she'd earned an engineering scholarship. She dropped a peer off about 1 a.m. before heading home. She walked up to her door carrying her house key but never made it inside. Her father found her on the doorstep later that morning with numerous stab wounds to her chest, shoulder and neck. Just 17 at the time, Gargiulo was a friend of Pacaccio's younger brother. It wasn't until a decade later that investigators discovered the DNA collected from her fingernails was his. By then, prosecutors say, Gargiulo had moved to the Los Angeles area and killed Ellerin. Gargiulo first met Ellerin when he offered to help her change a flat tire. Later, he offered to help fix a problem with her heater, and from then on, he'd show up uninvited and unannounced at her apartment. Some reported seeing him park in front of her home at all hours, staring at her residence for long periods of time. Her roommate thought he was a stalker. Prosecutors allege he entered Ellerin's Hollywood home one night in February 2001 and stabbed her 47 times, slashing her throat so severely that he almost decapitated her. Kutcher went to Ellerin's home after the pair had arranged to have a drink that night, the actor testified, but she did not answer the door. Gargiulo later moved to the El Monte area, into the same apartment complex as Maria Bruno, 32. In 2005, prosecutors allege, Gargiulo attacked Bruno as she slept and "quite literally butchered her," slashing her throat and slicing off her breasts, which he staged for police to find. Soon after investigators found her body, they spotted a blue surgical bootie outside her apartment door with three drops of Bruno's blood. Gargiulo's DNA matched the profile that was found along the elastic band. The same type of booties, which he wore for work as an air conditioner repairman, were found by detectives hidden in his attic. Before the killing, Gargiulo had been seen trying to open Bruno's door and peeping through her window. The last attack linked to him, in April 2008, was unlike the others. Michelle Murphy survived. Gargiulo and Murphy, who was 27 at the time, lived across from each other, sharing an alley in Santa Monica. In the months leading up to her attack, Gargiulo would greet her outside her apartment. One night, prosecutors say, she woke up to him stabbing her arms and chest. She kicked him off, causing him to cut his wrist and flee. Investigators found his blood on her bedspread and in the alley. After his arrest less than two months later in connection with the Santa Monica attack, detectives linked Gargiulo to the killings of Ellerin and Bruno. He wasn't charged in Illinois with Pacaccio's slaying until 2011. Murphy was the first witness called by prosecutors in the case. On the day of the attack, Murphy testified that she washed her bedsheets, jumped rope in the alley behind her Santa Monica apartment complex and watched TV before crawling into bed. She had been asleep for about an hour, she testified, when she woke up to a man straddling her, stabbing her arm and chest with a serrated knife. She screamed and asked why he was attacking her. The man didn't say a word, she said. In a struggle to save herself, Murphy said she wrapped her hands around the knife's blade and kicked the man off the bed. As he ran out the door, Murphy recalled, he spoke for the first time. "I'm sorry," the attacker said. Murphy testified that she locked the door, closed the living room window the man had climbed in and made two phone calls. She first called the man she'd been dating for two months, who is now her husband, and then the police. An ambulance took her to a hospital, where doctors operated on her hand and stitched her wounds. She never returned to that Santa Monica apartment. Instead, her family and friends packed up her belongings. Since her attack, Murphy said she's more vigilant about making sure "everything's locked." "I'm much more aware of anyone around me," she testified.     ©2019 Los Angeles Times Visit the Los Angeles Times at www.latimes.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


Jeffrey Earnhardt's career-best NASCAR Xfinity Series finish included a run-in with the wall and a visit to the infield care center. It took just about everything Earnhardt could muster but he rebounded late in Saturday's Alsco 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway to finish third   his best finish in his 157 career starts across NASCAR's three national series   Cup, Xfinity and Trucks. His previous best also came this season, when he finished sixth at Atlanta in February. All three of Earnhardt's top-10s this Xfinity Series season have come while he has been running a partial schedule in Joe Gibbs Racing's No. 18 Toyota. "We just gave it all we had there at the end, that's all I had left in the tank," Earnhardt said. "I'm just thankful for the opportunity, it's a dream come true to get to drive in Joe Gibbs Racing equipment and live out my dreams. "We're out here with the JGR and the Xtreme Concepts Racing guys to go for wins and we're definitely working toward that." From the editor, also read: Tyler Reddick wins chaotic Xfinity Series race at Charlotte Earnhardt, the grandson of the late seven-time Cup champion Dale Earnhardt, qualified ninth and ran in the top-10 much of the first two stages. On Lap 141 of 200, Earnhardt tagged the wall and radioed his team that he had a tire going down. The caution came out on the following lap and he pit for new tires and fell a lap down. He fell as low as 24 th in the running order but returned to the lead lap during another caution on Lap 158. He restarted 19 th and drove to third before the finish. Immediately after the race, Earnhardt was taken to the infield care center suffering effects from the extreme heat on Saturday. He was evaluated and released a short while later. "It's pretty awesome to come out of here with a top-five. I kept flirting with the top line, getting higher and higher. Once you get up there and get loose, there's nowhere to go but in the wall," he said. "Those guys did a great job getting it sorted out and getting us back out there to come back from a lap down."


Portland has majestic hikes in some of the most beautiful forests in the Pacific Northwest. Here are our favorites under two hours driving distance from the city. Cities from coast to coast are trying to catch up to Portland's acclaimed food scene , but our proximity to incredible hiking trails is one thing most major metropolises will simply never be able to touch. A great number of adventures lie just an hour or two outside Portland city limits, and although last summer's Eagle Creek Fire rendered beloved hikes in the Columbia River Gorge -- like Punchbowl Falls and Oneonta Gorge -- inaccessible until further notice, a trip to the Portland area still packs plenty of chances to see the unrivaled beauty of the Pacific Northwest in all of its misty, verdant, and mysterious glory. Any transplant you meet is bound to tell you they showed up for the beer and stayed for the nature, meaning if you want to do Portland right, you have no choice but to take advantage of its unrivaled access to towering waterfalls, lush old-growth forests, idyllic alpine lakes, sprawling coastal ranges with stunning views of the Pacific, and winding fir-lined mountain paths you won't find anywhere else. Read on for a list of our favorite hikes within two hours or less of the city, with a smattering of details regarding what you'll hope to find and how long it should take you to find it. We've also ranked the hikes on a difficulty scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being a walk in the park and 10 being "you better stretch out and bring extra water for this one." Salmonberry Trail Distance from Portland: 57 miles Difficulty: 7 Best for: Total seclusion, spooky railroad tunnels, and a moderately eerie feeling that lands halfway between Stand By Me and Deliverance Anyone who's taken US-26 west has surely caught a glimpse of the old railroad trestles that criss-cross the highway en route to the coast. The long-defunct Port of Tillamook Bay Railroad has been little more than the potential setting of a B-horror film, until recently . The 6-mile hike starts at the dead-end of Beaver Slide Road and continues along abandoned tracks adjacent to the Salmonberry River. It's technically unauthorized, since the official development of the trail is still years away, but there's little to stop anyone who's willing to brave a few dark tunnels and mudslides -- the latter of which are best avoided by visiting in dry months. The trip back is a fine excuse to check out the abundance of great food in Beaverton, like fresh daily Japanese pastries at Oyatsupan , hand-torn noodles at Spring , or Korean seafood dishes at Nakwon . Trail of Ten Loops Distance from Portland: 70 miles Difficulty: 6 Best for: Seeing more waterfalls, mossy rocks, and mist-enveloped forest in one day than most folks will seen in an entire year When you see Oregon's svelte yogi-influencers doing Tree Pose amidst the spray of a majestic waterfall on Instagram, there's a strong chance the photo was taken in Silver Falls State Park. The Trail of Ten Loops boasts 1,100 feet of elevation gain and views from above, behind, and beside 10 different waterfalls -- making it one of the best hikes in the entire state. A series of truncated trails are available if you insist on bringing your dog or your kid, but the better move is to plow through the 8.7-mile trail in one session. Stop by Woodburn on the way back for a reward of outlet mall shopping and some unassumingly fantastic Mexican food at Guacamole's Market or Taqueria Los Laureles . Tom, Dick, and Harry Mountain Distance from Portland: 54 miles Difficulty: 5 Best for: Picturesque views of Mount Hood and Mount Jefferson, sunny switchbacks dotted with fragrant evergreens and wildflowers Convenient access to this trail's starting point -- the Mirror Lake Trailhead, located right on US-26 a few miles before the split for Government Camp -- can make finding parking tricky. But waking up early to snag a spot is well worth it. The 5.8-mile trail is a classic Mount Hood hike, with sweeping vistas of the Cascade Mountain Range in the distance and Mirror Lake below, complemented by the scent of pine needles toasting in the sun. As an added bonus there are a few walk-up campsites near Mirror Lake if you brought a tent or a hammock. If you'd rather not stay the night, you're just a few minutes away from Government Camp , Mount Hood's premier (and only) apres-ski village that's home to Charlie's Mountain View -- a grimy, ski-bum bar that's popular with locals, lift operators, and tourists alike. Tamanawas Falls Distance from Portland: 86 miles Difficulty: 4 Best for: Waterfalls, rivers, colorful lichens year-round, and deciduous tree leaves in the fall Located on the eastern base of Mount Hood, Tamanawas Falls is a quick and classic waterfall hike that's far less crowded than those of the Columbia River Gorge. If you're in serious need of some fall scenery, which can be rare in the coniferous environs of the Pacific Northwest, the foliage that lines the East Fork of the Hood River is surprisingly diverse and especially vibrant in early November. Take the long way home through Hood River so you can check out the "Fruit Loop," which is a stretch of OR-35 between Mount Hood and the Columbia River that has a fruit stand, winery, or alpaca farm at seemingly every other mile marker. Cape Falcon Distance from Portland: 89 miles Difficulty: 3 Best for: Towering old-growth redwoods, rocky cliffs high above the Pacific Ocean, views of the coastal range Oregon's Coastal Range has no shortage of majestic hikes, but few pack as big of a punch in such a short distance as the Cape Falcon hike. Located in the incredible Oswald West State Park , this 4.8-mile out-and-back hike starts in Arch Cape and wriggles its way through an old growth forest that's at times perilously close to the jagged, salt-battered shoreline that gives way to the Pacific down below. The trail's end offers a breathtaking view of Neahkahnie Mountain and the town of Manzanita to the South, and an endless expanse of massive trees teetering on cliffs is visible to the north. Be sure to stop by Cannon Beach on the way home -- though it's teeming with tourists almost year-round, the malty, hoppy ales sold at Pelican Brewing 's palatial new brewpub on the southern edge of town are worthy of a pit stop. Lower Macleay to Pittock Mansion Distance from Portland: 3 miles Difficulty: 6 Best for: Peace and quiet amidst the bustle of the big city, Instagrammable views of Portland and Mount Hood Boasting 5,100 acres of lush second growth forest only 3 miles from Downtown, Forest Park proves that even if you are without a set of wheels, there's no excuse for skipping out on a solid hike. Walk, bike, bus, or Uber your way to the Lower Macleay Trailhead, then enjoy an explosion of scenery that includes bridges, a mini-waterfall, an old brick hut littered with graffiti, ferns as far the eye can see, and the occasional sunbeam puncturing the misty canopy above. Just when you've forgotten you're still within city limits, you'll arrive at Pittock Mansion, the historic home of an Old Portland alderman that's been beautifully restored and offers the city's best east-facing viewpoints. Then head back down the hill to grab an award-winning IPA at Breakside Brewing 's awesome new two-story location in the nearby Slabtown neighborhood, or hit the many boutiques and restaurants that dot the impossibly quaint stretch of Northwest 23rd Street. Cape Lookout Distance from Portland: 86 miles Difficulty: 6 Best for: Unrivaled views of the Pacific, glimpses of migrating sea mammals like grey whales, seals, and sea lions Of all the hikes in the Tillamook Bay, the Cape Lookout trail is the best way to soak in a wide panorama of the area's scenery. You'll find stunning Sitka spruce and thick tufts of western hemlock and sword ferns, and if you're lucky you might spy migratory whales in the fall and spring. And then you have the town of Tillamook itself, which is home to the iconic (and recently renovated) Tillamook cheese factory , as well as one of the weirdest, nerdiest, and most celebrated barrel-aged sour breweries in de Garde . Lost Lake Distance from Portland: 87 miles Difficulty: 5 Best for: Incredible lakeside views of Mount Hood without all the doofy tourists that have blown up Trillium Lake If you want a proper photo of Mount Hood's reflection in an alpine lake, you could take a trip to the ever-popular Trillium Lake and call it a day. But the extra 30-minute drive to Lost Lake near the southeastern base of the mountain is absolutely worth it. The water is a tad too chilly for the casual swimmer, but Lost Lake Resort rents out kayaks, SUPs, and the like if you're still itching to glide across those glassy waters. Bring a tent or hammock on the off chance that a walk-in site just a ways up the Buck Peak Trail is available, then commit a few extra hours to exploring that and the Huckleberry Mountain Trail, which joins up with the legendary Pacific Crest Trail just a couple miles in. If you're planning on taking OR-35 back home, be sure to check out the aforementioned "Fruit Loop" for wine and fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as the bounty of excellent beer and food located in Hood River . Tryon Creek Distance from Portland: 7 miles Difficulty: 2 Best for: Enjoying the damp, dewey splendor of a rainforest without leaving Portland proper, popping in and getting lost in your own head while the animals from Fern Gully scurry about in the periphery Much like Forest Park, Tryon Creek is a dense patch of misty forest that might as well be hundreds of miles from civilization if it weren't for the park's steady stream of stoned college kids from Lewis and Clark. The nearby strip mall on Terwilliger offers a couple solid food and drink options in Tryon Creek Grill and Chez José , the latter of which every alum of Wilson High School thinks is Southwest Portland's best-kept secret for cheap Mexican food and massive margaritas. Now it isn't. You're welcome. Ramona Falls Distance from Portland: 52 miles Difficulty: 8, but only because you may get wet while clambering across logs to make your way across the Sandy River Best for: Views of the most incredible multi-tiered waterfall in the Mount Hood Wilderness, the chilling excitement of clambering across wet, shaky logs in pursuit of said view The hike to Ramona Falls is not for the faint of heart, but a quick image search of this iconic waterfall at the western base of Mount Hood will reveal why fording the Sandy River to get there is totally worth it. Besides, anyone who grew up playing Oregon Trail should leap at the opportunity to ford an actual river in Oregon. You'll probably get wet, so wear a pair of river shoes and bring a friend to spot you. Be sure to swing by Skyway Bar & Grill on the way home for a burger, a pint of Rainier, and a session from one of the many bluegrass, blues, or jam bands that uphold the famous roadhouse's reputation as being the area's premier IRL equivalent to The Chug Suckle . Sign up here for our daily PDX email and be the first to get all the food/drink/fun Portland has to offer.


MACKINAC ISLAND (WWJ) - Michigan Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey expects voters to regret their decision to legalize marijuana for recreational use in Michigan. Speaking to WWJ Newsradio 950 at the 2019 Mackinac Policy Conference on Mackinac Island, Shirkey, a Republican from Clarkston, was asked when Michiganders without medical cards can expect to be able to shop for pot in stores. He said "it's going to take time and it's going to be cumbersome." "And the second prediction I'm gonna make is that there's gonna be a serious voters remorse in about five years for now," Shirkey said. "Saying 'Hmm. Not so sure we should've done that.'" Why? "Because the implications associated with that industry," he told WWJ's Tom Jordan and Roberta Jasina. "I mean...we're seeing the data coming from other states like Colorado, Oregon where there are other unintended consequences that are starting to show their ugly heads. And, unfortunately...it's a new reality for us and we're just gonna figure our way through it." Under the new Michigan law , adults age 21 and up can have up to 2.5 ounces (71 grams) of the drug on them and up to 10 ounces (284 grams) at home. It also allows users to grow up to 12 plants in their homes. Once retail sales are in place, the state will collect taxes on marijuana sales to fund road repairs. The Senator said he believes the citizen-initiated ballot measure is "very flawed." "We predicted it from the beginning," he added. "I tried my best to muster the votes up in the House and the Senate so we could adopt it, and then alter it so that it could be more functional. I failed, fell a few votes short of being able to do that." State regulators have said they plan to begin accepting applications for recreational marijuana shops in the fall of this year . Other topics Shirkey got into with WWJ: Auto insurance reform, a proposed increase in the gas tax, and what else he thinks could be done to fix the roads. Listen to the complete interview below. MORE FROM MACKINAC: Whitmer Signs Auto Insurance Reform Bill At Mackinac Policy Conference Continuing Coverage From The 2019 Mackinac Policy Conference


Curious just how far your dollar goes in Washington? We've rounded up the latest rental listings via rental sites Zumper and Apartment Guide , to get a sense of what to expect when it comes to scoring a place in Washington if you're on a budget of $2,100/month. Take a look at the listings, below. (Note: prices and availability are subject to change.) Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. 3221 Connecticut Ave. NW (Cleveland Park) First, listed at $2,100/month, this 800-square-foot two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment is located at 3221 Connecticut Ave. NW. In the unit, the listing promises air conditioning and hardwood flooring. When it comes to building amenities, anticipate on-site laundry, an elevator and garage parking. Cats are welcome. Walk Score indicates that the area around this address is friendly for those on foot, is fairly bikeable and has good transit options. (Check out the complete listing here .) 2500 Q St. NW, #219 (Georgetown) Next, there's this furnished one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment over at 2500 Q St. NW, #219. It's also listed for $2,100/month for its 681 square feet of space. When it comes to building amenities, anticipate on-site laundry and a fitness center. Hairball alert: cats are welcome. There isn't a leasing fee associated with this rental. According to Walk Score, this location is extremely walkable, is convenient for biking and has excellent transit. (Check out the complete listing here .) 2201 N St. NW (Dupont Circle) Here's a 471-square-foot studio apartment at 2201 N St. NW that's going for $2,095/month. In the unit, you'll get hardwood floors. The building boasts on-site laundry, a fitness center and a swimming pool. Both cats and dogs are welcome. According to Walk Score, the surrounding area has excellent walkability, is a "biker's paradise" and boasts excellent transit options. (Check out the complete listing here .) 2651 16th St. NW (Columbia Heights) Next, check out this 424-square-foot studio studio that's located at 2651 16th St. NW. It's listed for $2,100/month. In the apartment, you'll find hardwood floors, a dishwasher and air conditioning. The building offers on-site laundry, storage and a swimming pool. If you've got a pet, you'll be happy to learn that cats and dogs are welcome. Be prepared for a $500 pet fee. Walk Score indicates that the surrounding area is a "walker's paradise," is easy to get around on a bicycle and is a haven for transit riders. (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.


School children were seen exiting a school bus from SkyTeam-11 following a crash between the bus and another vehicle in Bel Air. Maryland State Police said the crash happened at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday on southbound Rock Spring Road at Moores Mill Road. MSP said four children were on the bus at the time of the crash, none of whom were injured. The children could be seen exiting the bus from SkyTeam-11. The driver of the bus was taken to University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center by ambulance, MSP said. The extent of his injuries are unknown. MSP said the driver of the passenger vehicle was taken by ambulance to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center for treatment of her injuries. Harford County fire officials said the injuries were non-life-threatening. The cause of the crash in under investigation.  READ MORE: Children seen evacuating school bus following crash in Bel Air CHECK OUT WBAL: Get all the latest Baltimore news, weather and sports. WBAL-TV brings you the best in Maryland news online, anytime.


Firefighters in northern Italy drafted in air support on August 1 to help rescue a cow and calf that had become trapped at the bottom of a ravine. According to Italy's national fire service, it was impossible to get the animals back to their pasture any other way. This video shows both cow and calf being hoisted into the air, the cow in a harness and the calf shrouded in netting. The rescue took place in Sambugari di Gallio, in northeast Italy, authorities said. Credit: Vigili del Fuoco via Storyful


Turkey took its first shipment of an advanced Russian missile defense system Friday, ignoring repeated warnings from Washington and fueling concerns about where the country's loyalties lie between the West and Moscow. Turkey is reportedly paying some $2 billion for Russia's S-400 , which is among the most advanced and feared air-defense systems in the world. The "first batch" of components were delivered to the Murted Air Base outside the capital, Ankara, the Russian defense ministry said in a statement, and more parts would be delivered from Russia to Turkey "in the coming days," Turkey's Defense Industry Directorate added. "The S-400 anti-aircraft missile system is the newest air defense system and is designed to defeat a wide range of modern and prospective air attack weapons," the Russian defense ministry said. The deal is the first of its kind between a NATO member and Russia, and risks a showdown with the U.S. Turkey has been a NATO member since 1952. It boasts the alliance's its largest number of troops after the U.S., with more personnel than France and the United Kingdom combined, according to NATO figures . Ankara has ordered around 30 of the F-35 stealth fighter jets that Washington hopes will form the alliance's aerial backbone. Turkey has also helped manufacture parts for the jet and its pilots have been running training flights at an air base in Arizona. However, the U.S. and other industry analysts warn that the S-400 is incompatible with NATO's systems. More worrying from Washington's perspective is if the Russian missile system and American jets are deployed on the same soil, the S-400 could learn how to track the stealth F-35 and perhaps even target its vulnerabilities. In light of this, Washington has already started the process of removing Turkey from the F-35 program, halting the training of Turkish pilots in the U.S. It has also warned Turkey that if it goes ahead with the purchase, it will face economic sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act. It this act   known as CAATSA   that the U.S. deployed when China bought the S-400 and other equipment from Russia's blacklisted state arms export agency. In February, Vice President Mike Pence said that the U.S. "will not stand idly by while NATO allies purchase weapons from our adversaries." U.S. officials have encouraged Turkey to buy the Patriot missile defense system instead of the S-400s. But Turkey says the offer does not meet its requirements, including possible future joint production. President Tayyip Erdogan said after meeting President Donald Trump at a G-20 summit last month that the U.S. did not plan to impose sanctions on Ankara for buying the S-400s. Trump said Turkey had not been treated fairly but did not rule out sanctions. The deal has been fueling concerns that Turkey is drifting toward Moscow. Russia has already built the TurkStream gas pipeline across the Black Sea, an energy artery that will sent 31.5 billion cubic meters of gas each year to western Turkey and the Balkans. Russia is also in the midst of constructing Turkey's first nuclear power plant at a cost of $20 million. Meanwhile, U.S.-Turkey relations have frayed in Syria, where Ankara opposes Kurdish fighters who are backed by Washington and have been instrumental in the fight against ISIS. Turkey has also been calling for the U.S. to extradite Fethullah Gulen , the exiled cleric currently holed up in a Pennsylvania compound who remains a target of Erdogan. Alexander Smith reported from London, Elena Holodny reported from Moscow.


A prolonged stretch of dry and hot conditions will be erased as thunderstorms and more seasonable conditions move into Texas midweek. According to AccuWeather Meteorologist Josh Searles, "The combination of enhanced moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and an advancing cold front will cause showers and thunderstorms to develop across parts of Texas by midweek." After a very wet spring across much of Texas, rain was little to be seen across much of the state during the summer. The majority of Texas received 200 percent or more of their normal rainfall during from the beginning of March to the end of June. While the Texas Panhandle remained wet through the hot summer months of July and August, much of central and eastern Texas was quite dry. City Rainfall (Mar 1 to Jun 30) Percent of Normal Rainfall (Jul 1 to Aug 31) Percent of Normal Amarillo 16.36" 199 10.27" 179 Austin 23.04" 195 0.75" 18 Corpus Christi 28.44" 280 4.12" 72 Dallas 29.00" 190 1.38" 34 Houston 38.00" 214 3.55" 47 Lubbock 15.81" 201 4.21" 110 McAllen 16.51" 244 2.90" 93 Midland 9.59" 200 1.73" 47 San Antonio 25.50" 203 0.36" 7 According to AccuWeather Meteorologist Becky Elliott , "In Houston, nearly 200 percent of their normal precipitation was recorded in April and June and in May, it was nearly 300 percent of normal." "Conditions dried out drastically, with Houston only receiving 16 percent of their normal rainfall in July," she added. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor , nearly 91 percent of Texas was drought free into the beginning of June. Since then, only 58 percent of the state remains drought free, which is the western half and along the southeast coast. Parts of northeastern Texas are currently in a severe and extreme drought. The lack of tropical systems tracking across the Gulf of Mexico due to El Niño has not helped in receiving summertime rainfall. While thunderstorms this week will not end the redeveloped drought across eastern Texas, it will bring some relief. Any thunderstorms that develop could produce locally heavy downpours, which could lead to localized areas of flash flooding and mudslides. "This front will be packing plenty of moisture, so thunderstorms are likely from Wednesday through Friday," Elliott said. "These storms are more likely to produce heavy rainfall than anything severe." Coincidently, the heaviest storms are expected to track across the drought areas of eastern Texas. Use AccuWeather Minutecast® to get a minute-by-minute precipitation forecast for your area. A break from the summer heat will also occur across much of Texas into the weekend. While temperatures will not drop significantly, temperatures will lower to near-seasonable values. As we transition into the fall and the winter seasons , an expected strong El Niño will provide the opportunity for plenty of rain to fall across Texas.


The Brewers will place righty Zach Davies on the 10-day injured list, per Robert Murray of The Athletic ( Twitter links ). His precise injury situation isn't yet clear, but it seems he's dealing with some sort of back ailment. Also heading off of the active roster is right-hander Aaron Wilkerson , who was optioned to Triple-A. Joining the big-league club are recently acquired Jake Faria and fellow righty Devin Williams , with MLB.com's Adam McCalvy ( via Twitter ) reporting the latter's promotion. Williams will need to be added to the 40-man roster. Losing Davies is tough news for a Milwaukee club that's as far out of first place as it has been all year (four games) after a four-game skid. While Davies has had a few rough outings of late, he has paced the team in starts made (23) and innings (122 2/3) while working to a solid 3.74 ERA with 5.7 K/9 and 3.0 BB/9. ERA estimators have been predicting regression for Davies for some kind. But the Brewers had every reason to keep running him out there and hoping he could continue to generate results, at least until his velo began to droop of late. It still isn't known how the club will account for the open rotation spot. Faria has spent time in a starting capacity this year but has been working of late as a reliever. Williams has functioned exclusively in the pen this season. It's possible recently acquired southpaw Drew Pomeranz could work as a starter (or, at least, in some kind of multi-inning capacity).


NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- Jim Herman took the Barbasol Championship lead -- with some help from President Donald Trump. Trump's regular golf partner while working as an assistant professional at Trump National Bedminster in New Jersey, Herman changed to a conventional putting grip and clubhead at the president's suggestion. "He gave me a good talking to and told me to use a different style if it's not working," Herman said. "So, that was a couple weeks ago and I finally put it into play." It has worked well at rain-softened Keene Trace, with Herman shooting his second straight 7-under 65 on Friday to take the second-round lead in the PGA Tour event. Encouraged years ago by Trump to pursue a playing career, Herman is in position for his second PGA Tour victory. "Some great advice, so I appreciate it," Herman said. "Seems like I played pretty well after I played with him. I played with him the week before I won Houston, so maybe that's a sign to come, hopefully." Herman had a one-stroke lead over Bill Haas. "Everything seems to be working this week," Herman said. "Nice change up. I haven't been playing very well or had the best results lately. Just some good play. ... Hitting a lot of greens and making some putts and that's always a good combination." Haas followed his opening 65 with a 66. He made a 45-foot eagle putt on the par-5 eighth, his 17th hole. "The eagle was nice," Haas said. "That drive I won't say is uncomfortable for me, but I just fear left a lot. I feel like I could hit it left, so I tend to miss those tee shots right. I hit a nice tee shot down the fairway and I just told myself to be aggressive with a nice drawing iron in there. Aggressive was still 30 feet right. So, 30 footer up over a slope, I just would have been happy with a two putt there. Just fortunate to make a long one." David Toms was two strokes back at 12 under after a 64. The 52-year-old Toms made a 13-foot eagle putt on the par-5 fifth, his 14th hole of the day. D.J. Trahan, Kelly Kraft and Kramer Hickok also were 12 under, each shooting 67. "Just really solid," Toms said. "Probably the key to today is I had a couple pitch-ins from off the green in tough situations on a couple of the par 3s, so to hole those kind of kept my round going. But other than that, I hit a lot of shots in the fairway, I had a lot of birdie chances." Jose de Jesus Rodriguez (65), Austin Cook (66), Sebastian Munoz (68) and Wes Roach (69) were 11 under. Tom Lovelady played the first six holes on the back nine in 7 under, capped by a 10-foot eagle putt on the par-5 15th. He bogeyed the par-3 16th and parred the last two for a 65 to top the group at 10 under. J.T. Poston, the first-round leader after a 62, had a 73 to drop into a tie for 18th at 9 under. Canadian Nick Taylor, a stroke behind Poston after an opening 63, also was 9 under after a 72. John Daly missed the cut with rounds of 71 and 72. Fighting osteoarthritis in his right knee, the 53-year-old Daly was playing his first PGA Tour event since he was approved for a cart last fall. Denied a cart by the R&A for the British Open, he has been approved for a cart at PGA Tour events until the end of the year. The winner will receive a spot in the PGA Championship, but not in the Masters.


Ahead of the season-opening race to be held during Memorial Day weekend, Motorsport.com will feature drivers from each team that were drafted earlier this year. The drivers, one each selected to participate in the PlayStation and Xbox divisions for all 14 participating NASCAR teams, will compete in the 16-race season. The next team to be feature is the JR Motorsports race team and their two first draft picks Tyler Dohar and Jason Keffer. For more information on eNASCAR Heat Pro League please visit eNASCAR Heat Pro League. eNASCAR Heat Pro League Driver Bios Tyler Dohar Age: 25 Hometown: Perrysburg, OH Team: JRMotorsports Console: Xbox How much has gaming expanded or added to your interest in NASCAR? Since I started gaming in 2005, I've gotten much more involved in NASCAR by watching flag-to-flag every race that has been televised. I've also visited the Charlotte area on multiple occasions to see the various race shops and museums. Why do you prefer using Xbox? Xbox one X for superior performance. What made you decide to try out for the eNASCAR Heat Pro League? Being around the community for so long, I had been waiting for any opportunity to get noticed. The pro league was a perfect way to do that. A 16-race season is a long one. How do you plan to approach the races and get yourself in position to make the playoffs and eventually win the first eNASCAR Heat Pro League Championship? By putting myself in the best position possible to win every race, either on speed or strategy. I've always got a trick up my sleeve. Any other interesting facts you'd like to share about yourself? My master's degree is in Business Administration and my undergraduate degree is in Opera Performance. I sing barbershop actively and still involved in choirs at Bowling Green State University (my alma mater). From the editor, also read: Get to know the eNASCAR Heat Pro League Ganassi drivers Get to know the eNASCAR Heat Pro League Team Penske drivers Get to know the eNASCAR Heat Pro League JTG drivers Get to know the eNASCAR Heat Pro League Wood Brothers drivers eNASCAR Heat Pro League draft is complete from ISM Raceway Jason Keffer Age: 33 Hometown: Charlotte, NC Team: JRMotorsports Console: PS4 How much has gaming expanded or added to your interest in NASCAR? I have been interested in NASCAR since 1997 when I watched my first race, which was won by Jeff Gordon (Daytona 500). It was always fun for me to watch and travel to the races but playing NASCAR Heat, Heat 2 and now Heat 3 has somewhat changed the outlook of racing for me. When Jeff Gordon retired, I was kind of searching for a new driver. I began to follow Chase Elliot naturally as he took over for Jeff Gordon as well as all the Hendrick drivers. NASCAR Heat has allowed me to play as other drivers (particularly in the Truck and Xfinity Series) and learn about the up and coming guys such as William Byron. Now I have more of an interest in the guys who move up the ranks to Cup and follow them more closely than I did a few years ago. Why do you prefer using PlayStation? I have always had a PlayStation. Going back to the PS1 days then to the PS2, PS3 and now PS4 I have stayed loyal to what Sony has provided. I think the game plays great on this console and in my opinion the best overall group of racers are on PS4. I want to race with the best and beat the best and it seems to me the best are on PS4. What made you decide to try out for the eNASCAR Heat Pro League? I have done many things in my life such as joining the the Air Force at 17, which is uncommon. Even more uncommon is that I joined the Air Force as an enlisted Air Crew member which very few enlisted Air Force members get to do. After flying for 3 years (not a pilot but crewmember on AWACS) I decided I wanted to become an Air Force Office of Special Investigations Agent (AFOSI). This was another Air Force job with a highly selective process and even few get to become Federal Agents with the Air Force. Again, I applied and was selected as a candidate and graduated from the AFOSI Academy in 2007 as a Special Agent. I deployed to Iraq in 2009 and participated in some amazing operations in fighting the War on Terror. Following my tour in Iraq I was assigned to the Foreign Dignitary Protective Service Detail in Washington D.C. where I conducted Protective Service Operations for Foreign guests of the Secretary of Defense. Again during that tour of duty I was able experience something only a few ever will. Once my enlistment ended, I decided to utilize my GI Bill and attend West Virginia University (WVU). During that time, I took on the challenge of becoming the Veterans Council Student President during my senior year and organized an annual Golf Tournament to raise money for the student veterans, which still runs to this day. Following graduation, I moved to Charlotte, NC to take a job in banking where I conduct Financial Crime Investigations for one of the five Major banks in the United States. The reason I state all of this is because I have always wanted a challenge and I have always worked to be part of something that very few do. When the Pro League was announced I decided that moment I wanted to be a part of this and I was going to work as hard as I could to show what I have when it comes to racing and marketing and I would give 100% at all times. I also love racing and NASCAR and the fact that I could become of member of real team was amazing. All of the things I have done in my life but this, even though yes it is a video game has to be the most exciting so far. To be able to be a member of a team like JRM which is owned by a guy I watched race as a kid, I also watched Dale Sr. battle Jeff Gordon all those years (I was team Gordon though lol) and now here I am a member of Dale Jr's organization. It really is an amazing opportunity and I am extremely happy I tried out and would do so again in a heartbeat. I hopefully have also shown my daughter that to be involved in something like this and to get to this level takes a lot of practice. I usually race at night after she has gone to bed but she will ask me about how the races went the night before on our drive to school. I constantly remind her that yes I am playing NASCAR but I have to keep practicing and getting better and she needs to do the same for basketball which is the sport she loves. Hopefully this has been another avenue for me to set a good example for her. A 16-race season is a long one. How do you plan to approach the races and get yourself in position to make the playoffs and eventually win the first eNASCAR Heat Pro League Championship? I have always been a patient driver. To me there is no reason to race up to the front and wear your car out or cause issues early in a race. Many people forget you cannot win the race on lap one but you sure can lose it. Many of these races seems to come down to some sort of strategy at the end regarding fuel mileage. I will admit I do not usually have the fastest car on the track each week but I do believe I have the most consistent car each week. I believe if I can keep the car clean and free from damage we can be up front at the end when it counts and just hope the other guys on the track show me the same respect as I typically show them. Any other interesting facts you'd like to share about yourself? I have a Bachelor's Degree in Criminology, 3 dogs (2 puggles and a Chocolate Lab/Pitt Mix), and My family also owns a restaurant in Uptown Charlotte on Tryon Street called The Wooden Vine.


Everybody, it seems, has the Weather.com app on their cell phone except for NASCAR and NBC officials. How else do you explain starting an already rain-postponed Coke Zero Sugar 400 at a time on Sunday when everybody knew that even more bad weather was on the way? The predictable and inevitable result of this decision came on Sunday afternoon when, after a two-hour lightning-and-rain delay, a no-name 500-to-1 longshot named Justin Haley was declared the winner of the rain-shortened race. Haley somehow found himself in the lead after a 17-car accident decimated the field and a sudden lightning strike forced NASCAR to stop the race with 33 laps remaining. "Look, it's not lost on me that luck was on our side today," said T.J. Puchyr, the salty owner of Haley's upstart Spire Motorsports team. "But I'm not going to feel bad about it at all. I'm going to love it, and we're just going to continue to be the Little Engine That Could." Admitted Haley: "Yes, I was praying for rain." The 20-year-old driver in just his third start at NASCAR's highest level was the official winner, but the unofficial winner was Mother Nature, who rained out the race on Saturday night and then ended the race prematurely on Sunday. And, make no mistake about it, the biggest losers were the tens of thousands of NASCAR fans who made the pilgrimage here for Daytona's final Fourth of July weekend race and instead were treated to a lost weekend of pouring rain compounded by poor decisions. Obviously, NASCAR officials could do nothing about the rain-out on Saturday night when the race was scheduled to be nationally televised by NBC. Even though summertime night racing in Daytona is often a meteorological nightmare, we all have come to accept that every major sports league sold its soul to the almighty TV dollar years ago. But there comes a time when you have to put the paying customers   those who spend hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on tickets, hotels and $10 beers   ahead of those fans who are watching on TV. Sunday was one of those times. NASCAR should have made sure that those rain-drenched fans who left disappointed on Saturday night didn't leave disappointed again on Sunday afternoon. Instead of starting the race at 1 p.m. on Sunday, when the 24-hour forecast on Saturday showed thunderstorms would begin to form, NASCAR could have easily started this race at 10 or 11 a.m. to beat the rain. It would have been the perfect ending to this race being run on the holiday weekend in Daytona before it moves to late August next season. The original Fourth of July race at Daytona started at 10 a.m. How cool would it have been if NASCAR had started its final Daytona Fourth of July weekend race at 10 a.m. as well? If that had happened, the race would have been completed by the time the rains came, fans would have gone home happy and NASCAR would have likely had a winner with some name recognition. Former champion Kurt Busch actually led the race when a caution flag came out with 33 laps to go. He quickly relinquished the lead for a quick pit stop, thinking the race was one lap away from resuming. A few minutes later, the initial lightning strike haltedthe race for good with Haley in the lead. When asked what he could have done differently, Busch responded, "We could have started at 11 a.m. and got a full race in." It makes you wonder if NASCAR officials really have anything to do with this decision or did they defer to NBC. The company line is that NASCAR, NBC and Daytona International Speedway officials all conferred and came to the mutual decision of when to start the race, but it sure seems like NBC pulled rank. If you want to blame anybody, maybe we should blame the U.S. women's national team's monumental World Cup victory over the Netherlands on Sunday. The World Cup final started at 11 a.m. and the common belief is that NBC did not want its NASCAR coverage going to head-to-head with Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan and Co. If ever there was an indication that the times are a-changing, this is it. Who would have ever thought that NASCAR   the ultimate macho-man sports   would defer to women's soccer? When I asked seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson on Sunday why the race started at 1 p.m. instead of 10 or 11 a.m., he quickly nodded his head. "Your questions are the same as mine," he replied. "I wondered the same thing when I saw the (start) time announced yesterday. Clearly, our TV partners have a much larger role of when these races go green than any of us here at the track. As far as I know, NASCAR doesn't make the final decision; TV does." In situations like this, it always makes me wish more sports leagues and executives were like Clifford Roberts, the inexorable, iron-fisted former chairman of Augusta National. Years and years ago, when CBS officials tried to strong-arm the Masters into changing its tee times for better TV ratings, Roberts sneered, "Gentlemen, we'll inform you when our tee times are, and you're more than welcome to have your cameras there." If NASCAR had taken this stance on Sunday, it would have at least flashed a little glimmer of sunshine on its sad and soggy fans.     ©2019 The Orlando Sentinel (Orlando, Fla.) Visit The Orlando Sentinel (Orlando, Fla.) at www.OrlandoSentinel.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


Ben Monkaba's smile stretches from one red sideburn to the other. When I recently spoke to him over Skype, his grin never left his face. He told me about the ups and downs of his childhood and how much he loves performing as a drummer and vocalist, and also as a professional clown. He was once invited onstage to sing with the Beach Boys at a fair in Massachusetts. "That was a moment I'll never forget," he says. "They were really friendly." Monkaba, now 33, has been exceptionally sociable all his life. At elementary school, he was known as "the Mayor" for the way he would enthusiastically greet anyone and everyone walking past him, his mother, Terry, tells me. And at social gatherings, he would compulsively compliment everyone on their appearance. "It would be, 'What a lovely yellow dress you have on.' Or 'Is that a new hairdo?' and 'I love your nail polish,'" Terry says. Her son was so charming that her friends used to suggest that he work as an emcee for charity events. Monkaba's "hypersociality" is just one sign of his rare genetic condition. Williams syndrome affects about one person in 10,000 , and some who have it are so impulsively affectionate, and so devoid of our typical social inhibitions, that they will hug complete strangers on the street, says Jocelyn Krebs, the president of the Williams Syndrome Association (WSA) and the mother of a boy with the condition. "There is a desperate need for human contact, and they have zero social anxiety about the approach and opening [of a conversation]," she says. Besides their gregariousness, people with Williams syndrome have a distinctive physical appearance, with delicate features such as a small, upturned nose and a pointed chin. And the condition often comes with a constellation of challenges and health risks, including learning difficulties, poor movement coordination, digestive issues, and life-threatening cardiovascular illness. Ben has already undergone multiple surgeries as a result of his Williams syndrome, though he tends to downplay his discomfort. "He's been through so much," says Terry, who is also a spokesperson for the WSA. "But he just doesn't go there, you know? His spirit is all about the good stuff." Scientists have had a tough time explaining all the diverse symptoms and characteristics associated with Williams syndrome. Recently, however, great strides have been made in understanding the condition's origins, including the reasons that people with Williams syndrome are so sociable. In an unexpected twist, some evolutionary biologists believe this research could even shed light on the mysterious roots of human altruism. Cardiologists first identified the basic attributes of Williams syndrome in the 1960s, but it was only in the 1990s that scientists managed to pinpoint the condition's genetic basis. People with Williams syndrome lack 26 to 28 neighboring genes on the seventh human chromosome. This region includes various genes with diverse functions, from regulating immune function to controlling organ growth and development. One gene codes for a highly flexible protein that is essential for many bodily tissues. A deficit in this protein thickens the artery walls with muscle, leading to lifelong cardiovascular problems. The loss of another gene, BAZ1B, impairs the migration and survival of what are known as "neural-crest cells" across the body. In an embryo's early development, these cells usually gather at the head and then move across the body, where they form the basis for many tissues including the bones and cartilage in the face, the teeth, and the eyes, as well as the heart and the digestive system. A disruption of this process leads to William syndrome's markedly different facial features. Neural-crest cells also form the adrenal glands, which shape our hormonal responses to stressful events. Some scientists have argued that the reduced migration of neural-crest cells could contribute to reduced fear and aggression potentially leading to increased social behavior. That would certainly fit with the experiences of many people with Williams syndrome, who find it harder than the average child to comprehend "stranger danger." "When I was younger, it was hard, because I wanted to go up to every single person and say hi, and I wanted them to be my friend," Maegen Miller, a 30-year-old woman with Williams syndrome, told me. This theory tallies with various measures of social behavior , which show that people with Williams syndrome tend to be less sensitive to others' negative emotions and signs of hostility, so that literally everyone can seem approachable. Ultimately, though, such characteristics probably arise through many different mechanisms. Most people with Williams syndrome are also missing a gene called GTF2I, which contributes to the production of myelin, the fatty sheaths that normally surround our brains' neural connections. The loss of myelin likely impairs the transmission of electrical signals across the brain, which could help explain some of the cognitive difficulties and the lack of motor coordination associated with the condition. Researchers at MIT have recently shown that, in addition to the motor problems, the deletion of GTF2I produced more sociable behavior in laboratory mice. The animals were more likely to approach a second, previously unknown mouse, for instance. Exactly why the myelin loss could influence social behavior is still a mystery, but one of the scientists, Boaz Barak, believes that it might disrupt communication between the amygdala, which processes emotions such as fear, and the frontal cortex, which is important for decision making. This could prevent the typical feelings of suspicion or distrust from inhibiting their social interactions. Such results are of great interest in medicine. Finding new ways to mitigate the effects of the protein deficiency that thickens artery walls, for instance, could radically reduce Williams syndrome's most serious cardiovascular risks. Still, scientists such as Barak are keen to tread carefully in treating the cognitive and behavioral differences. Barak's experiments on mice demonstrated that you can reverse some of the brain changes associated with Williams syndrome using a standard antihistamine drug. But the drug also reduced hyper-sociality. Many of the families of people with Williams syndrome would consider that a serious loss. "There's this misconception that anyone different from neurotypical is somehow less," says Cyndra Cole, the mother of 11-year-old Eden. "I cannot tell you how much Eden has taught me that she is certainly not less. In fact, in many ways, I think that she's more." The potential implications do not end with medicine. Some evolutionary biologists hope that these findings could offer some insights into the origins of human cooperation more generally. Other apes, such as chimps, tend to live together in much smaller numbers than humans and although they can cooperate on activities like hunts, in-group violence is still far more common than the aggression we see in human societies. Although these differences are widely documented, the evolutionary processes that led to humans' more friendly and collaborative disposition has remained a mystery. According to one prominent hypothesis , endorsed by researchers such as Richard Wrangham of Harvard University, humans "self-domesticated" by eliminating the most aggressive members from the gene pool either though capital punishment or through sexual selection, in which people started to opt for less violent individuals to be the parents of their children. Over time, the species as a whole became less hostile and more cooperative. This profound change, the theory goes, allowed for things like agriculture, art, and other forms of culture to flourish. The idea is supported by the fact that modern humans share some surprising characteristics with many domesticated animals. The taming of animals such as wolves or foxes leads to certain physical characteristics, for instance, such as smaller bodies, shorter noses, and smaller teeth . That's exactly what we see in human faces, which are generally less boorish than our evolutionary relatives such as the Neanderthals. Even so, it has been far from clear why selecting for a certain kind of behavior could produce such diverse changes in appearance. Some clues may lie in those 20-odd genes on chromosome 7. Given the recent research on BAZ1B, for instance, it's possible that the process of domestication alters the genes controlling neural-crest cells. That could reduce aggression and promote cooperation by reducing the adrenal glands, while also resulting in the more delicate facial features that are common to humans and domesticated animals. If so, you would expect to see signs that these genes have changed in recent evolutionary history. And that's exactly what Cedric Boeckx at the University of Barcelona has recently been trying to test. The experiments are a collaboration with Giuseppe Testa and his team at the University of Milan and the European Institute of Oncology. Testa spearheaded the first in vitro models of Williams syndrome with stem cells derived from the skin. Using these tissue samples, the group confirmed the hypothesis that lower levels of BAZ1B resulted in reduced neural-crest migration. The team also examined tissues from people who had duplicated copies of BAZ1B which, as expected, produced the opposite effect, resulting in greater neural-crest migration. The next step was to examine the role of neural-crest cells in evolution. The team identified which genes are regulated by BAZ1B, and which might therefore be involved in neural-crest migration. By comparing the modern human genomes to those our closest relatives, the Neanderthals and the Denisovans, they found signs that BAZ1B and its targets had indeed undergone significant selection in Homo sapiens' recent history. This included a sweep of specific mutations appearing far more frequently within these areas just the kind of changes you would expect if certain traits are being preferentially chosen within a population. Boeckx and Testa recently published their paper as a preprint online that has not yet been peer reviewed. So far, it's only the first glimmer of evidence that self-domestication altered behavior and appearance through changes to our neural-crest cells. But the research might just be the start. One of the other genes implicated in Williams syndrome, GTF2I, which may also alter neural-crest cell migration and hyper-sociality, has similarly experienced significant changes during recent human evolution , and appears to be altered in other domesticated animals. Further investigations of the condition might provide much more evidence for the self-domestication hypothesis and its consequences for human nature. It is a profound idea that, at some point in our history, humans began to take their evolution into their own hands, turning us into the uniquely cooperative animals we are today. Williams syndrome may affect just one in thousands of people, but by inspiring this research, its traits might help us understand the social instincts in all of us.


Brunch and Pier 106 Seafood Tavern, two downtown restaurants on the west side of the river, shut their doors after their basements filled with water. A note on door of Pier 106 informs patrons that flooding has forced the restaurant to temporarily close. The Cawker Building's basement flooded, which forced tenants Pier 106 at 106 W. Wells St. and Brunch at 800 N. Plankinton Ave. to close temporarily. The Cawker Building's basement is flooded, which forced tenants Pier 106 at 106 W. Wells St. and Brunch at 800 N. Plankinton Ave. to close temporarily. The Cawker Building's basement is flooded, which forced tenants Pier 106 at 106 W. Wells St. and Brunch at 800 N. Plankinton Ave. to close temporarily. A note on door of Brunch informs patrons the restaurant is temporarily closed. The Cawker Building's basement is flooded, which forced tenants Pier 106 at 106 W. Wells St. and Brunch at 800 N. Plankinton Ave. to close temporarily. The basement of the Cawker Building is flooded, which forced tenants Pier 106 at 106 W. Wells St. and Brunch at 800 N. Plankinton Ave. to close temporarily. A note on door of Brunch informs patrons the restaurant is temporarily closed. The Cawker Building's basement is flooded, which forced tenants Pier 106 at 106 W. Wells St. and Brunch at 800 N. Plankinton Ave. to close temporarily.


This feels like Anthony Davis and his team/agent trying to assert control over the process, trying to ward off franchises where he does not want to be traded. Pelicans' VP of Basketball Operations David Griffin has started talking to teams about a potential Davis trade , seeking as big a haul as he can get, and he is discussing multi-team deals with a number of organizations . Davis has always wanted to land in Los Angeles or New York (the Bucks were on his original list as well), so now comes this report via Shams Charania of The Athletic . Davis is now focused on the Lakers and Knicks as the two desired long-term destinations, league sources told The Athletic. Davis has not given Griffin or the Pelicans a new formal list. He will be a free agent in 2020. How could that impact teams such as the Celtics or Nets who are interested in Davis? It is unquestioned that a trade for either organization would provide a gamble for either Boston president Danny Ainge or Brooklyn general manager Sean Marks. Several teams   including the Celtics   are aggressive about pursuing Davis understanding they would potentially lose him after one season, when he is set to become a free agent. The Celtics want to pursue Davis and believe in their roster with or without Kyrie Irving , league sources said. Again, this is Davis trying to assert control over the situation. Griffin is under zero obligation to send Davis where he wants to go, Griffin is just going to get the best deal for the Pelicans. That said, this could give some teams pause in their pursuit of Davis. He will be a free agent in 2020, meaning Davis can walk away from any team that trades for him. That is some leverage, but after the success that Toronto had with Kawhi Leonard and Oklahoma City had with Paul George , some teams will just roll the dice anyway. Boston, the Clippers, the Nets feel they can win him over with their culture. Griffin is going to ignore the rumors/talk (and do a better job keeping a lid on them than the previous New Orleans administration did at the deadline) and do what is best for New Orleans. That's not going to stop the rumors from flying for the next week or so. Expect the trade to be made around the Draft (even if it can't be executed until July).


The Angels plunked Astros outfielder Jake Marisnick on Tuesday in what may have been considered retaliation. The incident happened during the sixth inning, leading players on both teams to clear their benches after Noe Ramirez threw a pitch that hit Marisnick. Both sides were given a warning as a heated verbal exchange broke out between Angels first baseman Albert Pujols and Astros pitchers Lance McCullers Jr. and Justin Verlander, among others in Houston's dugout. The Angels hit Jake Marisnick ( @JSMarisnick ) who does everything he can to not let the situation escalate and it didn't. pic.twitter.com/0CtbUScsBB   Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) July 17, 2019 "This was not a surprise," Astros manager A.J. Hinch told reporters ( via MLB.com ). "I wish they would've handled it better. [The pitch] was too high. If they're gonna hit guys, they need to hit guys the right way." Finger-waggin' Albert Pujols was about to take on the Astros dugout by himself. pic.twitter.com/IeLCQ7ZKqt   Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) July 17, 2019 Hinch expressed his displeasure, accusing Ramirez of intentionally hitting Marisnick and claiming it was "a free shot." Tuesday's game marked Marisnick's first game against the Angles since he collided with Los Angeles catcher Jonathan Lucroy at home plate, leaving Lucroy with a concussion and a broken nose. "Wasn't everybody expecting something to happen to Jake tonight?'' Hinch asked . "I mean, the entire industry was probably expecting it. Our guy got suspended for an unintentional act, and they got a free shot. "It's a confusing time. Either the players govern the players on the field like it's always been, or we legislate it to where none of this crap happens. They got a free shot at him with no warning, no ejection. We'll see if there's discipline, and without discipline, there's not going to be any issue doing it the next time. So if retaliations are in, cool. We're well aware." RELATED: Angels top Astros Marisnick, meanwhile, wouldn't reveal whether he thought Ramirez's pitch was intentional. Marisnick said: "That's a question for him. I'm not the one throwing the baseball." He added : "It's not what I wanted. It was an unfortunate play back in Houston. I feel terrible about it. And to come here and have some of this go down, it sucks." Jake Marisnick on getting hit by the pitch: "It was a little high, a little inside." Wouldn't say if he thought it was intentional: "That's a question for him." pic.twitter.com/YadlGzbe8t   Jack Harris (@Jack_A_Harris) July 17, 2019 MORE : Jay Bruce injury update: Phillies outfielder exits game with possible oblique injury | MLB trade rumors: Phillies have been 'in contact with every team that has pitching available' | MLB wrap: Indians win, Twins lose as AL Central gap now smallest in 2 months As for Ramirez? He denied hitting Marisnick intentionally. "I was just trying to sneak a fastball by him," he said. "I tried to sneak one by him in, and it just got away from me."


It's not a surprise that John Terry is supporting his longtime teammate and fellow club legend Frank Lampard for the open Chelsea managerial role. However, it is interesting why Terry thinks Lampard is right for Chelsea. [READ: Derby County confirm Chelsea approach for Lampard ] With Lampard the bookies favorite to become the new Chelsea manager, Terry has come out in support of the former midfield great, stating that Lampard can finally fully open the pipeline between the Chelsea academy and the first team. "For some time, perhaps only myself and Ruben Loftus-Cheek had come through the academy to become regulars and that has probably left many young players questioning their future," Terry told the Daily Mail . " Callum Hudson-Odoi will be assured he has a big role to play at Chelsea. Having Frank in charge and the transfer ban will give young players throughout the academy belief that there is a genuine pathway into Chelsea's first team. "Frank and Jody have tremendous knowledge of the youth set-up. I guarantee they will watch as many Under-23 and Under-18 matches at Chelsea as possible and open potential opportunities for the academy players. In fact I think it will be an exciting time to see what can happen." Chelsea is currently appealing a transfer ban from FIFA for signing underage players, but even if the transfer ban is imposed this summer, the club has dozens of players out on loan that could potentially come into the first team. These include Mason Mount, who starred for Lampard at Derby County last season, and American defender Matt Miazga , though he still has a long way to go until he's ready for regular Premier League matches. Other players like Tammy Abraham , Fikayo Tomori , Kurt Zouma , and Tiemoue Bakayoko could also potentially return to the club and add to the strength in depth. Of course, some of Chelsea's youngsters didn't come through the academy, but with Eden Hazard gone, Hudson-Odoi and Loftus-Cheek out long term and a need for some fresh talent in attack   to go with Christian Pulisic of course, Terry believes that Lampard could trust, and empower, some young players as Chelsea looks to build on a third-place finish this year.


It's widely believed that Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy would have to take a hefty pay cut to stay with the team this year, but that hasn't been directly communicated to McCoy. That's the word from Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times , who reports that the Bucs have had no discussions with McCoy about reducing the $13 million he is owed for 2019. That's a surprise, given that the whole issue seems to be that the Bucs no longer think McCoy is worth the kind of money that he was worth when he signed his contract. Perhaps the Bucs are so down on McCoy that they don't see any point in even asking him to take a pay cut, because they want him to take a pay cut so steep that they know he'd say no. In that case, they could just cut him now, but they appear to be holding onto him in the hopes that some other team will trade for him. The Browns are reportedly interested. The question is whether any team would trade for McCoy, rather than just wait for the Bucs to cut him, which they seem likely to do eventually.