We all want to live a full life and be as healthy as possible to see our kids and grandkids become adults. But for many in San Antonio, average life spans can be as much as 10 to 20 years apart... and it all depends on where you live. Dr. Bryan Alsip, the chief medical officer for University Health System, says this could be true, and stress could play a big role. "If you can envision someone living in an area of town that has fewer resources... a lot more stress, and they are not able to take care of themselves, it's obviously going to contribute to worse health outcomes," he said. You can find out a lot about a person's life expectancy just based on where he or she lives in the San Antonio area. Check out the map... "If you are socially disadvantaged, you may have less access to healthcare," Alsip said. "You may have less access to grocery stores. You may have less ability to exercise in your neighborhood because it's not safe to do so. It's not just the ability to get to a physician or a primary care provider." The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center compiled data from across San Antonio and broke down the zip codes where people live the longest and the shortest. The study found those who live the longest reside in the northwest part of the city, specifically in zip code 78254. Neighbors there have an average life span of 89.2 years, with women living an average of close to 93 years, and men about 84 years. On the flip side, one of the zip codes where people have the shortest lives is 78202, where the average person lives just over 71 years. Women in that zip code have an average life span of 75.6 years, while men average just over 67 years of age. So we wanted to talk with area residents from the two extremes in the longevity data: On the northwest side where lifespans are longest, we talked with Julie Stevens, who works from home and has lived in Helotes for 11 years. On the city's east side, we talked with St. Phillip's College senior multimedia specialist Ruben Guerro, who has lived there for about 50 years. Stevens says she eats well. "I feel that most of us eat as clean as possible." She also gets plenty of exercise, especially with her two pooches. "I will take a walk with my dogs for 10 or 15 minutes, and it does bring a sense of well-being." What about Guerro's health? He told us: "I do take care of myself. I use the local clinic that opened up about a year ago." He's always on the move. "There's always a demand to be at several locations throughout the day," Guerro said. "My steps are always at a certain level." Both say access to health care plays a big part. "It is important to visit the doctor regularly, especially with different cancers," Stevens said. "If they are caught early, there is a higher chance of survival rate." Guerro pointed out one additional factor in longevity rates on the east side. He told us: "There is a need for additional and future health care facilities." Alsip says stress tops the health list, along with "what kind of stresses that are going on. What is your emotional health? Is your emotional health important in your life?" Stevens does what she can to keep her stress level down. She told us: "You will find me on the hammock all the time, halfway through my day at work, because I just know I need a break and to manage my stress levels." Guerro added: "There will be stress only because the low income levels of a lot of the residents in the area affects their ability to provide for their families." So whether it is access to health care, medical issues, stress or money, being on the right side of all of those aspects may mean you don't need to live on the right side of town to come out on the older side of the longevity average. >>> CLICK TO VIEW THE SAN ANTONIO LONGEVITY MAP < < <


Big-time college football will be a regular feature at Fenway Park in the coming years. Fenway Sports Management and the ACC announced Thursday that Fenway Park will host a new bowl game, starting in 2020. FSM and ESPN will run yet-to-be named bowl, and the ACC will send one of its teams to the event between 2020 and 2025, according to the Associated Press. Fenway Park, the home of the Boston Red Sox, has staged one-off college football games in recent years, but the new bowl game will represent the next step in the relationship between the sport and venue. This strengthened bond makes it more likely that fans won't have to endure another 47-year stretch without football at Friendly Fenway.


MIAMI (CBSMiami)   A woman who police say was behind the wheel of a car that struck and killed three teens in North Miami went before a judge on Thursday. Mariam Coulibaly, 31, is charged with vehicular homicide and driving under the influence. It happened on the morning of May 25th as the teens   17-year-old Richecarde Dumay, 15-year-old Gedeov Desir, and 13-year-old Lens Desir   were walking to a bus stop on their way to a soccer tournament. Police say Coulibaly was speeding when she lost control and hit the boys. During her court appearance, bond was set at $300-thousand. If she is released, she will be put on house arrest. On Thursday evening, a community memorial service was held for the teens who died. It was held at the Little Haiti Soccer Park at 6301 NE 2 Avenue. The event was free and open to the public. Community leaders attended the event. Representative Dotie Joseph said, "The loss of these boys is a pain felt by the entire community whether you are young, old, black or white. Haitian or not. Their death triggers a deep sorrow felt by the entire community."


WINTER HAVEN   Legoland has given business leaders here a feeling of optimism not seen since two Major League Baseball teams' spring training operations abandoned the community and Cypress Gardens shut down nearly a decade ago. The theme park plans to open a third on-site hotel next year to try to hang onto tourists for more days in this growing Polk County town of 42,000 about 50 miles south of Orlando. "A lot of the area's growth is tied to [Legoland]," said Bob Cameron Jr., a real estate developer. "Cypress Gardens drew a bit in its heyday, but this seems to be a lot more family-oriented, and you see them roaming around a lot more. You go to Publix in the morning, you can always tell the ones here for Legoland because they have the young kids." A year after Cypress Gardens shut down in September 2009, the bottom fell out of hotel occupancy rates in Winter Haven. According to data provided by the industry research firm STR, visitors occupied 22.2 percent of possible hotel room days in September 2010. That was the lowest number for any September since at least 1993 and a precipitous drop from the 70.4 percent just six years earlier. But ever since Legoland opened, those rates have hovered in the 60- to 70-percent range, and the total number of hotel rooms in the city has surged from 1,014 in April 2015 to 1,463 last month. Park leaders hope their draw will grow now that the park in March debuted its new Lego Movie World, an 80,000-square-foot tribute to the popular cinematic franchise. Dwayne Picquet of New Orleans had not even heard of that newest attraction when he booked a three-night stay at the Legoland Pirate Island Hotel. Picquet said his 3-year-old son, Demhi, had seen a review of the park on the popular YouTube channel Ryan ToysReview, which has 19 million subscribers. An 11-hour drive later and Picquet had his family ready for an extended stay at Legoland. "I just wanted to give him an opportunity to experience this," Pacquet said. "There are so many options of things to do here. If he likes it, we'll be back. Anytime I can see him playing and having fun, I love it." When they walk into the hotel lobby, visitors are transported into a toy-filled arena, with a pit full of Legos for them to play in. They are greeted with a large castle made of Legos and pictures of celebrities who have visited. The rides in the park park itself target children up to 12 years old, with many being slower rides on land or water that kids can get on alone. Each area of the theme park has child-friendly themes, such as the new Lego Movie World and Duplo Valley, which is stocked with attractions that give children things to do like spot farm animals on a tractor ride or explore nature on a train. "From Day 1, Legoland Florida has appreciated the role we play in the Polk County community," park General Manager Rex Jackson said. "We have always taken that role to heart and we feel we are an economic engine here." In June 2015, a month after Legoland debuted its first hotel, average room rates in the city eclipsed $100 for the first time, reaching $128.45. Now, the region is on a streak of 43 consecutive months of average hotel room rates being more than $100. "We are seeing more people stay more nights,'' said Kevin Carr, director of hotel operations for Merlin Entertainments, Legoland's parent company. "We want people to come and stay with us multiple days." That has benefited not only Legoland hotels but other properties around the area. "Our brand itself attracts travelers but it's a cherry on top to have Legoland right across the street," said Desiree Howell, director of sales at Courtyard Marriott who has worked more than a decade in hotels in Winter Haven. She said the town "has come a long way since Cypress Gardens. We have gone from targeting the demographics of senior citizens to families with children 2 to 12 years old. It has been an interesting transition." Legoland wasn't an easy sell to the business community at first. "Most were positive but skeptical," said Mark Jackson, director of Central Florida's Tourism and Sports Marketing group in Polk County. "Nobody had even heard of Legoland. The toughest part of my job was convincing the community that this was going to work." Jackson has been in Winter Haven since 1981, when he moved from Wisconsin to become part of a water skiing show at Cypress Gardens. He helped recruit the RussMatt college baseball tournament, which brings hundreds of collegiate baseball teams to town for a few weeks in the spring to help offset the departure of the Cleveland Indians from Winter Haven in 2008 and the Kansas City Royals from nearby Davenport in 2002. Legoland has boosted year-round tourism, he said. "They have done everything they said they were going to do," Jackson said. "There have been no empty promises. They have not deviated from their pitch one iota." As you walk into Legoland, a tourism employee hands out fliers that highlight Polk County attractions such as the Balloons and Beyond hot-air balloon rides, Bok Tower Gardens and the Florida Skydiving Center. "Not only do we want visitors spending more than one day at the park," Jackson said, "we want them spending more than one day in the community." Jackson said he wants people to consider where the city was before Legoland arrived. "A lot of people forget how dark those days were," he said. "They were freaking dark as hell." Got a news tip? msantana@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5256; Twitter, @marcosantana


Before you head out to dinner this weekend, you might want to pay attention to the health score when you walk in your favorite restaurant. Some workers at a few popular eateries in Charlotte were accused of not washing their hands. The first restaurant on this weeks' report card is the Carolina Ale House on College Street in uptown. The inspection noted an overall lack of control over things like improper cooling procedure and handwashing. It's hard to believe in 2019, adults can't wash their hands properly in the food service industry. The inspector also noted the French onion soup at 75 degrees, meaning it wasn't cooling fast enough so they had to throw it out. The score at Carolina Ale House? An 86, which is a B ; however, they were reinspected a few days ago and got a 93. Next up is the Morazán on Archdale. Again, more handwashing issues with people not washing their hands long enough, no soap was provided and then recontaminating by touching the faucets afterward. As for the food, they were storing unwashed produce with washed produce. That's how sickness can spread, as NBC Charlotte has reported before. They got an 86.5, that's a mid-level B . Last up, Buca di Peppo near the Carolina Place Mall in Pineville. Once of the employees here was seen touching the floor with gloved hands and going back to food prep. They had garbage disposal issues and their toilets in the ladies' room had "debris" and were in need of a good scrubbing. The grade at Buca? A 90, that's a low A . As always, check that score. It should be front and center when you walk in. If it's not, that's against health code regulations.


James Rodriguez has given his approval to Carlo Ancelotti over a potential switch to Napoli, with the Serie A giants now requiring an agreement with Real Madrid to seal the deal. The Colombia international has spent the last two seasons on loan at Bayern Munich and the German champions have an option to sign the playmaker on a permanent deal for €42m, with a deadline of 15 June set for the Bavarians to make a decision on their next move. However, according to the AS , any decision from Bayern on Rodriguez's future could prove inconsequential. It is said that Rodriguez has already been contacted by Carlo Ancelotti regarding a move to Napoli , and the midfielder has agreed to the switch. Having played under the Italian tactician both at Madrid and Bayern, Rodriguez is apparently keen to play under Ancelotti once more, with Zinedine Zidane's return to the Bernabeu having effectively ended any possibility of a return to the Spanish capital for the Colombian. However, Napoli now face the task of coming to an agreement over the transfer with Madrid. Los Blancos will apparently demand the same €42m that they would have received from Bayern as their option to buy, but talks could be smoothed by positive relations between the two clubs. Should Rodriguez make the switch to Naples, he would follow in the footsteps of Raul Albiol and Jose Callejon in swapping the Bernabeu for Stadio San Paolo. The player's agent, Jorge Mendes, has also dealt as an intermediary in the past, and even offered to sign Cristiano Ronaldo for Napoli prior to his move to Juventus last summer. It is suggested that Rodriguez is an ideal fit for the profile of player that Ancelotti is looking to add to his ranks next season, a player of high technical calibre able to link the play between midfield and attack. The signing of Rodriguez to play under Ancelotti at Napoli would also strengthen the club's position ahead of a transitional campaign in which many of Serie A's other top sides will be entering new phases with new managers at the helm, including Juventus.


Trigger Warning: This article contains information and details about alleged sexual assault and/or violence, which may be upsetting to some readers. A New Jersey judge who prompted national outcry for granting leniency to a teenager accused of sexual assault   specifically, that he cited the boy's "good family" and high test scores   will no longer sit on the bench. Monmouth County Superior Court Judge James G. Troiano had retired in 2012 but continued working as a "recall" judge to fill vacancies on the bench. On Wednesday, the New Jersey Superior Court granted Troiano's request to end his recall service. A courts spokesman said the judge wouldn't comment further. The state Supreme Court, in an order Wednesday, also stated it would begin "formal removal proceedings" to oust Superior Court Judge John F. Russo Jr., who in 2016 asked an alleged rape victim if she kept her legs closed . The Court suspended Russo without pay in the meantime. A third New Jersey judge who came under fire for comments she made while hearing a child sexual assault case, Judge Marcia Silva, is the target of a complaint filed by four state senators with the Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct. In a statement Wednesday, New Jersey state Supreme Court Chief Justice Stuart Rabner announced that he has directed court administration to develop "an enhanced training program" for judges of the municipal, superior, and supreme courts focused on sexual assault, domestic violence, implicit bias, and diversity. A working group of 12 judges from across the state will develop the program. "Victims asked to relive harrowing experiences are entitled to the utmost sensitivity and respect from law enforcement and the court system," Rabner wrote. "The State Constitution guarantees that right as well. So do basic principles of human decency. Every effort must be made not to revictimize a victim." Troiano's comments set off outcry nationwide and he faced calls for removal from top state officials, including from state Senate president Steve Sweeney. There was also some discussion of impeachment proceedings. The judge made the comments last year while he was weighing a request to charge as an adult teenager who was accused of sexually assaulting a girl and filming it. According to the Appellate Division of the Superior Court, which overturned his ruling to keep the boy in the juvenile system, the judge had expressed concern that prosecutors hadn't explained to the accuser and her mother the effect that moving the boy to adult court would have on his life. "This young man comes from a good family, who put him into an excellent school where he was doing extremely well," Troiano said, according to the appellate court opinion. "He is clearly a candidate for not just college, but probably for a good college. His scores for college entry were very high." The judge also detailed the boy's extracurricular activities, including noting that he is an Eagle Scout. Troiano also differentiated the alleged assault from a "traditional case of rape," which he described as "generally two or more" males using a weapon and "clearly manhandling a person" into an "abandoned" area. Investigators said the teen filmed the alleged rape, sent it to others, and texted friends in the days following the incident, using the word: "[w]hen your first time having sex was rape." The girl was described by prosecutors as visibly intoxicated and "was on the floor vomiting" after the incident. The next morning, she found bruises on her body and her clothing was torn, prompting a report to police. The teenager accused of sexual assault in this case has not been publicly named. Monmouth County prosecutors are presenting the case to a grand jury and aim to charge him as an adult. Russo had been working in the Civil Division in Burlington County, according to the Asbury Park Press. Troiano and Silva had been working in family court.     ©2019 The Philadelphia Inquirer Visit The Philadelphia Inquirer at www.inquirer.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


The NBA has formally announced the All-NBA First, Second, and Third Teams for the 2018-19 season, with Giannis Antetokounmpo and James Harden leading the way as the two unanimous selections for the First Team. The full All-NBA teams are listed below, with their vote totals in parentheses. Players received five points for a First Team vote, three points for a Second Team vote, and one point for a Third Team vote, so Antetokounmpo and Harden scored a perfect 500   First Team nods from all 100 voters. All-NBA First Team Guard: James Harden , Rockets (500) Guard: Stephen Curry , Warriors (482) Forward: Giannis Antetokounmpo , Bucks (500) Forward: Paul George , Thunder (433) Center: Nikola Jokic , Nuggets (411) All-NBA Second Team Guard: Damian Lillard , Trail Blazers (306) Guard: Kyrie Irving , Celtics (195) Forward: Kevin Durant , Warriors (358) Forward: Kawhi Leonard , Raptors (242) Center: Joel Embiid , Sixers (375) All-NBA Third Team Guard: Russell Westbrook , Thunder (178) Guard: Kemba Walker , Hornets (51) Forward: Blake Griffin , Pistons (115) Forward: LeBron James , Lakers (111) Center: Rudy Gobert , Jazz (89) As we detailed in March , this year's All-NBA selections have significant financial implications for several players. Here's a breakdown of how several All-NBA candidates were impacted: Giannis Antetokounmpo is now eligible for a super-max extension with the Bucks, which he can sign in 2020. It would start at 35% of the cap in 2021-22 and would extend his contract by five years. Damian Lillard is now eligible for a super-max extension with the Trail Blazers, which he can sign in 2019. It would start at 35% of the cap in 2021-22 and would extend his contract by four years. Kemba Walker is now eligible for a super-max contract with the Hornets, which he can sign in 2019. It would start at 35% of the cap in 2019/20 and would be for five years. Bradley Beal , Klay Thompson , Nikola Vucevic and other super-max candidates who didn't earn All-NBA honors aren't eligible for super-max contracts or extensions. Karl-Anthony Towns ' extension with the Timberwolves, which goes into effect in 2019-20, will start at 25% of the cap, rather than 30%, because he didn't earn All-NBA honors. Beal and Thompson received the most All-NBA votes of any guards who missed out on the All-NBA teams, receiving 34 and 27 points respectively. Sixers guard Ben Simmons got seven points, while no other guards had more than four. LaMarcus Aldridge (Spurs) and Danilo Gallinari (Clippers) were the runners-up at forward, receiving 17 and seven points, respectively. Pascal Siakam (Raptors) had four points, while no other forwards had more than three. At center, Towns received 20 points, followed by Vucevic at four and Pistons center Andre Drummond with three. The full voting results can be found right here .


In the early 2000s, a trendy diet came on the scene that promised to help people "get more energy from less food." It was called " the leptin diet ," and there was a rule book and list of suggested supplements to use along with the program. The basis of the diet is pretty simple   all you have to do is follow five rules . They are: never eat after dinner; eat three meals a day without snacking; don't eat large meals; eat a high-protein breakfast; and limit carbs . If you've ever tried any kind of diet before, these guidelines might not seem that groundbreaking. But, unlike diets that focus on things like calories and ketosis , this diet allegedly targets leptin. Leptin is a hormone that is made by fat tissue, and is involved in bodyweight regulation, explains Martin Myers , MD, PhD, professor of internal medicine at the University of Michigan, whose lab focuses on the biology of leptin. The more fat tissue a person has, the more leptin they make. Research has shown that leptin is involved in your feelings of hunger and satiety . "Leptin is effectively the fat cell's signal to the brain that indicates the repletion of body fat stores," he says. According to the leptin diet philosophy , you can "master" the hormone, and "break free from food obsession" by following the rules. Unlike the ketogenic diet, which has a list of foods that are considered OK and off-limits, the leptin diet simply encourages eating fresh, whole foods. But, for as much as we know about leptin, "it isn't clear what the leptin diet has to do with leptin," or how these rules line up with the biology of leptin, Dr. Myers says. What we do know is how dieting and calorie restriction impact leptin levels in general. "Successful" dieting, in this case meaning dieting that results in weight loss, typically decreases leptin levels, Dr. Myers says. "When leptin falls   as in dieting or other forms of caloric restriction   the brain perceives a caloric need, and increases the drive to feed, as well as changing metabolism to burn fewer calories," he says. In other words, the brain tries to compensate for the weight loss, to rebound to the weight before beginning a diet. This is one of the reasons why weight cycling is common in dieters. "The body doesn't recognize that excess that's not needed, so it'll do whatever it can do to defend that," Fatima Cody Stanford , MD, MPH, an obesity medicine physician at Massachusetts General Hospital, tells Refinery29 . Contrary to popular belief, this is physiological, not related to willpower. If you are at all concerned about the amount of leptin in your body, then your best bet would be to ask an endocrinologist or health care provider to measure your leptin levels and see how they stack up. People who are classified as obese , for example, are susceptible to a disorder called " leptin resistance ," which is a lack of sensitivity to the hormone. The bottom line to keep in mind is that it's helpful to understand what leptin is, but it's certainly not a magical metric that will solve all of your problems. What's interesting about the so-called "leptin diet" is that there's an emphasis on restriction, and you're discouraged from snacking or eating outside of your set three meals. But these rules don't really take into consideration the other factors that influence our food choices, such as cravings or activity levels. Ironically, we know that restriction typically precedes binge eating . So, this idea that you have to eat less in order to cure your "food obsession" is pretty outdated, not to mention harmful to your health and relationship to food. In a world oversaturated by diets and health fads , it can be hard to figure out what's worth your time. But considering how our understanding of nutrition has evolved, the leptin diet might be better off left in the aughts. Related Video: Jillian Michaels Still Hates Keto And She Actually Has Some Valid Points (Provided by Cooking Light)


NORTH READING (CBS)   Seven people were hurt after a special needs van hit a guard rail and rolled over in North Reading, the fire department said. All of their injuries were minor. First responders rushed to Park Street and Central Street around 10:20 a.m. Tuesday to find the van flipped over in a flooded marsh area. "The vehicle came to rest on its roof in 3-4 inches of water," police said. The driver and six adult passengers in the van had their seatbelts on and were working to get themselves out, said the fire department. Seven people were injured after this van rolled over in North Reading (WBZ-TV | Lisa Gresci) Everyone was then transported to Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, mostly with cuts and bruises from trying to get themselves out of the van. Capt. Matt Carroll said, "You see a van that's obviously a special needs van and think the worst and we were very fortunate to find seven people that were able to almost self-extricate themselves, rescue themselves, to get them to the roadway where we could treat them." Chief Murphy said in a statement, "Two residents who saw the crash wasted no time in acting to help the passengers inside the van, and I want to thank them for the important role they played in helping emergency personnel bring everyone to safety." The fire department was forced to call neighboring towns for assistance because they usually only have one ambulance working at a time. It is unclear what caused the van to roll over. The van's company, American Training, did not comment.


Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) sought to tamp down the notion of impeaching President Trump in the wake of special counsel Robert Mueller's report, telling Democrats ahead of a conference call later Monday that there are other options. House Democratic leaders are grappling with a caucus divided over how to proceed after Mueller found several instances of Trump potentially obstructing justice. "While our views range from proceeding to investigate the findings of the Mueller report or proceeding directly to impeachment, we all firmly agree that we should proceed down a path of finding the truth. It is also important to know that the facts regarding holding the President accountable can be gained outside of impeachment hearings," Pelosi wrote in a letter to House Democrats. "As we proceed to uncover the truth and present additional needed reforms to protect our democracy, we must show the American people we are proceeding free from passion or prejudice, strictly on the presentation of fact." House Democrats will convene via conference call at 5 p.m.


The number of crime incidents in San Antonio decreased slightly last week, after a previous rise, according to data from SpotCrime , which collects data from police agencies and validated sources. Incidents fell to 10,322 for the week of April 29, down from 10,513 the week before. The overall decrease in crime incidents was led by assault and theft. Assault fell to 1,165 incidents last week, from 1,470 the week before. Theft went from 2,545 to 2,267. While somewhat smaller categories, there was also a notable percentage decrease in burglary, from 547 incidents per week to 523, and in vandalism, from 303 to 290 incidents. There were 124 reported shooting incidents last week. That represents a decrease from 126 incidents the previous week. Among the few types of offenses that saw an uptick last week, reports of robbery went from 114 to 118. There were 5,835 reports of "other" crimes, an increase of 429 from the previous week. SpotCrime's broad "other" category includes a variety of offenses like fraud, trespassing, public disturbance and traffic violations. Of those incidents, 218 involved arrests, such as for drug possession, down from 245 reported arrests the week before. As far as where crime is concentrated in the city, Downtown, Highland Hills and Prospect Hill continued to have the most reported incidents last week. Regarding when most crimes are committed, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday produced the most crime incidents last week. The largest decrease from the previous week occurred on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, while incidents on Monday, Wednesday and Tuesday went up. Comparing times of day, evening, late afternoon and early afternoon saw the most crime last week. To report a crime in progress or life-threatening emergency, call 911. To report a non-urgent crime or complaint, contact your local police department. Head to SpotCrime to get free local crime alerts in your area. This story was created automatically using local crime data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about our data sources and local crime methodology. Got thoughts about what we're doing? Go here to share your feedback.


Texas is set on Tuesday to execute Derrick Charles, 32, who was convicted of murdering his girlfriend, her mother and her grandfather in their Houston home in 2002. Charles is scheduled to be put to death by lethal injection at 6 p.m. CDT local time at the state's death chamber in Huntsville for strangling the three. If the execution goes ahead, it will be the 525th in Texas since the U.S. Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty in 1976, with the state accounting for 37 percent of all executions in the country during that time. Lawyers for Charles have filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court seeking to halt the execution, saying he is mentally incompetent and cannot legally be subject to capital punishment. At the time of the crime, Charles was 19 and out on parole for burglary. Prosecutors said he sought revenge on Brenda Bennett, 44, because she was trying to stop her underage daughter Myiesha Bennett, 15 from having sex with him. Charles hid in the family home and first beat Obie Bennett, 77, using a lamp and trophies. The grandfather was found in the kitchen with an electric cord around his neck, prosecutors and the Texas Attorney General's Office said. He then waited for Brenda and Myiesha Bennett to come home. When they arrived, he bound and gagged them. According to prosecutors, Charles killed Myiesha and sexually assaulted and strangled her mother. Charles pleaded guilty to the crime and was later sentenced to death. (Reporting by Jon Herskovitz; Editing by Peter Cooney)


When Ross makes a paleontology joke on Friends , some viewers might find it funnier when the quip whether good or bad is accompanied by audible laughter. Sitcoms traditionally achieve this either by recording a live audience or utilizing a pre-recorded laugh track. And they're definitely on to something. In a new study published in the journal Current Biology , researchers at University College London corralled 72 adults, including 24 with autism, and played them dozens of so-called "dad jokes" (a.k.a. bad jokes) that were prerecorded by a comedian. Each joke was presented with either no laughter; fake or forced laughter; or spontaneous, real laughter. The participants were then asked to rate the jokes on a scale of one to seven, with seven being the funniest. Here's a sampling of some of those knee-slappers: "What's the best day to cook? Friday. Get it? Fry-day." "What state has the smallest drinks? Mini-soda!" "Who is the best kung-fu vegetable? Brocco-Lee!" Lame, right? "We wanted it to be possible for [the jokes] to be made funnier because if we went into this kind of study with absolutely fantastic jokes, there's the danger that they couldn't be improved upon," Sophie Scott, a professor of cognitive neuroscience who led the research team, told NPR. Participants rated the no-laughter jokes on the low end, from 1.5 to 3.75. However, when scientists introduced the two types of laughter, the participants rated the jokes higher, with spontaneous laughter accruing a higher percentage than the canned laughter. The study notes that "we are overwhelmingly more likely to laugh when we are with other people," whether or not a joke is truly funny. In 2000, a neuroscientist writing in Psychology Today came to a similar conclusion: "that laughter is primarily a social vocalization that binds people together. It is a hidden language that we all speak." "The laughter is influencing how funny the jokes seem and I think that's because laughter is a very important signal for humans," Scott told The Guardian of her study's conclusions. "It always means something. You're getting information not only that it's funny but that it's OK to laugh."


The Marlins will promote right-handed pitching prospect Jordan Yamamoto to make his Major League debut tomorrow, Yamamoto himself confirmed to FishStripes.com's Ely Sussman ( Twitter link ). He's already on the 40-man roster, so the team will only need to make a 25-man roster move to accommodate his arrival. Yamamoto, 23, is one of the four players Miami received in the 2017-18 offseason blockbuster that sent future MVP Christian Yelich to the Brewers. Being a part of such a high-profile trade will always lead to some unfair expectations, but to this point in his tenure with the Miami organization, Yamamoto has looked like a rather intriguing pitching prospect. In 68 2/3 innings split primarily between Class-A Advanced and Double-A last year, the Hawaiian-born righty notched a 1.83 ERA with a tremendous 85-to-14 K/BB ratio (11.1 K/9, 1.8 BB/9). He also pitched to a 2.08 ERA in 26 inning during the Arizona Fall League. So far in 2019, he's turned in a strong 3.58 ERA with 8.8 K/9, 3.4 BB/9, 0.96 HR/9 and a 45.6 percent ground-ball rate through 65 1/3 innings of work. In all, he has a 3.28 ERA with better than a strikeout per inning and roughly average ground-ball tendencies in 82 1/3 innings of Double-A ball. MLB.com ranks Yamamoto as the Marlins' No. 17 prospect, calling his curveball a "consistent plus pitch" and adding that high spin rate on his fastball helps to offset the pitch's fairly pedestrian velocity. Fangraphs tabbed him 23rd among Miami farmhands to open the season, noting that there's a wide variety of outcomes on Yamamoto   all of which are somewhat dependent on his secondary offerings. He's a potential back-of-the-rotation starter who could also find some success as a multi-inning reliever if he's ultimately unable to survive multiple trips through the batting order.


Every time the RBC Canadian Open rolls around, the name Pat Fletcher is nearly impossible to avoid. Sixty-five years after his victory, Fletcher's win remains the last time a Canadian captured the PGA Tour's only event north of the border. It's also the only time since 1919 that the event has been won by a Canadian. There are several native sons in the field hoping to end the drought that dates back to Fletcher's 1954 title, and two in good position to do just that this week at Hamilton Golf & Country Club are Nick Taylor and Adam Hadwin. Taylor's first and only Tour title came at the 2014 Sanderson Farms Championship, but he opened with a 6-under 64 that included a run of six birdies in seven holes and sits one shot off the early pace set by Keegan Bradley. "It's been turning around all season, and it was nice to have it here this week," Taylor told reporters. "To roll some putts in was a nice way to get the round started and finished off nice, too." Hadwin earned his lone Tour victory at the 2017 Valspar Championship, and at No. 69 he entered this week as the highest-ranked Canadian in the world. Hadwin has made five straight cuts dating back to April and was bogey-free in his opener at Hamilton en route to a 65 that left him one Taylor and two off of Bradley's lead. "I didn't sleep as well as I may have liked to last night. Just kind of thinking about the week, thinking about things, picturing walking up 18 with a lead on Sunday," Hadwin told reporters. "Maybe a little too early to think about that, but it happened. ... Been playing really good golf, just a matter of staying patient and keep hitting greens and make a few putts."


The number of Americans lacking health insurance has increased by 7 million since Donald Trump became president, according to data released by Gallup Wednesday. The uninsured rate   the percentage of adults in the U.S. who say they have no health insurance   has risen steadily under President Trump, reaching 13.7 percent in the fourth quarter of 2018. "While still below the 18% high point recorded before implementation of the Affordable Care Act's individual health insurance mandate in 2014, today's level is the highest in more than four years, and well above the low point of 10.9% reached in 2016," Gallup's Dan Witters said. The 2.8 percentage-point increase in the uninsured rate experienced between the fourth quarter of 2016 and the fourth quarter of 2018 "represents a net increase of about seven million adults without health insurance," Witters wrote. Who's been hit the hardest: The largest increases in the uninsured rate were experienced by women, those in households making less than $48,000 a year, and young adults. About 21 percent of those under the age of 35 now lack health insurance, a nearly 5 percentage-point increase since 2016. Economic growth isn't helping as much as usual: Vox's Sarah Kliff said the trend was surprising given the solid economic growth that has driven the unemployment rate to near-record lows. "Usually, when more people have jobs, it means more people with access to employer-sponsored health insurance. But even during this period of job growth, America's uninsured rate keeps climbing," Kliff wrote. What's behind the increase: Gallup cites several factors that likely are driving the uninsured rate higher, including: rising Obamacare premiums, sharply reduced funding for marketing and enrollment outreach, repeated efforts by Republicans to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which combined with President Trump's public declarations that "Obamacare is dead" may have increased uncertainty and reduced enrollment. Like what you're reading? Sign up for our free newsletter .


The Arizona State football quarterback competition is gaining national attention. Several national publications are keeping an eye on Arizona State football's search for a replacement for Manny Wilkins this season. Junior Dillon Sterling-Cole and freshmen Jayden Daniels, Joey Yellen and Ethan Long are vying for the opportunity to lead the Sun Devils in the 2020 season. Who could win the starting position for Herm Edwards' team? Some national college football pundits weighed in on the battle: USA TODAY Sports' Paul Myerberg could see it going to either Sterling-Cole or Daniels. He wrote: "It's a four-man competition, technically speaking, with Joey Yellen and Ethan Long thrown in for good measure, but ASU should end up picking between the two strongest contenders: Daniels, a true freshman who has been even better than expected since arriving before the spring, and Sterling-Cole, who worked hard this offseason to remake his physique and has earned himself a shot at replacing a three-year starter in Manny Wilkins. If all things are fairly equal   if Sterling-Cole hasn't provided obvious separation, in other words   look for Herm Edwards to tab Daniels as the Sun Devils' starter." Are you a sports fan? Stay in the know. Subscribe to azcentral.com today . Yahoo Sports' Sam Cooper could see Sterling-Cole landing the job at first. He wrote: "I'd expect ASU to play it safe at first and go with Sterling-Cole to start the year, but having Kent State and Sacramento State on the schedule in Weeks 1 and 2 will give Daniels the chance to get his feet wet. A trip to Michigan State follows in Week 3. If Edwards believes Daniels gives him the best chance to win, don't be surprised if he quickly makes a switch. He proved last fall that he is not afraid to throw true freshmen into the fire." MORE: ASU quarterback Jayden Daniels on list of college football impact freshmen ESPN's Chris Low could see Daniels landing the job. He wrote: "Herm Edwards and the Sun Devils wrapped up their spring in February, and it's pretty clear that they will go into the fall with a wide-open quarterback race among four different players, including three true freshmen. The holdover from a year ago is redshirt junior Dillon Sterling-Cole, who was the backup to Manny Wilkins in 2018. Sterling-Cole dropped some weight in the offseason and is in great shape, which was apparent in the way he threw the ball and moved around this spring. Arizona State brought in one of the top quarterback classes in the country. The most coveted of the group was Jayden Daniels of San Bernardino, California. He was ranked by ESPN as the No. 2 dual-threat quarterback prospect in the 2019 class. Daniels flashed plenty of potential this spring and might be a little bit ahead at this point of fellow early enrollees Ethan Long of West Linn, Oregon, and Joey Yellen of Mission Viejo, California. MORE: ASU true freshman Joey Yellen still in mix for starting quarterback job Bleacher Report's Brad Shepherd predicted Daniels to be the starter. He wrote: "247Sports ranked Yellen as the No. 9 pro-style passer in his recruiting class, but Daniels is an elite prospect who has the type of talent who doesn't come around often. The San Bernardino, California, native was the second-ranked dual-threat quarterback in the nation coming out of high school and the 35th-rated prospect overall. He's also a midterm enrollee (along with the other two freshmen), and an offseason in a strength and conditioning program should help the 215-pounder add necessary weight. Daniels is a difference-maker who was coveted by most of the Pac-12, and Edwards should realize he's too talented to keep off the field. That should be Daniels by the start of the season." Athlon Sports' Steven Lassan sees Sterling-Cole winning the competition. He wrote: "Manny Wilkins leaves big shoes to fill in Tempe, but the winner of this battle inherits an experienced offensive line and running back Eno Benjamin. Sterling-Cole has attempted 57 passes in his two seasons of playing time, while Daniels ranked as the No. 35 overall recruit in the 2019 signing class." MORE: ASU quarterback competition is no controversy: Play the rookie, Jayden Daniels ASU football media day This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: ASU football quarterback competition gaining national attention


In high school, you probably wondered ( or if you were rude enough, actually asked your teacher ) if those calculus equations or obscure lab reports would ever actually relate to your life. But if you didn't sleep through that biology lesson, you might remember a topic called symbiosis. If two animals have a symbiotic relationship, it means that they rely on each other for survival. In nature, this kind of codependence can be beneficial. But when this dynamic shows up in relationships between two people, it could be toxic. "Symbiosis with humans is similar," licensed clinical social worker Katie Hauser told The Active Times via email. "Two people are depending on each other on maybe not just for survival, but also all emotional support." A symbiotic relationship can take many forms. It could be a mother fighting all of her son's battles or a partner preventing their significant other from spending time with friends. Most of these scenarios are incredibly toxic and, according to Hauser, may not be mutually beneficial. Even if the devotion between partners seems equal, the dynamic could still be dangerous. "Mutual symbiosis can also become toxic because it reduces the opportunity for internal validation and independence," Hauser explained. "There is a loss of autonomy." Related slideshow: 10 important relationships to cultivate in your lifetime (Provided by The Active Times) Who is most at risk? According to Hauser, this unhealthy dynamic is particularly common among teenage couples. Young people in relationships may be trying to figure out how to balance their own needs with the needs of their partners. "Over time, as we have more relationships, we can get to a place where we notice patterns or that particular needs are important to us," she said. Dr. Fran Walfish, a psychotherapist who works with children, couples and families, explains that children who have symbiotic relationships with their parents are more likely to end up in symbiotic, or "enmeshed," romantic relationships later on. These individuals may have been coddled and taught to be overly-dependent children. A symbiotic parent "constantly steps in to help, fix, rescue or excuse their son in daughter," Walfish explains, which often causes the child to develop separation anxiety and an inability to cope with frustration and disappointment. "The enmeshed parent has given the child no opportunity for a true disconnect, which is required to move forward in healthy adult relationships," Walfish explains in her book "The Self Aware Parent." What are the signs? According to Hauser, although it is normal to have different expectations for a relationship at the beginning, there are certain signs that your partner may be relying on you too much for support. "I would keep an eye out for a person to be expressing a desire to meet the needs of their partner in a way that seems like they are denying themselves," she said. Because this person is walking on eggshells to keep their partner happy, their own needs are no longer prioritized. This lack of autonomy can be revealed through anxiety , depression, fatigue, substance abuse or a change in diet. If your friend has cut off communication with their peers or suddenly given up something that was important to them, this may be a sign that they are in a symbiotic relationship. A shift in time management, such as spending exponentially increasing amounts of time with their new partner, may also be a warning sign. What should you do if you notice signs of a symbiotic relationship? The first and most crucial step is for both parties in the relationship to recognize that the symbiosis exists. "That is a huge first step," said Hauser. Although one partner may be creating the toxic dynamic by asking for too much out of a relationship, they may not be conscious of it. Self-reflection may help a person to catch the dynamic earlier on, before it reaches a breaking point. "Notice before you get to that point that you are feeling an impulse to bypass your own needs for your partner," Hauser said. "We must trust ourelves to notice when something doesn't fit who we are." Once there is recognition of the problem, Hauser recommended that the couple begin therapy, where they can learn how to develop a more mutually beneficial support system. A similar process will need to occur for a parent-child symbiosis, as well. In both scenarios, anxiety may arise during the relationship's transition. "Expect your anxiety to rise as you let your child go," said Walfish. "Part of the reason you need your child close is to avoid feeling your own anxiety. Be brave and own it." Those who have lost their sense of self during a toxic relationship may find support by reaching out to their friends, Hauser said. This can provide stability and help them to remember what their priorities were before they entered the relationship. It may also help for them to reflect on what changes can be made to begin prioritizing themselves again. Symbiotic relationships aren't the only kinds that can be harmful. Your coworker, sibling or friend may seem to constantly talk about themselves, have little regard for others, or possess one of the many other common habits of toxic people. Related video: An ultimatum could be the best thing for your relationship (provided by Buzz60)


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 . • Dale Tallon figures he's going to have a good day today. ( Panthers.com ) • Edmonton's new head coach Dave Tippett wants the team to supply him with the goods in free agency. ( NHL.com ) • Offer sheet(s)? Will we see one? ( Toronto Sun ) • A question for every NHL team that needs to be answered this offseason. ( Sports Illustrated ) • Five teams that should be the most active in free agency. ( Forbes ) • What in the world is Marc Bergevin going to do? ( Sportsnet ) • Ready for a rhyme? Can the Blues afford to lose Patrick Maroon ? ( The Hockey Writers ) • Kings, Ducks not looking to make a splash in the big-name free agent market. ( Los Angeles Times ) • NHL well-represented at World Pride Parade. ( NHL.com ) • Ken Holland's July shopping list: backup goalie, scoring winger(s), cap space, miracles. ( Edmonton Journal ) • Avs are favorites to land Joonas Donskoi . ( NBC Sports Bay Area ) • How much money is Brock Boeser going to get? ( Grand Forks Herald ) • Video: Which NHL free agents are worth the risk? ( TSN.ca ) Don't forget to follow along with PHT's Free Agent Tracker today.   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.


Barcelona duo Philippe Coutinho and Samuel Umtiti have stated their intentions to stay at the club, despite the pair having difficult seasons at the Catalan giants. Coutinho signed for La Blaugrana last January from Liverpool for a fee reported to be worth over £135m, making the Brazilian the third most expensive player in the world. However, the 27-year-old has struggled to make an impact during his first 18 months at the Camp Nou, scoring just 21 goals in 75 appearances. "It really was not a good season and I did not perform as I expected," Coutinho told a press conference, as reported by Sport . He added: "My will was always to offer the best of myself and I hope that what has happened to me will serve as an example, a lesson. "I want more and my desire is to assume that responsibility and succeed in Barça and the national team. That is my intention". Nice of Philippe Coutinho to rule out a move to Manchester United out of respect for Liverpool. But where was his respect for Liverpool when he put in a transfer request and forced through a move to Barcelona?   Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) June 17, 2019 Regarding the speculation about his future, the playmaker stated: "Many of the things that are coming out are not true. "No one knows right now what is going to happen. The only thing I know is that I have a contract in force with Barça and that my desire has always been to succeed on this team. "Of course, right now I'm just thinking about Brazil." Meanwhile, centre-half Umtiti has claimed that injuries ruined his season, but he will be back to full fitness for the upcoming campaign. The 25-year-old, who played just 14 times last year, said: "I'm better, it's true that it was a difficult season because of the injury but I knew it was going to happen, that there had to be a transition because I had a lot of difficulties during the World Cup," which was quoted by Mundo Deportivo.


What was the biggest factor in the Bears' turnaround in 2018? Trading for All-Pro pass rusher Khalil Mack ? Hiring Coach of the Year Matt Nagy? The development of their young starting quarterback, Mitchell Trubisky ? Or was it just the dumb luck of not suffering many significant injuries? FootballOutsiders.com uses an advanced metric called " adjusted games lost " to show which teams were hurt the most by injuries. The metric incorporates not only how many games were missed by players on any team, but also whether those games were missed by starters or backups, and also which teams had a lot of players who were at less than 100 percent because they missed practice during the week with injuries. It's probably the single best metric to answer the question, "How healthy was this team?" And the answer is, the Bears were very healthy in 2018. After being very unhealthy in 2017. Chicago ranked as the third-healthiest team in the NFL in 2018, after ranking 31st in 2017. No team in the NFL improved more on the injury front than the Bears last season. Unfortunately for the Bears, staying healthy is mostly a matter of getting lucky, and teams that have a sudden improvement in their health often regress toward the mean the following season. The Bears may have to count on their roster depth more this season than they did last season.


Barring an unforeseen development in the coming days, Heat center Hassan Whiteside intends to opt into the final season of his contract, exercising his 2019-20 player option, a league source tells Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald . Picking up that option will make Whiteside the Heat's highest-paid player for next season, locking in a salary of $27,093,018, per Basketball Insiders . The veteran big man will subsequently be on track to reach unrestricted free agency during the summer of 2020. Whiteside, who turned 30 years old last Thursday, averaged 12.3 PPG and 11.3 RPG with 1.9 BPG in 72 games (53 starts) for the Heat last season. While his numbers were solid, Whiteside's 23.3 minutes per game represented his lowest mark since he arrived in Miami in 2014. Whiteside hasn't been thrilled about his reduced role and inconsistent minutes over the last two seasons. Still, despite expressing a little dissatisfaction with his playing time, he was always considered a virtual lock to exercise his player option to stick with the Heat   he'd have no chance of matching his $27M salary for '19/20 on the open market. With option salaries for both Whiteside and Goran Dragic on their books for next season, the Heat's guaranteed salary commitments will increase to nearly $130M for just eight players, plus a $3.64M cap hold for their first-round pick. The team figures to thoroughly explore ways to cut costs during the offseason to avoid ending up in tax territory with a roster that missed the playoffs this past season. As our player option decision tracker shows, 10 players have already opted in for the 2019-20 season, with Whiteside and Dwight Powell (Mavericks) both planning to do so as well. Here are a few more brief Heat notes: According to Jackson, the Heat and Grizzlies discussed a possible Mike Conley trade, but didn't see eye to eye on compensation and those talks went nowhere. The two sides didn't rule out the possibility of revisiting discussions later in the summer. Jimmy Butler has told confidants that he'd be happy to meet with the Heat in free agency if the team wants to make a pitch, tweets Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press. Miami doesn't project to have any cap room available this offseason though, so the idea of Butler joining the team is an extreme long shot. University of Miami prospect Dewan Hernandez cancelled a workout with the Heat due to scheduling issues and an overcrowded workout calendar, writes Jackson.


CINCINNATI (AP) Javier Baez hit his first grand slam of the season . Jose Quintana got his first win since May 5. And a long, hot game ended with a dust-up involving Yasiel Puig and an ejection for the Cincinnati Reds manager. Amid all the drama, the Chicago Cubs managed to pull out one they really needed. The Cubs pulled away late to a 6-0 win on Saturday, leaving the NL Central leaders with a 14-14 mark in June. They must win the final game of the series to avoid their first losing month since May of 2017. Given the injuries to the rotation and the offense's struggles, manager Joe Maddon isn't too disappointed. ''A lot of moving parts,'' Maddon said. ''Of course you'd like to be in better position, but I can't really lament what's gone on at this point. Overall, we've hung in there pretty well.'' It ended with an outburst by Puig. Pedro Strop hit Puig on the thigh with a 3-0 fastball in the eighth inning. Puig slammed his helmet and headed toward the mound, gesturing and screaming as the benches and bullpens emptied. Joey Votto and other Reds players held Puig back to prevent it from escalating. Strop said he was surprised that Puig reacted so strongly. ''I don't know what to say about it,'' Strop said. ''It's not a secret he's stupid. I have nothing against him, but he's stupid.'' Puig said he wasn't sure whether Strop tried to hit him intentionally. Puig had taunted Cubs baserunner Albert Almora Jr. from right field during the series opener, trying to get him to go for an extra base after a single to right. ''At the end of the day, nothing happened,'' Puig said. ''Nobody got hurt. What's important tomorrow is to go out and win the game and win the series. That's more important than fighting with the other team.'' Reds manager David Bell was ejected in the ninth after reliever Dillon Maples hit Jose Peraza on the arm with a breaking pitch, which plate umpire Mark Wegner deemed accidental. It was Bell's sixth ejection of the season. ''The bottom line is I don't like it when our players get hit,'' Bell said. Baez, voted the NL's starting shortstop for the All-Star Game in Cleveland, connected in the eighth off Jared Hughes to help Quintana (5-7) get his long-awaited win. The left-hander gave the Cubs a much-needed quality start a day after their rotation took another hit. Cole Hamels left the Reds' 6-3 opening win after only one inning because of pain in his left side. He went on the injured list Saturday. Starter Kyle Hendricks also is sidelined by a sore shoulder. Quintana allowed six singles in six innings, snapping his nine-start drought that was longest in the NL. ''We needed it, especially me,'' Quintana said. Jason Heyward connected for a solo shot off Luis Castillo (7-3), the Reds' top candidate for the All-Star Game. Castillo allowed three hits and three walks in seven innings. The Cubs hit into a pair of double plays - including with the bases loaded in the fifth - that scuttled rallies. CUBS MOVES Chicago called up Maples and reliever Rowan Wick. Outfielder Carlos Gonzalez was designated for assignment. Gonzalez signed a minor league deal on June 1 and was called up two days later. He batted .175 in 15 games. HEYWARD HEATING UP In his last eight games, Heyward is 13 for 28 with three doubles, a triple, three homers and eight RBIs. SCOOTER UPDATE Reds second baseman Scooter Gennett was activated for the series after missing all season with a groin injury. In two games, he's 1 for 8 with an infield single. TRAINER'S ROOM Cubs: Hendricks threw in the bullpen without problem Saturday. He's been sidelined since June 15. Maddon said there's a chance he could be activated next week. Reds: Left-hander Alex Wood will play catch on Sunday. He hurt his back in spring training and has had several setbacks, including earlier in the week when he threw at Triple-A. UP NEXT Cubs: Left-hander Jon Lester (7-5) faces the Reds for the first time this season. He's 7-1 in 16 career starts against Cincinnati, including 2-0 last season. Reds: Anthony DeSclafani (4-4) faces the Cubs for the second time this season. He lasted only 3 2/3 innings of a 6-5 win at Wrigley Field on May 24, giving up four runs and three walks. --- More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP-Sports


Moving Day has arrived at the British Open with some of the game's biggest names already having left town. Among the notables not playing this weekend at Royal Portrush include Rory McIlroy , Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Gary Woodland. After playing in 83 majors together, this is the first time neither Woods nor Mickelson made the 36-hole cut in the same event. Fifteen players are within five shots of the lead and the leaderboard is starting to heat up. BRITISH OPEN : Scores | Best photos SPORTS FANS : Here are some of the best credit cards available British Open Round 3 Twitter Stream A Twitter List by golfweek British Open Round 3 Hole Locations (@TheOpen) Tee Times, Pairings Tee Times (ET) Players 4:35 a.m. Paul Waring 4:45 a.m. Francesco Molinari, Jason Kokrak 4:55 a.m. Graeme McDowell, Bubba Watson 5:05 a.m. Charley Hoffman, Ashton Turner 5:15 a.m. Yosuke Asaji, Andrew Wilson 5:25 a.m. Tuki Inamori, Matt Wallace 5:35 a.m. Nino Bertasio, Tom Lewis 5:45 a.m. Adam Hadwin, Ryan Fox 6 a.m. Innchoon Hwang, Benjamin Hebert 6:10 a.m. Paul Casey, Kyle Stanley 6:20 a.m. Eddie Pepperell, Doc Redman 6:30 a.m. Kevin Streelman, Joost Luiten 6:40 a.m. Shubhankar Sharma, Louis Oosthuizen 6:50 a.m. Stewart Cink, Callum Shinkwin 7 a.m. Jim Furyk, Kevin Kisner 7:10 a.m. Bernd Wiesberger, Russell Knox 7:20 a.m. Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Mikko Korhonen 7:35 a.m. Sergio Garcia, Branden Grace 7:45 a.m. Romain Langasque, Sang Hyun Park 7:55 a.m. Patrick Cantlay, Lucas Glover 8:05 a.m. Danny Willett, Aaron Wise 8:15 a.m. Justin Thomas, Robert MacIntyre 8:25 a.m. Matthew Fitzpatrick, Ernie Els 8:35 a.m. Thorbjorn Olesen, Thomas Pieters 8:45 a.m. Rory Sabbatini, Bteong Hun An 8:55 a.m. Rickie Flower, Xander Schauffele 9:10 a.m. Henrik Stenson, Webb Simpson 9:20 a.m. Alex Noren, Dustin Johnson 9:30 a.m. Tyrell Hatton, Matt Kuchar 9:40 a.m. Jon Rahm, Patrick Reed 9:50 a.m. Lucas Bjerregaard, Tony Finau 10 a.m. Erik Can Rooyen, Dylan Frittelli 10:10 a.m. Andrew Putnam, Jordan Spieth 10:20 a.m. Brooks Koepka, Justin Rose 10:30 a.m. Justin Harding, Cameron Smith 10:40 a.m. Lee Westwood, Tommy Fleetwood 10:50 a.m. Shane Lowry, J.B. Holmes TV/Streaming Info Saturday, July 20 Golf Channel 5-7 a.m.: The Open - Third Round 7-11 a.m.: Golf Central Live 3-4 p.m.: Golf Central Live NBC 7 a.m.-3 p.m.: The Open - Third Round GolfChannel.Com 4:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.: Marquee Groups 1 5 a.m. - 2 p.m.: Marquee Groups 2 5 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Three-Hole Channel https://compass.pressekompass.net/compasses/golfweek/has-father-time-finally-caught-tiger-woo MORE: Angler defies odds, lands truly enormous halibut Is Tacko Fall an NBA player? Here is the case for why... and why not Falcons WR Mohamed Sanu's Friday night tweet raises contract concerns Lions pre-camp roster projection leaves many spots unclaimed One bold prediction for each NFL team in 2019


Although it happened in the summer of 2016, details about the way Kevin Durant ended things in Oklahoma City have surfaced. The only reason the issue has popped up again is, of course, because he has a new partnership, moving to Brooklyn to play with Kyrie Irving. Recently, ESPN's Stephen A. Smith reported Durant ended things in a less than ideal manner: What we have to do is go back to OKC when he left. One of the things that has never been talked about was what transpired and why the friction between him and Russ [Westbrook] existed. It wasn't because Kevin Durant left; it's how he handled it. According to what I have been told, the night before Kevin Durant flew to the Hamptons and the other four dudes - [Andre] Iguodala, Draymond [Green], Steph [Curry] and Klay [Thompson] - met with him, Kevin Durant had dinner with Russell Westbrook, Nick Collison, I think Royal Ivey, but I'm not sure, and literally looked Russell Westbrook in the face and told him, 'I'm not leaving. I'm staying' And then went to the Hamptons and announcing that he was going to Golden State. Smith also added : And when that happened, he didn't pick up the phone thereafter and call Russell Westbrook. He text[ed] him. Never even called. Durant contested Smith report . However, Durant's old Thunder teammate, Kendrick Perkins says Smith is right on this matter and elaborated on the subject during his appearance on ESPN LA 710 AM's " The Sedano Show ": Stephen A. Smith did say some things that were correct though, about as far as when KD left OKC. I heard that part of it. He told Russ [Westbrook], Nick Collison and Royal Ivey at a dinner that he was coming back. He went up there to the Hamptons. End[s] up decid[ing] that he's gonna go to Golden State. He didn't call Russ, he text[ed] Russ. And Stephen A. Smith said that, and that was all facts. That's true facts. When Perkins was informed Durant is refuting the report, he simply said, "KD [is] tripping." The ex-Oklahoma City center has sided with Durant on almost every topic involving the former Thunder superstar since Perkins retired in the middle of the 2018-19 season and became an analyst. For Perkins to agree with Smith and go against Durant on something like this must mean he received his information from a reliable source, if not multiple. MORE: Why the Lakers need Kawhi Leonard to make a decision quickly News: Cowboys who could be traded, triple-threat WRs, Eric Berry talk Three Teams That Should Take a Chance on DeMarcus Cousins 2019 NBA Summer League Rosters Za'Darius Smith could make Packers defense nasty on third down


CHICAGO (AP) Erica Wheeler had 28 points and eight assists, rookie Teaira McCowan added 10 points and 13 boards and the Indiana Fever beat the Chicago Sky 76-69 on Friday night. Indiana (5-5) is one victory shy of matching its victory total from last season. Candice Dupree had 14 points, 10 rebounds and five assists for Indiana. McCowan tied Tamika Catchings' rookie franchise record of 15 rebounds on Wednesday against Atlanta. Wheeler had 14 points and five assists in the first half and Indiana led 40-31 after making six 3-pointers. Chicago was just 11-of-34 shooting in the half. The Fever led 60-40 late in the third quarter, but Chicago pulled to 72-69 with 20.9 seconds left. Wheeler made four straight free throws to seal it. Diamond DeShields scored 19 points for Chicago (5-3), which lost for the first time at home this season. Courtney Vandersloot had 10 points and eight assists. Washington Wizards forward Jabari Parker, a Chicago native, sat courtside.


Don't be surprised if the Western Conference finals turns into a chess match as the Sharks-Blues series moves to St. Louis for Game 3. Matchups could go a long way in determining who grabs the upper hand Wednesday after the Blues cleaned up the recklessly physical play on display in the Game 1 loss to beat San Jose in Game 2 with a more structured, smothering style. Having surrendered home ice with a third straight Game 2 loss following three-goal wins in each series opener, the Sharks are hoping that the coincidental nature of their postseason leads to another series win and a trip to their second Stanley Cup Finals in four seasons. "This isn't going to be easy. It's not supposed to be easy," Sharks head coach Peter DeBoer said. "We're feeling each other out through two games. We've got to go into St. Louis, win a game and get back to home ice." San Jose's second line   center Tomas Hertl with wingers Evander Kane and Joe Pavelski   has been neutralized by St. Louis' two-way center Ryan O'Reilly and linemates Sammy Blais and David Perron. "They're big, they're strong on the puck and they skate," said Hertl, who has been held scoreless in three of his past four playoff games. "We have to chip it in and be a little bit stronger." That assumes St. Louis head coach Craig Berube opts to favor that matchup. However, he might decide with the last change advantage at home to pit O'Reilly's line against San Jose's top group of Logan Couture, Timo Meier and Gus Nyquist, which was effective in the first two games of the series. Hertl's group might see more of St. Louis' top offensive threats   Jaden Schwartz and Vladimir Tarasenko, centered by Brayden Schenn. Video by DraftKings Couture collected his fourth multigoal game Monday   the ninth of his career   to pull one shy of Pavelski's franchise record of 14 goals for a postseason. Meier has two goals and six points and Nyquist   despite not having a goal in his past eight games   has 10 points, one of five Sharks with double-digit points in the playoffs. "Going home, and we haven't seen our best game yet, it's an opportunity to establish that and really take momentum in this series," O'Reilly said. And, because coaches favor what has worked in the most recent past, Berube might stick with the defensive pairings that finished after he jumbled personnel midway through Game 2. His two shutdown tandems now are Jay Bouwmeester-Alex Pietrangelo and Vince Dunn-Colton Parayko with a third pair of Joel Edmondson-Robert Bortuzzo. What this means for the Sharks is the need to get production from a third line. There's added pressure on linemates Joe Thornton, Marcus Sorensen and Kevin Labanc to produce at even strength. "We're fine. We've got a good group in here," said Thornton, who has no goals and just one assist in his past eight games. "We've been resilient all year, so this isn't going to deter us by any means." Sorensen, replaced on the line late in Game 2 by Joonas Donskoi, has just 14 shots on goal, is without a goal and has five assists in San Jose's 16 playoff games. Labanc's only point in his past eight is a Game 1 goal against the Blues. "The video doesn't lie, the guys know," DeBoer said. "One thing about our group is they're smart. Their self-analysis is very good. They know when they've played well." The Sharks could use a boost from their power play, assuming they work hard enough to earn a couple. San Jose is 1-for-6 in the series and 3-for-26 since converting four times late in Game 7 during that pivotal Vegas major penalty. "We've got to get more shots to the net, get more traffic around the goalie and take away his eyes," Labanc said. "A big thing is face-offs. We need to win it right away. If you're losing it and they're icing it, that's like 20-30 seconds already gone from the clock, so it's nice to start with the puck." The defense, which combined to produce eight goals and 42 points in the first 14 games, has no goals and three assists in the first two games against the Blues. "I take comfort in ... our character, our ability to bounce back and our ability to recognize what we've got to fix," DeBoer said. "We've done that the entire playoffs." Ross McKeon is a freelance writer. Twitter: @rossmckeon


Editor's note: The opinions in this article are the author's, as published by our content partner, and do not necessarily represent the views of MSN or Microsoft. Whenever I meet someone in his thirties who's a rabid, frothing-at-the-mouth atheist, I look at him like he's an adult who still yells at his parents or has unframed posters on the wall. In college, I voraciously ingested all the great anti-theist scribes, from Christopher Hitchens to Richard Dawkins to Sam Harris, as if preparing for that one hypothetical argument with a religious person over dinner while everyone else awkwardly ate their meatloaf. It enabled me to roll my eyes at anything religious with the best of them. Little is more fun than smugly looking down on a group of people and saying cruel things about them with a feeling of righteous superiority. Still, this unrelenting disdainful stance gets tired after a while and doesn't stand up when dealing with actual human beings who can talk back. My once-rabid atheism evolved not into belief, but into a calm acceptance of the more faithful people I met, as I gradually came to understand what many non-believers fail to: You're not smarter or stronger than religious people, and you don't know something that they fail to grasp. There's probably a person of equal intelligence to you, who enjoys the same bands and movies and salad dressing, and maybe even looks a little like you, except he or she has faith. All of that person's skepticism and doubt is simply pointed in the other direction. You may not want to meet a person like this, because then you'll think, "Jeff also hates the Warriors and thinks 'Rogue One' was the best of the recent 'Star Wars' movies, but he believes in God. What's up with that?" I know how it feels, I've also met Jeff, and Sarah, and Mike and all sorts of similar folks whose faith I could not fathom. This is not to mention those at far higher stations in life, like Francis Collins, the decoder of the human genome who converted from atheism to Christianity, or Georges Lemaître, the Catholic priest who first theorized an expanding universe. Can you confidently look down on them as deluded? If the two of you took an IQ test side by side, how soon before you started cheating off his paper? Everyone needs to come to their "What do I know?" moment. It's not simply the dismissal of religious people that reeks of unearned smugness, it's the dismissal of any higher divine belief. The notion that you've finally cracked the multi-millennium religious instinct because you angrily read a New York Times bestseller is unlikely. Whatever bible they follow, there is value in believers beyond what atheists smugly refer to as the "magic stuff." An allegorical system of time-honored beliefs and practices that bind a community and restore the spirit is not something to be thrown away and replaced with making it up as you go along, as many do now. Some of the negative qualities we ignorantly ascribe to all religious people are often equally represented by those who hate them. It's not only the worst of religious people who can shift facts to suit narratives, or exhibit cultish following of a person or idea, or vote out of irrational fear. Bad people all around do; I did two of those this past weekend. It was a good weekend. We all know the talking points that religious people trot out in their defense; the problem is many of these hold up. Yes, they give more to charity. Yes, non-theistic political movements are responsible for somewhat as many wars and deaths as religion. Yes, it's enjoyable to make fun of Scientology. That said, I still have no faith, and I think my non-belief will persist through any foxhole or disease or ecstatical life-altering event. And if you got me drunk enough in a religious debate, I might, in a moment of weakness, start spouting off the same stupid, anti-religion crap I did when I was 20. But then I'd sober up, and maybe atheists should too. Because one day you may come across that religious double who's just as smart as you, just as strong, and just as convinced of how wrong you are. What then? You both won't spontaneously combust if you listen to each other, and there are far better things to discuss anyway, like how both of your positions will probably change when the aliens invade Earth.


Anthony Davis willingly played center for the Pelicans last season. But he has indicated he prefers power forward. He had never been this direct, though. Davis, via Tania Ganguli of the Los Angeles Times : "I like playing the four," Davis said, referring to power forward. "I'm not even going to sugarcoat it. I like playing the four. I don't really like playing the five." He turned toward Vogel, smiled and put his hand on Vogel's shoulder. "If it comes down to it, coach, and you need me to play the five, then I'll play the five," Davis said. The Lakers must keep Davis happy before he hits free agency next summer. They also must keep him healthy to compete for a title this season. Davis is prone to getting banged up, and those concerns are exacerbated at center. Los Angeles has DeMarcus Cousins and JaVale McGee as bigger centers. Those two can handle plenty of the load at the position. But Davis is probably best at center. He's big enough to handle the position, and his athleticism and skill carry even bigger advantages there. Davis playing center allows his team to put another smaller, generally more skilled, on the court. There will absolutely be times Lakers coach Frank Vogel should deploy Davis at center. Still, there are balancing acts   prioritizing the immediate vs. long term, doing what's best for the team while keeping players happy. Davis has discovered his power and is more eagerly exercising it. Having his trade request granted and getting to his preferred destination has only emboldened him. Davis wants to win. He also wants things to happen on his own terms. There will be a give-and-take on that as long he remains a star.


The Golden State Warriors are going to look dramatically different next season. Kevin Durant and Andre Iguodala are gone while D'Angelo Russell has joined the team to give the Warriors a bit of depth up top with Klay Thompson recovering from a torn ACL. With the Warriors still looking to fill out their roster, the team has recently come to terms with free agent guard Alec Burks on a one-year deal, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania. Burks spent the first seven years of his career with the Utah Jazz while spending time with both the Cavaliers and Kings last season. Guard Alec Burks has agreed to a one-year deal with the Golden State Warriors, agent JR Hensley tells @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium . "Alec was extremely appreciative about how the Thunder handled the situation and he's looking forward to his new opportunity," Hensley said. - Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 8, 2019 Burks had originally committed to signing with the Oklahoma City Thunder, but after Paul George was moved to the Los Angeles Clippers, Burks asked to reconsider the commitment with the Thunder going through a clear rebuild. Burks is a guy who isn't incredibly efficient, but can score at all three levels. He's not a guy you want creating off the dribble, but can in situations with the time running down off the clock. He shot 36 percent from deep last year and shot as well as 40 percent from distance during the 2015-16 season. Burks is a decent addition to the Warriors bench, but has a lot of work to do on the defensive end. Burks turns 28 this month and will be playing for an opportunity for his last big contract next summer. MORE: UFC fighter Ben Askren had an excellent response to getting knocked out in 5 seconds Three Potential Trade Destinations for Russell Westbrook Five potential Russell Westbrook trade destinations Mesmerizing speed could force Jon'Vea Johnson onto Cowboys roster Raiders WR Hunter Renfrow impressed coaching staff during OTAs


Being a military service member or veteran comes with a unique set of challenges. From time away from home and family to dealing with health care and benefits after service, it can be challenging for veterans. The good news is that there are programs available to veterans that can help with saving, investing and building wealth over time. The following programs are positioned to give a vet some financial guidance: Blended Retirement System (for active duty and reservists): In January 2018, the traditional military pension system was converted to the Blended Retirement System . The BRS combines elements of the legacy retirement system with benefits similar to those offered in many civilian 401(k) plans. The program was designed to help the Department of Defense save money by reducing the costs of the existing pension system. Under the old system, a service member would have to stay in for a full 20 years to qualify for the military pension. More from Invest in You: What surprises people most about Roth IRAs 'Adulting' is like anything else: Something you can learn What people wish they'd done before a tragic accident Fewer than 20% of service members who enlist actually choose to make the military their career and retire out. The rest would separate from service with no retirement benefits. The BRS changes that. Here are some pros: Provides a benefit to service members even if they choose not to spend 20 years in the military. Includes a government match of 1% on the Thrift Savings Plan , and vesting happens after just two years. Receive a "continuation pay" bonus after 12 years of service that is paid to you as cash. The pension option is still there for you if you serve for 20 years. There is also a "lump sum" payout that is available to you at retirement. Here are some cons: Overall retirement benefit from the BRS can be lower than the original pension. Service members who joined after January 1, 2018 no longer have access to the original pension. It can be confusing and a bit complicated. Requires that service members actively participate in their retirement. Savings Deposit Program (for active duty and reservists): The Savings Deposit Program is a Department of Defense-sponsored savings account that offers deployed military members a guaranteed return on investment of 10% interest, compounded quarterly, on deposits of up to $10,000. The program is one of the best savings options for young service members who are deployed in active combat zones around the world. The program pays 10% annualized rate of return on the contributions. In addition, the contributions are tax-free as long as they are made in a qualified tax-exempt zone. This offers an easy and effective way to put away $10,000. Here are some pros: Guaranteed 10% interest on contributions. Funds and interest accumulate tax-free while service member is deployed in a qualified tax-exempt area. Super simple to save because contributions are done through salary allotment. Interest accrues for up to 90 days after leaving a combat zone. Here are some cons: You must be in a combat zone for at least 30 days or 1 day per month for 3 consecutive months to be eligible to participate. Maximum contribution is limited to $10,000 per deployment. You cannot make contributions once you leave the combat zone. In addition, you won't have access to the funds for 120 days after your deployment unless your balance is more than $10,000. If there is a financial emergency, you would have to get permission from your unit commander to get an early distribution. Thrift Savings Plan (for service members not on the BRS) : The Thrift Savings Plan is the federal government's version of the civilian 401(k) plan. The rules are the same regarding contributions, distributions, required minimum distributions and so forth. The key difference is that the TSP is the only plan that offers access to the Government Securities Investment Fund, or G Fund, in addition to four index funds. The G Fund invests exclusively in U.S. Treasurys , and contributions, as well as interest payments, are guaranteed by the U.S. government. This means that the G Fund cannot lose money. However, the G Fund does still have some risk. Here are some pros: It works like a 401(k) plan. Service members who become federal civilian employees may be eligible for a match. The G Fund is backed by special issue Treasury bills and guaranteed by the U.S. government. It serves as a hedge against market fluctuations. Service members can contribute while deployed to qualified tax-exempt areas. Contributions made deployed to these areas are tax-free and continue to grow tax-deferred. Can be rolled over into a traditional individual retirement account or Roth IRA (when applicable). Here are some cons: The G Fund is only available in the TSP. The G Fund is subject to inflation risk. Cost-of-living expense could potentially grow faster than the interest that accrues in the fund. There is a limited number of investment options and no brokerage option. There is no match for service members who are on the traditional pension retirement program. Small Business Administration Express Loan program (for active duty, reservists and veterans): Looking to start, buy or grow a business? The SBA has you covered. An Express loan issued through the SBA 7(a) Express Loan program could give a service member the cash they need to get up and running fast. The Express Loan Program provides up to $350,000 to start or grow a business and loans can be approved in as little as 36 hours. Service members and veterans get the added benefit of priority processing and having guaranty fees waived. That's a savings of 3% or more on the cost of the loan. Here are some pros: Quick turn-around and priority processing for military and veterans. Up to $350,000 for business (including real estate purchases). Can be structured as a line of credit or traditional loan depending on the business' needs. Guaranty fees for SMs and veterans waived. Here are some cons: Interest rates may be higher than conventional loan options (SBA interest rate is the prime rate plus 4.5% to 6.5%). Very specific limits on what can and cannot be done with the loan. Must have excellent credit and a well-structured business plan to qualify. Loans limited to $350,000.   By Bill Simonet, managing partner at Simonet Financial Group and a decorated Operation Iraqi Freedom Marine veteran. Check out 5 Money Lessons Everyone Should Know by Age 30 via Grow with Acorns+CNBC . Disclosure: NBCUniversal and Comcast Ventures are investors in Acorns .


Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians didn't sound particularly concerned about the recent knee surgery for linebacker Lavonte David . Via Jenna Laine of ESPN.com, Arians said the procedure to repair a torn meniscus shouldn't keep David out very long. Initial reports suggested he wouldn't play in the preseason but should be ready for the start of the regular season. "We're gonna hold him out for a while. Nothing serious ," Arians said. "He'll be ready to go soon." David had missed three days of practice, with Deone Bucannon stepping into the starting lineup in his absence, next to rookie Devin White .


Up to 500 supporters gathered outside a Kentucky jail on Saturday to support a county clerk held there for defying a federal judge's order to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis, 49, who refused the licenses due to her Christian belief that marriage can only be between a man and a woman, said she was prepared to remain in jail where she has been reading a Bible since her incarceration for contempt on Thursday, her lawyers said. On Saturday, a white banner spray-painted with the black letters "Kim Davis POW" was placed near the entrance of the jail in Grayson, Kentucky, and a bagpipe and drum corps played "You're a Grand Old Flag" and marched to a field across from the jail. "God is going to continue to bless Kim Davis," the mayor of Grayson George Steele told those gathered before leading the group in prayer for the program, which ran a little over an hour. Davis's husband, Joe Davis, cracked with emotion and thanked supporters. Her pastor, Daniel Carter, said the clerk was grateful for their support. "Sister Kim Davis is an American hero," Carter said. Elizabeth Johnston, 40, traveled with her nine children 140 miles (225 km) from Zanesville, Ohio, on Thursday to the federal courthouse in Ashland, Kentucky to support Davis. "When they put her in jail, we said, 'We're not leaving,'" said Johnston, who sang on stage with two of her children and joined the bagpipe and drum group to play "not God Bless America, but God Save America," she told the crowd. CLERK BELIEVES LICENSES VOID, LAWYER In Davis's absence, on Friday, deputy clerks issued marriage licenses to at least four same-sex couples at the offices in Morehead, Kentucky, where rival groups of demonstrators supporting Davis and the applicants protested outside. Davis' lawyers have said they plan to appeal U.S. District Judge David Bunning's contempt order, which has no expiration date. Bunning had ordered Davis in August to issue the licenses. Her request for a stay of his order was denied by a U.S. appeals court and by the U.S. Supreme Court. Mat Staver, founder of Liberty Counsel, which represents Davis, said he believes the licenses issued on Friday are invalid because they lack her approval. He said Davis had no intention of resigning as clerk or acting against her beliefs. Davis, a member of the Apostolic Christian Church which follows a literal interpretation of the Bible, has refused to issue any marriage licenses since the U.S. Supreme Court in June made gay marriage legal across the United States. Carter County Jailer R. W. Boggs, an elected office in Kentucky, said on Saturday he has met with Davis at the detention center, describing her as comfortable. "She's said she's slept well and appreciates the treatment that she's getting," Boggs said. "We're good to everybody." Boggs said the jail would take precautions to ensure that other rallies expected outside also run smoothly. Her jailing has come to symbolize the cultural gap over gay marriage in the United States. The fight over marriage licenses for same-sex couples may not end in Kentucky. A number of judges and clerks in Texas, Alabama and elsewhere have thrown up roadblocks to same-sex marriage. Emotions have run high on all sides. Davis, and an attorney for one of the four couples said they had received death threats. The judge also reportedly has received a death threat. (Writing by David Bailey; Editing by Robin Pomeroy and Marguerita Choy)


The Florida Panthers are set to meet with two of the most sought-after free agents of the 2019 NHL offseason. On Monday, Columbus standouts Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky will head down to Miami. Both Blue Jackets became unrestricted free agents after an incredible playoff run, which saw them sweep the Presidents' Trophy winners, the Tampa Bay Lightning , ended at the hands of the Boston Bruins. The pair will be meeting with a number of teams over the next few weeks, but the Panthers have reportedly emerged as the early favorites to sign the star duo. Clarification, earlier reports stated Panarin (and Bobrovsky) were to arrive in Florida today, that isn't the case, however they still will be meeting with the #FlaPanthers https://t.co/BTwqH68Ora   NHL Rumors (@NHLRumorsDaily) June 23, 2019 The Panthers had a solid season last year, finishing with a 36-32 record and 86 points. However, with the Atlantic Division full of heavy hitters like the Lightning, Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida will need a significant roster facelift in order to stay competitive. This teeam is much more comfortable at the forward position by comparison, with guys like Aleksander Barkov and Jonathan Huberdeau emerging as stars. Although they'd like to sign both Panarin and Bobrovsky, they may opt to prioritize Bob given that 40-year-old goaltender Roberto Luongo is nearing the end of his career. NHL UFA speaking period opens Sunday. Coveted free agent goalie Sergei Bobrovsky and winger Artemi Panarin will be in FLA to meet with the Panthers on Monday. FLA would like to sign both but need a goalie more than a forward so the priority may be Bob.   Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 22, 2019 If the Panthers sign at least one of these former Blue Jackets, they'll be that much better suited to compete for a top-three spot in the Atlantic Division. If they can somehow land both Panarin and Bobrovsky, they stand to be a serious threat in the East.


Boston Celtics point guard Kemba Walker is well aware of the fact that the decisions of players like Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard to skip this summer's FIBA Basketball World Cup have had a direct impact on he and others abilities to showcase his talents on a global stage and he's not shy about admitting he's glad it happened. Not that he wouldn't want to see his fellow NBA brethren ball out against the best basketball teams the world can muster of course but if there's one thing that's true about any passionate player it's that they want to hoop as much as possible. Getting heavy minutes on the national team, even if it's not in Olympic competition, is what he would call "a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity." Per NBC Sports Boston's Chris Forsberg : "This is like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a lot of us. I think a lot of us are happy those guys pulled out. This is our chance, this is our chance to get on the big stage and showcase our talents. It's a chance for us to do something new, to be a new-look team." There are indeed plenty of new and surprising faces on Team USA's roster, players who weren't even on a Team USA Select Team like Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma to players who were promoted from Team USA's Select Team like Sacramento Kings point guard De'Aaron Fox to former Olympians like Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry. The infusion of youth makes the path ahead for the national team particularly interesting but, with players like the 29-year-old Walker in tow, there will be a necessary and impactful veteran presence. Walker, who averaged 25.6 points and 5.9 assists per game last year in a career season, has made major strides as a perimeter since entering the league. After leaving UConn as a national champion and tournament MVP, the guard's work ethic has shined despite the lack of hardware he's collected since being drafted in 2011. That said, the three-time All-Star was the MVP of the FIBA Americas U18 Championship in 2008 when the national team was a silver-medalist and likely has visions of himself leading a Team USA - a roster lacking star power perhaps but not high-end talent - to gold. "I love basketball. I love to play. And what better opportunity to do that than to play for your country?" Walker asked on Monday after Team USA's first day of training camp. A sentiment shared by many. MORE: Browns mob touchdown scorer who slept outside a gym during tryouts 6 takeaways from Packers' preseason victory over Texans Duke Johnson trade: what they're saying around the NFL Roundup: Bo Bichette is On Fire; Bachelor in Paradise Drama; Joe Biden Steps in It 5 takeaways from Patriots' preseason win over Lions


DJR Team Penske is selling copies of the Ford Mustang poster that landed Scott McLaughlin with a $10,000 fine, with proceeds going to children's cancer charity Camp Quality. McLaughlin celebrated Ford prematurely wrapping up the 2019 Supercars manufacturers' championship by taking a mock newspaper cover reading 'Mustang wins title' on to the Queensland Raceway podium last Sunday afternoon. However in doing so he breached rule E6.8.2 (non-permitted item on the podium), and was subsequently slapped with a $10,000 fine by Supercars stewards . Adding to an expensive celebration, he was also pinged $3000 for his post-race burnout, which went "past the nominated points" according to the stewards report. DJRTP has responded by putting copies of the now infamous poster on sale to the public with a $20 price tag, the proceeds set to be donated to Camp Quality. "We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received on social media from Sunday's race and the aftermath," said DJRTP boss Ryan Story. "Thanks to Ford we are able to make this now infamous poster available to all our supporters, with all proceeds going to a worthy cause. "There are few worthier causes in my mind than Camp Quality and the great work they do in the community. "The podium poster will only be available for a limited time, so please join us in supporting Camp Quality." McLaughlin, meanwhile, says he has no regrets over taking the poster up on the podium, even if it's left him a little lighter in the hip pocket. "I always look to involve the crowd as much as I can, and in the post-race excitement on Sunday I was really pumped up," he said. "I did a big burnout down the front straight, and then took the poster up on the podium because I wanted to share that feeling with the crowd. "It felt absolutely right in the moment, and after seeing the response from our sponsors and the fans at the track and on social media I'd absolutely do it again in a heartbeat. "We're nothing without our fans, and ultimately we're in the entertainment business so I hope everyone enjoyed the show." The poster is on sale now . Race winner Scott McLaughlin, DJR Team Penske Ford Photo by: Edge Photographics


Bengals receiver A.J. Green was injured at practice Saturday. Tyler Dragon of the Cincinnati Enquirer said it appeared to be Green's left ankle. Green left on a cart. Green was running a go route against Dre Kirkpatrick when he went down. He got up limping and eventually was helped off the field. Green talked to team doctors and then punched the bench and yelled before walking to the cart, according to Jeremy Rauch of Fox19. The crowd chanted Green's name as he left the field. Green, who turns 31 next week, played only nine games last season and failed to make the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career. He had a career-low 694 receiving yards in 2018 and finished the season on injured reserve with a toe injury. The seven-time Pro Bowler is in the final year of his deal, making $12 million in base salary and counting $15.2 million against the salary cap in 2019. Team owner Mike Brown said this spring that the Bengals would not hesitate to extend Green's deal.