There's a widespread belief that you should always own a home instead of renting, because if you rent you're "throwing your money away," while buying a home means you're building up equity. There's obviously something to this   all else being the same, it's better to accumulate equity than not   but it's definitely not true that you should always buy a house as soon as possible, no matter what. When you make a mortgage payment, some of the money goes to pay off the principal of the loan, allowing you to build equity in your home. But for the first few years of the loan, a majority of your mortgage payment   nearly 70 percent at current interest rates   will be paying interest rather than principal. A good way to think about this is that you're paying "rent" to the bank to use some money instead of paying rent to a landlord for using an apartment. Whether renting makes financial sense depends on whether the rent is higher than the costs   interest payments, foregone interest on your down payment, property taxes, maintenance costs, homeowners insurance, and so forth   you'd have to pay as a homeowner. It also depends on whether you'll live in the house long enough for the savings to offset the substantial transaction costs involved in buying a home. Many people will come out ahead financially by buying a house rather than renting. But it depends on the market, a renter's particular circumstances, and how long the renter plans to live in the house. The New York Times has a handy calculator that helps you run the numbers. Here are five key rules to follow when weighing whether to rent or buy. Don't buy unless you expect to stay in the same place for more than four years The length of time you'll stay in a home is by far the most important consideration in the rent-or-own calculus. The total cost of a home sale is usually between 5 and 8 percent of its value. That's approximately one year's rent for a similar property. While this cost is generally split between the buyer and the seller, you'll wind up paying both sides if you buy a house and then sell it again within a few years. What this means is that buying a house that you'll have to sell a few years later is an expensive mistake. While homeownership can provide a variety of cost savings in the long run, it will take several years for these savings to outweigh the transaction costs of buying the home in the first place. So if there's a good chance you'll need to move to another city within a few years, it probably makes sense to rent. Similarly, if you're single but are hoping to start a family within a few years, that's something to take into account. Once you meet that special someone, you might find the place you buy isn't big enough, that it's in the wrong part of town, or that he or she already owns a nicer place. The number of years it takes to recoup the costs of buying a house depends on many individual factors. But for most people, it doesn't make sense to buy a house they'll live in for fewer than four years. And almost everyone will save money if they live in a house for more than a decade. The richer you are, the bigger the tax breaks you get from buying One of the biggest advantages of buying a house is that mortgage interest payments are tax-deductible, whereas rent payments are not. The richer you are, the more significant this tax break becomes. The value of the home mortgage deduction depends not only on how much interest a taxpayer has paid, but also on the taxpayer's tax bracket. Because rich people tend to both buy bigger houses and be in higher tax brackets, they get a larger tax benefit per dollar of housing . This means the higher your tax bracket, the greater the financial benefits of home ownership. A couple making $130,000 per year and buying a $250,000 house will save about 30 percent more on its taxes, thanks to the home mortgage interest deduction, than a couple with $70,000 in income would save on the same house. Home ownership benefits wealthy Americans in another way too. Contributions to tax-sheltered retirement accounts such as 401(k)s and IRAs are currently capped at $23,500 per year for most workers. That's more than enough for most people, but wealthy workers often want to save more, and a house is one of the few productive assets a wealthy family can buy that, like a 401(k) or IRA, doesn't trigger federal income taxes. If the family bought stocks, they'd have to pay taxes on the dividends they receive. If they bought a rental property, they would have to pay taxes on the rental income. But they don't have to pay any taxes on the valuable housing services provided by their primary home. Even better, the first $500,000 of a home's price gains is protected from capital gains taxes. Buying means you're on the hook for repairs When you rent, you're not just paying for housing, you're also paying for the landlord to make routine repairs and bear the financial risks involved in property ownership. Once you become a homeowner, those hassles and risks fall on your shoulders. When something in the house breaks, you have to either fix it yourself or hire a handyman to do it for you. And if a major appliance like the furnace breaks, you could suddenly find yourself on the hook for major repairs. Renting limits how much you can deck out your place The flip side of this is that homeowners have a lot more freedom to customize a home to their liking. If you own your home, you can add a bathroom, remodel the kitchen, or build a back deck. These kinds of expensive upgrades don't make sense in a rental property. The landlord won't want to pay for them because the next tenant may not be willing to pay extra for them. And tenants won't want to pay for improvements they'll only get to enjoy for a few years. So many renters wind up living in homes they don't love and can't improve. If you're one of them, that's an argument for buying. Buying a home is betting that your job is secure and your city will keep doing well One possible downside to owning a home   especially early in your career   is that it limits your economic mobility. Suppose you had gotten a job in the Detroit automobile industry in the early 2000s. If you'd bought a home, you could have wound up in a terrible situation in 2009: Not only could you lose your job, but you could get stuck with a mortgage that was worth more than your home, making it difficult to move to another metropolitan area to get a job. Some economists see this as a big downside to owning a home. It's good investment practice to diversify: to spread your economic risk around so that one calamity won't wipe you out financially. Buying a home in the same metropolitan area where you work is the opposite of diversification. However, this argument has limits. For one thing, not all jobs are alike. For example, many government workers enjoy robust civil service protections and don't need to worry that an economic downturn will lead to layoffs. Health-care professionals are less vulnerable to layoffs than most other private sector workers. If you have a secure job and you expect to keep it for many years, then there's little reason to worry about getting underwater with your mortgage   you'll be able to continue living in your home and paying the mortgage regardless of how much it's worth. Meanwhile, renters face the risk that surging housing demand will cause rents to rise faster than their incomes. If you have a stable job but little prospect for getting raises   or you're retired and on a fixed income   then rising rents could actually be a bigger financial worry than the local economy imploding. Buying a house allows you to hedge against future changes in the housing market, ensuring that you'll be able to afford housing no matter how expensive the rental market gets.


Here's what you need to know about what's happening in Houston. 17-year-old swimmer goes missing at Surfside Beach This is the second teen to go missing in water near Houston on Sunday. Read the full story on KHOU 11 News . Woman on probation for killing retired Houston cop is back in jail Dana and Linda Tweedie were in Galveston celebrating Mardi Gras when a teenager pulled out in front of their motorcycle. Read the full story on KHOU . Man shot in the head allegedly after fight with wife over gun in northeast Houston Police said the gun went off during an argument between the husband and wife. Read the full story on ABC Houston, KTRK . This story was created automatically using data about news stories on social media from CrowdTangle , then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C.  Troopers say charges are pending against a woman after a three-vehicle wreck shut down part of Interstate 85 south/I-40 west Tuesday morning. Highway Patrol responded to the scene shortly before 8:30 a.m. near Exit 138 by the Alamance County-Guilford County line. Bennie Jackson III, 54, of Greensboro, was driving a Hyundai passenger car when she tried to merge onto the interstate from a rest area. Troopers believe Jackson sideswiped a tractor-trailer parking alongside the on-ramp. The car then went into the road and hit a 59-year-old woman driving a Jeep SUV. The woman driving the jeep was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. All travel lanes were reopened by 10 a.m.     ©2019 WGHP-TV, Greensboro Visit WGHP-TV, Greensboro at www.myfox8.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed wide receiver Terrelle Pryor. To make room on the roster, the Jaguars waived Lyndon Johnson . Pryor has 115 career receptions for 1,563 yards and 11 total touchdowns in 51 NFL games during stints with the Oakland Raiders , Seattle Seahawks , Kansas City Chiefs , Cincinnati Bengals , Cleveland Browns , Washington, New York Jets , and Buffalo Bills . Last season he played in two games for Buffalo and six games for the New York Jets, making a combined 16 receptions for 252 yards and two touchdowns. The former decorated Ohio State quarterback originally entered the NFL in the 2011 supplemental draft when the Raiders spent a third round pick on him. Pryor entered the NFL with the intent to play quarterback, originally backing up for the Raiders but found himself as a starter for nine games in 2013, going 3-6 completing 57 percent of his passes, throwing for nearly 1,800 yards and had 7 passing touchdowns with 11 interceptions. Funnily enough, Pryor's first win as a starting quarterback came against the Jaguars in Week 2 of the 2013 season. Pryor will wear No. 10 for the Jaguars.


Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale appears to be close to sealing a move to Chinese Super League side Jiangsu Suning, with just minor contractual details left to agree upon. The Welshman has been linked with a number of clubs this summer after Zinedine Zidane confirmed he was set to leave the Santiago Bernabeu, with a number of sides in China thought to be prepared to meet his high wage demands. Marca state that Bale 's switch to Jiangsu Suning is almost completed, and the Welshman will sign a three-year contract worth a huge €22m per season after tax. Tottenham Hotspur , Bale's former side, were said to have expressed a late interest in the winger, but they were completely unable to match Jiangsu Suning's offer. CSL rivals Shanghai Shenhua actually submitted an offer worth €25m per year, but talks ultimately broke down. As a result, a switch to Jiangsu Suning became the only plausible offer for Bale, and he has already agreed to make the move to China once the minor details are finalised. The CSL side are owned by the Suning group who also own a majority stake in Inter . They are said to have offered Luka Modric a bumper switch to Italy last summer, with a view to him ending his career in China, as they look to attract some of the world's biggest names. Jiangsu Suning recently confirmed the signing of Inter's Miranda, and it appears as though Bale is set to follow suit in the near future. They currently sit sixth in the CSL standings, 23 points behind Guangzhou Evergrande in first, but they would likely be amongst the favourites for the title next summer if they could complete a deal for Bale. There were late rumours that Bale could ultimately remain with Real after Marco Asensio suffered a serious knee injury during pre-season, but he now appears set to leave the club regardless.


Could Dwight Howard return to the city of Los Angeles? During an interview with Arash Markazi of The Los Angeles Times , the former All-Star Center and three-time Defensive Player of the Year stated that he is open to the idea of playing for the Los Angeles Clippers or Los Angeles Lakers -- the team he played for during the 2012-13 season. "I don't know what's going to happen, but I do love L.A.," Howard said. "Staples Center is going to be rocking this season. When I played there it was rocking every night. The atmosphere is crazy, not just for the Lakers but the Clippers too. I just think all the hard work they've put in is paying off now. They've always been viewed as the Lakers' little brother, but they decided to stand out and be different and you have to thank guys like Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan and Chris Paul for laying the foundation for this team, and then what Doc [Rivers] has done has been great. This is just all that hard work paying off." Howard is currently under contract with the Memphis Grizzlies after being traded by the Wizards just a week prior. However, the Grizzlies are attempting to trade away the 33-year-old big man. If they can't find any takers, Howard will be waived and become a free agent and have the opportunity to sign wherever he pleases. Of all of the active players in the NBA, there is little argument that Howard is one of the most accomplished. An eight-time All-Star, an eight-time All-NBA selection and a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, Howard was the top center in the NBA at the start of the decade. However, his lone season in Los Angeles led to the rapid decline of his career on the court and off of it. Not only has Howard struggled to remain relevant in today's pace-and-space shooting era of the NBA, his feud with Kobe Bryant and Howard garnering a reputation of not being the best teammate has led to the future Hall-of-Fame center bouncing around from team to team. Assuming Howard plays during the 2019-20 season, his next destination would mark his seventh NBA team -- and sixth in the past eight seasons. Howard was limited to just nine games this past season because of a back injury, but he was productive when he was healthy during the 2017-18 season with the Charlotte Hornets. The veteran center averaged 16.6 points and 12.5 rebounds per game on 55.5 percent from the field while starting and appearing in 81 games. As Howard enters his 16th NBA season, he spoke of that disastrous lone season in Los Angeles. "It just wasn't the right fit for me at the time," Howard. "But the Lakers have been doing something right for a long time because they have the most fans in the world and the most championships over the past 40 years. You're not going to win a championship every year, but they're back and will compete for a championship next season. There's some really good teams out there and everybody wants to see how everything is going to shake out. But it's great to see teams that were struggling are back competing for a title again." While it's clear that Howard would love to join a championship contender at this stage of his career -- he has never won an NBA title -- it's unclear if the Lakers or Clippers would have mutual interest. The Lakers have 16 players under contract and have Anthony Davis, Javale McGee and DeMarcus Cousins at center. They would likely only be able to offer Howard the veteran's minimum if he were to be signed. In the case of the Clippers, they have 14 players under contract and have more of a need for a veteran center than the Lakers do. They have two actual centers under contract -- Ivica Zubac and rookie Mfiondu Kabengele and two more big men slotted as power forwards in Montrezl Harrell and JaMychal Green. In other words, Howard could reasonably fit into the Clippers' plans, especially as a defensive veteran presence. We'll see where Howard ends up before the 2019-20 season, but one thing is for certain -- he is definitely open to returning to Los Angeles. Related slideshow: NBA offseason moves (Provided by imagn)


Hall of Fame coach John Madden had a simple yet brilliant approach to football. Broncos coach Vic Fangio quoted the ever-quotable Madden on Wednesday regarding Denver's tailback situation. Asked whether Fangio prefers a bell-cow back or a committee approach, the rookie head coach was blunt: "Both." "To me, that's whatever your team is," Fangio said. "John Madden used to say, 'If you've got more than two running backs, that means you don't have one you like.' It's kind of been common now for teams to have different style backs and playing multiple backs. Again, I think that's whatever fits you or fits your team." Philip Lindsay fit the Broncos well in 2018, rising from undrafted committee member to Pro Bowler. This year, the candidates for reps are Lindsay, Devontae Booker , Royce Freeman , Devontae Johnson, and Khalfani Muhammad . Some won't make the roster; those who do will be competing for opportunities to carry or catch the ball.


Joe Girardi is the last manager to lead the New York Yankees to a World Series title. He did it in just his second season in that role back in 2009. Having been ousted from his role in New York following the 2017 season, Girardi said on 95.7 The Game in the Bay Area on Thursday that he would like to manage again. More than that, Girardi indicated that he is interested in the soon-to-be vacant San Francisco Giants managerial job. Give it a listen. "I'm interested in any job that someone is interested in me." Joe Girardi as Bruce Bochy's #SFGiants replacement? pic.twitter.com/1PDd9iL1KY   95.7 The Game (@957thegame) July 18, 2019 This represents some pretty big news for the Giants and other teams around MLB. San Francisco will see all-time great Bruce Bochy retire after its season comes to a conclusion. Replacing the multi-time World Series champ with someone of Girardi's ability would be big. The Yankees were 200 games over .500 during Girardi's 10-year stint as their manager, making the playoffs six times. Related slideshow: The 2019 MLB season (Provided by imagn)


The Bills have signed tight end Lee Smith to a three-year deal, according to a team announcement. The pact is worth $9MM and is heavily front-loaded, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. The #Bills and TE Lee Smith signed a 3-year deal worth $9 million, source said. The front-loaded contract includes fully guaranteed money into year 2. Another hole filled in Buffalo.   Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 13, 2019 The deal is also designed to give Smith more money in Year One and includes fully guaranteed pay for 2020. The deal brings Smith back to Buffalo, where he spent 2011-2014. The blocking specialist spent the last four years in Oakland, but that run ended earlier this month when he was released by the Raiders . Smith offers almost nothing as a receiver, as he has averaged just 49 receiving yards per season in his eight years in the league. However, he's long been considered to be one of the league's best blocking tight ends. With the Bills, he should continue to do more of the dirty work in a group that also includes Tyler Kroft and third-round pick Dawson Knox. Meanwhile, seventh-round choice Tommy Sweeney is in line to be the team's No. 4 tight end, but he'll have to lock down his spot in camp this summer.


Projections continue to pump out with training camp just a week away for the majority of NFL teams. There is a lot of optimism surrounding the Chargers and their potential in the 2019 season. Even though it's just predictions, there are several analysts who believe Los Angeles is the team best suited to win the AFC West, which would mark the first time since 2009. Bleacher Report is no different as its group of NFL experts and analysts voted the Bolts as the projected winner of the division this upcoming season. The team received six out of a possible eight votes. The AFC West had a pair of teams post 12-win seasons in 2018. Both made the postseason. Each won a playoff game. It's no surprise that the division's viewed as a two-team race again. It is, however, a bit surprising which squad the NFL writers here picked. After all, the Kansas City Chiefs came awfully close to a berth in Super Bowl LIII. They have the reigning NFL MVP in quarterback Patrick Mahomes and a top-ranked offense that lit up the league like a video game in 2018 (425.6 yards per game). "Patrick Mahomes is the best player in the NFL, doing things we've never seen at the quarterback position, and this defense is going to be much better," NFL Features Lead Writer Tyler Dunne said. "Frank Clark and Tyrann Mathieu may be the best players at their respective positions and will not allow another postseason collapse." The Chiefs, however, also have a top wideout (Tyreek Hill) facing an uncertain future as the league investigates allegations he abused his son and a recording in which he threatens his fiancee, Crystal Espinal. Michael Mann of Sports Illustrated reported Monday that the Chiefs "expect a decision [on a possible suspension] by the start of training camp on July 23." And their defense was among the worst in 2018, allowing 405.5 yards per game. That unit's inability to get a stop in overtime of the AFC Championship Game is what cost the team that trip to Atlanta. The Los Angeles Chargers have problems of their own-the largest among them a potential contract holdout by starting tailback Melvin Gordon. But they have some depth behind Gordon, plenty of offensive skill-position talent-including wide receiver Keenan Allen, who made the Pro Bowl in back-to-back years-a veteran quarterback in Philip Rivers and a much better defense than the Chiefs appear to possess. For NFL Analyst Brent Sobleski, that's enough to move the Chargers to the front of the line. "The Chargers finished with the same overall record as the Kansas City Chiefs last season, yet the Chiefs should regress due to multiple changes throughout the lineup (and remaining uncertainty of a potential Tyreek Hill suspension)," he said. "Whereas the Chargers feature a better lineup with tight end Hunter Henry's return from an ACL injury and a revamped defensive front seven now featuring Thomas Davis Sr. and first-round defensive tackle Jerry Tillery." Others receiving votes: Kansas City Chiefs (2 votes) The Chargers have one of the most balanced and talented roster in the league, so you can make a strong they have it in the bag on paper. But it clearly isn't a given when the Chiefs will be in the way, hoping to . Los Angeles entered 2018 having not defeated Kansas City for eight consecutive games. The Chiefs took care of business in their first meeting, 38-28. But Los Angeles ended the streak with their first victory against them since 2014 in a comeback win on primetime television by the score of 29-28. The two teams ultimately finished with 12-4 records last season, but the Chiefs took the AFC West crown based on tiebreaker rules. They will be neck and neck for the top spot once again when all is said and done, and it'll likely come down to the wire to determine who gets the crown. There's plenty of reasons to believe that this year will be the Chargers. Beyond that point remains to be seen but they can definitely make a strong run to the Super Bowl if the majority of the players stay healthy throughout the full slate. MORE: Angler defies odds, lands truly enormous halibut Is Tacko Fall an NBA player? Here is the case for why... and why not Dan Le Batard Rips Trump and 'Send Her Back' Chants Can Rashaan Melvin be the Lions' new Rashean Mathis? Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes comments on Tyreek Hill's return to the team


The number of wild cards available to Europe captain Padraig Harrington for the 2020 Ryder Cup has been reduced to three. Harrington will lead the team in September 2020 at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin and his request for the number of captain's picks to be decreased from four was accepted by the European Tour's tournament committee. The 12-man team will be made up of the first four players from the European points list, the leading five from the world points list and the Harrington's three wild-card selections, which will be announced in the week after the 2020 BMW PGA Championship. Harrington believes the holders will benefit from having an extra player in their ranks who has passed through the qualification process. "I have said on many occasions that one of the reasons for recent European success in the Ryder Cup is continuity. It is a theme that will be prevalent across my captaincy and I think you can see that in the overall qualification process for the 2020 team," said Harrington in a statement. MORE : Hail Mary: Tony Romo 10,000-1 pick to win PGA Tour's Byron Nelson | Chris Kirk takes indefinite leave from PGA Tour to fight alcohol abuse, depression | Jack Nicklaus congratulates Tiger Woods for receiving Presidential Medal of Freedom "Having said that, I am pleased that the tournament committee agreed to the change of wildcard numbers. I have spoken to a number of people regarding the ninth player automatically qualifying for the team and in my experience, a player is more comfortable when he has qualified, hence my reasoning behind this change. "I am also delighted to be starting and ending the process at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. It is one of our most prestigious events, played at an iconic venue and the home of the European Tour itself, and will help give a real narrative to the qualification race."


Table for One is a column by Senior Editor Eric Kim, who loves cooking for himself and only himself and seeks to celebrate the beauty of solitude in its many forms. On nights when I feel like cooking, dinner is a measured, solo dance: a piece of grilled fish or meat, maybe a colossal salad in the summer, a slow-cooked stew in the fall. And though I do think it's important that we should eat what's around, what's in season, I also think it's important  more important, even to cook according to personal context. There are certain things you tend only to eat in private, for instance. For me, it's blue cheese, the black sheep of cheeses, the one food I indulge in alone but would never serve to guests, mostly because so many people (without good reason, in my opinion) are prejudiced against the stuff. Blue cheese is, like most stronger flavors, an acquired taste. I suppose this is why I save it for myself: It's a stolen treat for me, and me alone. Usually, I go for a funky Gorgonzola naturale . Its cousin Gorgonzola dolce is a little milder, creamier, sweeter (as its name implies). But I love the bite of the natural stuff and find a use for it in my cooking any chance I get. Because it's summer and grilling's on my mind, my favorite way to eat blue cheese right now is in a burger. But not just crumbled on top mixed into a fragrant rosemary-scented mayonnaise. This is the absolute best sauce for any burger (at least in my humble opinion). I make a batch and keep a jar in my fridge at all times. How to Make The Best Burger Sauce 1/4 cup mayo 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar 1 1/2 ounces strong blue cheese, such as a Gorgonzola naturale, at room temperature 1/2 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1 pinch sugar 1 pinch kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper In a small bowl, whisk all of the ingredients together that's it! It's important for the blue cheese to be truly at room temperature, which makes it easier to mix into the mayo. And then it's ready to be smeared all over a perfectly portioned burger for one. I like to use a quarter pound of ground beef brisket, because I like the flavor but you can use whatever kind of meat is available to you. Next, I add a couple of spices. Burger purists will hate that I spice my meat with cumin and cinnamon, but it's the way I've done it for years. The cumin lends a grassy muskiness; the cinnamon adds sweetness. Between the juicy spiced patty and the blue cheese laden bun, I tuck in a small handful of arugula as well, because I love its bitterness. Fresh rosemary and a grating of raw onion (a trick I learned from James Beard ) add further savoriness to the meat. What you end up with is a burger that tastes a little more sophisticated than the average backyard cookout specimen (not that there's anything wrong with that; I adore it equally). But when I'm home alone and it's just me for dinner, I like to tinker a little and assemble this burger for myself. The whole thing tastes great with French fries, potato chips, or a side salad with whatever I have on hand. Blue Cheese Burger Recipe By Eric Kim Blue cheese & rosemary mayo 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar 1 1/2 ounces strong blue cheese, such as a Gorgonzola naturale, at room temperature 1/2 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1 pinch pinch sugar 1 pinch kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper Blue cheese burger 1/4 pound ground beef brisket (or your favorite burger meat) 1 tablespoon raw grated onion 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1/2 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 pinch kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper Grape-seed or other high-heat oil 1 brioche bun, sliced in half and toasted, for assembly 1 small handful arugula, for assembly French fries or potato chips, for serving View Full Recipe Related video: How to Make Healthier Falafel Pita with Tahini Sauce (Provided by Health.com)


Golf was not the only thing on David Lingmerth's mind, but he was able to focus and he grabbed the early lead at The Barracuda Championship. Lingmerth had nine birdies in the first round of the PGA Tour event at Montreux Golf & Country Club on Thursday, good for plus-18 points and the lead after the rain-delayed first round. Lingmerth is at No 229 in the FedEx Cup standings. A win in Reno would be worth 300 points and a huge vault up the standings. The top 125 qualify for the FedEx Cup playoffs in August. Lingmerth admitted he has been struggling lately. Barracuda Championship: Leaderboard | Tee times "It's been a little rough go for me for a little while and working my way back. And things are starting to come around," he said. "But I don't really think about it that way. I just try to stick to the process. One shot at a time. And whatever happens, happens." He shot a 63 in the second round at the Barbasol Open last week, but missed the cut, "It's kind of weird to shoot a 63 on a Friday and miss the cut. But any time you shoot a 63, you're doing something right," Lingmerth said. "I had a lot of good things to bring with me from that round and obviously try to keep it going here." He said staying relaxed will be the key on Friday. But he was also concerned about some jewelry that went missing from his hotel room this week and planned to file a police report later Thursday. Three golfers were second tied with plus-13 points, Thomas Hoge, Tyrone Van Aswegan and Robert Streb, when the rain, thunder and lighting hit Montreux, about 5:15 p.m. The alarm sounded for all golfers to get off the course. The last time the PGA Tour had a suspension of play was in 2017, at Montreux. Hoge, who made an eagle on No. 8, has finished in the top 10 twice at Montreux. "I like the format a lot. Kind of suits me well because I've always made a lot of birdies and bogeys. And you don't get punished as much for bogeys here I which suits me a little bit, but I like the golf course and I like the area a lot too. So happy to be here," Hoge said. MORE: UFC's Thiago Santos shares brutal update on injuries suffered in loss to Jon Jones Instant observations from Day 1 of Patriots training camp Ranking the NBA's Top 10 Big Threes Giants' Eli Manning fires back at Odell Beckham in the most Eli way ever Pair of Chargers rookies impress on first day of training camp


Curious just how far your dollar goes in Dilworth? According to Walk Score, this Charlotte neighborhood is friendly for those on foot and has some bike infrastructure. Data from rental site Zumper shows that the median rent for a one-bedroom in Dilworth is currently hovering around $1,310. So, what might you expect to find if you don't want to spend more than $1,700/month on rent? Read on for a roundup of the latest rental listings, via Zumper and Apartment Guide . (Note: prices and availability are subject to change.) Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. 1312 S. College St. Listed at $1,610/month, this 739-square-foot studio apartment is located at 1312 S. College St. In the residence, you'll find hardwood floors, a walk-in closet and in-unit laundry. For those with furry friends in tow, know that cats and dogs are permitted on this property. (Check out the complete listing here .) 1100 South Blvd. Next, check out this 761-square-foot one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit that's located at 1100 South Blvd. It's listed for $1,635/month. In the unit, you'll see a balcony, in-unit laundry and hardwood floors. Canine companions are welcome. (Take a look at the complete listing here .) 2520 South Blvd. Located at 2520 South Blvd., here's a 767-square-foot one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit that's listed for $1,658/month. In the residence, you'll find in-unit laundry, a walk-in closet and a balcony. Luckily for pet owners, both dogs and cats are allowed. (See the complete listing here .) 1010 Kenilworth Ave. Listed at $1,696/month, this 1,179-square-foot two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit is located at 1010 Kenilworth Ave. In the unit, expect to find hardwood floors, in-unit laundry and a walk-in closet. Luckily for pet owners, both dogs and cats are welcome. (See the complete listing here .) This story was created automatically using local real estate data from Zumper and Apartment Guide , then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


Google is starting to make it easier to find plumbers, locksmiths, cleaners, and other home service workers. It's rolling out a new type of search ad today that'll place listings for these services at the top of relevant search result pages, although only around the San Francisco Bay Area for now. The listings include a phone number for the business, customer ratings, basic details on their services, and a photo of someone who represents the company. The idea is that you can now just search for "lock repair" and immediately get a locksmith's number, rather than having to look through search results   or, you know, turn to another competitor like Amazon . But keep in mind that these aren't people working for Google, nor are they necessarily recommended by Google: these are paid ads for local companies. That said, Google does have a slight hand in curation here. Google requires that every company go through background checks, get properly licensed, and obtain insurance, according to The Wall Street Journal . Google will also use mystery shoppers to check in on their performance. The ads are only open to plumbers, locksmiths, cleaners, and handyworkers for now   and again, only in the San Francisco Bay Area   but this is also just the start of what appears to be a much larger effort from Google to compete with the many tech companies already in this space. Our own test, above, returned two results without customer ratings.


(Bloomberg) -- A Novartis AG unit that developed a breakthrough gene therapy knew about potential manipulation of animal testing data but failed to disclose it to regulators before the treatment was approved, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said. The Swiss drugmaker became aware of a data problem on March 14 but didn't alert the FDA for more than a month after the agency's May 24 approval of the drug. The therapy, called Zolgensma, is the most expensive medicine in the world, selling for $2.1 million. The company's actions are being assessed by the FDA and could lead to civil or criminal penalties, said Peter Marks, director of the agency's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. The drug will remain on the market. The data manipulation doesn't call into question the safety or effectiveness of Zolgensma, the FDA said. The therapy is approved for the treatment of children under age 2 with spinal muscular atrophy, a rare and deadly muscle-weakening disease. Novartis said it immediately initiated an investigation into allegations of data manipulation and shared its interim findings with the FDA and other regulators. The company said it stands behind the safety, quality and effectiveness of Zolgensma, and doesn't expect the issue to impact future regulatory filings or development programs for the medication. AveXis, the Novartis unit that developed Zolgensma, informed the FDA on June 28 that company personnel had manipulated data from product testing done in animals as part of the development of the company's manufacturing process. The information was intended to allow the company and regulators to compare a version of the therapy used in the initial studies of Zolgensma with an updated version administered in later-stage studies and toxicology reports. The manufacturing processes were different, so scientists were relying on animal tests to compare the properties of each formulation. There is no evidence any of the human study results were manipulated and only a tiny portion of the earlier data was flawed, Marks said in an interview. He said the agency likely wouldn't have approved Zolgensma when it did had it known about the issue at the time. While the flawed data may call into question some of the findings from the earliest human studies of Zolgensma, it should have no effect on later-stage studies that are producing evidence that the treatment can transform the lives of patients, he said. "We don't have any concern about the children who will go on to be treated," he said. "We would do a greater disservice by taking it off the market at this time." Novartis's American depositary receipts fell 2.8% in New York trading, the biggest single-day decline in 9 months. Data Review The agency completed an inspection of the company's data and manufacturing processes, reviewed a tremendous amount of data and fully discussed the details before taking action, Marks said. Wilson Bryan, director of the FDA's Office of Tissues and Advanced Therapies, passed on the admission from Novartis on July 1 and expressed concerns, according to an incident memo the agency posted Tuesday. FDA reviewers who approved Zolgensma then discussed the implications of the data manipulation for three days in July over an 11-day period. The FDA then sent two inspectors to AveXis's San Diego lab to review testing records. The inspectors were there from July 24 until Aug. 2, according to an inspection report. In the incident memo, Bryan wrote that there is compelling evidence of Zolgensma's effectiveness "based on the information available at this time." A full assessment of the impact of the data manipulation "may take at least several months," he wrote. (Adds Novartis comment in the fifth paragraph.) To contact the reporters on this story: Michelle Fay Cortez in Minneapolis at mcortez@bloomberg.net;Anna Edney in Washington at aedney@bloomberg.net To contact the editors responsible for this story: Drew Armstrong at darmstrong17@bloomberg.net, Timothy Annett, Mark Schoifet For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com ©2019 Bloomberg L.P.


LONDON -- Former world number one Karolina Pliskova served superbly to beat Hsieh Su-Wei 6-3 2-6 6-4 on Friday and reach the Wimbledon fourth round for the second time. Czech third seed Pliskova fired down 14 aces on Court One to counter the unorthodox Hsieh's fast feet and soft hands, securing victory in an hour and 46 minutes. "I thought my serve was amazing today... I'd love to call myself a specialist on grass," Pliskova said. "This year I'm doing better and I've made the second week. "On grass she's a very tough opponent, she's done a good job the past couple of months and I'm just super pleased that I've made it," added Pliskova, who lost to Hsieh in Dubai this year. "There's nobody like this playing any more in the draw so I think I'll feel much better in the next match after this test," Pliskova added. Both players started the opening set strongly before an unusually untidy game by world number 16 Hsieh allowed Pliskova to claim a break for a 5-3 lead. That was the opening the 27-year-old needed as she switched gears and closed out the set with her sixth ace. Hsieh responded with an early break in the second set to race 4-2 ahead and the 33-year-old Taiwanese saved four break points in the seventh game before taking the match into a decider. Pliskova, who beat last year's Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber in the Eastbourne final last week, put Hsieh on the back foot with searing groundstrokes early in the third set to break for a 3-1 lead. Appearing less rattled by Hsieh's variations as the match wore on, Pliskova staved off a late comeback attempt by Hsieh to close out victory. Up next for Pliskova is Czech compatriot Karolina Muchova who beat 20th seed Anett Kontaveit 7-6(7) 6-3. (Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru, editing by Ed Osmond) Related slideshow: Scenes from Wimbledon (Provided by imagn)


GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C. -- Two people were taken to the hospital after a crash in Guilford County Thursday night, according to troopers on the scene. The crash was reported at 9:23 p.m. in the 3500 block of Liberty Road, just outside the southeastern part of the Greensboro city limits. A male driver and female passenger were taken Moses Cone Hospital. There is no word on the extent of their injuries and their identities have not been released. Troopers suspect impairment may have played a roll in the crash. ___ (c)2019 WGHP-TV, Greensboro Visit WGHP-TV, Greensboro at www.myfox8.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


Save more money in retirement by reducing unnecessary expenses. From clothing, property taxes, and insurance to entertainment, licenses, and cultural experiences, learn how to save without feeling like you're sacrificing anything   including with discounts on everything from movies to classes at a local college. Paring Down Many people spend their entire adult lives looking forward to the freedom of retirement, yet when the time finally comes, saying goodbye to one's steady source of income can be scary. Whether you're already retired or just planning ahead , you can mitigate some of the financial worries by whittling down expenses with the following tips. Related: 30 Unexpectedly Awesome Places to Retire Across America Become a One-Car Household Many retired couples don't need the two cars they once did to commute to and from work. Selling a second vehicle can bring in several thousand dollars immediately, while also saving on car-note payments, insurance, and the next few years' maintenance costs . Related: 18 Popular Cars for Drivers Over 50 Utilize Public Transportation Another option: Retired couples can sell all their vehicles and rely on public transit, provided they live somewhere with enough coverage . There's almost always a senior discount for regional transit services in major urban areas   New York, for example, has a MetroCard for riders over 65 that charges less than half the standard fare. For longer distances, Amtrak has a senior discount of 10% on most rail fares on most of its trains. Take Advantage of Club Membership Discounts AARP is but one of many organizations seniors can join for a small fee to save bundles in the long term . A membership with AAA provides access to roadside assistance as well as discounts on car rental, vacations, dining, and other services. In addition to cheap bulk groceries and other goods, Costco also offers vacation and car rental deals. But don't spend money to join unless you know you'll actually use the discounts. Spend Less on Clothing No one dictates how you dress in retirement. Employees who spend hundreds each year maintaining a suitable wardrobe for work can finally stop spending money on clothes they may no longer want or need. Plus, ditching one's business wear may also mean never spending another cent at the dry cleaners. Consider a Less Expensive Life Insurance Policy The chief purpose of life insurance is to replace one's income to ensure the financial security of dependents in the event of a death. Since most retirees have no dependents or employment income, life insurance isn't necessary, except maybe to cover funeral costs. This requires only a small policy , instead of the bigger, more-expensive policies required pre-retirement. Save on Travel Expenses For many folks, retirement means traveling to make up for all the years spent working. Retirees can save on often-expensive travel costs by taking advantage of discounts for seniors on flights, hotels, car rentals, and cruises . Book lodging and tours in person or over the phone to inquire about senior discounts, or check AARP Travel for frequent deals on vacation packages and specific services. Save Money at National Parks America's many national parks make for awe-inspiring travel destinations, and they're especially affordable for seniors . Visitors 62 and older can buy an annual pass granting admission to the parks and several presidential homes for $20, or a lifetime pass for just $80   the price of an annual pass for younger visitors. Take Advantage of Discounts at Cultural Activities Most museums across the nation offer discounted ticket prices for seniors. Most movie theaters and repertory theaters do the same, making it easier for retirees to spend less while devoting more time to the arts. AARP members can enjoy a 25% savings on tickets at Regal cinemas . Enjoy Free or Low-Cost Educational Opportunities Every state has at least one institution offering free or reduced-cost classes for senior citizens , while 21 states have tuition waivers that eliminate the costs entirely for students 50 and older who meet certain requirements. Either way, it's surprisingly easy for seniors to find institutions across the nation where they can continue to learn and expand horizons into their golden years for free. Cook at Home More Often Being retired also means there's no need to buy takeout at lunchtime. In retirement, seniors can devote their days to picking up old hobbies or learning new ones. One of the most cost-effective and rewarding activities to take up would be cooking, since buying one's own groceries is much cheaper than paying for food at restaurants. Even brewing coffee at home instead of picking up Starbucks can save a small chunk of money each month. Note, too, though that many restaurants (including classics such as Denny's and IHOP) offer senior discounts. Manage and Reduce Debt Debt can follow one around their entire life. Don't let it keep happening in retirement, too. The wisest way to retire is debt- and mortgage-free, so no amount of retirement savings should be spent on paying off old possessions. Costs only accrue the longer one waits, so it's best to manage debts now to ensure a more financially stable retirement. Save on Property Taxes Every state has some sort of property-tax benefit for seniors , although the eligibility age varies. Several states have programs that freeze property taxes completely for seniors, and 10 limit how much a property's tax value can increase. Also, the homestead exemption can be larger when a homeowner reaches a certain age. (The larger the exemption, the lower the tax.) In Colorado, seniors 65 and older can exempt up to 50% of their residence's first $200,000 in value. Cut Down On or Eliminate Vices This can be a difficult one. A recent survey found more than half of Americans spend a lot of their money on " guilty pleasures " such as gambling, alcohol, tobacco, or fast food. Cutting down on one's vices   whether that means skipping the bar or just grilling a burger at home instead of ordering from McDonald's   is a surprisingly effective and healthy way to cut monthly expenditures. You may not even need them as much once relieved from the stresses of a 40-hour workweek. Ditch the Landline If yours is one of the few households that still contain a landline, retirement may finally be the time to eliminate this recurring expense once and for all. As long as you can get passable cellphone reception at home, there's no reason to spend anywhere from $15 to $75 on something as unnecessary as a home phone. Take Advantage of Senior Discounts for Cable Though they aren't always widely publicized, most cable companies provide special senior discounts that can be obtained by speaking with a company representative. Alternately, retirement could be the right time to cut the cord entirely , so you can spend less time and money on TV and more on other hobbies. Save on Health Insurance Costs Health insurance is one expense that can change dramatically when you retire, and being unaware of Medicare's rules is a serious pitfall to be avoided. One tip: Those who retire after age 65 can avoid spending extra by enrolling in Medicare within eight months of ending their employment. Otherwise, they risk losing eligibility and coverage, and face suffering up to a 10% late-enrollment penalty. Keep Your Car Insurance Rate Low Auto insurance rates are known to rise as drivers become less dependable in old age, but seniors can maintain or even lower their rates by inquiring about mature-driver discounts, which generally require attending defensive-driving courses. The courses can cost as little as $15 in some locations, but are good for three years and save an average $61 annually . Find Discounts on Recreational Licenses Most states make it easier for seniors to enjoy the outdoors by offering discounts on passes to state parks, in addition to hunting and fishing licenses. Check your state's policies to see whether these recreational licenses are cheaper for seniors or entirely free. Cut out the Gym Membership A gym membership can be a convenient way to keep in shape if hectic work hours leave little time to get outside. There's no excuse to keep paying monthly fees , however, once you have near-unlimited free time to walk, jog, or bike around the neighborhood   all rewarding, mostly free forms of outdoor exercise that do more to maintain mental and physical health than indoor workouts. Downsize Your Home Giving up a longtime home may be difficult , but downsizing from the old family abode to something more suitable in size will make an enormous dent in expenses by lowering monthly payments and maintenance costs. Selling old furniture can bring in money to cover moving expenses, and a smaller home in a more affordable area will also shave away property taxes.


Projected Bengals starters with 80.0+ graded seasons a year ago pic.twitter.com/FnQaEaW5pV - Pro Football Focus (@PFF) May 26, 2019 The Cincinnati Bengals have a tall task this offseason and into next year: retaining talent. As the graphic from Pro Football Focus above shows, two of their top four players in terms of 2018 grades are in contract years. Both come at wideout: A.J. Green and Tyler Boyd. Both come with complications, too. Green doesn't need an introduction, but recent health problems causing him to miss games are a concern when it comes to the next big contract. Boyd had a breakout year last season despite a litany of injuries to the roster and a bad line - but it's his only good year on record. And really, we could take this a step further. One of the other four players highlighted there, Andy Dalton, technically has two years left on his deal but needs an extension. But Mike Brown himself has confirmed next year is a prove-it year. These notables are also heading into contract years: Clint Boling Giovani Bernard Tyler Eifert Darqueze Dennard Nick Vigil It should go without saying, but the Bengals aren't going to be able to keep everyone. In a perfect world, the 2019 recap graphic will have guys like Jessie Bates, William Jackson and others highlighted, which would ease the burden of losing others to free agency. MORE: Steve Kerr's daughter wasn't impressed with his dad joke about Drake before NBA Finals Ahead of Finals, Stephen Curry defends Kevin Durant against critics Oshane Ximines named Giants' most dangerous new weapon Ndamukong Suh and Katya Leick Engaged in France Damon Harrison tired of repeated contract talks


NEW YORK (AP) With four wins in five days, the New York Mets are riding some momentum into the Subway Series. Noah Syndergaard allowed one hit over seven shutout innings, Todd Frazier homered and drove in four runs, and the Mets beat the Colorado Rockies 6-1 on Sunday for their 13th victory in 16 home games. Next stop, a trip to the Bronx for the first two matchups this season with the crosstown-rival New York Yankees. ''I'm stoked for it,'' rookie slugger Pete Alonso said. Nolan Arenado grounded a leadoff single through the right side in the second for Colorado's only hit until David Dahl doubled home a run with two outs in the ninth. Second baseman Adeiny Hechavarria ranged to his left and deflected Arenado's grounder as he tried to make a sliding play, but was unable to come up with the ball. That was all the Rockies mustered against Syndergaard (4-4). ''He was on. Fastball is 98, 99 with movement. We were late on that and then we try to kind of cheat to it or get to it and he throws the changeup or the curveball,'' Dahl said. ''He had everything working.'' And he was pitching with a lead. Frazier hit a three-run homer to left field in the first inning, tossing his lumber aside for flair. ''Yeah, that was one of those that you don't feel off the bat. One of those no-doubters,'' he said. ''I was excited.'' New York has homered in 16 straight home games, setting a club record. Frazier added an RBI double in the fifth off Jeff Hoffman (1-3). ''It's hard to put a number on how valuable he is to this team,'' Syndergaard said. ''Just from a talent perspective to a leadership perspective, the energy that he brings day in and day out. It's really a blessing to be his teammate.'' Carlos Gomez had a two-out RBI single in the fourth after Hechavarria swiped second, one of a season-best three stolen bases by the Mets - equaling their total from the previous 15 games. J.D. Davis chased Hoffman with his first career triple in the fifth, knocking in a run with a drive that eluded a diving Dahl in center field following a poor route. Making his 100th major league start, Syndergaard struck out seven and walked two for his first win in five starts since May 14. ''He was on cruise control ever since the first inning,'' Frazier said. Up and down during a disappointing season, Syndergaard was coming off three consecutive no-decisions. But he was finally at his fearsome best Sunday. ''He dominated,'' Davis said. ''It was pretty cool to watch.'' Syndergaard credited second-string catcher Tomas Nido and a mechanical tweak that made his four-seam fastball more deceptive. ''This is an encouraging outing, because that's a really good team over there,'' the right-hander said. Mets manager Mickey Callaway said Syndergaard was tired after throwing 98 pitches because he kept hustling to cover first base on grounders to the right side. ''Yeah, I got my sprints in today,'' the pitcher said. Jeurys Familia and Hector Santiago finished a two-hitter that took a tidy 2 hours, 32 minutes. New York won two of three against the Rockies to complete a 4-2 homestand. Colorado won 10 of 12 before dropping the final two games of the series. ''This one's on me. I didn't get off to a great start,'' said Hoffman, who grew up in Latham, New York, and had about 15 family members and friends in attendance. ''Maybe if I throw up a zero in that first inning, things are different. But I started slow and maybe some of that rubbed off on the offense.'' KINGS IN QUEENS New York (32-33) has won five straight home series and is 19-11 at Citi Field. TRAINER'S ROOM Mets: 2B Robinson Cano went back on the 10-day injured list with tightness in his left quadriceps, four days after returning to the lineup. The move is retroactive to Thursday, after Cano aggravated the injury Wednesday night in his first game since May 22. Right-handed reliever Tim Peterson was called up from Triple-A Syracuse. Cano said he's scheduled to begin a rehab assignment Tuesday with Syracuse or Double-A Binghamton. ... LF-INF Jeff McNeil received a scheduled rest. UP NEXT Rockies: RHP German Marquez (6-3, 4.07 ERA) pitches Monday night at home against RHP Yu Darvish (2-3, 4.88) and the Chicago Cubs. Marquez was tagged by the Cubs for eight runs and seven hits over 5 1/3 innings in a 9-8 loss Wednesday at Wrigley Field. Colorado has won 10 of his 14 starts this season and 13 of his past 16 at Coors Field since June 2018. Mets: LHP Jason Vargas (2-3, 3.57 ERA) starts the Subway Series opener Monday night in the Bronx against Yankees RHP Masahiro Tanaka (3-5, 3.42). Vargas pitched his first shutout in two years Wednesday against San Francisco. He struck out a season-high eight and threw 117 pitches - his most in five years. The 36-year-old Vargas has a 1.85 ERA in his last seven starts, but he's 0-7 with a 6.84 ERA against the Yankees. --- More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP-Sports


TORONTO   After trading some trash talk with Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson outside the Warriors' locker room Sunday night, Drake   the Grammy-winning rapper who moonlights as the Raptors' global ambassador   relented, telling Thompson, "You played nice tonight, by the way." "That was light work, too!" Thompson said with a grin. "You're lucky I popped my hammy." In just 32 minutes of Sunday's NBA Finals Game 2 win over the Raptors, Thompson scored a team-high 25 points, including 18 in the first half as the Warriors' attack sputtered around him. But the lasting image came early in the fourth quarter, when he limped toward the locker room with left hamstring tightness after landing awkwardly on a 3-point attempt. The prospect of Thompson missing Game 3 on Wednesday is scary for an already depleted Golden State team. Kevin Durant, out since May 8 with a strained right calf, has yet to get cleared for full-contact work and will need to practice before he's cleared to play a game. Kevon Looney's status for Game 3 is also in flux after he sustained a chest contusion in the second quarter of Game 2. As Sunday's first half illustrated, Thompson offers the Warriors a prolific scorer adept at helping overcome poor shooting stretches from Stephen Curry. Thompson is also one of Golden State's better defensive options on Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard. On the 25 possessions Sunday in which Leonard was guarded by Thompson, Leonard scored just five points on 1-for-3 shooting. Thompson was scheduled to undergo an MRI on Monday, which should help the Warriors better gauge his status for Game 3. What remains unquestioned is that Thompson, who still had a slight limp when leaving Scotiabank Arena on Sunday, will do everything in his power to be available. Asked for an update on Thompson, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said, "Klay said he'll be fine, but Klay could be half-dead and he would say he would be fine." This is nothing new. Thompson has demonstrated unparalleled toughness throughout his career, especially during the playoffs. Already the franchise's all-time leader in postseason games, Thompson has played 120 in a row. In the Warriors' series-clinching Game 5 win over Houston in the 2015 Western Conference finals, he was diagnosed with a concussion, only to return eight days later and log 39 minutes in the Warriors' Game 1 victory over Cleveland in the NBA Finals. In Game 1 of last spring's Finals, Thompson suffered a high left ankle sprain, which swelled up badly before Game 2. No matter. He helped power the Warriors to a win over the Cavaliers, scoring 24 points on 8-for-16 shooting. After being listed as "questionable" for Game 1 of last month's conference semifinals with a sprained right ankle, Thompson completed pregame agility tests as general manager Bob Myers anxiously watched nearby. In 41 minutes, Thompson was a stabilizing force, helping defend James Harden and chipping in 13 points. However, hamstring injuries can be trickier to play through than sprained ankles. The Warriors' training staff wants to guard against Thompson straining or tearing it again. Much like the calf injury that has sidelined Durant seven games, Thompson's hamstring injury must heal before he will be cleared to play. Dr. Rick Celebrini , Golden State's director of sports medicine and performance, was to spend Monday and Tuesday trying to decipher the severity of Thompson's tweaked hamstring. When discussing the injury with Thompson, Celebrini is well-aware of his patient's tendency to downplay the pain he feels. Although Klay   the son of former NBA big man Mychal Thompson   grew up in the suburbs of Portland, Ore., and Orange County, he has built a reputation as one of the league's toughest players. His 615 games played since the start of the 2011-12 season are second in the NBA to Knicks center DeAndre Jordan's 616. Toward the end of Thompson's third season, when he missed a game against Cleveland to attend his grandfather's funeral, he ended the league's second-longest active games-played streak at 214 games. It was the longest such streak to start a career in Warriors history. The first game Thompson missed because of injury since middle school was eight months later, when he was ruled out for a loss in Phoenix with a strained right hand. Forty-eight hours after watching that defeat to the Suns, Thompson re-entered the lineup, scoring 29 points in a loss to San Antonio. When Thompson fractured his right thumb in a mid-March game last season, the Warriors' training staff suggested he sit out until the playoffs. Instead, Thompson finished the game, returning to the lineup eight games later. No one played more games for Golden State this season than Thompson, who sat out once with an undisclosed illness and three times with a sore right knee. It marked the sixth time in eight NBA seasons that he appeared in at least 77 of a possible 82 regular-season games. Such durability has made it easy to forget that the Warriors have long lacked a reliable backup shooting guard. If Thompson is ruled out of Game 3, Quinn Cook   more point guard than two-guard   might have to fill in for him. Rookie Jacob Evans III, who spent much of the season in the G League, would also be poised for more minutes. "I think I'll be all right," Thompson told The Athletic. "It's the freaking Finals, man." Connor Letourneau is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: cletourneau@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Con_Chron Related slideshow: Best of the NBA Finals (Provided by imagn)


The Rays remain engaged with the Giants in trade talks regarding San Francisco relievers, according to MLB.com's Jon Morosi . Prior reports have connected the clubs on pitching, though the circumstances have since changed for both organizations. While the Giants are increasingly a threat to hold pat, owing to a still-ongoing surge, the club continues to discuss sell-side or repositioning swaps with other organizations. The San Francisco organization is facing a tough position with only the Wild Card in play. Down in Tampa Bay, the movement has been in the opposite direction but the outlook is generally not all that different. The Rays have long since given back the nice lead they staked out in the AL East and will face a tough test just to snag a Wild Card. Given the respective situations, it's an intriguing to wonder whether the teams could find common ground on a swap that isn't a strict "buy" or "sell" for either side. The Giants could relievers to give while their position-player mix (especially in the infield) isn't exactly laden with sure things. On the other side, the Rays continue to look into pitching while thinking about how best to take advantage of an infield overload. The Rays' abundance of infielders at and near the MLB level   with former Giants third baseman Matt Duffy potentially among them if he can finally wrap up his rehab   creates both opportunity and 40-man roster pressure. (That's not to say that Duffy is a possible trade piece. Morosi mentions Joey Wendle and Michael Brosseau, though only speculatively.) Of course, the depth situation can all change in an instant. The Rays are still waiting to learn more about the status of Yandy Diaz after he fouled a ball off his foot last night. It's not really evident at this point precisely which players have been chatted about between the San Francisco and Tampa Bay orgs. Frankly, it's possible to imagine quite a few different scenarios that might conceivably be of interest. There's also still a chance that the course of play over the next week will shift the Giants into a selling stance, or even push the Rays away from a buying approach. If both teams attempt to chart a middle course, though, they could make for an interesting match.


Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer warned after Sunday's pathetic 1-1 draw against a poor Huddersfield team relegated weeks ago that some players may have already played their last game for the club ahead of a potential summer rebuild. "I can't talk about individuals now but there's a chance you've seen the last of players anyway," the Norwegian explained after the final whistle, with the result confirming that United will not finish in the Premier League top four and miss out on Champions League football next season. It also means that, ahead of facing Cardiff on the final day of the season, United have picked up just eight measly points from their last eight Premier League games. From successfully bridging the 11-point gap to the top four when Solskjaer first took over, to falling to pieces as soon as it became clear the interim boss would be appointed permanently, the Norwegian has been badly let down in recent weeks by an underperforming group of players. Several don't look as though they want to be there, while others simply aren't good enough. With just one game of the season to go and nothing left to play for, Solskjaer might as well be ruthless in his team selection for Cardiff, ignore those he has earmarked for departure and hand opportunities to hungry youth team graduates eager to impress. It is something Solskjaer resisted when he started Alexis Sanchez against Huddersfield, only to replace the Chilean flop with Tahith Chong. The boss did, however, drop Anthony Martial, a player rumoured to running out of time at Old Trafford because of a poor attitude in training. Given that the first team have been so very poor since March, why shouldn't the likes of Chong, Angel Gomes, James Garner, Mason Greenwood and perhaps one or two others not be involved, potentially even from the start, against Cardiff? Pinpoint precision from the #PL2 Player of the Month for April! 🎯 pic.twitter.com/vvszqccwvW   Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 7, 2019 Solskjaer has certainly shown he is prepared to give youth a chance this season after using all four of those players at various points since he took over in December. And, at this stage of the campaign, what have United possibly got to lose? Wholesale changes in favour of youth players is not something that has been unheard of in recent seasons at United. Jose Mourinho started with six academy players on the final day of the 2016/17 campaign, albeit for different reasons, while Gomes was handed a debut from the bench. The Portuguese, who was saving his senior stars for the Europa League final, was rewarded when Josh Harrop scored inside just 15 minutes - his only senior appearance for the club before opting to join Preston a few weeks later - with United eventually wining the game 2-0. This weekend could provide Solskjaer with the perfect opportunity to do the same.


Hillary Clinton's brother Tony Rodham has died, the former Democratic presidential candidate announced Saturday on Twitter. "We lost my brother Tony last night. It's hard to find words, my mind is flooded with memories of him today," she tweeted . "When he walked into a room he'd light it up with laughter. He was kind, generous, & a wonderful husband to Megan & father to Zach, Simon, & Fiona. We'll miss him very much." Rodham was Clinton's youngest brother, and was previously married to former Sen. Barbara Boxer's daughter Nicole Boxer. This story is breaking and will be updated.


Here is a look at scores, statistics and rankings from the week in golf: PGA Tour RBC Canadian Open Hamilton Golf & Country Club, Ancaster, Ontario, June 6-9 Winner: Rory McIlroy | Full results | Money • • • LPGA Shoprite LPGA Classic Seaview Hotel and Golf Club (Bay Course), Galloway, NJ, June 7-9 Winner: Lexi Thompson | Full results • • • European Tour GolfSixes Cascais Oitavos Dunes, Cascais, Portugal, June 6-9 Winner: Thailand (Thongchai Jaidee and Phachara Khongwatmai) | Full results • • • Web.com Tour BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by SYNNEX Corp. Thornblade Club, Greer, South Carolina, June 6-9 Winner: Rhein Gibson | Full results • • • PGA Tour Champions Japan Airlines Championship Narita Golf Club, Chiba, Japan, June 7-9 Winner: Scott McCarron | Full results • • • Standings FedEx Cup standings (PGA Tour) Race To Dubai (European Tour) Race To The CME Globe (LPGA) • • • Money leaders PGA Tour European Tour Web.com Tour LPGA • • • Rankings Official World Golf Ranking Rolex Rankings Golfweek/Sagarin rankings World Amateur Golf Ranking https://compass.pressekompass.net/compasses/golfweek/how-much-would-you-pay-to-play-pebble-be MORE: NHL fans weren't impressed with Mike Milbury's questions for Pam from 'The Office' Bears believe Clinton-Dix is an upgrade over Amos Sleeping on Patriots WR Demaryius Thomas would be a huge mistake Could Titans CB Malcolm Butler join the Rams? Questions your athlete should ask college coaches


RALEIGH, N.C.   The formerly secret files of the man who drew North Carolina's political districts before he died can be used in court by the people challenging his maps for being unconstitutional gerrymanders. A trial in the gerrymandering case is scheduled to begin on Monday, so the Friday afternoon decision by the trio of judges who will be hearing the case came at nearly the last minute. There had been a question of whether the introduction of the files   which likely contain thousands of pages of documents   could postpone the trial, but the judges did not do so Friday. The trial in Wake County will test whether Republican lawmakers violated the North Carolina Constitution in drawing state House and Senate districts. GOP legislative leaders had fought for the files to be kept out of court. But the judges ruled that the people who are suing   who include some individual voters as well as the North Carolina Democratic Party and the nonprofit group Common Cause   could use at least some of the files from the late mapmaker, Thomas Hofeller. On Friday a spokesman for Republican Senate Leader Phil Berger downplayed the ruling. "The Hofeller files have always been a sideshow intended to distract from the Plaintiffs' weak case," Berger spokesman Pat Ryan said in an email. "Here's what the 35 files show: the Hofeller play maps are more similar to what Common Cause submitted to the federal court in 2017 than the maps enacted by the legislature." The 'play maps' phrase references the GOP argument that the maps in Hofeller's files merely reflect a hobby he was pursuing in his free time   not anything he was doing on official business. That argument could be a major part of the case, since the challengers claim Hofeller's files will show he was improperly using racial data in secret to inform the maps he later drew for the legislature, which were not allowed to use racial data. This case is different from the case in federal court, which ended last month when the U.S. Supreme Court declined to strike down North Carolina's districts for the U.S. House of Representatives. That was a high-profile win for Republican legislative leaders, although it only applied to the state's congressional seats. This case could have a broader impact since it applies to the state legislature. If Republicans lose, they could be forced to redraw the lines, in a way that might be more favorable to Democrats, before the 2020 elections. Under current state law, whichever party controls the legislature after the 2020 elections will be in charge of the next round of redistricting, which will begin in 2021 based on the results of the 2020 Census. Hofeller's files have also played a role in another high-profile legal case, related to the Census and the motivation behind the Trump administration's attempts to add a question about people's citizenship to the Census. The files in that case, this case and others all came to light following Hofeller's death in 2017, when his daughter gave his files to Common Cause. His business partner, as well as GOP leaders in the state legislature who hired Hofeller to draw the districts, said Hofeller's files didn't rightfully belong to his daughter, Stephanie Hofeller, who had been estranged from her parents. But Common Cause argued that the documents should have been made available to the general public years ago, after the legislature approved Hofeller's maps, and therefore should be allowed in the case now that they have come to light. The judges agreed, writing that "the documents likely fall under the public record designation." The judges did note several questions Republican lawmakers raised, including whether the files had been altered or whether the lawyers for the other side committed ethical breaches in getting the files in the first place. But they ruled that there's no evidence of any alterations to these files at this point, and that if the lawmakers want to file ethics complaints against the other lawyers, they can. None of that affects whether these records should be public or not, the judges ruled. "The Court's primary objective at this stage in the litigation is to ensure that documents necessary for the administration of justice in this case are made available," the judges' ruling said. "The Court is satisfied that such documents have been identified, that all parties have agreed that those documents are not subject to any assertions of privilege, and that the documents likely fall under the public record designation." That doesn't mean the public will get to see all of Hofeller's files immediately. There are an estimated 75,000 files in question, and Common Cause asked to be able to use just 35 of them in the trial. Friday's ruling only applies to those 35. The judges' ruling made the rest of the files confidential until at least Sept. 10, to give Hofeller's business time to go through the files and figure out which should remain confidential. And the ruling Friday wasn't entirely in favor of the Democrats and Common Cause. Republican lawmakers got some wins as well, as the judges refused to bar evidence that Republicans say shows they complied with the Voting Rights Act and refused the plaintiffs' request to block GOP lawmakers from testifying.     ©2019 The News & Observer (Raleigh, N.C.) Visit The News & Observer (Raleigh, N.C.) at www.newsobserver.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


One thing is for certain, the New York Jets may not win a lot, however, they certainly keep things interesting and intriguing. Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio is reporting Gang Green is targeting Peyton Manning for its GM gig. You know, the one that opened this week when Mike Maccagnan was fired after hiring Adam Gase as the team's head coach and spending tens of millions on free agents. Per Florio: Rumors are flying within league circles that the Jets may make a run at the future Hall of Fame quarterback who has periodically been linked to NFL management possibilities. And Gase, who worked with Manning in Denver, possibly would be one of the few guys who could draw Manning back into football. In the short run, Gase, who had an unsuccessful run in Miami has head coach, wears the crown of interim GM along with head coach. Gase and Manning are connected from their time in Denver. Gase was offensive QB coach and offensive coordinator from 2010-2014. Manning finished his elite career with the Broncos from 2012-15. Manning, of course, has all sorts of other interests and business endeavors. Whether he would have enough time or interest in such an opportunity remains a mystery. Then again, this could be the Jets' way of trying to get a Manning into MetLife Stadium. You know, figuring he has two Super Bowl rings along with his brother, Eli, who is a co-tenant at the venue as quarterback of the Giants and also has two championship rings. If Manning takes the gig, he might want to keep an eye on this freshman HS phenom for seven or eight years up the road. Arch Manning made his debut for the Newman varsity last night against Shaw. Manning threw 3 TD's in the contest, two caught by @Jmsj_1 . The 6'1" QB will be a freshman this fall for the Greenies. @FOX8NOLA pic.twitter.com/wdieQLZZ9p - Garland Gillen (@garlandgillen) May 18, 2019 MORE: 2019 Preakness Stakes post positions and odds Did the Raiders steal the best fullback in the 2019 NFL draft? Don't expect Browns to use more than 2 LBs very often Teams are 'a great deal more wary' about signing Kyrie Irving NBA Free Agency 2019: The top players


NEW YORK, NY   Forget the swampy southern states   New York City is one of the most mosquito-blighted parts of the U.S., according to pest control company Orkin. The city is second only to Atlanta. The findings were based on the number of customers who called out the company to deal with the bloodsucking insects between April 1, 2018 and March 31, 2019. Atlanta earned the miserable honor of worst city for mosquitoes for the sixth consecutive year. Here are the 10 worst cities for mosquitoes according to Orkin: 1. Atlanta, GA 2. New York City, NY 3. Washington, D.C 4. Chicago, IL 5. Houston, TX 6. Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX 7. Detroit, MI 8. Philadelphia, PA 9. Charlotte, NC 10. Raleigh-Durham, NC Mosquito season begins when spring temperatures arrive, Orkin said. The pests are most active when temperatures climb above 80 degrees, with their numbers really increasing from July through September. Along with irritating bites, mosquitoes can also be a serious health threat. New York City records cases of West Nile Virus almost every year. Most people infected by the disease that's spread by the insects have no symptoms, but carriers can suffer fever, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue and even death. To prevent mosquito bites, the Centers for Disease Control suggests using insect repellent that contain DEET, picaridin, ir3535, lemon eucalyptus oil, para-menthane-diol or 2-undecanone. Other options include wearing long sleeves and pants or using air-conditioning or window and door screens. It's important to also deal with standing water, which is what the insects breed in. "Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out containers that hold water," the CDC said. This includes vases, pet water bowls, flowerpot saucers, discarded tires, buckets, pool covers, birdbaths, trash cans and rain barrels.


Terrible news from Miami, where Dolphins defensive lineman Kendrick Norton was involved in an auto accident early Thursday morning that resulted in the amputation of his left arm. The report was confirmed by Norton's agent, Malki Kawa. With sadness, I can confirm that Kendrick Norton was in a car accident last night and suffered multiple injuries, including the amputation of his arm. We ask that you continue to pray for him. His family also asks that the public respect Kendrick's privacy. - malki kawa (@malkikawa) July 4, 2019 According to the Miami Herald , Florida Highway Patrol said Norton's 2017 Ford F250 was headed west on the Dolphin Expressway at about 1:18 a.m. when it hit a concrete barrier. A friend of Norton's said that his vehicle was cut off before it flipped, landing on its roof. First responders had to amputate Norton's arm to remove him from the crash. Norton was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital with injuries that were reportedly not life-threatening. The Herald reported that Jackson was bleeding from the back of his head. "We were made aware this morning of a serious car accident involving Kendrick Norton," the Dolphins said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Kendrick and his family during this time." A Miami alum, Norton was selected in the seventh round of the 2018 draft by the Panthers and was signed by the Dolphins last December off Carolina's practice squad. At 6 feet 3 and 314 pounds, Norton was known during his time at Miami as a defensive tackle who could soak up blocks and bring power to the game. In three years with the Hurricanes, Norton tallied 45 solo tackles, 39 assists, 18 tackles for loss, five sacks, one pass defensed and one forced fumble. Norton turned 22 years old on June 7. MORE: Clippers guard Patrick Beverley casually owns a Lakers fan on Twitter News: Cowboys who could be traded, triple-threat WRs, Eric Berry talk Za'Darius Smith could make Packers defense nasty on third down Kyle Caskey is the X-factor to the Lions running game 2019 NBA Summer League Rosters


Training camp is near for the Chargers and fans are able to attend 15 public practices (including two joint practices with the Saints and one with the Rams) at Jack Hammett Sports Complex in Costa Mesa, CA. Find out what you should know before you go: 1. Where are the open practices? All practices at Jack Hammett Sports Complex in Costa Mesa, CA are open to the public and free-of-charge with the exception of the one practice on Tuesday Aug. 6, which will be VIP/Season Ticket Members Only. Bleacher seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. 2. When are open practices? Practices begin at 10 a.m. However, the night practice on Monday Aug. 12 will start at 7 p.m. 3. How much does to cost to attend? Training camp is free to the public. Concessions will be available for purchase. 4. Where is parking available? Parking is available at Gate 3 at the Fairgrounds. Gate 3 is accessible via Fairview Road. There will be no parking in the neighborhoods. There will be bike racks at camp and a rideshare pick-up/drop-off point at Merriman Way and Fairview Road. 5. Where can I get players' autographs? Some players may be available after practice pending on the team's schedule. 6. Can I bring my camera? Fans are welcome to bring personal cameras and cell phones, but video cameras and telephoto lenses longer than six inches (detachable or non-detachable) are not allowed. 7. What else can I bring in? Bags will be checked upon arrival to camp. Fans may bring their own food, water and soft drinks, however alcoholic beverages may not be brought into Jack Hammett Sports Complex at any time. Smoking is not allowed. Other items that are allowed include hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, small coolers, binoculars, strollers. 8. Are there accommodations for those with special needs? The Chargers official website says that there will be ADA spaces available at Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, Orange Coast College and Gate 3 for individuals with a properly issued disabled parking permit. Once you enter Jack Hammett, there will be an ADA path that will lead you to a ramp to get to the bleachers. From there, ADA patrons will have a specific section in the lower level of the bleachers to sit. 9. Will the Chargers merchandise be available? Yes, there will be a merchandise tent located on site. 10. What else is there to do in Costa Mesa besides Training Camp? The OC Fair & Event will be going down from July 12-Aug. 11, which will be host for over 150 events. A couple options for dining include La Vida Cantina and The Triangle. Feel like bowling? Tavern + Bowl is a great spot, which includes a full restaurant and bar, along with a number of HD flat screen televisions. MORE: Francisco Lindor's one-handed HR should be evidence of MLB's juiced baseballs Phil Simms: 'Multiple' teams were set to take Daniel Jones before No. 17 Report: Eric Dickerson says big-name HOFers may boycott 2019 ceremony 5 possible landing spots for former Cowboys WR Dez Bryant Jordan Poole expected to be drafted by Spurs, not by Warriors


When the Bears traded up 14 spots to select Iowa State running back David Montgomery in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the belief was that they had found the perfect running back for Matt Nagy's offense. After all, this is a running back built similarly to Jordan Howard that wasn't confined to his skillset. His versatility as a three-down back coupled with his receiving skill set makes him a viable threat in the Bears' offense. Matt Bowen recently compiled a list of 15 rookies that landed with the perfect team - using stat projections from Mike Clay - and it's no surprise that Montgomery made the list. Clay's 2019 projections: 215 carries for 950 yards and six TDs; 35 receptions for 296 yards and one TD Montgomery is a part of a new backfield rotation in Chicago after the Bears traded Jordan Howard before the draft. Along with free-agent signing Mike Davis and the electrifying versatility of Tarik Cohen, Montgomery brings three-down upside and a pro-running style to Matt Nagy's system. With Montgomery's contact balance and short-area wiggle to slip defenders, I expect him to see steady volume in 2019. He's a fit to find daylight on inside-zone schemes, and he can also release as a receiver on swings, screens and unders. Montgomery could also quickly emerge as the top back in the tight red zone, getting carries in scoring situations. The expectation is for Montgomery to see a bulk of the carries in a Bears backfield that also boasts Tarik Cohen and Mike Davis. During the 2018 regular season, Howard had 250 carries for the Bears, which is a good indicator of the carries that Montgomery could see as the featured back. MORE: This photo of Kyler Murray led to more speculation about his height Patriots will prove Super Bowl LIII shutdown defense was no fluke Roundup: Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost Engaged, Robert F. Smith Pays Off Morehouse Student Loans NCSA: Five common recruiting myths Breaking down Darnell Savage's skill set and fit in Packers defense


This aired on the KTLA 5 Morning News at 11 on July 20, 2019.


The New York Mets have issued discipline to both manager Mickey Callaway and pitcher Jason Vargas after both men were involved in a verbal altercation with a reporter, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen said the team decided to fine both Callaway and Vargas for their actions . Van Wagenen said the confrontation with the reporter was "disappointing" and "regrettable," according to DiComo. Callaway and Vargas will not be suspended by the Mets. Van Wagenen does not expect Major League Baseball to step in and issue further discipline . Callaway and Vargas both got into it with a reporter following Sunday's loss to the Chicago Cubs. After the game, a reporter told Callaway he would see him tomorrow. Callaway interpreted that as sarcasm, and said, "Don't be a smartass, motherf-----." Vargas then had a stare down with that reporter before saying, "I'll knock you the f--- out, bro." Both Van Wagenen and Callaway spoke about the incident Monday. While Van Wagenen admitted " frustrations are high ," Callaway declined to give his side of the story. "It was a misunderstanding, obviously," Mickey Callaway said of his role in last night's clubhouse altercation. pic.twitter.com/IisUOxEJu4   Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) June 24, 2019 Callaway also said at least he wasn't as bad as Billy Martin. "Billy Martin punched a reporter one time...I'm a passionate guy about baseball, I'm a tough competitor" - Mickey Callaway pic.twitter.com/GOz6UFml7H   SNY (@SNYtv) June 24, 2019 In a Metsian twist, that wasn't the end of the story. Callaway wound up calling reporters back into the clubhouse to address the situation later. This time around, Callaway said he apologized to the reporter and said he's "not proud of" everything that has happened. Here is Mickey Callaway's readdress of his address. He now says he apologized to the reporter he accosted at Wrigley Field, and regrets his actions. He did not take further questions. pic.twitter.com/v8vhoV66Kg   Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) June 24, 2019 The 44-year-old Callaway is in the middle of his second season managing the Mets. He's compiled a 114-126 record. As the Mets have plummeted down the National League East, calls for Callaway's job have increased. The team sits at just 37-41. Vargas, 36, has a 3.75 ERA over 60 innings. After a rough start, Vargas has pitched better lately. He has a 2.72 ERA in his past seven games.     Chris Cwik is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at christophercwik@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik More from Yahoo Sports: Sources: Kawhi to become free agent; Raptors favorite Paul denies trade request: 'Happy' to stay in Houston After profane tirade, Mets have to fire manager Callaway France beats Brazil, keeps possibility of dream QF alive