PHILADELPHIA (CBS)   Four police cars were damaged after hundreds of teens and young adults assembled in North Philadelphia Sunday night. The police department put out a citywide assist call for all available officers just before 11:30 p.m. for reports of a massive crowd of young people gathered near the intersection of N. Sydenham and W. Jefferson Streets. "Anywhere from 800 to 1,000. There were a lot of young adults out here tonight," said Chief Inspector Joel Dales. 4 @phillypolice cars damaged after 800-1000 young ppl gathered near Sydenham & Jefferson in #NorthPhilly just before 11:30pm Sun. No arrests, injuries or damage to businesses. Police are looking for surveillance video to ID vandals. Instagram post of "free party" prompted crowds. pic.twitter.com/HHYvmRVatH   Trang Do (@TrangDoCBS3) July 1, 2019 Before officers arrived, neighbors described mayhem. Rachel Williams watched helplessly as a dozen teens climbed onto her car. "Twelve kids were like dancing and twerking and going insane on top of my car, as well as just everywhere," she said. A man named Aaron who was there said it started out as a regular cookout right around 5 or 6 p.m., but that things escalated by nightfall when several people shared the location on Snapchat. "They had a tent with a DJ popped up and everything like that. They had alcohol, jungle juice going up, but honestly, obviously, I didn't set it up but there was a lot of really, really young children here that probably shouldn't have been messing around with any of this," said Aaron, who withheld his last name. Police say members of the group damaged four patrol cars, bashing in hoods, busting windshields and breaking off side mirrors. "We had no information whatsoever giving us a warning being that these kids were going to gather out here," Dales said. Investigators later learned the gathering started out as a cookout. A message went out on Instagram about a "free party," which brought hundreds of young people to the area. Despite some chaotic moments, Dales said officers got a handle on the situation quickly. "The officers did a great job responding, they got the situation under control quickly and again they were able to protect the businesses and no injuries to adults nor injuries to the young adults," he said. Police did not make any arrests, though investigators are looking for surveillance video in hopes of identifying those responsible for vandalizing the patrol cars.


Gender reveals are all the rage right now. We're sure someone you know a co-worker, a cousin or even just a random person you watched pop a balloon followed by loud yelling and shrieking on social media has posted one of these videos, announcing the gender of their baby. These videos come in all forms, and as people in 2019 do, everybody must one-up the next person by coming with some outrageous, unique way to create one of these videos. Thanks to the PGA Tour and Dustin Johnson, a soon-to-be father and mother at this week's Rocket Mortgage Classic have a video to post on social media that'll make their entire network of people jealous. In fact, they don't even have to post the video themselves, because now the PGA Tour's social media channels , with millions of followers each on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, everyone will see the video posted of them on Wednesday. Dustin Johnson, the heavy favorite at this week's tour stop in Detroit , made this couple's video as unique as could be. Here it is: https://twitter.com/PGATOUR/status/1143972200174649344 It's not the first time this season a PGA Tour pro has helped a group of fans with a huge life event. At the Wells Fargo this year, Justin Thomas helped a golf fan propose to his fiancée at Quail Hollow . We're not sure how this all came together, either it seemed like the father and mother both were equally surprised Dustin Johnson came up to them and did it. But either way, a good job by all. Good on DJ to help this couple out and he was the perfect candidate for this, being a father himself. RELATED: Ranking the best of the best among the PGA Tour's content kings Check out Golf Digest Schools for the best in video golf instruction WATCH: GOLF DIGEST VIDEOS See the video. How an Ex-NBA Star Helped Gary Woodland Win the U.S. Open


BOSTON   After the Big Dig-out, it's time for the Big Payout. Or will it be the Big Denial? New England's epic winter is on pace to produce a corresponding number of claims as thousands of homeowners seek to repair damage. Successive storms dumped 110 inches of snowfall in Boston alone, a record for an entire season. "It's a part-time job just to navigate it all," says Cathy Schwarz, a Plymouth resident who is working with her insurer and repair companies after rooftop ice dams caused leaks in her house. "Everybody says you'll get through this, but all I can see is a house that's just not livable right now." The winter was so unusually severe that governors across the six-state region have requested or are in the process of requesting federal disaster relief to help state and local governments pay for snow removal and other costs. The requests, however, would not cover home or private property damage. Local insurance agents and public adjusters   firms that help homeowners navigate the claim process   say they've been swamped with inquiries. They urge homeowners to be patient. A high volume of claims means insurance companies will need more time to process and finalize payments. Homeowners might also run into trouble securing contractors to do repair work because of high demand. "It's going to seem like the winter that does not want to end," says Marc Baron, a partner at the New England Adjustment Company in Massachusetts. "This work is going to go on well into the summer." Some property owners are already bracing for paying costs out of pocket. "I'm sure I'll have to put some money up," says Daniel Alperin, a homeowner in Newton who is working with his insurance company after ice dams damaged at least four rooms in his house. "Obviously their job is to protect their interests, so it's a negotiating game, like anything else." Others remain hopeful. "We're hoping we hear positively from our insurance company and that the majority is covered," says the Rev. Patricia Miller Fernandes at Worcester's Epworth United Methodist Church, which suffered roof damage that could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. "That's why we pay them every year, after all." Schwarz, the Plymouth homeowner, says she's moving ahead with repair work while she awaits the final verdict from her insurer. Workers have been tearing up water-damaged walls, ceilings and floors in about eight rooms in her house. The family is hoping insurance will also pay to relocate them elsewhere during the repairs. "It's been such a nightmare dealing with what we're dealing with that I haven't had the time to read the fine print," Schwarz says when asked whether she's concerned insurance won't cover most of the expenses. "But it's crossed my mind. If it happened, it would be horrific. We don't have that sort of money to restore our home." Jeanne Salvatore, spokesman for the Insurance Information Institute, a New York-based industry group, says most homeowners shouldn't have reason to worry. "The good news is that a lot of winter-related damage is covered by standard auto and home policies, whether its burst pipes or ice dams or fallen trees or limbs," she said. "All of this is covered." What's generally not covered are problems that could have been prevented if homeowners had taken "reasonable steps" to mitigate them, such as addressing a water leak before it gets too big or spreads to other rooms, Salvatore says. Flooding caused by melting snows is also not covered by typical homeowner's insurance, she added. That requires special flood insurance. Industry watchers caution that it's not so simple. "Some of the very large, national firms are definitely conducting business as usual," says Baron, the public insurance adjuster. "They're looking for ways to minimize payments and to potentially deny claims based upon the fact they there was wear and tear over time." William Swymer, an insurance expert that lectures at Bentley University in Waltham, says insurers will be taking a hard look at claims dealing with personal property within the home. "Those claims will be fought harder. It's going to have to be really obvious," he says. But Swymer did not expect insurance companies would be rejecting claims outright. "To start denying a lot of claims would generate a lot of bad publicity," he said. The trade-off? Swymer says customers might see higher insurance rates in the coming year.


There's a place for innovation in this royal & ancient game. The European Tour is proving that on a consistent basis. Last week's GolfSixes Cascais finished with a closest to the pin contest. Competitors hit tee shots over a swimming pool from a tee near a bar and lounge area for spectators. Thailand's Phachara Khongwatmai did it better than Englishman Paul Waring to see Thailand prevail. And to think the Open Championship once insisted on a 36-hole playoff. Two weeks ago, the Made in Denmark featured a tee in a beer tent, with players walking through the beer tent from the 13 th green. You won't see that at this week's U.S. Open or at next month's Open Championship. Yet golf's authorities are starting to take notice. We could see players in shorts during practice rounds in the Open Championship at Royal Portrush. The R&A is following the example the European Tour started back in 2016 during the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship. And why not? The world didn't end when Euro Tour players started baring their legs. The game didn't collapse. No one blinked an eye. We now take it for granted players will tee it up in shorts during practice rounds on the Euro Tour. It didn't take the rest of golf long to respond. The PGA Championship allowed shorts in practice rounds beginning in 2017. The PGA Tour adopted the policy in February. Why players can't wear shorts in competitive rounds is beyond me, but it can't be far away. Nor should it. After all, golf club members have been wearing shorts in competitive rounds for years. The game owes European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley a debt of gratitude for having the gumption to shake things up. Pelley didn't just bare players' legs to the general public. He backed music on the driving range at Abu Dhabi and allowed them a playlist to herald them onto the first tee. He was the main driver of innovative tournaments like the GolfSixes, ShotClock Masters and Belgian Knockout. He's beefed up the Tour's social media department, encouraging it to produce content to try to encourage youngsters to the game. It's been a huge success, generating millions of hits. Thailand win the #GolfSixes ! pic.twitter.com/K538Zyqcus - The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) June 8, 2019 As Pelley's repeated many times since taking office in 2014, he believes the European Tour is in the entertainment business. "Content is king" is his mantra, which is why he's such a huge believer in innovation. "Innovation is one of our central pillars," Pelley wrote on the Euro Tour website last week. "It drives our content, our use of technology and our introduction of different formats. In a crowded marketplace, this positioning has resonance with our partners, our broadcasters, but also increasingly with how fans view the European Tour as a brand. "The prolificacy of consumer choice is why innovation is essential. Fail to innovate and you simply risk being left behind or crowded out." He's right. Traditionalists might bristle at the idea of a closest to the pin playoff, or grown men showing their calves. However, Pelley's not trying to reach that audience. They are already well served with traditional forms of golf. Goodness knows there is enough 72-hole stroke play golf played throughout the year. There is plenty of room for something a little different. "I've had a great week," said Waring, despite losing the GolfSixes final. "I've really enjoyed myself and I'd love to play again next year. It's such a stressful season; we take everything so seriously, so it's nice to come out and have a bit of fun." Fun? Isn't that whole point of this stick and ball game? For many years you wouldn't know it. Not with so many golf clubs having rules and regulations invented in the dark ages that stifled innovation and closed the door on potential players who saw the game as just too staid and traditional. 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


Looking to satisfy your appetite for Japanese fare? Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top Japanese spots around San Antonio, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best spots to achieve your dreams. 1. Goro's Sushi Topping the list is Goro's Sushi . Located at 2619 Mossrock Drive, the sushi bar and Japanese spot is the highest-rated Japanese restaurant in San Antonio, boasting four stars out of 294 reviews on Yelp. 2. Sushi Seven Sonterra-Stone Oak's Sushi Seven , located at 19141 Stone Oak Parkway, Suite 507, is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the sushi bar, Japanese and Mexican spot 4.5 stars out of 153 reviews. 3. Wild Goji Restaurant & Bar Wild Goji Restaurant & Bar , a sushi bar and Asian fusion spot, is another much-loved go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 703 Yelp reviews. Head over to 7115 Blanco Road, Suite 110, to see for yourself. 4. Sushi Express Check out Sushi Express , which has earned 4.5 stars out of 280 reviews on Yelp. You can find the sushi bar, Korean and Asian fusion spot at 19903 Stone Oak Parkway, Suite 208. 5. Yummi Japanese Restaurant And then there's Yummi Japanese Restaurant , a local favorite with 4.5 stars out of 132 reviews. Stop by 300 W. Bitters Road, Suite 185, to hit up the sushi bar and Japanese spot next time you're looking to satisfy your cravings. This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


The corrections officer who prompted a statewide investigation by exposing broken cell locks at Arizona prisons said Tuesday coming forward had taken a toll on her professionally, resulting in a lost week of pay and a missed promotion. But Sergeant Gabriela Contreras said she did not regret her decision to download and leak videos of attacks related to broken locks at Lewis Prison , saying her conscience wouldn't allow her to stay silent. "I think law enforcement is about having integrity and good ethics," she said during a news conference in Phoenix. "I don't think (the Department of Corrections could) ever give me enough money to say, 'Hey, just allow people to get killed every day and just be quiet about it.' I don't think that I could ever do that." A Corrections spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding Contreras' retribution claims. On Friday, Corrections Director Charles Ryan had issued a statement saying retaliation against officers who reported problems was "not acceptable." "Our officers and personnel should never be afraid to raise concerns, and when they do, we want them addressed," Ryan said. Contreras: No one would listen Contreras said she first escalated complaints to supervisors about broken cell-door locks, dangerously low staffing and "other security breaches" last fall, after documenting the issues several times. For more stories that matter, subscribe to azcentral.com . She said her unit was experiencing up to a dozen "Incident Command System" situations a day related to inmates leaving their cells without permission. An "ICS" is an incident or emergency that requires officers to request immediate backup. "Nothing was done," Contreras said. Because her unit had low staffing levels , "our administration was basically like … 'We want you guys to continue your feeding, continue your recreation. We'll deal with (roving inmates) later.'" After running her concerns up the ladder didn't work, Contreras downloaded and shared videos illustrating lock-related assaults with ABC15. She said Corrections leaders found out she had downloaded the footage before reporters published it. Her supervisor "tried to intimidate me and tried to make it seem like I was a criminal, that (officials) could press charges on me for getting this evidence out there or obtaining it and having it in my possession," she said. She also lost 40 hours of compensation when higher-ups forced her to take a week of unpaid leave and did not get a promotion she was anticipating, which the corrections-officers union described as clear acts of retaliation. Contreras said supervisors "never addressed what was on the video, as far as the inmates actually being able to come out of their cells" in their conversations with her. Officer, inmate-rights group: Clock is ticking After ABC15 aired the security tapes, the ensuing backlash resulted in a call for Ryan's resignation as director and a third-party investigation into security issues at state prisons. Gov. Doug Ducey responded to those calls by recruiting two former state Supreme Court justices to launch an investigation . As of Tuesday, Ryan remained in charge of the department. "The justices' independent investigation will review security issues occurring at Lewis Prison and other state prisons," Governor's Office spokesman Patrick Ptak said, including "events contributing to these issues, actions taken by Corrections, incidents of assaults on inmates or staff and more," "What we're calling the law-enforcement management team has been actively working with Corrections, first and foremost, to ensure the safety of officers and inmates and to help identify long-term solutions to the lock issue," Ptak said. Representatives from both the corrections-officers union and an inmates-rights group, who appeared Tuesday alongside Contreras, were nonetheless unimpressed by what they viewed as a sluggish response to a problem the state had known about since the 1980s . They said the scope and deadline for the investigation were unclear and demanded more comprehensive updates from the investigative and emergency-management teams. They also expressed their support and admiration for Contreras, however, saying corrections officers who'd previously come to them with security concerns were unwilling to use their names for fear of retribution. Contreras has continued to blast department officials for their handling of security issues, alleging a cover-up involving falsified reports last week . "(Going public) comes with a lot of stress," Contreras said. "But I think it would be more stressful to live without lives on your conscience that it would to just speak up and try to at least protect some people." Reach the reporter at maria.polletta@arizonarepublic.com or 602-653-6807. Follow her on Twitter @mpolletta . Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today . This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona prisons: Whistle-blower Gabriela Contreras claims retaliation


Having trouble controlling your emotions could increase the likelihood of insomnia, which could become persistent if things spiral out of control, according to a new study. "These findings are important because, though the effect size is small, they suggest that teaching people strategies for regulating their emotions might help prevent new cases of insomnia to occur and decrease the risk of persistent insomnia," says study co-author Markus Jansson-Fröjmark of Örebro University in Sweden. Working with 2,333 adults from Sweden, the researchers asked them to complete several questionnaires on emotions and insomnia. Participants were asked if they had difficulties with impulse control and whether or not they were emotionally aware and whether they had problems falling asleep or waking up too early and if they did, what sort of consequences did they suffer during the day as a result. Analyzing the results, the researchers found no link between a lack of ability to regulate emotions and experiencing insomnia. Yet when follow-up questionnaires arrived six months after the first analysis, the picture began to appear differently. Of the original participant group, 1,887 of them returned follow-up questionnaires after six months and 1,795 sent in follow-up questionnaires 18 months later. Those who had lost their ability to regulate their emotions were more likely to have developed insomnia -- most likely the persistent kind. Analysis of the new data led the researchers to conclude that reduced ability to regulate emotions was associated with an increased risk of developing temporary or persistent insomnia. The study was published in the British Journal of Health Psychology. A recent experiment at Northumbria University helped 73 percent of participants end their insomnia after a one-hour cognitive behavioral therapy session. Treatment was given to participants whose insomnia was still in the acute phase, meaning it had been occurring for less than three months. The research team, whose study was published in the journal Sleep, recommends treating insomnia in its acute phase, noting that it saves patients considerable time and quality of life, bypassing the major depression that often comes as a result of chronic insomnia.


There are a lot of trash talkers in the NFL, and the Jacksonville Jaguars may have the top one in cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Joey Porter is someone who certainly seems to agree with those sentiments as he deemed the young cornerback the top trash talker in the league on the latest episode of NFL Network's "Total Access." Is @jalenramsey the best trash talker in the game? : Joey Porter // @NFLTotalAccess pic.twitter.com/OKlvA0InrQ - NFL Network (@nflnetwork) May 28, 2019 Ramsey's trash talking résumé speaks for itself as fans have seen him verbally go toe-to-toe with some of the greats and more. There was the infamous Steve Smith incident , then there was his fight with A.J. Green . After those two incidents he came at the great Tom Brady before the 2017 AFC Championship and call one of the league's young talents in Josh Allen "trash" afterward . Despite the Jags coming off a horrendous season, fans should definitely expect the trash talk to continue from Ramsey, in fact, it may be at an all-time high in 2019. The young corner has already taken to Twitter recently to say that he's going to be taking on a "savage" mindset going forward. If he was referring to his mindset on the field, that would almost involve him speaking his mind to the opposition, but ultimately time will tell exactly what he meant. Mindset on Savage for sure!! I ain't playin no games!! No funny business & ain't rockin wit you if you ain't real! It's time!!.. stay tuned - Jalen Ramsey (@jalenramsey) May 20, 2019 Listen to the latest from the Jags Wire team by checking out the Jags Den Podcast. Subscribe on Apple's iTunes podcasts or Stitcher Radio . Listen MORE: 'Jeopardy' star James Holzhauer fell just short of breaking his own ridiculous record Kevin Durant injury update: Officially out for Game 1 of the NBA Finals Oshane Ximines named Giants' most dangerous new weapon Ndamukong Suh and Katya Leick Engaged in France Damon Harrison tired of repeated contract talks


Old Brooklyn is friendly for those on foot, is relatively bikeable and has a few nearby public transportation options, according to Walk Score's rating system . So what does the low-end pricing on a rental in Old Brooklyn look like these days   and what might you get for the price? We took a look at local listings for studios and one-bedroom apartments in Old Brooklyn via rental sites Zumper and Apartment Guide to find out what price-conscious apartment seekers can expect to find in this Cleveland neighborhood. Take a look at the cheapest listings available right now, below. (Note: prices and availability are subject to change.) Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. 4531 Pearl Road Listed at $650/month, this two-bedroom, one-bathroom abode is located at 4531 Pearl Road. The building boasts assigned parking. If you have a pet, you'll be happy to learn that cats and dogs are welcome. The rental doesn't require a leasing fee. (See the complete listing here .) 4422 Pearl Road Here's a two-bedroom, one-bathroom living space at 4422 Pearl Road, which, at 880 square feet, is going for $675/month. The building features outdoor space. Good news for animal lovers: Both dogs and cats are allowed here. Future tenants needn't worry about a leasing fee. (See the full listing here .) 4616 Bucyrus Ave. Then there's this 864-square-foot residence with two bedrooms and one bathroom at 4616 Bucyrus Ave., listed at $700/month. Building amenities include outdoor space, assigned parking and on-site laundry. Neither cats nor dogs are permitted. Look out for a $1,250 administrative fee, with $75.00 due at move-in. (See the listing here .) 4341 State Road Check out this two-bedroom, one-bathroom rental at 4341 State Road, also listed at $700/month. In the unit, expect to find hardwood floors. Cats and dogs are not allowed. The listing specifies a $30.00 non-refundable application fee. (Here's the listing .) 3914 Henritze Ave. Finally, this two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment, situated at 3914 Henritze Ave., is listed for $735/month. The building features garage parking. When it comes to pets, both meows and barks are allowed. The listing specifies a $225 administrative fee and a $40 application fee. (See the 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.


Tom Brady is skipping the Patriots' voluntary offseason program for a second consecutive year, Ryan Hannable of NESN reports. Brady was among 14 players who were not on the field for the team's OTAs on Thursday, joining Sony Michel , Isaiah Wynn , Michael Bennett, Patrick Chung , Demaryius Thomas , Kyle Van Noy , Deatrich Wise , Austin Seferian-Jenkins , Nate Ebner , Yodny Cajuste, Nick Brossette, Ryan Allen and Joe Cardona , per NESN. Brady, 41, presumably is spending more time with his family during the offseason. Missing out on the team's voluntary workouts certainly didn't impact Brady in 2018. He passed for 4,355 yards, 29 touchdowns and 11 touchdowns in the regular season and added 953 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions in the postseason. He has yet to meet rookie receiver N'Keal Harry, though the two have connected on social media. But Brady and Harry will have plenty of time to get to know one another during the mandatory minicamp and in training camp.


Along with contemporaries Howard Clark, Mark James, Ken Brown and Sam Torrance, Gordon Brand Jr. was one step below the so-called "Big Five" of European golf Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer, Ian Woosnam and Sandy Lyle during the 1980s and 1990s. Which is to say that the 60-year-old Scot, who was brought up in Bristol, England, was, by his admission, a really good rather than great player. On Thursday, the European Tour announced that Brand had died on the eve of the PGA Seniors Championship, a tournament he was preparing to compete in. During the heart of his career, Brand was hampered by the fact that the qualification process for the three major championships played in the United States, at the time, offered limited access for non-PGA Tour pros. This despite the fact that Brand was an eight-time European Tour winner and two-time Ryder Cup player. Not even after finishing fourth on what was then the European Order of Merit (now the Race to Dubai) in 1987 did Brand merit an invitation to the next year's Masters. Nor was he exempt for the 1988 U.S. Open or PGA Championship. Only once in his 38-year pro career, at the 1989 U.S Open, at age 38, did Brand tee it up in any of the three. Still, as a member of the 1987 European Ryder Cup side at Muirfield Village viewed by many as the strongest-ever Old World lineup Brand shined, contributing 1½ points to his team's first-ever victory in America. Never loathe to having a laugh, Brand was always amused how most thought the "junior" that routinely followed his name was because his father had the same name. As it turned out, the late Brand senior, the longtime club professional at the Knowle Club in Bristol, was also "Gordon." But it was the presence of yet another Gordon Brand on the European Tour (the Englishman was runner-up to Greg Norman in the 1986 Open at Turnberry) that necessitated some clarification. Torrance, the former Ryder Cup skipper, was among those quick to pay tribute to his fellow Scot and former four-ball partner. The pair combined to telling effect in the 1989 matches at The Belfry when beating Curtis Strange and Paul Azinger, 1 up. "Heartbroken," Torrance said. "One of my dearest friends for over 40 years. I will miss you." https://twitter.com/RyderCupEurope/status/1031194077683798016 European Tour star Eddie Pepperell also acknowledged Brand's characteristic economy of words. "I remember years ago asking Gordon Brand Jr. if he had any regrets," said the young Englishman. " 'My Ryder Cups say not,' was his response. At the time I didn't like it, and thought he was a miserable old man. Turned out he was just proud, and rightly so. Thanks to Gordon for teaching me something." Other current European Tour pros took time on Thursday to pay respect to Brand via social-media posts. https://twitter.com/JustinRose99/status/1156850233730641922 https://twitter.com/thomasbjorngolf/status/1156866856642383872 Beyond playing on the European Senior Tour, where he had won twice, Brand was also an occasional pundit. Only two weeks ago he was part of the commentary team on "Open Radio" at Royal Portrush. As ever, his commentary was, like the man himself, humorous, intelligent and informative.


Two games were played at the Parc des Princes on Sunday evening. One of them saw a dominant team take the sensible decision to rest a swathe of starting players in a theoretically easier game, giving rotation players a chance to shine and   in USWNT coach Jill Ellis' words   'get hot'. They ran the game from start to finish, had killed the game off when they went into the half-time break up 3-0, and cruised from there. They could've scored more, but for a few fantastic saves from the goalkeeper and one curling shot finding woodwork rather than net. The most goals any team scored in the 2015 group stage was 15. The US have equalled that with 154 our of 270 minutes left to play #FIFAWWC   Chris Deeley  FORGOTTEN NATIONS OUT NOW  (@ThatChris1209) June 16, 2019 The other game saw a presumptive favourite for a World Cup throw away the momentum they'd gained in a record-breaking opening match by completely changing their lineup. They decided not to take the chance to let their best XI   or something close to it   settle into tournament mode before a tough game against Sweden on Thursday. They gave World Cup debuts to players like they were going out of style. They denied their front line the chance to keep up their hot streak from five days previous. They treated the match like it was won before they started. It's obvious that both of these games are the USA's 3-0 win over Chile, right? Good. Narrative is a tricksy thing, always better retrofitted once you know the whole story. The fact is, both of the above narratives could be entirely true. They can exist simultaneously. This is a results-driven business, and our analysis of the game often reflects that. If the likes of Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe come into the Sweden game fresh and firing from their extra bit of rest, Ellis did the right thing and will be praised. If it takes a little while for things to coalesce on Thursday and Sweden get the jump, the decisions made in Paris will be viewed in an entirely different light. "A lot of this is about building momentum," Ellis said in the immediate aftermath of her side's World Cup record 13-0 win over Thailand. "The biggest takeaway is having players feeling good about the game. There's always going to be little things that players want to refine, but it's about building momentum." Fast forward five days, and Ellis changed all but three of her outfield starters for Sunday evening's second group game against Chile. Misdirection? A low opinion of the South American side? Wanting to, in her words, "get as many [players] hot as you can, feeling good, feeling the back of the net"? She got the latter, certainly. Julie Ertz, one of the five outfield starters who failed to get on the scoresheet against Thailand, had scored within the opening half an hour. Carli Lloyd, who came off the bench for half an hour and one goal against Thailand, scored twice in the first half. Tierna Davidson, unused on Tuesday night, fired in inch-perfect set piece after inch-perfect set piece. Just 20 years old, at her first World Cup, she looked every bit the seasoned veteran. So we return to momentum. Whatever that is. The US have it, in that they've just won two games in a row with utterly dominant performances. They don't have it, in that the team that won the second game was almost entirely different to the team which won the first. Speaking directly after the game, Ellis justified her decision in terms of momentum, saying: "You can talk about the football on the pitch, but how a team feels is important too and that's what I think today was about. "The players who didn't play today understood, and were excited for the players who were on the pitch. In terms of building momentum, now every single one of them's got the butterflies out of the way and is ready to take it on   and they know the trust is there." Seven changes for the US for their game against Chile tonight. Naeher, Dahlkemper, Ertz and Horan the only starters from the 13-0 win over Thailand #FIFAWWC #USACHI . pic.twitter.com/NowLsqCB02   Chris Deeley  FORGOTTEN NATIONS OUT NOW  (@ThatChris1209) June 16, 2019 There's a whole world of hot takes out there, all of them as completely uninformed as each other. Until the Sweden game   maybe even until a potential quarter-final against France   we won't know how good this US team actually is. How their mettle is. How they perform when they're given one or two chances a game to break open a defence, rather than the number they got against Thailand and Chile. Schrodinger's game, this. We won't know which version we just watched for a week or two yet.


Klay Thompson ran more than 60 miles on the court during these NBA playoffs, that coming off a season where he ran nearly 198 miles during games. Kevin Durant , even after missing a month with a calf injury, ran 29.5 playoff miles during these playoffs. And that was just this season. In the past five seasons, the Golden State Warriors have played 105 playoff games. That means they essentially packed six seasons   including a playoff run   into five seasons of time. The sports science on this is clear: Catastrophic injuries   such as a ruptured Achilles or ACL tear   are far more likely to happen when the player is fatigued . With many trying to assign blame for the Warriors two devastating injuries in their final two games, part of that needs to fall on the Warriors' own success. "Blame" may be the wrong word here because it's not like the Warriors would give back a title, but becoming the first team since the Bill Russell Celtics to make it to five straight finals added to the fatigue for the team and likely played a role in what happened. "I don't know if it's related to five straight seasons of playing a hundred plus games and just all the wear and tear, but it's devastating," an emotional Steve Kerr said after Game 6 discussing Durant's ruptured Achilles and Thompson's torn ACL. Kerr is not alone. Twitter doctors and Charles Barkley aside , nobody knows how significant a role the extra games played in the injuries because there is seldom a straight line to draw between cause and effect on major injuries. Human nature is to want simple, clean answers, but life rarely presents those. It's a complex stew of factors. LeBron James can go to eight straight Finals and not have this issue (although he is a physical outlier in the NBA in many ways). Fatigue, however, appears to play a role. In Durant's case, his exertion may correlate with his injuries. His initial calf strain   and the Warriors insist that is all it ever was   happened against the Rockets, a series where Durant saw a jump in playing time of about five minutes a night because Kerr leaned heavily on his core in a series where the Warriors realized the threat. Studies have shown that injuries are more likely to occur when a player sees a sudden jump in minutes played and load carried, in part because that players' body becomes more fatigued. When Durant returned to the court for Game 5 of the NBA Finals, the plan was to play him in "short bursts," meaning four- or five-minute stints. After the first five minute stint (there was a timeout at 7:11 in the first quarter), Durant said he felt good and asked to stay in, so he remained on the court until 5:50. He rested for about two and a half minutes, then was back on the court   and playing well. Durant had 11 points and the Warriors offense flowed far more smoothly again. Kerr left Durant in to start the second quarter, and at the 9:46 mark we all know what happened . After missing 32 days of basketball, Durant played 12 of the first 14 minutes in Game 5. How much did that play a role in his torn Achilles? Thompson missed Game 3 of the NBA Finals with a strained hamstring and was not 100 percent the remainder of the way. If that hamstring was healthier would he have landed differently or been able to withstand it better, not tearing his ACL after being fouled on a dunk attempt? We will never know, but it's possible. Meanwhile, across the way, the Toronto Raptors took heat in some quarters for the "load management" of Kawhi Leonard , having him miss 22 regular season games to rest his body and keep his quad tendon healthy. Leonard played through a sore right knee   suffered compensating for that left quad tendon   but was out there for every game and was Finals MVP. Players, agents, and teams all took note of that. The next time a player is coming back from injury, Durant in particular (but also Thompson) will be seen as a cautionary tale. Expect guys to make sure they are 100 percent (or close to it) before getting back on the court, not wanting to risk a greater injury. Most guys are not still going to get the same contract offers after a catastrophic injury. Also, "load management" will become even more of a thing. The NBA is a recovery league where fatigue is a constant issue. Maybe this is all another baby step toward shortening the NBA regular season schedule, but we all know the financial complexities of that make it a long way off. At best. But for those that need to assign blame for the injuries to Durant and Thompson, starting with the Warriors own success is a good idea. Related slideshow: The 2019 NBA Finals (Provided by imagn)


(KPIX 5)   Three teens have been arrested in an online dating bait-and-switch scheme they used to lure two victims to a remote part of the county before robbing and shooting them, according to Solano County Sheriff's investigators. Here's how the sheriff's department says both dates went down: Amit Chhoker, 18, would connect with the victims through an online dating website. Then she would pick up the dates and drive them to a pullout on Putah Creek Road near Lake Solano north of Vacaville. "Then they'd get intimate," Solano Undersheriff Brad Dewall said. That's when the accomplices allegedly jumped into action. Investigators said Branden Lerma, 19, and an unnamed 17-year-old boy, would jump out of the bushes and into the car where Chhoker and the victims were. One of the three of them, investigators aren't sure which one, told the dates to curl up into a ball, and then they were shot. The three then robbed the victims and took off, leaving the injured dates behind, investigators said. This happened in April and again in June, with the same modus operandi both times. "Kind of heightened our alarm that we had a pattern going on," Dewall said. Investigators were able to trace one of the victim's phones to a house in the Sacramento suburb of Woodland. There they caught Chhoker and a few days later, Lerma and the 17-year-old. "This could have ended very tragically obviously shot in the middle of a very remote area and then left with no communication in the middle of the night," Dewall said. Investigators say they aren't sure who actually pulled the trigger in this case, because all three suspects are pointing their fingers at each other.


Life requires a lot of inherent trust. We have to provide credit-card and personal information to both middle people and companies in order to buy things, open accounts or verify our identities, trusting it won't be misused on any step of the ladder. But that seems to be exactly what happened to one car buyer in Arizona. The Arizona Department of Transportation, as reported by the Arizona Daily Sun , said in a press release Tuesday that detectives had caught a man suspected of buying a 2007 Chevrolet Corvette with customer information stolen from the car dealership he worked at last March. He was arrested more than a year later on July 29 when local authorities caught him in New Mexico, where he had fled to after people began finding out about the alleged theft. He was working at another dealership at the time, the press release said. The Arizona DOT said the man, identified as Randall Cepi, 31, was working at a Nissan dealership last year when he allegedly stole the personal information of a customer who bought a pickup truck there. The information was used about a week later to take out a loan on a Corvette from a Flagstaff dealership, where the press release said Cepi "arranged to have the victim's signature forged on the dealership and loan documents." The woman whose identity was used for the Corvette began to get insurance and loan information for a car she didn't buy a few weeks later, the release said, and filed a complaint with the Arizona DOT's Office of Inspector General. The news reached the dealership in Flagstaff, the release said, which called Cepi trying to get the car back. Instead, Cepi apparently dropped the car at the dealership he worked at and took off. Cepi was working at another dealership in Gallup, New Mexico when authorities caught him more than a year after the deal unfolded, the press release said. He's now on his way back to Arizona, preparing to face charges of fraud schemes and forgery, theft of means of transportation and taking someone's identity all for a C6 Corvette whose specs we may never know. But people want what they want, and if they have another poor soul's personal information to purchase it with and lack any semblance of morality, you know they just might get it.


Zion Williamson's year at Duke lived up to the hype and then some, as he gave college hoops fans a glimpse of the impossible on a nightly basis. Whether it was a ferocious dunk, an astonishing block, a balletic traipse through the defense or just his shoe exploding on national television, Williamson was appointment viewing. Everyone knew that the Zion Show would be a limited-run engagement. He was always destined for the NBA after a one-year stopover in Durham. And while you'll occasionally run into folks who think Ja Morant or R.J. Barrett project better as pros, the overwhelming majority of analysts, pundits, scouts and fans thinks that the 2019 draft lottery is the Zion Sweepstakes. With that in mind, not all potential Zion destinations are created equal. There are some teams that would be much more buzz-worthy and flat-out fun than others were they to land Williamson's services. Let's rank the 10 best NBA destinations for Zion Williamson. 10. New Orleans Pelicans Anthony Davis was a stud for the Pelicans, and lord knows New Orleans is one of the most fun cities in the country to visit. But Williamson ending up here feels like it would be a losing proposition. Davis desperately wants out of the Big Easy, and the Pelicans seem inclined to grant his wish. Would Zion's presence be enough to change Davis' mind? Doubtful. If it did, then New Orleans would have two of the most physically unique and gifted players in the sport patrolling their frontcourt. Pretty, pretty, pretty good. 9. Washington Wizards Ever hop onto Twitter and see someone writing angry things about his or her favorite professional basketball team? There is a good chance you've just come across a Wizards fan. Pity the fans in D.C., for they cheer for a perpetually talented-yet-dysfunctional outfit that can't get out of its own way. John Wall's contract is very, very bad, and Bradley Beal might be shipped out of town. Washington will have a new GM for the first time since Michael Jordan (and Kwame Brown) were in town, so it's high time for a fresh start. Williamson would be just that. 8. Chicago Bulls You know, I was going to write something myself here, but why not just hear it from a Bulls fan? I texted a Chicago friend about the thought of Zion on the Bulls, and this is what I received in reply: "Honestly, most people I've talked to are terrified the Bulls will end up messing Zion's career up." Wonderful! 7. Phoenix Suns Deandre Ayton patrolling the paint, Devin Booker splashing from everywhere, and Zion dunking everything in sight? Now we're talking. Except, the Suns feel like more of a basketball backwater than they should. The most common Suns headline to read is "Booker sets record with [blank], Suns lose." Williamson's presence would hopefully change that, but Phoenix is such a hit-or-miss sports town that you wonder if Williamson would get lost out there. If only the Suns had a history with power forwards whose weight was thought to be a concern… 6. Cleveland Cavaliers I know, I know. As cities go, Cleveland perhaps doesn't have the highest Q rating (ironic, considering who owns the Cavs), but when it comes to sports, things are all coming up 216. It has Baker Mayfield generating major buzz and optimism for the previously moribund Browns, the Indians will probably end up winning the AL Central again this year, and if the Cavs got Zion and turn things around, the town would be sports-crazy 365 days a year. The 'Land is one of the best sports towns, pound-for-pound, in the United States. Important counterpoint to all of this: Dan Gilbert. 5. Atlanta Hawks Is Atlanta a great sports town? Not really. However, fans in the ATL love a good spectacle, and they got one this past season in the form of Trae Young doing his best Steph Curry impersonation. Williamson dunking on everything in sight and generally wreaking havoc would qualify as a spectacle. Hawks fans turned out in a big way for Dominique Wilkins, so why wouldn't they do the same for Zion? Plus, think of all the creative Zion references you'll get from the Atlanta hip-hop scene. Everybody wins! 4. Charlotte Hornets Williamson grew up about 45 miles outside Charlotte. This is LeBron rescuing Cleveland all over again, except in a city with much better weather and an owner who happens to be, at worst, the second-best player the sport has ever seen, as well as a guy with no history of using Comic Sans in angry missives. This would energize the Hornets, sell a ton of jerseys and be extremely convenient for Williamson personally. He won't even have to do that weird thing where you move to a new city and have to figure out which grocery store is the "good" one that sells sushi and prepared foods and brand-name deli meats. Video by USA TODAY Sports 3. New York Knicks Best? No, of course not. The Knicks are a dysfunctional mess. James Dolan is one of the worst owners in professional sports, a thin-skinned crybaby whose bullying of disgruntled fans is somehow only his second-worst quality, trailing by a wide margin his work as a jazz "musician." The word belongs in quotes because, well, just read any review of his band and you'll see. New York has the cap room to sign two max free agents. One figures to be Kevin Durant, and the other could be Kyrie Irving. Can you imagine adding Zion to that mix? If this was 1985 and David Stern was still commissioner, Williamson would be MSG-bound. 2. Los Angeles Lakers Magic Johnson quit his job as Lakers president of basketball operations because he wanted to tweet boring, obvious observations about other NBA games. That's about the long and short of it   and because he realized he's incredibly rich and doesn't need the stress associated with managing the league's glamour franchise. You've got to respect him for just kind of being emphatically done with things all at once. In any event, L.A. is a mess right now but still has LeBron. They're still the Lakers, and Williamson coming to town would generate buzz, to put it mildly. It would be a great fit, and a ton of fun, even if it didn't work out on the court. Heck, that might make it even better. Still, it's not the best, most fun landing spot for Zion. 1. Dallas Mavericks The Mavericks probably didn't come to mind, did they? They should have. The NBA is a superstar-driven league, and in Luka Doncic Dallas has a potentially transcendent talent. Kristaps Porzingis is now in the fold as well, and a starting five that included those two and Zion would be one of the most interesting in the league. Dallas isn't New York or L.A., but as far as big cities go, it's no shrinking violet. Mark Cuban would get to tailor his complaints about the officials to each star player's particular skill set, too. Doncic, Porzingis and Williamson teaming up for the next 15 years to terrify the league and win titles might not be the big-market story everyone wants, but it's the one we need.


CINCINNATI   Yasiel Puig got a chance to redeem his rough night and came through with his biggest moment yet in Cincinnati. The struggling outfielder hit an RBI single with the bases loaded in the 10th inning Wednesday night, rallying the Reds to a 6-5 victory over the Chicago Cubs. He tossed his bat away in celebration and got soaked with ice water by teammates. "I finally made contact," Puig said. "That was amazing." BOX SCORE: CUBS 6, REDS 4 (10) Puig's had a mostly disappointing debut with the Reds, who got him in an offseason trade with the Dodgers. He was 0 for 4 with three strikeouts when he came to bat in the 10th against Brad Brach (3-1). The bases were loaded and the Cubs used five infielders, hoping for a groundball. Instead, Puig drove the ball to center   it smacked off the base of the wall   and flipped his bat away in celebration. Puig is batting only .212. "He brings a lot of energy," manager David Bell said. "He absolutely wanted to be up there in that spot. He saw it as an opportunity. He wasn't defensive." Amir Garrett (3-1) escaped a two-on threat in the 10th inning. The Cubs' stingy bullpen let a solid start by Yu Darvish go to waste. Darvish fanned 11 and Addison Russell hit a two-run homer   his first since returning from a 40-game suspension for domestic violence   to help the Cubs to a 5-3 lead. Eugenio Suarez's homer off Carl Edwards Jr. tied it in the eighth, only the fourth time the Cubs have blown such a late lead. The Cubs were encouraged by Darvish's best performance of the season. He allowed five hits and a pair of runs in 5 1/3 innings at the ballpark where his 2018 season ended. The right-hander made only eight starts in his first year with the Cubs. He got a 6-1 win at Great American Ball Park on May 20 and missed the rest of the season with triceps and elbow problems, leading to surgery on Sept. 12. He has struggled with his control this season. Back in Cincinnati, Darvish had his first 10-strikeout game since 2017. He didn't walk a batter while throwing 102 pitches and using a nasty slider. "Obviously I'm trying to find my way," Darvish said. "I'm trying a lot of things." The Cubs knew Darvish would need some time to get back in form after having most of 2018 wiped out. "In each start, you're seeing something different that you can take away as a positive," catcher Taylor Davis said. "Everything is starting to pinwheel into putting everything together." Russell and Albert Almora Jr. connected off Sonny Gray, who came to the Reds in an offseason trade with the Yankees and has yet to win in nine starts for the team he rooted for as a youth. Kyle Schwarber also homered . TRAINER'S ROOM Cubs: 1B Anthony Rizzo hit in the batting cage but was out of the lineup for the third straight game with a stiff back. Manager Joe Maddon said he'd likely be out of the lineup again Thursday, but return for a weekend series in Washington. Reds: Left-hander Alex Wood could start throwing next week. He hurt his back during spring training and has had several setbacks during rehabilitation, preventing him from pitching. 10K The last time Darvish fanned 10 batters was Aug. 10, 2017, at Arizona with the Dodgers. It was the 35th 10-strikeout game of his career. STREAKING Kris Bryant singled in the 10th, extending his streak to 24 consecutive games reaching safely. It's the longest active streak in the majors and the longest by a Cub since Ben Zobrist reached in 25 straight games in 2017. Javier Baez singled in the 10th, extending his career-best hitting streak to 13 games. SOLID CONTACT Darvish singled for his first hit of the season and only the sixth of his career. In the first two games of the series, Cubs starters have four hits. Kyle Hendricks had a career-high three hits in a 3-1 win on Tuesday. UP NEXT Cubs: Jose Quintana (4-2) is 4-1 with a 2.29 ERA in his last six starts. The left-hander is 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA in two career starts at Great American Ball Park. Reds: Luis Castillo (4-1) went 2-1 in five starts against the Cubs last season with a 4.74 ERA. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports Related slideshow: The 2019 MLB season (Provided by imagn)


The Seattle Seahawks are battling a number of injuries at numerous positions but the tight end group is beginning to stand out. The team added a couple of new tight ends Saturday morning before the mock game, signing Jackson Harris and Wes Saxton to replace Tyrone Swoopes and Justin Johnson who were both waived/injured. "Yes, yeah. We brought in two guys yesterday and they played half the scrimmage, I don't know how the heck they did that," Carroll said Saturday afternoon. "I was actually dogging the other tight end how come it takes you six months to get here and these guys did it in one day. They did great today, and Coach [Pat] McPherson deserves a lot of credit for getting those guys coached up. They didn't sleep last night." Following the scrimmage, Carroll also announced veteran tight end Ed Dickson - who did not participate in the practice - is suffering from a knee injury. "Ed's got a knee that's bothering him a little bit," Carroll explained. "We are keeping him off of his knee. We did MRI stuff and all that. We are taking a look at it. Break him for a couple of days and see what we've got." Fortunately for Seattle, Will Dissly has returned to practice after recovering all year from the torn patella tendon that landed him on the injured reserve after Week 4 last season. The Seahawks are also looking to Jacob Hollister to make an impact this summer . "Without a question," Carroll said. "Jake continues to do good stuff. His mobility stands out, he's catching the football really well, we like moving around. You can see he played all kinds of different spots today, so he's doing a nice job." But will so many injuries to the position, the Seahawks might have to make some major adjustments before the start of the regular season. MORE: Cleveland Indians completely roasted Colin Cowherd after Baker Mayfield chugged a beer Roundup: Taylor Swift Secret Listening Party, Entenmann's Recall, Jason Mamoa Without Beard and Long Hair What G Alex Lewis' release means for Ravens 2020 aggregate mock draft 1.0: Here are the top NBA prospects to know Matt LaFleur on Packers FB Danny Vitale: 'He's been awesome'


Start your day off right by browsing through cuddly kittens! There are dozens of kittens up for adoption right here in Phoenix. Hoodline partnered with Petfinder , an online adoption site that lists "more than 315,000 adoptable pets from nearly 14,000 animal shelters and rescue groups" to bring you this roundup of kittens near you. (Details like pet availability, training, vaccinations and other features are based on data provided by Petfinder and may be subject to change; contact the shelter for the latest information.) Carl, domestic shorthair mix Carl is an adorable male domestic shorthair kitten staying at All About Animals Rescue . Carl loves to socialize   he's happy to keep company with other cats. He's already vaccinated. Have no fear: He is already house-trained. About Carl: Carl's pregnant momma was surrendered just days before Carl was born. He is outgoing and talkative with his human friends. Carl loves toys and laser dots. Read more about Carl on Petfinder . Mary, domestic shorthair Mary is a winsome female domestic shorthair kitten being cared for at ABC (Animals Benefit Club of Arizona, Inc.) . Mary is happy to keep company with other cats. She's already house-trained. She has all her shots. More on Mary: Mary would love a big sunny window where she can bask the day away. She started out a little shy, but suddently, Mary has decided that human attention is quite nice. She will run to greet you and purr. Read more about Mary on Petfinder . Peter, domestic shorthair Peter is a male domestic shorthair kitten currently housed at ABC (Animals Benefit Club of Arizona, Inc.) . Peter is eager to make friends   he gets along well with other cats. Peter has all his shots. Have no fear: He's already house-trained. About Peter: Peter is a handsome guy who is looking for a home with a sunny window where he can sunbathe and snooze. He won't be the first kitty that comes to you, but once he decides you are nice, he warms up quickly. Read more about how to adopt Peter on Petfinder . Uhura, domestic shorthair mix Uhura is a female domestic shorthair kitten in the care of All About Animals Rescue . Uhura is a social butterfly, and she's happy to keep company with kids, cats or dogs. She has all her shots. She is already house-trained. About Uhura: Uhura is a sweet girl. She was the smallest in her litter, but what she lacks in size she makes up for in personality. Read more about Uhura on Petfinder . Cobalt, domestic shorthair Cobalt is an adorable male domestic shorthair kitten being kept at ABC (Animals Benefit Club of Arizona, Inc.) . Cobalt will get along great with other cats. His vaccinations are already up to date. No need to worry: He's already house-trained. More on Cobalt: Cobalt is a cute kitten with lots of love and playfulness to go around. He loves to play and nap, especially if he is able to nap while cuddling. Apply to adopt Cobalt today at Petfinder . This story was created automatically using local animal shelter data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


Luis Alvarez, a former New York City police detective who worked at Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks and fought for the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund, was remembered for his "tenacity and resilience" at a solemn and emotional funeral on Wednesday. Alvarez, 53, a husband and father of three sons, died in hosp ice care from cancer on Saturday . His death came weeks after he testified before Congress to urge lawmakers to extend the victim compensation fund that many first responders depend on to pay their medical bills. Alvarez was born in Cuba and was a toddler when his family moved to New York. He signed up for the Marines Corps when he was 18. He went on to join New York's police department in 1990 and became a highly decorated officer, working undercover and on the bomb squad. (MORE: Former New York police detective and 9/11 compensation advocate dies at 53) "Before he came an American hero, he was mine," his eldest son, David Alvarez, said at the service. "The one above all I wanted to make proud." "Growing up I'd be told by family members that I was just like my dad. I laugh like him, I smile like him, I walk like him, I'm quiet and stubborn like he was," he said. "I always took it as compliments... because I always looked up to my dad, always wanted to be like him." After the attacks on the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, Luis Alvarez worked at Ground Zero, cleaning the rubble and waste left at the site. He was diagnosed with cancer several years ago and underwent dozens of rounds of chemotherapy. On June 11, Alvarez joined former "Daily Show" host Jon Stewart, and dozens of 9/11 first responders to demand that Congress fully fund the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund that was set up for police, firefighters and others who worked at Ground Zero. (MORE: McConnell vows vote on 9/11 victim compensation fund after Jon Stewart criticism) "I did not want to be anywhere else but Ground Zero," Luis Alvarez told Congress. "This fund is not a ticket to paradise," he said of the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. "It's there to provide to our families when we aren't there." Luis Alvarez "emphasized with blunt grace that future families stand not only to experience the stress of fighting these terrible illnesses but that their struggles would be compounded by the unconscionable financial burden of trying to fund their healthcare," NYPD Commissioner James O'Neill said at Wednesday's service, which was also attended by Stewart. The ill first responder "just wanted to do what's right and he desperately wanted others -- in particular those in positions of great power -- to follow suit," the commissioner said. (MORE: An angry Jon Stewart demands Congress compensate 9/11 responders) After his cancer diagnoses, he showed "tenacity and resilience that even surprised his oncology team," said his sister, Ida Lugo. "Nevertheless, chemo became his prison, his jail. Often isolating him from the world, too sick to engage." "He wanted to urge our government to do the right thing," Lugo said. "It became my brother's dying wish, the legacy he wanted to leave that the bill protecting the Victim Compensation Fund be passed." Twenty-three NYPD officers died on 9/11. As of Wednesday, 222 NYPD officers, including Luis Alvareaz, have died from 9/11 related illnesses, O'Neill said. A bill to extend the Victim Compensation Fund passed a House committee in June and is awaiting a full House vote before it is taken up by the Senate. ABC News' Erica King contributed to this report.


Tennis star Caroline Wozniacki and former NBA player David Lee tied the knot over the weekend at a star-studded wedding in Italy . The former No. 1-ranked women's tennis player in the world and the two-time NBA All-Star had their ceremony Saturday at the Castiglion del Bosco Hotel   the same estate in Tuscany where Kate Upton and Justin Verlander were married in 2017 . Serena Williams, a rival of Wozniacki's on the court and a good friend off it, served as one of Wozniacki's bridesmaids, while NBA players Pau Gasol of the Milwaukee Bucks and Harrison Barnes of the Sacramento Kings, along with tennis player Angelique Kerber (another former No. 1), were among the 120 guests in attendance. Best weekend of my life ❤ pic.twitter.com/4RcowKAIGb   Caroline Wozniacki (@CaroWozniacki) June 16, 2019 A native of Denmark, Wozniacki has won 30 WTA singles titles, including the 2018 Australian Open, and was ranked No. 1 in the world for 71 weeks . Lee played 12 years in the NBA from 2005-2017 , primarily with the New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors, averaging 13.5 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. The couple met through a mutual friend 3½ years ago and got engaged in November 2017 . This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tennis star Caroline Wozniacki marries former NBA All-Star David Lee in Italy


Video by TODAY Utah police are searching for a Southern California woman who hasn't been seen or heard from for a week since she flew back to school in Salt Lake City, officials said. Mackenzie Lueck , a 23-year-old native of El Segundo, California, and student at the University of Utah, landed at Salt Lake City International Airport early Monday morning last week and got into a ride-hailing car, family members and police said. That Lyft car took Lueck to a spot in North Salt Lake, which is about 8 miles north of the University of Utah, police said. Investigators declined to reveal that address but said Lueck is no longer there and she hasn't been seen or heard from since. Salt Lake City police said they're "actively looking for MacKenzie Lueck" and that detectives "have been working throughout the weekend" to locate the missing student. "I don't know why she would be going (to North Salt Lake) around 2 a.m. It's just very, very suspicious and dangerous," friend and sorority sister Ashley Fine Fine told reporters over the weekend while passing out leaflets with Lueck's face on it. Lueck has been off social media and hasn't answered her cell phone this whole time, which is completely out of her character, according to friends and family. "For her not to reach out to me   Snapchat, Instagram, anything   is very unlike her," said another friend and fellow student, Kennedy Stoner. Lueck is 5-foot-6, 120 pounds with a slim build, medium-length blonde hair and brown eyes. "Our primary goal is to find Mackenzie and bring her home," according to a family statement. "Our family is grateful for the concern, prayers and tireless effort of the Salt Lake City police and members of the community."


These countries have a low risk of maternal death while giving birth and offer long, paid maternity leave. Save the Children released a State of the World's Mothers report ranking the best countries to be a mother. The countries were ranked based on maternal health, children's well-being, economic and educational status, and the participation of women in government. The countries also offer generous amounts of paid maternity leave. Norway, Finland, and Iceland were the top three best countries for mothers. Visit INSIDER's homepage for more stories. The safety of mothers while giving birth, how much time they have to recover, and the well-being of children after they're born largely depend on where a woman resides in the world. Save the Children, a nonprofit dedicated to improving children's lives worldwide, released a State of the World's Mothers report ranking the best countries to be a mother based on maternal health , children's well-being, the country's overall economic and educational status, and the participation of women in the government. We used Save the Children's ranking of the best countries to be a mother, but we also looked at each country's maternity leave policies according to a report by the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) . The countries all offer new mothers considerable and paid maternity leave . Here are the 10 best countries to be a mother, featuring maternal health and leave, specifically. 10. Belgium Belgium is a relatively safe place to give birth with a lifetime risk of maternal death of one in 8,700 births. Belgium also offers 15 weeks of paid maternity leave at a rate of 64.1% of the woman's salary, which equates to 9.6 weeks of full-time pay. 9. Australia The average cost of giving birth in Australia is around $5,312 for a standard delivery, and the lifetime risk of maternal death is one in 9,000 births. Australia's maternity leave is 18 weeks at the average pay rate of 42% of the woman's salary, coming out to 7.5 weeks of full-time pay. 8. Germany The cost of giving birth in Germany is relatively low, around $2,500 . The lifetime risk of maternal death is one in 11,000. German mothers are also guaranteed 14 weeks of maternity leave with their full-time salary. 7. Spain Mothers in Spain don't have to grapple with expensive hospital bills: the average cost of giving birth is $1,950 . The lifetime risk of maternal death is only one in every 15,100 births. After a baby is born, mothers get 16 weeks of maternity leave with full-time pay. 6. The Netherlands In the Netherlands, the lifetime risk of maternal death is one in 10,700. Like Spain, the Netherlands offers 16 weeks of maternity leave with full-time pay. It also provides benefits to new mothers including access to a maternity nurse with the cost (or part of it) covered by insurance. 5. Sweden The lifetime risk of maternal death in Sweden is one in 13,600. Sweden offers 480 days of parental leave (for both parents). During 390 of those days, parents are entitled to 80% of their full-time pay. 4. Denmark The lifetime maternal death risk in Denmark is one in 12,000. Denmark also offers 18 weeks of maternity leave divided into four weeks off before the birth and 14 weeks after at 53.6% of their full-time salary. 3. Iceland The lifetime risk of maternal death in Iceland is one in 11,500. The country's maternity leave policy offers 13 weeks of leave at a pay rate of 59% of a woman's full-time salary. 2. Finland The lifetime risk of maternal death is one in 15,100 in Finland. Mothers also get 17.5 weeks off for maternity leave at 74.4% of their full-time pay, which comes out to 13 weeks of fully-paid time off. 1. Norway Norway's lifetime risk of maternal death is one in 14,900 births. Mothers can take 35 weeks of maternity leave at full-time pay or 45 weeks at 80% pay . Parents can also receive an additional 46 weeks off at full-time pay or 56 weeks at 80% of their salary. Read more: These 10 countries have the best parental leave policies in the world The 23 best countries in the world to live in if you're a woman THEN AND NOW: How American families have changed since the early 1900s Stunning photos of moms and their children around the world show the beauty of motherhood


Video by The Washington Post SHANNON, Ireland   Before heading to the first of a series of D-Day commemorations Wednesday, President Donald Trump attempted to use a television interview with a friendly journalist to clean up a couple of messes he had made, only to create new controversy later by wading into the touchy issue of Ireland's border with the United Kingdom. In an interview with Piers Morgan, the British journalist and longtime Trump friend, the president partially walked back his criticism of the American-born Duchess of Sussex, the former Meghan Markle, and attempted to get out of a jam involving U.S.-British trade. He also continued to focus on domestic opponents, tweeting insults at the Senate's Democratic leader and Bette Midler, the singer/actress and frequent Trump critic. Trump's main public event of the day came in Portsmouth, where world leaders gathered at a British naval base to mark the eve of the 75th anniversary of D-Day with a televised ceremony that included firsthand accounts of the invasion, artistic performances and other reflections. Trump, who sat beside Queen Elizabeth II, took the stage only briefly to read an excerpt from a prayer that President Franklin D. Roosevelt read to the nation on the radio on the eve of the D-Day operation. Following the ceremony, he met briefly with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Then, upon arrival in Ireland, he met with Leo Varadkar, the Taoiseach or prime minister, and casually seemed to suggest that Brexit, which has caused deep political pain in Britain, could be eased by building a border wall to separate Ireland from Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. "I think it will all work out very well, and also for you with your wall, your border," Trump said. "I mean, we have a border situation in the United States, and you have one over here. But I hear it's going to work out very well here." British and Irish political leaders have spent the last three years desperately trying to come up with ways for Britain to exit the European Union while avoiding precisely that outcome. They fear that a return to a hard border between the two parts of Ireland could restart the violence that took thousands of lives during the so-called Troubles that lasted from the 1960s through 1998. Varadkar, who looked uncomfortable as Trump spoke, replied: "I think one thing we want to avoid, of course, is a wall or border between us." Trump responded by tempering his initial comments. "I think you do, I think you do," he said. "The way it works now is good, you want to try and to keep it that way. I know that's a big point of contention with respect to Brexit." Asked if he thought Brexit would be bad for Ireland, Trump said, "I think it should be good. The big thing is going to be your border, and hopefully that's going to work out, and I think it will work out." The afternoon exchange came just before Trump took a helicopter to retire for the evening at his golf resort at Doonbeg on Ireland's western coast   putting a bookend on a day that began in London with early morning Twitter attacks and a splashy television interview. In the interview with Morgan, the host of "Good Morning Britain," that was conducted Tuesday and aired across Britain on Wednesday morning, Trump walked back several erroneous and controversial comments that have hung over his otherwise positive five-day visit to Europe. The 54-year old Morgan has been a friend of the president since his appearances on Trump's "Celebrity Apprentice" show in 2008, which played a major role in boosting his career. Trump told Morgan that he did not mean to insult Meghan when he referred to her in another interview days ago as "nasty." The comment cast a pall over Trump's visit and generated immense media coverage in the U.S. and Britain, where Meghan, the wife of Prince Harry, draws huge amounts of attention. Trump had first tried to deny ever having made the remark, tweeting on Sunday that "I never called Meghan Markle 'nasty.' Made up by the Fake News Media." Unfortunately for that approach, the British tabloid the Sun, which conducted the interview, had a recording of him, which it released. With Morgan, Trump tried a different tack, saying that he was speaking specifically about a comment Meghan made about him during the 2016 campaign, not about her as an individual. Slideshow by photo services "She was nasty to me," he said. "And that's OK for her to be nasty, it's not good for me to be nasty to her, and I wasn't." Morgan also helped Trump step out of another mess involving whether a future trade deal between the U.S. and Britain would allow American companies access to the U.K.'s National Health Service. "I don't see it being on the table," Trump said, reversing what he had said at a news conference Tuesday with Prime Minister Theresa May where he seemed not to understand the question. "Somebody asked me a question today, and I say everything is up for negotiation, because everything is," he continued. "But I don't see that as being, that's something that I would not consider part of trade. That's not trade." The flap over the health service was a reminder that despite Trump's breezy assertion that a trade deal between Britain and the U.S. could be negotiated in a matter of weeks, such agreements are never easy. In the wee hours of Wednesday morning, Trump attacked Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., as "a creep." Schumer, a frequent sparring partner, had attracted Trump's ire for predicting that the president would back down on his threat to impose escalating tariffs on Mexico. Hours later, presumably after catching a few hours of sleep, Trump also went after the leading Democratic presidential hopeful, former Vice President Joe Biden. "Plagiarism charge against Sleepy Joe Biden on his ridiculous Climate Change Plan is a big problem, but the Corrupt Media will save him," Trump wrote, referring to an incident Tuesday in which the initial release of Biden's plan to combat global warming lacked footnotes to some sources. "His other problem is that he is drawing flies, not people, to his Rallies. Nobody is showing up, I mean nobody. You can't win without people!" Trump wrote. The president is notoriously sensitive about crowd sizes, sometimes exaggerating the size of his own. On Wednesday, he was doing the opposite, claiming   falsely   that protests, which drew tens of thousands of people into the London streets around Parliament on Tuesday, were a fabrication of a biased media. "I kept hearing that there would be 'massive' rallies against me in the UK, but it was quite the opposite," he wrote. "The big crowds, which the Corrupt Media hates to show, were those that gathered in support of the USA and me. They were big & enthusiastic as opposed to the organized flops!" The anti-Trump demonstrations this week were smaller than the huge gatherings that protested his previous visit to London, but they greatly outnumbered any pro-Trump crowds in the city. Trump is overwhelmingly unpopular in Britain in general, and London in particular. How much of the protests Trump's staff allowed him to see is unknown. He traveled even short distances in London by helicopter and had little interaction with Britons other than the royal family and government officials. White House officials have seldom scheduled Trump to visit any major cities, in the U.S. or elsewhere, shielding him from places where he might encounter opposition crowds. Trump also renewed his feud with Midler. The actress and frequent critic of the president had tweeted a quote wrongly attributed to him, which she later deleted. Trump went on the attack. "Washed up psycho @BetteMidler was forced to apologize for a statement she attributed to me that turned out to be totally fabricated by her in order to make 'your great president' look really bad," Trump tweeted, around 1 a.m. local time.. "She got caught, just like the Fake News Media gets caught. A sick scammer!"     ©2019 Los Angeles Times Visit the Los Angeles Times at www.latimes.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


Oracle Corp. (ORCL) is set to release its most recent quarterly results after the markets close Wednesday. The consensus estimates are calling for $1.07 in earnings per share (EPS) and $10.95 billion in revenue. The fiscal fourth quarter from last year had $0.99 in EPS and $11.26 billion in revenue. Ahead of the report one key analyst soured on Oracle specifically Macquarie's Sarah Hindlian. Overall Oracle was downgraded to a Neutral rating from Outperform, citing concerns about the firm's outlook and likely winding down its aggressive buyback program. The price target was also cut to $55 from $56. Hindlian writes in a research note that her checks find Oracle had a "struggle" in the final weeks of the quarter. She detailed that partners rushed to discount orders up until the final days, yet Macquarie believes Oracle has a very easy bar and comp. Although there are several leading partners seeing softening of the pipeline, it's Macquarie's belief that there is a step function lower in demand for Oracle and it is appropriate to re-evaluate. She went on to say: "We are downgrading shares of Oracle to Neutral following partner commentary suggesting significantly softening Oracle practices. We think Oracle has sig. value it can unlock especially in Cloud ERP, and Autonomous DB, and note easy comps for the fiscal fourth quarter. However, we see risks to guidance and shares as the $10 billion buyback may wind down in the next 1-2 quarters." A few other analysts weighed in on Oracle as well: JPMorgan has a Neutral rating with a $53 price target. UBS Group has a Neutral rating with a $54 price target. Morgan Stanley has an Equal Weight rating with a $59 price target. Credit Suisse has a Buy rating with a $60 price target Overall Oracle has outperformed the broad markets with the stock up nearly 18% year to date. In the past 52 weeks, the stock is up closer to 16%. Shares of Oracle were last seen at $53.24, with a 52-week range of $42.40 to $55.53. The consensus analyst price target is $53.41. ALSO READ: What to Expect When Barnes & Noble Reports Wednesday Morning


SPARTA, Ky. -- Tyler Ankrum took the lead when Brett Moffitt ran out of fuel with less than two laps to go and cruised to his first NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series victory Thursday night at Kentucky Speedway. The 18-year-old Ankrum finished 7.373 seconds ahead of Stewart Friesen on the 1.5-mile tri-oval to earn a spot in the eight-man series playoffs. Ankrum led a race-high 40 of the 150 laps in the No. 17 Toyota and gave DGR Crosley its first team victory. ''I think I was holding my breath for the last three laps there,'' said Ankrum, the California driver making his 12th series start. ''Holy cow, that was awesome. ... I just don't know what to say. I cannot believe I just did this.'' He won the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Championship last season as a rookie. ''I can't believe it. This is a dream come true,'' Ankrum said. ''One of my biggest faults is I've always doubted myself. Tonight, I kind of felt all that wash away.'' Moffitt, the defending series champion and a two-time winner this year, ended up seventh - the last truck on the lead lap. ''All in all, we called a great race. We were just a lap short,'' Moffitt said. ''It's tough. We had a good-sized lead there and a great handling truck.'' Friesen started last in the 32-truck field NASCAR confiscated his primary No. 52 Chevrolet because of an issue with the rear firewall. Harrison Burton was third, followed by Ross Chastain, Dylan Lupton and Austin Wayne Self.


America is often referred to as The Land of Opportunity, offering people of all backgrounds and levels of education a chance to succeed and build a fortune through hard work and innovation. 30 Richest Americans Of All Time America is often referred to as The Land of Opportunity, offering people of all backgrounds and levels of education a chance to succeed and build a fortune through hard work and innovation. Throughout U.S. history, people have become titans of industry and gained recognition through their accomplishments and industry-disrupting ideas. These figures often rose to prominence by undercutting and outmaneuvering the competition to dominate their industry. Names like Rockefeller, Carnegie, and Astor are still prominently displayed on street addresses, performance centers, and municipal buildings because of the indelible impact those people have had on American history and the economy. Reviewing the industries that these business magnates dominated to obtain their wealth can be an interesting way to map the trajectory of the U.S. economy over time. Many of the richest Americans of all time made their fortunes at a time when the U.S. was expanding rapidly and building up its infrastructure. During the second half of the 19th century John D. Rockefeller's oil and Andrew Carnegie's steel fed America's voracious appetite to expand. But many Americans also resented the success of the top 1%, branding them as " robber barons " and arguing their fortunes were made on the backs of their employees . Today a new class of mega-billionaire has made its money through the internet and related technologies. Jeff Bezos is worth more than $150 billion thanks to his e-commerce giant, Amazon. Mark Zuckerberg -- one of the 30 richest millennial tech entrepreneurs -- created Facebook and became a self-made billionaire at age 23. He was at the time the youngest person to ever do so. 24/7 Wall St. reviewed lists of the wealthiest people in American history, both those living and deceased, to determine the richest Americans of all time. We converted the estimated net worth of those who have passed away into current U.S. dollars. Real-time estimates came from Forbes . 30. Jim Walton (b.1948) > 2018 estimated net worth: $46.6 billion > Source of wealth: Walmart > Birthplace: Newport, Arkansas Jim Walton is the youngest son of Sam Walton, Walmart's founder. Jim no longer sits on the company's board, instead focusing on Arvest Bank, which is owned primarily by the Walton family. 29. John Insley Blair (1802-1899) > 2018 estimated net worth: $47.7 billion > Source of wealth: Railroads > Birthplace: Belvidere, New Jersey Before the advent of cars and airplanes, railroads were the dominant way to move goods and people across the country. John Insley Blair was said to have been the largest owner of railroad property in the world at one point and he served as president of 16 railroad companies at the same time. ALSO READ: 30 Richest Millennial Entrepreneurs 28. Cyrus H.K. Curtis (1850-1933) > 2018 estimated net worth: $48.3 billion > Source of wealth: Publishing > Birthplace: Portland, Maine Recognized as a member of the Advertising Hall of Fame, Cyrus H.K. Curtis is considered the "founder of the modern magazine." Curtis launched magazines such as Ladies' Home Journal and later bought other publications including The Evening Post and The Philadelphia Inquirer. 27. Charles & David Koch (b.1935, b.1940) > 2018 estimated net worth: $52.0 billion > Source of wealth: Koch Industries, multiple industries > Birthplace: Wichita, Kansas Charles Koch and his brother David own more than 80% of Koch Industries, the conglomerate started by their father, Fred. Koch Industries produces a diverse array of products, including chemicals and consumer goods. ALSO READ: Richest Person in Every State 26. William Weightman (1813-1904) > 2018 estimated net worth: $52.7 billion > Source of wealth: Pharmaceuticals > Birthplace: Waltham, England William Weightman moved to the U.S. at the request of his uncle, a chemist. In the country, Weightman launched a company that developed a new synthetic treatment for malaria He parlayed his windfall into a vast portfolio of real estate holdings in Philadelphia. 25. James G. Fair (1831-1894) > 2018 estimated net worth: $53.8 billion > Source of wealth: Mining industry > Birthplace: Clogher, Northern Ireland James G. Fair moved from Northern Ireland to the U.S. as a boy, and traveled to California during the 1849 gold rush to seek his fortune. Fair proved himself adept at understanding the state's geologic formations and over time secured a leadership position at the Hale and Norcross mining company. He later helped the mining company find the Big Bonanza, the discovery of which in 1873 represented the largest cache of gold and silver in U.S. history. ALSO READ: Richest Person of All Time From Your State 24. Sergey Brin (b.1973) > 2018 estimated net worth: $54.0 billion > Source of wealth: Google > Birthplace: Moscow, Russia Born in Moscow in 1973, Sergey Brin and his family immigrated to the States to escape the Soviet era discrimination against Jewish people. He and Larry Page, a Stanford computer science student, created Google as a project. Their mission was to create an internet search engine that would rank the results according to what was most popular. Brin has been a billionaire since 2004, when Google went public. 23. Russell Sage (1816-1906) > 2018 estimated net worth: $54.5 billion > Source of wealth: Stock trading > Birthplace: Verona, New York Russell Sage was born into a poor family, but he used his financial skills to build a fortune. He initially owned a shop, then used the profits to try his hand at other ventures. He later moved to New York City, where he became a stock trader. Some of his innovative trading methods -- including using puts and calls -- are still employed on Wall Street to this day. ALSO READ: The Richest County in Every State 22. Larry Page (b.1973) > 2018 estimated net worth: $55.2 billion > Source of wealth: Google > Birthplace: East Lansing, Michigan Larry Page is the son of a computer scientist and a computer programming teacher. He and Sergey Brin invented the search engine Google while studying at Stanford University. 21. Moses Taylor (1806-1882) > 2018 estimated net worth: $55.4 billion > Source of wealth: Citibank > Birthplace: N/A Moses Taylor's father was a close associate of John Jacob Astor, who had bought City Bank of New York, now Citibank, after the panic of 1837 and put the younger Taylor in charge. After Moses achieved success, the Taylor family donated some of his fortune to open Moses Taylor Hospital in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The hospital was founded to treat the families of workers for DL&W Railroad and Lackawanna Iron and Coal Company, for which Moses Taylor had served as a director. ALSO READ: America's Richest Cities 20. Michael Bloomberg (b.1942) > 2018 estimated net worth: $59.4 billion > Source of wealth: Bloomberg L.P. > Birthplace: Boston, Massachusetts Michael Bloomberg worked on Wall Street at the beginning of his career but eventually created his own information technology company to serve the financial industry. His company quickly became successful thanks to the Bloomberg Terminal, which in 1981 began offering traders a computerized way to collect, analyze, and share data. Bloomberg eventually served as a three-term mayor of New York City. 19. Andrew Mellon (1855-1937) > 2018 estimated net worth: $64.3 billion > Source of wealth: Banking > Birthplace: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania The son of wealthy banker Thomas Mellon, Andrew Mellon eventually took over his bank. The younger Mellon proved he had a keen eye for recognizing emerging technologies. He helped found the Aluminum Company of America and the Gulf Oil Corporation. He later served as a U.S. secretary of the Treasury for more than a decade. ALSO READ: America's 12 Wealthiest Presidents 18. Larry Ellison (b.1944) > 2018 estimated net worth: $65.3 billion > Source of wealth: Oracle > Birthplace: New York City, New York Larry Ellison founded Oracle software company in 1977. The company got its big break in 1981 when IBM opted to use Oracle's database management system. Oracle is now one of the largest software companies in the world. 17. Mark Zuckerberg (b.1984) > 2018 estimated net worth: $66.0 billion > Source of wealth: Facebook > Birthplace: White Plains, New York Mark Zuckerberg's rise to prominence is well known. While at Harvard, he created the social media juggernaut Facebook. Zuckerberg is the nation's wealthiest person under 40. ALSO READ: The Most Powerful Women in the World 16. Henry Ford (1863-1947) > 2018 estimated net worth: $68.3 billion > Source of wealth: Automobiles > Birthplace: Dearborn, Michigan Henry Ford became one of America's most famous entrepreneurs due to the dominance of the Ford Motor Company. Ford was able to make cars efficiently and inexpensively after inventing the moving assembly line. By 1918, nearly half of all cars on American roads were Fords. 15. Marshall Field (1834-1906) > 2018 estimated net worth: $76.3 billion > Source of wealth: Department stores > Birthplace: Conway, Massachusetts A hard-working salesman, Marshall Field earned a fortune from his eponymous chain of department stores. He started a job at a Chicago mercantile house as a teen and worked his way up the store ranks to become a partner of the firm. He eventually bought out his partners and renamed his enterprise's stores Marshall Field and Company. ALSO READ: 30 Richest Millennial Entrepreneurs 14. Jay Gould (1836-1892) > 2018 estimated net worth: $79.6 billion > Source of wealth: Railroads > Birthplace: Roxbury, New York Many 19th-century industrialists were notorious for their unscrupulous business practices and derisively called robber barons. Jay Gould may have been one of the most despised of this set because of his business practices. He reportedly issued fraudulent stock to buyers and bribed legislators to ensure that the sales went through. He rolled much of his profit into purchasing part of the Union Pacific Railroad. 13. Warren Buffett (b.1930) > 2018 estimated net worth: $85.1 billion > Source of wealth: Berkshire Hathaway > Birthplace: Omaha, Nebraska Known as the "Oracle of Omaha," Warren Buffett is a modern-day legend of investing and business diversification. He created his company, Buffett Partnership, in 1956 and quickly became a millionaire. He then purchased a textile company called Berkshire Hathaway but ended its textile division and purchased varied assets. Shares of Berkshire Hathaway are now among the most coveted stocks on the market. Buffett is also known for generous donations to charity; he has given away more than $32 billion. ALSO READ: Richest Person in Every State 12. Friedrich Weyerhaeuser (1834-1914) > 2018 estimated net worth: $92.7 billion > Source of wealth: Lumber > Birthplace: Saulheim, Germany Friedrich Weyerhaeuser left Germany at age 18 and began working at a sawmill in Illinois. After the economic downturn of 1857, Weyerhaeuser bought the mill and expanded his empire. He purchased logging operations around the Mississippi River. In 1900 he set a record for engaging in the largest private land transaction, when he bought 900,000 acres in Washington. 11. Bill Gates (b.1955) > 2018 estimated net worth: $99.3 billion > Source of wealth: Microsoft > Birthplace: Seattle, Washington After founding Microsoft, Bill Gates ranked as the wealthiest person in America for more than 20 years. He famously dropped out of Harvard to create Microsoft with partner, Paul Allen. The company transitioned from making computing machines to also offering software. Today Investopedia ranks it as the world's largest software company by revenue. ALSO READ: Richest Person of All Time From Your State 10. Alexander Turney Stewart (1803-1876) > 2018 estimated net worth: $101.7 billion > Source of wealth: Department stores > Birthplace: Lisburn, Ireland Alexander Turney Stewart slowly transformed his $3,000 inheritance into one of the largest retail empires in U.S. history. Born in Ireland, Stewart traveled to America to sell dry goods. He became one of the first retailers to offer standard prices instead of haggling with customers. Stewart's company became so large, it won a contract to supply uniforms for Union soldiers during the Civil War. 9. Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919) > 2018 estimated net worth: $102.7 billion > Source of wealth: Carnegie Steel Company > Birthplace: Dunfermline, Scotland At a time when considerable portions of America's new transportation infrastructure were being built, Andrew Carnegie's company supplied the needed steel. Carnegie Steel Corporation used technologically advanced methods to make prodigious amounts of steel and it owned the requisite raw materials to make production cheaper. In 1901 Carnegie sold his company for $200 million and focused on philanthropy. He once wrote the "man who dies rich dies disgraced." ALSO READ: The Richest County in Every State 8. Stephen Van Rensselaer (1764-1839) > 2018 estimated net worth: $102.7 billion > Source of wealth: Inheritance, real estate > Birthplace: New York City, New York Stephen Van Rensselaer was born into considerable wealth. His father died when he was just 5 and left him a large amount of land and holdings. Stephen Van Rensselaer decided to rent out much of this property and at one point reportedly had as many as 100,000 tenants. 7. Richard Mellon (1858-1933) > 2018 estimated net worth: $104.7 billion > Source of wealth: Banking > Birthplace: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania In 1882 Richard Mellon and his brother Andrew took over a bank run by their father. The pair also made money from the steel and coal industries, as well as the new burgeoning railroad business. Andrew ended up entering politics, becoming Treasury secretary, while Richard remained in the private sector. ALSO READ: America's Richest Cities 6. Stephen Girard (1750-1831) > 2018 estimated net worth: $122.0 billion > Source of wealth: Shipping > Birthplace: Bordeaux, France Though he was born before the founding of the United States, Stephen Girard became one of its most important early business tycoons. He amassed a fleet of trading ships and invested much of his money in the First Bank of the United States. He eventually bought the bank's assets and used them to lend millions of dollars to the young country. during the War of 1812, keeping its government afloat. 5. John Jacob Astor (1763-1848) > 2018 estimated net worth: $140.3 billion > Source of wealth: Fur trading, real estate > Birthplace: Waldorf, Germany John Jacob Astor personifies the American success story. He moved to America from Germany with no money and started a fur trading business that flourished. After selling his trading enterprise, he invested in New York City real estate. At one point, his company owned hundreds of Manhattan properties. ALSO READ: America's 12 Wealthiest Presidents 4. Jeff Bezos (b.1964) > 2018 estimated net worth: $151.6 billion > Source of wealth: Amazon > Birthplace: Albuquerque, New Mexico Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has seen his net worth skyrocket over the past year as his company continues to dominate the online shopping marketplace. Bezos is still worth more than $150 billion. 3. Sam Walton (1918-1992) > 2018 estimated net worth: $171.6 billion > Source of wealth: Walmart > Birthplace: Kingfisher, Oklahoma Walmart is America's largest brick-and-mortar retailer, and its success has largely been guided by the influence of its founder, Sam Walton. He expanded his first retail efforts from overseeing a single Ben Franklin franchised store in Arkansas into managing 15 outlets. After he butted heads with the chain's management, he decided to open his own stores. The first Wal-Mart opened in 1962, and by 1976 the company was worth more than $176 million. ALSO READ: The Most Powerful Women in the World 2. Cornelius Vanderbilt (1794-1877) > 2018 estimated net worth: $208.4 billion > Source of wealth: Shipping > Birthplace: Staten Island, New York Cornelius Vanderbilt first made his fortune ferrying goods on the rivers surrounding New York City. He later helped establish the railroad industry as a means of transporting goods to the West in the mid-1800s. 1. John D. Rockefeller (1839-1937) > 2018 estimated net worth: $257.3 billion > Source of wealth: Standard Oil > Birthplace: Richford, New York John D. Rockefeller is one of the most successful businessmen of all time. He established a standard for the quality of oil and strived to run his company, Standard Oil, at peak efficiency. It's possible that Rockefeller was the first billionaire in the U.S., but he certainly was the wealthiest American ever. His fortune has been estimated to be about one/sixty-fifth of the U.S. gross domestic product. ALSO READ: 30 Richest Millennial Entrepreneurs