From the fall of 1939 to the summer of 1945, the world was swept into the vast and deadly conflict we now call World War II. Stacker looks at 20 of the defining moments of that epochal conflict, and how each turned the tide of war. A timeline of WWII, the most devastating conflict in world history World War II has been chronicled, mythologized, and revered in film, television, theater, and other forms of storytelling for generations. But zooming in on individual stories, lives, and battles can sometimes obscure the utterly overwhelming nature of the conflict: An astounding 60 million people around the world are estimated to have lost their lives in the conflict. The total number of casualties counts 15 million soldiers and 45 million civilians. This may be a low estimate, as estimates place the number of dead in the conflict at 50 million in China alone. It is widely accepted that Germany started World War II in its effort to conquer Europe, invading France in the west and Poland and the Soviet Union in the east. Led by Adolf Hitler's murderous Nazi regime, the Germans welcomed Italy and Japan into the Axis fold to fight the Allies, whose major members grew from just the United Kingdom and France at the war's outset to include the United States and the Soviet Union. While the Germans quickly overran France and installed a collaborationist government, a major French resistance sprung up and actively worked to undermine the Nazis in France and abroad, providing intelligence to the Allies as spies sabotaged German supply and communication lines within France. No accounting of World War II would be complete without mention of the Nazis' brutal concentration camps, where Hitler turned his genocidal fantasies of creating a so-called German "master race" by killing millions of Jews, gypsies, and other persecuted groups into a reality. By the time Europe's second world war in a half-century came to a close in 1945, the victorious powers committed to a new world organization that aimed to ensure there would never be a third. The United Nations was born from this commitment, along with the popularization of the idea that crimes against humanity and genocide must never be tolerated, however shakily these ideals have been upheld. Stacker looks at 20 major events that occurred from the time German aggression began to the final devastating phase of the war. Related: 100 years of military history September 1939: Germany conquers Poland In September 1939, German tanks roll through Poland in a lightning-fast offensive that bombs and destroys much of the country s landscape and infrastructure. The invasion prompts the United Kingdom and France to declare war on Germany. January 1940: Rationing in Great Britain In anticipation of Germany s likely attempt to cut Great Britain off from its overseas food and goods supply, Great Britain introduces rationing in January 1940. Each household receives a ration book that dictates how much they can buy. Before the war, Britain imported 55 million tons of food per month a month after the war begins, the figure plummets to 12 million. Spring 1940: German blitzkrieg In the span of two months in the spring of 1940, the Germans conquer an astonishing number of countries thanks to their blitzkrieg tactics of fast-moving tanks and relentless aerial bombardment. Hitler s troops overwhelm the armies of the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Denmark, Luxembourg, and Norway in the months of April and May alone. May 1940: Battle of Dunkirk British troops delay the German advance, but they can t stop it, holding out in Dunkirk, a port city in Northern France. Using hundreds of naval and civilian vessels to cross the English Channel, the Allies, including the British Expeditionary Force and a smattering of Polish and French forces, retreat from Dunkirk to England as German forces close in. Summer 1940: Battle of Britain The Nazis are finally stopped in their relentless drive to conquer Europe in the Battle of Britain in the summer of 1940. From July through September, the British hold off an intense bombardment from the fearsome German Air Force , which prevents a German attempt to invade the British Isles, and allows the nation to serve as a holdout for Allied hopes. September 1940: The Blitz Although they fail in the Battle of Britain, that doesn t stop the German Air Force called the Luftwaffe from trying to undermine the British. In September 1940, this takes the form of nighttime bombing raids on the city of London, which continue unabated until May 1941. June 1941: Operation Barbarossa Operation Barbarossa was the German Army s code name for its planned invasion of the Soviet Union. But things don t go exactly according to plan. When Germany fails to subjugate the Soviets, they find themselves fighting a dreaded two-front war for the first time, defending territory in both Europe s east and the west, while getting sucked into Italy s war in North Africa. December 1941: Pearl Harbor When Axis power Japan bombs Pearl Harbor in Hawaii on the morning of Dec. 7, 1941, the United States officially joins World War II, declaring war on Japan, Germany, and Italy. The sneak attack on America s Pacific fleet kills over 2,400 Americans and leaves another 1,000 wounded. August 1942: Battle of Stalingrad Many historians pinpoint the Soviet defense of Stalingrad as the war s pivotal turning point. The failure of the German Army to take the city, which leads to the complete surrender of the Sixth Army, is its first catastrophic failure , and marks the point after which a German victory in the east becomes infeasible. October 1942: Second Battle of El Alamein In autumn of 1942, with the Axis powers already controlling Libya, Egypt was at risk of falling next when the pivotal Second Battle of El Alamein begins. The British and their allies hold off the Germans at the decisive battle, which turns the tide against the Axis in North Africa. June 1942: Battle of Midway The decisive point in the Pacific campaign comes just six months after Pearl Harbor, when the Americans defeat the Japanese Navy at Midway. Thanks to major advances in code breaking, the U.S. forces know the Japanese plan ahead of time, cripple Japan s naval forces in this crucial battle, and momentum in the Pacific now swings to the Allies. November 1942: Singapore falls to Japan Axis power Japan conquers the lightly defended British colony of Singapore in November 1942. A major Axis victory, Singapore surrenders to the Japan general in charge of the campaign in front of Japanese news cameras . November 1942: Operation Torch The British and Americans collaborate for the first time on an invasion plan to take North Africa back from the Axis powers. Called Operation Torch, the amphibious assault captures Morocco and Algeria, controlled by the collaborationist Vichy French Petain regime, and opens a second, Western front in the North African theater. January 1943: Germans surrender at Stalingrad What remains of the German Sixth Army in Stalingrad surrenders on Jan. 31, 1943. Over 333,000 German soldiers had been sent to take the city and only 90,000 remain alive . Friedrich Paulus, commander of the Sixth Army, becomes the first Field Marshal in Germany s history to ever surrender. While the Germans desperately cling to their gains in Russia and even manage a few ultimately unsuccessful counter-offensives, the Stalingrad surrender marks a turning point in the east from which Germany never recovers. September 1943: Allied invasion of Italy From their bases in recaptured North Africa and Sicily, the Allies invade Italy s mainland. The Allies had already taken the island of Sicily earlier in the summer, and a demoralized Italian government secretly agrees to surrender the very day the Allies land on the mainland. November 1943: The bombing of Berlin In stark contrast to the campaigns against London several years prior, the Royal Air Force, now joined by their American allies, takes the battle to Berlin in late fall 1943. The Allies had bombed Berlin before, but never on this scale: They inundate the city with bombs for months. The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, heavily damaged in the raids, remains unfixed to this day as a memorial of the war. June 1944: D-Day In one of the most famous military battles in history, Allied forces, led by the Americans, capture several beaches in Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944, bringing the fight to French soil after three years of Nazi occupation. Over 9,000 American troops lose their lives on this day, but the campaign marks the beginning of the end for Hitler, whose troops, save a couple of unsuccessful offensives like the famous Battle of the Bulge, remain on the defensive for the rest of the war. The Allies liberate Paris two months later. January 1945: Liberation of Auschwitz As German territory is progressively liberated from the east by the Soviets, the horrors of the Nazi concentration camps come to light. When the Soviets liberate Auschwitz in Poland in January 1945, an estimated 1.1 million people, mainly Jews, have been murdered there. May 1945: Final German surrender Barricaded in a bunker in Berlin with Soviet troops closing in, Hitler shoots himself at the end of April 1945. A week later, his deputy Karl Donitz unconditionally surrenders to the Allies. August 1945: Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki In August 1945, the United States drops two atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan. Precise casualty reports are difficult to come by because of the devastation the bombs wrought, but it's believed hundreds of thousands of civilians die. The Japanese government unconditionally surrenders after the bombings, thereby ending World War II.


Looking to uncover all that Windom Park has to offer? Get to know this Minneapolis neighborhood by browsing its most popular local businesses, from a Thai to an Ecuador and Colombia restaurant. Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top places to visit in Windom Park, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of neighborhood businesses. Read on for the results. 1. Khao Hom Thai Topping the list is Thai spot Khao Hom Thai . Located at 2411 Central Ave. NE, it's the highest rated business in the neighborhood, boasting four stars out of 247 reviews on Yelp. Khao Hom Thai offers a menu of chicken pad thai, Thai fried rice, Thai chicken wings, stir fry, seafood and more. 2. The Mill Northeast Next up is New American spot The Mill Northeast , situated at 1851 Central Ave. NE. With four stars out of 206 reviews on Yelp, it's proven to be a local favorite. Try dishes like the Equadorian Baked Eggs with two eggs, spicy adobo black beans, queso fresco, white cheddar, avocado creme, salsa verde and roasted chevre potatoes. Expect sandwiches, main entrees and more, plus side items and appetizers that range from truffle fries to mussels. 3. Football Pizza Venues and event space and caterer spot Football Pizza , which offers pizza and more, is another top choice. Yelpers give the business, located at 2339 Central Ave. NE, four stars out of 152 reviews. Choose from a menu of pizzas, sandwiches, salads, sides and more. Order specialty pizzas like the Mediterranean with green peppers, onions, mozzarella cheese, feta cheese and chicken. There are also other options like gyros and kebabs. 4. Que Viet Village House One Que Viet Village House One , a Chinese and Vietnamese spot, is another neighborhood go-to, with four stars out of 111 Yelp reviews. Head over to 2211 Johnson St. NE to see for yourself. Que Viet Village House One provides an assortment of Chinese and Vietnamese dishes that range from pho and pork banh mi to hot and spicy chicken. 5. La Colonia Restaurant Check out La Colonia Restaurant , which has earned four stars out of 87 reviews on Yelp. You can find the Colombian spot at 2205 Central Ave. NE. La Colonia Restaurant serves a menu of Ecuador and Colombia cuisine. Try the Bandeja Paisa with grilled top sirloin, rice, cracklings, fried egg, beans, Colombian sausage, corn cake avocado and plantain. 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 Philadelphia 76ers are going to need shooting next season, particularly with JJ Redick now playing for the New Orleans Pelicans . On Sunday as free agency got underway, Philly re-signed Mike Scott to a two-year deal worth $9.8 million. Scott played 27 games last season for the 76ers and shot 41 percent from 3-point range. Via Twitter: Sources: Free agent Mike Scott has agreed to a two-year, $9.8M deal to return to the Philadelphia 76ers.   Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2019 Scott was an excellent spot-up shooter, participating as a gunner in 41.7 percent of his possessions last season, according to Synergy. Scott shot a great percentage in that role, and he'll be needed next year as the Sixers try to make up for the lost shooting Redick would have provided. Meanwhile, Philly will probably have one of the tallest starting fives in the NBA next year now that Al Horford has signed on to play power forward . The East is going to be wild.


While spear fishing over a reef called Deep Pinnacles in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, this diver had a face-to-face encounter with a Great White Shark.


From Pulptown's monthly meetup to an R&B concert, there's plenty to enjoy in Orlando this week. Read on for a rundown of ideas for how to fill your calendar. 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. Pulptown Monthly Meet Up | July From the event description: Pulptown supports community-centric storytelling and local journalism. Come hang out with us this Tuesday at the Heavy. Enjoy coffee and treats from Orlandough. When: Tuesday, July 16, 8-10 a.m. Where: The Heavy, 1152 Harmon Ave. Admission: Free Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Executive Breakfast with USGBC's CEO, Mahesh Ramanujam - Orlando, FL From the event description: If you're an executive involved with green building, this Wednesday's event is for you. At this breakfast, USGBC's President and CEO Mahesh Ramanujam will cover topics including the power of performance data and recertification, LEED Zero and the company's new "Living Standard" campaign. When: Wednesday, July 17, 8-9:30 a.m. Where: OUC Downtown Reliable Plaza, LEED Gold Building, 100 W. Anderson St., Floor 1 Admission: Free Click here for more details, and to get your tickets IKEA Orlando Teacher Appreciation! From the event description: Calling all teachers! At IKEA Orlando, you're considered part of the family. This Wednesday, our store is your campus for prizes, workshops and activities where you'll learn the IKEA definition of homework. Be among the first 100 to show up with school I.D. and receive a free swag bag. When: Wednesday, July 17, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Where: IKEA, 4092 Eastgate Drive Admission: Free Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Jacob Latimore From the event description: Don't miss rising R&B star, Jacob Latimore, at the Social. In April, the musician and actor dropped his sophomore album "Connection2." In 2016, his debut album, "Connection," landed at No. 21 on the Billboard R&B charts and was listed as one of Apple Music's Top 30 R&B albums of the year. When: Thursday, July 18, 7-11 p.m. Where: The Social, 54 N. Orange Ave. Admission: Free (General Admission); $40 (Meet & Greet); $60 (3 Person High Top). More ticket options available. Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Astronautalis with Hurricane Party at Will's Pub From the event description: Hailing from Minneapolis, rapper Astronautalis will take the stage this Thursday at Will's Pub. Also performing is Hurricane Party. When: Thursday, July 18, 9 p.m.-Friday, July 19, 12 a.m. Where: Will's Pub, 1042 N. Mills Ave. Admission: $10 (General Admission - Advance Purchase); $12 (General Admission - Day of Show) Click here for more details, and to get your tickets This story was created automatically using local event data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


Sacramento is forecast to turn hot this coming week, according to drone-powered weather forecasting service Saildrone . Temperatures will rise even more from Monday to Wednesday, with a high of 93 degrees on Tuesday. There's no rain expected this week, with the likelihood of showers remaining below 20 percent for the next seven days. Skies will be mostly cloudy today and partly cloudy Saturday through Monday. Winds will continue to be fairly calm throughout the week, with the highest speeds on Sunday at just 8 mph. This story was created automatically using Saildrone's local weather forecast data, then reviewed by an editor. We also incorporate historic weather data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


Christian Pulisic looks good in Chelsea blue. The 20-year-old U.S. men's national team star has arrived at his new club following his $73 million transfer from Borussia Dortmund in January, which saw him remain at the Bundesliga club until the end of the 2018-19 campaign. Pulisic admitted that he has spoken briefly with Maurizio Sarri and has met up with the Chelsea team, as the USMNT star posed for photos at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday to officially announce his move to the Premier League side. Asked about what he hopes to achieve during his time at Chelsea, Pulisic revealed he wants the wider world to see American players can be stars at the highest level. "I want to be a part of this team. I want to make it hit in Chelsea and I want to be as big of a part of this team as I can," Pulisic said. "I want to come in here and I want to score goals and prove to people that American players can do it. For me, in the end, if people can say that about me then I will be very proud. I am already proud to be here but that is my biggest goal." The American soccer family will be cheering Pulisic on from across the pond, and no doubt Chelsea are about to get a lot more fans across the USA. Pulisic is expected to be the main man for the USMNT this summer during their Gold Cup tournament, which will see him link up late with Chelsea's preseason. That is far from ideal but Pulisic is determined to take his chance in the PL. "Now I just felt that it was the right step [to join Chelsea]. It was a great time in Dortmund but it was a feeling and I still have that. This is the biggest stage, it is incredible to come in and be in England and part of this league. If you want to prove yourself it is the greatest stage to be on," Pulisic added. This feels like a make or break moment in Pulisic's career. At every step on his journey so far he has passed each hurdle with flying colors. However, with injuries mounting up last season and uncertainty over his future at Dortmund, Pulisic will want to prove any doubters wrong. Making the step up to the Premier League from the Bundesliga will be a challenge, and doing it at one of the most demanding and ruthless clubs in Europe will also be tough. But with Eden Hazard likely leaving this summer and both Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ruben Loftus-Cheek going down with serious injuries over the past month, a window of opportunity has opened for Pulisic at the start of next season. He must hit the ground running at Chelsea both for his own good and to spread the word about what the world can expect from the new crop of American players. "I have a similar style with an attacking and creative mindset, he's very quick and shifty. There's a lot to learn from him." Incoming Chelsea playmaker @cpulisic_10 is looking forward to possibly playing alongside Eden Hazard Full interview: https://t.co/hTqAoSLfEr pic.twitter.com/hzKMCBK18d   Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 22, 2019 Follow @JPW_NBCSports


The Jets have been the opposite of a model franchise following the firing of Mike Maccagnan and the ascendance of Adam Gase within the organization. However, veteran players such as Kelechi Osemele have made it known that its business as usual for the players. Nothing has changed on the field while Gang Green attempts to put out the fire off of it. With mandatory OTAs on the horizon, let's take a look at four players to keep an eye on. RB Le'Veon Bell (Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports) All eyes will be on Le'Veon Bell when the Jets start mandatory offseason workouts at the end of the month. Bell was under fire for missing voluntary workouts at the beginning of May, but Adam Gase came to his defense, as the workouts are voluntary and the Jets believe that Bell knows what he is doing as far as his own workout regimen is concerned. The fallout of Mike Maccagnan's firing has pinned Gase against his star running back. It was reported that Gase was not on board with throwing big money at Bell and the signing was pushed for by Maccagnan and Christopher Johnson. New York will not know what type of shape Bell is in until he reports for mandatory workouts. He sat out for a season and there is already controversy; most of the attention will be placed on him when OTAs begin. OC Jonotthan Harrison (Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports) Jonotthan Harrison is the starting center by default, a position the Jets ignored altogether in free agency and the draft. Adam Gase made his feelings known that he wished the Jets spent money on now-Panthers center Matt Paradis. Gase has said that both he and Sam Darnold are comfortable with Harrison starting at center, but it's hard to take Gase at his word. Harrison made impressive strides starting in place of the injured Spencer Long last season. However, with doubts against him and his ability to be a starter, OTAs will be a big test for him. QB Sam Darnold (AP Photo/Steven Senne) Mandatory OTAs will be the first chance for Sam Darnold to learn the new offense with his new weapons. Darnold will have the opportunity to get on the same page with Kelechi Osemele, Le'Veon Bell, Jamison Crowder and Trevon Wesco while continuing to build a rapport with Quincy Enunwa, Robby Anderson and Chris Herndon. Now that he is the face of the franchise, it is up to Darnold to right the ship of a franchise that has been heavily scrutinized this offseason. Surely, all eyes will be on the second-year quarterback. DE Leonard Williams (Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports) Leonard Williams was assured by Mike Maccagnan that his job was safe after the team drafted Quinnen Williams, but with Maccagnan no longer in the fold, that could change. Williams is in the last year of his deal with New York and while he has played well, he has not exactly lived up to his draft slot. It is up to the elder Williams to show that he can be a fit and a threat in Gregg Williams' defense, instead of finding himself on the trading block. MORE: This photo of Kyler Murray led to more speculation about his height VIDEO: Magic Johnson Calls Out Rob Pelinka for Backstabbing on First Take Patriots will prove Super Bowl LIII shutdown defense was no fluke NCSA: Five common recruiting myths Breaking down Darnell Savage's skill set and fit in Packers defense


In 1987, Velma Peregory was a 57-year-old widow who had raised her three boys in Norfolk, Virginia. Velma's oldest son, Randy Peregory, told Dateline his mother was "such a sweet lady." Velma went to church every Sunday, Randy said, adding that, when they were kids, "every night she read us a Bible story in bed." According to Randy, 1987 started as a happy time in the Peregory family. Both of his brothers had just had children, and "Velma was tickled pink to have two grandbabies in the world." On February 22, Velma spent the afternoon playing with her two grandchildren. The next couple of days, life went on as normal, and Randy said he and his brothers had planned to help Velma move from Virginia Beach to Norfolk the following weekend. But before the weekend, however, Randy tried to contact his mother to double check when he was supposed to come and help her. It was Wednesday, February 25 when he called. Velma didn't answer. Randy told Dateline a few other people were trying to get ahold of Velma as well, to no avail. The next day, on Thursday, February 26, one of Velma's longtime friends went to Velma's Virginia Beach apartment complex and asked a maintenance worker to open the door. Soon after, Randy said he received an unnerving phone call. "I received a phone call at my office, around midday, saying, "You need to get over here. Something happened with your mom,'" Randy told Dateline. Randy says he rushed to his mother's apartment complex. His aunt, Velma's sister, was already there. Randy remembers her walking over to him and telling him the unimaginable news: his mother Velma was dead. "It was just terrible. They said she was found, shot twice in the head, face down with a pillow over her head," Randy told Dateline. According to a press release by the Cold Case Unit at the Virginia Beach Police , Velma was found shot to death inside her locked apartment at 8:45 a.m. The release said "a search of the scene failed to reveal a motive for this murder." Dateline was unable to reach someone with knowledge of the case at Virginia Beach Police Department. Randy told Dateline that police began their investigation immediately. Ten years after the murder, police told a local paper that there was no sign of a struggle or forced entry in Velma's apartment. Randy told Dateline there are eight apartments in the building and not one of his mother's neighbors reported hearing any gunshots. During the initial investigation, according to the local paper, police found a few hundred dollars in cash in Velma's purse. Her diamond ring and other valuable jewelry were still on her body when she was found. Police told the local paper they quickly ruled out burglary and believe Velma may have opened the door to the person who killed her. Randy told Dateline he disagrees with that theory. He said his mother lived alone and would never have opened the door if she didn't know the person. Randy told Dateline he was questioned by police as a potential suspect after the murder. "I never even thought about me being a suspect. I didn't get a lawyer for the longest time, because I felt like I didn't need one," he said. "Even my brothers felt that way. We had nothing to hide." Randy told Dateline he has cooperated with police and has never owned a weapon. Randy denies any involvement in his mother's murder. No one has ever been charged in connection with Velma's murder, and the motive is still unknown to family and police. Randy told Dateline he has tried his best to keep his mother's name in the media. "I think if it's going to get solved, it's going to be through DNA," he said. "That's all I want -- is for this to be solved. My mother didn't deserve this. She was a good woman." Randy continued to say that within the past few years, he has become more religious, as his mother was. He told Dateline that a few weeks ago he prayed, "Please Lord, don't let me leave this world without knowing who did this. Help us solve this." Randy recalled how one of his cousin's would always say to the family: "If you die first, you get up there, find out what happened to Auntie Velma and send us a message." If you have any information on the circumstances surrounding Velma's murder, please call the Virginia Beach Police Cold Case Homicide Unit at 757-385-4241.


Looking to satisfy your appetite for Italian fare? Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best affordable Italian restaurants around Anaheim, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to venture when cravings strike. 1. Cortina's Italian Market Topping the list is Southwest Anaheim's Cortina's Italian Market , at 2175 W. Orange Ave. With 4.5 stars out of 1,619 reviews on Yelp, the Italian and deli spot, serving pizza and more, has proven to be a local favorite for those looking for a cheap option. The eatery's menu also features ring-shaped deli sandwiches, pasta and salads. 2. Fresh Five Pizza West Anaheim's Fresh Five Pizza , located at 565 S. Knott Ave., is another top choice. Yelpers give the low-priced Italian spot 4.5 stars out of 161 reviews. Its specialty pies include Hawaiian, chicken barbecue and veggie. 3. Valuetinas Pizza Valuetinas Pizza , an Italian spot that offers pizza and wings in West Anaheim, is another much-loved, low-priced go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 120 Yelp reviews. Head over to 2536 W. Lincoln Ave. to see for yourself. 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.


A new report by the non-profit Environmental Working Group and Northeastern University finds people in nearly every state in the country are exposed to unhealthy drinking water. According to the researchers, 43 states have locations, including drinking water sites, contaminated with PFAS chemicals. The CDC says these chemicals have been linked to health issues that include birth defects, cancers and infertility. The study compiled information taken from Pentagon data and water utility reports. It shows an estimated 19 million people are exposed to contaminated water. Researchers found at least 610 contaminated locations ranging from public water systems and military bases to civilian airports, industrial plants, dumps and firefighter training sites. "This should be frightening to all Americans in many ways," David Andrews, a senior scientist for the Environmental Working Group, told CBSN's Anne-Marie Green. "These chemicals... don't break down in our body and they don't break down in our environment and they actually stick to our blood. So levels tend to increase over time." The Environmental Working Group said in a statement that its interactive map is the most comprehensive resource available to track contamination with a class of chemicals known as PFAS in the United States. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, PFASs are used in a broad range of consumer goods , such as cleaners, textiles, leather, paper and paints, firefighting foams, and wire insulation. "These chemicals can impact a lot of different health systems, cause numerous health problems, everything from testicular and kidney cancer, heart to the liver, heart to the thyroid," Andrews said, adding that the chemicals can also impact childhood development, low birth weight and immune system health. "The Environmental Protection Agency has utterly failed to address PFAS with the seriousness this crisis demands, leaving local communities and states to grapple with a complex problem rooted in the failure of the federal chemical regulatory system," said Ken Cook, president of the Environmental Working Group, which has studied these compounds for almost two decades. "EPA must move swiftly to set a truly health-protective legal limit for all PFAS chemicals, requiring utilities to clean up contaminated water supplies." "The updated map shows that PFAS contamination is truly a nationwide problem, impacting millions of Americans in hundreds of communities," said Phil Brown, a professor of sociology and health sciences at Northeastern University and director of the Social Science Environmental Health Research Institute. This report comes less than one week after another study by the Environmental Working Group claimed a collection of toxic chemical pollutants found in California drinking water could be responsible for an excess of 15,000 estimated cancer cases over the coming decades. Scientists published that study in the journal Environmental Health after finding toxins and carcinogens in more than 2,700 California community water systems between 2011 and 2015. A review of drinking water contaminants regulations show the EPA has two categories of drinking water standards: a primary standard which focuses on harmful containments in water, and a secondary standard which focuses on water that causes skin and tooth discoloration and has either poor taste, odor or color. According to the Environmental Working Group, the EPA does not have a legally enforceable limit for PFAS chemicals in drinking water. "The EPA has set a health advisory value, but it's not a legal binding limit," Andrews told CBS News. "Part of the problem is they haven't set a new legal drinking water limit for any contaminant in over two decades. The whole system of regulating chemicals that may end up in our water and setting limits is broken and the agency is really falling behind the science here." His organization is proposing a limit for all PFAS chemicals of 1 ppt, or part per trillion   a much smaller amount than regulators at other agencies have deemed safe. The Environmental Working Group has sometimes come under fire for its research methods and for warnings that are not in agreement with other global organizations. In a statement to CBS News, the EPA said in part, "EPA is moving forward with the maximum contaminant level (MCL) process outlined in the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) for PFOA and PFOS. The process prescribed by the Act ensures scientific integrity and transparency when developing regulations for contaminants in public water systems." The agency released a PFAS Action Plan this year outlining "concrete steps the agency is taking to address PFAS and to protect public health."


Dozens of car brands are sold in America, most from manufacturers in Japan, South Korea, the United States and Germany. Two brands are English. One of these is the worst new car brand sold in the country, based on one of the most highly regarded car research companies in the world. J.D. Power has just released its 2019 Initial Quality Study . The ratings are based on the number of problems owners or lessees have in the first 90 days they have their cars. More than 30 car brands were rated, and the bottom position was held by Jaguar. The J.D. Power study sample based is huge: 76,256 purchasers and lessees who acquired their cars in 2019. The scale is a simple one. How many problems are there per hundred vehicles of each brand? The industry average was 93. Jaguar had 130. Jaguar XJ, for example, is among the cars no one in America wants to buy anymore . The second worse brand was Land Rover, at 123. Land Rover shares a parent company with Jaguar, India's Tata Motors. The top of the J.D. Power list was held by Genesis, which was the luxury division of Hyundai until it was spun out recently. Its score was 63. Jaguar's mechanical problems are legendary, and the problem goes back for decades. The trouble probably has not been helped by the fact that the brand has had a string of owners. Before Tata, these included British Motor and Ford. Jaguar has struggled under Tata's ownership. Jaguar Land Rover, the company that makes both brands, posted a record quarterly loss earlier this year. Jaguar is a niche brand in the United States. It sold only 2,021 vehicles in May, down 15% from the year before. It operates in the American luxury car category, the sales of which are dominated by Mercedes, BMW and Lexus. In such a crowded field, a stumble in quality reputation can only make Jaguar's small market share worse. The best new car brands of 2019 list includes ratings for these luxury brands and many others. Related Video: Longest-running car models (Provided by 24/7 Wall St.) ALSO READ: Longest-Running Car Models


Almost $7 million flowed into Colorado's U.S. Senate race between April and June, a massive sum in a non-election year and further evidence the closely watched contest could set records. For Sen. Cory Gardner, his $2 million haul in the second quarter of 2019   he had nearly $5 million on hand at the end of June   provides him with an expansive and expanding war chest with which to begin batting back his Democratic challengers. For those Democratic challengers   there are 10 now   the latest fundraising figures revealed clear front-runners, showing who among them is on track to keep their campaigns afloat and raise the large amount of money most will need to place their names on a ballot next year. Gardner continues to pull in large donations, typical of a Senate incumbent. Six percent of his donations came from small-dollar donors, those who give $200 or less, according to a ProPublica analysis. Casino magnate Sheldon Adelson and his wife both donated the maximum amount allowed, $2,800. So, too, did executives at Xcel Energy, Merck, Visa and FedEx, among others. Gardner received $626,097 from political action committees, including PACs for ExxonMobil, Alliance Coal, Arch Coal, Chevron, Murray Energy, the Western Energy Alliance, Eli Lilly, Facebook, Raytheon, the private prison company CoreCivic, Walmart, Goldman Sachs and the commissioner of Major League Baseball, according to Federal Election Commission records . Casey Contres, Gardner's campaign manager, said in a statement last week that Gardner's strong fundraising quarter "allows him to continue to build the necessary resources to defeat whichever far-left candidate the Democrats nominate next June." RELATED: These Colorado Democrats are vying to take on U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner in 2020 Mike Johnston, a former state senator, continues to be a prolific fundraiser. He topped the Democratic field last quarter, hauling in nearly $1.6 million and leaving his campaign with more than $2.6 million on hand at the end of June, more than other Democratic candidates combined. Donations to the Johnston campaign came from executives at Disney, Microsoft, AT&T, Warner Bros., Yelp, the Denver pork company Tender Belly, Etsy, United Way, Square and many more. Like other Democrats in the race, he isn't accepting PAC money. Five percent of Johnston's donations came from small donors, according to a ProPublica analysis of his FEC filings . J.J. Abrams, the filmmaker, gave the maximum of $2,800 . So, too, did former NFL quarterback Brian Griese and Detroit Red Wings defenseman Mike Green. Jane Hartley, a former U.S. ambassador to France, sent $2,800, as did a consultant for the controversial consulting firm McKinsey & Co. John Thompson III, a former Georgetown basketball coach, wrote a check for $500. Dan Baer, a former diplomat and executive director of Colorado's Department of Higher Education, raised $1.35 million during his first fundraising quarter since entering the Senate race and had more than $1 million to spend on his Democratic campaign at the end of June. Executives at Netflix, Google, Lockheed Martin, Starz and Spotify chipped in. So, too, did former Colorado first lady Robin Hickenlooper , with a $2,800 donation. TV writer and producer Peter Nowalk ("Greys Anatomy," "Scandal") donated $2,800 to Baer, as did producer Nick Pepper ("Quantico," "Designated Survivor") and writer Dave Hill, who worked on "Game of Thrones." Former U.S. Attorney John Walsh's $777,000 came largely from attorneys and former prosecutors, including maximum donations from former Attorney General Loretta Lynch, former Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates, and checks from a half-dozen former U.S. attorneys. Frank Azar, the high-profile Colorado attorney, donated to Walsh's campaign as well. Andrew Romanoff, a former Colorado House speaker, brought in just over $500,000 between April and June, leaving him with $730,000 to start July. Donors included former state Rep. Randy Fischer, former state Sen. John Kefalas and the CEO of Craig Hospital in Englewood. Related Articles These Colorado Democrats are vying to take on U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner in 2020 Cory Gardner's $2 million second-quarter haul tops that of Democratic rivals Mike Johnston says he has raised record $1.8 million for 2020 Senate bid Colorado Democratic Senate candidates make first appearance together at Denver forum "Andrew's strong track record and message of fighting for universal health care, combating the climate crisis, fixing our broken immigration system, and investing in our public schools is clearly resonating with Coloradans," said Tara Trujillo, his campaign chair. Alice Madden, a former Colorado House majority leader, has raised nearly $200,000 since entering the race May 9. That includes a $40,000 donation from Madden to her campaign, and a $50,000 loan to her campaign. Aaron Bly, her campaign manager, said Madden can "build the strongest coalition of any candidate in this primary." Ellen Burnes raised $122,000 , but told supporters in an email last Friday she was dropping out "to pursue other community-focused leadership." Stephany Spaulding, a pastor and professor, has brought in $98,100 , some of which was transferred from another committee. Environmentalist Diana Bray raised $72,514, including $9,140 from her and a $10,000 loan to her campaign . Trish Zornio, a scientist from Superior, raised $14,239 and had $21,332 on hand at the end of June. Denver activist Lorena Garcia raised about $12,000 and was nearly out of money by the end of June. The latest candidate to enter, state Sen. Angela Williams, joined after the fundraising quarter and therefore has not yet filed a report with the Federal Election Commission.


Police in Nevada have confirmed you do, in fact, have to be alive to be counted as a passenger in a car. Nevada Highway Patrol's Southern Command shared on Twitter they had pulled over a hearse Monday for trying to drive in the high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane on Interstate 15 near Las Vegas with only one passenger -- unfortunately, they were in a casket. "Today we stopped a local funereal home hearse in the HOV lane," the Nevada Highway Patrol wrote in a tweet. "The driver had the dearly departed in the back, he thought the deceased could be counted as two people. I guess we should clarify this, living, breathing people count for the HOV lane." The driver will not be charged. The police were nice enough to let him off with a warning. Video of the incident from the officer's body cam shows him approach the hearse and ask for the driver's vehicle and registration. The driver informs him, "I have a deceased in the back." "Tell you what, I'll go ahead and give you a warning today, but I'll warn you we're working the HOV lanes pretty heavy today," the officer warns. (MORE: Garbage truck overturns near NYC Lincoln Tunnel, injuring at least 12) The driver asks about the deceased counting for the HOV lane and the cop responds, "He's not with us anymore." Nevada updated its laws on HOV lane just last year. The highway patrol also just began new enforcement on the first day of summer, handing out 31 fines on one day as part of an increased enforcement plan, according to Las Vegas ABC affiliate KTNV . The fine for illegally driving in an HOV lane is $250. Nevada's information about HOV lanes does not technically mention whether a dead body counts as a passenger. The law mentions qualifying vehicles for HOV lanes as those "transporting more than one person." It also includes motorcycles, regardless of passengers; buses; and certain electric or low-emission vehicles. The hearse pictured in the highway patrol's tweet was not the actual hearse pulled over.


Former Lakers president of basketball operations Magic Johnson had a positive conversation with star free agent Kawhi Leonard and his uncle Dennis Robertson on Sunday, Tania Ganguli and Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times report. Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka reached out to Leonard at the start of free agency, according to the report, with Los Angeles focused on adding Leonard to a roster that already includes star players LeBron James and Anthony Davis . Leonard's camp originally requested that the Lakers only send owner Jeanie Buss to any potential meeting, but the group is now considering adding Pelinka to the equation, according to Ganguli and Turner. It's widely believed that the Clippers, Lakers and Raptors are the front-runners for his services. Here are some other free agent rumors tonight: The Suns will meet with restricted free agent Kelly Oubre Jr. on Sunday night, according to 98.7 FM Arizona's Sports Station's John Gambadoro. The two sides could reach an agreement on a new deal during the meeting. Since the team owns Oubre's Bird rights, the team can go over the salary cap to re-sign him if it wishes. The Warriors are meeting with free agent Kevon Looney in Los Angeles with hopes of re-signing the forward, Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports tweets. Golden State was able to come to terms with Klay Thompson once free agency opened Sunday, but the team later lost All-Star forward Kevin Durant to a four-year deal from Brooklyn. Free agent Reggie Bullock is planning to meet with the Knicks on Sunday night, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. Minnesota has also touched base with Bullock, according to Darren Wolfson of 5 Eyewitness News, but he isn't at the top of their wish list. Veteran guard Danny Green is being targeted by the Mavericks, Tim MacMahon of ESPN tweets. Talks between the two sides have started to heat up, though a decision from Green won't be made until Leonard chooses to sign somewhere, Brad Townsend of the Dallas Morning News adds ( Twitter link ).


Curious just how far your dollar goes in Anaheim? We've rounded up the latest rental offerings via rental sites Zumper and Apartment Guide to get a sense of what to expect when it comes to scoring housing in Anaheim with a budget of $2,300/month. Read on for the listings. (Note: prices and availability are subject to change.) Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. 1815 S. Westside Drive (Platinum Triangle) Listed at $2,201/month, this 728-square-foot studio apartment is located at 1815 S. Westside Drive. In the apartment, you can expect hardwood flooring, quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances. The building has a swimming pool and outdoor space. Pet lovers are in luck: Cats and dogs are permitted. The listing specifies a $99 pet fee. According to Walk Score, the area around this address is somewhat walkable, is relatively bikeable and offers many nearby public transportation options. (Check out the complete listing here .) 1801 E. Katella Ave. (Platinum Triangle) Next, there's this one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit located at 1801 E. Katella Ave. It's listed for $2,210/month for its 769 square feet. You can expect carpeted floors, high ceilings, in-unit laundry and a walk-in closet in the unit. Luckily for pet owners, both dogs and cats are allowed. Future tenants needn't worry about a leasing fee. Inquire about rent specials. Walk Score indicates that the surrounding area requires a car for most errands, has some bike infrastructure and has good transit options. (Take a gander at the complete listing here .) 1921 Union St. (Southeast Anaheim) Here's a 769-square-foot one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment at 1921 Union St. that's going for $2,290/month. In the unit, you can expect to see a mix of hardwood floors and carpeting, stainless steel appliances, in-unit laundry and a walk-in closet. Amenities offered in the building include a swimming pool, a business center and garage parking. When it comes to pets, both meows and barks are welcome. The listing specifies a $500 pet fee. According to Walk Score's assessment, this location is quite walkable, is fairly bikeable and has some transit options. (Take a look at the full listing here .) 1818 S. State College Blvd. (Platinum Triangle) Next, check out this 982-square-foot one-bedroom, one-bathroom residence that's located at 1818 S. State College Blvd. It's listed for $2,249/month. The residence has a dishwasher, hardwood flooring, in-unit laundry and a walk-in closet. Building amenities include a fitness center, a swimming pool and a clubhouse. Pet owners, rejoice: Cats and dogs are permitted. Expect a $99 security deposit. Per Walk Score ratings, the surrounding area is car-dependent, is relatively bikeable and has good transit options. (Take a look at the complete listing here .) 2100 E. Katella Ave. (Platinum Triangle) Located at 2100 E. Katella Ave., here's a 1,209-square-foot two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment that's listed for $2,250/month. Amenities offered in the building include a fitness center and a swimming pool. Pet owners, you're in luck: Cats and dogs are permitted. Be prepared for a $500 pet deposit and a $50 monthly fee per pet. According to Walk Score, this location requires a car for most errands, is fairly bikeable and offers many nearby public transportation options. (Take a gander at the complete listing here .) Working with a tight budget? Here are the cheapest rentals recently listed in Anaheim . This story was created automatically using local real estate data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


HOUSTON (AP) Mike Trout is on a roll and it's helping the Los Angeles Angels get on one, too. Trout hit his American League-leading 26th homer, and Kole Calhoun, Shohei Ohtani and Andrelton Simmons also went deep to give the Angels a 5-4 win over the Houston Astros on Friday night. Calhoun, Ohtani and Simmons all connected off Houston starter Justin Verlander (10-4) as he gave up three home runs for the third time in his last five starts. The Angels won for the third time in the four games since pitcher Tyler Skaggs was found dead in his hotel room on Monday. ''Obviously, it's good to get back into things, but we're still thinking about him,'' Trout said. ''He's watching over us and (we're) just going out there playing for him.'' The victory snaps a seven-game skid against Houston and ends a five-game winning streak overall by the Astros. Los Angeles was swept in a three-game series against the Athletics before getting on track in the last few days. Trout's home run came off Hector Rondon with no outs in the eighth to make it 5-2. It's his third straight game with a homer and his 26 home runs are tied for his most before the All-Star break and most in franchise history before the midsummer classic. Calhoun called Trout's recent offensive outburst ''special.'' ''He's a guy that can carry this ballclub,'' he said. ''We can go a long way on his back.'' The three homers tied a season high for Verlander and he also matched a season high by allowing four runs in seven innings. ''I've seen Verlander firsthand, saw him for years,'' Angels manager Brad Ausmus said. ''Great competitor, great pitcher and you know you're in for a battle. With that being said, I haven't come across any pitcher who's pitched in the big leagues for any length of time who's unbeatable. You will find most of them have losses. Really, the frame of mind is, yeah, it's going to be tough but nobody is unbeatable.'' Verlander has allowed an MLB-leading 26 home runs this season, including 12 in his last five starts. ''I've got to do a better job of keeping the ball in the yard,'' he said. ''It's been a common theme here all year really, but really the last four or five starts. I've got to figure out a way to combat this thing.'' Noe Ramirez opened the game and threw a perfect first before Felix Pena (6-2) took over and allowed three hits and two runs while striking out five in four innings. Michael Brantley homered and tied a career high with four hits as he finished a triple shy of the cycle, and Yuli Gurriel had a two-run shot as he homered for the third straight game. Brantley opened Houston's second with a home run to right field to make it 1-0. Brantley singled with one out in the eighth before Gurriel got Houston within a run with his two-out shot to right field off Cam Bedrosian. Hansel Robles pitched a perfect ninth for his 12th save. David Fletcher singled with one out in the third before Calhoun sent a pitch from Verlander into the bullpen in right-center for his 19th homer to put the Angels up 2-1. There were two outs in the inning with Ohtani, who turned 25 on Friday, added a solo shot to push the lead to 3-1. Brantley and Yordan Alvarez hit consecutive doubles with one out in the fourth before Brantley scored on a groundout by Gurriel to cut the lead to 1. Simmons opened the sixth inning with his home run to the seats in left field to extend the lead to 4-2. The Astros had a chance to cut the deficit in the sixth inning when Josh Reddick walked to load the bases with two outs. But Robinson Chirinos grounded into a force out to end the inning. Verlander allowed seven hits and struck out six to move past Hall of Famer Jim Bunning for 18th place on the all-time strikeouts list with 2,859. TRAINER'S ROOM Angels: OF Justin Upton, who left Wednesday's game with tightness in his left quadriceps, remained out of the lineup Friday, but Ausmus said he was feeling better and could return Saturday. ... RHP Matt Harvey (back) is scheduled to make a rehabilitation start for Triple-A Salt Lake on Sunday and is expected to return to the rotation after the All-Star break. Astros: SS Carlos Correa (broken rib) and INF Aledmys Diaz (hamstring) are at Houston's spring training facility in Florida continuing their rehabilitation. Manager AJ Hinch said both players are improving, but did not have a timetable for their return. ... RHP Corbin Martin, ranked by MLB.com as Houston's No. 4 prospect, had Tommy John surgery on Wednesday. REMEMBERING TYLER The Astros observed a moment of silence before the game to honor Skaggs. The team also planned to donate the proceeds of their charity raffle on Friday night to the Angels Baseball Foundation. UP NEXT Angels: LHP Andrew Heaney (1-2, 5.40 ERA) will start for Los Angeles on Saturday night. Heaney yielded six hits and five runs in six innings of a loss to Oakland in his last start. Astros: RHP Gerrit Cole (8-5, 3.28) is scheduled to start for Houston on Saturday. Cole allowed five hits and one run in seven innings against Seattle in his last start to win his fourth straight decision. --- More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP-Sports


Make sure you have these items on hand in case of an emergency! First Aid Kit Everyone should have a first aid kit   it will help you be prepared in case of emergency. It's actually a good idea to have a few first aid kits: one in your home and one in your car. The Mayo Clinic explains, "A well-stocked first-aid kit can help you respond effectively to common injuries and emergencies." You can buy a premade first aid kit at a store or online, or you can make your very own customized first aid kit   just make sure it has these essential items. Click through the slideshow above to get started. 1. Bandages It's essential to have bandages in your first aid kit. You should make sure to have a few types: adhesive bandages in different shapes and sizes, butterfly bandages, elastic wrap bandages, and a large triangular bandage (which can be used as a sling). 2. Gauze Make sure to have gauze pads in various sizes in your first aid kit. It may also be a good idea to keep a gauze roll as well. Don't forget to keep adhesive tape in your kit as well. 3. Antiseptic/Antibacterial Products Every first aid kit should have a variety of antiseptic and antibacterial products. Antiseptic towelettes and solution are essential for every first aid kit, as are hand sanitizer and antibiotic ointment. It's also a good idea to keep hydrogen peroxide in your kit to disinfect. 4. Anti-Itch Treatment No first aid kit is complete without anti-itch treatment. This may include hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, and other anti-itch products for bug bites, stings, rashes, or allergic reactions. 5. Pain Relievers Keep a variety of pain relievers in your first aid kit, like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin. Make sure to keep dosage information with every medication you have. 6. Instant Cold Packs Cold compresses are necessary for every first aid kit. Instant cold packs are the best option. 7. Cotton Balls & Swabs Cotton balls and swabs can be used to clean wounds, apply ointments, and help with a variety of other first aid needs. Keep these items in an air-tight bag so they don't get wet. 8. Medications For Common Ailments In your first aid kit, keep a variety of medications that are necessary for common ailments. These include antacids, laxatives, anti-diarrheals, eye drops, throat lozenges , sunburn relief gel/lotion, and cough and cold medication. 9. Exam Gloves Make sure to have multiple pairs of examination gloves in your first aid kit. Since many people are allergic to latex, it's a good idea to choose non-latex gloves for your kit. 10. Allergy Treatment Since so many people have allergies, it's important to keep allergy treatments in your first aid kit. Make sure to include antihistamines and nasal spray for general allergic reactions, and an auto-injector of epinephrine if prescribed by your doctor. 11. First Aid Tools Every first aid kit needs a variety of tools. Make sure your kit has blunt-tipped scissors, fine-point tweezers, an oral thermometer, a syringe or medical cup, and a CPR mask. 12. First Aid Manual Nowadays, we're so used to getting information about everything on our smartphones. Keep a first aid manual in your kit to make sure you know how to handle injuries if you don't have your phone or it isn't working. 13. Specific Medications If you have specific medications you need for a medical issue, keep some of those on hand in your first aid kit. These may include prescription medications, antibiotics, glucose/other sugar, or anything else you may need. 14. Sunscreen & Bug Spray It may seem like no big deal to get a sunburn or get some bug bites, but if you're stuck outside for a while, these things can be really detrimental. Make sure to keep small containers of bug spray and sunscreen in your first aid kit. 15. Emergency Phone Numbers You should always keep emergency phone numbers in your first aid kit. Include numbers for close friends/family members, your doctor/pediatrician, poison control, and local emergency services. 16. Emergency Blanket Always keep an emergency blanket in your first aid kit. You never know when you may experience severe weather, so this can help in the case of extreme cold. 17. Medical Forms In every first aid kit, you should make sure there are copies of medical history forms and medical consent forms for every member of your family. You never know when you may need these, so knowing where they are is important. 18. Medical Face Mask Make sure your first aid kit includes a medical face mask, a dust mask, or some sort of similar breathing barrier. This can help protect you against environmental factors like ash, dust, etc. If you live in an area where wildfires are common, make sure to get a more serious mask (like a N95 or N100 respiratior mask) to protect you from smoke. Important Reminders When it comes to your first aid kit, there are a few things you need to keep in mind: medications and ointments have expiration dates, so you should always make sure they're not out-of-date; you should make sure your family knows how to use each item in the kit; and you should keep the kit out of reach of young children.


PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland - An Irishman was predicted to be leading the 148th British Open at Royal Portrush. Not many thought it would be Shane Lowry. While Rory McIlroy was struggling just to make the cut, Lowry was playing his way into a tie for the lead with J.B. Holmes. Lowry returned a second successive 4-under 67 to move to 8-under and join Holmes at the top of the leaderboard. They are one shot ahead of Englishmen Tommy Fleetwood and Lee Westwood. The 32-year-old played Royal Portrush's front nine in 31 shots, 5-under. He got to 10 under with a birdie on the 10th, but dropped a shot at the 14th before bogeying the 18th. Lowry duffed his 8-iron approach to the last and failed to get up and down. "Obviously it could have been better," he admitted. "I got a little tentative." Lowry has been in position to win a major before. He began the final round of the 2016 U.S. Open at Oakmont with a four-shot lead, but slumped to a closing 76 to finish T-2. "Oakmont was so long ago and I was a lot younger. I feel like if I get the opportunity this week I'll be better. It definitely won't affect me what happened at Oakmont. I've got over that. It took me a while to get over it, but I got over it. "I've just got to go out and do my best and if that's good enough at the end of the day, we'll have a good night Sunday." Lowry has lived in McIlroy's shadow for most of his life. He played junior golf against the childhood prodigy from Holywood. In fact, Lowry got his first big break because of McIlroy. In 2005, McIlroy decided not to participate in an Irish Boys' squad session. Lowry took his place. The boy from Clara in County Offaly to the west of Dublin impressed the selectors so much he became a permanent member of Irish amateur squads. Still, McIlroy was the kid who would be king. Lowry was the "fat kid with the glasses." That was the description renowned coach Pete Cowen hung around Lowry's neck when he watched both in a Golfing Union of Ireland junior practice session. Thankfully, that junior could play. He proved that before embarking on his professional career. Lowry won the 2009 Irish Open while still an amateur. He's added another three European Tour victories, including this year's Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. The portly professional will probably never emerge from McIlroy's shadow. However, he's 36 holes from joining McIlroy in golf's exclusive major club, a club that contains just five Irishmen. Can Lowry become the sixth? https://compass.pressekompass.net/compasses/golfweek/has-father-time-finally-caught-tiger-woo MORE: Is Tacko Fall an NBA player? Here is the case for why... and why not Dan Le Batard delivers impassioned rebuke of racist 'send her back' chant despite ESPN rules Dan Le Batard Rips Trump and 'Send Her Back' Chants What made Bills hiring of Ken Dorsey a crucial hiring Can Rashaan Melvin be the Lions' new Rashean Mathis?


The Mars 2020 mission will truly be one for the record books when it begins in July of next year. Not only is the Mars 2020 rover one of the most advanced piece of equipment that will ever be sent to the Red Planet, it's also equipped with its very own helicopter. The vehicle, named simply the Mars Helicopter, is the first of its kind, and a great deal of work as been put into perfecting its simple design and ensuring that it can withstand the conditions of Mars. Now, in a new blog post , NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory says that the helicopter has entered its final testing phase and it's already passed many of its trials with flying colors. "Nobody's built a Mars Helicopter before, so we are continuously entering new territory," MiMi Aung, manager of the Mars Helicopter project at JPL, said in a statement . "Our flight model   the actual vehicle that will travel to Mars   has recently passed several important tests." The tiny copter will be affixed to the belly of the Mars 2020 rover during the flight to Mars and throughout the landing phase. Once the rover is on the surface, it will deploy the helicopter. The helicopter doesn't have any scientific objectives this time around, and it's being sent to Mars simply as a testing and demonstration vehicle to provide scientists with information on flight within the thin atmosphere of Mars. The helicopter's sole instrument is a high-resolution camera that, NASA hopes, will capture some lovely shots of the Red Planet and relay them back to Earth. In the future, helicopter-like vehicles may be a regular addition to Mars missions since they afford greater flexibility to relocate to new areas in short periods of time. Rovers are, generally speaking, pretty slow, but if NASA can perfect the art of flight on Mars it will have the power to explore new areas rapidly. Sign up for BGR's Newsletter . For the latest news, follow us on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram .


Former Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning is a hot commodity when it comes to teams wanting him to run the organizations as general managers. There was speculation from Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk that the Jets are seeking to offer Manning the general manager role, which has now become vacant after parting ways with Mike Maccagnan last week. However, it's been reported that the Jets landing the two-time Super Bowl champion is "unrealistic ," per Ralph Vacchiano of SNY. "Manning as the next Jets GM is "unrealistic" and being an NFL GM is "not a job he seems to want" said a source close to Manning told SNY's Ralph Vacchiano." It has also been reported by ESPN's Rich Cimini that Manning i sn't currently on the Jets' radar to fill the role of general manager. It isn't clear if the Jets truly want to bring in Manning to be their next general manager. He obviously is equipped with elite football knowledge, and he does have a connection with their new head coach in Adam Gase. The duo worked together during Manning's time with the Denver Broncos. Manning does appear to have some inkling of interest with a front office gig. He and the Colts engaged in "serious discussions" ahead of the hiring of current general manager Chris Ballard in 2017. It remains to be seen if Manning will one day bring his knowledge to a team's front office, but he'll have no shortage of offers if and when that day comes. MORE: Steph Curry and Seth Curry shared a special moment after the sweep was complete Injury to Reuben Foster could help Chiefs, Redskins strike a deal Browns players quickly start recruiting freshly cut DT Gerald McCoy Magic Johnson confirms rumor that Lakers want to sign Kyrie Irving Matt Nagy surprises Bears with 'Monday Funday' ahead of OTAs


Arsenal welcome Brighton to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon, with the hosts fighting for a Champions League spot and the visitors fighting for Premier League survival. The Gunners enter the fixture off the back of Unai Emery's worst league run as Arsenal manager to date, having lost their last three outings - shipping nine goals in the process. Brighton by contrast have battled to two draws in their last three fixtures and have opened up a four point cushion between themselves and the relegation zone. Victory on Sunday would ensure that the Seagulls play top flight football next season. Good character with the fightback in the second half to get closer to our goal. Won't stop til we are there. pic.twitter.com/4jdoWL7Hmw   Maty Ryan (@MatyRyan) April 28, 2019 Check out 90min's preview of Sunday's clash below. Where to Watch  When is Kick Off? Sunday 5 May  What Time is Kick Off? 16:30 (BST)  Where is it Played? Emirates Stadium  TV Channel/Live Stream? Sky Sports Premier League  Referee? Anthony Taylor Team News Aaron Ramsey will definitely miss Sunday's match, with recent reports suggesting the Welshman has played his last game for Arsenal following a hamstring injury against Napoli. The rest of Emery's starting 11 is likely to be rotated from the side that beat Valencia in the first leg of their Europa League semi final on Thursday. While the Gunners cannot afford to take a relegation-threatened Brighton lightly, Emery will undoubtedly look to rotate his players, with one eye on the return fixture at Mestalla the following Thursday. Without the worry of other fixtures and competitions, Chris Hughton can focus solely on Sunday's clash, and enters the match with the added boost of having Anthony Knockaert back from suspension. After providing the assist for what could prove to be a crucial equaliser last Saturday, expect Brighton's veteran striker Glenn Murray to retain his place in a largely unchanged lineup for the Seagulls. Davy Propper will miss out, while Beram Kayal is a doubt.  "It could prove to be a massive point - we showed good character today and worked for one another." #BHAFC ⚪ pic.twitter.com/edVhI1C3eH   Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽ (@OfficialBHAFC) April 27, 2019 Predicted Lineups  Arsenal Leno; Maitland-Niles, Mustafi, Mavropanos, Monreal; Elneny, Guendouzi, Xhaka; Iwobi, Ozil; Aubameyang.  Brighton Ryan; Bruno, Duffy, Dunk, Bernardo; Gross, Stephens, Bissouma, Izquierdo; Murray, Andone. Head to Head Record With Brighton having spent much of their life outside of England's top flight, it is unsurprisingly Arsenal who lead the head to head statistics. Of the 18 fixtures played between the two sides, the Gunners have won 12 to the Seagulls' three, with the pair having shared honours for the other three matches. However, recent history makes for far better reading for the team from the south coast. Since gaining promotion to the Premier League in 2017, Brighton have lost one, won one, drawn one, and are undefeated in their two previous encounters. Recent Form Arsenal's recent struggles have been clear for all to see, with three back-to-back league losses that has seen them concede three goals in each game. They did, however, return to form with an important 3-1 victory over Valencia. IT'S 3-0 TO LEICESTER!!! Jamie Vardy taps it in with the last kick of the game Full time score: Leicester 3-0 Arsenal pic.twitter.com/mi5PTIxVGN   90min (@90min_Football) April 28, 2019 Although the Gunners have not been renowned for their defensive prowess during this campaign, these heavy breaches have still come as something of a shock, as they were preceded by an impressive clean sheet away to Napoli. In recent months, Brighton have become the unwilling recipient of the 'out of nowhere relegation candidates' title, following five consecutive defeats that saw the Seagulls plummet down the table. However, Chris Hughton has steadied the ship somewhat since their defeat to Cardiff City. Through a clear emphasis on tightening things up at the back, the Brighton manager has been able to eke out some important results that should be enough to keep the Seagulls afloat. Here's how each team performed in their last five fixtures.  Arsenal Brighton  Arsenal 3-1 Valencia (2/5) Brighton 1-1 Newcastle (27/4) Leicester 3-0 Arsenal (28/4) Tottenham 1-0 Brighton (23/4) Wolves 3-1 Arsenal (24/4) Wolves 0-0 Brighton (20/4) Arsenal 2-3 Crystal Palace (21/4) Brighton 0-2 Cardiff (16/4) Napoli 0-1 Arsenal (18/4) Brighton 0-5 Bournemouth (13/4) Prediction Despite their recent struggles, Arsenal can still boast an ominous home record this season - having won 14 of their 18 Premier League bouts at the Emirates - and will be confident of improving on that record this Sunday. Brighton will likewise enter the fixture full of confidence given Arsenal's recent defensive woes, and will be looking to target this game as their best chance for guaranteeing Premier League football next season. With their final game of the season against Manchester City at home, Hughton's men would surely fancy their chances more playing at the Emirates against an out of sorts Arsenal with one eye on Europe, than at home against a rampant City intent on defending their Premier League crown. Expect Arsenal to sneak a very tight affair against an obstinate Brighton, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to add to his impressive record against the Seagulls. Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Brighton


Editor's note: This story has been updated from its original publication date of June 23, 2017, when Roy Halladay was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame. Roy Halladay is set to enter Cooperstown on Sunday. A huge impact during his tenure with the Toronto Blue Jays, "Doc's" baseball travels may not have led to not Upstate New York without a chat with a fellow 2019 inductee. Halladay took his career to a whole new echelon while in Toronto thanks to one man: Mariano Rivera. The year was 2008: Halladay already had two Cy Young Awards under his belt and was making his sixth appearance at the MLB All-Star Game as one of the most dominant starters in baseball. You would've thought there wasn't much more a Cy Young winner could learn. MORE: The 10 greatest Blue Jays of all time But Halladay started talking to Rivera , the master of the cutter, who carved out a niche as a one-pitch pitcher and mastered the pitch like nobody else. Rivera held court with Halladay and Scott Kazmir about how to grip the cutter, and Rivera even shared a few tips on how to throw his signature pitch. These days, pitchers keep those secrets heavily-guarded, but Rivera was willing to share some pointers with his brethren. The TV cameras caught Rivera giving some tips to Halladay during batting practice ahead of the 2008 All-Star Game in New York. Again, that's something you almost never see today; one division rival helping out another with his craft. Here's what Halladay told Tom Verducci from Sports Illustrated about Rivera's advice and the impact on his career: But the biggest thing was his finger placement and how his thumb was under the ball. I was throwing a cutter, but it was inconsistent. Once he told me about the thumb, it became a big pitch for me. You're so used to playing catch and four-seaming the baseball that your hand wants to go to that natural position. You have to keep reminding yourself, thumb underneath, thumb underneath. After that meeting, I took a baseball and marked it with my finger and thumb placement for the cutter. If the pitch was ever off, I could go back to the baseball and hold it. I still have that ball. Whatever Rivera told Halladay, it worked. There was an immediate change in Halladay's repertoire when he got back to work after the All-Star break. Your browser does not support iframes. Halladay later spoke with MLB Network Radio and recalled his career-changing conversation with Rivera. Up until that point, Halladay used a cutter with mixed results. Blue Jays pitching coach and "Cutter Guru" Gil Patterson initially taught Halladay how to use the pitch, but Rivera's advice helped Halladay perfect it. The next season, Halladay's cutter usage increased from 33.2 percent in 2008 to 41.5 percent in 2009. Coincidentally, Halladay's K/9 ratio shot up more than two strikeouts per game after the 2007 season. By the time Halladay was traded to the Phillies during winter 2009, he maintained cutter usage around the 42 percent mark. Halladay's refined cutter helped propel him to a no-hitter, perfect game and Cy Young Award all in the span of one season in 2010. Not that Halladay really needed the assistance from Rivera, but that advice helped Halladay enjoy a career renaissance in his last few years with the Blue Jays and his eventual transition to the Phillies. The cutter gave Halladay his second wind as a starter. It also allowed him to enjoy continued success in the National League, a berth in the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, and now, a plaque in Cooperstown. Related slideshow: The 2019 MLB season (Provided by imagn)


Now that it's almost August, the NHL activity is dying down more in the dead of summer. The biggest news around the league yesterday was Tampa Bay re-signing goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy to a mammoth eight year, $76 million extension ($9.5 million annual average). Vasilevskiy , just turned 25 this week, is pretty much at the top of the charts these days as the only goalie to be a Vezina finalist in the past two seasons (and won it last month in Vegas for the 2018-19 season). Good time for him to cash in, and it's actually a pretty fair deal compared to the summer's earlier mega signing of Sergei Bobrovsky (who turns 31 before the season starts) to Florida for seven years and $70 million. It's a good time to be a high-end goalie. Which, oh yeah, one of the Penguins few remaining items on the off-season checklist is to negotiate an extension with Matt Murray. Murray will play 2019-20 on a $3.75 million cap hit and then be a restricted free agent next summer. General manager Jim Rutherford has always acted very decisively with his goalies while he's been in Pittsburgh. Rutherford, of course, is a former goalie himself, and doesn't tend to mess around at all with the position   preferring stability and to establish plans far out. Consider that Marc-Andre Fleury was given a four-year extension (cap hit $5.75 million) in November 2014, when Rutherford was just months on the job and in plenty of time to keep Fleury from getting close to free agency. And that was 2014 Fleury, who wasn't exactly coming off of prime performances. Still, that contract paid off for the Pens in 2017 when MAF was the driving factor in beating Columbus and Washington in the playoffs. Similarly, Murray was re-signed to his current $3.75m cap hit that started in 2017-18 back in October 2016 - well ahead of his free agency the following summer. And, that was a masterful move too, being as Murray captured his second Stanley Cup that summer and surely is in a position to negotiate for a lot more money had Pittsburgh held off. Which brings us to now. Rutherford's history indicates he would love to sign Murray to his next deal within the next couple of months here. Maybe it will take to camp or shortly into the regular season   where as you can tell from the Murray and Fleury recent extensions, that's where they were finalized. But it's worth wondering if the Bobrovsky and Vasilevskiy contracts have shifted the salary paradigm for the whole league. This is a look from CapFriendly,com on goalie cap hits for 2020-21 (when Vasilevskiy's new deal kicks in, and also the first year for Murray's next contract). (Also note that Braden Holtby is an unrestricted free agent next summer, and with very similar stats to Bobrovsky [plus a title] he certainly will be in that upper echelon as well by the time the 2020 season starts). That image shows a much different landscape than a couple months ago. For years Henrik Lundqvist at $8.5m was the highest cap hit goalie, but the ceiling of pay has dramatically been increased by Vasilevskiy , Bobrovsky and Carey Price (and possibly Holtby 's next contract). Will that upward momentum trickle down to Murray's level as the second tier of goalies? When our Adam Gretz wrote here about what to expect for Murray's next deal, he boiled it down to: The problem is projecting goalie performance is one of the most difficult things to do in hockey. If you gamble big and miss, you are stuck with an albatross contract at the most important position and there is not much you can do to get out of it. Now, again, I'm not saying I believe Murray's career is going to go in that direction, but with goalies you just never know. So for me? I'm hoping to get a four or five year deal in the $5-6 million range. If you have up the cap hit a little to shorten the deal, I almost think that is a better way to go then tying yourself into more years at a reduced cap hit. The comparable players of John Gibson ($6.4 million hit) and Connor Hellebuyck ($6.16 million hit) really looked like where Murray's range was. Both of those players had some restricted free agent years bought out, as Murray will as well. But, Murray has two things those guys don't have. So it will be interesting to see how that negotiation goes. Can (or will) Murray's agent have any luck pushing that high-end goalies on the open market are making $9-10 million and that Murray only needs a couple more solid seasons to get to the open market and all those riches? The Pens can obviously point out Murray hasn't been an iron man and hasn't been a Vezina finalist (or winner, or multi-time winner) like Vasilevskiy and Bobrovsky, respectively. Or will both sides play almost a game of chicken to play out 2019-20 without an extension, see how the season goes, and talk in summer 2020 about a contract? At this point that option might make the most sense for both parties. Murray will be betting on himself to have a huge year, and if he does, he will absolutely be striking gold with a huge money contract for $8, $9 million on his next contract if there's like a best case scenario for him (say, 35+ wins, .925 save%, at least a Vezina nomination and he is the backbone of a long playoff run). For the Pens, well they get to see more from Murray and get more information. Murray is only a restricted free agent next year, and in this climate teams simply don't really make runs at other team's RFAs. If Murray plays awesome, he cashes in. If he has an injury-filled or middling year, he's probably in the Hellebuyck salary range, if not lower. Either way, it pushes off making the commitment. A few months ago it seemed as elementary as a simple bullet point on a checklist to re-sign Matt Murray. Now with the upward flow of salaries it will be very interesting to see how the negotiations pay out, as well as the timing to see if Rutherford can and will follow his typical pattern to extend his number one goalie very early on in the process, or if this year will be different.


Meredith Blackwood's typical workday begins at 7:30 a.m. in a classroom full of third graders   and ends as late as 11 p.m. in a factory across town. Blackwood, 27, is a teacher at Cayce Elementary in West Columbia, South Carolina, where she made $36,000 for the 2018-19 school year. Her husband, Chancen Blackwood, 30, a teacher in the same school district, made $35,000. The Blackwoods live in a state that pays teachers one of the lowest starting salaries in the country. With annual raises that have so far been small, their combined incomes don't cover their monthly bills. So when an unusual income booster at a local drug manufacturer arose several months ago, they took it, joining hundreds of other South Carolina teachers forced into unusually long workdays just to get by. After their school day ends, on weekends and during school breaks, the Blackwoods don red scrubs and hair nets and join the assembly line at Nephron Pharmaceuticals, which, since March, has given part-time work to more than 650 teachers. The teachers' responsibilities vary. Some days they check syringes for imperfections; other days they package drugs to be sent to hospitals or assemble the boxes the drugs go into. They typically work in four-hour shifts. For the Blackwoods, it adds to an already packed day of working extra jobs at school to make ends meet. Meredith, who this year was named Teacher of the Year at her elementary school, works at her after-school program and summer school, and Chancen coaches football in addition to being a strength and conditioning coach and teaching health and physical education classes at Brookland-Cayce High School. Over the summer, he's also designing training programs for student-athletes in his school's weight room. But none of their gigs on school grounds pays them as much on an hourly basis as Nephron, where they make $21 an hour. In interviews with almost a dozen educators who moonlight at the factory, teachers said the work doesn't utilize their skill sets, but offers money that they couldn't turn down. Some spoke of using the extra cash to pay down debt, make car payments or save for big trips they had always hoped to go on. Others said it gave them a chance to put money in the bank, something they were not able to do from teaching alone. "I never would have thought in a million years that I would be wearing a hair net and rubber gloves and working in this factory," said Heather Herndon, 56, a kindergarten teacher at Rocky Creek Elementary School in Lexington, South Carolina, who is using the extra money to start a nest egg toward her retirement. "I'm trying to take advantage of it, but some teachers try to work so much at Nephron to augment their income that they're exhausted and can't really do their job. So I'm cognizant of that." South Carolina, like many other parts of the country, is struggling to retain its teachers, largely because state lawmakers have resisted several efforts to give them substantial raises. Those in the profession are finding it almost impossible to make a living wage, and out of necessity, are taking on odd jobs after their school day ends, whether it's laboring at factories, checking tickets at concert venues, or working retail jobs to bring in a little extra cash. For Meredith Blackwood, who is using her Nephron money to pay down the $15,000 she and her husband have in student loans, being a teacher is about the relationships she builds with her students, many of whom come from low-income families. She felt deeply connected to the 27 eight- and nine-year-olds in her class this year. But her salary has posed a problem. "With what we're making, there's not a lot of extra money," Blackwood said. "I love what I do. I never got in it for the money. But that was before I realized how many bills there are." Small improvements in a state where pay is particularly low Across America, the teaching profession is in crisis. In the past year, overworked educators from California to the Carolinas have staged mass protests over classroom sizes that are too big, textbooks that are falling apart, and pay that is inadequate. Their desperation is perhaps most evident in South Carolina, a state with a public school system that has consistently ranked among the bottom in the country. The state also pays notoriously little: $50,182 for the average teaching salary in 2017-18   about $10,000 less than the national average   and an average starting salary that until recently, was stuck at $33,148, according to the National Education Association , which represents more than 3 million teachers and education support professionals. Only three states pay new teachers less . Teachers in South Carolina say that even accounting for the state's low cost of living, the salary is not adequate, especially given that it's lower than what neighboring states pay . This has resulted in a teacher shortage in the state. More than 5,300 teachers left South Carolina's public schools ahead of the 2018-19 school year, while just over 1,640 received a teaching degree, according to the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention and Advancement , a nonprofit that aims to grow the teaching profession in South Carolina. But there have been small improvements this year. In June, Republican Gov. Henry McMaster signed a budget that increased beginning teachers' salaries to $35,000 , and gave other teachers a four percent or more raise . That amount, compared to last year's salaries, would move South Carolina's starting salary from fourth lowest to 12th lowest. And lawmakers are working to make other reforms: in January 2019, the state's Republican House Speaker, Jay Lucas, proposed a sweeping education policy overhaul bill that would reduce the amount of state-mandated testing, hire an education "czar" who would oversee improving education at every grade level, and consolidate the state's smallest school districts to give them a chance to spend more per student. But some teachers say these are not the types of reforms they need. SC for Ed, a 30,000-member grassroots education advocacy group, says it wants higher salaries that are not compromised by higher health care costs; better working conditions, such as protected classroom planning time during the school day and smaller class sizes; and more equity and funding statewide, so all school districts reap benefits. "We're thankful this was taken up. We just wish there was a different process to have teachers involved in the beginning," said Dottie Adams, a SC for Ed board member and an eighth grade science teacher in Columbia. Lucas' bill passed the House but stalled in the state Senate, and is expected to be taken up again in January's legislative session. In the meantime, Lucas and Rita Allison, a Republican who chairs the state House Education Committee, will be meeting with teachers to further understand what they need from the state, a spokesperson for Lucas said. Advocates hope they will look into more ways to reform the entire education system. "Teachers and school principals should have a lot more autonomy and flexibility to build the schools in the way that they want to design the curriculum and spend budget resources and things like that, and we have systems that don't really allow for that flexibility and innovation," said former middle school teacher Josh Bell, who is now the executive director of the Charleston Coalition for Kids, which works to elect school board members who will deliver the best outcomes for students in Charleston, South Carolina. "We're asking teachers to move mountains in their classrooms and come up with a really outstanding plan to meet the need of students," Bell said, "many of whom are far behind." A history of not providing 'minimally adequate' education The state has a troubled history with education, experts say, with problems that date back centuries, starting with the period when it deprived education to black children due to anti-literacy laws passed in the slavery era. Even today, the state fails many black students: In 2017, the most recent year of data available, only 27 percent of all eighth grade students were considered proficient in their reading achievement level, which included 37 percent of all white students but just 11 percent of all black students, according to data from the South Carolina Department of Education . Similarly, the same year, 26 percent of all fourth graders in the state were proficient in math; 37 percent of all white students at that grade level tested proficient, while only 12 percent of black students did. In 1999, the state Supreme Court found that legislators were depriving poor, rural school districts of a " minimally adequate education "   an underwhelmingly low bar for public schools. While some changes were made at the pre-kindergarten level, the state did very little else to improve education across the board, according to Jon Hale, a University of South Carolina associate professor whose research focuses on education history. Ramifications of the case were explored in a 2018 series by The Post and Courier in Charleston, which found that state leaders' refusal to make education reforms had led South Carolina's academic standards to continue slipping as other nearby struggling states, such as Louisiana, Tennessee and Mississippi, overhauled and improved their schools. The paper also found that a third of South Carolina's high school graduates are unprepared for most jobs, according to state test results. And certain rural and poor districts, still saddled with the effects of being underfunded for decades, do not have even a dozen career-ready grads out of the entire graduating class. Booming businesses but no money for public schools What sets South Carolina apart from some neighboring states, which have no major industries to support public services including education, is that the Palmetto State is a business hub. Its tourist spots bring in millions of dollars every year. And the state is home to major factories owned by some of the biggest companies in the country, including Boeing Co., Daimler and Mercedes-Benz. But the tax breaks that lure big businesses to South Carolina have come at a cost to the state's public schools, to the tune of $318.2 million a year, according to the Post and Courier . Experts say there have been other financial factors that have prevented South Carolina from improving its schools. A 2006 law, Act 388 , eliminated homeowner property taxes for school operations that most states use to fund their schools, substituting it with a 1 percent tax on home sales dedicated to schools. But the math from the law, which went into effect in 2007, just as the U.S. housing crisis proliferated, has not worked out. "The sales tax is not a sufficient replacement for the property tax. The sales tax does not generate the hundreds of millions that it was supposed to," Hale said. On top of the funding troubles, the state also has no collective bargaining rights for its teachers. With no unions, Hale said "a culture of fear, intimidation and silence" has pervaded the profession. That has changed in recent months. On May 1, SC for Ed organized a rally, inspired by walkouts around the country, in which thousands of South Carolina teachers marched to demand reforms to the state's education system. "Teachers are fed up," said Lisa Ellis, a high school journalism and media teacher in Columbia who has taught for 18 years and who started the SC for Ed Facebook group. "You're in the classroom all by yourself and you're responsible for 18 to 30 human beings, and that can be very overwhelming. The Facebook group helped them realize they're not alone, and gave them the courage to speak out." Committed to teaching at all costs Nephron Pharmaceuticals does not want to lure teachers away from the profession. The educator program was created by the drug manufacturer's female CEO and president, Lou Kennedy, whose mother was a teacher; it caps teachers' hours at 40 a month. Kennedy said her goal is to show "how much we should respect teachers and how much they mean to us" and show legislators that teachers need more money and support. Despite the challenges to their jobs, the Blackwoods have no plans to leave their profession. In the winter, Meredith Blackwood hopes to start her master's degree, which, upon completion, will raise her annual income by about $6,000 a year. They have managed to stretch their incomes for the time being. Once they pay off more of their student loans and the mortgage on a starter home they purchased a couple of months ago, they would like to start a family. In the meantime, the couple is doing whatever it takes to reduce their debt. And Meredith Blackwood has never wavered in her commitment to her students. "I feel like every day when I come to school, my students need me, regardless of whether I've been at Nephron the night before. I know when I walk in this building the next morning, they need me," she said. "I love the students. I do it for them, and I hope to make an impact on their lives."


Since late December, when the Cardinals took over the top spot on the NFL's waiver priority list due to their league-worst record, Arizona has had its pick of the NFL's freely available talent. In that time, general manager Steve Keim has acquired five players via the waiver wire, many of whom have significant NFL experience. Let's take a look at the players the Cardinals have picked up on waivers over the past seven months and examine how each might contribute in 2019. Pharoh Cooper , WR: Claimed from Rams on 12/19/18 The Cardinals may have gained some valuable intel from Cooper after claiming him in advance of their Week 16 matchup against the Rams, but Arizona also likely had Cooper's potential 209 contributions in mind. A fourth-round pick out of South Carolina in 2016, Cooper earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2017 as a return man. That season, the 24-year-old handled 66 combined kick and punt returns and led the NFL in yards per kickoff return (27.4). The Cardinals now have a bevy of wide receivers on their depth chart after adding draft picks Andy Isabella and Hakeem Butler along with holdovers Larry Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk , so Cooper is unlikely to see the field as an offensive player. But he'll compete to become Arizona's top return man, a role that he should be able to win. D.J. Swearinger , S: Claimed from Redskins on 12/25/18 Sometimes you can go home again. The Cardinals brought in Swearinger   who previously played in Arizona from 2015-16   via a Christmas Day waiver claim after the veteran defensive back was cut by the Redskins for criticizing Washington's coaching staff and play-calling decisions. Still just 27 years old and due less than $4.5M in 2019, Swearinger was unsurprisingly a popular name on the waiver wire, as both the Raiders and Packers attempted to claim him. Viewed as one of the more physically imposing defensive backs in the league, Swearinger graded out as the NFL's No. 13 safety a year ago, per Pro Football Focus . He'll start alongside Budda Baker in a now Patrick Peterson -less (at least, for six games) Arizona secondary. Tanner Vallejo , LB: Claimed from Browns on 2/5/19 Like Cooper, Vallejo is likely ticketed for a special teams-only role in 2019. Over the past two seasons with the Bills and Browns, Vallejo played only 158 total defensive snaps but appeared on more than 500 special teams snaps. In both campaigns, he finished in the top three on his club in special teams plays. The Cardinals were actually relatively successful on special teams last year, ranking as a top-12 unit in both kickoffs and punts, but Vallejo will give the club more depth. Speaking of depth, Arizona doesn't have a ton of serviceable options behind projected starting 'backers Haason Reddick and Jordan Hicks , so a scenario exists where Vallejo sees meaningful playing time on defense. Pita Taumoepenu , LB: Claimed from 49ers on 5/9/19 A sixth-round pick in the 2017 draft, Taumoepenu has only played in six games (21 defensive snaps, 69 special teams snaps) over two seasons. Now 25 years old, Taumoepenu will have to compete for time on special teams, as he's unlikely to see the field as a pass-rusher behind Terrell Suggs and Brooks Reed . Desmond Harrison , T: Claimed from Browns on 6/6/19 The Browns cut Harrison earlier this month after he reportedly missed team meetings , but the Cardinals were willing to take a chance on his talent. Harrison joined Cleveland as an undrafted free agent in 2018 and subsequently started eight games, and while his overall marks from PFF weren't stellar, he ranked 32nd among tackles in pure pass-blocking grade (min. 50 percent snap percentage). He was hurt by his run-blocking limitations and his 11 penalties, the latter of which ranked ninth-most among tackles. Harrison will open the season behind starting Arizona tackles D.J. Humphries and Marcus Gilbert , but given that those two have only played a combined 26 games (out of a possible 64) over the past two seasons, Harrison stands a decent chance to make it on to the field.