As Major League Baseball moves into the Midsummer Classic and the halfway point of the season, it's important to take a look at some of the names of players who may get their shot on the big stage sometime soon. Here's a look at how the top five prospects in the Mets' farm system, according to MLB Pipeline , are doing this season as well as one famous bonus prospect. Andres Gimenez (Binghamton, Double-A) Through 63 games this season with the Rumble Ponies, the Venezuelan shortstop has hit .230 with three homers. Despite the low batting average, Gimenez, 20, has collected nearly a hit a game, with 56 hits and 82 total bases at the halfway point of the season. In the field, Gimenez has committed just six errors so far and spun 23 double plays. Ronny Mauricio (Columbia Fireflies, Single-A) Mauricio has 85 hits in 71 games with a .286 batting average and .374 slugging percentage. The switch-hitting shortstop has the Mets organization excited that he can make an impact on both sides of the plate, and both sides of the ball. The Dominican Republic native, however, will have to tighten up defensively, as the 18-year-old has committed 16 errors so far in his first full season in the minors. Anthony Kay (Syracuse Mets, Triple-A) A first-round pick by the Mets in 2016 (31st overall), Kay, a left-handed pitcher, impressed in Double-A earlier this season, going 7-3 with a 1.49 ERA. After 12 starts, the Long Island native was called up to Triple-A but has struggled to adjust so far. Kay is winless in four starts, posting a 0-3 record with a 9.64 ERA. The 24-year-old seemed to be on the fast track to the majors, especially with the woes the big-league Mets have had on their staff, but it's clear Kay needs more time in Syracuse. Kay will represent the National League in Sunday night's Futures Game in Cleveland. Mark Vientos (Columbia Fireflies, Single-A) A second-round draft pick out of high school in 2017, Vientos is hitting .254 with six home runs and 37 RBIs. Those might be middle-of-the-road numbers, but keep in mind he is just 19 years old. Vientos may have helped his cause by switching from shortstop to third base last season -- potentially avoiding a logjam at shortstop as he rises through the ranks. But he is still getting used to his new position, and the numbers show it, as he has committed 18 errors this year. Shervyen Newton (Columbia Fireflies, Single-A) Newton was challenged last year by moving from the Dominican Summer League up to rookie ball and fared well. However, after now making the jump up again to Class A, the utility infielder is struggling, batting just .180 with two home runs, 11 RBIs and 72 strikeouts. The 20-year-old still has a lot of growing to do. BONUS: Tim Tebow (Syracuse Mets, Triple-A) The Mets' most famous prospect, of course, is not considered one of their top prospects. Tebow enjoyed a fairly successful season in Double-A in 2018 before a broken hand cut his season short. The 31-year-old, however, has had a rough go at it in Triple-A, hitting just .163 with three home runs. But the former Broncos and Jets quarterback has homered in two of his last four games, so perhaps he's turning a corner in his development.


Julieanna Bottorff has lived in her quiet Sedona neighborhood for 20 years. A deer path that runs behind her house and across the street was regularly trafficked by wildlife. Then a developer moved in across the street and ripped up the path, she says. The developer plans to build as many as five 6,000-square-foot homes to be used as short-term rentals, neighbors say. The once quiet street is now punctuated with the steady noise of construction. The move comes as residents of the tourist hotspot grapple with the consequences of a two-year-old state law that restricts how cities and towns can regulate short-term home rentals advertised on websites such as Airbnb or VRBO. On Wednesday, more than 150 people attended a city meeting. The Sedona residents grilled state Rep. Bob Thorpe, R-Flagstaff, about how the state plans to address the law's consequences. Among them: investors moving into neighborhoods to buy up multiple homes, vacation renters driving up housing costs and the changing neighborhood dynamics. Several homeowners supported the recent law that allowed vacation rentals to flourish in Arizona . They spoke about how the short-term rentals made it possible for them to pay their mortgages. Vacation rental tips: Why you should use Google Street View and pack a kitchen knife But most residents insisted that local control must be returned to the city so that it can manage the number of investors buying up homes to turn into short-term rentals. "We have a very good city council, and the state of Arizona has emasculated them in this area," resident Avrum Cohen said. He called Thorpe a hypocrite, comparing the law to the federal government handing down unwanted mandates to the state. "It's the only state in the union that has done this to its cities, and it's a state that doesn't like the federal government." Others said they appreciated the lawmaker listening to their concerns. Thorpe said he is committed to proposing legislation to address issues when the legislative session begins in January. "Property is the pursuit of happiness. That's why I'm here today," said Thorpe, whose legislative district includes Sedona. "I believe this is not a political issue, it's a quality of life issue." But overriding the law could be an uphill battle if this year's legislative session was any indicator. A sea of red dots on city map shows vacation rentals The law, dubbed "the Airbnb bill," was sponsored by now-Congresswoman Debbie Lesko, a Peoria Republican, in 2016 and enthusiastically signed by Gov. Doug Ducey. Thorpe said that the bill was described to lawmakers as a way for homeowners to make extra money renting spare bedrooms in their homes. "We never anticipated that somebody would go into a neighborhood, purchase a home and turn it into a mini-hotel," Thorpe said. City leaders say that's exactly what's happening in Sedona. Assistant City Manager Karen Osburn said the city faces a housing shortage, which has been exacerbated by the law. The city does not have comprehensive data on the current rental market, but of the 6,500 housing units in the city, only 29 were available for long-term rentals on Zillow, Osburn said. In January, City Manager Justin Clifton told The Arizona Republic there were more than 1,000 vacation rentals in the city, or about 20% of Sedona's total housing inventory. Housing costs continue to rise at a level outpacing the rest of the country, Osburn said. Debra Donovan, who has rented in Sedona for 19 years, said that she fears the owner of her current rental will turn it into a short-term rental when her one-year lease is up. Donovan says loyal, long-term renters in Sedona are passed over as homeowners seek to capitalize on the short-term rental market. "I've lived here 20 years," she said. "That's a commitment." The crowd erupted in anger as Osburn displayed a map flooded with red dots indicating the short-term rentals operating in west Sedona. "I'm certainly a person that believes in the free market," Thorpe told The Republic after the meeting. "That map though is kind of disturbing." Will Ducey go for it? Residents across Arizona have raised complaints about increased noise, trash and traffic in their neighborhoods from the growing number of vacation rentals. The Legislature passed House Bill 2672 , sponsored by Rep. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, this spring to address "party houses" and the use of short-term rentals for special events that bring in crowds. To get it through the Senate, Kavanagh's bill was stripped of restrictions on investor-owned vacation rentals and limits on the number of guests. Gov. Doug Ducey, in a statement accompanying his signing of the bill , said he would take corrective action if the new restrictions were applied too broadly. "In Arizona, we respect the right to do what we want with our property without undue government interference," Ducey wrote. Thorpe told Sedona residents that he would reach out to the governor's staff and suggest Ducey visit the city himself to talk with residents. "Getting things accomplished down at the Capitol, if you have the governor on your side, it certainly helps," Thorpe said. HOAs have the power ... for now One group that has managed to retain its regulatory power over short-term rentals is homeowners associations. The 2016 law only curbs cities and towns ability to regulate short-term rentals, but says nothing about HOAs and individual neighbors taking action. As a result, several HOAs have managed to ban short-term rentals from operating in their neighborhoods through their Covenants, Conditions and Restricts, or CC&Rs, the rules that govern homeowners in HOA communities. But Sedona resident Jennifer Tanner says she is locked in a dispute with realtors who are selling homes in her neighborhood. Tanner says the brokers instructed buyers to ignore the CC&Rs restricting short-term rentals, saying the new law supersedes those rules. Tanner told Thorpe she plans to sue, but recognizes that most people would not have the resources to bring a lawsuit against misinformation like this. The experience has forced Tanner to reflect on the changing dynamics of her neighborhood. "People buy into a community to live there and be a part of a community, but now it's an investment," Tanner told The Republic. "They killed our city. What right do they have to just do that?" Most of us can't come home Danielle Donovan said she is one of only a handful of students from her graduating class who was able to move back to Sedona after college. She attributes that to the high cost of housing. The median cost of a home in Sedona was $518,000 at the beginning of 2018, according to Osburn. That number climbed to $562,000 in 2019. The median wage in Sedona is approximately $13 an hour, and the median income for a family of four is $56,000, which makes purchasing a home "simply not attainable," Osburn said. Now 32, Donovan mourns for the community that she grew up in, one that she says has been lost with the influx of vacation renters descending on the city. "Most of us can't come home," Donovan said. "It's not a place that I can make a home." The city closed one of its two elementary schools last year after enrollment in the district dropped from 1,300 students in 2009 to 766 students in 2019. Osburn said the city didn't have enough children to field peewee football or little league teams this year. It all comes down to the unsustainable housing situation, she said. "When you have this kind of saturation, homes are converted to short-term rentals, when you leave your home and you go for a walk in your neighborhood, you don't recognize people anymore," Osburn said. "You don't have community." Randy Hawley, president of the Sedona-Oak Creek Unified School District governing board, said young families don't move to Sedona anymore because of the high home prices. Hawley said that 20% of the new teachers the district hired for the 2019-2020 school year ultimately resigned after being unable to find housing in the area. The district's new superintendent bid on four houses, but was outbid each time by someone who paid $30,000 to $40,000 more in cash, Hawley said. Hawley, like most residents at the meeting, asked state lawmakers to give cities back the control to regulate vacation rentals. He referred to an old saying that no matter how far one goes down the wrong road, they should turn around and go back. "It's time to turn around and go back," he said. Follow Lorraine Longhi on Twitter: @lolonghi . This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 'They killed our city': Locals feel helpless as vacation rentals overrun Sedona, Arizona


One of the most pleasing aspects of football is there is always some being played somewhere, and this summer is no different. Last summer's World Cup was one to remember for England fans, and this summer there are plenty of other ones to wet the appetite of football fans - the Nations League, Women's World Cup and African Cup of Nations just to name a few. There is, however, another tournament is taking place in Poland right now, the Under-20 World Cup. The tournament took place two years ago and it was the Three Lions who reigned supreme on that occasion, eliminating Venezuela 1-0 in the final to lift their first Under-20 World Cup title. We've been waiting to say this for a long time... It's MATCHDAY at the #U20WC Poland 2019  Here's what's on today's menu for a feast of football    FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) May 23, 2019 With the tournament taking place in a matter of days, here's a list of stars to look out for, who will be eager to follow in the footsteps of Lionel Messi and Paul Pogba in starting their footballing paths by performing well at this particular tournament. Radoslaw Majecki   Poland This year's host nation have a tradition of producing top-class goalkeepers, with the likes of Jerzy Dudek, Wojciech Szczesny and Lukasz Fabianski springing to mind. Recently, Liverpool have also snapped up Majecki's understudy at Legia Warsaw Jakub Ojrzynski. Well, now it seems the stopper might be the next to join such illustrious company. He is already a regular for Legia Warsaw despite only being 19 years old, he stands a good chance of earning the Golden Glove this year. He's been on fire this season, keeping seven clean sheets and conceding only 12 goals in 14 league appearances. Cucho Hernandez - Colombia On the books at Watford , Hernandez joined Sergio Aguero this year in becoming the only teenager to score away at Real Madrid and Barcelona in the same season for the past 50 years. Unfortunately for him, he was on the losing side on both occasions as Huesca failed to consolidate their place in La Liga and were relegated this season. Due back at Vicarage Road now his loan has finished, the winger could well be on the way to earning himself a spot in the first team for the Premier League outfit. Erling Braut Håland   Norway Arguably the player on everyone's lips heading into the tournament, frontman Håland is the son of former Leeds United and Manchester City defender Alf-Inge Håland. Born in Leeds, the 18-year-old moved to Molde under the tutelage of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, scoring 20 goals in 50 appearances for Norwegian side. Such was his potential in Norway he was snapped up last winter by Red Bull Salzburg, were he's netted once in his two league appearances for the side. Boubacar Kamara   France Just like their senior counterparts, France's Under-20 side is littered with talent. Such is their capabilities they would in with a shout of making it into the regular World Cup if they were given a shot at qualification. You could have blindly chosen anyone of their squad to feature on this list, but Boubacar Kamara has played nigh-on every game in Marseille's defence this season, so it's no wonder he is being watched by some of Europe's elite sides. Expect big things to come of this French wonderkid.  Ezequiel Barco   Argentina Plying his trade for Atlanta United in the MLS, Barco has began the season superbly with four goals and an assist in the eight first matches of the season. He will be forever remembered back in his native Argentina by Independiente fans, after scoring the goal that helped his former club win the Copa Sudamericana. If he can rediscover his Independiente form, Argentina could be front runner for the title. Lee Kang-in   South Korea After joining Valencia's academy at the age of ten, Kang-in has gone on to represent the first team with 11 appearances across all competitions this season. The attacking midfielder is only 18, making him one of the youngest players in the tournament, but he is so highly rated he has already joined up with South Korea's senior national team. Well on course to becoming a first team regular for the La Liga side. Timothy Weah   USA Son of Ballon d'Or winner George Weah, Timothy already has eight senior caps for the national team and spent this season on loan at Scottish giants Celtic from Paris Saint-Germain. The French side will be looking to loan him out again this season, therefore he has a great opportunity to put himself in the shop window for any clubs seeking a new forward. If he's even half as good as his dad he's in for a long and fruitful career. Ibrahima Niane   Senegal Niane is only 20 years old but already he's made himself a nuisance to opposition sides, the Metz forward helped his side to promotion to Ligue 1 with ten goals this season. More notably though, he scored against Monaco to help knock them out of the Coupe de France in what proved to be Thierry Henry's last match in charge. Turki Al-Ammar   Saudi Arabia Named the best upcoming youth player in Saudi Professional League, midfielder Al-Ammar is set be the creative force in his country's midfield after bursting onto the scene for Saudi side Al-Shabab in 2017. His performances for his club and during the AFC Under-19 Asia Cup, in which he won Player of the Tournament, earned him a call-up to the senior side. Diego Lainez   Mexico Undoubtedly the most expensive player featuring in Poland is Mexico's 18-year-old midfield maestro Lainez. Despite having been born this side of the millennium, Lainez already has four caps for the Mexico senior side and earned himself an £11m move to Real Betis from Club America. The 'Mexican Messi' made 16 appearances for Betis in the second half of the season after joining in January and helped them to tenth in the La Liga table.


Having failed to address their needs at safety via the draft, free agency currently offers the Steelers very few options. While the Pittsburgh Steelers may have addressed most of their keys needs during the 2019 NFL Draft , it would be fair to say that they still appear to be relatively light at safety. With just four players on the roster who have ever seen a snap at the professional level and two undrafted free agent currently representing the entire position group ahead of OTA's, adding another veteran name to the mix might be a good idea. At this stage of the year in 2018, the Steelers were preparing to start the offseason with free agent signings Morgan Burnett and Nat Berhe among the names competing for a roster spot with Sean Davis , Jordan Dangerfield , Malik Golden and rookies Terrell Edmunds and Marcus Allen . A year on and Pittsburgh has let both free agent signings leave, Golden was not re-signed and the only additions have been undrafted rookies Dravon Askew-Henry and P.J. Locke. A stagnant safety market left a number of viable options on the open market until well after the draft last year, but the same cannot be said of the current list of names still looking for a home in 2019 . And if the Steelers have any hopes of upgrading their depth at the position ahead of training camp, barring a release elsewhere, there appears to be only two credible free agent safety candidates still available. Tre Boston Should Pittsburgh be willing to revisit a free agent they met with last year, they could yet add someone who has the skills to fill in at both safety positions if needed and the durability to suggest he will last a full season, unlike some of the options they tried in 2018. At only 26-years old, it is something of a surprise to see former Arizona Cardinals safety Tre Boston still without a team. The North Carolina product has started 38 games over the past three seasons for the Cardinals, Los Angeles Chargers and Carolina Panthers , recording a total of 211 tackles, 10 interceptions, 24 passes defended, two sacks and a forced fumble. Tre Boston finished the 2018 season by allowing the lowest passer rating when targeted among all NFC West defensive players. pic.twitter.com/meyzGKjADt   Pro Football Focus (@PFF) April 3, 2019 Selected by the Panthers in the fourth-round of the 2014 NFL Draft , Boston was the 24th highest-graded safety in the league by Pro Football Focus last year, his overall grade of 74.1 the second highest score of his career to date. As per PFF , he allowed just 18 receptions on 30 targets for 189 yards and two touchdowns in 2018. Signed to a one-year deal worth $1.5 million by Arizona just before training camp last year, it is doubtful that Boston will command much more in 2019 having sat on the open market for so long once again. Open about his desire for a multi-year deal, the Steelers should be able to offer him a deal that matches his needs and still fits within their tight cap situation. Doesn't mean much but Stats are beyond there! OBVIOUSLY!! The Players see it, the Fans see it, and are starting to question what's going on. I like it, keep asking question. You'll see what's really up. 2 Prove It Deals.... What's left to prove? Lol Bout to jump on Offense. Lol https://t.co/CLhw3epzlZ   Tre Boston (@TreBos10) April 5, 2019 Eric Berry It is perhaps a sign of how weak the existing free agent market is at safety that a player who has managed just three games in the last two years is one of the only other credible option left at the position this offseason besides Boston, but the former Kansas City Chiefs standout was arguably one of the league's best safeties when healthy. Aside from his currently level of fitness, perhaps the biggest obstacle to signing Eric Berry would be how much money he could reasonable expect to command. Anything too far above the league minimum would be difficult to accommodate, but it is hard to imagine the player who signed the largest contract ever given to a safety in 2017 will be prepared to discount himself that much. Having received just under $30 million from the Chiefs in the past two seasons alone, Berry could well consider sitting out the year if he cannot find the sort of money he is looking for. As a mentor to Davis and Edmunds, Berry could be invaluable, and if he was looking for a reserve role to ease himself back into football after missing most of 2017 and 2018, the Steelers could offer him the perfect situation. With Davis set to be a free agent in 2020, Berry could easily play himself into that job long-term as well. Berry last played a full season in 2016, recording 77 tackles, nine passes defensed, four interceptions and scoring twice. A season that received an overall grade of 89.9 from PFF. If the Steelers can get a fraction of the snaps he played at that level in 2019, the signing could be well worth it. Eric Berry locks down a long-term deal with the Chiefs. Was PFF's Comeback Player of 2015, 8th-ranked safety (by grade) in 2016 season. pic.twitter.com/YLJBRA6rLl   Pro Football Focus (@PFF) February 28, 2017


ATLANTA (AP)   Aaron Nola wanted to make up for his most recent start against the Braves, a no-decision last month in which he gave up five runs in 4 1/3 innings. This time, Nola had full command of his fastball, and the deep Atlanta lineup couldn't solve him. BOX SCORE: PHILLIES 2, BRAVES 0 "That's a big win tonight for us, especially over here against these guys," Nola said. "They've been playing really good this past month to month and a half. Winning the first game of a series is always big." Nola pitched eight innings, Jay Bruce hit a two-run double and the Philadelphia Phillies spoiled Dallas Keuchel's home debut with Atlanta, beating the Braves 2-0 on Tuesday night. Nola (7-2) allowed four hits, struck out eight and walked three in his second consecutive scoreless outing. He threw a career-high 117 pitches before Héctor Neris finished for his 17th save in 19 chances, striking out the side. The second-place Phillies, winners of six of eight, trimmed the Braves' NL East lead to 4½ games in front of the seventh sellout at SunTrust Park this season. Atlanta, shut out for just the second time this season, dropped two in a row for the first time since June 5-6, a span of 24 games. It marked the sixth time this year that the Braves, whose 56 homers in June set a franchise high for a calendar month, were held to four or fewer hits. "(Nola) didn't throw many heaters and when he did throw one it was perfectly placed in a spot where he was setting up his off-speed," Braves All-Star first baseman Freddie Freeman said. "Sometimes good pitchers shut down good offenses." Philadelphia went ahead to stay in the fourth. With two out and runners on first and second, Bruce doubled to right to give him 22 RBIs in 23 games with the Phillies. Keuchel (1-2) allowed five hits in seven innings in his third start with the Braves. "One pitch got me tonight, but I was able to get through seven," Keuchel said. "Seven's really the benchmark for me. I don't really feel whole unless it's seven-plus, so that's what I strive for every time out." But it wasn't good enough against Nola, who has been dominant of late. The ace right-hander, who was still hitting 95 mph on the radar gun in the eighth, has a 0.39 ERA over his last three starts. He is 9-3 with a 2.26 ERA in 15 career starts versus Atlanta. "He proved that he could go deeper into the game," Philadelphia manager Gabe Kapler said. "He proved that his body was bouncing back for him, that he could handle the volume and that he was staying in his delivery. He ended it just the way an ace does." TRAINER'S ROOM Phillies: C J.T. Realmuto went 1 for 3 and scored on Bruce's double after he tested his left hamstring by running the bases before the game. He left Sunday's win at Miami in the sixth inning. Braves: RHP Anthony Swarzak, on the 10-day injured list with shoulder inflammation, underwent an MRI that showed no structural damage. Manager Brian Snitker said Swarzak appears on schedule to return July 12 when Atlanta begins a three-game series at San Diego. ... CF Ender Inciarte has started a rehab assignment and will need a couple weeks before he's ready to return from a lumbar strain. MOURNING Kapler is grieving the loss of Los Angeles Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs, who died Monday at 27. Kapler and Skaggs, both California natives, were part of a group of players who worked out at Pepperdine University in the winters of 2007 and '08. "Tyler Skaggs was a friend of mine, somebody I worked out with for several offseasons," Kapler said. "It is a really sad time for baseball. We lost someone who's honest, open, caring, humble and hard-working. He was all those things. Our thoughts and condolences go out to him and the Angels family. It's a big loss." UP NEXT Phillies: RHP Nick Pivetta (4-2, 5.63 ERA) has a 6.35 ERA in two starts against Atlanta this year. Braves: RHP Bryse Wilson (0-0, 8.31 ERA) gave up four runs and five hits and walked four in 3 1/3 innings against the Chicago Cubs last week. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports Related Slideshow: Best of the 2019 MLB season (provided by imagn)


Tons of vitamins and supplements crowd shelves with various health and wellness claims. Fish oil supplements are a popular one but what is fish oil good for? Here's everything you need to know about the supplement. What is fish oil? Fish oil is fish fat extract, explains Alyssa Pike , RD, manager of Nutrition Communications for the International Food Information Council Foundation. This oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Essential fatty acids, like EPA and DHA, only come from foods like fish or dietary supplements. They are present in several supplements including fish oil, cod liver oil, krill oil, and vegetarian products that contain algal oil, Pike says. That's why omega-3's are one of the 16 vitamins and supplements doctors take every day . What is fish oil good for? One of the reasons fish is part of a healthy diet is because of their oil. The omega-3's are specifically important because they play a special role in our cells, Pike says. EPA and DHA specifically support eye , brain , and heart health, she adds. Malina Malkani , MS, RDN, CDN notes that some evidence also shows fish oil provides relief for rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Other studies suggest fish oil supplements may improve the symptoms of mental health conditions or disorders including depression , bipolar disorder , and schizophrenia , says Malkani, creator of the Wholitarian Lifestyle . These are just some answers to "what is fish oil good for?" There are many more unexpected ways fish oil benefits your health . Are fish oil supplements the same as eating fish? Fish oil and omega-3's are just part of the reason why fish itself is so healthy. Unlike the supplements, whole fish contain more vitamins and minerals than only EPA and DHA, according to Harvard Medical School . That's why the Dietary Guidelines for Americans includes eating four ounces of fish twice a week, not necessarily the supplement version. Both Pike and Malkani advocate for getting nutrients from food first. Still, if that's not possible, fish oil supplements could be a good substitute for meeting your omega-3 needs, Malkani says. Just note that eating the whole fish offers more, nutritionally, than the supplement alone. If you do want to include more healthy fish in your diet, start with these best fish to eat and avoid these . What should I do before taking fish oil pills? If you decide fish oil might be an excellent addition to your diet, consult with your doctor before buying or trying any supplements. In some people, it interacts with drugs that affect blood clotting, Malkani says. Some fish liver oil supplements are high in vitamin A, too. Over time, consuming large amounts of vitamin A could cause health issues like liver damage and bone pain, among others, according to Malkani. Once your doctor approves, it's time to wade through the many fish oil supplements on the market. Both Malkani and Pike say that supplement quality varies greatly, so it's important to check the labels. Look for fish oil pills that have been third-party tested for purity, or that carry a seal of purity from the Global Organization for EPA and DHA omega-3's. Once you have a good supplement, keep them at room temperature. Make sure you aren't taking any fish oil supplements with gingko bilboa or these 13 supplement and medication combinations you should never mix . Related video: Fish Oil and Vitamin D Can Help Combat Major Diseases (Provided by Veuer)


A Colorado woman who shoved an 88-year-old man she worked for as a housekeeper down a flight of stairs, tore skin off his arms and stole his car has been sentenced to 208 years in prison, prosecutors said on Wednesday. Jana Janette Bergman was found guilty last month of attempted manslaughter, assault, robbery, theft and other charges in the attack on Jack Woods, the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office said in a statement. Bergman, 33, received the lengthy prison term because she is classed as an habitual offender with four prior felony convictions who committed heinous crimes against an at-risk individual, District Attorney Pete Weir said. "This is an extraordinary sentence, but the brutal assault on Mr. Woods is almost beyond belief," Weir said. Prosecutors said Bergman was in the Denver County jail in January 2014 when she answered a newspaper ad posted by Woods, who was seeking a housekeeper. They began corresponding by telephone and mail, and after Bergman told Woods she loved him, the octogenarian bailed her out and she moved into his home in the city of Arvada. Over the next 10 months, prosecutors said, Bergman would get angry, take Woods' car and disappear for days at a time. She was also arrested on several occasions, and Woods would bail her out of jail, forfeiting some $12,000 in bond fees and once even putting up his house as collateral, prosecutors said. The abuse escalated in November 2014 when Bergman shoved Woods down a stairway during an argument, "viciously" tearing the fragile skin off the man's forearms as he tried to hold on to a railing, prosecutors said. "Once he was on the floor, at the bottom of the stairs, she continued her assault. She then held him down with her knee and took his wallet and keys ... stole his car and fled," the district attorney's office said in its statement. When police arrived, they found Woods bruised and bloodied, and discovered that before fleeing the home, Bergman had cut off the ankle monitor she was required to wear. "Bergman preyed on this fragile, vulnerable man to get what she wanted, and when she was finished with him, she threw him down the stairs to get rid of him," Weir said. Woods has recovered from his injuries. (Reporting by Keith Coffman; Editing by Daniel Wallis and Peter Cooney)


Spending time in Royal Palms? Get to know this Mesa neighborhood by browsing its most popular local businesses, from a frozen yogurt shop to a Chinese restaurant. Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top places to visit in Royal Palms, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of neighborhood businesses. Read on for the results. 1. Twisterz Frozen Dessert Next up is Twisterz Frozen Dessert , a spot to score frozen yogurt, situated at 1229 E. McKellips Road, Suite 108. With 4.5 stars out of 55 reviews on Yelp, it's proven to be a local favorite. Check out frozen yogurt flavors such as vanilla custard, cookies and cream and sea salt. Twisterz also offers a wide variety of toppings available to sprinkle on top: Look out for gummy bears, marshmallows, Oreo pieces, cherries, banana, candy corn and much more. A variety of frozen pies are also available. Check out the full line of offerings here . 2. Andy's Frozen Custard Andy's Frozen Custard , a spot to score custard and more, is another top choice. Yelpers give the business, located at 1353 E. McKellips Road, four stars out of 53 reviews. Check out popular menu options such as Andy's Ozark Turtle with Andy's frozen custard covered topped with hot fudge, crème caramel, roasted pecans and a cherry; the Mint Chip Concrete with Andy's frozen custard blended with mint syrup and melted chocolate chip; or the Rico Suave Jackhammer with Andy's vanilla or chocolate frozen custard blended with roasted pecans and Oreos, with a hot fudge center. Check out the full menu here . 3. King's Chef King's Chef , a Chinese spot, is another neighborhood go-to, with four stars out of 54 Yelp reviews. Head over to 1863 N. Stapley Drive, Suite 102 to see for yourself. The restaurant offers combination platters, party trays, appetizers and fried rice plates, among other Chinese favorites like lo mein, chow fun and noodle soup. Options also include orange chicken, Mongolian beef, firecracker shrimp and sweet and sour pork. 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.


Brock McGinn 's arbitration hearing was slated for Saturday morning, but it wasn't needed in the end. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reports that McGinn and the Hurricanes have agreed to a two-year, $4.2M contract. The deal will pay $1.9M next season and $2.3M in 2020-21 and will take him to unrestricted free agency. The $2.1M AAV checks in slightly below the $2.225M midpoint of the initial filings and right within the range that our Zach Leach predicted when he broke down each side of the case. The 25-year-old has emerged as a capable bottom-six forward for Carolina over the past couple of seasons. While his offensive numbers slightly dipped from 2017-18, McGinn still put up 26 points (10-16-26) in 82 regular-season games last year and chipped in at a similar rate with six points (2-4-6) in 15 postseason contests as the Hurricanes made it all the way to the Eastern Conference Final. McGinn also provides Carolina with some grit, as he recorded 137 hits in each of the last two seasons. He also led the Hurricanes in shorthanded ice time per game among forwards, which certainly helped his value. In the end, he winds up more than doubling his previous AAV of $887.5K. With this deal now done, general manager Don Waddell can shift his focus to his group of AHL restricted free agents, a list headlined by goalie Anton Forsberg and winger Saku Maenalanen . Forsberg's arbitration hearing is slated for August 4, which is the final day for hearings, so there is still plenty of time for the two sides to work something out.


(Bloomberg) -- Versace's new owner wants more stores, and it wants them fast. Capri Holdings Ltd., which bought the Italian fashion label for about $2.2 billion late last year, plans to open dozens of stores annually and renovate existing shops to reach its goal of doubling Versace's annual sales, executives said at an investor day Tuesday. The company also will spend more on the brand's marketing as it expands into handbags and accessories. "It's very clear: The productivity in our stores is not what it should be," said Jonathan Akeroyd, Versace's chief executive officer, who aims to nearly double the boutiques' sales per square foot. "We need to rapidly increase the productivity and this will really be the real driver to reach us to our $2 billion" revenue target . Capri, which also owns the Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo brands, wants to expand from its existing 188 Versace stores to about 300 by 2022, with new locations across each geographic region. More than half of Versace's existing store fleet is in Asia, including 40 in China. This week, the label will open a Beijing store that will be its biggest in China, and it's considering opening second stores in Paris and London. All new stores will be under Versace's primary brand name. Two other lines -- Versace Versus and Versace Collection -- have already been discontinued under Capri's ownership. Versace's stores, previously focused on selling clothes, will be reorganized to feature more handbags, footwear and small leather goods. Locations that have opened in recent months feature prominent displays of satchels, briefcases and backpacks for both men and women, where there would previously have been dresses and jumpsuits. A new shop in Florence, for instance, devotes 30% of its space to accessories. Meanwhile, Versace's 28 U.S. stores will undergo a "full refurbishment program," Akeroyd said. Design, Marketing Revamps are also underway in design. New styles will push what the label calls its "brand codes," such as the Medusa logo and gold barocco print Versace is well-known for, integrating them into different product segments such as the hardware on handbags. The marketing team is being restructured as well. Akeroyd said advertising at Versace was too "old school" and driven by fashion shows and photography. Upcoming campaigns will be more focused on products and marketed across social media. Versace's first major product launch under the Capri umbrella will occur this fall, when it releases the Virtus line of bags unveiled on its fashion runway in February. The company hopes to grow accessories to 60% of its total business from its current 35%. To contact the reporter on this story: Kim Bhasin in New York at kbhasin4@bloomberg.net To contact the editors responsible for this story: Anne Riley Moffat at ariley17@bloomberg.net, Kara Wetzel, Romy Varghese For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com ©2019 Bloomberg L.P.


Start your day off right with some pictures of cute-as-can-be kittens! There are dozens of kittens up for adoption right here in Mesa. Hoodline partnered with Petfinder , an online adoption site that lists "more than 315,000 adoptable pets from nearly 14,000 animal shelters and rescue groups" to bring you this roundup of kittens near you. (Details like pet availability, training, vaccinations and other features are based on data provided by Petfinder and may be subject to change; contact the shelter for the latest information.) Sookie, domestic shorthair Sookie is a sweet female domestic shorthair kitten in the care of Kitt's Kitten Rescue . Sookie is a social animal   she'll get along great with your other cats. No need to worry: she is already house-trained. Her vaccinations are already up to date. About Sookie: I am a brand new kitty, only about eight weeks old. I hope you will be my forever home! Read more about Sookie on Petfinder . Bill, domestic shorthair Bill is a male domestic shorthair kitten staying at Kitt's Kitten Rescue . Bill loves other cats. His vaccinations are already up to date. He's already house-trained. More on Bill: I am a beautiful orange kitty ready to go home with you. I'm only about eight weeks old, so I'm just starting out in the world. Apply to adopt Bill today at Petfinder . Kylo, domestic shorthair Kylo is a charming female domestic shorthair kitten being kept at Kitt's Kitten Rescue . Kylo is happy to keep company with other cats. She is already house-trained. She is vaccinated. About Kylo: I am ten weeks old and already like to play! Giving kisses is one of my favorite things to do since I am so sweet and affectionate. Apply to adopt Kylo today at Petfinder . Drake, domestic mix Drake is a sweet male domestic kitten staying at Desert Paws Rescue . Drake is happy to keep company with children, dogs or cats. He's already house-trained. He has been vaccinated. More on Drake: I am quite the affectionate boy who loves to snuggle with humans and animals alike. I am especially fond of my brother, Einstein, and I would be so happy if we could be adopted together. Apply to adopt Drake today at Petfinder . Pablo, domestic shorthair mix Pablo is a male domestic shorthair kitten being cared for at Desert Paws Rescue . Pablo will get along great with your other cats, dogs and children. He has all of his shots. Have no fear: he's already house-trained. About Pablo: I am just a few months old and am full of energy. I love to run around and play with my toys. I like to be the leader when I'm around other cats, mostly because I like to entertain everyone and have an audience for my amazing acrobatics and balancing acts! However, I also like slowing down to take a nap and just cuddling with other cats or with my owner. I would love to have a fellow kitty playmate at home with me if possible. Read more about how to adopt Pablo on Petfinder . Nyssa, domestic shorthair mix Nyssa is a lovable female domestic shorthair kitten currently residing at Desert Paws Rescue . Nyssa is a social animal   she loves other cats. She has mastered her house-training etiquette. Her vaccinations are already up to date. More on Nyssa: I am about six months old and can be a bit shy at first, but I am very affectionate and cuddly once I know I can trust you. I have limited vision in my left eye from an infection when I was very young, but it doesn't slow me down a bit. I love to run and play with my toys and even playfully wrestle with my brother. In fact, I hope you can adopt my brother with me, because we have always been a pair. Read more about Nyssa on Petfinder . This story was created automatically using local animal shelter data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


FRESNO, Calif.   The Fresno County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help to find a truck driver who they say mysteriously vanished. Satwant Singh Bains, 54, of Fowler was reported missing near Los Banos early Wednesday morning. According to sheriffs, at around 5 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers responded a report of a big rig truck pulling a refrigeration trailer idle on the freeway of Interstate 5 near Whitworth Road, just northwest of Los Banos. Officers discovered that the big rig was partially blocking the northbound right lane and that the truck's engine was running, the doors were unlocked and no one inside. A cellphone and a wallet were found inside the truck belonging to Singh Bains. Officers checked the immediate area but were unable to find him. Singh Bains was reportedly hauling a load to Fairfield. Family members say it is out of character for him to vanish without telling anyone. Singh Bains is described as 5-foot-8 and 230 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. He has a mustache and goatee, and a tattoo of a small cross on the back of his right hand.     ©2019 The Fresno Bee (Fresno, Calif.) Visit The Fresno Bee (Fresno, Calif.) at www.fresnobee.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


It looks just like a normal Wrangler, save for the diesel badge on the back. Admittedly, these "spy" shots of a Jeep Wrangler aren't really that sneaky. The JL model has been out for some time now, and on the outside, there's obviously nothing different or extraordinary about this red four-door Sahara; that is, until you look very closely at the back, just above the license plate. Yup, that's a chrome 3.0 badge, which by itself is a clear indication to Wrangler experts that something is different. For the rest, the square emblem next to it with the big D and smaller diesel engraving underneath reveals this is the long-awaited Wrangler with a fuel-oil mill under the hood. It comes as no surprise. The Wrangler-esque Jeep Gladiator will get the diesel for 2020, and last fall we came upon order codes for a 3.0-liter diesel V6 option in future Wranglers. Under the hood of the Gladiator, the engine will make 260 horsepower (194 kilowatts) and an impressive 442 pound-feet (600 Newton-meters) of torque. Though the Wrangler's diesel hasn't officially been confirmed, there's not even a tiny reason to believe the V6 will be any different than what you'd find in the Gladiator. The EcoDiesel mill has been in use with Jeep and Ram for a while now, notably in the Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee where it produced 240 hp (179 kilowatts) and 420 pound-feet (569 Newton-meters) of torque. The newest offering obviously makes a bit more power, but FCA is keen for people to know it's not just the old engine with a few tweaks. Engineers are said to have redesigned it extensively, though the extent of the redesign isn't known as yet. The engine will, however, return to the new Ram 1500 lineup eventually. Having prolific low-end torque in a factory-built Wrangler is something fans of the moniker have wanted for years. Though nothing is official yet, we suspect Jeep will announce the diesel option later this year, with sales beginning for the 2020 model year. Research the Jeep Wrangler | Find a Jeep Wrangler near you Follow MSN Autos on Facebook and Twitter


The Lions still have no idea if they'll be featured on "Hard Knocks" or not. By this time last year, we already knew the Cleveland Browns would be featured on the HBO training camp documentary series " Hard Knocks ." In fact, in the past four year, we already knew the identity of the "Hard Knocks" team by this point in the season: Announcement dates for "Hard Knocks" in recent years 2012: Dolphins (5/29) 2013: Bengals (6/15) 2014: Falcons (6/12) 2015: Texans (5/27) 2016: Rams (3/23) 2017: Bucs (4/19) 2018: Browns (5/17) I was surprised team hadn't been announced yet, but 2 announced in June in recent yrs   Eric Edholm (@Eric_Edholm) June 3, 2019 The conundrum, as it is every year, is that no team wants to be featured. "Hard Knocks" is invasive, distracting and some coaches argue that it could potentially reveal heavy-guarded strategies to their opponents. That's why the NFL developed a set of rules to make it so certain teams could not turn down "Hard Knocks." If a team does not have a rookie coach, hasn't made the playoffs in the past two years and hasn't been featured on "Hard Knocks" in the past 10 years, they must accept the "Hard Knocks" invitation if given. The Detroit Lions are one of five teams that can't say no, but according to head coach Matt Patricia, they still haven't heard anything. "I have no information," Patricia said in his Tuesday presser. "I've been told absolutely nothing as far as that's concerned. The organization has been told nothing as far as that's concerned." Rumors have been swirling over the past couple days that the Lions are one of the remaining teams still being considered. The 49ers have reportedly been ruled out . There was a report that Washington may not be in the running any longer, however that was quickly pulled . The other teams in consideration the Raiders and Giants  haven't heard much of anything either. Patricia isn't sure how being featured on "Hard Knocks" would change how he would conduct team operations or alter Lions training camp, but admits he may seek a little help from those who had experience with the HBO show. "I probably at that point, would probably reach out to some of the coaches that have been on that before and see what they think," Patricia said. "But right now for us, again, we'll worry about it if we have to worry about it."


SEOUL, South Korea (AP)   North Korea said Saturday its leader Kim Jong Un supervised another test-firing of a new multiple rocket launcher system that could potentially enhance the country's ability to strike targets in South Korea and U.S. military bases there. The report by Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency came a day after South Korea's military said it detected North Korea firing projectiles twice into the sea off its eastern coast in its third round of weapons tests in just over a week. Experts say the North's increased testing activity is aimed at ramping up pressure on Washington and Seoul over stalled nuclear negotiations with the United States and planned U.S.-South Korea military exercises, and that its weapons displays could intensify in the coming months if progress in talks isn't made. North Korea has said Kim supervised the first test of the same rocket artillery system on Wednesday. KCNA said Kim expressed "great satisfaction" over Friday's tests, which it said confirmed the system's "altitude control level flight performance, track changing capability, accuracy of hitting a target and warhead explosion power of the guided ordnance rocket." The report didn't include any direct mention of the United States or South Korea. South Korea's presidential office had said the U.S. and South Korean militaries shared an assessment that Friday's launches were likely of short-range ballistic missiles. South Korea's military had also concluded the weapons North Korea tested on Wednesday are ballistic missiles and maintained its assessment even after the North described them as a newly developed "large-caliber multiple launch guided rocket system." South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said Friday's launches were conducted at 2:59 a.m. and 3:23 a.m. from an eastern coastal area and the projectiles flew 220 kilometers (137 miles). The range would be enough to cover the metropolitan area surrounding Seoul, where about half of South Koreans live, and a major U.S. military base just outside the city. On July 25, North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles that Seoul officials said flew 600 kilometers (370 miles) before landing in the sea. North Korea said those tests were designed to deliver a "solemn warning" to South Korea over its purchase of high-tech, U.S.-made fighter jets and the planned military drills, which Pyongyang calls an invasion rehearsal. The North also tested short-range missiles on May 4 and 9. The North's new launches came as the United Kingdom, France and Germany   following a closed U.N. Security Council briefing   condemned the North's recent ballistic activity as violations of U.N. sanctions and urged Pyongyang to engage in "meaningful negotiations" with the United States on eliminating its nukes. The three countries said international sanctions should remain in place until North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs are dismantled. In a separate report carried through KCNA on Saturday, an unidentified spokesperson of North Korea's Foreign Ministry criticized the statement released by the three countries, saying that the North never has and never will recognize the U.N. resolutions it sees as a "grave provocation" against its government. The spokesperson said North Korea has never signed an agreement with any country to limit the range of missiles and other projectiles it tests and wasn't bound to any legal requirement. The spokesperson said the North's unilateral suspension of nuclear and intercontinental range ballistic missile tests, announced by Kim last year amid a diplomatic outreach to Washington, was based on "goodwill and consideration for a dialogue power." The spokesperson also seemed to reaffirm the North's stance that the weapons it tested on Wednesday were rocket artillery, not ballistic missiles. "It is the very self-evident truth that any projectile draws a ballistic curve, not a straight line owing to earth gravity. The UNSC takes issue with the firing based on the ballistic technology, not the range of the projectile, which means that the DPRK should give up the right to self-defense," the spokesperson said, referring to North Korea by its formal name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. President Donald Trump said on Thursday he wasn't worried about the weapons recently tested by North Korea, calling them "short-range missiles" that were "very standard." However, the North's recent weapons demonstrations have dampened the optimism that followed Trump's impromptu summit with Kim on June 30 at the inter-Korean border. The leaders agreed to resume working-level nuclear talks that stalled since February, but there have been no known meetings between the two sides since then. The North has claimed the United States would violate an agreement between the leaders if it moves on with its planned military exercises with South Korea. It said it will wait to see if the August exercises actually take place to decide on the fate of its diplomacy with Washington and also whether to continue its suspension of nuclear and ICBM tests.


A former legal for DC's mayor pleaded guilty on Wednesday to distribution of child pornography between October 2018 and January 2019. The FBI said Thomas Moir, 37, used the social networking site "Rabbit" to upload and share at least twelve pornographic photos of underage girls from multiple accounts. Moir was the chief of staff for Mayor Muriel Bowser's Office of Legal Counsel at the time. He was fired in January when the city learned of the child pornography investigation. RELATED: 'The things he did are unspeakable' | Parents voice frustration over VA teacher accused of possessing child porn In a DOJ statement, the U.S. Attorney's Office says "there is no evidence that he used Government property to commit the offense or that his role had anything to do with the offense." Moir was questioned and his home was searched by the FBI in January 2019, wherein Moir responded "I feel like I need a lawyer" when asked whether he had used Rabbit. A search of Moir's computers found multiple photos of child pornography. The FBI said he faces a minimum of five years in prison and will be required to register as a sex offender.


After talks ended less than two weeks ago, it appears that Mike D'Antoni and the Houston Rockets have rekindled discussions about a contract extension, sources told ESPN on Saturday . According to Tim MacMahon, the two sides are nearing an agreement after D'Antoni and his agent, Warren LeGarie, ended talks on May 30. Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta has agreed to drop the buyout language that was the reason the talks previously ended. Per ESPN: Fertitta and Rockets general manager Daryl Morey visited D'Antoni at his offseason home in West Virginia this week to smooth over any hard feelings. LeGarie was not part of those discussions and told ESPN that a deal still needs to be worked out through him. "Did Mike speak to those guys down there? Yes, he did," LeGarie told ESPN. "As always, they asked Mike what he thought, and Mike said, 'Sounds great, but talk to Warren.' Mike's job is coaching, and he leaves the negotiating to me. "Mike is always affable with everybody out there, not trying to raise the rancor in a situation clearly gone astray." Sources: The Rockets have rekindled extension discussions with coach Mike D'Antoni and are nearing an agreement. Houston owner Tilman Fertitta has removed the buyout language that was the sticking point when talks previously broke down. - Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) June 8, 2019 According to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle , the Rockets' offer to D'Antoni for the 2020-21 season would never have paid him less than $5 million. That base salary was described by owner Fertitta in late May before being immediately disputed by LeGarie. As previously reported by Rockets Wire: Rockets general manager Daryl Morey clarified Monday that the team's offer to coach Mike D'Antoni for the 2020-21 season would never have paid him less than the $5 million base salary Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta had described last week. Morey had previously confirmed a Houston Chronicle report on Friday that D'Antoni would be paid $2.5 million if the team failed to make the playoffs or if he was fired during that season. D'Antoni's agent Warren LeGarie said the coach would not get the full $5 million if that were the case. However, the $2.5 million would only be if the Rockets did not bring him back for the 2020-21 season. The $2.5 million, in the event D'Antoni was not brought back for 2020-2021, would not have an offset should he then choose to coach another team. In such a case, he would make the $2.5 million from the Rockets plus whatever he would earn from another team. D'Antoni is under contract through the 2019-20 season and has a 173-73 record in his three seasons. However, the Rockets have yet to make the NBA Finals. MORE: Most bizarre and incredible catches by fishermen in past decade Kevin Durant shows support for teammates after Game 4 loss Report: New Orleans likely to trade Anthony Davis to Celtics 3 overlooked offensive players that could make Patriots 53-man roster YouTube sensation Julian Newman to attend father's new school Prodigy Prep


Called Esotico Miami, it's from the Graspa Group team Considering Miami has an affinity for all things tropical and boozy, our amount of tiki bars is lacking   but newcomer Esotico Miami (1600 NE 1st Avenue) is looking to change that. Debuting later this summer it'll be a tropical, tiki-cocktail bar and restaurant from the team behind Segafredo L'Originale on Lincoln Road. Located on the main floor of the Canvas Condominium complex, it is the brainchild of tiki bartending pro Daniele Dalla Pola (DDP for short) and Graspa Group owner Graziano Sbroggio. The bar will be rum focused boasting a list of close to 230 rums at the time of opening with the end goal of 365 rums total, including Pola's own label, Alamea. Expect most of the drinks to be served in glasses designed specifically for Esotico Miami. Among the drink options will be large format 'Treasure Chest' offerings meant to serve up to ten people; classic tiki cocktails on draft including two versions of the Zombie   one with rum, the other with Mezcal; frozen drinks like a Banana Daiquiri from a slushy machine; as well as a Negroni machine, churning out customizable takes on the classic Italian cocktail. Esotico Miami will also have a "generous" wine, champagne and rosé list. To soak up all that sugar booze a "tropical chow" menu will be on hand with items like the pupu platters with truffled dim sum, ceviche, an octopus "hot dog" and calamari; Tahitian-style braised red snapper; Hawaiian-style fried rice; chicken curry; and squid ink risotto with octopus. The 3,400-square-foot space will seat 157 and feature tropically-inspired wallpaper made of ultra thin fiberglass, designed, printed and cut to create one unified image. A black and white checkerboard floor, greenery, and accents like a Hawaiian surfboard and backlit bar with a bamboo footrest will keep with the tropical vibes. The bar is slated to debut in late July with dinner served nightly beginning at 5 p.m. For more information call 305-800-8454.


Eric Weddle may not be a 26-year-old All-Pro like he was in 2011, but he remains one of the better safeties in the NFL today. How, at the age of 34, can Weddle play at such a high level still? He doesn't rely on sheer speed and athleticism like many safeties do, but rather using his instincts and experience to put him in the right spot at the right time. His past days as a centerfielder in baseball help him in that regard, making him better at tracking the ball. Weddle was a good baseball player, but he got hit in the face by a fastball in high school, which ended his career in that sport. "I was pretty good at baseball back in the day until a fastball to the face ended my baseball career in high school. But I just have a feel of tracking the ball and playing the ball where other guys may be fast and more explosive," he said . Get to know @weddlesbeard : 1. Nearly died before birth 2. A fastball changed his life 3-5: https://t.co/TT0PtY46Ff pic.twitter.com/eucvYhrMQb - Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) July 21, 2016 Weddle says he still has a strong arm despite being more than a decade removed from his baseball playing days. "I've got a cannon. That's never a doubt," Weddle said. Weddle's field vision is one of his best assets, allowing him to diagnose plays both before and after the snap. "There are things on the field that nobody else does," Weddle said. "There's some intuition, some instincts that go into it. over time, you get confident in yourself within the scheme, but it takes a lot of work, for sure." The veteran safety will step in as one of the leaders in the secondary right away and has already talked about coaching up John Johnson and taking him "to that next level." Any wisdom he can share with Johnson and even Taylor Rapp will only help the team in the long run. MORE: NBA fans had so many memes for Steph Curry's exchange with Drake Giants get a chuckle: Odell Beckham already in hot water in Cleveland Four potential Clint Capela trade destinations Why Pats are one of the best teams at managing salary cap Alvin Gentry reportedly loves idea of Lonzo Ball, Jrue Holiday backcourt


Get healthier in no time with these personal trainer-approved tips. Make your health a priority by following these simple tips. Set yourself up for lifelong fitness with these easy tips. Even if it feels like you're practically living at the gym, many people are simply overestimating just how often and how hard they're hitting the heavy weights. According to the CDC , just 23 percent of American adults actually get the recommended amount of daily exercise, and researchers at York University have found that, even among those breaking a sweat on a regular basis, most aren't actually working out as hard as they'd imagined. The good news? Enlisting the help of a personal trainer can have you hitting your fitness goals in no time; in fact, research conducted at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine reveals that personal training sessions significantly increased overweight exercisers' adherence to fitness routines. So, what do these fitness professionals know that your average gym-goer doesn't? Certified personal trainer Keith Laug, owner of Zoned Fitness in Beacon, NY and creator of the Daily Home Boot Camp program, separates fact from fiction about how to make health and fitness a priority in your life. And when you're ready to slim down fast, try out these 40 Easy Exercises That Burn a Pound a Week ! Exercise For Just Five Minutes to Start Even the smallest changes can make a big impact in your overall health and fitness levels. "When beginning a new fitness program, commit to just few exercises each day," recommends Laug. "As you move forward, add an exercise or two to each workout. Over the course of your first month, build your workout to 30 minutes or more. Trying to do too much in the beginning can lead to failure." Get A Spotter Looking for an easy way to stick to your routine? Just add your friends to the mix. "Gaining the support of a friend, family member, or coworker will go a long way to your success by adding accountability and motivation," says Laug. And for more ways to slim down easily, discover these 41 Reasons to Make Swimming Part of Your Weight Loss Routine ! Throw Away Your Scale Don't get hung up on the number on the scale; your weight is just one of many factors that can help you gauge your progress. "If you are looking to gauge your progress, focus on body composition and circumference measurements. Weight can be misleading and fluctuate greatly," explains Laug. "Buy a pair of jeans a size smaller than you currently wear and try them on from time to time." Write Down Everything Despite what we may believe, our brains simply aren't wired to remember every single thing we do in a day, much less every bite we put in our mouths. "What did you eat each day last week? How often did you eat each day? How will this week's workouts compare to the workouts from two weeks ago?" asks Laug. "Unless you track everything, you can not accurately answer these questions or plan for the coming days and weeks." Get healthier in no time by adding the 40 Easy Exercises That Burn a Pound a Week to your routine! Train Smarter, Not Longer You don't have to have an unlimited amount of free time to get in a great workout. Upping the intensity of your exercise can make a huge difference in how successful your weight loss plan is in the long run. "Too many people use the excuse, 'I have no time,'" says Laug. "Effective workouts can be done in as little as 15 to 20 minutes. Try high intensity interval training (HIIT) or another full body functional workout." Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate Don't wait until you're parched to reach for your water bottle. "Yes, you've heard it again and again. Well, here you go one more time. Drink water throughout the day," recommends Laug. "Proper intake levels typically range from 60 to 80 ounces each day. Purchase a refillable water bottle." And for more ways to hydrate and get healthy, enjoy these 40 Drinks That Fight Fat ! Go For A Hike Fun and fitness can go hand in hand  in fact, you may be even more likely to stick to your plan if you have social support. Laug recommends adding some group exercise or joining a team to break up the monotony of those solo trips to the gym. "Solo exercise should not be the only physical activity you do. Participate in a sport or activity several times a week, if not every day," says Laug. "This will not only break up your workouts, but help you see the progress you're making." Count Enough Sheep Laug says that the importance of sleep is often overlooked when it comes to meeting health and weight loss goals. "It's easier said than done, especially in our busy lives, but the importance of adequate amounts of sleep can't be ignored. Regular sleep is crucial to all fitness goals including weight loss." And for more reasons to catch more Zs, discover how Sleep Deprivation is Sabotaging Your Zero Belly ! Make Breakfast a Priority It turns out your parents weren't messing around when they said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. "Start your day properly to ensure body fat loss, plus good physical and mental performance," says Laug. Fortunately, this doesn't have to mean digging into a huge meal to yield results. "Fire up your daily metabolism by eating shortly after waking up. This can be a well-balanced breakfast or a simple piece of fruit." Be A Hunter-Gatherer Laug has a simple rule for getting healthier in the kitchen: "If you can grow it or hunt it, eat it. If it comes in a bag, box, or bottle, avoid it." And out what could be lurking in your meals by discovering the 40 Scariest Preservatives and Additives in Your Food ! Get On Your Feet All those hours sitting behind your desk aren't doing any favors for your waistline. "We live in a time when sitting is at an all-time high and the simple act of sitting has been shown to aid in the creation of body fat and overall poor health," says Laug. "Get up! Take a five minute walk every hour or use a standing desk." Add A New Stimulus Weight loss plateaus may seem inevitable, but it's easier than you may expect to avoid them. "Doing the same exercise or routine for too long will lead to the dreaded plateau," explains Laug. Even if you're not eager to completely switch up your routine, you can make modifications to your existing workout to make it more effective. "To avoid a plateau, add a new stimulus to your current exercises. Perform them slower or faster. Add more resistance. Change the exercise sequence. Pause or hold the exercise at its transition. Do anything that make the exercise different." Use Your Own Body As Resistance "Don't be afraid to try new exercises," says Laug. "When the time is right, move to next exercise in your progression. Have you been exclusively using exercise machines? Start performing body weight exercises like pushups or squats." And for more incentive to hit the weight room, discover the 43 Reasons to Add Weight Training to Your Routine ! Measure Risk Versus Reward A no pain, no gain approach is a recipe for you guessed it pain. "You must weigh the risk versus the reward of new exercises," says Laug. "In a time of fitness trends and fads, be sure you're performing exercises that are right for you and have a low risk to reward factor. Ask yourself, 'is this exercise likely to injury me?'" There is Too Much Of A Good Thing Yes, there is such a thing as exercising too much, says Laug, who recommends taking adequate time to recover from strenuous training. "Know when to say when to avoid overtraining," recommends Laug. "Muscle recovery is just as important as exercising when it comes to making fitness gains. Recovery comes when the body is at rest. If you are working out too often, you will not recover properly, losing the full benefit of your routine." Consider Your Range of Motion Stretching may not be a huge calorie-burner, but that doesn't mean you should discount its benefits. "There may be debate in fitness circles when it comes stretching, but there's is no debating stress on joints can be decreased when muscles are at their proper length. As an example, performing squats can be difficult, even painful, if your hamstrings or hip flexors are tight. Fixing your range of motion will improve your exercise performance, leading to positive gains." And enjoy some non-traditional calorie burners with these 40 Easy Ways to Lose 20 Pounds ! Challenge Yourself Go ahead, take that gym selfie: your workout success might just depend on it. "Fitness challenges are everywhere and they're unavoidable. You can't go on social media without seeing a new one, but they exist for a reason: they work," says Laug. "Accountability to something bigger than your own fitness goals will help you stick to your routine. Find one, start one, or join one!" Realize There Will Be Ups and Downs Don't let a bad day keep you from getting back up again. "Your fitness progress is similar to the stock market. You'll have good days and bad days. You'll have up weeks and down weeks," says Laug. "Try not to get frustrated when hitting a rough patch. Focus on the overall trend of positive gains and push through the negative." And breeze past your plateaus in no time by discovering these 25 Ways to Break Out of Your Weight Loss Rut ! Don't Try   Just Do "Fitness must be a consistent element in your life. If you decide to try a fitness routine or nutrition plan, you are setting yourself up for failure," says Laug. The trainer explains, "Trying opens the door to quitting. Trying is not commitment. You don't try your career, you commit to being your best. You don't try parenthood, you commit to raising your child. You don't try to live a healthy lifestyle, you commit to it, or you'll fail." Ask For Help Asking for help is not admitting defeat, says Laug. In fact, it may set you up for more success in the long run. "Unless you're an architect, I'm assuming you didn't create the blueprints for your house. You can imagine how poorly built that house would be if you did. If you know you can't design a house, what makes you think you can design a fitness program that will deliver results? Stop wasting time and seek the assistance of a qualified fitness professional. Your body will thank you." And for more ways to improve your health and hit your weight loss goals in no time, make the 40 Habits of the World's Fittest People part of your routine!


Jeongeun Lee6 might have an unconventional name with a numeral at the end of it, but almost as unique is the company she is keeping after her standout performance at the U.S. Women's Open at the Country Club of Charleston. Lee6 became just the third U.S. Women's Open winner in the past quarter century to put together four rounds under par in a Women's Open, joining Juli Inkster (1999) and Inbee Park (2008). Lee6 shot rounds of 70-69-69-70 on the par-71 layout. At the 159-yard, par-3 11th, which played as the hardest hole in relation to par for the week, Lee struck a perfect shot that caromed off the left shoulder of the reverse redan green, and watched as it rolled to within 10 feet of the cup. Prize money payout for each golfer at the U.S. Women's Open On the ensuring par-4 12th hole, Lee6 hit a 93-yard approach to inside six feet and made the birdie putt, which gave her the lead. Another well-struck wedge from some 50 yards led to another birdie at the par-5 15th hole, giving her the cushion she needed to off set a pair of nerve-induced bogeys coming in. For the week Lee6 hit 57 of 72 greens for a 79.2-percent clip, good enough to rank fifth in greens in regulation. Her irons are Callaway's Apex Pro 19 with Nippon's 850 shafts, stiff flex. Her wedges are Titleist's Vokey SM7 model with Nippon's N.S. Pro 950 shafts. What Jeongeun Lee6 had in the bag at the U.S. Women's Open Ball: Titleist Pro V1x Driver: Callaway Epic Flash (Mitsubishi Diamana M+), 9 degrees 3-wood: Callaway Epic Flash , 15 degrees Hybrids: Callaway Apex (20, 23 degrees) Irons (5-PW): Callaway Apex Pro 19 Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM7 (50, 54, 58 degrees) Putter: Odyssey O-Works 2-Ball See the video.


HAVANA (AP)   A day before Cuban President Raul Castro visits the Vatican, his daughter has sponsored a blessing ceremony for gay couples on an island where gay marriage remains illegal. Nearly two dozen gay couples held hands or embraced as American and Canadian Protestant clergyman blessed them Saturday. It was part of official ceremonies leading up to the Global Day against Homophobia on May 17. Castro's daughter Mariela heads Cuba's Center for Sex Education, which has been pushing for gay rights in a country with a history of persecuting homosexuals. Cuba has also been growing closer to the Catholic Church, which had a troubled relationship with the communist government during much of the Cold War. Mariela Castro was careful not to call Saturday's ceremony a wedding.


Mesa will see a return of last week's light rainfall today, according to the seven-day forecast from drone-powered weather service Saildrone . Today's forecast shows an expected 0.10 inches of rain, while the chance of rain will remain below 42 percent the rest of the week. The coming days will also see hot temperatures, due to stick around through Monday. The weather will bring a high temperature of 107 degrees Saturday through Monday. Skies will be mostly cloudy on Wednesday. Winds will stay somewhat calm throughout the week, with the highest speeds on Sunday at just 10 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.


Video by ABC News LATEST : President Donald Trump is abandoning his effort to include a citizenship question on the 2020 census. Instead, Trump says he's ordering every federal department and agency to provide the Commerce Department with all records it requests pertaining to the number of citizens and noncitizens in the country. Trump says he will sign an executive order to put this new plan into effect "immediately." Trump's plan to include a citizenship question on the 2020 census was thwarted by a recent Supreme Court ruling on legal challenges to the effort. EARLIER: WASHINGTON (AP)   President Donald Trump is expected to drop his bid to include a citizenship question on the 2020 census, according to a House Republicans aide. Trump instead will pursue other avenues for collecting citizenship information after the Supreme Court blocked his census efforts, according to current and former administration officials familiar with the plans. Trump tweeted Thursday morning that he would be holding a news conference on the subject. A senior administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity to preview the plans, said the president would be announcing new executive action as part of the effort but did not elaborate. Officials were still scrambling to finalize language in the hours after Trump's tweet. The American Community Survey, which polls 3.5 million U.S. households every year, already includes questions about respondents' citizenship, so it is unclear what Trump has in mind. But Trump appeared to preview his remarks at a White House social media summit, where he complained about being told: "'Sir, you can't ask that question ... because the courts said you can't.'" Describing the situation as "the craziest thing," he went on to contend that surveyors can ask residents how many toilets they have and, "What's their roof made of? The only thing we can't ask is, 'Are you a citizen of the United States?'" "I think we have a solution that will be very good for a lot of people," he added. Trump had said last week that he was "very seriously" considering an executive order to try to force the citizenship question's inclusion, despite the fact that the government has already begun the lengthy and expensive process of printing the census questionnaire without it. But any action to get past the Supreme Court ruling would have been likely to draw an immediate legal challenge. The congressional aide, as well as the current and former administration officials all spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss Trump's thinking in advance of a formal announcement. The Census Bureau had stressed repeatedly that it could produce better citizenship data without adding the question to the decennial census, which had not been done since 1950. The bureau recommended combining information from the annual American Community Survey with records held by other federal agencies that already include citizenship records. "This would result in higher quality data produced at lower cost," deputy Census Bureau director Ron Jarmin wrote in a December 2017 email to a Justice Department official. But Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, who oversees the Census Bureau, ultimately rejected that approach and ordered the citizenship question be added to the census. Critics had warned that including the citizenship question on the census would discourage participation, not only by those living in the country illegally but also by citizens who fear that participating will expose noncitizen family members to repercussions. Keeping the prospect of adding the question alive could in itself scare some away from participating, while showing Trump's base that he is fighting for the issue. Trump's 2016 campaign was animated by his pledge to crack down on illegal immigration, and he has tied the citizenship question to that issue, insisting the U.S. must know who is living here. An executive order, by itself, would not have overridden court rulings blocking the question, though it could have given administration lawyers a new basis on which to try to convince federal courts the question passes muster. Trump's administration has faced numerous roadblocks to adding the question, beginning with the ruling by the Supreme Court temporarily barring its inclusion on the grounds that the government's justification was insufficient. A federal judge on Wednesday also rejected the Justice Department's plan to replace the legal team fighting for inclusion, a day after another federal judge in Manhattan issued a similar ruling, saying the government can't replace nine lawyers so late in the dispute without satisfactorily explaining why. Refusing to concede, Trump had insisted his administration push forward, suggesting last week that officials might be able to add an addendum to the questionnaire with the question after it's already printed. He has also toyed with the idea of halting the constitutionally mandated survey while the legal fight ensues. Trump has offered several explanations for why he believes the question is necessary to include in the once-a-decade population count that determines the allocation of seats in the House of Representatives for the next 10 years and the distribution of some $675 billion in federal spending. "You need it for Congress, for districting. You need it for appropriations. Where are the funds going? How many people are there? Are they citizens? Are they not citizens? You need it for many reasons," he told reporters last week, despite the fact that congressional districts are based on total population, regardless of residents' national origin or immigration status. If immigrants are undercounted, Democrats fear that would pull money and political power away from Democratic-led cities where immigrants tend to cluster, and shift it to whiter, rural areas where Republicans do well. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer on Thursday called Trump's efforts "outrageous" and accused him of pushing the question "to intimidate minorities, particularly Latinos, from answering the census so that it undercounts those communities and Republicans can redraw congressional districts to their advantage." "He thinks he can just issue executive orders and go around the Congress, go around established law and try to bully the courts," Schumer said from the Senate floor. He predicted the effort would be thwarted by the courts. House Democrats next week will vote on holding Attorney General William Barr and Commerce Secretary Ross in contempt for their failure to comply with congressional subpoenas investigating the issue. Alarmed by last week's change of course by the administration, the plaintiffs in the New York census citizenship case already have asked U.S. District Judge Jesse Furman to permanently block the administration from adding the question to the 2020 census. Furman has set a July 23 hearing on the request. ___ Associated Press writers Zeke Miller and Matthew Daly contributed to this report.


PITTSBURGH (KDKA)   If you're one of the 8,500 Pittsburghers who signed the petition to bring Heinz Ketchup back to Kennywood, here's some good news: Heinz is returning. When Kennywood guests realized that Heinz Ketchup had been replaced with Hunt's, they created a social media uproar . Change.org user Justin Chechuck summed it up best when he said, "Pittsburghers don't let Pittsburgher's eat Hunts." Even JuJu Smith-Schuster jumped on the bandwagon. He was spotted at Kennywood handing out Heinz . The park says it has been successful for more than a century because it listens to its customers and those customers made it clear Heinz Ketchup is important to the park experience. Kennywood also listened to its park guests this year when an amputee complained about a new ride policy, and again when the Potato Patch cheese changed . By this weekend, Heinz Ketchup will be back at Kennywood. It will also return to Idlewild and Sandcastle.


ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) Dustin Garneau made the most of his opportunity when the Los Angeles Angels needed him. He also was able to get some revenge against his former team. The backup catcher's ground-rule double to deep left field with two outs in the ninth inning scored Brian Goodwin with the game-winning run and gave the Angels a 10-9 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday night. Garneau's hit capped a 4-hour, 13-minute rollercoaster ride for the Angels, who trailed by six runs early before rallying. Garneau was with Oakland for part of 2017 and last season before signing with the Angels during the offseason. ''That was a real fun game to watch. I got the barrel to the baseball and good things happen when you put the ball in play,'' said Garneau, recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake on May 23. ''Once it went up, it was high and drifted and found dirt.'' Oakland left fielder Robbie Grossman was playing shallow and made a long run to the warning track, but was unable to catch Garneau's drive before it bounced and went over the wall. Goodwin got aboard with a two-out single off Lou Trivino (2-4) and stole second. ''We were playing for a single. It stayed in the ballpark, drifted right a little bit and fooled him,'' Oakland manager Bob Melvin said of Grossman. ''He had a long way to go and it would have been a great catch if he made it.'' The Athletics were up 7-1 after 2 1/2 innings before Los Angeles rallied to take an 8-7 lead in the fourth. The Angels went ahead when Shohei Ohtani hit a three-run homer to center. Oakland regained the lead with two in the eighth when Matt Olson hit an RBI single and Matt Chapman scored on Hansel Robles' wild pitch, barely beating Jonathan Lucroy's tag at the plate. Chapman was originally ruled out but the call was overturned following a replay review. The Angels tied it at 9 when Ohtani was walked by Ryan Buchter with the bases loaded in the eighth. Oakland loaded the bases with an intentional walk to Mike Trout. Melvin said Ohtani is not the easiest guy to face, but the A's didn't want Trout to beat them, especially after he homered earlier. ''We've had a couple games like this against Oakland. Some see-saw battles,'' Angels manager Brad Ausmus said. ''We had that extra-inning game in Oakland we were fortunate enough to win (12-7 in 11 innings on May 29) and we won this one as well.'' Ohtani equaled a career high with four RBIs. He added to earlier homers by Tommy La Stella and Trout, who had the big hit in a four-run third when he drove Daniel Mengden's curveball to left-center for a two-run shot. The first four hitters in Los Angeles' lineup - La Stella, Trout, Ohtani and Albert Pujols - combined for eight hits and seven RBIs. Robles (3-0) got the win after allowing one hit in 1 1/3 innings. Grossman tied a career high with four hits and made a diving catch in the eighth on Luis Rengifo's line drive. Marcus Semien had three hits and three RBIs for Oakland. He had the key hit in a four-run second when his single drove in two runs. Oakland added to its lead with three in the third on RBI singles by Grossman, Jurickson Profar and Semien. Profar also had three hits. STREAKS AND STATS Oakland CF Ramon Laureano had his 16-game hitting streak snapped after going 0 for 4. He came into the day with the longest active streak in the majors. ... Angels SS David Fletcher - fifth in the AL with a .313 batting average - has a hit in 14 of the last 15 games. ... La Stella's shot marked the fourth leadoff homer for the Angels. However, it was the first time La Stella has done it in his career. ... Lucroy's single in the eighth snapped an 0-for-24 skid. UP FIRST Both teams started an opener on the mound. It was the 11th time the Angels have used an opener this season and the fourth for the Athletics. Cam Bedrosian struck out two in one inning for Los Angeles. The right-hander was used as an opener for the second time in three days and hasn't allowed a run in four of his six starts. Oakland reliever Joakim Soria made the first start of his 12-year career. He gave up a run on two hits - including La Stella's leadoff homer - and struck out two. TRAINER'S ROOM Angels: OF Justin Upton (turf toe) took live batting practice and hit two home runs in eight at-bats. ... RHP Matt Harvey (upper back strain) will make a rehab start for Triple-A Salt Lake on Saturday. UP NEXT Athletics: RHP Mike Fiers (4-3, 5.00 ERA) held opponents to a .139 batting average in six May starts, the second-lowest mark in the AL. One of those games was his no-hitter against Cincinnati on May 7. Angels: LHP Tyler Skaggs (4-5, 4.50 ERA) is 2-7 in 11 career starts vs. Oakland. --- More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP-Sports


Pro Football Focus' Michael Renner recently ranked the top run defenses in the NFL and the Detroit Lions checked in as 5th best. A weakness from 2016-17, ranking 27th (2016) and 22nd (2017), has been turned into a big strength. The #Lions ranked 6th last season and come into 2019 as the 5th ranked run defense in the NFL by @PFF #OnePride https://t.co/dW7QOTOdzG - PFF DET Lions (@PFF_Lions) July 16, 2019 "With Damon Harrison, you'll have a top-10 run defense almost by default," Renner said. "He's led all defensive tackles in run-stop percentage each of the past five seasons. It's an unbelievable string of consistency considering how quickly the turnover at a position like nose tackle is in the NFL." Damon Harrison is in a class of his own when it comes to run defense - and Snacks takes home our annual Best Run Defender Award for the fourth year in a row. https://t.co/6dlCd1Xwnk pic.twitter.com/jnt8TteaQN - PFF (@PFF) January 15, 2019 Harrison finished as PFF's top-graded run defender in five of the last six seasons, including the last four consecutive, earning a run defense grade of 93.9 over the 2018 season. Rounding out the rest of the Lions interior defensive line, A'Shawn Robinson landed 5th on the run defense list with a 91.5 grade, while Da'Shawn Hand checked in as the 27th best run defender, ahead of any other teams third defender. With a loaded interior defensive line, the Lions appeared to be the front runners for the top spot on this list yet finished last season 6th because of the EDGE play. Romeo Okwara and Devon Kennard landed 22nd and 33nd respectively on the EDGE run defenders list. With the addition of Trey Flowers on the EDGE, PFF's 8th best EDGE run defender, it's a bit surprising the Lions only moved up to 5th in this year's rankings. Regardless of where they start the season, expect this unit to finish among the top-5 best run defenses in the NFL, and they should be in contention for the top spot. MORE: Poker player argues over dealer chip counting error during crucial all-in hand at WSOP Main Event Future looks bright for the Steelers according to ESPN Colts ranked No. 1 in NFL future power rankings Roundup: Lindsey Graham's Comment; Lunar Moon; NASA Sets Sights on Mars; Austin Butler Trysten Hill may be crowning point on Cowboys star-studded defense


The Tigers have agreed to a minor league contract with veteran righty Edwin Jackson , as was first indicated on the league transactions log at MLB.com . Jason Beck of MLB.com tweets that Jackson is joining the club's Triple-A affiliate in Toledo. Can confirm. Edwin Jackson headed to @MudHens after agreeing to minor-league deal. https://t.co/ZjMr6Xl5Fb   Jason Beck (@beckjason) July 22, 2019 It'll be Jackson's second tour of duty with the Tigers, as he spent the 2009 campaign in Detroit as well. That year was one of the best of Jackson's career, as he logged a career-high 214 innings with a 3.62 ERA and the lone All-Star nod of his remarkable big league journey. Jackson was recently cut loose by the Blue Jays   the MLB-record 14th team for which he has pitched. The 35-year-old Jackson couldn't get on track in Toronto, limping to a miserable 11.12 ERA in 28 1/3 innings there. He was charged with 35 earned runs on a whopping 49 hits (12 home runs) and 13 walks with 19 strikeouts in that time. That said, "E-Jax" was a vital member of the Athletics' surprising playoff push just a season ago. His 2018 campaign featured 92 innings of 3.33 ERA ball with 6.7 K/9, 3.6 BB/9 and 1.2 HR/9. Jackson still averaged 93.5 mph on his fastball in his time with the Blue Jays   a modest increase over last year's velocity   so there's still plenty of life in his arm. He'll head to Toledo for now, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see him get a chance at the big league level in the near future. Detroit's rotation has already lost Michael Fulmer (Tommy John surgery) and Matt Moore (knee surgery) for the season, and it's not clear when (or if) Tyson Ross will be cleared to resume pitching in 2019. Add the possibility of a Matthew Boyd trade in the next nine days, and the uncertainty in the rotation is palpable. It's also possible that Jackson could resurface as a bullpen option. There's perhaps even more uncertainty in the Detroit relief corps, and close Shane Greene is even likelier than Boyd to be traded before July 31.


No athlete in the history of professional sports has been as universally beloved during their competitive prime for as long as Roger Federer. Others have experienced the kind of embrace Federer gets everywhere he goes and no matter who he plays, but none have had it all over the world like Federer, uninterrupted, for the better part of 15 years. He will feel it for perhaps the last time at Roland Garros on Friday in the semifinals, creating an awkward scenario in which 11-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal will fall into a villain's role he's done absolutely nothing to deserve except land in the same half of the draw as his 37-year old rival who has defied all conventions of tennis history by being this good for this long. NEWSLETTER: Sign up now to receive "For the Love of the Game(s)" Few will expect Federer to actually win. Though Federer has beaten Nadal five consecutive times during his remarkable late-career surge, Nadal has won all five meetings at Roland Garros and 13 out of 15 on clay. As much as Federer has evolved his game in recent years to better handle the heavy spins and high bounces Nadal creates, beating the King of Clay on his home court would be the single most improbable victory of his career. Meet 17-year-old American Anisimo: Pulls off shocker over Simona Halep Dominic Thiem complains: Says Serena Williams has 'bad personality' The Federer-Nadal rivalry has, in almost every way, shaped how fans around the world have felt about men's tennis since 2005, even in the ascendance of Novak Djokovic as the game's top player. Nadal is the one you'd probably bet on to win one match if your life was at stake. Federer is the one the fans loved the most. And for that, Federer has one person to thank: Nadal. When Nadal really announced his presence in 2005, winning the French Open for the first time as a swashbuckling 19-year old while beating Federer in the semifinals, tennis was at a critical moment. The terrific generation of players that dominated the late 1990s and early 2000s had all but disappeared, leaving the sport in a state of uncertainty with very few legitimate stars. By the beginning of 2004, Federer had surpassed the likes of Lleyton Hewitt and Andy Roddick and had begun to take over the majors quickly following his breakthrough win at Wimbledon in 2003. Federer was almost unbeatable in those years. He spent 237 consecutive weeks at No. 1. In different stretches, he won 56 consecutive matches on hard courts and 65 straight on grass. In 2005, Federer went 81-4. The next year, he put up a preposterous 92-5. And during a stretch of 11 majors from the French Open in 2005 through the U.S. Open in 2007, Federer beat everyone in his sight   except Nadal. Had it not been for Nadal stopping him at Roland Garros   once in the semifinals and twice in the finals   Federer could very well have won 11 straight Grand Slams. While a run like that would have undoubtedly given Federer a stranglehold in the all-time Slam count   his 20 still leads Nadal's 17 and Djokovic's 15 for now   it wouldn't have been good for the sport. Or, perhaps, for Federer's image. Having a real rival, particularly one he struggled so much to beat, humanized Federer. It offered a real contrast between the physical brutality of Nadal's game and Federer's efficient, effortless ballet. In 2009, when Nadal outlasted Federer 6-2 in the fifth set of the Australian Open final   the third Slam final Federer had lost to him in fewer than eight months, including an epic five-setter at Wimbledon   Federer couldn't even complete his runner-up speech without breaking down in tears and exclaiming, "God it's killing me." Eight years later in Australia, when a supposedly washed-up Federer stormed back from a break down in the fifth set to beat Nadal and end the longest major drought of his career, it was all the more special and remarkable because of who stood on the other end of the court. Without Nadal's greatness in the picture to give those moments their proper context   all of them, good and bad   Federer would have been remembered more as machine than man. And nobody wants to pour their heart out for a machine. Even as he motors toward his 38th birthday in August, Federer's game remains good enough to beat anyone. Though he's still a threat on the regular tour, where matches are best-of-three sets, there have been signs over the last year that the grueling task of winning seven, best-of-five matches at the Slams might be slipping beyond his grasp. When Federer announced he was going to play the clay season this year after skipping it the last three to focus on Wimbledon, it felt like a possible goodbye. Instead, it's turned into his best result at Roland Garros since 2012, and the French fans will undoubtedly want to see him play in the final on Sunday   even if that means the majority of them rooting against Nadal. But that's really nothing new. All these years later, Federer still has an emotional hold on every arena around the world like nobody else before him. But without Nadal to serve as his foil, it probably wouldn't have been possible. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Opinion: Roger Federer universally beloved   in part   because of Rafael Nadal rivalry