ClubSocial: 2020-06-28

2 foreigners, a Thai woman arrested over alleged romance scam

Two Nigerian nationals and a Thai woman have been arrested for allegedly running a romance scam at a house in Phetchburi Soi 17 in Bangkok’s Ratchathewi district, Immigration Police chief Pol Lt-General Sompong Chingduang said on Saturday (July 4). “On June 23, police had arrested a Thai man named Thongchai [last name withheld] in Nakhon Ratchasima province for committing financial fraud by opening 14 bank accounts using other people’s ID cards, for which he claimed he had paid Bt1,500 (S$67) each,” said Sompong. “Thongchai later confessed that he was a part of a romance scam gang run by two foreigners and a Thai woman in Bangkok, so we tracked down the three suspects and arrested them.” Police reportedly found several bank passbooks, ATM cards, mobile phone SIM cards and copy of ID cards at the house. The three suspects were charged with conspiracy to commit fraud. A romance scam is generally perpetrated by feigning romantic intentions towards victims via social media. After gaining their trust and affection, the gang coaxes the victims into transferring money into bank accounts they control.

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Thai man 'mistaken to be animal' allegedly killed by friend while hunting

A hunting expedition by friends went fatally wrong when one friend allegedly shot dead another apparently mistaking him to be an animal. Lamphun police requested the provincial court for police custody of accused Weerachai Rorwongtawan, 29, on Friday (July 3), after he had allegedly shot dead his friend, Phitsunu Tanupetchpan, while hunting with two other friends on Thursday (July 2). The suspect said that he had invited his friends to go hunting with him for wild animals. He said that he and his friend were in opposite areas. When he saw something moving among bamboo trees, he thought it was an animal and fired his gun. Weerachai said he was shocked to hear the cries of his friend. He quickly decided to call the police and an ambulance. Phitsunu died later. Police have confiscated the gun and are questioning Weerachai and the other friends. The men were charged with use of narcotics after urine tests.

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'The risk remains': 14 new cases of coronavirus in NSW

All 14 are in hotel quarantine, with the state recording no cases of community transmission in the past 24 hours.

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'The risk remains': 14 new cases of coronavirus in NSW

All 14 are in hotel quarantine, with the state recording no cases of community transmission in the past 24 hours.

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'People did not believe there was danger': Kazakhstan first country to go back into lockdown

The Central Asian republic has tens of thousands of confirmed COVID-19 cases just months after it had appeared to have contained the disease during a two-month lockdown.

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Boris Johnson to pull Huawei out of 5G network within months

British intelligence agency GCHQ is understood to have revised its previous assurance that the risks posed by the Chinese technology giant can be safely managed.

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Zookeeper dies after tiger attack inside Swiss enclosure

Horrified visitors raised the alarm after seeing the tiger attack the female keeper inside the big cat enclosure.

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Thai boxing matches resume after coronavirus lockdown, but audiences stay home

BANGKOK - Thai boxing matches resumed on Saturday (July 4) after more than three months as the nation eases its coronavirus lockdown, but fans of the popular sport will have to make do with watching on television for now. Leaders of the sport hailed the return to the ring after the shutdown, which left hundreds of boxers and referees without work, and said they hoped spectators would be allowed to attend matches again soon. "I'm very happy and excited to get back to the ring ... But I feel a bit strange. I was used to the sounds of crowds cheering, but there's no audience," said Khathawut Tumthong, a 21-year-old boxer. Thailand's government has eased most curbs to try to revive an economy badly hit by the pandemic, with sports competitions among the latest activities to resume. No local transmissions of the virus have been reported for 40 days. However, authorities have yet to issue rules on when and how audiences will be allowed at sports venues. In March, a spike in virus cases was linked to a boxing match in Bangkok.

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BBC NEWS - Dominican Republic votes in election postponed over virus

One of the top candidates for the presidency has recovered from Covid-19.

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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-53268860

BBC NEWS - Ukraine's Zelensky accused by ex-leader of hosting Russian 'fifth column'

Ex-president Poroshenko sees Russian influence at work in the new administration.

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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-53281086

New on Sports Illustrated: Report: Jorge Masvidal in Talks to Replace Gilbert Burns in UFC 251 Headliner

After Gilbert Burns reportedly tested positive for COVID-19, UFC is talking to Jorge Masvidal as a potential replacement for the main event of UFC 251.

One day after Gilbert Burns reportedly tested positive for coronavirus and was scratched from his title fight with Kamaru Usman, the UFC has apparently found his replacement.

The UFC is in negotiations with Jorga Masvidal to replace Burns to fight Usman in the main event, according to ESPN's Ariel Helwani.

Masvidal last fought on Nov. 2, 2019, in a win over Nate Diaz at UFC 244. Helwani reports that a deal isn't close to being finalized, but the belief is the fight will happen.

Masvidal reportedly took and passed a coronavirus antibody test on Saturday. The test shows whether a person has previously been exposed to the virus, but doesn't determine whether that person currently has it. Masvidal will have to pass three coronavirus tests in order to be allowed to fight, if an agreement gets reached.

Even if Masvidal doesn't get signed to fight, UFC 251 will feature two other title fights: Alexander Volkanovski will try to defend his featherweight belt against Max Holloway, while Petr Yan and Jose Aldo will fight for the vacant bantamweight belt.

July 05, 2020 at 06:24AM
Report: Jorge Masvidal in Talks to Replace Gilbert Burns in UFC 251 Headliner

New on Sports Illustrated: Matthew Wolff shoots 64 to Take Rocket Mortgage Classic Lead Following Round 3

Matthew Wolff shot his second straight 8-under 64 to move into position for his second PGA Tour victory.

DETROIT— Matthew Wolff has been working on his mindset, trying to have a good time regardless of results to help him perform closer to his potential.

An ice cream truck outside the Detroit Golf Club seemed to help.

Wolff had a roller-coaster round that went well enough Saturday to give him a three-shot lead in the Rocket Mortgage Classic. He shot his second straight 8-under 64 to move into position for his second PGA Tour victory.

“I have to give credit to the ice cream truck that was circling the property,” said Wolff, who was 19-under 197 after three rounds. “I’m not joking, actually.”

Wolff made a 35-foot putt on the 138-yard No. 5 for birdie, his second of nine birdies.

“I heard the ice cream truck and I’m like, 'I have a good feeling about this,’” Wolff recalled. “Just had that little like ice cream truck song in my head. I think that helped me just not think about the speed or the line or anything, just keep my head free.”

Ryan Armour and Bryson DeChambeau were tied for second after 67s.

Wolff made a 14-foot eagle putt at the 559-yard, par-5 14th to pull into a tie with Armour at 17 under, and added birdies on the par-3 15th and par-5 17th. He finished with the eagle, nine birdies, five pars and three bogeys.

If the 21-year-old Wolff can hold on Sunday, it will be his first victory since the 3M Open last year in Minnesota.

“Just going to go out there, have fun and hopefully I hear the ice cream truck a little bit,” he said.

Last year, he made a 26-foot putt from the fringe for eagle on the final hole for a one-stroke win at the 3M Open in his third tournament as a professional. Wolff joined Tiger Woods and Ben Crenshaw as winners of a PGA Tour event and the individual NCAA title in the same year.

The former Oklahoma State star, though, has struggled enough this season that he was 108th in the world going into the week. He missed the cut at the previous two tournaments and was 54th at the PGA Tour’s first event after its restart.

Armour played well and was in a great mood on the front nine while making five birdies to reach 16 under, giving him a one-shot lead.

He chatted and laughed with some fans, watching the tournament from beyond a chain-link fence, near the seventh tee.

The former Ohio State player has his school’s logo adorned on the bag, and that caught the attention of some spectators perched on a platform a few minutes later.

“Go get ’em Buckeye,” one fan shouted from the backyard of a home.

Otherwise, it was often so quiet sans fans that the jingle from an ice cream truck in the neighborhood and a single-engine plane overhead broke through the eerie silence.

Golf is the second major sport in the U.S., behind motor sports, to resume a schedule shut down by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Armour opened the back nine with five straight pars before making a birdie at No. 15, helping him keep the lead a little longer before Wolff surged past him.

Armour slipped further behind with a double bogey at No. 17 before bouncing back with a birdie on 18.

“It felt like the front nine was in cruise control, I had looks all the time,” he said. “Then the back nine, it got a little squirrelly.”

DeChambeau birdied four of the last six holes and pumped his right fist after making a 12-foot birdie putt at 18, pulling him into a tie for second with Armour.

Troy Merritt (67), Mark Hubbard (69), Seamus Power (69) and Chris Kirk (70) were five shots back. Webb Simpson (71) had a bogey on the final hole, falling six strokes behind.

In the PGA Tour’s first three events after the COVID-19 pandemic stunted the season, the top five players in the world ranking participated in each tournament. None of the top five players is at the Detroit Golf Club, where Simpson (No. 6) and DeChambeau (No. 10) are the highest ranked in the field.

July 05, 2020 at 06:03AM
Matthew Wolff shoots 64 to Take Rocket Mortgage Classic Lead Following Round 3

'Everybody gets it': Report on heightened suicide risk points to hope

A white paper by Suicide Prevention Australia and Wesley Mission says increased suicide risk does not have to lead to increased deaths by suicide, if the government gets its response right.

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New Zealand rocket fails to reach orbit, loses satellites

The rocket's altitude peaked at 195 kilometres roughly seven minutes after liftoff launched from Rocket Lab’s base on the Mahia Peninsula at 9.20am local time, before quickly decreasing.

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Bottas pips Hamilton to start F1 season on pole in Austria

Valtteri Bottas will start the Formula One season on pole position after denying Mercedes teammate and six-time world champion Lewis Hamilton the top slot in Austria on Saturday.

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Tiafoe tests positive for COVID-19, withdraws from Atlanta event

Frances Tiafoe has tested positive for COVID-19 and been forced to withdraw from the All-American Team Cup exhibition tournament in Atlanta.

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BBC NEWS - 'I left her as a baby - 16 years later she saved my life'

When Matjames Metson hit rock bottom after Hurricane Katrina, it was the daughter he hadn't seen for 16 years who turned his life around.

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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/stories-51375721

BBC NEWS - 'Email from dad after his death made my birthday’

How one father's email after his death has led people to share their stories of grief and loss.

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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-53263220

BBC NEWS - The Grand Old Man of India who became Britain's first Asian MP

Indian-born Dadabhai Naoroji was the first Asian to sit in the House of Commons.

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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-52829458

World War II diary found in supermarket reunited with author's daughter

The day police gave the diary to Margo Cooper's daughter Rosie Gibson would have been her mother's 98th birthday

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Seibold won't be axed: Broncos

Brisbane chief executive Paul White was quickly on the front foot after the club's humbling sixth loss in a row.

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Perth 'Suburban Boy' predicted a Hollywood obsession and no-one listened... until now

He's not the first Aussie writer gazumped by Hollywood after coming up with a hot original idea. But Dave Warner's new crime novel shows he's back with a bang.

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World War II diary found in supermarket reunited with author's daughter

The day police gave the diary to Margo Cooper's daughter Rosie Gibson would have been her mother's 98th birthday

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The story behind the Ghislaine Maxwell throne photo in Buckingham Palace

The photo was taken in 2002 and shows Maxwell in a mock royal pose with Kevin Spacey pretending to be Prince Philip.

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Hamilton makes a statement as Formula One gets back on track

Lewis Hamilton, wearing a "Black Lives Matter" helmet in a black Mercedes with "End Racism" written on it, set the pace as Formula One resumed in Austria.

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Tackle call on Essendon's Snelling wrong: AFL

The AFL has admitted that the free kick paid against Bomber Will Snelling for a dangerous tackle - which led to goal to Collingwood's Callum Brown in the final quarter - was a mistake.

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Paramount worker fighting for life following nightclub incident

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding an incident outside a Northbridge nightclub which left a worker fighting for life and sent another man to hospital.

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BBC NEWS - Nagaland dog meat: Animal rights groups hail ban as 'major turning point'

Animal rights groups say a ban on the sale of dog meat in Nagaland is a milestone.

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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-53288214

New on Sports Illustrated: Cleveland Indians Open to Discussing Changing Team Name

The Cleveland Indians said in a statement Friday that they were in the process of determining "the best path forward with regard to our team name.”

In a statement released Friday, the Cleveland Indians announced they would be engaging with “appropriate stakeholders to determine the best path forward with regard to our team name.”

“We are committed to making a positive impact in our community and embrace our responsibility to advocate social justice and equality," the statement read. "Our organization fully recognizes our team name is among the most visible ways in which we connect with the community.”

Cleveland's announcement came hours after Washington's football team said Friday that it would be undergoing "a thorough review of the team's name" following requests for a change to its nickname.

Cleveland's was a charter franchise when the American League was founded in 1901, and has gone by the nickname "Indians" since 1915. The team went by Bluebirds in 1901, then Broncos in 1902 before changing to the Naps from 1903-14.

Before the 2019 season, the team announced it would discontinue use of the Chief Wahoo logo on its uniforms. The controversial logo features a smiling Native American with a red face and was deemed inappropriate for field use by MLB.

"Major League Baseball is committed to building a culture of diversity and inclusion throughout the game,” MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said of the logo at the time. “Over the past year, we encouraged dialogue with the Indians organization about the club’s use of the Chief Wahoo logo. During our constructive conversations, Paul Dolan made clear that there are fans who have a longstanding attachment to the logo and its place in the history of the team."

July 04, 2020 at 06:42AM
Cleveland Indians Open to Discussing Changing Team Name

Eden-Monaro Byelection 2020

The Eden-Monaro Byelection is expected to go down to the wire tonight.

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Eden-Monaro Byelection 2020

The Eden-Monaro Byelection is expected to go down to the wire tonight.

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Andrew 'was visitor to Epstein home before girl was raped': lawsuit

Under mounting pressure, Prince Andrew is holed up at Royal Lodge, in crisis meetings with his "working group" of lawyers and public relations consultants.

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Hong Kong medic first to be charged with inciting secession, terrorism

And two hardline Beijing officials were named by China to "advise" and "supervise" a new national security policy committee headed by Carrie Lam.

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Man rescued hours after falling down a Gold Coast elevator shaft

The man spent the night in the shaft, only to be rescued when someone heard his calls for help early on Saturday.

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BBC NEWS - Coronavirus: UK government's quarantine-free list 'absurd'

Portuguese leaders say the country's exclusion from a list drawn up by the UK government is "absurd".

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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-53288080

BBC NEWS - Coronavirus: Yo! Sushi adapts conveyor belt system

As Yo! Sushi prepares to reopen some restaurants in England, it has had to adapt its conveyor belt system.

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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-53281473

BBC NEWS - Hachalu Hundessa: 'My friend the hero who was gunned down'

The BBC's Amensisa Ifa was close to Ethiopian protest singer Hachalu Hundessa, who was shot dead on Monday.

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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-53280905

BBC NEWS - Coronavirus: Japan's mysteriously low virus death rate

Japan had no lockdown, it has an elderly population - so why haven't more people died from Covid-19?

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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-53188847

BBC NEWS - Coronavirus: What makes a gathering a ‘superspreader’ event?

How can a two-hour choir practice lead to 53 Covid-19 infections? We ask an expert.

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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-53273382

BBC NEWS - Coronavirus: Waiting for tourists on Spain's Costa del Sol

Resorts on Spain's southern coast are hoping for tourists to save their summer.

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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-53248727

BBC NEWS - Coronavirus: Face mask exemption cards and other US claims fact-checked

As the debate over wearing face masks intensifies, fake exemption cards have gone on sale.

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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/53266431

BBC NEWS : Coronavirus: UK government's quarantine-free list 'absurd'

Portuguese leaders say the country's exclusion from a list drawn up by the UK government is "absurd".

July 04, 2020 at 06:01AM

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New on Sports Illustrated: Seven-time NASCAR Champion Jimmie Johnson Positive for COVID-19

Jimmie Johnson has tested positive for the coronavirus and will miss this weekend's race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

INDIANAPOLIS— Seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson has tested positive for the coronavirus and will miss this weekend's race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway,

The 44-year-old Johnson is the first driver in any NASCAR series to test positive and the news Friday evening cast a shadow over the historic NASCAR-IndyCar doubleheader races coming up Saturday and Sunday. There was no indication any races would be affected.

Hendrick Motorsports said Johnson will not return until he is cleared by a physician. He was tested earlier Friday after his wife, Chani, tested positive after experiencing allergy-like symptoms.

Johnson is asymptomatic.

“My first priority is the health and safety of my loved ones and my teammates,” Johnson said. “I’ve never missed a race in my Cup career, but I know it’s going to be very hard to watch from the sidelines when I’m supposed to be out there competing. Although this situation is extremely disappointing, I’m going to come back ready to win races and put ourselves in playoff contention.”

Johnson earlier Friday held a Zoom session with reporters to discuss Sunday's race and an upcoming test of an Indy car on the road course at the fabled venue. He will now miss that test, as well as what was supposed to be his final Brickyard 400. Justin Allgaier will replace him in the No. 48 Chevrolet.

“Jimmie has handled this situation like the champion he is,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “We’re relieved he isn’t showing symptoms and that Chani is doing great, and we know he’ll be back and ready to go very soon. It’s going to be difficult for him to be out of the car and away from his team, but it’s the right thing to do for Jimmie and everyone involved.”

Hendrick Motorsports said it has implemented detailed procedures to protect the health of its team members. They include daily COVID-19 screenings at the team facilities; the separation of facility operations and traveling personnel; split work schedules; stringent face covering and social distancing requirements; and an increased level of disinfecting and sanitization of all work areas.

Johnson is scheduled to retire from full-time NASCAR competition at the end of the season and was trying to tie Jeff Gordon and Michael Schumacher as the only five-time winners at Indianapolis.

Johnson has made 663 consecutive Cup Series starts — the longest streak among active drivers — and is currently 12th in the standings, 63 points inside the playoff picture. NASCAR's rules state a driver must be symptom free and have two negative coronavirus tests in a 24-hour span to return.

NASCAR said it has granted Johnson a playoff waiver.

“Jimmie is a true battle-tested champion, and we wish him well in his recovery,” the series said.

Johnson could potentially also miss the Cup race at Kentucky and the All-Star race at Bristol. Next week's test of the road course at Indy in Scott Dixon's car has also been scrapped.

NASCAR was one of the first sports to resume competition from the pandemic shutdown and has completed 11 Cup races since its May 17 return. The sanctioning body does not test for coronavirus but participants are required to do a temperature check as they enter the facility.

Drivers have been told to isolate at the track and there is very little interaction beyond radio conversation between the competitor and his crew.

Although Stewart-Haas Racing and Team Penske both said they've had positive tests from shop-based team members, Johnson is the first driver. Earlier Friday, Brazilian sports car driver Felipe Nasr said he had tested positive and will miss Saturday's IMSA event at Daytona International Speedway.

Johnson earlier Friday discussed the Indy car test scheduled with Chip Ganassi Racing, which he said was the first step in determine if actual races are in his future. If he's any good, he said, he would be open to racing all 12 street and road course events on the IndyCar schedule.

Johnson has long said safety concerns would keep him from racing on IndyCar oval tracks, but Friday he offered a surprisingly softer stance about the Indy 500. IndyCar this year unveiled its aeroscreen windshield designed to protect the drivers from debris as they sit in the open-air cockpits. Saturday will mark just the second race with the device, but it appeared problem-free last month on the oval at high-speed Texas Motor Speedway.

“Their safety on ovals has dramatically increased this year with the windscreen. So, I’ll keep a close eye on things there and see how the safety level looks,” Johnson said. “I’ve always wanted to race the Indy 500. I’d have to do a lot of selling to my wife to get that pass, but my true desire right now is to just run the road courses.”

Johnson has his eye on the street course race in Long Beach, California, a race that was canceled this year because of the coronavirus pandemic but is one of the most storied events on the IndyCar calendar at a track just a couple hours from his native El Cajon.

“When I was a kid growing up, the closest IndyCar racing for me was at Long Beach so one of my hopes is that I am able to race at Long Beach,” Johnson said. “I hung on the fence a lot as a kid watching and dreaming. .... There’s a lot of sentimental value with that race and I hope to race there.”

He is stuck in a three-year losing streak but Hendrick Motorsports has been dramatically improved this season and Johnson has been competitive. He has also been actively prepping for a whirl in an Indy car and had been scheduled to test with the McLaren team before the pandemic.

“It’s a test, it’s a tryout and it’s a two-way street. Two-way tryout for the team to look at me and for myself to look at a team,” he said. “If I’m about four seconds off the pace, then that’s probably a quick sign that I don’t need to be in one of these cars. If I’m within a certain amount of time and I have a good feel of the car, then for me, I feel like that’s an important first step that I need to know that I can be competitive.

“I do not want to go race in any series and not be competitive,” he said.

July 04, 2020 at 05:21AM
Seven-time NASCAR Champion Jimmie Johnson Positive for COVID-19

Man rescued hours after falling down a Gold Coast elevator shaft

The man spent the night in the shaft, only to be rescued when someone heard his calls for help early on Saturday.

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Coming aftermath of Afghanistan War, a replay of Vietnam

LONDON, UK - The only element of the Afghan peace plan going according to schedule is the withdrawal of American forces as the Taliban have continued their attack on soldiers and civilians and are

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Trial in Killing of Journalist Khashoggi Opens in Turkey

A trial of those charged in the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi opened Friday in Turkey, but none of the 20 Saudi nationals accused in the killing were in attendance.

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FOX NEWS:- Top lawmakers briefed on Russia bounty reports

Top lawmakers briefed on Russia bounty reports

Congressional leaders and key members of the House and Senate Intelligence Committees were briefed about whether Moscow issued bounties for the Taliban to kill U.S. forces in Afghanistan; Congressional correspondent Chad Pergram reports on the latest.

via FOX NEWS http://video.foxnews.com/v/6168978740001

FOX NEWS:- Ousted SDNY federal prosecutor Geoffrey Berman to appear before House Judiciary Committee next week

Ousted SDNY federal prosecutor Geoffrey Berman to appear before House Judiciary Committee next week

Former Southern District of New York U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman will testify next week before the House Judiciary committee in a closed door hearing – just weeks after President Trump fired him.

via FOX NEWS https://foxnews.com/politics/federal-prosecutor-geoffrey-berman-house-judiciary-committee

FOX NEWS:- DOJ seeks to seize oil on 4 tankers with Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps ties bound for Venezuela

DOJ seeks to seize oil on 4 tankers with Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps ties bound for Venezuela

Federal investigators have obtained warrants to seize Iranian oil products aboard four tankers bound for Venezuela in violation of US sanctions, the Justice Department said Thursday.

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FOX NEWS:- ICE expands coronavirus testing to all at family centers

ICE expands coronavirus testing to all at family centers

Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced Thursday that it has expanded testing for the novel coronavirus to all those in the agency’s family residential centers -- amid ongoing fears about the virus spreading at ICE centers.

via FOX NEWS https://foxnews.com/politics/ice-expands-coronavirus-testing-centers

FOX NEWS:- Court docs allege 'ringleader' of statue vandals lit a cigarette with monument's flames

Court docs allege 'ringleader' of statue vandals lit a cigarette with monument's flames

Jason Charter, who was booked Thursday as the alleged “ringleader” in the June 22 attempt to destroy the Andrew Jackson statue in Lafayette Square near the White House, was also allegedly involved in the destruction of the Albert Pike Historical Statue in Washington on June 20 -- and even lit a cigarette in the flames engulfing that monument.

via FOX NEWS https://foxnews.com/politics/court-documents-detail-alleged-activities-of-ringleader-accused-of-vandalizing-dc-statues

FOX NEWS:- Joe Biden, President Trump clash over June's blockbuster jobs report

Joe Biden, President Trump clash over June's blockbuster jobs report

Trump touts 'historic' June jobs report; Biden blaming the president for millions of jobs lost during the coronavirus pandemic.

via FOX NEWS http://video.foxnews.com/v/6168969550001

FOX NEWS:- Abbott issues statewide order requiring Texans to wear face coverings in public spaces

Abbott issues statewide order requiring Texans to wear face coverings in public spaces

The governor also banned gatherings of over 10 people ahead of the 4th of July weekend, with certain exceptions.

via FOX NEWS https://foxnews.com/politics/abbott-statewide-order-face-coverings

To gather is human. In a plague, it can go wrong, whoever you are

A virus spreads and extreme voices blame multiculturalism. This is why they're wrong.

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'We will track you down': Gosnells teen charged with 208 child sex abuse offences

Police said this was a warning that use of encrypted applications or systems would not enable abusers to stay anonymous.

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Fog warning for motorists ahead of cold 'blast' over weekend

The weather phenomenon rolled into the city from the south-west early Friday morning, with patches spread along much of the east coast.

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North Sydney Olympic Pool's $48 million revamp approved despite heritage concerns

The revamp has been plagued by controversy, with opponents arguing it's too expensive, disrupts the pool's heritage and will be overly-commercial.

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Beehives, breweries, food and wine focus at new Busselton market

A new indoor market that showcases South West growers, artists and businesses is coming to Busselton.

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Perth congestion soars as commuters returning to work shun public transport

Western Australia may have flattened the COVID-19 curve – at least for now – but Perth commuters are still afraid of catching public transport.

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Border wars: Why WA can't hide behind the constitution for long

While Mark McGowan has managed to dodge the border wars raging in the east, a legal expert says it is only a matter of time before WA's hard border stance will be tested.

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What next for Duke? Ghislaine Maxwell's arrest reignites public scrutiny

The arrest of Ghislaine Maxwell will see the spotlight of public scrutiny turn once again on the Duke of York, who became embroiled in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal by virtue of their friendship.

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To gather is human. In a plague, it can go wrong, whoever you are

A virus spreads and extreme voices blame multiculturalism. This is why they're wrong.

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John Barilaro on cooking seafood and a pie shop accord

The Deputy Premier is rarely at home but when he is, his favourite pastime is cooking extravagant dinners.

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'You never grow out of the imposter syndrome': Aussie star Odessa Young

Starring opposite Elisabeth Moss in Shirley marks the 22-year-old's first real grown-up role. But, she tells Karl Quinn, she hopes to never stop learning.

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Why we'll always be starry-eyed about camping

The packing will be a nightmare. The tent will inevitably be on hard ground. It’ll be a long, cold slog to the loo. But you won’t find an unhappy camper.

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Tablet interactive: Coronavirus outbreak

Follow news and events as they happen.

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Real Madrid close on title as Ramos late show sinks Getafe

A late penalty against Getafe gave Real Madrid a sixth straight win in La Liga and put Zinedine Zidane's side four points clear of Barcelona atop the standings.

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'We will track you down': Gosnells teen charged with 208 child sex abuse offences

Police said this was a warning that use of encrypted applications or systems would not enable abusers to stay anonymous.

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ASX set for early bounce as jobs report lifts Wall St

The Aussie sharemarket is tipped to add to its three-day run of gains after US stocks lifted on by better-than-expected unemployment figures.

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Secret police strike force investigating senior detectives

A highly secret police strike force has been set up to investigate the conduct of senior police in the NSW drug squad.

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The language of tween fashion according to The Babysitter's Club

Author Ann M Martin didn’t just write characters, she spun entire worlds into existence. As Netflix debuts its reboot, fans can expect a fresh hit of nostalgia.

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The latest illustrations from artist Andrew Dyson

Some of his best work

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The latest illustrations from artist Matt Golding

Illustrations by the artist from The Age.

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The latest illustrations from artist Cathy Wilcox

The latest work by Sydney Morning Herald editorial cartoonist Cathy Wilcox.

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Pregnant Meghan Markle left 'undefended by institution' while in Royal family, legal papers claim

Duchess of Sussex's team claims she was 'prohibited from defending herself' in the media, and say the royal wedding brought in £1bn to UK.

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Secret police strike force investigating senior detectives

A highly secret police strike force has been set up to investigate the conduct of senior police in the NSW drug squad.

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Cricket Australia to drop Dukes ball

Cricket Australia has decided to axe the English Dukes cricket ball from the Sheffield Shield this summer, in part due to player criticism.

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Jeff Bezos and Amazon under pressure to deliver more than hot air

the world's richest man and his trillion-dollar company are trying to show they are serious about the environment. They might be less willing to make changes that threaten to slow Amazon's growth machine.

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BBC NEWS - Geoffrey Rush: Sydney newspaper loses appeal over defamation payout

Actor Geoffrey Rush will receive a record sum from an Australian newspaper, after it lost an appeal.

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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-53259355

Jeff Bezos and Amazon under pressure to deliver more than hot air

Tablet interactive: Coronavirus outbreak

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Global tourism stands to lose up to $4.8 trillion from COVID-19, UN says

Global tourism revenues will be hit hard by COVID-19 restrictions, with the United States standing to lose the most.

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'Licence please': coronavirus postcode lockdown begins

Broadmeadows residents have had a first taste of life under postcode lockdown, as Victoria Police open booze-bus style road stops in coronavirus hotspots on the first day of enforcement.

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Daily Telegraph loses Geoffrey Rush defamation decision appeal

Sydney newspaper The Daily Telegraph has lost its appeal against a defamation judgment awarding actor Geoffrey Rush almost $3 million in damages.

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Trapped children freed after major crash closes Roe Highway during peak hour

Five people, including three young children, were trapped in their vehicles following a collision on Roe Highway in Langford on Thursday morning.

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'Licence please': postcode lockdown begins

Wanderers suffer blow to finals hopes with loss of goalkeeper

The loss of Daniel Lopar has opened the door for youngster Tristan Prendergast.

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Tablet interactive: Coronavirus outbreak

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Global tourism stands to lose up to $4.8 trillion from COVID-19, UN says

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Daily Telegraph loses Geoffrey Rush defamation decision appeal

Sydney newspaper The Daily Telegraph has lost its appeal against a defamation judgment awarding actor Geoffrey Rush almost $3 million in damages.

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Shakespeare's Globe inspires Covid-safe design

As theatres all around Australia and the world struggle with how to present live performance in the era of coronavirus, one small venue in the US has come up with an unusual plan.

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Trapped children freed after major crash closes Roe Highway during peak hour

Five people, including three young children, were trapped in their vehicles following a collision on Roe Highway in Langford on Thursday morning.

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BBC NEWS : Coronavirus: How much does your boss need to know about you?

Firms are collecting a lot more information about staff as they try to contain coronavirus risks.

June 30, 2020 at 04:31AM

from BBC News - Business
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https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-53109207

HomeCo buys Woolies centres, aged care property

The real estate trust sector’s new kid on the block, HomeCo, will pivot into aged care as it embarks on a $189 million dealmaking spree.

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No late calls, fewer Friday meetings as consultants tackle stress

Consulting giant Accenture has asked employees to end conference calls by around 5:30 pm each day and limit the number of big meetings on Fridays as it's trying to help its workers understand the science behind stress.

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Tablet interactive: Coronavirus outbreak

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Wattle-inspired logo to sell Australia to the world

A new logo featuring an abstract depiction of wattle has been approved by Trade Minister Simon Birmingham to represent Australia overseas.

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FOX NEWS:- Lara Trump rejects Biden's criticism of Trump administration response to COVID: Joe doesn't have a plan

Lara Trump rejects Biden's criticism of Trump administration response to COVID: Joe doesn't have a plan

2020 Trump campaign senior adviser Lara Trump joins Martha MacCallum with insight on 'The Story.'

via FOX NEWS http://video.foxnews.com/v/6168409652001

FOX NEWS:- Pompeo urges United Nations to extend Iran arms embargo

Pompeo urges United Nations to extend Iran arms embargo

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo seized on a U.N. report confirming Iranian weapons were used to attack Saudi Arabia in September and were part of an arms shipment seized months ago off Yemen's coast; State Department correspondent Rich Edson reports.

via FOX NEWS http://video.foxnews.com/v/6168410437001

FOX NEWS:- Trump calls Supreme Court ruling a 'historic win for families who want school choice'

Trump calls Supreme Court ruling a 'historic win for families who want school choice'

Earlier this month, Trump called school choice the civil rights issue “all-time in this country.”

via FOX NEWS https://foxnews.com/politics/trump-supreme-court-ruling-historic-win-school-choice

FOX NEWS:- Sen. Tim Scott on battle over police reform in Congress, threatening voicemails received by his office

Sen. Tim Scott on battle over police reform in Congress, threatening voicemails received by his office

Democrats walked away from opportunity to offer changes to GOP police reform bill, says South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, Republican member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs.

via FOX NEWS http://video.foxnews.com/v/6168403597001

FOX NEWS:- Rep. James Clyburn on debate over statues in US, future of police reform on Capitol Hill

Rep. James Clyburn on debate over statues in US, future of police reform on Capitol Hill

House Majority Whip James Clyburn joins Martha MacCallum with insight on 'The Story.'

via FOX NEWS http://video.foxnews.com/v/6168407746001

FOX NEWS:- Joe Biden hits President Trump over Russian bounty reports, coronavirus response

Joe Biden hits President Trump over Russian bounty reports, coronavirus response

Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden publicly takes questions for first time in months; Doug McKelway reports.

via FOX NEWS http://video.foxnews.com/v/6168403958001

FOX NEWS:- Supreme Court OKs tax credits for religious education

Supreme Court OKs tax credits for religious education

In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of several mothers in Montana who were suing for the right to use scholarship money attached to a tax credit to pay tuition at a Christian school; chief legal correspondent and 'Fox News @ Night' anchor Shannon Bream reports.

via FOX NEWS http://video.foxnews.com/v/6168400640001

FOX NEWS:- NY Gov. Cuomo announces LGBTQ veterans denied honorable discharge can apply to have state vet benefits restored

NY Gov. Cuomo announces LGBTQ veterans denied honorable discharge can apply to have state vet benefits restored

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced this week that LGBTQ veterans who were denied honorable discharges due to their sexual orientation can now apply to have their state veterans’ benefits restored.

via FOX NEWS https://foxnews.com/politics/ny-gov-cuomo-lgbtq-veterans-denied-honorable-discharge-benefits-restored

FOX NEWS:- Pompeo: If UN lets Iran arms embargo expire, it will 'betray' ideals of peace, security

Pompeo: If UN lets Iran arms embargo expire, it will 'betray' ideals of peace, security

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo addressed the United Nations Security Council Tuesday in another attempt to persuade the international security group to extend the arms embargo against Iran.

via FOX NEWS https://foxnews.com/politics/pompeo-united-nations-iran-arms-embargo

FOX NEWS:- Defunding police will lead to crime increase similar to late 80s: David Webb

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Fox News contributor David Webb says the New York City Council needs to be held accountable for the crime increase that will come with defunding the police.

via FOX NEWS http://video.foxnews.com/v/6168400894001

New on Sports Illustrated: MLB Teams Not Able to Disclose Who Goes on IL With Coronavirus

Yankees GM Brian Cashman said that teams have not been given clearance to announce which players end up on the injured list due to COVID-19.

Trying to find out the status of a baseball player coming back from an ankle injury will definitely be easier than learning whether someone tested positive for the coronavirus.

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said during a conference call Tuesday that teams have not been given clearance to announce which players end up on the injured list due to COVID-19. A positive test, medical recommendation or exposure to someone who has had the virus could all put players out of action.

“I believe the information I’ve been given is that you’ll be left to try to figure that out because we would not be (able to disclose),” Cashman said. “It would be a speculating circumstance.”

Non-baseball related injuries do not have be explained in detail under terms of the collective bargaining agreement.

Cashman noted the situation continues to evolve as Major League Baseball and the players’ union continue discussions. Testing of players and staff will begin Wednesday as they report to their teams to resume workouts. They will be tested once every two days.

Last week, Charlie Blackmon of the Colorado Rockies became the first Major League Baseball player known to have tested positive. According to reports, the All-Star outfielder was one of three Colorado players to have a positive test.

Numerous other teams have said they have players who have tested positive for the virus without identifying any of them. The Philadelphia Phillies announced seven, while the Detroit Tigers said one player who was living in Florida but not working out at the team’s spring training facilities in Lakeland also tested positive.

Seattle Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto said a few players have tested positive but declined to specify how many. Several Toronto Blue Jays players and staff members have also tested positive.

Baltimore general manager Mike Elias said the Orioles have had no reported cases and that no one on the team has decided against playing in the shortened season.

He’s hoping for a smooth start to the camp that’s scheduled to begin Friday at Camden Yards.

“We recognize that this will be fluid and everyone is having to make personal decisions and circumstances might not be fully understood until the season starts, but so far we are expecting full participation,” Elias said. “You see in the news around the league that’s not the case everywhere and I wouldn’t be shocked if that ends up happening, but that’s going to be part of this.”

“We’re not pressuring anyone or shaming anyone that feels they shouldn’t be here. We’re making that known, and I think it’s well-received,” Elias added. “Our players have been itching to play for a while. I think the whole delay was frustrating for them, for us, and everyone just wants to go play.”

July 01, 2020 at 04:58AM
MLB Teams Not Able to Disclose Who Goes on IL With Coronavirus

New on Sports Illustrated: Los Angeles Dodgers Fantasy Superlatives: 4 Breakouts On The Come-Up!

Four potential breakout candidates highlight SI Fantasy expert Shawn Childs's list of fantasy superlatives from the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Breakout: SS Corey Seager

After earning a full-time starting job for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2016, fantasy owners haven’t seen the best of Seager yet. Last year he missed a month over the summer with a hamstring injury.

His contact batting average (.340) remains below his first two full seasons (.391 and .390). Seager saw fade in his walk rate (8.1) while owning a favorable strikeout rate (18.1).

He had two productive months (May – .264 with five runs, five HRs, and 20 RBI and September – .291 with seven HRs and 26 RBI) while coming up short over his other 316 at-bats (.268 with seven HRs and 41 RBI).

His batting average (.240) had risk against left-handed pitching, but he did have four HRs and 24 RBI over 167 at-bats.

Seager had a low hard-hit rate (37.9 – 190th) with much more strength in this area in 2016 (43.8 – 44th). He had a more balanced swing path in 2019, but his HR/FB rate (12.3) still ranked below his success in 2016 (17.9) and 2017 (16.2).

His RBI rate (18) screams middle-of-the-order bat. In 2020, Seager should regain his high average swing along with a rebound in power.

Based on his ADP (147), he is a complete steal. I fully expected him to hit over .300 in 2020 while delivering a 100/30/100 skill set with a full season of at-bats.

Breakout: 2B Gavin Lux

The Dodgers drafted Lux with the 20th selection in the 2016 June MLB Amateur Draft.

Over four seasons in the minors, he hit .305 with 293 runs, 48 home runs, 193 RBI, and 52 steals over 1,578 at-bats.

His walk rate (11.2) has top of the order value with an above the league average strikeout rate (18.3).

In 2019, Lux blossomed at AAA (.347 with 99 runs, 26 HRs, 76 RBI, and ten SBs over 458 at-bats). LA called him up in September while giving him a start on most nights (.240 with two HRs, nine RBI, and two SBs over 75 at-bats).

His overall game projects well as number two-hitter with his skill-set having a better than Chase Utley feel.

I expect sneaky speed with an edge in batting average once he gets some major league at-bats under his belt. Lux is the right kind of gamble based on his ADP (171) with home run upside if he does find his way to the top of the batting order. His starting point should be .290 with 75 runs, 15 home runs, 70 RBI, and ten steals.

Breakout: SP Julio Urias

The Dodgers have done their best to try and limit the innings of Urias early in his career. Over six seasons in the minors, he has a 15-8 record with a 2.76 ERA and 364 strikeouts over 310.1 innings.

He missed most of the 2018 season after his recovery left shoulder surgery that occurred in June of 2017. Last year Los Angeles pitched him for most of the season in the bullpen.

His strikeout rate (9.6) is an edge with a mid-level walk rate (3.1). Urias pitched better as a reliever (2.01 ERA and 48 Ks over 49.1 innings). In his eight starts, the Dodgers limited him to 30.1 innings with a 3.26 ERA and 37 strikeouts.

He had almost the same success against righties (.203) and lefties (.198).

His AFB (95.2) was the highest of his career while featuring three plus pitches (four-seam – .189, slider – .122 BAA, and changeup – .232 BAA).

Urias has a developing arm that gets a significant bump in the pitching rankings due to the shortened season. Wins could be an issue due to a quick hook. His ADP (140) is rising, but Urias should still outperform his draft value in 2020.

Breakout: SP Dustin May

May looks ready to rock and roll in the starting rotation for the Dodgers in 2020.

Over four seasons in the minors, he went 24-17 with a 3.50 ERA and 394 strikeouts over 403.2 innings.

May pushed his way from AA to the majors last year while not losing beat on the big stage. In LA, he threw strikes (walk rate – 1.3) while his strikeout rate (8.3) came in shorter than his minor league resume (8.8).

His AFB (96.0) is elite with more upside when he fills out. May relies on a cutter (.188 BAA) and a plus sinker (.247 BAA). His next step will come with more consistency with his curveball.

With 141.1 innings under his belt in 2019, he should have had no problem pushing toward 180 innings this season. May is almost a gift based on ADP (290). I expected a sub 3.50 ERA and 175 strikeouts with double-digit wins if the Dodgers played 162 games this year.

Value: C Will Smith

Last year Smith found his power stroke at AAA (.268 with 48 runs, 20 HRs, and 54 RBI over 224 at-bats). He baited fantasy owners into spending plenty of their free-agent budget after his late May call-up.

After six games (6-for-21 with two HRs and three RBI), the Dodgers shipped him back to AAA. Smith teased again in late June (1-for-5 with one HR and three RBI), but he landed on the injured list with an oblique issue.

In his third trip to the majors, Smith rewarded his believers with an excellent run over the next month (.339 with 17 runs, nine HRs, and 25 RBI over 62 at-bats). Unfortunately, he lacked follow-through over his final 82 at-bats (.183 with three HRs and 11 RBI).

Smith had risk against right-handed pitching (.211 with three HRs and seven RBI over 57 at-bats).

He has a high volume fly-ball swing path (53.7 percent with the Dodgers and 52.3 at AAA in 2019). His strikeout rate (26.5) in the majors needs work, but he did take walks (9.2 percent walk rate).

Over four seasons in the minor, Smith hit .243 with 55 home runs and 180 RBI over 1,034 at-bats.

He’s getting better while wanting to hit for power. His batting average will have risk due to a lot of easy outs via fly balls. A 30-plus HR swing with a full season of at-bats, but LA has a higher ranked catcher (Keibert Ruiz), only a phone call away.

With an ADP of 158, you can expect a top ten season at his position given his floor in home runs.

July 01, 2020 at 04:55AM
Los Angeles Dodgers Fantasy Superlatives: 4 Breakouts On The Come-Up!

Queensland could be 'flooded with Victorians', Labor warns

Queensland’s Labor Party has warned the state could be 'flooded with Victorians' if it lowered its border controls, just hours after Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk called for an end to the so-called 'border wars'.

from Sydney Morning Herald - National
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In Rare Move, US Clears Limited Cooperation Between US Firms, Huawei

In a rare twist to Washington's long-standing restrictions on the Chinese tech giant Huawei, the Commerce Department recently reversed its ban preventing U.S. firms from working with Huawei on deve

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Wattle-inspired logo to sell Australia to the world

A new logo featuring an abstract depiction of wattle has been approved by Trade Minister Simon Birmingham to represent Australia overseas.

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Queensland could be 'flooded with Victorians', Labor warns

Why Robinson looks to Liverpool, Patriots to drive red hot Roosters

The Roosters coach admires the Juergen Klopp-led Liverpool and the New England Patriots as he eyes a dynasty of his own in Bondi.

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Australia makes European Union's 'safe travel' list, but US left out

The EU wants to support the travel industry and tourist destinations, particularly countries in southern Europe hardest hit by COVID-19, but raises questions whether Australia will let its citizens and permanent residents travel overseas yet.

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Jockeys pulled from race meeting, asked to undergo COVID-19 testing

A rider at Rosehill has displayed flu-like symptoms forcing a group of jockeys to be immediately tested for COVID-19 and withdrawn from the Gosford races.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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The long, unhappy history of working from home

Three months after the coronavirus pandemic shut down offices, the corporate world has concluded that working from home is working out. Many employees will be tethered to Zoom and Slack for the rest of their careers.

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Amazon to build mammoth robotic warehouse in Western Sydney

Amazon's first robotic fulfilment centre in Australia will be the size of Taronga Zoo and is expected to create 1500 warehouse jobs, along with another 700 during construction.

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Australia-Zimbabwe ODI series postponed

The Zimbabweans were due to arrive in August.

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Some Tigers a 'genuine chance' to opt out of hubs, says Cotchin

The Tigers are out of form and facing a fight to remain in finals contention and could have another worry if players opt to not go into a hub if required.

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Perth man charged after police sting uncovers 'guns, silencers and 26,000 rounds of ammo'

The 30-year-old came onto the Australian Border Force's radar in December after custom officers intercepted three parcels addressed to him from China.

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Broncos captain fires back at critics

Brisbane's usually happy-go-lucky captain Alex Glenn has finally lost his cool after the knives came out after the Broncos' fifth straight defeat.

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Dramatic video of Thai fishermen rescuing whale sharks goes viral

Impressive, heart-warming video footage of fishermen rescuing three whale sharks trapped in a net has gone viral since yesterday (June 28). The story and video were carried by a Facebook page called "ReReef" that is dedicated to empowering people to rejuvenate the country's marine ecosystem. On seeing the three sharks trapped in a fishing net seven nautical miles from the east coast of Krabi's Koh Rok Island, a crew from the Chokprapaporn ship dived in for the rescue. The crew said whale sharks have been visiting the area more often lately. The animals are on the list of endangered marine species.

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Schools, entertainment venues all set to reopen from Wednesday in Thailand

From July 1, shopping malls, schools and educational institutes will be able to operate as normal, while bars and entertainment venues will be allowed to reopen only if they possess a valid licence, Dr Taweesin Visanuyothin, spokesman of the government’s Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, said today (June 29), after the committee approved the fifth phase of lockdown relaxation. Bars, pubs and entertainment venues will be allowed to sell alcoholic beverages, but will have to shut shop at midnight. These night venues are required to ensure customers are seated at least a metre apart, with tables separated by a two-metre space and 1.5-metre-high partitions. Patrons are not allowed to share tables with strangers while servers must wear masks at all times. Furthermore, frequently touched areas, including toilets, must be cleaned regularly, smoking areas clearly marked and the venues properly ventilated. Each business must register with the ThaiChana platform before reopening. Entertainment venues are not allowed to launch any promotions just yet as these will trigger crowds.

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Thailand to form 'business bubbles' to let in only high-value, low-risk travellers

The National Security Council has outlined the criteria for allowing foreign businesspeople into Thailand under the "business bubble" arrangement expected to start in July. Council secretary-general Gen Somsak Rungsita said those without a Thai work permit will have to ask permission from state agencies such as the Foreign Ministry or Board of Investment. A joint committee will also be set up to consider permissions, added Somsak, speaking in his role as chairman of the panel on easing Covid-19 restrictions. The committee will comprise representatives of the Foreign Ministry, BOI, the Public Health Ministry and the National Economic and Social Development Council. Criteria for allowing entry to business people will include the severity of the Covid-19 outbreak in their countries and the economic value to Thailand of their visit. Priority consideration will be given to investors in mega-projects in the Eastern Economic Corridor and elsewhere. The committee will also focus on Thailand's ability to track business arrivals, he added.

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BBC NEWS - Coronavirus: How much does your boss need to know about you?

Firms are collecting a lot more information about staff as they try to contain coronavirus risks.

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J

from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-53109207

Tablet interactive: Coronavirus outbreak

Follow news and events as they happen.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Business https://ift.tt/3gdIST8
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Is the tide turning for iron ore? What to watch in commodities markets

With the year heading into its second half, investors are weighing up the outlook for iron ore, gold, copper, gas and oil and trying to sift winners and losers as the coronavirus pandemic rips through the global economy.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Business https://ift.tt/3igsVNN
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New on Sports Illustrated: Minnesota Golden Gophers Football 2020 Betting Preview

The Golden Gophers were one of college football’s feel-good stories of 2019 after starting the season 9-0. SI Gambling insider Frankie Taddeo previews the Gophers’ upcoming season win total, Big Ten odds, and reveals his best bet.

The Minnesota Gophers had a very successful 11–2 season, culminated by a 31-24 upset victory over SEC power Auburn in the Outback Bowl. Head coach P.J. Fleck piloted the club to a strong 2019 season that has galvanized hefty aspirations in 2020.

On the offensive side of the ball, Minnesota’s will be led by star wideout Rashod Bateman and quarterback Tanner Morgan. The success of the 2020 season will hinge upon the shoulders of Morgan, who sees his name as a sleeper in Heisman Trophy wagering. Morgan will undoubtedly focus on getting the ball to one of the elite receivers in the country in Bateman; as he looks to build on his 60 receptions for 1,219 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2019.

Minnesota will have tremendous holes to fill on the defense side of the ball highlighted by the loss of star safety Antoine Winfield Jr, who is now playing on Sundays for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Gophers got off a blazing 9-0, before falling to Iowa and Wisconsin in a brutal stretch to close the season. With strong expectations on the horizon once again, the Gophers are expected to contend for the Big Ten West in 2020. According to PointsBet Sportsbook, Minnesota’s season win total projection stands at nine wins heavily juiced to the under at odds of -165.

2020 Minnesota Golden Gophers Schedule

Week 1 - Sept. 3 vs Florida Atlantic

Week 2 - Sept. 12 vs Tennessee Tech

Week 3 - Sept. 18 vs Iowa

Week 4 - Sept. 26 vs BYU

Week 5 - Oct. 3 at Maryland

Week 6 - Oct. 10 at Wisconsin

Week 7 - Oct. 17 vs Michigan

Week 8 - Oct. 24 at Illinois

Week 9 - Oct. 31at Michigan State

Week 10 - Nov. 7 vs Purdue

Week 11- BYE

Week 12 - Nov. 21 vs Northwestern

Week 13 - Nov. 27 at Nebraska

Tanner Morgan and Minnesota should be able to take care of business early on, taking on non-conference foes: Florida Atlantic, Tennessee Tech, and BYU, with the oddsmakers projecting a possible 4-0 start listing the Gophers as 3.5-point home favorites over Iowa in their first Big Ten tilt. If they do get by Iowa in Week 3, it's not hard to envision a 5-0 mark to start the season with a game they should win at Maryland. Assuming a victory over Iowa, however, will not be an easy assumption for any bettor.

Starting with that game against the Terps, Minnesota will start a midseason stretch run of four road games in five weeks. In their Week 6 showdown at Wisconsin, the oddsmakers see the Gophers as 7.5-point road underdogs. Things will not get any easier the next week when they travel to Ann Arbor as one-point underdogs at Michigan.

There could be some relief over the last five weeks of the 2020 campaign. Minnesota will face Big Ten rivals Illinois and Michigan State on the road and take on Purdue at home before getting a week off to face Northwestern and Nebraska.

The oddsmakers have the Gophers installed as 13-point home favorites over Purdue followed by 14.5-point home favorites over Northwestern. After consecutive weeks of games as double-digit favorites, Minnesota will wrap up the regular season in a much tougher matchup versus Nebraska as three-point favorites.

Minnesota’s Odds to Win Big Ten West

PointsBet Sportsbook is offering Minnesota as the fourth overall betting choice to win the Big Ten West at odds of 4/1. All bettors who believe the Golden Gophers will win the Big Ten West will get back $400 for every $100 wagered.

Minnesota Golden Gophers Odds to Win Big Ten Conference

With projections that envision a potential three-loss regular season, PointsBet Sportsbook is offering Minnesota at 15/1 to emerge as Big Ten Champions for the first time since 1967. All bettors who believe the Gophers will win the Big Ten Championship for a possible 19th time in school history will get back $1500 for every $100 wagered.

Odds for Minnesota Players to Win 2020 Heisman Trophy

Minnesota currently has one long shot player listed in the Heisman Trophy odds at William Hill: quarterback Tanner Morgan (125/1). Minnesota has had one Heisman Trophy winner in school history: running back Bruce “Boo” Smith (1941).

Minnesota’s Odds to Win the 2020-21 College Football Playoff

I don’t envision any way for Minnesota to overtake Ohio State for the Big Ten Championship. Additionally, the word here in Vegas is that the sharps see extreme value in Wisconsin to emerge as the champions of the Big Ten West. The Golden Gophers do avoid Ohio State and Penn State in the regular season in 2020, but there are still several Big Ten hurdles that the oddsmakers see as potential defeats in Michigan and Wisconsin.

Avoiding the two top Big Ten Vegas power-ranked teams in the Buckeyes and Nittany Lions, combined with the lack of confidence bookmakers have in Minnesota as standout favorites, leads to several games that pose as true coin-flips. The sharp money agrees with the sportsbooks that Wisconsin and Michigan will be too much for the Gophers to overcome, therefore with a plethora of tight matchups, it becomes easier to see why the UNDER 9 overall season wins (-165) is being steamed in that direction.

Minnesota has a puncher's chance to contend for a Big Ten West title again this season, but the holes on defense appear to be too much to overcome for the Gophers in an ultra-competitive Big Ten conference.

Games against Iowa and Nebraska may only offer up a split at best, which leaves strong value to the under 9 overall season win total market.

The Play: Minnesota Season Win Total: UNDER 9 wins (-165)

June 30, 2020 at 04:57AM
Minnesota Golden Gophers Football 2020 Betting Preview

New on Sports Illustrated: 2020 Chicago Bears Team Outlook: Nick Foles or Mitch Trubisky?

Even in a down year, the Chicago Bears squeaked out an 8-8 record. In 2020, they could seek a new direction by putting Nick Foles in the huddle over former No. 1 pick Mitch Trubisky.

Coaching Staff

After a breakthrough season in 2018 (12-4), the Chicago Bears slipped to 8-8 last year because a fade offensively (29th in points scored – 280 and yards gained). They scored 141 fewer points than in 2018 (421).

Chicago brought in Matt Nagy to be the head coach after a successful 2017 season as the offensive coordinator for the Chiefs. Nagy had ten seasons of NFL experience working under Andy Reid. He has a 20-12 record over two years as a head coach with one appearance in the playoffs.

Bill Lazor takes over as the offensive coordinator after spending 2019 as an analyst for Penn State. He has four seasons of offensive coordinator experience. His NFL career started in 2003 while coaching in the league for 13 years.

The Bears’ defense slipped to fourth in points allowed (298) and eighth in yards allowed while being less opportunistic.

Chicago brought in Chuck Pagano to take over the defense in 2019. His 2011 success as the Ravens' defensive coordinator helped him earn the head coaching job for Colts for six seasons. He went 11-5 in each of his first three years with Indy while making the playoffs each season. Pagano faded over his next three seasons (20-28), pushing his career record to 53-43. He has 19 years of experience in the NFL.

Free Agency

In the offseason, the Bears’ defense lost S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S Tashaun Gipson, CB Prince Amukamara, LB Nick Kwiatkoski, DE Leonard Floyd, LB Kevin Pierre-Louis, CB Sherrick McManis, DT Nick Williams, and DE Aaron Lynch.

Clinton-Dix was the best player lost. He played well every year in the league with success in both run support and pass coverage. Amukamara tends to be a league-average player in coverage. Kwiatkowski projects to see playing time on passing downs, but he does play well vs. the run and some production in sacks.

The Bears added DE Robert Quinn and CB Artie Burns to their defense. Quinn will start the year at age 30, but he does upgrade the pass rush. Burns has been up-and-down in coverage while seeing minimal playing time in 2019 for the Steelers.

Chicago moved on from WR Taylor Gabriel, QB Chase Daniel, TE Bradley Sowell, G Ted Larson, and G Kyle Long.

The best two players added to the offense were TE Jimmy Graham and T Germain Ifedi. Graham is past his prime, but he’ll start the year as the starter. Ifedi continues to underachieve in area of blocking,

Draft

The Bears didn’t have a first-round draft pick in 2020. They selected TE Cole Kmet and CB Jaylon Johnson.

Kmet does have some flaws coming out of college. His release, fight off pressed blocks, and initial quickness invites some questions with his three-down value. When given a free run to the second level of the defense, his game looks much better. Kmet will be a vertical threat with enough size and speed (4.7 forty yard dash) to hit on long plays down the seam.

Johnson has playmaking skills while showing the ability to work as a press corner. His speed (4.5 forty), quickness, and vision add to his coverage area. He gets in trouble at times when trying to cheat by looking at the quarterback eyes. I expect his game to be more reliable as the field shortens. Johnson also gains value when asked to play multiple coverages.

With their first two picks in the fifth round, Chicago added DE Trevis Gipson and CB Kindle Vildor.

Gibson brings an explosive first step while having the power to finish when seeing daylight. His lack of experience and technique leaves him short on pass-rushing moves and the thought process to vary his attack. To make a step forward, he needs to develop his hands. Gibson should offer rotational value early in his career while owning the talent to become an upside player.

Vildor shows strength and speed (4.44 forty) while being slightly undersized (5’10” and 190 lbs.). Just like CB Jaylon Johnson, his play should work well in both man and zone coverages. Vildor will make mistakes in coverage due to his vision falling more into the thinker-mentality, which leaves him late in his decision making. Even with some fight and power, Vildor doesn’t fire when needed in run support.

WR Darnell Mooney was the choice with their third pick in the fifth round. His game is built on big plays, but he doesn’t have the size (5’10” and 175 lbs.), strength, or hands to be trusted on many plays at the next level. The Bears will look to get him in space or use him on gadget plays where his open-field running could lead to long touchdowns. His speed (4.38 forty) gives him a chance in the deep passing game.

Chicago took a swing on a pair of guards in the seventh round (Arlington Hambright and Lachavious Simmons).

Hambright played tackle in college, but he is expected to be shifted to guard at the next level. His quickness is an edge off the snap, earning his best value as move blocker in a quick-hitting run game. His hands create early wins, but his technique with his feet invites some failure in pass protection.

Simmons comes with experience at tackle and guard. He lacks the bulk (290 lbs.) to anchor on the inside at this point in his career. At 6’5”, he should add weight and get stronger, helping his growth and game. Simmons owns an edge in reach while needing to improve his technique.

Offensive Line

Chicago dropped to 27th in rushing yards (1,458) with eight rushing TDs and five runs over 20 yards. Their ball carriers gained 3.7 yards per rush.

The Bears slipped to 25th in passing yards (3,573 yards) with only 20 TDs and 12 Ints. Their offensive line allowed 45 sacks and 86 QB hits. Chicago completed 39 passes over 20 yards.

LT Charles Leno

Leno started for the Bears over the last five seasons after getting drafted in the 7th round in 2014. In 2019, he allowed too much pressure on the quarterback while still grading as an edge for the fourth straight year. His play as run blocking took a big hit last year after playing well in this area over the two previous seasons.

LG James Daniels

Daniels improved in both run and pass blocking last year after moving into the starting lineup in Week 8 in 2018. Over two seasons in the league, Daniels allowed minimal sacks. He gains his edge with his quickness and lateral movement. Daniel offers the most upside in a quick-hitting run game while needing to add strength to handle power rushers in pass protection. Chicago drafted him in the second round in 2018.

C Cody Whitehair

Whitehair was one of the better centers in his rookie season after getting drafted in the second round in 2016. Whitehair played left tackle in college while his natural position is at guard. In his first two years in the NFL, Whitehair rated well in run blocking. Over the past two seasons, he regressed in the run game. Whitehair now has two strong seasons on his resume in pass protection and a neutral showing in 2019.

RG Germain Ifedi

The Bears will shift Ifedi back to guard after seeing action over his previous three seasons after right tackle. He continues to allow too much pressure in the quarterback no matter where he lines up while ranking poorly over the past three years as run blocker. Ifedi does have a first-round (2016) pedigree.

RT Bobbie Massie

Massie missed six games last year, with most coming from a right ankle injury. He had a rebound in his game in 2018, which was a result of success in pass blocking. Unfortunately, Massie has now failed in each of the last four seasons as a run blocker. Last year he finished as a league-average player in pass protection.

Offensive Line Outlook

This offensive line has a lot to prove in 2020 after struggling in all areas last year. The left side of the line added to the center position has a chance to be league-average or better. I don’t trust Ifedi to be an asset, but a position change should stabilize his weakness in pass protection. A new offensive coordinator should help this offense move back in a positive direction.

Offensive Schedule

The data shows the strength of schedule as far as rushing attempts (RATT), rushing yards (YDS), yards per attempt rushing (YA), rushing touchdowns (TDs), completions (COMP), passing attempts (PATT), passing yards (YDS), yards per attempt passing (YA), and passing touchdowns (TDS).

This information is based on 2019, which will work as our starting point for 2020. We’ll look at all the changes on offense on each team in the NFL plus the upgrades and downgrades on each team on the defensive side. We’ll update this table when we finish the research on all 32 teams.

2019 LG Average = the league average of all stats from all 32 teams in 2019.

2019 Results = this is the results for each team in the NFL.

2019 Adjustment is based on the 2019 league average and the 2019 results for each team, this number will show if each team is above or below the league average in each stat category and the basis for the strength of schedule.

The Bears have 11 games for their rushing offense that rank close to the league-average. They have two below-par matchups (TB and NO) for their run game while expecting to have success against the Panthers and the Jaguars.

Chicago does have a favorable schedule for their passing offense. Based on last year, I don’t see any bad matchups. The Bears have six contests (NYG, TB, TEN, HOU, and DET X 2) that offer upside for their ability to pass the ball.

Offense

Last year the Bears ran a 40/60 split for the run/pass offense. Their offensive line struggled in all areas, which led to struggles on early downs in the run game. Chicago has a top defense, which points a change back to a run-oriented offense while hoping to regain some play-action value in the passing game. Their receiver core still has questions at tight end and their depth at wide receiver.

Here’s a look at the early projections for the Bears, which will be fluid all summer after taking in all injury updates and training camp news:

Quarterbacks

Mitchell Trubisky

Despite playing through a left shoulder injury (labrum), Trubisky set career highs in completions (326) and pass attempts (516), but had a significant step back in his yards per pass attempt (6.1 lowest in the NFL – 7.4 in 2018).

Surprisingly, his WR1 (Allen Robinson – 98/1147/7) held value, which left failure behind almost every other door in the receiving game.

In 2018, Trubisky had the feel of a rising QB with slick movements as a runner (68/421/3). We see how that played out.

The Bears have questions at TE (46/425/2), but they did add Jimmy Graham via free agency and Cole Kmet in the draft. WR Anthony Miller (52/656/2) played through his second season with injuries while failing to develop into a top tier WR2.

I expect a bounce-back by the Bears’ offense in 2020 while being in the free-agent pool in most fantasy leagues. Viable QB2 if his season starts well. Trubisky had surgery in late-January to repair his labrum issue.

His ADP (260) remains low due to Nick Foles being in the mix to start.

I like the upside of Trubisky, but it comes down to wins to keep the job. On the first run of the projections, I gave him 95 percent of the quarterback playing time, which came to 4,081 combined yards with 25 TDs and 11 interceptions.

Nick Foles

After helping the Eagles win the Super Bowl in 2017, Foles only played in nine games over the past two seasons. Over this span, he passed for 2,149 yards with ten TDs and six Ints while gaining 6.9 yards per pass attempt. His completion rate (69.9) ranked above his career average (61.9) over the last two seasons.

In his career, Foles showed the ability to win games in 2013 (8-2), 2014 (6-2), and with Philly (10-3 – including the playoffs). His ADP (222) ranks higher than Mitchell Trubisky in the high-stakes market in mid-June.

Other options: Tyler Bray

Running Backs

Over the first two seasons with Matt Nagy as the head coach, the Bears have struggled to run the ball (3.9 and 3.7 yards per rush). They continue to give their running backs plenty of chances in the passing game (2018 – 101/963/6 and 2019 – 111/663/4). Last year their backs gained only 6.0 yards per catch, which was well below their 2019 success (9.5).

In 2017 and 2018, Chicago’s running backs scored 32 TDs combined or one per game. I expect another 30-percent opportunity for the running backs in the passing game with a rebound on early downs.

David Montgomery

Montgomery wasn’t much better than RB Tarik Cohen last year on early downs (3.7 yards per rush), but the Bears still gave him 16.7 touches per game.

His only three contests of value came in Week 8 (147 combined yards with one TD and four catches), Week 9 (76 combined yards with two TDs and three catches), and Week 17 (23/113/1).

Chicago had him on the field for 63 percent of their plays.

Over his last two seasons at Iowa St., Montgomery rushed for 2,362 yards with 24 TDs on 515 carries. He gained only 4.6 yards per rush, which is unimpressive at the college level. He picked 71 catches for 582 yards in his college career. Many of his TDs came on short easy runs while lacking open-field moves and vision to create more significant plays.

There’s upside here with three-down ability, but the Bears need to solve their offensive line issues to create more significant plays. Borderline RB2 in draft value (ADP – 52), but Montgomery is worth fighting for on draft day.

I set his initial bar at 1,206 combined yards with nine TDs and 30 catches, ranking 26th.

Tarik Cohen

Cohen had 143 touches last year, but he gained over 20 yards on just two plays. Both his yards per rush (3.3) and yards per catch (5.8) screamed bench role while showing much more upside in both areas in 2018 (4.5 and 10.2).

The Bears’ offense struggled in all facets last year, which gives Cohen a chance at a rebound in value this year. Even so, Chicago looks committed to RB David Montgomery (267 touches in his rookie season).

The bottom line here is the Bears’ offense needs to play better.

In 2018, Cohen finished as the 11th highest scoring RB (236.95) in PPR leagues (27th in 2019 – 164.10). My bullish projections came to 1,067 combined yards with five TDs and 72 catches as I view him as the second-best playmaker on the team. Cohen looks to be a value in drafts based on his ADP (108) in June.

Other options: Ryan Nall, Napoleon Maxwell, Artavis Pierce

Wide Receivers

The wide receiver opportunity for the Bears has grown by about six percentage points in each of the last two seasons despite questionable depth. Last year Chicago’s WRs accounted for 69 percent of their overall passing yards and 57.7 percent of their completions. They finished 10th in wide receiver targets (349) in 2019 while showing regression in their yards per catch (11.6).

Allen Robinson

The only bright spot in the Bears’ offense last year was the play of Robinson. He set career-highs in catches (98), targets (154), and catch rate (63.6) despite Chicago’s wide receivers catching only 214 passes for 2,484 yards and 14 TDs on 349 targets.

Robinson caught seven or more passes in eight games while finishing up the year with double-digit targets in five of his last six contests.

His better play came at home (52/646/4 on 82 targets).

He’s showing growth in his possession skills while also having the ability to make big plays. Over six seasons in the NFL, Robinson only has one other year of value (2015 – 80/1400/14).

Viable WR2 with his success tied to a rebound in the Bears’ fading passing game. Fantasy owners have him priced as the 12th receiver off the table in mid-June with an ADP of 36. His early projections came to 91 catches for 1,108 yards and seven touchdowns, which ranked 15th at wide receiver for me.

Anthony Miller

I’ve been a fan of Miller since he came into the league, but a left shoulder injury that required two surgeries limited his growth.

Last year the Bears’ offense was a mess in all areas. His star did shine in Week 13 (9/140/1) and Week 15 (9/118/1), which may be the signal for his breakthrough year.

Miller also had six games with one catch or less, which led to only five combined catches and 31 yards.

Over the last two seasons at Memphis, Miller caught 191 passes for 2,896 yards and 32 TDs while chipping in for another 94 yards and one TD rushing the ball. Anthony offers a unique combination of strength, route running, and open field ability. I love his moments with the ball and his adjustments to the ball in the deep passing game.

A forgotten player with a lot to prove in his third year in the league. Don’t dismiss as an upside WR5. Miller has ADP of 149 in June as the 52nd wide receiver off the table. I’ll start the bidding at 59 catches for 766 yards and four TDs and hope for more production.

Ted Ginn

The shine of Ginn being a viable third wide receiver ended in 2017 (53/787/4). He missed 11 games in 2018 due to a right knee injury that required surgery in mid-October. That season started with three steady games (5/68/1, 4/55, and 3/12/1). After returning from a ten-game injury vacation, Ginn caught 11 passes for 176 yards on 21 targets in his three games late in the year.

In 2019, the Saints gave him WR3 snaps for their first 11 games, but Ginn played well only in Week 1 (7/101). Over his final 15 games, he had two catches or fewer in 13 contests while never gaining over 50 yards.

At age 35, Ginn is only a flash player with a diminishing opportunity.

Javon Wims

His size (6’3’ and 215 lbs.) and hands should make him a viable threat at the goal line on fade routes. Wims has the wheels and pass-catching skill set to win jump balls in the deep passing game. His route running isn’t where it needs to be with questions in his release against press coverage.

In his second year in the NFL, Wims caught 18 of his 39 targets for 186 yards and one TD.

Riley Ridley

His route running, hands, and physical style grade well, but he can’t overcome some of his shortfalls in quickness and overall speed. The Bears would like him to develop into a possession type WR with limited value after the catch.

In his rookie season, Ridley caught only six passes for 69 yards, which came after a minimal career at Georgia (70/1026/13) over the seasons.

Other options: Cordarrelle Patterson, Darnell Mooney, Reggie Davis, Trevor Davis, Thomas Ives

Tight Ends

The tight end position in the Bears’ offense fell off a cliff in 2019. Their TEs gained only 9.2 yards per catch while scoring only a pair of touchdowns. Jimmy Graham adds another name this year, but his play has been fading since 2016. The addition of Cole Kmet does invite some intrigue, but he’ll need some time to develop.

Jimmy Graham

The two-year experiment in Green Bay didn’t go as planned for Graham. He struggled to score TDs with a diminishing opportunity.

Graham has four catches or fewer in 15 of his 16 starts while failing to gain over 50 yards in 14 contests.

Last year the Bears struggled offensively with the TE position being a part of the problem (46/425/2 on 69 targets).

A new home can’t offset his declining skill set at age 34. The Bears added TE Cole Kmet in the second round in this year’s draft, which steals snaps and targets away from Graham. I only see 42 catches for 461 yards and three TDs with no interest in the fantasy world based on his ADP (279 as the 35th TE drafted).

Cole Kmet

Heading into college, Kmet had top prospect pedigree for the tight end position. He had minimal chances over his first two years (2/14 and 15/162). His game pushed to an attractive NFL level over ten games (43/515/6) in 2019. Kmet missed the last two contests of the season with a broken collarbone.

The Bears will look to get him in space with motion before the snap to gain an earlier edge in pass patterns. At the goal line, Kmet will invite more scoring upside on delays or misdirection plays when he’s overlooked as a top scoring threat.

I expect him to get stronger and add more bulk, which will increase his value in both run and pass blocking. As of now, Kmet shows some foundation skills to have success as a blocker. He needs more fire or a sense of urgency off the snap while developing the foresight to anticipate where to locate his first target on the move when blocking.

His route running needs work with some questions with his hands when under fire. To be a stud TE, a player needs to own the short areas of the field. Kmet does not have that club in his bag at this point.

Kmet has an ADP of 296 in mid-June as the 64th tight end of the board.

Other options: Demetrius Harris, Adam Shaheen, Ben Braunecker, Jesper Horsted, Eric Saubert

Kicker

Eddy Pineiro

On draft day in 2019, the Bears traded for Pineiro to hopefully seize the kicking job. He missed all of 2018 with a groin injury.

In his two years at Florida in college, Eddy made 88.4 percent of his 43 field goal chances while missing only two extra-point tries in 58 attempts.

Pineiro made 23 of his 28 field goals (82.1 percent) in his first year with Chicago while recording a pair of misses in his 29 extra-point tries. He made both of his chances from 50 yards or longer. Early in the season, he played through a right knee injury.

In 2019, the Bears scored 30 TDs while creating 28 field goal chances. Possible upside if Chicago plays better offensively.

Defensive Schedule

Chicago’s run defense has a slight advantage in their schedule. They have five contests (IND, HOU, TEN, and MIN X 2) vs. teams that had some success running the ball in 2019. Six of their matchups (NYG, ATL, TB, LAR, and DET X 2) come against opponents that underperformed on the ground last year.

Their pass defense will get tested in two games (ATL and TB) plus the Rams, and the Saints should have success throwing the ball. Indianapolis ranked poorly in passing in 2019, but they should be improved with Philip Rivers starting at quarterback. The two games against the Vikings look favorable for the Bears pass defense.

Defense

The Bears fell to 9th in rushing yards allowed (1,632) with 16 TDs and nine runs over 20 yards. Opponents rushed for 3.9 yards per carry.

Chicago dipped to ninth in passing yards allowed (3,554) with 17 TDs and ten Ints. Their defense finished with 32 sacks (18 fewer than 2018). They allowed only 40 catches over 20 yards, which was the fourth-lowest total in the league.

DE Akiem Hicks

Hicks delivered the best season of his seven-year career in the NFL in 2018, where he was a beast in run support while adding 7.5 sacks and 55 tackles. Unfortunately, last year Hicks missed 11 games with knee and elbow issues. Over his previous three full seasons, he had 24 sacks in 48 games while grading favorably against the run.

DE Bilal Nichols

Over his first two seasons, Nichols had 55 tackles with three sacks over 27 games. His game regressed in all areas in 2019 while working as a rotational player.

DT Eddie Goldman

After playing at a high level vs. the run in 2018, Goldman regressed to the league average against the run. He offers minimal value in the pass rush with most of his playing time coming on early downs.

LB Khalil Mack

Entering 2019, Mack has 49 sacks over his last 62 games played. Last year he struggled to get to the quarterback (8.5 sacks – five-year low) while chipping in with 47 tackles. Over his previous two seasons, Mack delivered 11 forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and eight defended passes. He remains one of the top run defenders in the league despite some missed tackles.

LB Roquan Smith

Smith delivered on his first-round value over his first 28 games in the NFL after Chicago drafted him eighth overall in 2018. Over two seasons of action, he posted 222 tackles, seven sacks, two Ints, and seven defended passes. Last Smith missed four games with hamstring and pectoral injuries. Even with his plus stats, he did show risk defending the run for the second straight season.

The Bears didn’t find a legendary power linebacker, but they did land an athletic speed player with great vision and anticipation. Smith should offer value in all facets of the game, but he will lose momentum if offensive linemen disrupt his free run at the ball carrier.

LB Danny Trevathan

Over the past six seasons, Trevathan only played a full season once (2018). He has over 100 tackles three times in his career, and he was well on his way to a fourth (70 tackles in nine games) before going down with an elbow injury in 2019. He only has nine sacks in 96 career games while picking up eight interceptions. Trevathan plays well in run support while improving in the pass rush.

LB Robert Quinn

Quinn regained his sack form (10.5 in 14 games) in 2019 after falling short of expectation over his previous four seasons (24 sacks over 48 contests). From 2012 and 2014, he finished with 40 sacks over 48 games. His run defense remains a liability.

CB Kyle Fuller

Fuller has 55 defended passes over the last three seasons. Last year he set a career-high in tackles (82) with three interceptions. Fuller gives up some big plays, and he’ll make some mistakes in TDs while improving as a player.

CB Jaylon Johnson

The Bears need Johnson to emerge as one of their top three cornerbacks in his rookie season. He did have surgery on his right shoulder in early March to repair a torn labrum. Chicago expects him to be ready for the start of the year.

S Eddie Jackson

Chicago signed Jackson to a four-year extension in early January for $58.4 million, but his play failed to match his excellent 2018 season (51 tackles, one sack, six Ints, 15 defended passes, and three TDs). He does an excellent job in coverage while helping in the run game. His one area of improvement is his tackling.

S Tashaun Gipson

In his only season with the Texans, Gipson struggled in all facets of the game. He’s never had a sack in his career (112 games). In most seasons, Gipson added to the run defense. His play in coverage improved over the last three seasons, but he will allow some TDs and big plays.

Team Defense Outlook

The two keys for the Bears' defense in 2020 will be regaining their pass rush and their offense, making more plays to help control the clock. They did address some of their issues in the offseason. Chicago has some playmakers, which invites scoring ability in the fantasy games. Top-ten option in the fantasy market with more upside if their core stays healthy.

June 30, 2020 at 04:44AM
2020 Chicago Bears Team Outlook: Nick Foles or Mitch Trubisky?

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Coaching Staff

Free Agency

Draft

Offensive Line

Offensive Schedule

Offense

Quarterbacks

Running Backs

Wide Receivers

Tight Ends

Kicker

Defensive Schedule