Omar Kelly: Possession of playlist power inspires Dolphins players to shine

Never underestimate the power of a good playlist because the vibe music can create often sets the tone for whatever you’re embarking on. So far, the reward system new coach Mike McDaniel created, letting the top performer of the previous day’s practice pick the music for the next session, has been one of the main…

Dolphins defense approaching in-season form with blitzes added as camp progresses

There was one play in the Miami Dolphins’ Saturday practice where the defense brought more pass rushers than the offense had blockers. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, as soon as he took the shotgun snap, had to get the ball out of his hands, and it resulted in him throwing almost blindly to a spot over the…

Orange County hiring pace slows; jobs still 25,800 below pre-pandemic level

Orange County bosses added 4,900 workers in June — 51% of the previous hiring pace — bringing employment to 98.5% of pre-pandemic levels. My trusty spreadsheet, filled with state job figures, found local bosses had 1.65 million workers — up 78,800 in 12 months. June employment was 25,800 below February 2020, the last month before COVID-19…

QB Lamar Jackson among Ravens starters who will not play in preseason opener as John Harbaugh guards health of key players | NOTES

Quarterback Lamar Jackson, tight end Mark Andrews, cornerback Marlon Humphrey, safety Marcus Williams and outside linebacker Justin Houston are among the Ravens starters who will not play in the team’s preseason opener Thursday night against the Tennessee Titans. Coach John Harbaugh said he was not ready to announce his plans for subsequent preseason games but…

Dylan Cease delivers again and Liam Hendriks earns his 100th career save in the Chicago White Sox’s 2-1 win against the Texas Rangers

Dylan Cease walked Marcus Semien with two outs in the second inning Friday night. That was the last Texas Rangers batter to reach against the Chicago White Sox starter, who retired the final 13 he faced. Cease allowed one run on two hits in six innings, Eloy Jiménez hit a go-ahead home run in the…

Chargers rookie Zion Johnson feeling no pressure in 1st training camp

COSTA MESA — What, Zion Johnson worry? “At the end of the day, I’m just out here playing football,” said Johnson, a 22-year-old offensive lineman who was the Chargers’ first-round draft pick (17th overall). “It’s definitely different going from college to the NFL, but at the end of the day, I’m still an offensive lineman…

Saudi oil isn’t worth the betrayal of American values

During his presidential campaign, Joe Biden vowed to make Saudi Arabia a “pariah” state in light of the murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi, and promised to make the regime “pay the price” for its human rights violations. Many saw this as a welcome change from America’s long-standing but morally questionable friendly relations with the…

LAFC adds Saint-Étienne forward Denis Bouanga as Designated Player

LOS ANGELES — Just after noon on Friday, Ismael Tajouri-Shradi offered his final goodbyes to the Los Angeles Football Club. With his Tesla parked on the curb in front of the entrance to the LAFC performance center on the campus of Cal State L.A., the 28-year-old forward exchanged hugs with a trio of support staff,…

Teven Jenkins returns to Chicago Bears training camp after missing 7 practices — and says his relationship with coaches is solid

Teven Jenkins and the Chicago Bears still wouldn’t reveal what injury kept the second-year offensive tackle out of seven training camp practices, but Jenkins did say he expects to be back to 100% in a couple of days after returning to the field Saturday morning. Jenkins practiced in a limited capacity at a closed session…

After drizzle, Dean Kremer and bullpen dazzle in Orioles’ fourth straight win, 1-0 over Pirates

Before the Orioles began their latest homestand Friday, manager Brandon Hyde said he expected a bounce-back outing from right-hander Dean Kremer. It took a little longer than expected, but he got it. After a rain delay of nearly two hours, the Orioles beat the Pittsburgh Pirates, 1-0, for their fourth straight win, with Kremer allowing…

Saudi oil isn’t worth the betrayal of American values

During his presidential campaign, Joe Biden vowed to make Saudi Arabia a “pariah” state in light of the murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi, and promised to make the regime “pay the price” for its human rights violations. Many saw this as a welcome change from America’s long-standing but morally questionable friendly relations with the…

After drizzle, Dean Kremer and bullpen dazzle in Orioles’ fourth straight win, 1-0 over Pirates

Before the Orioles began their latest homestand Friday, manager Brandon Hyde said he expected a bounce-back outing from right-hander Dean Kremer. It took a little longer than expected, but he got it. After a rain delay of nearly two hours, the Orioles beat the Pittsburgh Pirates, 1-0, for their fourth straight win, with Kremer allowing…

Dylan Cease delivers again and Liam Hendriks earns his 100th career save in the Chicago White Sox’s 2-1 win against the Texas Rangers

Dylan Cease walked Marcus Semien with two outs in the second inning Friday night. That was the last Texas Rangers batter to reach against the Chicago White Sox starter, who retired the final 13 he faced. Cease allowed one run on two hits in six innings, Eloy Jiménez hit a go-ahead home run in the…

Orange County hiring pace slows; jobs still 25,800 below pre-pandemic level

Orange County bosses added 4,900 workers in June — 51% of the previous hiring pace — bringing employment to 98.5% of pre-pandemic levels. My trusty spreadsheet, filled with state job figures, found local bosses had 1.65 million workers — up 78,800 in 12 months. June employment was 25,800 below February 2020, the last month before COVID-19…

LAFC adds Saint-Étienne forward Denis Bouanga as Designated Player

LOS ANGELES — Just after noon on Friday, Ismael Tajouri-Shradi offered his final goodbyes to the Los Angeles Football Club. With his Tesla parked on the curb in front of the entrance to the LAFC performance center on the campus of Cal State L.A., the 28-year-old forward exchanged hugs with a trio of support staff,…

Which WR will break out? Will Lucas Patrick be ready for Week 1? 5 questions about Chicago Bears veteran newcomers.

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles didn’t make many splashy signings in the free-agent market this offseason, but he still brought in several players who will be asked to fill key roles. Here’s a look at five questions about Bears veteran newcomers this season. 1. Will Byron Pringle, N’Keal Harry or Equanimeous St. Brown make…

Alexander: Dodger fans celebrate Vin Scully’s life

LOS ANGELES — Maybe this was the baseball equivalent of the Irish wake. We grieve, but we also celebrate the good times. Dodger fans mourned Vin Scully on Friday night, at the opener of the first homestand since the legendary broadcaster’s passing Tuesday at the age of 94. But they remembered the high moments, so…

Will Anaheim council pursue audit that could cost more than $2.5 million?

Two months ago, a scandal-struck Anaheim City Council appeared eager to earn back the community’s trust by commissioning an independent audit of campaign contributions and any connections they might have with council actions. The proposed investigation has a potential price tag of at least $2.5 million, and council members are set to consider Tuesday how…

With temperatures are on the rise, here’s a look at the cost of keeping cool in America

It’s getting really hot. Temperatures in the deserts are in triple digits every day. As we head through August, one of our peak energy consumption months, here’s a look at all things air conditioning. According to the International Energy Association, population growth, urbanization and rising income levels, compounded by a warming planet, are driving an…

Alexander: Dodger fans celebrate Vin Scully’s life

LOS ANGELES — Maybe this was the baseball equivalent of the Irish wake. We grieve, but we also celebrate the good times. Dodger fans mourned Vin Scully on Friday night, at the opener of the first homestand since the legendary broadcaster’s passing Tuesday at the age of 94. But they remembered the high moments, so…