Free MLB picks, predictions, props, best bets on Friday, May 16: This three-leg baseball parlay pays over 7-1

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Hunter Bigge had a scary moment during Thursday night's game when a foul ball rocketed into the dugout and hit him in the face. He was quickly carted off the field and taken to the hospital for evaluation, leaving fans and teammates shaken by the sudden incident.

Editor’s Note: Baseball might seem like a low-risk sport compared to football or hockey, but freak accidents like this remind us how dangerous it can be—even when players aren’t on the field. Dugouts are supposed to be safe zones, but screaming line drives don’t care about boundaries. This’ll likely spark more conversations about player safety and whether teams need additional protections (like extended netting or dugout barriers) to prevent these terrifying moments.

A new study suggests that teenagers who show signs of "addictive" phone use—like being unable to put their device down—are more likely to experience suicidal thoughts or behaviors. By age 14, roughly 1 in 4 kids exhibited this kind of dependency. Researchers are sounding the alarm about the mental health risks tied to excessive screen time, though they’re careful to note that phones aren’t the sole cause—just a potential red flag.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another "phones are bad" scare story—it’s a real look at how compulsive tech use might overlap with deeper struggles in teens. While the study doesn’t prove phones cause suicidal tendencies, it adds to growing concerns about how digital habits could amplify existing vulnerabilities. For parents and educators, it’s a nudge to pay attention not just to screen time, but to what’s happening off the screen too.

Decades after the Vietnam War, unexploded American bombs still litter Southeast Asia, continuing to maim and kill civilians—especially children—who stumble upon them. The article argues that the U.S. has a moral responsibility to address this lingering harm, shifting focus from past actions to present accountability.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just history—it’s an ongoing crisis. These forgotten bombs turn farmland, playgrounds, and villages into deadly hazards, and the U.S.’s role in cleaning them up (or not) speaks volumes about how it handles the consequences of war. For affected communities, it’s a daily reality, not a footnote.

A federal court has ruled that President Trump can maintain control over California's National Guard, reigniting debates about military presence in domestic affairs. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security has tightened access to detention centers, demanding 72-hour notice for lawmakers' visits—a move seen as a response to recent high-profile Democratic inspections amid Trump's immigration crackdowns.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just bureaucratic red tape—it's a power struggle with real stakes. The National Guard ruling fuels concerns about federal overreach, while the detention center rules suggest the administration is trying to limit scrutiny of its controversial immigration policies. Both moves signal a hardening of Trump's approach, with critics arguing they undermine transparency and local autonomy. For anyone tracking the balance of power between states and the feds—or the treatment of migrants—these are big, messy developments.

Buckle up—this Fourth of July is shaping up to be the busiest travel holiday on record. AAA predicts a whopping 72.2 million Americans will hit the road or take flights for Independence Day 2025, thanks in part to the holiday falling on a Friday, giving folks the perfect excuse to stretch their celebrations into a long weekend or even a full week.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about fireworks and BBQs—it’s a sign that people are prioritizing experiences and downtime, despite economic uncertainties. The surge also hints at confidence in spending (hello, gas and hotel bookings), which could ripple through the economy. For travelers, though, it might mean packed highways and crowded airports—so plan ahead!