Trump vows crackdown on immigrants who overstay visas if elected

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  Republican nominee Donald Trump speaks at "Joni's Roast and Ride" in …

By Steve Holland

DES MOINES, Iowa (Reuters) - U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump offered fresh details of how he would tackle illegal immigration on Saturday, saying he would crack down on those who overstay their visas as he sought to quiet criticism from conservatives.

In a campaign speech in Des Moines, Iowa, Trump also cited the shooting death of a cousin of NBA star Dwyane Wade to urge African-American voters to rally behind him, calling it an example of violence that has to be addressed.

Trump, speaking on the Iowa State Fairgrounds with hay bales stacked behind him, sought to clarify his views on how to overhaul the U.S. immigration system after saying earlier in the week that he was softening on his plan to deport all 11 million illegal immigrants.

That stance drew fire from conservatives who wanted him to stand fast after he won the Republican presidential nomination in large part by a hardline stance that would include building a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico.

In his speech, Trump said he would seek to institute a tracking system to ensure illegal immigrants who overstay their visas are quickly removed, and would propose an e-verify system to prevent the illegal community from gaining access to welfare and other benefits.

"If we don’t enforce visa expiration dates, then we have an open border – it’s as simple as that," he said.

In outlining his views, Trump said addressing illegal immigration is important to helping Americans find jobs.

"Every time an African-American citizen, or any citizen, loses their job to an illegal immigrant, the rights of that American citizen have been violated," he said. "Equal protection under the law must include the consistent application of our immigration laws."

Trump said his first priority upon taking office next January would be the immediate deportation of thousands of illegal immigrants who remain in the United States despite having committed crimes.

"These international gangs and cartels will be a thing of the past. Their reign of terror will be over. In this task, we will always err on the side of protecting the American people – we will use immigration law to prevent crimes, and will not wait until some innocent American has been harmed or killed before taking action," he said.

He did not explain how his plan would affect many of the illegal community who have been in the United States for decades and obeyed U.S. laws.

Trump said the death in Chicago of Wade cousin Nykea Aldridge, 32, a mother of four, was an example of turmoil in U.S. inner cities. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, a former chief of staff to Democratic President Barack Obama, has struggled in particular to contain violence in his city.

The incident permitted Trump to bring up again his desire to be a "law and order" president and underscore his drive to appeal to African-American voters who traditionally vote Democratic and overwhelmingly support Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.

"It breaks all of our hearts to see it, it’s horrible," Trump said. "And it's only getting worse. This shouldn’t happen in our country. This shouldn’t happen in America. We send our thoughts and our prayers to the family, and we also promise to fight for a much, much better tomorrow."

Trump raised the subject after sending out tweets earlier in the day that prompted charges of insensitivity to the death and accusations he sought to exploit it for political purposes.

The New York businessman was the headline speaker at "Joni Ernst's Roast and Ride," a charity event for military veterans run by U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, a Republican.

Ernst and most other speakers offered praise for Trump, a rarity at a time when many Republican political leaders have distanced themselves from his candidacy due to his incendiary rhetoric. Trump is running neck and neck with Clinton in polls in the state with 72 days until the Nov. 8 election.

(Editing by Matthew Lewis)

Los Angeles Lakers sign Chinese Olympian Yi

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Yi Jianlian, who is fresh off an appearance with the Chinese national team at the Rio Olympics, has signed a contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, the NBA team announced.

Yi, of Guangdong Province, averaged 20.4 points and 6.6 rebounds in five games at the Summer Olympics, which wrapped up on Sunday.

"We're excited to have a player of his worldwide accomplishments," general manager Mitch Kupchak said on Monday. "We look forward to bringing him to training camp and hopefully having him make an impact on our team."

Yi, 28, joins a team that has been at or near the bottom of the NBA the past several seasons. To compound their woes, the Lakers lost their top player when future Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant retired at the end of this past season.

The Lakers declined to release details of the contract.

Yi is a former first round draft pick of the Milwaukee Bucks in 2007. He has not played in the NBA since 2012 and has spent the past four seasons playing in the Chinese Basketball Association.

His international career includes winning three gold medals at the FIBA Asia Championships (2015, 2011, and 2005) and a gold at the 2006 Asian Games.

Ricky Rubio ready to mentor Kris Dunn in Minnesota

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RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — When Tom Thibodeau and Scott Layden were hired to take over the Minnesota Timberwolves, the expectation within in the organization and around the NBA was that they were coming in to make significant changes to a franchise with the longest-running playoff drought in the league.

Ricky Rubio heard his name floated in the constant trade rumor mill, never more than after the Wolves selected Providence's Kris Dunn, another point guard, with the fifth overall pick in the June draft.

Rubio remained quiet throughout the summer, putting all of his focus into grieving the loss of his mother and then joining his national team to prepare for the Olympics. Now that the Rio Games have concluded and Rubio has earned a bronze medal with Spain, he said he is looking forward to returning to Minnesota to work with Dunn and reiterated his desire to remain with the Timberwolves and help turn them into a winner.

"Really it's a challenge. When a young guy like him who has a lot of potential comes, I think we can really play together," Rubio told The Associated Press. "But if we don't (share the floor often), I can really help him."

Rubio said he was pleased by Thibodeau's hiring and believes the new coaching staff will make a big difference on a young, impressionable roster.

"I think we've got all the pieces together to make something happen," he said. "I'm really excited about the new coach and the new staff. They have a lot of years in their backpack and really can teach us how to reach the next level. I think we have the tools. We just have to put all them together."

Thibodeau has said he can see Dunn and Rubio playing together in certain lineups, and indications within the organization are that there are no current efforts to trade the veteran starter. One of the team's biggest weaknesses last season was the lack of a solid backup to Rubio at point guard, a setup that caused the Wolves to try to move Zach LaVine from his more natural shooting guard spot.

With Dunn in the mix, the Wolves have more depth now. And Rubio's presence assures the team doesn't have to force a rookie into a starting spot at one of the game's most important positions.

The 25-year-old Rubio is entering his sixth season and has yet to see the playoffs. He said that concerns him far more than his team investing a high lottery pick on a player at his position. Rubio believes he can serve as a mentor to Dunn and hopes the two can push each other to new heights.

"It's something that I've said since Day One." Rubio said. "I don't want to be in the newspaper. I just want to win. That's my goal. If I have to sacrifice something, I will to make this team a winning team."

That is the mentality he took on over the summer with Spain, a team filled with proud veterans who take lesser roles when they get together in the summer to compete in the Olympics.

"All we do (with Spain) when we click is put all the egos apart and really click as a team," Rubio said. "The guy who really knows how to (play) defense, put him in on defense. The guy who is exceptional on offense, give him credit and give him the ball. Put everything apart and the team first."

Rubio has had several conversations with Thibodeau since he was hired. But they haven't had the time to really dig into the situation. Thibodeau was an assistant on Team USA in Rio, so now that the Olympics are over, the two expect to have more in-depth conversations.

"In my five years I've been there, definitely it's the best group," Rubio said. "Players, coaches, you put it all together and it's the best we've ever had. The excitement is real. We have really young talent that can really take us to the next level with veterans that can help. And the coach I think is going to be the key and the difference."

Vigil held for gun violence victim, mother of 4

CHICAGO (AP) — The Latest on the fatal shooting of the cousin of NBA star Dwyane Wade and Chicago violence (all times local):

4 p.m.

Dozens of people gathered at a Chicago church for a prayer service to remember a mother of four who was gunned down as she walked along a South Side street.

The vigil for Nykea Aldridge, a cousin of NBA star Dwyane Wade, began shortly after police announced brothers Darwin Sorrells Jr. and Derren Sorrells were charged Sunday with first-degree murder in her death. Police say the pair were targeting a man who drove two women from a suburb into the city.

Aldridge's parents, sister, nieces and nephews wept as they spoke about the woman they said was a gifted writer and "fighter of the family."

Aldridge's mother, Diann, said her daughter's life "is gone too soon," adding that she was a "little quiet storm of a daughter."

The pastor of the church, Jolinda Wade, called her niece a "a very, very special young lady," adding the family will hold on to their memories.

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12 p.m.

Chicago's police superintendent says the suspects in the shooting death of the cousin of NBA star Dwyane Wade are an example of the city's problem with repeat offenders.

Superintendent Eddie Johnson held a news conference Sunday shortly after murder and attempted murder charges against 26-year-old Darwin Sorrells Jr. and 22-year-old Derren Sorrells were announced.

Nykea Aldridge was pushing her baby in a stroller near a school on the city's South Side where she'd planned to register her children when she was shot and killed.

Cmdr. Brendan Deenihan said Sunday that the Sorrells brothers had intended to shoot at a driver who had just dropped off passengers in the neighborhood. Police said there is video of the incident.

No weapon was recovered from the suspects, and police say they don't know where the weapon is.

Johnson also said that Chicago residents should be frustrated and hopes that the arrests bring some sort of closure for the Aldridge and Wade families.

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11:35 a.m.

Chicago police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi says the brothers accused of killing the cousin of NBA star Dwyane Wade have criminal records.

Authorities say 26-year-old Darwin Sorrells Jr. and 22-year-old Derren Sorrells were charged Sunday in Friday's death of Nykea Aldridge.

Guglielmi says Darwin Sorrells was on parole for a gun charge. He was sentenced to six years in prison in January 2013 and was released early.

Guglielmi also said Derren Sorrells is a known gang member.

___

11:25 a.m.

The Chicago Police Department has apologized to Academy Award and Grammy-winning rapper Rhymefest after seeing his video that showed officers seemingly not treating seriously his report of being robbed.

Rhymefest, whose given name is Che Smith, said he was sitting in his parked vehicle Saturday when a man with a gun jumped in and demanded his wallet. The 39-year-old complied and the man fled on foot.

The rapper went to a South Side police district to report the robbery.

Smith said officers were in no hurry to take his report and that when he did sit down with an officer, she insisted he keep his hands where she could see them, expressed doubt about his story and didn't appear to be writing down answers.

He said when he asked to see her supervisor, the sergeant told him to leave. That's when he began filming.

Police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said that Chief of Patrol Fred Waller called Smith "to apologize on behalf of the department for how he was treated" and to let Smith know detectives would begin investigating the robbery immediately.

___

11 a.m.

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence is sidestepping questions about the flow of guns into Illinois from his state as the U.S. presidential campaign delves into the issue of Chicago violence.

The Republican vice presidential nominee would not answer direct questions Sunday about guns from Indiana coming into Chicago during CNN's "State of the Union" show.

Chicago authorities have said more than half of the guns used in crimes come from out of state, including about 20 percent from Indiana.

The questions came after the shooting death of Nykea Aldridge, a cousin of NBA star Dwyane Wade.

When asked about gun trafficking from Indiana, Pence instead brought up failing schools in Chicago and his running mate Donald Trump's pledge to create jobs.

Two men were charged with first-degree murder on Sunday in Aldridge's death.

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10:05 a.m.

Chicago police say two brothers have been charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of the cousin of NBA star Dwyane Wade.

Authorities say 26-year-old Darwin Sorrells Jr. and 22-year-old Derren Sorrells were charged Sunday in the death of Nykea Aldridge.

Police say the 32-year-old mother of four was pushing her baby in a stroller near a school on the city's South Side where she'd planned to register her children when she was shot and killed. Police say she wasn't the intended target.

Police say the suspects have criminal records.

Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie T. Johnson plans to release more information at a news conference later Sunday.

Hot Football Transfer Gossip: Man Utd ‘make record swoop’ for Lionel Messi Kevin Darling

Hot Football Transfer Gossip: Man Utd ‘make record swoop’ for Lionel Messi Kevin Darling

No matter how boring it gets watching Manchester United, there will always be something good for their fans to read about them. And today is one of those moments when Red Devils supporters can feel like they’re following the most exciting club in the world.

The Daily Mail has reported that Lionel Messi could be on his way to Old Trafford in a world record transfer.

The Red Devils have reportedly made “two approaches in three weeks” for the Barcelona superstar as they “explore the potential of a sensational move”. We’re not told what Barca’s response was to these approaches, so we can assume for now that it was complete silence.

But the Mail has helpfully dug up some “sources close to Messi” (agent? butler? cat?), who have revealed that the 28-year-old Argentine is “frustrated and hurt” by the media circus surrounding his tax evasion court case in Spain. What this has to do with any potential transfer is unclear.

The Mail then goes on to add that Messi would not move to Old Trafford until next season, because even they aren’t foolish to suggest that the world’s best player would sign for a club that wasn’t in the Champions League.

The paper ends by saying that Messi will “require certain assurances” if he is to remain at the Nou Camp beyond his current contract (ending 2018) but it gives no indication of what this assurances are.

So in summary, Man Utd would like to buy Messi but there is absolutely nothing to suggest that they will. 

It’s the poor United fans you have to feel sorry for in all this, reading all these stories and getting their hopes up.

If that transfer has about a 2 per cent chance of happening, let’s move on to another one that seems a bit more likely (probably about 13 per cent). The Sun claims that new Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has made Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere his “number one target” at the Etihad.

Although the occasionally fit England midfielder may find this flattering, the reasons for Pep’s pursuit aren’t very romantic, with City seemingly interested just to boost the quota of English players in their squad (currently there are just three - Joe Hart, Fabian Delph and Raheem Sterling).

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman’s proposed move to Everton could prompt an exodus (another one) from St Mary’s, with the Sun claiming that Victor Wanyama, Graziano Pelle and Shane Long will seek moves if the Dutchman leaves.

Elsewhere, Stoke have won the race to sign £10m-rated Norwich winger Nathan Redmond (Mirror), Barcelona have joined Chelsea and Man City in the pursuit of Atletico Madrid defender Jose Gimenez (Talksport) and Liverpool’s Martin Skrtel is wanted by a couple of clubs in Turkey (Liverpool Echo).

Finally, at the exact opposite end of the scale to the Messi to Man Utd rumour, Talksport have claimed that West Ham are in talks to sign Besiktas’ 33-year-old Canadian midfielder Atiba Hutchinson. WOW!

Warriors rip Cavaliers in NBA Finals opener

Warriors rip Cavaliers in NBA Finals opener

Defending champion Golden State overpowered the Cleveland Cavaliers with superior depth and defensive skill, leading the Warriors to a 104-89 triumph to open the 70th NBA Finals.

Warriors reserve guard Shaun Livingston scored a season-best 20 points, his career playoff high, to lead seven double-figure scorers for Golden State, which will host game two in the best-of-seven series Sunday.

"It's all a feel, just being aggressive," Livingston said. "It's just staying confident in my shot, understanding my game, where the shots are going to come from and trusting it."

On a night when Warriors star guard and NBA scoring champion Stephen Curry managed only 11 points on 4-of-15 shooting from the floor and Klay Thompson hit only 4-of-12 for nine points, Golden State reserves outscored Cleveland's bench 45-10.

"Their bench did an incredible job coming in," said Cleveland's Kyrie Irving, who scored a game-high 26 points on 7-of-22 shooting. You look at the statistics and it speaks volumes about how they pushed the pace and made some tough shots."

The Warriors won an NBA record 73 games this season but none when Curry and Thompson combined for fewer points.

"It's not even about that. It's about guys staying ready," Thompson said. "Shaun Livingston played out of his mind. Just the resiliency we played on the defensive end. That's what won us the game."

Warriors reserve Andre Iguodala sparkled defensively on Cleveland star LeBron James and scored 12 points while Brazil's Leandro Barbosa added 11 off the bench as the Cavaliers hit only 32-of-84 shots (38.1 percent) and surrendered 25 points off 17 turnovers.

"Give up 45 points off the bench and 25 points off turnovers on the road, it's not good ingredients to win," said James, who had 23 points and 12 rebounds but shot 9-of-21 from the floor.

Draymond Green had 16 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and four steals for the Warriors while Kevin Love added 17 points and 13 rebounds for the Cavaliers.

"When Steph and Klay struggle like that, everybody else needs to pick it up," Green said. "You just know other guys need to step up."

- Kerr shatters clipboard -

The Warriors went on a decisive 15-0 run that began late in the third quarter, all but two points coming from reserves and much of the span coming while James, playing in his sixth consecutive NBA Finals, rested on Cleveland's bench.

"I missed some shots and didn't get a rhythm, but we'll be able to find some adjustments for game two. Not worried about that," Curry said.

"Just really proud of the way everybody contributed. You don't win championships without the entire squad making an impact."

Irving made a jumper and a 3-point play and Tristan Thompson scored off a rebound to pull Cleveland within 56-52 early in the third quarter.

During a subsequent timeout, Warriors coach Steve Kerr shattered a clipboard with an angry punch.

"Destruction tends to ease some of the anger, so I try to take it out on a clipboard instead of a player," Kerr said. "It's better that way."

Love lifted the Cavaliers to their first lead since the opening minutes at 64-63 with 3:57 to play in the third quarter on a 3-point play followed by a layup, and they were still ahead 68-67 when the Warriors began their decisive run.

"We had a chance in that third quarter to do something special, but we didn't," James said. "Didn't make it happen in the fourth quarter. So I'm looking forward to seeing the film session and seeing ways we can get better."

- Iguodala won't judge Aussie -

Iguodala was struck in the groin by Matthew Dellavedova late in the third quarter as the Australian tried to reach around for a steal. Iguodala, last year's NBA Finals Most Valuable Player, grimaced and then stared down Dellavedova but cooler heads prevented an altercation.

"I'm not going to judge or say anything negative about him," Iguodala said. "He's out there competing. There are a lot of emotions going on out there. I respect a lot of guys' hustle in this league. You've got guys who've got to get a little dirty, got to be a little physical, so I can only respect that."

Seconds later, Iguodala made a 3-pointer to give the Warriors a 74-68 after three quarters and Golden State scored the first eight points of the final period.

The Warriors stretched the lead to as much as 96-76 before Cleveland rallied to trim the final margin.

Iguodala still mystifies LeBron, Cavs in NBA finals

Iguodala still mystifies LeBron, Cavs in NBA finals

Golden State's Andre Iguodala earned the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player award last year for coming off the bench and playing smothering defense on LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

One year later, the Warriors are again facing Cleveland for the league crown and the Cavaliers still appear to have no answer for the disruptive force of the 32-year-old US swingman.

Iguodala scored 12 points, grabbed seven rebounds, passed out six assists, made a steal and blocked a shot while playing 35 minutes off the bench for Golden State in a 104-89 victory over Cleveland in the first game of the NBA Finals.

"He's an incredible two-way player," said teammate Klay Thompson. "His numbers might not jump off the page, but you know how important he is to our team. He was finals MVP for a reason last year. His defense is second to none. He's a great competitor. I get better just learning from him every day."

The Warriors' bench outscored Cleveland's reserves 45-10 and Golden State forced 17 Cavaliers turnovers that produced 25 points. And when Iguodala was on the court, the Warriors outscored Cleveland by 21 points, a game high for any player.

"He's amazing," said Golden State's Stephen Curry, the two-time regular season NBA Most Valuable Player. "Me and Draymond (Green) talk about it all the time. When we're on the bench, we watch it. It's unbelievable.

"He has great timing, great eye-hand coordination, and obviously his wingspan works to his advantage to be able to close that space up. But it's really uncanny the way that he can do it without fouling."

Iguodala is also the mellowing influence for a club that won an NBA record 73 games this season but can sometimes push the pace too fast, too long for its own good.

"I normally try to keep an even coolness about myself. Not just for me, but for the team as well," Iguodala said. "We can kind of get giddy out there and lose it a little bit, so I try to get us back to that even balance. That's pretty much my role on this team."

That calm was tested when Cleveland guard Matthew Dellavedova struck him in the crotch while attempting a steal. Iguodala stared down the Australian but was not critical after the games.

"I'm not going to judge or say anything negative about him," Iguodala said. "He's out there competing. There are a lot of emotions going on out there. I respect a lot of guys' hustle in this league."

But Iguodala also said he was fired up by the incident, and the 3-pointer he made the next time he touched the ball.

"The situation that happened kind of got me fired up," Iguodala said. "Sometimes you need it. Maybe it was meant for that to happen."

- Small details matter -

Iguodala and Green kept four-time NBA MVP James to 2-of-9 shooting when they were guarding him, part of a 9-for-21 night by the standout in his sixth consecutive NBA Finals.

"Everyone who came off the bench treated every possession like it could be their last. When you treat the game like that and respect it, good things tend to happen," Iguodala said.

"You're in a situation right now where it seems like everything is do or die. Every small detail matters. Guys were locked in and we'll have to continue to do that to have more success."

Warriors coach Steve Kerr called Iguodala a "brilliant" player who "doesn't get enough credit."

"Defensively Andre did a phenomenal job fighting," Kerr said. "Andre is not only a phenomenal athlete with long arms and great quickness and strength, but he's one of the smartest players I've ever been around at both ends of the floor."