Sanford native Rachel Schneider will represent Team USA in early October at the World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar, after a strong finish Sunday in the 5,000-meter at the USATF Outdoor Championships in Des Moinses, Iowa, and a scheduling conflict for the race's winner, a dual U.S. champion. Schneider, who runs mid and long distance professionally for Under Armour, placed fourth Sunday, missing the top three qualifying spots by 0.46 seconds. Typically, a fourth-place finish in any selection-style national championship event, such as the U.S. Olympic trials, is considered to be an end-of-road moment. Barring the existence of a "wild card" bye   the reigning world champion or current Diamond League winner auto-qualifies   a miracle or tragedy needs to occur in order for someone's spot to be stripped, forfeited or passed. Schneider needed a scenario like this, and she got one. Ranked No. 16 in the world going into Sunday's race, Schneider's 15:06-high personal best from May was and remains the fastest among Americans this year. Overall, she executed a great race, averaging 73-second 400s, sans the field's slow start and a quick final half-mile. A shift in pace through 950 meters caused her to get boxed in and drop several spots, but at 1,900 meters she burst back to the top five. That's where she'd stay, in the lead pack, up until the final 100 meters when Shelby Houlihan used her iconic kick to capture another 2019 title. American record-holder in the 5K, Houlihan just 27 hours prior had used the same kick to win the 1,500-meter on Saturday. An incredible double. But unfortunately for her, the worlds meet has both events' finals scheduled within 35 minutes of each other, posing an impossible task to complete. Houlihan on Monday chose the 1,500, bumping Schneider up in the 5K. "Ticket punched to Doha!" Schneider wrote in an Instagram post Monday. "After coming down with a crazy cold the week prior to USAs and still fighting with a bit of it through the race, feeling a dose of relief (along with a lot of excitement and gratitude) to make my first World Team." Looking back, Houlihan's 5K kick perhaps also assisted in securing Schneider's bid, helping knock off Marielle Hall from the lead pack going into the bell lap, leaving four runners in contention. The dreaded fourth-place finish, which some would say is worse than last in these meets, turned into something spectacular. Finishing between Schneider and Houlihan were University of New Hampshire alumna Elinor Purrier, in third; and four-time collegiate 5K champ Karissa Schweizer, in second. They'll both join Schneider at worlds in Doha. "This past week has been a huge reminder of the importance of remaining calm in the chaos, focusing on what's in our control, practicing perspective, maintaining belief and focus, and leaning into the power and positivity of my support system," Schneider wrote. "It wasn't a perfect situation, or a perfectly executed race on my end, but a lot of positives and some really valuable lessons to take from it. Huge props to Shelby, Karissa, and Elle on fabulous finishes (& thanks to Shelby for choosing the 1500m at Worlds😅)! Honored to get to be a part of #TeamUSA at this year's World Championships." Purrier, a Vermont native, spoke to RunnerSpace after the race. Sara Hall, who placed sixth overall in the 2016 running of Maine's Beach to Beacon 10K , most recently in 2016, congratulated Schneider Monday morning, writing, "So thrilled for [Schneider] making the [world championship] team in the 5k! One of the hardest workers I know   so well deserved!" Schneider's alma mater, St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Dover, New Hampshire, echoed in congratulating, tweeting, "Saints Pride continues to run strong (so very strong) with Alum [Schneider]," and posting results. Schneider said she plans to rest up in her training home of Flagstaff, Arizona, and then get back to work. She thanked her coach Mike Smith, family, friends and sponsors, and also said she's determined to be "the fittest, healthiest and smartest version" of herself at the world championships. Other Maine natives fared well at the national championships. Lewiston's Isaiah Harris missed a bid by 0.15 seconds in the 800-meter, finishing fourth like Schneider in 1:46.45. The event's qualifiers were all expected to honor their tickets. Despite the result, Harris showed he's a strong 2020 contender. Harris got stuck leading nearly half the race, which for an event like the 800 isn't necessarily a good thing   especially when it's carried out at a pedestrian pace until the very end. A blistering 24-second final 200 was just fast enough to put into jeopardy Harris' likelihood of overcoming a major shift in pace. Hours after the final Sunday, Harris tweeted two words: "Tokyo 2020." He later retweeted his agent, Ray Flynn, who noted that Harris' finish was pretty remarkable considering his recent return from a prolonged injury . Veazie's Riley Masters and North Yarmouth's Ben True placed sixth and seventh, respectively, in the men's 5K. Both were in the lead pack at the bell lap. After the final, Masters tweeted: "Wow! What a race." Casco's Kate Hall, the reigning national indoor long jump champion, finished 10th. Her third jump from the second flight was her best   21 feet, 6 inches, or 6.55 meters   but wasn't enough to make the final. She faulted on her second. She posted an Instagram video on Sunday of her toe foul from the second jump, writing, "There's not a lot that's more frustrating than being at your best but it still not being good enough … The truth is I'm always incredibly hard on myself after rough competitions and I know I will be wishing for the upcoming weeks that I could have made some adjustment that would have gotten me a fair jump on the board. Luckily, this is all a learning experience and I've never felt more ready to jump REALLY far. I'm not done yet... on to the next one."


DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4)   New details were released about a deadly hit-and-run in Douglas County. Sheriff's investigators say they found the car responsible, but not the driver. Edward "Chuck" Vogel was riding his bicycle at around 6:30 a.m. on July 4 when hit at Pine and Centennial Drives, south of Lincoln Avenue. Vogel later died. Investigators believe the driver kept driving south on Pine Dr. and then turned west onto Main Street. The car was found abandoned at the Victorian Village Townhomes. Officials ask if you believe you have surveillance video showing the crash location or the route the suspect drove at around that time frame to please call them (720) 913-7867. The family of the victim shared the followed statement "Edward 'Chuck' Vogel was a loving husband, father, community servant and soon to be grandfather. Chuck's impact in the community has changed many lives and left everyone he touched better. We are heartbroken by this tragic and sudden loss of such a wonderful man. This person's actions on the morning of July 4th has not only robbed our loving family of our cornerstone, they have proven that they are a danger to society. We encourage anyone with any information regarding the morning of July 4th to come forward. Our father and husband deserves justice."


Looking to add a new companion to the family? There are dozens of lovable pups up for adoption at animal shelters in and around Worcester, so you won't have to look far to find the perfect new pal. Hoodline used data from Petfinder to power this roundup of dogs available for adoption near you. Read on to meet some friendly, furry locals. (Details like pet availability, training, vaccinations and other features are based on data provided by Petfinder and may be subject to change; contact the shelter for the latest information.) Louie, schnauzer mix Louie is a charming male schnauzer mix staying at Broken Tail Rescue . Louie gets along well with cats and dogs. He is already neutered, vaccinated and house-trained. Here's what Louie's friends at Broken Tail Rescue think of him: Louie is a friendly, active guy who gets along with cats, dogs and people. He has a lot of energy for a senior and would make a great walking buddy, but he also loves to sit on your lap. He does like to bark at new people, so he might not be a good fit for an apartment with a lot of people passing by in the hallways. Read more about how to adopt Louie on Petfinder . Ollie, American Eskimo dog Ollie is a handsome male American Eskimo dog being cared for at Broken Tail Rescue . He's mastered his house-training etiquette and has been vaccinated and neutered. Ollie's current caretakers say: Ollie is a friendly, happy little guy who loves to play with his toys and walks great on a leash. He loves his walks, and while long hikes aren't for him, he would be a great dog for an active senior who likes to get out of the house a few times a day. Read more about Ollie on Petfinder . Rufus, Labrador retriever and bloodhound mix Rufus is a sweet male Labrador retriever and bloodhound mix in the care of Broken Tail Rescue . Rufus will get along great with your cats and dogs. Broken Tail Rescue, however, recommends he be placed in a home without small children. Fear not: He is already house-trained, his vaccinations are up to date and he is neutered. More on Rufus: I am the largest lap dog you could ever hope to meet. At just three years old, I am in doggie adolescence. Like all adolescents, I need patience and consistent training to mature into the awesome dog I am destined to be. Apply to adopt Rufus today at Petfinder . This story was created automatically using local animal shelter data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


Tom Brady is throwing out the yellow flag. The New England Patriots quarterback wants to put his speed rating in "Madden NFL 20" under review. Brady may be a 96 overall, which made him the second-best quarterback behind the Kansas City Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes. But Brady's speed rating was an atrocious 60 overall. He was having none of that. So he shared a video on Twitter that would prove - once and for all - that he deserves a higher rating. "Submitting new evidence to be considered for my @ MaddenNFL speed rating. You can't photoshop a video," Brady wrote on Monday. The video was, of course, clearly doctored, and Brady's dad jokes continue to rule Twitter. Submitting new evidence to be considered for my @MaddenNFL speed rating. You can't photoshop a video. pic.twitter.com/6h02i6oRqR - Tom Brady (@TomBrady) July 15, 2019 MORE: Michael Bisping's cageside reaction to Urijah Faber's stunning KO was too good Trysten Hill may be crowning point on Cowboys star-studded defense Three Potential Landing Spots for Chris Paul Carson Wentz lands behind Baker Mayfield in a ranking of the 11 best QB's in NFL 'Madden NFL 20' ratings: See where the Steelers players are rated


A Tennessee district attorney is under investigation following anti-Islamic social media posts and comments about not enforcing domestic violence laws for gay couples. The Council on American-Islamic Relations, which filed a complaint after the anti-Islam comments, provided a copy of a letter sent by the state Supreme Court's Board of Professional Responsibility confirming its investigation of Coffee County District Attorney Craig Northcott. Northcott's anti-gay comments were filmed at a town hall-style meeting back in 2018 but have only recently come to light. During the meeting, Northcott faced a question from a constituent who sarcastically asked about a "hypothetical" situation in which the federal government were to do something "ridiculous" and legalize same-sex marriage: "How as Christians do you think we should deal with all those situations?" During his long-winded answer, Northcott tells the audience that district attorneys have "prosecutorial discretion" and "a lot of authority." "We can choose to prosecute anything, we can choose not to prosecute anything, up to and including murder," he said. "It's our choice, unfettered." After telling the audience to "elect a good Christian man" as district attorney, he then asks the crowd if they "know what assault is." He proceeded to explain that there's a subcategory of assault called domestic assault" that "carries more punishment." "So the social engineers on the Supreme Court decided that we now have homosexual marriage. I disagree with them. What do I do with domestic assaults?" he asked. Northcott said he concluded, based on his own analysis and not on the fact that domestic violence charges also apply for unmarried couples, that "the reason that there's enhanced punishment on domestic violence is to recognize and protect the sanctity of marriage. And I said, 'there's no marriage to protect.' So I don't prosecute them as domestics." After the video was released last week by the Tennessee Holler, Chris Sanders, executive director of statewide LGBTQ group Tennessee Equality Project, encouraged Northcott to step down. "He should explore resigning from office at this point, because he has expressed very clearly that he will not apply the law equally, and we think that's his duty," Sanders said. Prior to Northcott's anti-gay comments being made public, the Center for American-Islamic Relations had filed a formal complaint against him for a series of anti-Islamic Facebook posts. The organization had also encouraged him to step down. According to screenshots of Northcott's posts, he wrote in a Facebook comment that Islam is "evil, violent and against God's truth" and that being Muslim is no different than "being part of the KKK, Aryan Nation, etc." While Northcott did not immediately respond to a message from NBC News on Tuesday, he did previously address the criticism following his comments regarding Muslims. "I will not be cowered into pretending that their belief system is legitimate or one of peace," Northcott wrote earlier this year, according to the Tennessean. "We are fools if we don't recognize this and protect ourselves, our families, our communities and our country from succumbing to this present and growing threat." FOLLOW NBC OUT ON TWITTER , FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM


Clemson has stacked their trophy case with nearly every award imaginable the past few years under Dabo Swinney . The golden cylinder representing the national title? Got a few of those now. Broyles Awards for the nation's best assistants? Check. ACC championships and even a Campbell Trophy? Yup. One notable item absent, however, is the Heisman Trophy. The school has never had a winner and the closest they've gotten was Deshaun Watson's runner-up finish in 2016. While you would think the school would be doing everything in their power to promote their current star quarterback and 2019 favorite for the award… that's not the case. The ACC released the list of players representing the schools for the annual football kickoff event (i.e. media days) on Tuesday and there was the usual list of recognizable names like Boston College tailback A.J. Dillon, Virginia signal-caller Bryce Perkins and Miami LB Shaquille Quarterman . Notably absent? One Trevor Lawrence. No offense to either offensive guard John Simpson or safety Tanner Muse (both seniors), but the interest in the event from the media is just not quite the same with them representing the defending champs as opposed to their star QB who is the favorite to win college football's most prestigious award after a dazzling freshman season. It's a puzzling decision the school is bound to play off as rewarding some veterans but it's still a bummer. The sophomore is one of the sports most recognizable players but will likely go seven months without speaking to the media. Fans may not care about things like that but if you're trying to win a major award that requires people to vote for your player, probably best to do what you can to get his face out there.


Video by CBS Sports The Real Lakers of Los Angeles continue to change the game in terms of their reality TV spectacle. Now they've got their audience involved in ways they could have never imagined. Even if that involvement is mostly hatred. Lakers fans have had enough. Today outside of Staples Center, a group of Lakers fans who organized on Reddit are going to protest the team's ownership and their handling of the team. This comes just a few days after the Lakers bungled their negotiations with former Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Ty Lue. From the Reddit posting Why? Jeannie hates bad PR. She don't care about us, but cares what the media says. Point is to spin the narrative to the Talking Heads "Is Jeannie the opposite of her Father?" and have them talk. Bring Laker Gear, byo chairs & Water. Chants: "Sell the team!" "Fire Rambis!" "Fire Linda!" "Kevin McHale" (Ironic, I know) "No Jason Kidd!" "Shadow Owner!" I feel bad for Lakers fans and LeBron James, but this is tremendous content.. Even though it might not be on the basketball court, you can't say the Lakers don't know how to innovate in terms of entertainment. MORE: Most bizarre and incredible catches by fishermen in past decade 3 Raiders players who could have breakout seasons in 2019 NBA Free Agency 2019: The top players Rumor: LeBron made a visit to Kawhi Leonard during Raptors-Sixers series Roundup: Major Floods Hit Houston; New Ed Sheeran-Justin Bieber Jam; Howard Stern's Cancer Scare Related slideshow: Best of 2019 NBA playoffs (Provided by imagn)


It was summer 2017, and Britain's National Security Council was convening to discuss a problem. President Trump had been in office for 150 days, and Prime Minister Theresa May and her Cabinet colleagues were still struggling to get a handle on his chaotic Administration. They needed advice. At his desk in his splendid official residence in Washington DC, the British Ambassador, Sir Kim Darroch was trying to help. Britain's National Security Adviser Sir Mark Sedwill had asked him to put together some thoughts on the President's personality and leadership style, and he was compiling a briefing note. Copied to a 'strictly limited' number of senior figures in Downing Street and the Foreign Office, it ran to six pages of highly unflattering observations about the President's character and political record. In the confidential memo   marked 'Official Sensitive'   the UK's most important diplomat accused Trump of 'radiating insecurity', filling his speeches with 'false claims and invented statistics' and achieving 'almost nothing' in terms of domestic policy. Earlier, Sedwill had sent Sir Kim an outline presentation for the meeting. Sir Kim thought the slides 'looked good'. There was just one point he felt he needed to correct: 'My only disagreement with the slides: I don't think this Administration will ever look competent,' he declared. It was an extraordinarily damning assessment. The problem was that Ministers and diplomats had to find a way to deal with the President. Sir Kim highlighted how America was still the UK's No 1 security partner and the 'cultural and historical ties' between the two countries were 'profound'. The UK needed America: as an export market; for defence and intelligence cooperation; and for a post-Brexit trade deal. 'The starting point is that this is our single most important bilateral relationship,' Sir Kim wrote. But he added: 'As seen from here, we really don't believe that this Administration is going to become substantially more normal; less dysfunctional, less unpredictable, less faction-riven, less diplomatically clumsy and inept.' "There's no upside in being subtle, let alone being ambiguous " He therefore compiled a three-point guide for how Britain's politicians and officials should handle this most unpredictable of Presidents. His first suggestion was to 'flood the zone', which meant influencing as many of the President's key advisers as possible. Sir Kim said Trump spends his days in the Oval Office asking his White House team, Cabinet members and senior Republicans for their opinions 'on the business of the moment'. But, crucially, the diplomat also highlighted how the President spends his evenings phoning his friends outside the administration 'seeking reinforcement or a different take'. Many of these friends have been 'cultivated' by the British, Sir Kim boasted. 'It's important to 'flood the zone': you want as many as possible of those who Trump consults to give him the same answer,' he wrote. 'So we need to be creative in using all the channels available to us through our relationships with his Cabinet, the White House staff, and our contacts among his outside friends.' Sir Kim's second recommendation was for Theresa May to call Trump more often, stressing 'there is no consistently reliable substitute for the personal phone call from the Prime Minister'. 'The President respects and likes her,' he added. 'I know they have already talked several times. But in a perfect world, they would be speaking two or three times a month, if not more.' The diplomat's third pointer was to urge Britain's politicians and officials to use flattery and to pander to the President's ego when they come into contact with him. 'You need to start praising him for something that he's done recently,' he advised. 'You need whenever possible to present them as wins for him.' In comments which could be viewed as highly patronising, Sir Kim also advised his bosses to make their points 'simple' and 'even blunt', adding: 'as a senior White House adviser told me, there is no upside with this President in being subtle, let alone ambiguous.' His stark assessment reveals the scale of concern at the highest level in the British Government about Trump. By summer 2017, the President had torn up the Paris climate change accord; junked key international trade agreements and launched military strikes against Syria. Western allies were reeling: he didn't seem to care who he upset. "You need to start by praising him for something he's done recently " But while Trump was making waves on the world stage, his domestic programme was getting nowhere, Sir Kim said. The President's big election pledges   building a wall between the US and Mexico; stopping Muslims from certain countries coming to America and reforming tax and healthcare   had all hit the buffers. 'Of the main campaign promises, not an inch of the Wall has been built; the executive orders on travel bans from Muslim countries have been blocked by the state courts; tax reform and the infrastructure package have been pushed into the middle distance; and the repeal and replacement of Obamacare is on a knife edge,' Sir Kim wrote. The Ambassador 'wouldn't bet a tenner' on Trump's health proposals passing through the Senate. Sir Kim's confidential letter, sent to Sedwill, who is now also the Cabinet Secretary, on June 22, 2017, is unsparing in its assessment of the President's personality flaws and the chaos of his administration. In language that is likely to prove highly embarrassing for Sir Kim, the Ambassador declared: 'For a man who has risen to the highest office on the planet, President Trump radiates insecurity.' He highlighted how the Administration had been 'dogged from day one by stories of vicious infighting and chaos inside the White House, and swamped by scandals   all, one way or another, linked to Russia.' And while the President would deride media stories about such chaos as 'fake news', Sir Kim privately advised his bosses in London to believe what they were reading in the newspapers. 'The stories about White House knife fights are, we judge, mostly true: multiple sources and confirmed by our own White House contacts. This is a uniquely dysfunctional environment.' He warned Whitehall to be braced for more presidential outbursts including the use of 'immoderate, sometimes offensive, language', like his attacks on London Mayor Sadiq Khan. 'There is no filter,' Darroch advised. 'And we could also be at the beginning of a downward spiral, rather than just a rollercoaster: something could emerge that leads to disgrace and downfall.' But while warning Whitehall that Trump's White House could collapse under the weight of scandal, he also urged the British Government not to write Trump off. The President, he noted, has been mired in scandal most of his life but has always survived. Sir Kim drew a parallel with The Terminator, a 1984 science fiction film featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger as a cyborg that is almost impossible to destroy. 'Trump may emerge from the flames, battered but intact, like Schwarzenegger in the final scenes of The Terminator.' Looking to the future, Sir Kim warned 'there are real risks on the horizon' and that Trump 'will do or say things we oppose'. 'This 'America First' Administration could do some profoundly damaging things to the world trade system: such as denounce the WTO, tear up existing trade details, launch protectionist action, even against allies. It could further undermine international action on climate change, or further cut UN funding.' He said that Trump's 'spontaneous' missile strike on a Syrian airbase in April 2017 had won him 'the best headlines of his brief time in the Oval Office' but warned that 'a less well judged military intervention is not inconceivable.' In the face of the chaos, Sir Kim highlighted how German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and French President Emmanuel Macron, were busy distancing themselves from Trump. But Sir Kim warned London: 'I don't think we should follow them.' He admitted it could be rocky, but suggested that sometimes it might make sense to criticise the President, 'provided we are careful'. Sir Kim added: 'Arguably, you get more respect from this President if you stand up to him occasionally   provided the public comments do not come as a surprise and are judicious, calm and avoid personalising.' Today he may regret that his confidential memo does not meet that test. Indeed, last night, Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage, a friend of the President, called for Sir Kim to leave his post, saying: 'The sooner he is gone the better.' Read more


Tom Brady has seen a championship parade or two - or six. But he stopped to take note of the one thrown in Toronto after the Raptors won their first NBA Title while beating the Golden State Warriors. The Raptors parade on Monday had tremendous turnout. Brady seemed to be impressed with the madness, and tweeted about it. Brady and the Patriots are fresh off their own championship parade for New England's win in Super Bowl LIII. The celebrations drew 1.5 million people . The estimation for Toronto's parade is actually the same number. Noted. https://t.co/cCGqsmJu5f - Tom Brady (@TomBrady) June 17, 2019 MORE: NBA fans honored Drake's 'make a meme out of this' request, and the results are hilarious NBA Free Agency 2019: The top players Four Most Overrated NBA Free Agents Report indicates Matthew Stafford played with a broken back in 2018 What does new TE Michael Roberts bring to Packers?


New York-based cyber security and training company RangeForce has secured $1.5 million in funding, according to company database Crunchbase , topping the city's recent funding headlines. The cash infusion was announced May 22. According to its Crunchbase profile, "RangeForce is a cyber defense simulation company that discovers, develops and recruits cyber talent. Rangeforce develops a cloud-based cyber security simulation and training platform where IT professionals can play through realistic cyber battles." The five-year-old startup has raised four previous funding rounds, including a $250,000 angel round in 2017. The round brings total funding raised by New York companies in information technology over the past month to $647 million, an increase of $536 million from the month before. The local information technology industry has produced 256 funding rounds over the past year, capturing a total of $4.9 billion in venture funding. In other local funding news, auctions company LiveAuctioneers announced a private equity funding round on May 22, financed by Cove Hill Partners. According to Crunchbase, "LiveAuctioneers is a live auctions marketplace connecting buyers and sellers of art, antiques, jewelry and collectibles across the globe. Broadcasting thousands of auctions in real time, the site allows unprecedented access to unique items in live bidding format." The company also raised a $47 million round in 2014. This story was created automatically using local investment data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


Rachael had reached 195 pounds, and she said, "This was the last weight I can remember taking as I stopped weighing myself because I didn't want to see the scale hit 200." Rachael Didn't Count Calories, Ate Whatever She Wanted, and Lost 50 Pounds - Here's How "Before I started losing weight, I had a horrible relationship with food," Rachael Alles, 25, ( rn_crossfit on Instagram) told POPSUGAR. By age 19, Rachael was almost 200 pounds, and one family member's comment made her decide to make a change. She said, "I wanted to prove people wrong and no longer be the fat girl." Click through the slideshow above to find out how Rachael changed her diet, found CrossFit , and was able to drop 50 pounds. Rachael's History With Food, Weight, and Dieting Rachael had a history of eating large quantities of unhealthy fatty food. She told POPSUGAR that she'd eat out all the time, including Taco Bell and often at Olive Garden because she worked there. "I just ate for pleasure," she said. "I ate because it made me happy, and I ate because food tastes good." Why Rachael Decided to Make a Change "I remember hearing a family member say I would end up in the show My 600-Pound Life if I kept going down the path I was on," Rachael said. "For me, that just hit so hard. I knew I had to lose weight, and I wanted to prove people wrong and no longer be the fat girl." Rachael had reached 195 pounds, and she said, "This was the last weight I can remember taking as I stopped weighing myself because I didn't want to see the scale hit 200." Rachael's Journey Began . . . and It Was a Slow Start So Rachael began her journey in 2013 when she just turned 20 after quitting her job at Olive Garden. She admits that her initial goal was to just "be a skinny girl." When she started losing weight, she thought if she just ate salads and lean turkey burgers every day, she'd get skinny. "Well, I lost weight, but I didn't put any muscle on, and I didn't feel any better," Rachael said. "I also would binge eat because I was holding myself back from all the food I loved." Like many women, Rachael struggled for so long not understanding what she needed to do to be healthy. That's when she met with an online nutritionist from Working Against Gravity . Rachael's Diet Rachael's nutritionist set up her macros, and she doesn't count calories. Instead, she counts fats, carbs, and protein, and she weighs out all her food for accuracy. Rachael rarely eats out, but if she does, she knows how to stay on track . While she doesn't drink alcohol unless it's a special occasion, Rachael said working with the nutritionist has given her the freedom to eat the things she wants every day. "I eat ice cream every night: Halo Top Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. I'm able to eat what I love and still look the way I do." Rachael feels like she finally found a way of eating that's a long-term answer for nutrition, not a quick fix. What Rachael Eats in a Day Here's an example of what Rachael eats in a day: Breakfast: egg whites, lean ground turkey sausage, American cheese, with a side of Kodiak Cakes chocolate chip pancakes and syrup Lunch: cooked broccoli, cauliflower mashed potatoes, and a protein like pork or chicken Dinner: "I take a lot of my favorite meals and make them healthy. I also follow Feeding the Frasers on Instagram and get a lot of ideas from there. My recent favorite was the chicken and broccoli calzone on Instagram." Snacks: strawberries, blueberries, cherries, or some kind of fruit; Skinny Pop popcorn; sugar-free pudding for chocolate cravings; Thinkthin Brownie Crunch bars ; peanut butter if she needs the fat; or a protein shake if she needs protein. "Every day is different, but ice cream is every night - I can't live without my ice cream!" Rachael said. Rachael's Workouts Rachael does CrossFit now, but when she first started working out, she did the Beachbody programs Insanity and 21 Day Fix at home, working out six days a week. Once she could afford a gym, she went to Anytime Fitness and hired a personal trainer, but it was more expensive for a trainer than CrossFit. When Rachael went to her first CrossFit class, she quickly learned that CrossFit was for everyone. "I wish I had done this first!" she said. Rachael's Workouts and Progress Now "I work out four days a week because of my work schedule. Sometimes I go to the gym once in the morning and once in the evening. It all depends on what my body is telling me and how much effort I want to put in at the gym," Rachael said. Between 2013 and 2019, Rachael has lost about 50 pounds. "I actually don't weigh myself that much because my nutritionist and I have found that the scale doesn't define my progress ," Rachael said. " My pictures and how I'm feeling is my success." Rachael's Thoughts About CrossFit "I want people to not be scared to try CrossFit," she said. "So many times I hear people say, 'I can't do CrossFit because X, Y, Z.' Anyone can do CrossFit." No matter your size, your age, or if you have injuries, anyone can do the workouts - you just scale to your ability level. Rachael said the coaches help you and push you to your limits, not someone else's. "I really encourage people to try CrossFit for at least a week and understand CrossFit before you say it's not for you," Rachael said. Rachael's Nonscale Victories Rachael's biggest nonscale victory has to do with food. "I finally feel like I can eat and not be scared of food," she said. She loves being able to eat normally and not feel bad about it because there is no such thing as "good" or "bad" food; it's just food. "Being able to understand my nutrition has been even better than losing the weight - being able to eat out without guilt," Rachael said. "Having someone cheering me on and not food shaming me has been the greatest help in my journey." Rachael added that another huge nonscale victory is that she's in amazing health. "As a nurse, being in great health, having great labs, and feeling amazing; this is such a big victory," Rachael said. How Rachael Stays Motivated What's Rachael's biggest motivation? Herself! "When I started, I was motivated by other people," she said, but she learned that this doesn't keep her working toward her goals or make her happy. "I had to find my motivation in myself. I keep going for me, to love my body, to know I will be healthy in my future," Rachael said. Rachael is also motivated to eat right and exercise because she genuinely has a passion for it - she loves the gym and the food she eats. She said that losing weight or getting in shape should never be because someone told you to; that won't motivate you for the long haul. "You have to want to change, and you have to want it for you ," Rachael said. "Once I figured this out, it was easier to stay on track. Working out and eating right is now a lifestyle, and I could never give it up." Rachael's Advice When you think about quitting or that it's just too hard, Rachael said, "Keep going; don't stop. It's hard - really hard - but don't give up on yourself. You get one life, and one body, and you want to take care of it." It's OK to ask people for help, and it's OK if your progress stalls. Just stay strong and stick to your plan. Rachael said that "I have had so many ups and downs in this journey, and every time, I just remember why I'm here , and that I have to stay on point even when I don't want to." Rachael's Final Thoughts "My history with weight loss started as this idea that I just wanted to be a 'skinny girl,'" she said. But once she lost a decent amount of weight, got into CrossFit, and got a nutritionist, she learned that it was no longer about just wanting to be skinny. "I want to be happy, healthy, and fit," she said. "I want to go up and down stairs and not be tired or sweating. I want to lift heavy things and feel like the strong girl. My goal is to prevent disease and to live an all-around healthy life." It looks like Rachael has accomplished that goal - how inspiring!


The Philadelphia Eagles have taken their fight to help those with autism to another level, as the team announced the creation of a sensory room at Lincoln Financial Field. The 500-square-foot room at the Linc was created for fans with autism and other sensory challenges to provide a quiet and safe space during the action. Lincoln Financial Field has also been certified as a sensory-inclusive stadium. The Eagles are one of the first sports franchises to build a room like this. "With the opening of Lincoln Financial Field in 2003, we made it an organizational priority to create a one-of-a-kind experience for guests in a safe, friendly and inclusive environment," said Jeffrey Lurie, Chairman, and CEO of the Philadelphia Eagles. "It is truly heartwarming to know that this state-of-the-art sensory room will now provide a sense of ease and comfort for families and loved ones who may be experiencing sensory challenges at Lincoln Financial Field. In this moment, we are creating a major shift from autism awareness to action, and it is all thanks to our compassionate and caring fans, Eagles Autism Challenge supporters, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and the autism community around the world." All Eagles employees and Lincoln Financial Field staff have been provided sensory inclusive training by leading medical professionals. That training includes how to recognize guests with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation. Fans with sensory issues are gifted with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads are made available to all guests as part of their experience. MORE: A furious Chris Davis had to be held back from Orioles manager Brandon Hyde 'He's a circus catch guy': Rookie WR Jakobi Meyers is a converted QB standing out at Patriots camp Roundup: Bella Hadid and The Weeknd Appear to Split Again, Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame Class Packers rookie Darrius Shepherd standing out to Matt LaFleur, Aaron Rodgers Winners and losers from second week of Raiders training camp


President Donald Trump prepared Thursday to host an Independence Day show like no other, featuring a speech from the Lincoln Memorial, a display of military tanks and jets roaring over Washington in what critics deride as a tax-payer-funded exercise in glorifying himself. The July 4 holiday is widely celebrated as a patriotic but apolitical and non-partisan homage to America's founding, and presidents usually stay out of the limelight or even leave town for the day. But Trump, the tradition-shattering former real estate mogul seeking re-election next year, will break with another norm: He will deliver a speech at the storied steps of the Lincoln Memorial, from a stage draped in red, white and blue. The affair is being billed at least in part as a tribute to the US military, although critics charge that Trump is using the military as a prop for political gain. News reports say even some military chiefs have chafed at what they see as the event's politicization. Although the show is open to the public, the section directly in front of Trump is reserved for VIP Republican donors and allies, as well as top military brass. All eyes are on whether Trump will stay on script or stray into his default mode of attacking political opponents in a hastily organized event that the administration is calling "Salute to America." In a tweet Thursday morning, Trump promised an event bordering on epic. "People are coming from far and wide to join us today and tonight for what is turning out to be one of the biggest celebrations in the history of our Country," Trump wrote. Besides the jet flyover, he said, "Perhaps even Aircraft One will do a low & loud sprint over the crowd." "I will speak on behalf of our great Country!" Trump added. The modified Boeing 747 used as Air Force One will in fact fly over, as will noisy, powerful warplanes expected to include F-35s, and jets from the Navy's Blue Angels air show acrobatics team. A handful of tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles are stationed near the Lincoln Memorial, although the enormous M1 Abrams tanks are not expected to roll, as their tracks would likely tear up city streets. The center of attention, however, will not be the weapons or nearly million dollars' worth of fireworks that are set to go off. Rather, it will be Trump. "Your favorite President, me!" he tweeted when announcing the show. - Non-partisan no more - Inserting a high-profile presidential address risks changing the apolitical dynamic of the day, as Trump is supported by just over 40 percent of the country ahead of his 2020 reelection bid and fervently opposed by much of the remaining electorate. Trump's "ego is so large that he's holding this Fourth of July campaign rally in a desperate cry for attention, and everyone knows it," Senator Chuck Schumer wrote on Twitter. Democratic presidential hopeful Pete Buttigieg, who served for six years in the Navy Reserves and spent six months in Afghanistan, said Trump's prime time televised extravaganza makes the country seem smaller. "One of the reasons I joined the military was that in a small way I wanted to be part of seeing to it that my country was not the kind of place where a leader feels the need to boost his own ego by rolling tanks down the streets of our capital," Buttigieg told CNN Wednesday. "We've always been bigger than that," he added. Counter-protesters plan to bring their own kind of political fireworks to the National Mall, the grassy park running two miles (three kilometers) from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol. Leftist organization Code Pink is deploying its "Baby Trump" blimp, a large inflated doll depicting the president in diapers. But the National Park Service denied permission to fill the inflatable with helium, so the cranky, infantile Trump balloon will stay on the ground. Many people are up in arms about what all this is going to cost. The White House has refused to say so far. - Salesman, showman, president - A former reality TV star, Trump is tapping his considerable showmanship skills. Being up on the Lincoln Memorial will guarantee unbeatable pictures. The statue honoring civil war president Abraham Lincoln is famous as the location for Martin Luther King Jr's epic 1963 "I have a dream" speech. But Trump's inspiration appears to be taken less from that civil rights cry than a Bastille Day military parade he attended in 2017 as a guest of French President Emmanuel Macron. So impressed was Trump that he came up with the idea of putting on a major extravaganza for Veteran's Day, which is marked on November 11. But an outcry over the almost $100 million price tag meant it had to be scrapped. Now he'll get a scaled-back version. As he prepared for the big day Trump downplayed the price. "The cost of our great Salute to America tomorrow will be very little compared to what it is worth," Trump tweeted Wednesday.


Curious just how far your dollar goes in Mesa? We've rounded up the latest rental listings via rental site Zumper to get a sense of what to expect when it comes to scoring a place in Mesa if you're on a budget of $700/month. Take a peek at what rentals the city has to offer, below. (Note: prices and availability are subject to change.) Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. 708 N. Country Club Drive Listed at $699/month, this 550-square-foot one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment is located at 708 N. Country Club Drive. Unit amenities include air conditioning and a balcony. The building features secured entry and a business center. Pet owners, take heed: cats and dogs are welcome. Expect a $150 pet fee. According to Walk Score's assessment, the surrounding area is car-dependent, is quite bikeable and has some transit options. (Take a look at the complete listing here .) 1547 E. Broadway Road (Reed Park) Next, there's this one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment over at 1547 E. Broadway Road. It's listed for $695/month for its 650 square feet of space. When it comes to building amenities, anticipate on-site laundry, a swimming pool and assigned parking. Unit amenities include air conditioning and a balcony. When it comes to pets, both meows and barks are permitted. Look out for a $200 pet fee. According to Walk Score, the area around this address is somewhat walkable, is fairly bikeable and has some transit options. (Take a gander at the complete listing here .) 1254 E. Broadway (Reed Park) Then, check out this 400-square-foot studio apartment that's located at 1254 E. Broadway. It's listed for $679/month. In the furnished unit, you'll get air conditioning and hardwood flooring. The building boasts on-site laundry and a swimming pool. Pets are not welcome. Walk Score indicates that the area around this address is moderately walkable, is very bikeable and has some transit options. (Take a look at the complete listing here .) 900 N. Country Club Located at 900 N. Country Club, here's a 380-square-foot studio that's listed for $665/month. Unit amenities include air conditioning, a dishwasher and a ceiling fan. Amenities offered in the building include a fitness center, assigned parking and additional storage space. Pet owners, take heed: cats and dogs are welcome. Per Walk Score ratings, this location requires a car for most errands, is very bikeable and has some transit options. (Take a gander at the complete listing here .) This story was created automatically using local real estate data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


The No. 44 Niece Motorsports race-winning truck of Ross Chastain failed post-race inspection at Iowa Speedway and was officially disqualified from Sunday's Gander Outdoors Truck Series race. NASCAR officials discovered the No. 44 truck was too low in the front during post-race technical inspection, according to a NASCAR spokesperson. Chastain will not receive credit for the victory and will be scored as earning last-place points for the race. He will lose the points earned from the victory and the seven playoff bonus points as a result. The team can appeal the penalty in an expedited process, according to NASCAR. Brett Moffitt has officially been declared the winner of Sunday's M&M's 200 at Iowa, earning his first victory of the 2019 season with GMS Racing in his first season with the organization. Moffitt will also collect the $50,000 bonus for the Triple Truck Challenge program. He won this race last season as well. The post-race process is part of a new, more timely approach to inspection for all three NASCAR national series. Competition officials announced in February that thorough post-race inspections would take place shortly after the checkered flag at the track instead of midweek at the NASCAR Research & Development Center in Concord, North Carolina. Those inspections come with a stiffer deterrence structure that includes disqualification for significant rules infractions   "a total culture change," according to Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer. In the past, race-winning teams found in violation of the rules were penalized with post-race fines, points deductions and/or suspensions, but victories were allowed to stand. Competition officials introduced the quicker post-race inspection timetable in an effort to make the results official on race day, aiming for a 90-minute target time frame to complete their scrutineering. The new post-race inspection process was also designed to deal with potential violations more promptly, avoiding any midweek news that might cloud the previous week's results or the build-up to the following week's event. NASCAR will still inspect cars and parts at the R&D Center as needed, but the more comprehensive at-track inspection will take priority. According to NASCAR statistical archives, the last time a premier series driver was disqualified occurred in 1973, when early retiree Buddy Baker was demoted to last place in the National 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The last time an apparent race winner in NASCAR's top division was disqualified came on April 17, 1960, when Emanuel Zervakis' victory at Wilson (N.C.) Speedway was thrown out because of an oversized fuel tank on his No. 85 Chevrolet. ]]>


A Mexican woman under the influence of an upstate "sex cult" said in court Tuesday that NXIVM's leader used her immigration status against her to keep her in line, and ignored her when she sought an abortion. The woman, named only as Daniela in trial testimony against NXIVM chief Keith Raniere, said her undocumented immigrant status was constantly used to keep her in compliance as a sex slave to the man she was forced to call her master. "I didn't realize it at the time," Daniela told jurors in Brooklyn Federal Court. "It would be held over my head the fact that they had brought me into the country, and that it was a liability." But that didn't stop NXIVM leaders from sneaking her over the Canadian border once with a shoddy fake ID, she said. Daniela, now 33, was the middle sister of three siblings that Raniere was having sex with, according to her testimony, including a 15-year-old girl who was under the age of consent. Not only did Daniela become pregnant as a result of her relationship with Raniere, but so did her baby sister, who had an abortion when she was 18, the woman testified. "I was terrified," Daniela said about her 2006 pregnancy. "I didn't want to have a baby and I didn't want to have a baby with Keith." She said Keith barely reacted when she told him, but "for me, it wasn't a small thing." While Daniela was recovering, she said, "Keith didn't visit me not once." She was in a lot of pain and "scared," she said. After she recovered, Keith told her that "this was a great opportunity for me to lose weight and get fit." He told her women's hormones change with pregnancy, she said "In fact there are Olympic athletes who get pregnant on purpose," she said he told he. In 2008, she learned her younger sister, who was 18 at the time, was pregnant. NXIVM insider Pamela Cafritz coached the pregnant teen on what to tell doctors, Daniela said, just as she had done with her. They were told not to mention Raniere at all. Daniela called Cafritz "the handler." She was making sure there were no liabilities." Daniela discussed NXIVM's legal efforts to skirt the law to keep her brother and younger sister in the country. Daniela said that once it was no longer legal for her to be in the U.S., she was "completely dependent" on Raniere and NXIVM. When she wasn't being forced to satisfy Raniere's sexual desires, she was being used as an amateur hacker as part of a spying operation against the group's "enemies," including cult deprogrammer Rick Ross and former NXIVM lawyer Toni Natali. She even hacked her own older sister's email for Raniere. "I felt and I feel really bad," Daniela said. She said group leaders told her she needed to intervene in her sister's life. "I really thought I was helping her," she said. "I knew what I did was wrong. It's plain and simply illegal. I feel bad that I contributed to the abuse and manipulation of my own sister." Daniela said she confronted Raniere about the ethics of his spy operation, but was told that confronting the "suppressives" would lead to "a better world." "We're going to do unethical things ethically," he told her. While looking through Raniere's computer on one occasion when he asked her to fix it, she found "pictures of naked women that I know Keith was with." She said she didn't look closely but it prompted her to "ask him to delete my pictures." "You really need to be more careful," she told him about keeping naked photos on his hard drive. Raniere, 58, has pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking and other charges. He claims his encounters with the alleged victims were consensual. Federal authorities said the organization, which presented itself as a self-help group, is a cult rife with female slaves amassed and literally branded for the sexual pleasure of its perverse leader.     ©2019 New York Daily News Visit New York Daily News at www.nydailynews.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


Having grown up in Southern California, I have been to the Disneyland Resort countless times, including more recently as a mother of a toddler and an infant, and as an aunt to my two young nephews. And I have learned that there is actually a way to retain your sanity when taking the little ones to Disneyland. Even if you have been numerous times, you might do a bit of online research before heading to the parks. Yet what I often find is a lot of advice on how to go on as many rides as possible and see as many parades and live shows and squeeze as much as you can into one day. But, here's the thing babies and toddlers don't know all the things there are to see and do. That became starkly apparent to me on my latest trip to Disneyland with my two-year-old son, who had already been three times before. We had been hyping it up in the days leading up to our visit, thinking he surely had some sense of what it meant. Excitement was definitely building, we told ourselves. On the way to the park, we stopped to get doughnuts and as we pulled into the doughnut shop parking lot, he asked, "Is this Disneyland?" From that point on, we took the day, which included bringing along his three-month-old sister, very slow because Disneyland was a doughnut shop for all he knew. We went on three rides the entire day. We saw one show. The kids napped in the Grand Californian hotel lobby, and we stopped at two play areas where my son could run around and burn off that toddler energy. The Disneyland Resort is no small expense these days and people come from far and wide to experience the Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks, so they want to get the most bang for their buck. But with small kids, if you manage your expectations and slow things down, you may actually avoid meltdowns and have an enjoyable, not totally exhausting day and go home with some wonderful memories and photos to show for it. Here are some tips on how to make that happen: Try to go as early as possible Little kids often wake up early and crash early. This isn't the case for everyone, but if you have some early risers, take advantage to beat the crowds and the heat and get to the parks early. This will also help you get a parking spot closer to the actual parks (for anyone who hasn't experienced the parking, you basically get funneled to wherever parking is available), which you will be thankful for at the end of the day. Pack light, pack smart, bring a stroller Even if you have a toddler that has long since shunned the stroller, such as our guy, bring or rent a stroller (and make sure you're up to date on the parks' stroller policies as they have recently changed they no longer allow side-by-side double strollers or wagons). There is endless walking and let's face it, the stroller also doubles as a rolling cart that can lug a lot of your gear. We like to keep said gear tight and practical, including diapering essentials, sunscreen, hats, layers for those cooler SoCal nights, and my little trick that I learned from a friend we toss in pajamas, which we change the kiddos into right before we leave so that we can easily transfer them from stroller to car to bed when they inevitably conk out on the way back. I bring snacks and refillable water bottles, but I like to eat meals at the parks because that's part of the fun. When we have a non-walking kid (aka a baby), we also like to bring a carrier such as the Ergo for using on rides and for what we call "Ergo naps." Set aside adequate time for resting, feeding, and naps A big part of the go-slow approach revolves around the sheer amount of breaks you need to take with babies and toddlers for feedings, naps, diaper changes, and more feedings, naps, and diaper changes. With two small kids (or more), if one doesn't need something, the other one does. We are adamant about making sure our kids still nap and nap well when we are at the parks. For this, we have a bit of a hack: We put them in the stroller or baby carrier like everyone does, but then we head to one of the hotel lobbies to take a load off in a comfortable indoor environment (Disney's Grand Californian is my hotel of choice). This hotel lobby nap (we either leave the kids in the stroller or let them nap on us) breathes new life into everyone, including us tired parents, who get time to just sit and read or look at our photos. Those with babies should also embrace the decked-out baby care centers  there's one right behind the Main Street Photo Supply Co. store in Disneyland; in Disney California Adventure, there's one next to the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and another across from The Bakery Tour in Pacific Wharf. They are air-conditioned, have comfy nursing chairs and large changing tables, and sell a bunch of baby essentials. Choose a few rides Before we head to the parks with the munchkins, we identify just two or three rides that we would really like to get on. That's it two or three. Maybe one or two tried and true (such as It's a Small World and Jungle Cruise) that we know won't freak anyone out, and maybe a new one to see where the kids are at with their courage. Anything in addition to this is icing on the cake. The Disneyland Railroad train is a great "added bonus" ride that serves as a way to get into or out of Disneyland (be warned that you will need to get your stroller on and fold it up). And the same goes for the Red Car Trolley at Disney California Adventure. It's a Small World is a classic little kid crowd-pleaser. Others the young ones seem to love include The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, King Arthur Carousel, and Peter Pan's Flight in Disneyland. At Disney California Adventure, we like The Little Mermaid Ariel's Undersea Adventure, Luigi's Rollickin Roadsters, Monster's Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!, and Jessie's Critter Carousel. Rides like Pirates of the Caribbean and Mater's Junkyard Jamboree that we thought were shoo-ins for smaller kids, we have learned require a bit of building up their confidence. (Every kid is different so feel free to test out different rides, but know that sometimes, even with the best intentions, you may end up with a sobbing kiddo on your hands nothing an oversized lollipop or light-up souvenir can't fix.) Jungle Cruise is a perennial favorite with (or without) small kids. Use your baby to skip the line OK, so there's no real way to skip the line entirely. But if you have a smaller child who can't go on all of the rides forcing one adult to wait with said child, some rides offer what is called a rider switch option whereby only one set in the party has to wait in line. The waiting parent can then bypass the line when switching places with the parent who went on. The waiting parent can either go on alone or with up to two other people and provides his or her rider switch pass upon entry. (Note: You can also use the rider switch option together with the FastPass option, so you can all show up and get FastPasses, use the FastPass entry at the allotted time, and then switch after the ride.) Play areas are key Toddlers need to move. So, while Disneyland is known for its fun rides, it's important to build in time for running around when you're with small kids. My absolute favorite for this is the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail at Disney California Adventure. It's actually a massive obstacle course like playground with several different areas suitable across ages and abilities. Another great one is Goofy's Playhouse in Mickey's Toontown. And a third option is exploring Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island, which has the added allure of getting to ride the raft boat across Rivers of America to get there and back. Embrace the less-popular treasures Crowds and long lines don't mix well with small kids. This is a fine time to embrace a lot of the parks' hidden gems that many people bypass for the blockbuster attractions. Check out historical artifacts in the shops on Main Street, take a leisurely ride on the Mark Twain Riverboat, or play games on the Pixar Pier boardwalk. It's all magical to little tykes. The little ones will delight in a ride on the Mark Twain Riverboat. Live music is your friend Little kids are so unabashedly cheesy. Their lack of inhibition when it comes to something like live music and dancing to it is something every parent of babies and toddlers can enjoy. Since it's not easy to ask small kids to wait for a long time for the big parades (sometimes we just try to glimpse these whenever we can), instead we opt for the smaller live performances that take place all around the parks. Our kids love these. For some serious dancing adorableness, head to the Disney Junior Dance Party, which takes place a few set times each day in a studio building in Disney California Adventure's Hollywood Land miniature people grooving is the cutest thing ever. And we also love Mickey and the Magical Map at the Fantasyland Theater in Disneyland where everyone can sit back and relax while enjoying songs from some of our favorite Disney stories. Where to eat Meals are another chance for everyone to rest and recuperate. There are a few places we like to eat with the little kids with great seating and decent choices, and we make sure we have something fun to do during the meal, like an activity book, to help keep kids in their chairs (the Disneyland fold-up maps work great for this too). For seating, we love the Hungry Bear restaurant in Critter Country. There's something really relaxing about sitting in the shade along the Rivers of America banks, watching the steamboat roll on by. It's kind of standard casual lunch and dinner fare such as burgers and chicken nuggets, but there's also a decent crispy fish sandwich and a barbecued chicken salad on the menu. Another go-to with the kids is Rancho del Zocolo, the Mexican restaurant in Disneyland's Frontierland, to break up the monotony of standard theme park food. The space is cute and festive, and the kids' menu features a bean and cheese burrito and chicken tacos with healthy sides. At Disney California Adventure, we will either hit the Smokejumpers Grill because there is plenty of space and a burger always goes over well, or we'll grab a bunch of different things on Pixar Pier from stands like Angry Dogs and Poultry Palace and sit in Pacific Wharf, where parents can get a well-earned beer from Pacific Wharf Distribution Co. Of course, there are a lot of snacks and treats on offer. The fruit stands are the best for healthy, refreshing options on hot days (we love the mango slices and, oddly, the giant pickles). Our favorite ice cream pit stop is The Golden Horseshoe in Disneyland; if you're lucky and time it right, you will get to eat your sundae while watching a sweet and hilarious saloon musical show another one the littles love. Also, embrace the option to order food online through the Disneyland app to minimize wait times. Hangry-ness and waiting don't mix well for people of all ages, but toddlers seem to cope worse than others. Remember why you came I don't know for sure why you decided on a trip to Disneyland, but I'm going to guess it was to spend time together as a family and hopefully have a ton of fun. When you step into the park, take a deep breath, and try to remember that throughout the day, including during the potentially more trying moments when family members are getting tired or hungry. When you hit a challenging snag in the plans, embrace the Frozen mantra and try to "let it go." It's Disneyland, folks; there are way worse ways to be spending your day. >> Next: Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Is Opening Soon Here's Everything You Need to Know


The San Antonio Spurs are currently the 7th seed in the Western Conference, but is that good enough for the defending NBA champions? The guys weigh in and reveal their first half grade.


A Virginia man was arrested on the 4th of July for burning an American flag in front of a Walmart. Mitchell Lee Stauffer was charged with burning an object in a public place with intent to intimidate. He pulled up in front of the Walmart in York-Poquoson, threw an American flag on the ground, poured gasoline on it, set it on fire and drove away. All the while, he was yelling, which made bystanders nervous, the York-Poquoson Sheriff's Office said in a Facebook post. "The burning of our great American Flag is very offensive to most people, including me," York-Poquoson Sheriff Danny Diggs said. "That being said, the courts have ruled that act alone is an expression of free speech and not per se illegal. This charge is appropriate under the Code of Virginia. It is fortunate that no one was injured today."


Denver will see a return of last week's light rainfall, due to last through Sunday, according to the seven-day forecast from drone-powered weather service Saildrone . Today's forecast shows the highest likelihood of rain at 86%, with predicted rainfall of 0.17 inches. The immediate forecast also has warm temperatures in store for today. Temperatures will rise even more on Friday, with a high of 92 degrees. Skies will partly clear up on Monday, remaining partly cloudy through Wednesday. Winds will continue to be light over the course of the week, with the highest speeds on Sunday at only 11 mph. This story was created automatically using Saildrone's local weather forecast data, then reviewed by an editor. We also incorporate historic weather data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


Your flower girl will look adorable in any one of these autumn picks! As temperatures drop and leaves start to fall, light fabrics and and bright summery hues start to look out of place. Of course your flower girl will look adorable in just about anything (that's just how flower girl dresses are) but you can keep her look appropriate for a fall wedding by focusing on deep jewel tones and rich fabrics like tulle or silk. We put together some of the best picks for a fall wedding. Whether your wedding is sticking with traditional colors or going for darker hues, these dresses will suit any bridesmaid-in-training . Scroll through to see 15 adorable flower girl dresses for a fall wedding. Princess Daliana Jessie Dress SHOP NOW: BHLDN , $140 Over The Moon x Pixie Lily Navy Blue Pleat Dress SHOP NOW: Pixie Lily , $82 Princess Daliana Watson Dress SHOP NOW: BHLDN , $150 Holly Hastie Embroidered Star Dress SHOP NOW: Maisonette , $115 Marlo Kids Valentina Lace Dress, Apricot SHOP NOW: Maisonette , $105 Tulle Tea Length Gown with Metallic Shimmer Detail SHOP NOW: David's Bridal , $79.95 Ella Lace Dress SHOP NOW: Joanna August , $165 Fattie Pie Hera Dress SHOP NOW: Fattie Pie , $165 Jenny Yoo Mini Lucy Dress SHOP NOW: Jenny Yoo , $98 Swan Queen Tutu Dress, SHOP NOW: Tutu De Monde , $202 Joan Calabrese Dress Sleeveless Brocade and Tulle Mid-Calf Length Full A-line Dress Mon Cheri Bridal , Price Upon Request Jules Dress , Price Upon Request, Watters.


He's hitting nearly .500 in OKC Gavin Lux continued his hot stretch with OKC, as he hit his second homer in their 8-5 win. Since joining the Dodgers, he's hitting .478 with an OPS of 1.368. Triple-A Oklahoma City The Dodgers played a double-header on Saturday, splitting both games. The dropped the first game to Memphis, 3-2. The Redbirds only had three hits, but they were enough as they squeaked one more run across the plate. DJ Peters had two hits, with one of them being a home run. Since joining Oklahoma City, he's hitting .396 with four homers. Will Smith drove in the other run for the Dodgers. The offense was much better in the second game, as they scored eight runs on 10 hits to defeat Memphis 8-5. Nearly all the runs came in the second inning, as the Dodgers scored seven to essentially put the game out of reach. Three consecutive hits to begin the inning gave them the 1-0 lead. Back-to-back singles from Connor Joe and Matt Beaty then made the game 4-0. Edwin Rios followed with a triple, and then came in to score on an error, making the score 7-0. Caleb Ferguson got the start for OKC, but only threw two innings. Five of his six outs came courtesy of a strikeout, and he didn't allow a run. Double-A Tulsa The Drillers defeated the Naturals, 5-1. Cody Thomas led off the second with a homer, his 15th of the season. An inning later, Christian Santana doubled two runs in, giving the Drillers the 3-1 edge. After scoring another run in the sixth, Jared Walker gave the Drillers a four-run cushion in the seventh as he hit his ninth home run of the season. Edwin Uceta got the start, giving the Drillers six strong innings. He allowed only one run, and struck out a total of nine batters. Single-A Rancho Cucamonga The Quakes scored all their runs in the first three innings, as they defeated the Ports, 6-4. Niko Hulsizer hit a three-run shot in the first innings, putting Rancho ahead 3-1. They'd strike for three more runs in the third, as Donovan Casey hit his 16th homer of the year, a three-run shot to give the Quakes the 6-1 lead. Andre Jackson got the start, going four innings. He allowed only one run and struck out six. High-A Great Lakes A six-run fourth inning was all it took, as the Chiefs defeated the Loons, 7-4. Great Lakes jumped out to an early 3-0 lead, but fell behind after allowing six runs in the fourth. Over the course of the next four innings, the Loons were limited to only one hit. Jacob Amaya recorded three hits for the Loons, and he was one of two players on the team with a multi-hit game. As a team, they left 10 runners on base and were 3-for-13 with runners in scoring position. Short-season Ogden The Raptors needed only five innings to defeat the Chukars, as the game was called due to rain. Jeronimo Castro pitched five innings for Ogden. He allowed only one run on three hits while striking out six. Saturday scores Oklahoma City 8 Memphis 5 Memphis 3, Oklahoma City 2 Tulsa 5, Northwest Arkansas 1 Rancho Cucamonga 6, Stockton 4 Peoria 7, Great Lakes 4 Ogden 3, Idaho Falls 1 AZL Indians Blue 9 AZL Dodgers Lasorda 5 AZL Dodgers Mota 8, AZL Reds 5 Sunday schedule 7:30 a.m. PT: DSL Dodgers Shoemaker at DSL Rays 2 7:30 a.m. PT: DSL Athletics at DSL Dodgers Bautista 12:05 p.m. PT: Tulsa Drillers (TBA) at Northwest Arkansas Naturals (Ofreidy Gomez) 3:05 p.m. PT: Great Lakes Loons (TBA) at Peoria Chiefs (TBA) 4:05 p.m. PT: Ogden Raptors (Elio Serrano) at Missoula Osprey (TBA) 6:00 p.m. PT: AZL Dodgers Lasorda at AZL Mariners 6:00 p.m. PT: AZL Royals at AZL Dodgers Mota Transactions Oklahoma City Dodgers activated C Ben Moore from the 7-day injured list Ogden Raptors released SS Moises Perez RHP Mark Mixon assigned to Ogden Raptors from AZL Dodgers Mota


Mia Hamm is on site at the KPMG Women's PGA Championship yeah, the Mia Hamm! I'm not freaking out, you're freaking out to receive the KPMG Inspire Greatness Award. While talking to the media on site at Hazeltine about more serious topics like leadership and the development of women's sports, Hamm also told a hilariously relatable story about the first time she played golf. "The first time I ever played golf, I was just out of college," says Hamm. "And I shanked my 7-iron and I kept swinging and I threw it into this thicket bush. I was standing there going, I need a 7-iron to play, but I don't want to go in there and get it. " Cue every golfer on the planet nodding their head in painful understanding. "So I had to swallow my pride," Hamm continues, "Went into the thicket. Came out. I was all scratched up, bloody, but I had my 7-iron and I just realized that golf is a sport that like in soccer, if you get mad, that effort makes a difference. But in golf, the harder you try, the more, like, frustrated you are, the worse you get. And so it allowed me to kind of step away, take a deep breath and really just kind of let go of all that anger and frustration and just focus on whatever shot was in front of me." Next time you're climbing out of some creek retrieving a golf ball, or trying to shimmy up a tree to get a club that you've just let fly, remember that you're not alone. Golf does this to quite literally everyone. Even Mia Hamm. Also, try to take that extra step, like Hamm did, and realize that letting the many frustrations of golf take over might not be the best way to a career round. See the video.


Your clodhoppers track in dirt, yes, but also fecal germs and diarrhea-inducing bacteria, studies show, and the shoes themselves can get dirtier than a toilet seat. And science has shown just what makes up that filth, too. Even Charles Gerba, a University of Arizona microbiologist who conducted a seminal study on the subject, was surprised. "I'm starting to make myself paranoid," Gerba told the Baltimore Sun when his study debuted in 2008. "It seems like we step in a lot more poop than I thought." For the study, ten people wore brand-new shoes for two weeks before their kicks were sampled for bacteria. The outside of the shoes averaged 421,000 units of bacteria, compared to just 2,887 on the inside. And fecal bacteria appeared on 96% of the shoes. That fecal bacteria "indicates frequent contact with fecal material, which most likely originates from floors in public restrooms or contact with animal fecal material outdoors," Gerba said for the study. And here's the, ahem, kicker: The transfer rate bacteria from shoes to clean tiles was 90% to 99%. Bacteria found on the footwear included E. coli, a source of urinary tract infections and diarrhea, as well as other bacteria causing pneumonia (Klebsiella pneumonia) and respiratory tract infections (Serratia ficaria). The study was released by CIRI , a nonprofit cleaning industry group, in collaboration the shoe company Rockport. It wasn't peer-reviewed, but it lines up with Gerba's renown published work on the filthiness of iPhones , water bottles and other everyday items as well as with a peer-reviewed University of Houston study in 2014. In that study's analysis of 30 homes, Clostridium difficile   a bacterial cause of fever and diarrhea   was found more commonly on shoe bottoms than bathroom surfaces and toilet seats. That research appeared in the journal Anaerobe . To be clear: Our world is basically awash in fecal matter , and whether you stop wearing shoes indoors may come down to your own personal standards for cleanliness. Or, as The New Yorker reported on former "Saturday Night Live" star Tracy Morgan, you could just get "a machine next to the huge front door which Saran-Wraps the bottoms of your shoes, so that you don't track dirt onto the shiny white tiled floors." Follow Josh Hafner on Twitter: @joshhafner This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Leave your shoes at the door: Science says they're covered in poop and could make you sick


A barn and green house were fully involved in a large fire in Howard County, officials said. According to officials, shortly before 2:30 p.m., firefighters and paramedics from Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services were dispatched for a barn fire on the 3000 block of Route 97 in Glenwood. Upon arrival, crews found heavy fire conditions in two, approximately 50-feet by 100-feet, barn structures, officials said. Officials said crews was informed there were no civilians inside the structures, as well as no chemicals nor animals. Due to the size of the fire, officials said a massive smoke plume was visible for miles into neighboring counties. Units from Carroll and Montgomery counties assisted with the incident operations. Officials said the fire took approximately two hours to be placed under control and both structures are a total loss. One civilian with unknown injuries refused treatment, and one firefighter was evaluated for an injury, officials said. This incident is under investigation by the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services and Office of the Fire Marshal. READ MORE: Flames consume barn, green house in Glenwood CHECK OUT WBAL: Get all the latest Baltimore news, weather and sports. WBAL-TV brings you the best in Maryland news online, anytime.


Here's the most recent top news you may have missed in Boston. Teenager charged in stabbing One teenager was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries after the stabbing in Whitman on Sunday night. Read the full story on Boston 25 News . 9-alarm fire starts in vacant building, spreads to 7 homes Officials say seven firefighters and two others were transported from the scene. Read the full story on WCVB Channel 5 Boston . Man shot to death on Michigan Avenue in Dorchester Boston Police report a man was fatally shot at 6 Michigan Ave., near the intersection with Old and Columbia roads, shortly after 1 a.m. Read the full story on Universal Hub . 'Martin's Park' opens, named after Boston Marathon bombing's youngest victim "Martin's Park" honors the memory of 8-year-old Martin Richard, the youngest victim killed in the Boston Marathon bombings. Read the full story on ABC Chicago, WLS . This story was created automatically using data about news stories on social media from CrowdTangle , then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


In a perfect world, our skin would be all of the following at all times: clear, glowing, and healthy. However, until that world actually exists, we must figure out how to make our skin happy on our own and when to call in the big guns if necessary, like a dermatologist or an esthetician. If you've ever gotten a facial or an eyebrow wax, you've probably seen an esthetician. And if you've ever gotten a skin check, you've probably seen a dermatologist . But what exactly does each one do? And when should you see one over the other? Luckily, seeing either one will usually help you improve the quality of your skin in some way, but there are a few instances in which it really pays to see one or the other. Here, we'll take a closer look at the qualifications for dermatologists and estheticians, and when you ought to visit each. Here's what it takes to be a board-certified dermatologist. Any board-certified dermatologist will have completed a four-year undergraduate degree, a four-year medical school degree, a one-year internship in a medical subject of their choice, and a three-year dermatology residency program, Anne Chapas , M.D., clinical instructor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, tells SELF. At the end of their residency program, they take a final exam through the American Board of Dermatology (ABD) , and if they pass, they'll be considered board-certified in dermatology. "About a quarter of dermatologists then pursue additional training after residency," Dr. Chapas explains, and this training usually takes the form of fellowship programs in such subspecialties as cosmetic dermatology, pediatric dermatology, or dermapathology. In order to maintain their certification, dermatologists who got their certification after 1991 must participate in the ABD's maintenance of certification program , which generally consists of continuing medical education, a series of self-assessment activities , and exercises around professional self-improvement . (Anyone who was board-certified prior to 1991 has been granted a lifetime certificate.) The maintenance of certification program culminates in a major recertifying exam every 10 years. Although there are certainly dermatologists who don't pursue board certification, it's one way for providers to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to practicing dermatology. Independent of the ABD is the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) , which aims to educate, unify, and represent all practicing dermatologists in the United States (its membership is currently at 20,500 derms). Only dermatologists who are board-certified can join the AAD as fellows, while those who are eligible to take the board exam can join as associates. Here's how estheticians get trained and licensed. The exact requirements for estheticians differ between states. But in most states, estheticians must undergo somewhere between 300 and 1,000 hours of training at an esthetics school or school of cosmetology, or as an apprentice, and then pass a state exam often with both practical and written components  in order to earn their license. After that, most states will require them to regularly renew their licenses or take a few hours of continuing education every year. Estheticians may also have undergraduate degrees from two- or four-year colleges, but that's not required. The esthetic training curriculum generally includes skin-care basics, skin anatomy and physiology, safety and sanitation guidelines, infection control, and procedures such as facials and waxing. Three states Utah, Virginia, Washington as well as Washington, D.C., currently offer a master esthetician license , which indicates that the esthetician has received additional training in more intensive procedures, such as deeper chemical peels or ultrasound or laser procedures. In addition to their state licensure, estheticians can also pursue national certification through the National Coalition of Estheticians, Manufacturers/Distributors & Associations (NCEA). For the record, this certification does not license an esthetician to work anywhere they want rather, it provides them with a higher credential in their profession, plus more comprehensive training. At the moment, about 5,000 estheticians are nationally certified. Consisting of 1,200 hours, the national certification takes a more in-depth look at skin pathology, dermatologic terminology and disorders, and more advanced treatments including laser and light services, microcurrent facials, and ultrasounds and drainage techniques. "There [are] various safety considerations for these advanced modalities, which the national certification goes more into," Susanne Warfield, executive director of the NCEA, tells SELF. Sometimes, you should definitely go straight to the derm. For the record, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force concluded in 2016 that there isn't enough evidence for those without symptoms to get a full body skin cancer screening every year. But you should definitely talk to a dermatologist if you notice anything that might be a symptom, such as a mole that's large or evolving , and the AAD recommends screening yourself to make sure you know what's normal for you. There are certain other issues that can only be addressed by a dermatologist. Specifically, deep and painful acne lesions, cystic acne, acne that's already started to scar, redness, or anything that's scabbing and crusting would warrant a visit to your derm, Dr. Chapas says. Additionally, anything that hasn't already been diagnosed rashes, dryness, sensitivity, and brown spots, chiefly should be seen by a derm first, Carolyn Jacob , M.D., a clinical instructor of dermatology at Northwestern University, tells SELF. Even if all you want to do is get rid of it, she says the risks involved with seeking out a quick fix before knowing exactly what you're dealing with are far too great. If you have a new brown spot, for instance, you'll want to check with a dermatologist before getting it addressed by an esthetician. Instead of a harmless freckle or acne-related dark spot, it could be a melanoma, Dr. Jacob explains. A cancerous mole is addressed very differently and could be deadly if left untreated. Plus, even esthetic treatments which can include chemical peels and lasers may have risks and side effects associated with them, so it's crucial to know both what you're treating and why you're treating it. Simply put, "you can't go zapping away without a diagnosis," Dr. Jacob says. Any specific concerns or uncertainties you have about your skin should be brought to your dermatologist. If you're looking for pampering or routine maintenance, an esthetician can help with that. As Dr. Jacob puts it, esthetic procedures like facials and extractions can be soothing, relaxing, and downright fun parts of one's skin-care routine. Even though an esthetician won't be able to offer treatments for severe or medical skin conditions, they may be able to improve the appearance of your skin overall. Anyone who's simply looking for glowier skin (read: thoroughly moisturized, exfoliated, massaged, and calmed) will probably be best served at an esthetician's office, Dr. Chapas says. Once you're squared away with any diagnoses you need and have your derm on call in case you notice any changes in your skin, you can go forth and enjoy a monthly facial at your favorite spa with ease. Estheticians and dermatologists can and do work together. It's possible that an esthetician may refer you to a dermatologist, and vice versa. Warfield explains that, technically, estheticians are not allowed to treat any diseases of the skin. So, if they notice a lot of sun damage on the top of a client's ear, for example, they can educate them on the importance of sun protection , but they will need to recommend that the client go see a derm for further evaluation. Or perhaps they'll see a client who wants help managing acne but find that the client's skin may actually benefit from prescription-strength treatment. Because estheticians cannot prescribe medications, they would, again, encourage the client to make an appointment with a dermatologist. "I definitely see that the referrals go back and forth between our professions," Dr. Chapas says. For instance, some people with serious skin conditions see an esthetician before a dermatologist simply because it's more convenient for them. "People start simple with what's close and what's easy," she says. "And then, depending on whether or not they've resolved their problems, they may seek out the next level of professional advice." This is why Dr. Chapas advocates for an "open and fluid" line of communication between dermatologists and estheticians (and other care providers, for that matter). Sometimes, word-of-mouth is the most effective way to get people who genuinely need dermatological care to see her. On the other hand, there are times when dermatologists call upon the services of estheticians. In particular, Dr. Chapas may refer younger patients, especially those who are more concerned with maintenance and prevention than any particular skin condition, to see an esthetician. And for some of her patients with acne, Dr. Chapas will suggest that they see an esthetician for a peel or microdermabrasion treatment, all the while treating them medically too. "We work as partners, communicating back and forth," she says. While Dr. Chapas may see a patient every few weeks or just once a year depending on what they're dealing with, an esthetician may see that same individual even more frequently and when they stay in touch with each other, they can cross-check their recommendations and ensure that the patient is compliant with the treatment. The bottom line: Both dermatologists and estheticians can be fantastic allies for your skin, but keep in mind that they aren't interchangeable. RELATED VIDEO: This is how often you should actually be exfoliating


There is plenty of money - millions, and millions - being thrown around in sports. Forbes released its list of the Top 100 paid athletes in the world in 2019. And in some synergy, 19 of the names play in the NFL. Mitchell Leff/Getty Images Saquon Barkley Getty Images The Giants' second-year running back comes in at No. 93, with overall earnings of $25.8 million, $4.3M of that is in endorsements. Odell Beckham Jr. Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images Barkley's former teammate and current Cleveland Brown, Odell Beckham Jr., checks in at No. 85 with $26.5M in earnings, $5M of which come from endorsements. C.J. Moseley Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports The New York Jets helped linebacker C.J. Moseley find a home at No. 82 on the top 100 with their free-agent signing of the former Baltimore Raven. All but 150K of Moseley's $26.9M comes from salary. Andrew Luck Getty Images Andrew Luck has plenty to cheer about with earnings of $26.9M, $24.1 of which comes via his contract with the Indianapolis Colts. That puts him in a tie for the 82nd spot. Tom Brady Christian Petersen/Getty Images Tom Brady is always helping the New England Patriots find creative ways to add talent. His salary/earnings from the Pats check in at $15M. Throw in another $12M in endorsements and you have the 81st overall athlete on the list. Justin Houston Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports The Indianapolis Colts have another player on the Top 100. They signed Justin Houston after the Chiefs cut the linebacker. All but 200K of Houston's 28M comes from salary. The rest is in endorsements for the 72nd player on the list. Earl Thomas Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Earl Thomas checks in at No. 66, having gotten the big contract he desired but was unable to obtain from the Seattle Seahawks. The DB is at $29M, with only $500K of that in endorsements. Geno Atkins Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports Might surprise you to find a Cincinnati Bengal on this list. Geno Atkins makes it with $29M in salary and a "paltry" $500K in endorsements. Pretty sure the DT, who is No. 65, can handle life on his salary alone. Matt Ryan Getty Images Matt Ryan makes the Atlanta Falcons' offense go. The team knows it and that is why the quarterback is handsomely rewarded to the tune of $24.8M in salary. Throw in another $5M in endorsements and you have No. 60 on the Forbes list. Trey Flowers Maddie Meyer/Getty Images Trey Flowers earned jewelry with the Patriots and now he is getting megabucks from the Detroit Lions. Matt Patricia must have liked what he saw because the Lions gave the defensive stalwart a mega-deal that spots him at No. 57. His salary is a nice, round $30M. Nick Foles Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports Nick Foles gave Philly a Super Bowl ring. He has a super-lucrative contract, courtesy of Tom Coughlin and the Jacksonville Jaguars. The quarterback who specializes in heroics will reel in $33.8M in salary and another $2M in endorsements, which puts him in the 36th slot. Brandin Cooks Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Brandin Cooks grabbed a lot of passes in his first season as a Los Angeles Ram. He also catches a big paycheck, to the tune of $37.5M. That makes it easy to digest the only $500K in endorsements for the wideout, who is 34th on the Forbes list. Aaron Donald Ezra Shaw/Getty Images Aaron Donald is a beast for the Los Angeles Rams. He sacks quarterbacks with ease and that earned him a rich contract that brings in sacks of money. At the 28th slot, Donald earns $40.9M in salary and adds in another 500K in endorsements. Drew Brees USAT Drew Brees has more than earned his spot on the Forbes list with an incredible career for the New Orleans Saints. Brees earns $26.4 from the team and an astounding $16M in endorsements. That puts him in the 27th slot. DeMarcus Lawrence Getty Images No shock to find a Dallas Cowboy on the list. What could be surprising is it is DeMarcus Lawrence, not one of the Cowboys' skill players. The defensive lineman ranks 22nd with salary of $46.8M and another 150K in endorsements, which must go toward tips and petty cash. Khalil Mack Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images The Oakland Raiders didn't want to pay Khalil Mack what he was worth, so the great LB was dealt to the Chicago Bears. In the Windy City, Mack hauls in $54M and other $1M in endorsements, good for the 13th spot on the Forbes list. Ben Roethlisberger USA TODAY Sports The Pittsburgh Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger is 12th on the list. He has $1M in endorsements to go with $54.5M in salary. Aaron Rodgers USA TODAY Sports Aaron Rodgers is seventh overall with salary of $80.3M and endorsements of another $9M. That will go a long way in Green Bay. Russell Wilson Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Russell Wilson lands in the sixth spot overall, with earnings of $89.5 million. Endorsements are $9 million of the money the Seahawks quarterback earns. MORE: Women's World Cup 2019, USA vs Thailand Live Stream, US Lineup, How to Watch World Cup Online, TV Channel, Start Time Watch as jury convicts former NFL player Kellen Winslow Jr. of raping homeless woman How Kevin Durant's Achilles injury alters Kyrie Irving's free agency Kevin Durant Has a $31.5 Million Player Option; Will Warriors Offer Him Supermax Contract? Coach Matt LaFleur feels good about Packers' young, fast WR group


There is yet to be any definitive confirmation from the Washington Redskins, but according to a couple of reporters around the league, it appears that LT Trent Williams underwent minor surgery on Thursday. According to NBC Sports JP Finlay, and confirmed by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Williams went under the knife on Thursday to clean up the area around an original scar that was left from a tumor-removal procedure earlier this year. From what I understand, this latest surgery is to clean up the area where the original scar was. Not considered major, not related to a setback. https://t.co/poZRpPnOCy - Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 13, 2019 All of this started when Williams posted a video to his Instagram story just after 8 a.m. that showed doctors and nurses likely prepping for surgery. There was no dialogue in the video, other than background music provided by Lil Durk. If we are to trust Rapoport and believe that this was indeed minor, it should have no ramifications on a setback or potential elongated holdout. Get healthy soon, Trent. The Redskins will need you come August. MORE: 5 reasons it makes no sense the St. Louis Blues won the Stanley Cup David Bakhtiari excited to see more from Packers rookie Rashan Gary NBA trade rumor rankings: Rockets on the move? Roundup: Latest David Ortiz Shooting Investigation Details, Elin Nordegren Expecting Third Kid Instant analysis of Patriots' trade for TE Michael Roberts


A tiny, old star just 12 light-years away might host two temperate, rocky planets, astronomers announced today. If they're confirmed, both of the newly spotted worlds are nearly identical to Earth in mass, and both planets are in orbits that could allow liquid water to trickle and puddle on their surfaces. Scientists estimate that the stellar host, known as Teegarden's star , is at least eight billion years old, or nearly twice the sun's age. That means any planets orbiting it are presumably as ancient, so life as we know it has had more than enough time to evolve. And for now, the star is remarkably quiet, with few indications of the tumultuous stellar quakes and flares that tend to erupt from such objects. These factors, plus the system's relative proximity, makes the system an intriguing target for astronomers seeking to train next-generation telescopes on other worlds and scan for signs of life beyond Earth . "Both Teegarden's planets are potentially habitable," says Ignasi Ribas of the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia, a member of the team reporting the planets today in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics . "We will eventually see if they are actually habitable and, perhaps, even inhabited." Stellar runt The two worlds orbit a star so faint that it wasn't even spotted until 2003, when NASA astrophysicist Bonnard Teegarden was mining astronomical data sets and looking for dim, nearby dwarf stars that had so far evaded detection. Teegarden's star is a stellar runt that's barely 9 percent of the sun's mass. It's known as an ultra-cool M dwarf, and it emits most of its light in the infrared just like the star TRAPPIST-1, which hosts seven known rocky planets . But Teegarden's star is just a third as far from Earth as the TRAPPIST-1 system, which makes it ideal for further characterization. Ribas and his colleagues are currently searching for planets orbiting 342 small stars , so they aimed the CARMENES instrument, located at Spain's Calar Alto Observatory , at the mini-star. CARMENES observed Teegarden's star over three years, watching for the wiggles and tugs produced by any orbiting planets. In the end, more than 200 measurements suggested that two small worlds are jostling the star, each weighing in at approximately 1.1 times Earth's mass. The team calculates that one of the planets, called Teegarden's star b, completed an orbit in a mere 4.9 Earth-days; the other world, Teegarden's star c, has an orbit of just 11.4 days. Eerily quiet Before they could report that those planets likely exist, the team had to rule out intrinsic stellar phenomena, like star spots and flares, that can masquerade as orbiting worlds. Sometimes, this can be quite tricky for red dwarf stars, which are notoriously tempestuous and prone to erupting in massive flares . But Teegarden's star is almost eerily quiet, making it much easier than usual to tease out planetary signals. "The number of measurements is so high and the star is so well-behaved that there is very little room for an alternative explanation," Ribas says. "So, this is, to me, a clear-cut case of planet detection. I would bet both my little fingers that they are there." "These are very plausible-looking planet candidates," agrees Lauren Weiss , of the University of Hawaii. "I am impressed by the quality of the data." However, Weiss notes, a few points cause her to hesitate. First, scientists don't know the exact time it takes for Teegarden's star to rotate on its axis, and that type of motion could be masquerading as one of the planet signals. Still, "stellar rotation would probably only mimic the orbit of one planet, not two planets, so at least one of the planets is probably real," she says. Second, she says, it's possible the planets might be zipping around the star more speedily than inferred, which might knock down their potential habitability. "This technical concern is minor though," Weiss says. "If there really are planets around the star, and the authors got their orbital periods wrong, the planets are still planets."