FRESNO, Calif.   A second company has cut ties with a California minor league baseball team that played a Memorial Day video that included an image of Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez with images of Kim Jong Un and Fidel Castro. The Fresno Bee reports Heineken International confirmed Thursday it ended its relationship with the Fresno Grizzlies. The company's Dos Equis and Tecate beer brands sponsored the team. The raisin company Sun-Maid terminated its sponsorship of the Fresno Grizzlies on Wednesday. The Triple-A Washington Nationals affiliate has apologized and said it failed to properly vet the video. The video has patriotic images and excerpts from President Ronald Reagan's first inaugural speech. When Reagan mentions "enemies of freedom," the video shows the North Korean leader, Ocasio-Cortez of New York and the late Cuban leader. ___ Information from: The Fresno Bee, http://www.fresnobee.com Related slideshow: 2019 MLB season (provided by imagn)


Eight things you should know about this beast, which is what happens when you turn a Ford truck into an off-road monster. A Mustang or an F-150 makes for a great blank canvas. Ford provides the raw material and aftermarket builders create machines far more radical than those that left the factory floor. Roush has been modifying Ford cars and trucks since the late 1990s with serious engine, suspension, and styling upgrades, and today offers nine Mustang and Ford F-Series models. The latest in the line is the new F-150 SC, a supercharged beast that adds $25,000 (and a lot of muscle) to a typical F-150. We blasted one of these machines around an off-road park in Southern California to see what that money buys you. A 650-Hp Supercharged V-8 The heart of the Roush SC is the Twin Vortices Series (TVS), a four-lobe Eaton roots-type supercharger. It's the same unit the company fits to its 710-hp supercharged Mustangs. In the F-150, the supercharger wakes up Ford's 5.0-liter V-8 to the tune of 650 hp and 610 lb-ft of torque, a jump of 255 hp and 210 lb-ft over the factory rating. It's a big step up from the Ford Raptor's 450 hp twin-turbo V-6, too. The Roush delivers power and torque all across the rev range and feels fantastic. When the 10-speed transmission is in Sport mode, the shifts are crisp and this revved-up F-150 behaves like a real sport truck. Surprisingly Quiet Despite the power it delivers, the V-8 is not loud. Most of the time you don't hear the engine or exhaust, and even with the pedal flat to the floor there's very little of the typical supercharger whine. The Roush exhaust is mellow, too. On the freeway you'll probably notice more tire hum than any noise from the powertrain. For those that want a quick truck without the racket, this is the one. For those who yearn for greater aural impact, Roush also offers an active exhaust system that lets the driver dial in the perfect exhaust note. More Factory Than Aftermarket The problem with tuned-up aftermarket vehicles is that for all their grunt and looks, they often lack the robustness of a factory-built vehicle. By contrast, the Roush truck we sampled felt like it could have come straight from Ford. The truck felt solid, the parts all fit well, and nothing rubbed or felt flimsy when the terrain got tough. The drivetrain never hesitated or stumbled, no matter what we threw at it. Badass Look It's no accident the Roush F-150 bears more than a passing resemblance to Ford's rad Raptor, especially in the "Roush" grill and those bedside graphics. But this truck has its own look. We like those wheel flares, the blacked-out hood, and the beefy and aggressive wheels and tires. Anyway, there should be no confusion about who made this truck. It says "Roush" in more than 20 places around the rig. Real Off-Road Suspension Roush knows its buyers want an F-150 that looks like a real off-roader and perform like one, too. To create such a beast, the engineers put in springs at each corner that measure two inches taller, as well as beefy Fox Racing shocks. That makes room for the deep-lug 305/55R20 Mickey Thompson Baja ATX tires. This 20-inch setup has a low profile sidewall, which works well to maintain street handling and does so without creating a ride that's too stiff. It's not as plush-riding on road (or off) as a Raptor. Then again, the Raptor has much more suspension travel to soak up the bumps. The added clearance-almost 10 inches under the rear axle, the truck's lowest point-allows the Roush to confidently tackle off-road obstacles without fear of scraping the undercarriage or denting the bodywork. If it were up to us, though, we'd add some skid plate protection up front. Tough Hill Climbs The Roush's tall stance, purposeful tires, and endless reserve of power allowed the F-150 SC to conquer some challenging climbs during our wheel time, including one rutted hill that stops all but the most capable factory 4X4s. Another big part of its capability we shouldn't forget: Ford's electronic locking rear differential. The option costs about $400 from the factory, and when combined with the Roush modifications, the result is a beast that can handle trail obstacles that would leave other 4X4s stranded, tires spinning in the air. Sand Blaster In two-wheel drive, those big tires were a bit too much. They dug into deep sand and threatened to make the Roush a land anchor. But when we twisted the knob into 4WD high range, the Roush ripped. The suspension soaked up the bumps and we could slide the truck around the curves by prodding the throttle, kicking up big blasts of sand. The Roush enjoyed this kind of higher-speed four wheeling, and we did too. It's Not Cheap Before its transformation into the Roush F-150 SC, this loaded F-150 Supercrew Lariat stickered for $63,945. That's not exactly a cheap truck. The standard Roush package, plus a few options like those exterior graphics, brought the price of this particular rig up to $91,204. There's no getting around it: This is a pricey machine. But it's a load of fun and is one truck you won't see on every street corner. For some, that's worth a lot.


Two children are hospitalized after a vehicle started on fire and the flames jumped to a second in the parking lot of Walmart in Fridley Tuesday morning. Fridley Police spokesman Lt. Jim Mork says dispatchers received a 911 call around 7:15 a.m. from the parking lot of the store at 8450 University Avenue. The early investigation indicates that one van caught fire, and the flames quickly spread to a second van with two young girls, ages 9 and 6, trapped inside. Police say both were burned and suffered smoke inhalation. The injuries to one of the victims are considered life-threatening. "The fire was very intense, an awful lot of smoke and flames, there were windows exploding and even parts from inside the vehicle that were shooting outside, as far as 30 or 40 feet from the vehicle," Mork shared. Investigators believe the mother of the children was inside shopping for 45 minutes to an hour, and left the girls alone in the van, Mork says. At this point it is uncertain if she will face criminal charges, but he says the main concern is with the girls. "It's terrible. You fall back on your training and do everything you can to help the situation," Mork said. "Most of our officers are parents so automatically your thoughts go to your own children." A woman sitting in the passenger seat of the van that burned managed to escape without injury. A third vehicle parked next to the vans also suffered significant fire damage, and two others showed damage from the heat of the fire. KARE 11 has a crew on scene and will share information as it develops.


The first Western North Carolina location for the Famous Toastery, first opened in Huntersville in 2005, has closed after just a year in business. Famous Toastery, a full-service breakfast, brunch and lunch restaurant, has close to 40 locations across the Southeast and in Denver, and others are in the pipeline. But this isn't the first store to close: The Greenville-based Toastery closed earlier this year after a year and a half. Another location in Fort Collins, Colorado, lasted 16 months . Neither the local franchisee nor the corporate headquarters for Famous Toastery responded to requests for information. The restaurant occupied two units in the Whole Foods-anchored South Tunnel Road complex across from the Asheville Mall. Total seating capacity was around 150. More: Dining review: Famous Toastery in East Asheville More: Breakfast at Famous Toastery According to Toastery CEO Robert Maynard, the group considered downtown Asheville, ultimately deciding a restaurant there would not be the right fit for the community. He cited an existing roster of independent and not-so-independent breakfast restaurants in the central business district. "We wanted to be where it's more suburban-driven," he told the Citizen Times last year , adding that a measurable percentage of Famous Toastery locations are next to Whole Foods grocery stores. More: Beer, delivered: Amazon launches Whole Foods grocery delivery in Asheville The Whole Foods shopper is the type willing to pay a little extra for fresh crab, house-roasted turkey, cage-free and free-range eggs and organic ketchup, he explained. This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Famous Toastery's East Asheville location has closed


Antoine Griezmann has swapped Atletico Madrid for Barcelona after LaLiga's champions triggered his €120 million ($135 million) release clause. France star and World Cup winner Griezmann will link up with Lionel Messi at Camp Nou on a five-year deal that includes a $900 million buyout option, it was confirmed on Friday. You were waiting for this. pic.twitter.com/vVR0Prmy0b   FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 12, 2019 The 28-year-old turned down a move to Barca in June last year as he opted to extend his Atletico contract. However, Griezmann informed the Madrid side of his desire to leave the Spanish capital after five years. Griezmann has now made the switch to Barca, joining fellow recruits Frenkie de Jong and Neto through the door as Ernesto Valverde's side eyes a third consecutive LaLiga title. The attacker, who was born in France and has spent his entire professional career in Spain, moved to Atletico from Real Sociedad in 2014. MORE : Neymar can leave PSG if the price is right, says Leonardo | USWNT's World Cup triumph secures biggest ever FIFA rankings lead He won the Europa League, UEFA Super Cup and Supercopa de Espana during his time at Atletico. Griezmann scored 15 LaLiga goals as Diego Simeone's side finished second behind Barca in 2018-19, while he netted 21 in all competitions.


The Pentagon has put off awarding a $10 billion cloud computing contract sought by Amazon, saying Thursday that the process will be reviewed by the newly-appointed defense secretary. Amazon was considered a strong contender to provide technology for the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure (JEDI) program -- a contract that is also being pursued by Microsoft -- but critics argued that the bidding process favored the Seattle-based technology titan. The move to stall the contract process came a week after Mark Esper was confirmed as the new US secretary of defense. Esper was selected by US President Donald Trump, who has lashed out at Amazon and company founder Jeff Bezos, who owns The Washington Post. "Secretary Esper is looking at the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure (JEDI) program," defense department spokeswoman Elissa Smith told AFP. "No decision will be made on the program until he has completed his examination." The contract has caused controversy over whether internet giants claiming to be trying to make the world better should be involved in the defense industry. Amazon chief Bezos has defended the company's bid for the contract, saying it was important to support US defense efforts, even if it is unpopular. "This is a great country and it does need to be defended," Bezos said late last year at a conference in San Francisco. Bezos was asked about his position on defense contracts after Google dropped its bid for the Pentagon cloud computing contract because it would be inconsistent with its principles. "We are going to continue to support the DoD," he said, referring to the Defense Department. "If big tech companies are going to turn their back on the US Department of Defense, this country is going to be in trouble." Bezos added that many in the tech industry feel "conflicted" by the current state of politics, but maintained that the United States "is still the best place in the world" where, he said, "everybody is trying to come." Microsoft is Amazon's only rival in the bidding for the winner-take-all contract, despite employees urging it to drop out. "Many Microsoft employees don't believe that what we build should be used for waging war," read a blog post on Medium. "The contract is massive in scope and shrouded in secrecy, which makes it nearly impossible to know what we as workers would be building."


Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan has approved the decision to discipline at least eight military officers over their role in the October 2017 Niger ambush that left four American soldiers dead and sparked a debate about the role of US troops in Africa after a Green Beret-led team found itself under attack by some 100 ISIS-linked fighters, according to two US officials familiar. Shanahan surprised many, including some lawmakers on Capitol Hill, when he announced in April that he had ordered a review into the investigation and its findings regarding military awards and punishments for those involved. He decided not to recommend any further punishments. Politico first reported Shanahan's decision. "Following an extensive investigation into the attack, the Department of Defense identified numerous areas for improvement and lessons learned to help prevent this type of incident from occurring again in the future. After a thorough review of those reports, Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan concurred with all of the findings, awards and accountability," Pentagon spokesperson Cdr. Candice Tresch said in a statement. Shanahan tasked Gen. Robert Brown, the commander of US Army Pacific, with conducting an independent review of the findings of the military's months-long investigation into the incident. That review recommended that no changes be made and Shanahan approved the findings on May 29, the officials tell CNN. The original investigation found numerous institutional failures that contributed to the deadly ambush in Niger. The Army has approved valor awards for several of the soldiers involved in the incident. Staff Sgt. LaDavid Johnson and Staff Sgt. Dustin Wright, two of the soldiers who were killed in the ambush, are to receive the Silver Star. Staff Sgt. Bryan Black and Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Johnson, who were also killed in the attack, will receive the Bronze Star. Two additional members of the Green Beret-led team will receive the Silver Star.


Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) responded Sunday to reports President Trump compared to her to Eva Perón with a quote from the former Argentine First Lady. "I know that, like every woman of the people, I have more strength than I appear to have," the New York representative tweeted, linking to New York Post coverage of the remark. "I know that, like every woman of the people, I have more strength than I appear to have." - Evita Perón https://t.co/IH7y7C54ip - Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) July 7, 2019 She followed the tweet up with another Perón quote, "I had watched for many years and seen how a few rich families held much of Argentina's wealth and power in their hands. So the government brought in an eight hour working day, sickness pay and fair wages to give poor workers a fair go." In an interview with Politico's Tim Alberta for Alberta's forthcoming book "American Carnage: On the Front Lines of the Republican Civil War," Trump claimed he first saw Ocasio-Cortez on television campaigning against then-Rep. Joe Crowley (D-N.Y.) during the 2018 primary "ranting and raving like a lunatic on a street corner." "I called her Eva Perón," Trump told Alberta. "I said, 'That's Eva Perón. That's Evita.'" Trump went on to say that the freshman representative "knows nothing" but "has real potential." Trump did not mention Ocasio-Cortez by name immediately following her upset primary victory, only mentioning Crowley and suggesting he lost because he was not "nicer, and more respectful, to his President." Trump is a longtime fan of "Evita," Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical based on Perón's life, and wrote in a 2004 book that he had seen it six times. Perón, who was born into poverty before becoming an actress, married Juan Perón two years before he was elected president and, as first lady, became known as a champion of working-class causes.


Josh Sweat has the name and the legacy as a former Florida State Seminole, and he's reached a defining point in his NFL career. Sweat got some run with the Eagles last season, playing 68 defensive snaps before finishing the season on IR. With Michael Bennett and Chris Long have moved on, there's an opportunity for playing time at defensive end, and Sweat wants in on the action. The Eagles have expectations for Sweat and as he told the Inquirer.com, he knows what's expected of him at this point in his career. "It's implied," Sweat said this past week. "I know. I don't need nobody to tell me. But, yeah, it's definitely implied. You just feel it in the atmosphere. But I'm ready to live up to it." "There's no pressure, but at the same time, there is pressure," Sweat said with a laugh. Sweat will compete for snaps with the returning Derek Barnett, pass rush demon Brandon Graham and the returning Vinny Curry. With the Eagles utilizing a rotation on the line, Sweat will get his chances to shine. MORE: Most bizarre and incredible catches by fishermen in past decade Roundup: David Ortiz Shooting Suspect in Custody; Frozen 2; Alabama Chemical Castration Law Packers rookie CB Ka'dar Hollman impressing early with press coverage 2019 aggregate mock draft 9.0: First look after withdrawal deadline Watch as judge declares mistrial on remaining 8 charges against Kellen Winslow Jr.


The New York Knicks and it's fanbase suffered on Sunday after seeing coveted free agents Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving sign with the crosstown rival Brooklyn Nets . So, what was the Knicks' official response? According to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, New York and free agent forward Julius Randle agreed to a three-year, $63 million contract. Take that, haters! Free agent Julius Randle has agreed to a three-year, $63M deal with the New York Knicks, CAA agents Aaron Mintz and Steve Heumann tell ESPN.   Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2019 Yeah, about that... Hours after Durant's reported intention to sign with the Nets was revealed, ESPN's Ramona Shelbourne reported that Knicks owner James Dolan was skeptical of giving the two-time Finals MVP a max contract due to his Achilles injury. And that's surely all KD needed to hear The Knicks response to this was giving Randle an average annual salary of $21 million over the next three years. Enes Kanter did say Zion Williamson is Julius Randle with hops. So the Knicks technically signed Zion.   Frank Isola (@TheFrankIsola) June 30, 2019 To be fair, Randle has grown into one of the game's more underrated offensive big men, and he broke out this past season with the New Orleans Pelicans in terms of the counting numbers. The power forward averaged 21.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 30.6 minutes, while shooing 52.4 percent from the field. He is limited as a shooter and defender, however, limiting his overall value. While Randle had a career year on the stat sheet in his lone season in the Big Easy, it will remain to be seen if he can replicate his performance at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks had such high hopes this offseason, trading Kristaps Porzingis in order to free up cap space for two max roster spots, which many believed to be for Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Instead, the Knicks gave Randle a huge contract, and he'll face astronomical pressure to live up to it in New York City, the place where dreams are made of. The mood around MSG is decidedly sour.


CAMDEN, N.J. (AP)   A New Jersey woman accused of stabbing her identical twin to death during a street fight will remain jailed until her trial on aggravated manslaughter charges. A state judge issued the ruling Thursday. Camden County prosecutors say 27-year-old Amanda Ramirez initially denied stabbing her sister, Anna, at the Centennial Village Apartments in Camden early Saturday. They say she later admitted to the stabbing but said she acted in self-defense after her sister got a knife and came at her. Prosecutors say those claims are contradicted by a woman who saw most of the fight, though she didn't see the stabbing occur. Amanda Ramirez's public defender says she didn't purposely kill her sister and sought to have her released on house arrest.


WASHINGTON   In the wake of two mass shootings, the divisive politics of gun control appeared to be in flux on Thursday as President Trump explored whether to back expanded background checks on gun purchasers and Senator Mitch McConnell, the Republican majority leader, signaled that he would at least be open to considering the idea. It is not clear that either the president or Mr. McConnell will embrace such legislation, which both of them have opposed in the past and which would have to overcome opposition from the National Rifle Association and other powerful conservative constituencies. Sign Up For the Morning Briefing Newsletter But their willingness to weigh its political appeal and feasibility   or to be seen doing so   suggested that Republicans are feeling pressure to take some substantive action after mass shootings over the weekend in El Paso and Dayton, Ohio, that killed 31 people. Mr. McConnell said that a measure expanding background checks to all gun purchasers would be "front and center" when the Senate comes back into session next month. "There is a lot of support for that," he said in an interview with a Kentucky radio host, adding that the discussion would also encompass so-called red flag legislation that would make it easier to seize firearms from people deemed dangerous. Such legislation had already been gathering support from Republicans. While stopping short of backing a background check measure or committing to bring it to a vote, Mr. McConnell said, "I think the urgency of this is not lost on any of us, because we've seen too many of these horrendous acts." If Mr. Trump were to back such legislation and Mr. McConnell proved willing to bring it up in the Senate, it would signal a fundamental change in the gun control debate. After previous mass shootings, similar discussion about Mr. Trump and congressional Republicans dropping their opposition to expanded background checks went nowhere. Mr. McConnell's comments came as Mr. Trump has been reaching out to a wide array of allies and opponents   including, on Thursday, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senator Chuck Schumer, the minority leader   to gauge the possibilities of pushing through a background check bill. The president spoke with Mr. McConnell on Thursday morning and has held a series of discussions with Senator Patrick J. Toomey, Republican of Pennsylvania, who has been pushing a bipartisan background check bill. He has directed White House aides to determine what he might be able to do through executive action if Congress does not act. And he has reached out to Wayne LaPierre, the embattled head of the N.R.A., seeking to test whether the organization's formidable clout in blocking gun control legislation is ebbing. Slideshow by photo services "I certainly think it's fair to say the president is very interested; the president would like to do something in the background check space," Mr. Toomey said, though he added that Mr. Trump has not committed to supporting his bill, which fell to a filibuster in 2013. In a statement, Ms. Pelosi and Mr. Schumer said they had told the president that Mr. McConnell should take up a background check bill passed by the House this year. "The president gave us his assurances that he would review the bipartisan House-passed legislation and understood our interest in moving as quickly as possible to help save lives," they said. Should Mr. Trump throw his weight behind a background check bill   or even an executive order, which would surely face legal challenges   it would immediately change the gun control calculus for skittish Republicans, giving at least some cover to support the concept. And it would be a huge turnabout for the president; in February, he threatened to veto the House bill. In private conversations, Mr. Trump has offered different ideas for what action on gun safety might look like. With some advisers, he has said he thinks he can get something done through executive action. With others, he has said he prefers legislation. With still others, he has said he would like a political concession in exchange for doing so. And he has insisted that he would be able to convince his most ardent supporters who favor gun rights that the moment for a change has arrived. Mr. McConnell told the radio host, Terry Meiners of WHAS in Louisville, that he is determined to see bipartisan legislation pass, adding, "what I want to see here is an outcome, not a bunch of partisan back and forth." He also said he expected discussion of an assault weapons ban, which is favored by Democrats but highly unlikely to pass in a Republican-controlled Senate. Slideshow by photo services He said he had spoken to Mr. Trump, and the president was "very much open to this discussion." Still, Democrats caution that they have been down this road with Mr. Trump and Mr. McConnell before, and it is not clear how sustained Mr. Trump's attention to the issue will be or how much political capital he will spend to follow through. After the massacre of 58 people at a Las Vegas concert in 2017 and the killing of 17 students in Parkland, Fla., the next year, Mr. Trump made good on a pledge to impose a ban on bump stocks , the attachments that enable semiautomatic rifles to fire in sustained, rapid bursts. But he also expressed support for taking guns away from dangerous or mentally ill people   even without court orders   only to back away after gun-rights advocates objected. Mr. Trump has also mused in the past about more aggressive moves like tightening loopholes in the existing background check law but then failed to take action   including last year, after the Parkland shooting. And Mr. Trump earlier had reversed an Obama-era executive action that used Social Security records to help flag people with disqualifying mental health issues. Mr. McConnell's commitment is also unclear. He said he did not intend to bring the Senate back into session from its August recess, as Ms. Pelosi asked again on Thursday that he do. In a statement issued just after Mr. McConnell spoke, Mr. LaPierre said the N.R.A. "opposes any legislation that unfairly infringes upon the rights of law-abiding citizens." Mr. LaPierre did not specifically say whether that included red flag laws and background checks. But the group has opposed such measures in the past, and Mr. LaPierre said that "many proposals are nothing more than 'soundbite solutions'   which fail to address the root of the problem, confront criminal behavior, or make our communities safer." Behind the scenes, Mr. Trump has made at least some appeals to Mr. LaPierre. On Tuesday, the president called the N.R.A. leader to describe his thinking, according to two people familiar with the call. The call was first reported by The Washington Post . Mr. Trump talked up the idea of a signing ceremony in the Rose Garden and insisted that he believed it would be successful, according to those briefed on the call. Mr. LaPierre made clear that his members   many of whom back Mr. Trump   would not favor such a move. Senator Lindsey Graham, the chairman of the Judiciary Committee and a close ally of the president, said Mr. Trump was "open-minded" about pursuing background check legislation, but he sounded more optimistic about the possibility of a red flag law. Part of the challenge for lawmakers seeking action is that the White House is divided   as is often the case. The hard-liners and Mr. Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., who is close to pro-gun activists, are uneasy about angering the president's heavily white and rural base by pursuing gun control measures ahead of 2020. But others, particularly Mr. Trump's eldest daughter and senior adviser, Ivanka Trump, are aggressively lobbying the president to take action, according to Republican officials who have been in touch with her. A close adviser to Mr. McConnell, Scott Jennings, said on Thursday that he spoke with the leader this week and encouraged him to pursue a background check bill. "I think we've reached a tipping point," said Mr. Jennings, who is based in Kentucky and has advised Mr. McConnell for years. "The polling clearly supports that notion, and as long as the president is going to be for something, I think there will be momentum for it within the party." Regardless, senators of both parties are deeply skeptical that Mr. McConnell will bring any sort of gun control measure to the floor unless the president demands it. "There's no way Republicans are voting for a background check bill unless Trump comes out in favor of it for more than a couple of hours," said Senator Christopher S. Murphy of Connecticut, recalling that Mr. Trump also voiced support for strengthened background checks following the massacre in Parkland, Fla. "I've been to this rodeo before." Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii was even blunter. "Unless Donald Trump says here's the model legislation I want and here's the White House position, then I think everyone should assume it's" not true, said Mr. Schatz, using a far more colorful word. On Thursday, more than 200 mayors, including the mayors of Dayton and El Paso, signed a letter demanding that Mr. McConnell bring the Senate back from its August recess to consider the House-passed legislation. "There's no sense that the gun that the shooter used in Dayton   it was completely legal, he broke no laws to get it here," said Mayor Nan Whaley of Dayton. "And so here we sit, nine dead and 27 injured in Dayton. All we're asking is for Congress to do its job."


The Jets have signed third-round draft choice Jachai Polite , per Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. The Jets confirmed the move. That leaves only No. 3 overall pick Quinnen Williams and fellow third-rounder Chuma Edoga left unsigned from Gang Green's 2019 class. Polite will be an interesting story to follow, as the Florida product is a player who once had first-round buzz but who slipped after bombing at the combine. Polite also saw his stock plummet thanks to rumblings about his work ethic and unwillingness to do what was asked of him by coaches, and he was battling hamstring issues as of last month. Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan, though, seems to think his coaching staff can maximize Polite's potential. Maccagnan said after the draft, "We know some of the risk in [Polite]. We also think there are some very good qualities about him." And New York could certainly use Polite's pass-rushing ability. Polite racked up 11 sacks during his final season with the Gators, and the Jets finished in the middle of the pack last year with 39 quarterback takedowns. Polite joins a revamped front seven that includes Williams   viewed as perhaps the best overall player in the 2019 draft   and C.J. Mosley . The team also re-upped 2018 breakout performer Henry Anderson . Per the CBA slotting system for rookies, Polite's deal will be a four-year pact worth a total of $3.6M. It includes a $1.1M signing bonus.


South African authorities are trying to recapture a pride of 14 lions that escaped from world-famous Kruger National Park this week. The group of lions has been spotted roaming near a mine in the Limpopo Province, prompting warnings from local officials. "Employees at Foskor Mine and members of the public are hereby advised to be alert at all times," the government warned. (MORE: Toddler killed by leopard in South Africa's Kruger National Park) Rangers are monitoring the animals, and will release them back into the park after they've been captured Kruger National Park is one of the biggest game reserves in Africa, covering an area of 7,523 square miles. The area is largely fenced off, and it is unclear how the lions managed to slip out of the park unnoticed. (MORE: Suspected poacher killed by elephant, body devoured by lions: Officials) News of the lions' escape comes just one day after a leopard killed a 2-year-old boy at Kruger National Park. The leopard managed to gain entry into the fenced-off staff quarters and attacked the child before it was shot and killed by rangers.


The bat appeared 30 minutes into the flight from Charlotte to Newark; passengers were finally able to trap the bat in a restroom until the plane landed.


Nearly four years after meeting at the Boulder Theater, Cristina Bordes and John Harrington found themselves back there this time at their wedding, with 133 friends in tow. While their relationship came full circle at the wedding, the couple's engagement took place far away from home at a lion conservatory in South Africa . "After five days of 'waiting for the right moment,' John proposed to me in the prayer circle of the camp," Christina recalls. "The buildup for John was filled with internal drama. When he shared it, there were quite a lot of twists and turns leading up to the proposal . I was taken completely by surprise!" After returning to the States, Christina and John started planning their wedding with the help of Heather Dwight of Calluna Events and decided to say "I do" closer to home in Colorado. They found Lone Hawk Farm, a working organic farm that's a short drive from their home in Boulder, and fell fast for its grounds, as well as its owner, Kristin. "It was incredibly lush with beautiful trees, grapevines, and an abundance of flowers," Christina says of her initial impression. "It was magical." After selecting the venue for the ceremony and reception an after-party at the Boulder Theater was a given! Christina admits that their vision evolved throughout the planning process. But on September 2, 2018, they ultimately achieved their goal, which was for their wedding to be the embodiment of who they are as a couple. "We knew from the start we wanted to get married outside surrounded by trees and for our wedding to really reflect who we are and what is important to us," she explains. "We also wanted it be magical, sacred, beautiful, fun, and filled with love." Keep reading to see how Calluna Events brought Christina and John's ideas to life with the help of Eclectic Hive for the design and James + Schulze behind the camera. The couple's invitation suite showcased illustrations of their wedding venue, as well as decor details (like feathers) that would later be used in the party's design. Each was also addressed with butterfly stamps another nod to the illustrations that were used in everything from the ceremony programs to the seating chart and table numbers (or shall we say, names) on the big day. It took two trips to Anna Be for Christina to commit to her Berta gown. On the first visit, her friend suggested she try it on. "I fell in love with it but wasn't quite ready to commit," she admits. "I had thought I was going to get something kind of simple and this dress was just so overwhelmingly beautiful!" Yet when she returned with two different friends, both of them had a similar reaction. "When I walked out of the dressing room, one friend started crying and the other was completely speechless," she says. "I knew right then, without a doubt, it was the One!" The bride's entourage wore navy blue gowns by BHLDN. Cones of flower petals were personalized with a touch of clover as a nod to the groom's Irish heritage. The couple also included the Irish wedding song in their ceremony, and the groom's wedding band was made in the shape of a Celtic knot. "We wanted to have a ceremony in the round surrounded by trees that echoed the sacredness of the traditional prayer circle in which we were engaged in South Africa," explains the bride. To re-create that moment in Colorado, the couple's planner, event designer, and florist worked together to bring in a circle of trees , as well as Tibetan wood-carved doors, that acted as the ceremony entrance and altar. They also covered the space in rose petals and added two stone lions at the entrance (a subtle nod to their engagement in a lion conservatory). "The overall feel was beautiful, sacred, and in a word, magical," raves the bride. In addition to creating a completely unique space, the couple customized their ceremony with special song selections like "Here Comes the Sun" by the Beatles for the bride's solo entrance  and handwritten vows. " Writing our vows took some work but it was really truly worth it. We will have those forever," Christina says. "The very last line of each of our vows was 'I love you, you are my home,' which sums up so deeply how we feel about each other." John wore a navy suit by Bespoke Edge, which he personalized by lining the inside with a map of the world. "This reflected his incredible love for travel," Christina adds. Christina and John brought in a mix of lounge furniture so their guests could relax around the dinner area. They also set up a tent specifically for the groomsmen to hang, and a stargazing area for guests late at night. "Each table was named after a place we have been that has special meaning to us and places that we aspire to travel to," says the bride. "Each table was given a symbol like an elephant, rose, or butterfly." The symbols were painted by watercolor artists at Jolie and Co., printed on escort cards , and then arranged in floating glass frames so guests could locate their seating assignments. "They looked like beautiful botanical shadowboxes," Christina adds. Dinner was set at long farm tables below string lights that hung from trees. The decor varied by table, as some featured luxuriant flower arrangements that ran the length of the table, while others had runners of moss mixed with flowers, fruit, and candles. Additionally, the newlyweds had their own sweetheart table, where they sat in a special love seat. "It was one of my favorite things," says the bride. "The back seemed to be woven of branches and again covered with vines and even a tiny blue butterfly. It felt enchanting." After a dinner of bavette steak, rotisserie chicken, and blue corn enchiladas, Christina and John cut into a cake that featured three flavors (crème caramel, almond raspberry, and vanilla). The night ended as the band was playing "Hey Jude," a song that is special to John's parents. "We were dancing in a circle holding hands with John's father and mother, and somehow all of our guests spontaneously took each others' hands and created a circle around us with everyone singing," recalls the bride. "As they danced in a circle rotating around us, we got to see the face of each loved one go by us smiling, singing, and offering us their love and support. It was an amazing and indescribable experience." Wedding Planner: Calluna Events || Venue: Lone Hawk Farm || Officiant: Reverend Diane Berke || Decor & Design: Eclectic Hive || Bride's Dress: Berta , purchased at Anna Be || Wedding Bands: J. Albrecht Designs || Hair: Andres Mendoza from Side Door Salon || Makeup: Jessica Shinyeda || Bridesmaids' Dresses: BHLDN || Groom's Attire: Bespoke Edge, Magnanni Martino || Floral Design: Bare Root Flora || Paper Products: Jolie and Co || Guest Book: The Shutterbus || Music: Mark Diamond || Catering: Blackbelly Catering || Cake: Shamane's Bakeshoppe || Rentals: Event Rentals || Tabletop Rentals: Yonder Floral and Decor House || Accommodations: St. Julien Hotel and Spa , Hotel Boulderado || Transportation: Hermes Worldwide || Videographer: Velare || Photographer: James + Schulze || After-Party Venue: Boulder Theater || After-Party Band: Rocky Mountain Grateful Dead Revue || After-Party Desserts: Kim and James Cakes Related video: How to plan your own wedding (provided by Brides)


What do you want? Since Brian Gaine was fired on Friday, the Texans have already started to move on and interview general managers. They interviewed Ray Farmer, former general manager of the Cleveland Browns , and former Detroit Lions general manager and 49ers executive Martin Mayhew. Since then there haven't been any additional reported interviews. Just names, and front runners, men who may eventually interview and get the job. Nick Caserio is the BIG NAME to watch out for. Monti Ossenfort, the Patriots Director of College Scouting is another name tossed around so the Texans can continue to emulate the New England Patriots without having Bill Belichick or Tom Brady around. Scott Pioli, the warlock who traded for Matt Cassel and tried to turn the Chiefs into the Patriots and recently stepped down as the assistant general manager in Atlanta is another option. Joe Douglas was a rumored hire until the Jets landed him. Personally, I'm tired of this obsession with the New England Patriots and want it to end already. I don't want any of this. So I leave the question to you loyal reader, who do you want to be the next general manager of the Houston Texans? I'll shut up and listen.


Police arrested several elderly protesters, including some in wheelchairs, for attempting to block construction of a telescope on top of a volcano considered sacred by some Native Hawaiians. The Associated Press reported that roughly 30 elders, called kupuna in Hawaiian, were arrested on Wednesday. Protest leader Kealoha Pisciotta told the AP that the kupuna were prepared to be arrested as part of their protest. While some of the elderly demonstrators were walked to the police vans with their hands in zip ties, others using canes or wheelchairs needed assistance before being taken away. The demonstrations started earlier this week as hundreds of indigenous Hawaiians protested the planned construction of a telescope on the dormant volcano of Mauna Kea. Scientists chose the summit of Mauna Kea because of its vantage point, but legal battles and demonstrations delayed construction for years. Hawaii Gov. David Ige (D) last month brought the legal battle to an end when he gave the go-ahead to a construction company to start building the telescope, prompting this week's protests.


Craving some New American grub? Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best New American spots around Plano, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best spots to fulfill your urges. 1. Sixty Vines Topping the list is Sixty Vines . Located at 3701 Dallas Parkway, the wine bar and New American bistro, which serves pizza, wine and more, is the most popular New American restaurant in Plano, boasting 4.5 stars out of 1,012 reviews on Yelp. 2. The Biscuit Bar Next up is The Biscuit Bar , situated at 5880 TX-121, Suite 102B. With 4.5 stars out of 679 reviews on Yelp, the bar, breakfast, brunch and New American eatery has proven to be a local favorite. 3. Whiskey Cake Whiskey Cake , located at 3601 Dallas Parkway, is another prime choice, with Yelpers giving the New American, breakfast and brunch restaurant four stars out of 2,735 reviews. 4. Haywire Haywire , a New American spot that specializes in breakfast, brunch and traditional American fare, is another go-to, with four stars out of 730 Yelp reviews. Head over to 5901 Winthrop St., Suite 110, to see for yourself. 5. Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar Lastly, scope out Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar , which has earned four stars out of 755 reviews on Yelp. You can find the New American outlet, which offers comfort food, sandwiches and burgers, at 8401 Preston Road. This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


Last year, Jadeveon Clowney seemed poised for the big bucks, but the Texans elected to have him play out the 2018 on his $12.3M fifth-year option. This year, they employed the $15.967M franchise tag to cuff him, but Clowney has yet to sign his tender. The two sides have until July 15 to work out a long-term deal. If Clowney is not signed to an extension by that date, he will be on course for free agency after the season. While he has been kept in limbo and away from free agency riches, he is not completely without options. Last year, Le'Veon Bell elected to stay at home rather than signing his one-year tender with the Steelers and signed with the Jets as an unrestricted free agent in March. Clowney's situation is complicated by a number of factors. Unhappy with the club's lack of action, he abstained from the team's mandatory minicamp . Unless he signs his tender or gets the extension he wants, it's unlikely that he'll be involved in the team's full training camp. Meanwhile, the Texans are without a GM following their surprising dismissal of Brian Gaine and failure to land Patriots exec Nick Caserio. Will the Texans' front office revamp breath new life into the longstanding standoff between the club and one of its top defenders? So far, that doesn't appear to be the case   we've yet to hear any recent developments on a deal, and the team, presumably, is still wary of a long-term commitment that would make him one of the NFL's highest-paid edge rushers. Depending on whom you ask, the Texans may have shown a willingness to trade Clowney earlier this offseason . At this point, the Texans may have to commit, or get off the pot. In other words, their only options may be to fork over a massive contract to the former No. 1 overall pick or trade him to a team that will.


Crystal Palace are set to demand £100m for talisman Wilfried Zaha in an attempt to fight off interest from Arsenal. The Ivorian is thought to have asked to leave Selhurst Park this summer, with Arsenal set to test Palace's resolve with an opening offer . However, after seeing Aaron Wan-Bissaka leave for Manchester United, fans have called for Zaha to be kept at all costs. Palace seemingly feel the same as, according to the Daily Mail , they will demand £100m to try and ensure that Zaha does not leave the club this summer. Club officials know that Arsenal will likely struggle to afford such a fee, even if they do sell a number of their star players. The likes of Granit Xhaka, Shkodran Mustafi and even Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have been linked with moves away, with the Gunners needing to raise transfer funds. Arsenal have been linked with numerous players this summer, so it is thought that they would not be prepared to part with £100m to sign one player, given they are keen to secure so many other deals. In fact, Palace are so certain that Arsenal will not meet their asking price that, according to The Sun , chairman Steve Parish has told any potential new investors that Zaha will still be at the club next season. Whilst Palace do not want to upset Zaha, they believe he should honour the five-year contract he signed last summer. They have no need to sell the winger this off-season, and especially not on the cheap. Selling Wan-Bissaka to United for around £50m means that, from a financial point of view, they certainly do not need to sell Zaha as well. However, an offer of £100m would be enormous for Palace, so any such bids would be accepted in an instant. Can't wait to get started  #MUFC pic.twitter.com/524gEiCeOK   Aaron Wan-Bissaka (@awbissaka) June 29, 2019 The Eagles are focused on securing a replacement for Wan-Bissaka. Norwich City wonderkid Max Aarons is high on their wish list, as is Atalanta's Timothy Castagne, but it is thought that Roy Hodgson could move for Liverpool 's Nathaniel Clyne, who is widely expected to leave Anfield this summer. Losing Zaha in the same window as Wan-Bissaka would be incredibly tough for the club, but this £100m asking price will almost certainly scare away most suitors.


The Vikings have found themselves quite the duo at wide receiver with Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs. The two combined for 215 catches for 2,394 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. The folks over at Pro Football Focus ranked the best wide receiver tandems in the NFL heading into 2019. Thielen and Diggs ranked first. Here's what PFF wrote about the two: After stellar 2018 seasons, Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs have cemented themselves as one of the most dynamic receiving duos in the NFL. The Vikings' pass-catchers have clearly emerged as two of the league's premier route runners and are among the best in contested catch situations. What's remarkable about these two is that they were never supposed to be this good. Thielen was an undrafted free agent and Diggs was a fifth-round pick. Statistically, it might be hard for these two to beat last year's numbers, with more familiarity with quarterback Kirk Cousins and an improved offensive line, that just might be the case. MORE: A terrible VAR decision eliminated Scotland from the Women's World Cup Rob Pelinka May Not Have Known the Cap Rules for Anthony Davis Trade Four potential Kawhi Leonard landing spots in free agency Position flexibility giving Packers DB Natrell Jamerson a chance to stick Raiders DE Clelin Ferrell signs contract, offers message to fans


The PGA Championship has an identity issue. Or, more precisely, a lack of identity issue. In terms of prestige, it unquestionably ranks last among golf's four major championships. Unlike its counterparts, the PGA has no signature feature. The Masters benefits greatly from its iconic Augusta layout and its April date. After an eight-month majorless purgatory, Jim Nantz's whispers serve as an unofficial beginning to the golf season and a welcomed reminder that spring hath sprung. The U.S. Open scratches a sadistic itch, presenting devilish setups often accessible, public courses that force the world's best to grind out pars and survive a battle of attrition. The British Open offers a wonderful change of pace, with its browned-out links courses, rich history and quirky lingo. And then there's the PGA. Until this year, it has traditionally been held during the throes of oppressive August heat at nondescript private clubs. No offense to Bellerive or Quail Hollow, but Pebble Beach or St. Andrews they are not. Sometimes the tournament is a grueling test (2008, when Padraig Harrington won at  3) and sometimes it is a Desert Classic-like birdie brigade (2015, when Jason Day posted  20). It might have the strongest field in golf, but plenty of other events also draw the biggest stars. Its sole proprietary attribute having 20 club professionals tee it up alongside the game's greatest players is more tacky than compelling. The PGA has also suffered from being the last major of the year. Not only has it felt like a dog-days afterthought to the three more prestigious events, but it also tees off just when MLB playoff races and NFL training camps are also vying for attention. This year has brought the PGA a long-overdue face-lift. Starting this week at Bethpage Black, the tournament will now be played in May, as the year's second major. It's also the first time since 1974 that the PGA will be held on a municipally-owned golf course, the result of a conscientious effort to inject egalitarianism into a sport with an exclusionary past. The benefits of the change are wideranging, both for the game as a whole and for the tournament itself. In the past, golf has squandered much of its post-Masters momentum by not staging another major for a full 10 weeks. Now, each major is just one month apart, giving the season's cadence a Triple Crown-like swiftness. The new Tour schedule wraps up before Labor Day, ending the fool's errand of trying to compete with college and professional football during fall weekends. The PGA Championship will also no longer need to shift every four years to accommodate the Olympic golf tournament, as it did in 2016. And the move away from August means that any corner of the country can host the major without heat indexes and sweat stains emerging as a story. Another intriguing by-product of the move to May is the simple fact that one player will still have a chance at the Grand Slam a feat accomplished exactly once, by Bobby Jones in 1930 when he tees it up at the PGA. This year, that player is Tiger Woods. "Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good," says Seth Waugh, CEO of the PGA of America. "We made really smart decisions with the move to May and with Bethpage, and they turned out to be home runs. Because of Tiger." Unless you've been sleeping under a rock in a wifi-less cave, you know that Woods won the Masters. His 15th major victory completed one of the unlikelier comebacks in sports history and re-ignited Tiger's pursuit of Jack Nicklaus's all-time record of 18 majors, a mark that seemed safe just five weeks ago. Woods chose to sit out every tournament between Augusta and Bethpage, a reminder of the fragility of his 43-year old body and how little non-major tournaments matter to him at this stage of his career. That hasn't scared off the oddsmakers, though; Woods enters this week as the Vegas favorite at 8 to 1, partly because of his rich history at Bethpage. He famously held off Phil Mickelson there to win the 2002 U.S. Open and finished tied for sixth when the Open returned in '09. He has a tremendous track record at PGA Championships (though the same can be said of virtually every tournament), having won it four times and finished second on three occasions including last year, when his closing 64 came up just short at Bellerive. But he is hardly the only player who will fancy his chances. Rory McIlroy has been firing on all cylinders. Dustin Johnson was a 12-footer away from forcing a playoff at Augusta. Brooks Koepka seems to be a factor in each and every major. Francesco Molinari has blossomed into a player who can win anywhere. Mickelson finished second in both U.S. Opens at Bethpage. There's also Justin Thomas and Jon Rahm and Rickie Fowler and countless other contenders. None of those players, of course, has the transcendent appeal Woods does. And while a calendar move won't immediately boost the PGA to the level of its three siblings, a Tiger victory at the people's country club, to win his second straight major, to tie Sam Snead's record of 82 Tour wins and to pull within two of Nicklaus would elevate this PGA to one of those unforgettable events. For an old tournament searching for a new identity, you can't ask for much more.


Unlike matcha and kombucha , carbonated water has been on people's radars for…well, a while. Now though, brands are reinventing the old school sip with healthy ingredients like real squeezed fruit instead of "natural flavors." But is carbonated water all it's cracked up to be? Is it a better option than soda ? Overall, is carbonated water bad for you? We tapped an expert to learn more about carbonated water what it is, how it stacks up to plain old H2O, and whether it helps or hurts digestion. And if you're really looking for more ways to kick your bubbly habit, be sure to check out 20 Drinks That Make It Easy to Quit Soda ! What is carbonated water? Seltzer water. Sparkling water . Club soda. Carbonating can get confusing. Let's break it down. Seltzer water is plain water that gets carbonated with the addition of carbon dioxide. That's it! Sparkling water is water that naturally contains minerals (think salt, sulfur) and is either inherently carbonated or made fizzy with the addition of carbon dioxide. Club soda, on the other hand, is plain water that has been carbonated with carbon dioxide and contains additional ingredients, like sodium bicarbonate and potassium sulfate. Seltzer water and club soda are usually consumed straight-up or added to other drinks, like cocktails. Sparkling water is mostly sipped solo, and it's basically just carbonated water with some flavoring. If club soda and sparkling waters contain minerals, does that mean they're healthier than regular water or seltzer? Not quite. "The amounts of minerals are negligible, and club soda can contain 75 milligrams of sodium per 12 ounces," notes Cynthia Sass , RD, CSSD, a New York City- and Los Angeles-based performance nutritionist. "That's about 3 percent of the recommended maximum for healthy adults." What makes carbonated water healthy then? Just like water, it's hydrating and counts toward your overall fluid intake. It also may be beneficial for weight control. "Carbonated water has been shown to increase the feeling of fullness after meals more than plain water and delay stomach emptying, extending fullness," says Sass. Research suggests that the bubbly beverage could also help ease constipation. One study published in the European Journal of Gastroenterology&Hepatology found that carbonated water consumption improved indigestion and constipation in patients who regularly experienced GI discomfort compared to tap water. What are the drawbacks to carbonated water? Water and CO2 combine to form carbonic acid, which means carbonated water is acidic. The result? High consumption could potentially contribute to issues like dental erosion and acid reflux in certain individuals. Research from the Birmingham Dental Hospital and School of Dentistry in England, for example, found that prolonged exposure to flavored sparkling waters adversely affected the surface of teeth. The acidic nature of carbonated water can also pose problems for those prone to acid reflux . Why? Well, once bubbles enter the stomach, they expand and can increase the amount of pressure put on the lower esophageal sphincter , aka the muscles connecting the esophagus to the stomach. The added pressure can force stomach acids to creep back into the esophagus, potentially intensifying reflux symptoms. If you suffer from the digestive disorder, opt for flat water instead. Also good to know: Contrary to popular belief, drinking carbonated beverages has been proven not to decrease bone mineral density . Gallery: 50 unhealthiest drinks on the planet What are the best types of carbonated waters to drink? "I recommend pre-flavored carbonated waters or plain ones with a splash of 100 percent fruit juice or other whole food add-ins, like fresh mint, ginger root, cucumber, or a bit of mashed fruit," says Sass. If you're buying pre-flavored varieties, remember to mind the ingredients list. "Sparkling waters made with natural flavors may contain questionably derived 'incidental additives' in their formulation, which manufacturers are not required to disclose," adds Sass. "For this reason, I lean toward plain [seltzer water] with DIY flavors added or brands with a lot of transparency about their ingredients and sourcing." How much is too much carbonated water? Basically, exclusively drinking carbonated water isn't advised. "It would be difficult if not impossible to drink only carbonated water without experiencing some GI distress, if you're drinking enough of it," says Sass. But there really is no hard cap on how much carbonated water you should drink each day. Instead, simply listen to your body. If you experience IBS or other chronic digestive issues (or find you're sensitive to carbonated beverages), take a break from the bubbles and switch to flat water for at least three to five days. "I ask clients to monitor total fluid consumption," says Sass. "I generally recommend drinking 64 ounces spread out throughout the day, either all as flat or a combo of flat and carbonated. But if drinking carbonated results in you drinking less, I advise cutting back and making carbonated drinks occasional treats." And if you're wondering what you really should avoid sipping, check out the 50 unhealthiest drinks on the planet ! Video: What are the health benefits of drinking lemon water? (Cooking Light)


Mark Carver has been released from jail. He was convicted of killing 20-year-old UNC Charlotte student Ira Yarmolenko in a highly publicized trial, but he's long maintained his innocence. He will be under house arrest after a judge ordered a new trial just last week. "One step at a time, it's all I can do," Carver said after leaving. "One day at a time." Last week, Judge Chris Bragg ordered a new trial for Carver, citing ineffective counsel from his original defense attorney and DNA evidence that would be deemed inconclusive by current scientific standards. Carver now awaits a new trial following a highly-publicized 2011 murder conviction. "It's been hard, it's been rough," Carver said. Hugs were exchanged between Carver, his family and his attorney Chris Mumma as he was released from jail. He's not technically a free man, he has an ankle monitor he has to wear as he awaits the new trial. Carver said the first thing he's planning to do is see his family. This is a developing story. Stick with NBC Charlotte for the latest. RELATED: Judge grants new trial for man convicted of killing college student based on ineffective counsel, new DNA evidence


Housing costs got you down? Though apartment hunting can be frustrating, there are deals to be had. So what does the low-end pricing on a rental in Downtown look like these days   and what might you get for the price? According to Walk Score, the neighborhood is a "walker's paradise," is very bikeable and boasts excellent transit options. It also features median rents for a one bedroom that hover around $1,990, compared to a $1,900 one-bedroom median for Miami as a whole. A look at local listings for studios and one-bedroom apartments in Downtown, via rental site Zumper , offers an overview of what budget-minded apartment seekers can expect to find in this Miami neighborhood. Take a look at the cheapest listings available right now, 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. 340 W. Flagler St. Listed at $1,350/month, this 350-square-foot studio apartment, located at 340 W. Flagler St., is 22.9 percent less than the $1,750/month median rent for a studio in Downtown. A swimming pool and a fitness center are listed as building amenities. (See the complete listing here .) 111 E. Flagler St., #703 This one-bedroom, one-bathroom condo, situated at 111 E. Flagler St., #703, is listed for $1,400/month for its 594 square feet of space. In the unit, anticipate concrete floors and high ceilings. A fitness center is listed as a building amenity. Pet owners, inquire elsewhere: this spot doesn't allow cats or dogs. Future tenants needn't worry about a leasing fee. (See the complete listing here .) 230 N.E. Fourth St., #206 Here's a studio apartment at 230 N.E. Fourth St., #206, which is going for $1,430/month. Building amenities include garage parking, a swimming pool and a fitness center. Neither cats nor dogs are permitted. There's no leasing fee required for this rental. (See the full listing here .) 1600 N.E. First Ave., #1803 Check out this 588-square-foot studio apartment at 1600 N.E. First Ave., #1803, listed at $1,500/month. Amenities offered in the building include assigned parking, outdoor space and a swimming pool. In the unit, look for air conditioning, tile flooring and a balcony. When it comes to pets, both meows and barks are permitted. (Here's the listing .) 600 N.E. First Ave. Over at 600 N.E. First Ave., there's this studio, going for $1,530/month. Building amenities include garage parking, a swimming pool and a fitness center. In the unit, you're promised air conditioning, in-unit laundry and a balcony. When it comes to pets, both meows and barks are welcome. There's no leasing fee required for this rental. (View the 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 2018/19 campaign is coming to an end for the vast majority of leagues across Europe, which means one thing among others - players approaching the end of their contracts. Clubs will be looking at who they can't afford to lose and who they can afford to be without, offering the chance for teams to pick up bargains as fees in the transfer window continue to skyrocket. With this summer expected to be no different, here is a free agent XI of players who are sure to peak the interest of clubs across the globe. Goalkeeper - Willy Cabellero Not the most exciting way to start the list, granted, but Willy Caballero does offer a wealth of top flight experience thanks to his time at Malaga, Manchester City and Chelsea . At 37, it's unlikely that Caballero will be challenging for the number one jersey at any club he eventually ends up at, but the level of quality he provides as a back-up could be useful over the course of a season. Right Back - Dani Alves Dani Alves just refuses to retire, but he could be on the lookout for a new club this summer with his contract at Paris Saint-Germain set to expire. The 36-year-old has a trophy haul that would make most professionals jealous, boasting three Champions League winner's medals as well as league title successes in Spain, Italy and France to name but a few. Despite approaching the twilight of his career, the Brazilian has made over 25 appearances in all competitions for PSG this season and could provide a short-term option for a side in search of a swashbuckling right-sided player. Centre Back - Vincent Kompany  He may have scored the goal that potentially helps secure Manchester City the Premier League title this season - in some style, might I add - but Vincent Kompany is approaching the final weeks of his contract at the Etihad. The 33-year-old has been a terrific servant for the Citizens since arriving from Hamburg SV in 2008, having already won three Premier League titles, which could become four with victory over Brighton this weekend. The imposing Belgian has been a reliable figure at the back for City under a number of bosses, and could still do a job for a number of top sides. He is expected to stay at the Etihad, but until a new contract is signed and announced, anything could happen. Centre Back - Gary Cahill While this season hasn't been an enjoyable one for Gary Cahill under Maurizio Sarri - having made just eight appearances in all competitions - he still offers a wealth of experience for any potential suitors. The 33-year-old has won everything with Chelsea since arriving from Bolton in 2012, including two Premier League titles and the Champions League. A number of sides, one being former club Burnley, have been linked with a move for the soon-to-be free agent, and they could do worse than signing the former England international. Left Back - Filipe Luis 33 seems to be the age of a free agent judging by this list, as Atletico Madrid 's Filipe Luis is another of the aforementioned age who could be searching for a new club this summer. The Brazilian has enjoyed a wonderful career for Los Rojiblancos, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Europa League twice. He also endured a forgettable season at Chelsea in 2014/15, but still returned to Spain's capital with a Premier League and EFL Cup winner's medal. While the pace may have gone, the experience and tactical knowledge remains, and he offers plenty for any up-and-coming full backs at clubs across Europe. Central Midfield - James Milner The consummate professional, James Milner has enjoyed a career renaissance under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, although as it stands he is set to be a free agent this summer. It's hard to believe that the Reds could let the 33-year-old leave at the end of the season, mainly due to the major part he's played in what has been a terrific season for the club; one that could still finish with Liverpool winning both the Premier League and Champions League. Milner joined Liverpool in 2015 on a free transfer from Manchester City, so he's no stranger to running down his contract, although it's hard to see him leave the Reds this summer at least. Central Midfield - Ander Herrera Ander Herrera recently confirmed he will leave Manchester United once his contract expires this summer, in what was one of football's worst kept secrets. It's been a pretty bleak season for the Red Devils, but the Spaniard has been one of the few players to receive plaudits, making his impending exit from Old Trafford all the more frustrating. The 29-year-old, who has been linked with Paris Saint-Germain, will leave after five seasons at the club, having lifted the EFL Cup, FA Cup and Europa League. Central Midfield - Adrien Rabiot  You can't talk about a free agent XI without including Adrien Rabiot. The man has been linked with practically every major European side over the course of the season, yet his future is still up in the air. The France international hasn't played since 12 December after burning his bridges at Paris Saint-Germain due to his reportedly poor conduct over engineering a move away, which appears set to happen this summer. Unlike most players on this list, Rabiot still has the majority of his career ahead of him being only 24 and, judging off speculation this campaign, he won't be short of potential suitors. Right Forward - Juan Mata A number of players look set to leave Manchester United this summer, with Juan Mata one of them as his contract expires at the end of June. The 31-year-old has spent the past eight seasons of his career in England, having initially arrived at Chelsea in 2011 before joining the Red Devils in 2014. The Spaniard offers creativity, as well as a winning mentality due to his trophy haul, which includes the World Cup, Champions League and two Europa Leagues. La Liga side Barcelona are said to be the front-runners for his signature, although nothing has been officially announced yet. Striker - Mario Balotelli Yes, that is Mario Balotelli taking a selfie after scoring for Marseille, and yes, he could be joining a club near you this summer. The 28-year-old will be out of contract with the French side this summer, having only joined on a short-term deal in January in what was the latest move for the polarising Italian. While his reputation does proceed him, Balotelli has enjoyed his time in France. He's scored 41 Ligue 1 goals in his last three seasons, including his eight for Marseille this campaign, as well as 15 and 18 in his previous two seasons at Nice. Whether he's worth the hassle is another story altogether, but it does appear Balotelli is finally putting his talents to good use. Left Forward - Max Kruse A sideways glance to the Bundesliga now and we find Werder Bremen's captain Max Kruse, who could be playing his final season at the Weser Stadium. The 31-year-old, who rejoined the club in 2016, has been in fine form in 2018/19, netting 11 league goals and providing nine assists, and could be a useful squad player for a host of sides across the continent. Able to play a number of positions while offering industrious displays time and again, Kruse is a dream for managers and would be a shrewd signing for any club.


SOUTH GLENS FALLS   It was Summer time, and the living was not easy for Panas. The Panthers ran into the towering buzz saw that was Williamsville East southpaw Summer Clark in the Class A state semifinals, where they saw their season come to an end in the form of a 6-0 loss at Moreau Recreational Park. Clark, who has already committed to play for Missouri when she graduates, fanned 12 batters and was a blooper down the left-field line shy of a perfect game for nationally-ranked Williamsville East. The Flames hit back-to-back solo home runs in the top of the first inning and never looked back. Panas head coach Dale Chappelle said that while many did not expect his team   which was seeded 10th in the Section 1 tournament   to even come close to contending for a state title, that did not curb the Panthers' appetite. "Everyone says the same thing: 'It's gravy, it's gravy,' but you want more. As you taste the gravy, you want more stuffing," Chappelle said. "We said to (the team) this morning: Yesterday was, 'We're glad to be here,' and then today is, 'We deserve to be here.'" Flamers eighth-grader Ella Wesolowski hit a pair of home runs   including a three-run blast with two outs in the top of the seventh inning   for the Flames. Panas senior Gianna Servedio said the team was upbeat and optimistic about the possibility of heading into the bottom of the seventh inning down just two runs. "Anything can happen," said Servedio, who will play for Hunter College next season. "If you get a baserunner, you have something to work with." Turning point One can argue it was Wesolowski's three-run homer in the seventh, but Williamsville East's back-to-back home runs in the first inning was a crushing blow out of the gate. Player of the game Summer Clark, Williamsville East: The Flames' bats hit, but they didn't need to because of Clark. The flame-throwing lefty took a perfect game into the fourth inning and allowed just five balls to reach the outfield. By the numbers LEADING BY EXAMPLE: Rachel Steffan's home run in the top of the first put Panas in its first deficit of the postseason. BITTERSWEET BIRTHDAY: Bella Feraca recorded the lone hit of the game for Panas after blooping in a double down the left-field line, which also served as an impromptu birthday gift for the standout second baseman who turned 18 on Saturday. Despite the loss, Feraca said she was glad she was able to spend her birthday with people she cares about. "It was nice," she said. "I spend most of my time at softball fields, so I really wouldn't want to spend it any other way." NATIONAL RESPECT: Williamsville East entered the game as the top-ranked Class A team in the state, and 18th overall in the country. Quotable "It's not like we're someplace we're not supposed to be," Panas head coach Dale Chappelle said. "When they said (Friday night) at the ceremony, 'These are the 20 best teams in the state,' that meant a lot to me." This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Softball: Panas' unlikely run ends to Williamsville East in state semifinals


Greg Robinson was a pleasant revelation as an emergency option for the starting left tackle position in 2018. After Joe Thomas retired, Desmond Harrison flopped and both Joel Bitonio and Austin Corbett stayed at guard, Robinson acquitted himself nicely in the final eight games. Some thought Robinson would parlay that into a bigger contract elsewhere with some long-term security, but the veteran and one-time draft bust opted to stay in Cleveland. Robinson signed a one-year deal to come back and protect Baker Mayfield's blindside. In an interview with Ohio.com and Nate Ulrich, Robinson explains why he wanted to come back to Cleveland even if he had other offers elsewhere. "It's just the locker room, the camaraderie, the guys in the building, it just like makes you want to come to work," Robinson told Ulrich . "I've been in some places where I didn't feel the same." He's referring to his stays with the Rams, where he was the No. 2 overall pick in 2014. Robinson flamed out badly. His half-year attempt at reviving his career in Detroit in 2017 did not go well, either. Yet Robinson looked decent enough in pass protection once he took over in Cleveland that he earned an offer to come back. Thus far in training camp, the burly tackle has played well and demonstrated improved technique . He feels a sense of obligation to Mayfield, with whom he bonded instantly last year. "We connected like glue from the first day," Robinson said of Mayfield. It's not something Robinson would say of quarterbacks he's blocked for in the past. That's part of why Browns fans should be optimistic what they saw from big No. 78 will carry over and get even better in his second year in Cleveland. MORE: Jayson Tatum and others defend LeBron James for celebrating at Bronny's AAU game Observations from Lions training camp, Day 5: Jahlani Tavai makes play of the day Tom Brady disobeys Bill Belichick at practice, and suffers the consequences The Dallas Cowboys Should Trade Ezekiel Elliott and That's Okay Packers camp notes: LaFleur wants more consistency from LB Oren Burks


PITTSBURGH (AP) Coming off a hitless night, Bryan Reynolds told teammate Corey Dickerson he felt pressure to produce. Dickerson told the rookie to write a few things down to help him remember what he was doing, and what he was thinking, when he was hot. Dickerson wasn't sure if Reynolds took his advice, but the rookie turned it around on Wednesday night. Reynolds had three hits, including a three-run homer in the sixth inning to complete the Pirates' rally from a six-run deficit, and Pittsburgh beat the Detroit Tigers 8-7. ''He's so simple,'' Dickerson said. ''He has a simple approach. When you're simple like that, you're going to have good contact.'' With the Pirates trailing 7-5, Reynolds sent a knuckle curve from Nick Ramirez (3-2) 421 feet to left-center for his sixth homer of the season, driving in Kevin Newman and Adam Frazier. Felipe V�zquez retired the side in order in the ninth for his 17th save. The Pirates trailed 7-1 after Detroit scored five times before recording an out in the third. Brandon Dixon took Trevor Williams deep for his eighth homer of the season, and Harold Castro followed with his first in the majors. It was the fourth time this season the Tigers have hit back-to-back home runs. ''We kind of got shut down,'' Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire said. ''We hit a few balls hard on the nose, but really got shut down. Momentum started changing a little bit.'' Dickerson cut it to 7-3 on a two-run double in the bottom of the third, and Starling Marte made it 7-5 with a two-run blast, his 11th, in the fifth. ''A couple big swings, one from Marte and one from Reynolds,'' Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. ''Dickerson, a two-RBI swing to get us back in it when we were down 7-1. There were three big swings that plated seven runs.'' Richard Rodriguez (2-3) worked a scoreless sixth for Pittsburgh after Williams gave up seven runs on nine hits with seven strikeouts in the first five innings. Williams came off the 10-day injured list to make his first start in more than a month after suffering a right side strain. ''I'm just thankful to be back out there, thankful to be coming off the mound healthy today,'' Williams said. ''I learned a lot about myself. I learned a lot about our team too.'' Ramirez allowed five runs on six hits in 1 1/3 innings in relief of Jordan Zimmermann, who also came off the 10-day injured list Wednesday. Zimmermann gave up three runs on five hits in four innings after last pitching April 25 because of a UCL sprain. ''I'd like to go five innings and be out there as long as I can,'' Zimmermann said. ''Threw a lot of good pitches that they fouled off. It was just one of those games that was a grind.'' Newman's double in the sixth extended his hitting streak to 11 games. TRAINER'S ROOM Tigers: OF Victor Reyes was optioned to Triple-A Toledo after Detroit's 5-4 win Tuesday. He had been recalled from Toledo earlier that day and walked in a pinch-hit appearance. Pirates: RHP Mitch Keller was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Wednesday. In his three starts with Pittsburgh, Keller is 0-1 with a 10.50 ERA. ... RHP Jordan Lyles will make a rehab start Sunday with a farm club to be determined, Hurdle said. He has not pitched since June 8 because of tightness in his left hamstring. ... A neurologist will examine C Francisco Cervelli on Tuesday. Cervelli has been out with a concussion since May 25. UP NEXT Tigers: LHP Matthew Boyd (5-5, 3.35 ERA) will look for his first win since May 28 when he takes the mound against Cleveland on Friday. He gave up five runs, four earned, in four innings against Kansas City on June 13. Pirates: RHP Joe Musgrove (4-7, 4.87) will attempt to rebound against San Diego on Friday after surrendering six runs on nine hits to Atlanta in four innings his last time out on June 13. Musgrove was ejected with two outs in the first inning of his previous start after grazing Josh Donaldson with a pitch. --- More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP-Sports


RALEIGH, N.C.   Republicans are deciding who should carry their party's banner in a high-profile special election Tuesday for a North Carolina congressional seat that has remained vacant since last year's election was deemed tainted by fraud. The in-person balloting by Republican and unaffiliated voters in the 9th Congressional District follows two weeks of early voting to decide which of 10 GOP candidates will face Democrat Dan McCready. The general election will be Sept. 10 if one of them collects more than 30 percent of the votes in Tuesday's primary. If no one tops that, the September date will be used for a runoff between the top two Republicans, and the general election will be Nov. 5. The special election was required after the state elections board found last year's contest tainted when Republican Mark Harris used a political operative who improperly handled mail-in ballots. Harris, who narrowly led after November's votes were counted, opted not to run again. McCready is running unopposed. The top candidates in the GOP primary include Harris' endorsed candidate, a former Democrat who helped defeat an incumbent Republican for state Supreme Court last year, and a state legislator who sponsored legislation in 2016 voiding anti-discrimination protections for LGBT people. State Sen. Dan Bishop, who in 2016 sponsored the so-called bathroom bill, raised the most in campaign contributions, seeded with $250,000 from the Charlotte attorney's own bank account. Real estate agent Leigh Brown was backed by more than $1 million from a national political action committee representing Realtors. Chris Anglin, the former Democrat, was barred from GOP debates and failed in a lawsuit to force the state Republican Party to share internal data with him. Harris endorsed Union County Commissioner Stony Rushing. He said he was named for a Flintstones cartoon character, and produced an ad in which he donned rubber boots and wrapped a snake around his neck to underline his promise to "drain the swamp" in Washington. Bucking the Republican Party was a big theme throughout the GOP primary, with candidates calling party leaders in Washington and Raleigh spineless or corrupt. Matthew Ridenhour, a former county commissioner and Marine who lives in Charlotte, said he refused to pay heed when party authorities urged him to stay out of the race. "It's our time. It's time for all the people who are sick of the same old, same old establishment smoke-and-mirrors game. And we as the American people feel like we're getting played. That's who I am," he said during a GOP debate last week. The GOP's brand has suffered in the wake of the much-publicized investigation into Harris' campaign, followed last month by federal charges accusing the state party's chairman of working with a big-money donor to try bribing North Carolina's top insurance regulator. "Folks actually do bring this up," Ridenhour said. "What's going on with the GOP? What happened to your GOP chairman? What's going on there with these donors? Are you involved in that? Did you take any money from that donor? I did not. But that's a question that comes up often." Restaurant owner Julie Pressley, 47, of Indian Trail, stopped into her business Tuesday to check on preparations for Rushing's election-night party, then headed to the polls to vote for the candidate she said she's known since high school. Rushing and Pressley's husband serve together on the Union County commission, its executive board. Pressley said that's allowed her to know that Rushing recognizes he represents people who don't support him as much as those who do. "We've seen what he stands for as far as the people, what's best for all the people, not just certain kinds. Whether it be rich people, poor people, whatever, he cares greatly," said Pressley, who shares Rushing's low-tax, anti-abortion values. "He's very concerned about everybody, whether they like him or not. He wants to do what's best for 'em." Mitchell Eudy, 60, of Monroe, said he voted for Dan Bishop in part because he dislikes Rushing. A couple of friends who know Bishop recommended him, said Eudy, who sees the candidate as the most likely to beat McCready. "I think he will have a broader appeal for the entire population of the 9th District," Eudy said. Candidates have differentiated themselves by focusing on their personal narratives but have been largely unanimous in support for President Donald Trump and gun rights, and opposition to abortion and left-wing Democrats they contend are vanguards of socialism. Half the candidates live outside the 9th district, which is allowed. But Ridenhour and others have dismissed that as opportunism. The congressional district stretches from suburban Charlotte to suburban Fayetteville along the South Carolina border. It has been in GOP hands since 1963. Trump won it by 12 percentage points in 2016. ___ Follow Emery P. Dalesio on Twitter at http://twitter.com/emerydalesio . His work can be found at https://apnews.com/search/emery%20dalesio .


A tour pro fell on his butt hitting a bunker shot on Thursday at the 2019 British Open , but we will keep his identity secret to save the golfer and his family from embarrassment. Kidding! It was Justin Harding. Sorry, Justin. RELATED: 11 British Open terms you need to know We've seen everything from a hole-in-one to snowmen to former champs hitting the wrong golf ball on Day 1 at Royal Portrush , but there was nothing quite like this. To be fair, Harding drew a bad lie in a deep pot bunker, but still, it's impossible to watch the highlight lowlight and not laugh. Here's the hack and tumble that went viral: https://twitter.com/GolfChannel/status/1151855545550278656 Poor guy. Even Golf Channel was taking shots at the 33-year-old South African. But again, how can you not laugh? The only thing that would make that clip better would be to dub the "Curb Your Enthusiasm" theme song over it. Someone with more web skills than me get on that, please. In the meantime, be careful in pot bunkers, people. RELATED: British Open rookie throws golf ball into hole for practice-round "eagle" WATCH MORE VIDEOS FROM THE LOOP See the video.


In search of a new favorite Southern spot? Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top Southern spots around Berkeley, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best spots to fill the bill. 1. Easy Creole Topping the list is Easy Creole . Located at 1761 Alcatraz Ave. (between Adeline and Ellis streets), the Cajun/Creole, Southern and comfort food spot is the highest-rated Southern restaurant in Berkeley, boasting 4.5 stars out of 613 reviews on Yelp. 2. Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen Next up is Downtown Berkeley's Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen , situated at 2261 Shattuck Ave. (between Allston Way and Kittredge Street). With four stars out of 4,088 reviews on Yelp, the Cajun/Creole, Southern and seafood spot has proven to be a local favorite. 3. La Calle 10 La Calle 10 , located at 1300 10th St. (between Gilman and Camelia streets), is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the cocktail bar, Latin American and barbecue spot 4.5 stars out of 420 reviews. 4. KC'S BBQ KC'S BBQ , a barbecue spot, is another go-to, with four stars out of 313 Yelp reviews. Head over to 1235 San Pablo Ave. (between Gilman and Harrison streets) to see for yourself. This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


When Gracie Grazier signed up for WW (formerly Weight Watchers) through a stream of tears in April 2018, she was at her highest weight ever of 329 lbs. Today, the Austin, Texas, native is proud to be 119 lbs. lighter. "I feel like my whole world view has changed," Grazier, 26, tells PEOPLE. "Now I can allow myself to have better relationships with the people around me and allow myself more joy. I want to take more chances, travel more often, meet more people and stop living in the isolation that I held myself in for so long." Grazier says she spent years following crash diets   "quick fix" solutions   that would temporarily help her lose weight. But once she strayed from the strict meal plans, she said, she would gain back all the weight, plus more. She found herself at an all-time low at just 24 years old. Fed up with the never-ending diet cycle and sick of watching life pass her by, she signed up for WW. "It's a lifestyle change because it truly addresses the root of the problem and your mindset," she says. RELATED: Jenna Jameson Shares Photos of Herself at 205 Lbs. and 125 Lbs.: 'Only One of These Is Healthy!' Discovering the communal aspect of WW was one of the highlights for Grazier. "For so long, I internalized my struggles," she says. "But after going to WW workshops, I realized that I've never been alone in this." And her transformation has been more than just physical. "I realized that my weight was impacting my life in so many different areas beyond the scale," she says. "It was impacting my health, my activity level, my confidence and my relationships because I wasn't happy." "My mood was always bad because I always felt uncomfortable with myself   that was always on my mind. I couldn't just live in the moment because I was thinking about how tight my jeans were, how hot I was or how I slept so bad the night before." Grazier says opening up about her weight loss journey has given her she self-confidence and, last week, her hard work was rewarded in a big way. She was one of 10 WW members who won a trip to Maui as part of a WW contest. The group celebrated their weight loss successes and shared a meal with Oprah Winfrey , who lost 42 lbs. since she became a shareholder in the company back in 2015. "The highlight for me is being able to have people express their sense of celebration and pride in their accomplishment," Winfrey, 65, tells PEOPLE exclusively. "It's not a diet, it's a lifestyle and to see how that lifestyle and taking steps to change the way you eat and how accountability for that eating changes everything about your life … WW is actually happening and manifesting in people's lives in a way that makes a difference." Slideshow: 5 women who dropped over 100 lbs. share their tips for losing weight (Provided by People)


Water is one of the major building blocks of life and Earth has an abundance of it, as 71 percent of its surface is covered by water, largely due to its expansive oceans . Now a new study theorizes that Earth's water may have been carried to our planet from ancient comets, millions of years ago. The study, published in Astronomy and Astrophysics Letters, looked at data from NASA's Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) and found that there were similarities to the water contained on the comet Wirtanen and the water on Earth. "We have identified a vast reservoir of Earth-like water in the outer reaches of the solar system," said the study's lead author, Darek Lis, a scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, in a statement . "Water was crucial for the development of life as we know it. We not only want to understand how Earth's water was delivered, but also if this process could work in other planetary systems." The study's co-author, Dominique Bockelée-Morvan, a scientist at the Paris Observatory and the French National Center for Scientific Research, said that it's the first time researchers are able to "relate the heavy-to-regular water ratio of all comets to a single factor." Also known as 46P, the Wirtanen comet was discovered by the American astronomer Carl Wirtanen in January 1948. The researchers found that the water contained an extra neutron inside one of the hydrogen atoms, chemically known as HDO; regular water is chemically known as H2O. The authors concluded that if comets contain the same ratio of water types as Earth's oceans, they may share a common origin. "We may need to rethink how we study comets because water released from the ice grains appears to be a better indicator of the overall water ratio than the water released from surface ice," Bockelée-Morvan added. SOFIA is a NASA lab aboard a modified Boeing 747SP jetliner that is able to carry a 106-inch diameter telescope. It is managed by NASA's Ames Research Center and is a joint project between NASA and the German Aerospace Center, DLR.


For the second time in three days, the Los Angeles Rams will practice against the Chargers. This time, however, it'll be at the Rams' place. The first practice between these two teams on Thursday was clean and productive with no skirmishes or fights breaking out. They hope to have an equally successful day on Saturday at UC Irvine as both teams prepare for the upcoming season. With the practice being at the Rams' facility, the usual training camp details apply. Tickets are free and players will be signing autographs afterward. Family Day Gates open : 12 p.m. PT Practice time : 2 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. PT Autographs : Linebackers and special teams Daily event : Barber providing Rams cuts, special performance by Warm Brew A Twitter List by TheRamsWire MORE: This Patrick Mahomes throw from Chiefs practice can't be real 49ers without 5 starters on Day 7 of training camp Jay Gruden says the Redskins will choose a starting quarterback on Tuesday Five potential Jeremy Lin landing spots in free agency 2019 Bears training camp: How has Mitch Trubisky looked?


A former big name is resurfacing this week. Defensive tackle Sylvester Williams is joining the Saints' rookie minicamp as a tryout player. Williams was an All-American at North Carolina, which helped him become a first-round pick of the Broncos back in 2013. Williams spent the first four years of his career with Denver but didn't have his fifth-year option picked up. He signed a three-year pact with the Titans but was released after just one year . He then got a one-year, $3.5M deal from the Lions, but he was released in October of last year . He then signed with the Dolphins and spent the remainder of the season in Miami. The Saints worked him out last year after Detroit cut him, so there's some familiarity there. Between Miami and Detroit, he appeared in 14 games last season, making four starts. He's managed to be a decent run-stuffer in the past and is still only 30. The Saints had one of the league's best defensive lines and run defenses last year, but standout defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins tore his Achilles right at the end of the year. He might not be ready for next season, and the Saints could use some depth. It wouldn't be shocking if Williams gets signed after the minicamp. Related slideshow: 2019 NFL draft: The top picks (Provided by imagn)


As expected, the Cincinnati Bengals will do what they can to still get first-round pick Jonah Williams on the field as a rookie. Williams needed surgery to repair a torn labrum during OTAs and was likely out for the season. It was always listed as "likely" because the team would at least throw him on the PUP and see if he can make it back. A new note from Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com confirms this line of thinking: It's a longshot, but the Bengals haven't given up on the idea of rookie left tackle Jonah Williams playing late in the year. His torn labrum may very well be a season-ender, but you could see them keeping him on the physically unable to perform list (PUP) at the start of the season rather ending his season on injured reserve in order to keep their proverbial options open. This is something that has been touched on recently . Prominent examples such as New Orleans Saints tackle Terron Armstead have made fast turnarounds in a similar timeframe in the past and gotten back on the field that same season. The story is a little different with Williams though. He's a rookie being asked to play left tackle, so if he makes it back, it would wildly shake up the offensive line if Cordy Glenn had to shift back to left guard and learn the position on the fly. But that's getting way ahead of things. Williams is prepping like he's starting despite the injury and the Bengals have made it clear they'd love to have him back if he gets healthy. Once again, the Bengals are at the mercy of the injury bug. MORE: Five potential Jeremy Lin landing spots in free agency It didn't take long for NFL fans to freak out over the new pass interference rule Steven Jackson gets random drug test from NFL after signing 1-day contract Bears defense continues to dominate on Day 6 of training camp Biggest winners from the first week of Packers training camp