NASA's Apollo 8 mission was the first to orbit the moon. No US spacecraft has returned to the lunar surface since 1972, but that could soon change. Fifty years ago this month, humans stepped onto the moon for the first time in history. On July 16, 1969, the crew of NASA's Apollo 11 mission - astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins - launched on a daring adventure. Four days later, on July 20, Armstrong and Aldrin landed a small spaceship on the lunar surface, crawled outside, and planted their boots into the ground along with an American flag and some scientific instruments. Apollo 11 often hogs the history books, but many Apollo missions before it made the astronauts' conquest possible, and the missions that followed added to the program's long list of accomplishments. In total, NASA wound up putting 12 astronauts on the moon's surface. In the roughly five decades since then, however, no US spacecraft has returned with people. That may soon change, though. Read more : An astronaut explains why the Apollo 11 moon landing was not the NASA program's greatest moment In March, Vice President Mike Pence vowed that the US would put astronauts back on the moon by 2024. The first year of the program may cost $1.6 billion , and the goal is to eventually build a permanent lunar base, mine ice from craters , and split that water into fuel for more ambitious space exploration, like crewed visits to Mars. In November 2018, NASA also announced that it was offering up to $2.6 billion in contracts to nine American companies that could land robotic probes on the moon by 2022. NASA does not want to buy the lunar landers or take responsibility for launching, landing, or controlling them. Instead, the space agency wants the private sector to deal with those challenges and bid on the opportunity to take NASA's experiments to the moon. NASA has since selected demonstration payloads that could go to the moon as part of that program - perhaps even by the end of this year. Until new moon missions take off, here's a look back at all of NASA's Apollo missions, which flew between 1968 and 1972 and succeeded in putting the first humans on the moon. The Apollo 1 mission was designed to launch a spacecraft into low-Earth orbit. But it ended in tragedy when a fire killed three astronauts in their spaceship during a routine pre-launch test. Thick smoke filled the crew module of the Apollo 1 capsule on January 27, 1967. Three NASA astronauts - Virgil "Gus" Grissom, Roger Chaffee, and Edward White - were inside performing a routine test and were unable to open the hatch in time to escape the fire. Emergency rescue teams rushed to the launchpad (located where the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is today), but they were too late. An investigation revealed several issues with the capsule's design, including an electrical wiring problem and flammable materials inside the crew cabin. On the 50th anniversary of Apollo 1's fatal fire, NASA displayed the hatch at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The deadly fire led NASA to postpone other planned crewed launches. No missions were labeled Apollo 2 or 3. In the spring of 1967, NASA announced it would keep the designation of Apollo 1 for the mission that never occurred. The rocket meant for Apollo 1 was later reassembled and used to launch Apollo 5. The Apollo 4, 5, and 6 missions launched no astronauts but were critical in paving the way for crewed missions. They occurred between November 1967 and April 1968. Apollo 4, which launched on November 9, 1967, was the first uncrewed test flight of NASA's Saturn V rocket, which was developed to bring astronauts to the moon. The mission was the first-ever launch from the Kennedy Space Center. It was a success for NASA, as it proved that Saturn V worked. At the time, the 363-foot-tall vehicle was the largest spacecraft to ever attempt flight. Apollo 5 launched a few months later, on January 22, 1968. The mission successfully tested the ability of the Apollo Lunar Module - the spacecraft designed to land on the moon's surface - to perform descent and ascent maneuvers. The Apollo 6 launch followed on April 4, 1968. The mission aimed to show that the Saturn V rocket was capable of trans-lunar injection, which puts a spacecraft on its path to the moon. But the system quickly ran into problems : Two of the five engines shut down unexpectedly, and the spacecraft could not propel itself into orbit. Despite the issues with Apollo 6, NASA pushed ahead with plans for its first crewed launch. Apollo 7 launched on October 11, 1968, and it was the first crewed test of the spaceship that was built to orbit the moon. It was also the first live-TV broadcast of Americans in space. The Apollo 7 crew, comprising astronauts Walter Schirra, Donn Eisele, and Walter Cunningham, achieved the original goal of Apollo 1: launching a spacecraft with people inside into low-Earth orbit. Schirra, Eisele, and Cunningham spent more than 10 days in space while orbiting Earth 163 times. At the time, that was more time in space than all of the previous Soviet missions combined, according to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum , To lower the risk of a cabin fire during liftoff, NASA designed the command module's atmosphere to have 60% oxygen and 40% nitrogen. (A higher percentage of oxygen would have increased the risk.) The cabin atmosphere gradually adjusted to pure oxygen shortly after liftoff. On Christmas Eve of 1968, Apollo 8 astronauts Jim Lovell, William Anders, and Frank Borman became the first people to orbit the moon. The purpose of the Apollo 8 mission was to study and take pictures of the moon's surface. In addition to achieving a historic and important space-travel milestone, Apollo 8 also became known for the famous "Earthrise" photo that the astronauts captured. It was the first time humans saw what our planet looks like from space, a moment that one Apollo-era astronaut describes as humanity's "cosmic birth" as space travelers. Earthrise has become one of the most reproduced space photos in history, appearing on posters, US postage stamps, and even Time magazine's cover in 1969. The Apollo 9 mission stayed in low-Earth orbit and tested all the major components that would be essential for a lunar landing. It featured the first crewed test of the spacecraft designed to land on the moon. Apollo 9 launched on March 3, 1969, carrying astronauts James McDivitt, David Scott, and Russell Schweickart. After a successful 10-day mission, the astronauts splashed down into the Atlantic Ocean. Apollo 10, the first of three crewed moon missions that took place in 1969, was described as a "dress rehearsal" for the first lunar landing. Astronauts John Young, Thomas Stafford, and Eugene Cernan launched atop a Saturn V rocket on May 18, 1969. The men came closer to the lunar surface than any astronaut before them. Young, Stafford, and Cernan also got farther from Earth than anybody before. The Apollo 10 mission included a test of a lunar lander that was similar to the one later used for the first moon landing. The lander, named Snoopy, was designed to travel most of the way down to the surface (but not all the way) so the astronauts could test its performance and use it to survey the future landing site. Stafford and Cernan successfully piloted Snoopy to about 50,000 feet above the moon's surface before returning to the main spaceship, where Young had remained. An estimated 530 million people around the world watched as Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first person to step foot on the moon on July 20, 1969. Armstrong famously called the historic achievement a "giant leap for mankind." Buzz Aldrin followed him onto the lunar surface, while their crew mate Michael Collins stayed on the main spacecraft in orbit around the moon. After the three astronauts returned to Earth, they were quarantined for 21 days to make sure they did not bring home any lunar contagions. Armstrong turned 39 during the confinement. Until the Apollo 11 mission, Russian cosmonauts had been ahead of the US at almost every turn in the Cold War space race. At the time, many Americans did not believe spending $24.5 billion on the Apollo missions was worth it, and some people protested NASA's eight-year effort to land on the moon. Newly publicized documents suggest today that a once-classified anomaly risked killing the Apollo 11 crew during their return to Earth. Astronauts had other near-death experiences in the years leading up to the moon landing, too. In March 1966, Armstrong and co-pilot David Scott were almost lost in space during the Gemini 8 mission. This was the first attempt to dock one spacecraft with another while in orbit, an essential step in a moon landing. But soon after takeoff, a thruster malfunctioned, which sent Armstrong and Scott spinning out of control. Luckily, they found a way to regain control of the spacecraft by powering thrusters. A few months after Armstrong and Aldrin walked on the moon, NASA sent another spacecraft to the lunar surface in the Apollo 12 mission. The Apollo 12 mission was neither as historic as its predecessor nor as scary as the near-disaster of Apollo 13. But Apollo 12 was not without drama. The mission, which launched on November 14, 1969, was almost aborted minutes of takeoff because lightning struck the spacecraft and scrambled the rocket's instruments. Many of the instruments were disabled completely after a second lightning strike. At the time, NASA was unsure whether the mission could safely continue. But the mission wound up being successful - astronauts Charles Conrad and Alan Bean landed on the lunar surface while Richard Gordon circled the moon . The Apollo 13 mission blasted off from the Kennedy Space Center on April 11, 1970, but things went terribly wrong about 56 hours into the trip to the moon. An oxygen tank exploded and damaged the cabin of the spaceship that housed astronauts Fred Haise, Jack Swigert, and Jim Lovell. The blast caused the spacecraft to lose its ability to generate water and power within three hours of this malfunction, and the astronauts' oxygen stores were lost, too. The lunar module, which was supposed to land two of the men on the moon, became the astronauts' "lifeboat" as they abandoned the main spaceship. But that small spacecraft was only built for two people, so the lithium hydroxide canisters that absorbed carbon dioxide gas from the air were used up quickly. The astronauts were at risk of dying from high levels of the gas but managed to retrofit the main ship's gas-absorbing canisters to fit into openings on the lunar module. They circled the moon but did not attempt the landing that had been planned. The crew landed safely in the South Pacific on April 17, 1970, and NASA called the mission a "successful failure ." Read more: The transcript from the Apollo 13 disaster will give you chills NASA made another successful lunar landing the following year. Apollo 14 astronauts Alan Shepard, Edgar Mitchell, and Stuart Roosa launched from the Kennedy Space Center on January 31, 1971. The spacecraft's destination was the same as the aborted Apollo 13 mission's: the moon's Fra Mauro highlands. Apollo 14 collected more lunar material and data than originally planned to make up for Apollo 13's failure to reach the moon's surface. Astronauts used a wheeled Lunar Roving Vehicle for the first time during the Apollo 15 mission to study the moon's geology. NASA astronauts David Scott, James Irwin, and Alfred Worden made up the Apollo 15 crew. Using a vehicle helped Scott and Irwin to travel farther from the lunar lander than others before them. The samples that the Apollo 15 astronauts brought back included a rock estimated to be 4 billion years old. Apollo 15, along with the two missions that followed it, featured a television camera on the lunar rover, an updated lunar module that let crews stay on the moon for longer than before, and redesigned backpacks that let astronauts spend more time on the lunar surface. NASA used the Apollo 16 mission to explore the moon's highlands for the first time. Astronauts John Young, Thomas Mattingly, and Charles Duke comprised the crew. On April 20, 1972, 36-year-old Duke became the youngest human in history to walk on the lunar surface. Duke also made headlines for leaving a photo of him, his two sons, and his wife on the moon. "I'd always planned to leave it on the moon," Duke previously told Business Insider . "So when I dropped it, it was just to show the kids that I really did leave it on the moon." After more than 20 hours of experiments on the lunar surface, Young and Duke collected roughly 210 pounds of samples. But Duke said he had a brush with death while trying to pull off a "Moon Olympics" high jump on the lunar surface. "I learned a lesson: Never do anything in space that you haven't practiced," Duke said. Apollo 17 was the last mission to bring people to the moon. Apollo 17 commander Eugene Cernan is still the last person to walk on the lunar surface. Compared to previous missions, this trip collected the most rock and soil samples from the moon. During the Apollo 15 and 17 missions, astronauts also installed heat-flow experiments to gather data on the moon's temperature. Earlier this year, a study published in the Journal of Geophysical Research analyzed that data and concluded that NASA astronauts likely warmed up the moon's surface temperature by as much as 6 degrees Fahrenheit by walking around. According to the study, walking on the moon and driving rovers around caused dark moon dust called regolith to be exposed . This likely prompted the moon's surface to heat up, the scientists said, because darker materials absorb more light. Nearly half a century has passed since the Apollo 17 mission, but NASA is now working to get astronauts back to the moon's surface. President Donald Trump has directed NASA to put astronauts on the moon again by 2024. "We've been given an ambitious and exciting goal. History has proven when we're given a task by the president, along with the resources and the tools, we can deliver," NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine said in a release . "We are committed to making this happen." NASA is planning to build a lunar landing system for astronauts in a public-private partnership with US companies. The agency has already partnered with SpaceX and Boeing to develop spaceships that can carry astronauts to and from the International Space Station. The first crewed launches of those ships could happen later this year.


Quick answer: No, but we have to ask because Jones got some pretty good reviews in the short work he did in minicamp. Now, Pat Shurmur has even said the words, "quarterback competition," and Eli Manning is out here denying that he has to win the job or that t here's a competition at all . Now, I' not an expert in what quarterback competition means, but when someone is denying there's a competition there's usually a competition. It's exactly like the vote of confidence owners give coaches when they are about to fire them. Here's the thing: the Giants absolutely can't start Jones in the beginning of the season even if he is better than Eli. That would be admitting defeat. That would make all the talk that Dave Gettleman told us false. We've been told that Eli is a starting NFL quarterback and he could be one for more than just this year. They have faith. Eli is good. They swear. Even if he's not, remember the last time Manning was momentarily benched? It got a coach fired and New York almost rose up in a mass revolt. That wouldn't happen this time - most Giants fans have finally come to realize that Manning has been mediocre for the past few seasons - but there would still be some folks saying that the Giants are disrespecting their future Hall of Fame quarterback. That's their distinction, not mine because, even with two Super Bowls, Eli should be firmly on the fringe, but his name and the fact he won in New York make him a HOF lock. Now, imagine the pressure Jones would face if he was replacing Eli in the middle of the season. Jones would have a ton of pressure on him. He's replacing a legend. His offense lacks explosive players on the outside. Unless Jones is handing the ball off to Saquon 50 times a game, there's no need to put added pressure on a young quarterback who may or may not have been overdrafted. The Giants are stuck. That's the reality. They can't move on to Jones until next year - or very very late in the season when they are firmly out of contention for a playoff spot. They have no one to blame but themselves. Even if Jone is better than Manning, Eli is the locked in starter for 2019. There is no competition because the Giants placed themselves in a situation where there can't be a competition. MORE: Max Kellerman doubles down on Tom Brady take, says QB is a 'game manager' Danny Green: 'This is the time where I need to maximize the dollars on the longest amount of years that I can do' Vegas Sportsbook moves up Lakers title odds due to Kawhi Leonard rumors Francis Ellis Fired from Barstool Sports [UPDATE] Rod Smith on early impression of Giants: 'It's a first class organization'


Once-mighty Hurricane Barry eased to a post-tropical cyclone but remained a weather nightmare Tuesday, pounding parts of Arkansas with at least 6 inches of rain and triggering flash flooding that swamped an animal shelter and killed a puppy. The National Weather Service issued flood warnings for parts of Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi. Heavy rains were falling in Missouri. The Humane Society of Clark County in Arkadelphia issued an SOS after flooding inundated its recently renovated shelter. "SOS!!!!!!!!!!!! We are flooded. It's on the building !!!" the shelter said in a Facebook post. "We need help !! Can any of y'all keep a dog or two at your houses????? It's bad y'all!!! Help help help !!" Video from the scene showed wet dogs wandering loose in the shelter, the floor covered in water. Janie Allen, the shelter's president, told AccuWeather that at one point some of the shelter's dogs were swimming for their lives in knee-deep water. Food and medicine was ruined by the water, she said. Slideshow by photo services Scores of area residents offered their homes and yards to the animals. A short time later, the shelter posted an update on Facebook saying foster homes had been found for all 72 dogs. "We are so blessed! People came from all over," the post said. "This community has come to our rescue. Donations. Cleaning. Fostering. It's unbelievable!!!!" Hurricane Barry weakens: Storm still brings 'life-threatening' floods Snakes add to Barry threat: T ornadoes also a concern Elsewhere, the heavy rains are adding to troubles in Mississippi, where 550,000 acres of the South Delta have been under water since May. "It is still shocking to see the sheer amount of water that we've got," Gov. Phil Bryant said. "It's been here since February, and most of these houses have been under water since May." This is the scene at the Humane Society of Clark County. They are in ugrent need of people with fenced in yards to take dogs temporarily, until they can get it cleaned up. @KATVNews #ARwx #ARnews pic.twitter.com/R57acG47Qt   Kaila Lafferty (@KATVKaila) July 16, 2019 There was a ray of sunshine   rainfall ended in Texas and Louisiana, where the storm first roared into the region last week . Rainfall totals averaged from 3 to 6 inches, but some areas saw much more. One location north of Lake Charles in Louisiana saw a whopping 23.43 inches. Hurricane Barry had triggered flooding across part of Louisiana days before it pushed ashore Saturday along the coast southwest of New Orleans. Although the storm quickly weakened to a tropical storm, days of heavy rain took its toll on the region. "Even though the storm surge was very significant, our levees performed," Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said. "We did not have a single levee anywhere in the state that failed or breached." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Humane Society SOS: Dogs swim for their lives as Ark. shelter floods. Community comes to the rescue.


WASHINGTON (AP) For the second time in a week, Patrick Corbin righted the ship for the Washington Nationals. Corbin struck out 11 in eight strong innings and Victor Robles homered to help the Nationals top the New York Mets 5-1 on Wednesday night. Corbin (4-1) allowed one run and four hits to win his second consecutive start. Signed to a $140 million contract as a free agent in the offseason, the left-hander also beat the Los Angeles Dodgers last Thursday and has given up one run over his past 15 innings. ''You always want to be that guy to take the ball and go out there and compete,'' Corbin said. ''Just trying to put up as many zeros as I can and keep us in the game. They did a great job putting up five runs today.'' Corbin, facing the Mets for the third time this season following two no-decisions, retired 15 of 16 batters from the third into the eighth inning, often making New York hitters flail at sliders that ended up out of the strike zone. ''He's able to throw that slider for strike-to-ball, and it's hard to lay off it,'' Mets manager Mickey Calloway said. ''It's one of the best pitches in the major leagues. He had good fastball command as well. He was kind of dotting that where he wanted to.'' The Nationals are 6-3 in games Corbin has started. His past two wins have ended four- and two-game skids, respectively. Anthony Rendon had three hits for Washington (17-25), which had lost seven of 10. He had two doubles and a single, scored twice and drove in a run. Wilmer Font (1-1) didn't make it through the third in his second start for New York after being acquired from Tampa Bay on May 6. He gave up five runs and six hits - including a homer and three long doubles - in 2 1/3 innings. Font was 1-0 with the Rays this season. J.D. Davis had an RBI double for the Mets, who had won three straight. Washington scored three runs in the first and two more in the third, with Font departing after Howie Kendrick's RBI double made it 5-1. ''Tonight was a really big night for us, especially with a lot of the young guys making the strides that they did, having good at-bats,'' Kendrick said. CANO'S WOES Mets second baseman Robinson Cano (0 for 4 with three strikeouts) is hitting .191 (9 for 47) in May with no homers and one RBI. CORDERO CLAIMED Right-hander Jimmy Cordero, designated for assignment by the Nationals last week, was claimed off waivers by Toronto. He had been pitching at Triple-A Fresno. TRAINER'S ROOM Mets: LHP Jason Vargas (left hamstring tightness) threw an extended bullpen Tuesday. He is eligible to come off the injured list Thursday. ''We want Vargas to be the best version of himself when he comes back, so we're going to sit down and try to come up with a game plan to get him to that point, whether it's a rehab outing or just getting activated up here,'' Callaway said. ... LHP Steven Matz (forearm) threw a bullpen, one day after playing catch. Nationals: SS Trea Turner, out since April 3 with a broken finger, played his second rehab game at Class A Potomac and went 0 for 4 with a walk and a throwing error. . RHP Trevor Rosenthal (viral infection) said he will pitch Friday and Saturday at Double-A Harrisburg. UP NEXT Mets: RHP Zack Wheeler (3-2, 4.35 ERA) starts the finale of the three-game series. He is 4-9 with a 5.01 ERA in 15 career starts against Washington. Nationals: RHP Anibal Sanchez (0-6, 5.27) tries to avoid joining Jason Marquis (2010) as the only starting pitchers in Nationals history (2005-present) to open a season 0-7. --- More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP-Sports


If you love live music, there's no time like the present when it comes to getting out and about in Miami. From a throwback party with reggae and dancehall tunes to a live rooftop show, here are the local events worth checking out this week. 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. Live Rooftop Sessions Presented by Chad Bernstein Featuring Tim Jago From the event description: Calling live music fans! Don't miss Tim Jago performing on the Citadel's rooftop. The weekly music series is curated by Chad Bernstein, one of South Florida's premier Latin, jazz and funk artists as well as the co- founder of Guitars Over Guns. When: Wednesday, July 3, 7-11 p.m. Where: The Citadel, 8300 N.E. Second Ave. Price: Free Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Joyride, Dancehall 1990s vs 2000s From the event description: Get your groove on to some of the best reggae and dancehall tunes from the 1990s and 2000s at Bayside Hut. Experience the magic of Stone Love, Miami Eccentric/Dutty Dex and Juzzy Fire. When: Wednesday, July 3, 10:30 p.m.- Thursday, July 4, 4 a.m. Where: Bayside Hut, 3501 Rickenbacker Causeway Price: $10 (Ladies - Early Bird); $20 (Men) Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Speak 1st Fridays Rooftop Sessions at The Citadel From the event description: Mingle with artists from around the country at Speak 1st Fridays. Expect "a diverse mix of art, music, spoken word and culture," notes the event's Facebook page . Beats provided by DJ Pazmal. When: Friday, July 5, 8-11 p.m. Where: The Citadel, 8300 N.E. Second Ave. Price: Free Click here for more details, and to get your tickets This story was created automatically using local event data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


A woman was found dead and three children injured early Saturday morning after a man entered their home and stabbed them, Cleveland police said. The suspect, 18-year-old Jaylen Latrell Plummer, entered the home where Diane Madison, 62, and three children -- two 10-year- olds and a 12-year-old -- slept and began stabbing them in their bedrooms, police said. Madison is the mother of serial killer Michael Madison, CNN affiliate WEWS reported, based on confirmation from his former attorney. CNN affiliate WOIO also confirmed Diane Madison is Michael Madison's mother. Michael Madison was sentenced to death in 2016, after being convicted of killing three women and wrapping their bodies in garbage bags, WEWS reported. Diane Madison was pronounced dead at the scene Saturday. Two of the children were able to run to a neighbor's home and call for help, police said. Officers found the third child hiding in the house. The three young victims were taken to a children's hospital. Police said they found and arrested Plummer in the home's shower. He had wounds on his hands and fingers and also had to be treated at a hospital. WOIO reported that Michael Madison had barricaded himself inside his mother's home -- the house where Saturday's stabbings took place -- before his arrest in 2013.


Video by Reuters Right-wing militia groups across the Pacific Northwest are mobilizing to prevent Oregon state police from arresting Republican state senators who went into hiding on Thursday in order to prevent climate change legislation from passing. All eleven of Oregon's Republican state senators are currently on-the-lam, with some leaving for Idaho in an effort to deny the Democrat-controlled state senate a quorum to pass a cap-and-trade bill. In response, Oregon Governor Kate Brown (D), citing a provision in the state constitution that allows the state to "compel" absent lawmakers to attend legislative sessions, dispatched state troopers to bring them back. One of the lawmakers on the lam, Republican Brian Boquist (R), warned that he would resort to violence rather than return to the state, implying in a local television interview that he would attack law enforcement officers sent to retrieve him. "Send bachelors and come heavily armed," Boquist said. "I'm not going to be a political prisoner in the state of Oregon. It's just that simple." Militia groups in the Pacific Northwest a hotbed of far-right extremist activist claim they've mobilized to protect those state senators. "We're doing what we can to make sure that they're safe and comfortable," said Eric Parker, the president of militia group Real Three Percenters Idaho, said the Idaho militias are in touch with their Oregon counterparts about the senators. In a Facebook post , Paul Luhrs, a member of the Oregon III%er militia, said the militia had "vowed to provide security, transportation and refuge for those Senators in need." "We will stand together with unwavering resolve, doing whatever it takes to keep these Senators safe," Luhrs wrote. This isn't the first time state lawmakers of either party have fled their states to deny their rivals a quorum. In 2003, Texas Democrats left the state to avoid a vote on redistricting legislation, while Democratic lawmakers in Wisconsin fled in 2011 to block Republican cuts to union rights. But what makes the current standoff in Oregon unique is the offers of help from militias   and the threats by at least one of those lawmakers to shoot police himself. Despite the offers, it's not clear whether any of the Republican senators are actually in contact with the militia groups or have received help from them. Senate Minority Leader Herman Baertschiger, Jr., who fled the state with the rest of the senate Republican caucus, didn't respond to requests for comment. Parker declined to comment about whether his group has been in contact with the senators themselves. One source inside the Oregon militia movement told The Daily Beast that their members were "willing to put their own lives in front of these senators' lives." The source claimed that dozens of armed militia members have "mobilized" to protect the state senators, and said there was potential for violence if law enforcement officials try to bring the senators back to Oregon. The source added that the militias would defend the Republicans "at any cost." "All of these people are armed," the source said. The militia mobilization has drawn in members of the III%ers, the Oath Keepers, and independent militia groups from outside the state, according to the militia source. The III%ers derive their name from their belief that only 3 percent of colonists were involved in the American Revolution, while the Oath Keepers claim to be veterans and law enforcement officers who have vowed not to violate their "oaths." Parker, the Idaho militia leader, compared the fugitive state senators to the far-right activists who engaged in an armed stand-off with federal agents at the Bundy Ranch in Nevada in 2014. "We see it the same as we saw the protesters in the wash at the Bundy Ranch," Parker said. This isn't the first time Oregon has seen militias "mobilize" for political ends. In 2016, militia members, lead by members of Nevada's Bundy family who argued that the land should be open for private use, briefly seized Oregon's Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Militias are often trying to attract themselves to mainstream political causes in an attempt to win over new supporters, according to John Temple, the author of Up in Arms, a new book on the Bundys and the Malheur occupation. Temple said the fleeing legislators have the potential to attract support from across the militia movement nationwide, especially after Boquist boasted about attacking police. "They are public officials and carry some weight, yet they are talking like they are straight out of the Malheur occupation," Temple said. Read more at The Daily Beast.


The limited-run Gallardo LP550-2 Black Edition's V10 exclusively powers its rear wheels. The Lamborghini Gallardo proved to be the Italian marque's best selling car in its history. The baby bull provided a new entry-level machine for customers, and also a V10-powered answer to Ferrari's F430. While some 14,000 Lamborghini Gallardos were built from 2003 - 2013, there were several very special edition models, this LP550-2 Black Edition listed by Lamborghini Dallas being one of them. Research the latest from Lamborghini on MSN Autos The typical Gallardo recipe involves that short wheelbase, a howling V10 engine, and all-wheel drive. However, a handful of purist special editions were launched with rear-wheel drive, a tradition Lamborghini broke with when introducing the Murcielago exclusively powered by all four wheels. The Gallardo Balboni, named after the marque's illustrious test driver, was the first rear-driven model, but there was still demand for this more driver-focused specification long after the allocation had sold. More on Lamborghini - The Italian Job Lamborghini Miura Has Been Found 50 Years On! - Rare Lamborghini 3500 GTZ Zagato Wins Concorso d'Eleganza Kyoto The LP550-2 Black Edition is a highly specified Gallardo finished in, you guessed it, black. The deep color coats the intricate alloy wheels, shades the lather interior, and covers the tweaked bodywork. This car is in prime condition and is specified with navigation, heated seats, and a transparent engine cover to show off that V10 motor. With under 13,000 miles on the clock, this Gallardo LP550-2 Black Edition Coupe is listed for $139,999. Source: Lamborghini Dallas Follow MSN Autos on Facebook and Twitter


HOUSTON   When the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets take the floor for Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals here Friday, all eyes will be on Stephen Curry. Scrutinizing eyes. Hopeful eyes. And desperate eyes, with the Warriors up 3-2 in this best-of-seven series but now playing without Kevin Durant. The two-time NBA Finals MVP has carried the Warriors through their first 11 postseason games, averaging 34.2 points. He has had games of 50, 46 and 45 and scored 22 before he went down with a strained right calf during the third quarter of Wednesday's Game 5 win. Warriors coach Steve Kerr said Thursday that Durant will miss the rest of the series. A potential Game 7 would be Sunday. Durant likely is out for at least a week based on his recovery period from similar injuries. Kerr said he is hopeful Durant would be able to return if Golden State reaches the conference finals. MORE FROM THE NBA PLAYOFFS KD'S STATUS: Kerr hopeful Durant could return for conference finals MOVING ON: Bucks' win over Celtics came one good habit at a time WHAT NOW? Where do Celtics go after disappointing season ends? PLAYOFF SCHEDULE: Second-round matchups, dates and TV times So the Warriors need someone to fill the gap if they are to continue their quest for a third consecutive NBA championship. All eyes will be on Curry, who must regain his sharpshooting form. He's been anything but sharp against the Rockets during this series. Through five games, Curry is averaging a respectable 22 points. But from 3-point range he is shooting a woeful 26.3% (15 of 57) and from the field he is shooting a subpar 39.3%. Part of the credit goes to the Rockets. "They play physical and they switch a lot," Curry said after the Warriors beat the Rockets 104-99 in Game 5. "We've seen it so many times." What we've seen less frequently from Curry, the two-time NBA MVP, is him firing up brick after brick from behind the 3-point line. "Sometimes you just go through some rough patches," he said, "and one thing you can't lose is confidence and aggressiveness." It's reasonable to doubt Curry can play exceptionally enough to offset the loss of Durant. But when Durant was injured, Curry delivered Wednesday in Oakland. He made his next two shots as the third quarter came to an end and propelled Golden State with 14 points in the fourth quarter. It looked reminiscent of 2015 (Durant was playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder then) and Curry led the Warriors to the NBA title. "We trust the man," said Klay Thompson, Curry's sidekick. "His track record has proven that he's come up in the clutch." Added Warriors coach Steve Kerr, "I think you saw Steph go into a different mode when Kevin went out. He knew he had to be the offensive fulcrum. "Things were going to run through him and he took over that fourth quarter. It wasn't a great night for him until that point, but he was brilliant in the fourth and we absolutely needed it." The Warriors will need it again   and every night they take the floor without Durant. Follow USA TODAY Sports columnist Josh Peter on Twitter @joshlpeter11 This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Opinion: As Kevin Durant sits, Warriors need old Stephen Curry to appear against Rockets Related slideshow: Best of the 2019 NBA playoffs (Provided by imagn)


A factory which allegedly made up to 41,000 fake Apple iPhones has been raided in China, with nine arrests. The operation reportedly involved "hundreds" of workers repackaging second hand smartphone parts as new iPhones for export, with counterfeit phones produced worth 120m yuan ($19m). The factory was discovered on 14 May but was revealed on social media by Beijing's public security bureau on Sunday, according to reports. The operation was set up in January. It was led by a husband and wife team, on the northern outskirts of the Chinese capital, according to Beijing authorities. They said they had been alerted to the factory by US authorities which had seized some of the fake phones. The reports come amid an official Chinese crackdown on counterfeit goods, with authorities pushing firms to trademark their goods. China has also agreed to work with the US authorities to try to stem the large quantities of fake goods flowing between the two countries. The discovery of the factory comes four years after fake Apple stores were found in Kunming city, China. Discovered by blogger BirdAbroad, the fakes were so convincing she said many of the staff themselves were convinced that they were employed by the US electronics firm.


The Falcons saw Tevin Coleman leave for the 49ers as a free agent this offseason and that departure put an end to the tandem they used at running back for the last four seasons. Devonta Freeman held the No. 1 job when Coleman was in town and remains set for that role this season despite missing all but two games of last season with knee and groin injuries. The team didn't bring in a clear complement to Freeman this offseason, but head coach Dan Quinn doesn't see that or Coleman's absence as reason to worry. "It's a position that has good talent for us," Quinn said, via the team's website. "And now to be talented as a group, it may be a combination of those roles and featuring what those guys can do best. . . . That's deeper than we've been at that position for a while, and I'm looking forward to the unique stuff that the guys do have." Ito Smith and Brian Hall both return after seeing playing time behind Coleman last season. The team also drafted Qadree Ollison in the fifth round and signed Kenjon Barner as a free agent this offseason to put together the group Quinn is so high on as camp gets underway.


The Red Sox placed first baseman Mitch Moreland back on the injured list one day after he was activated. Moreland hits the 10-day IL with a right quad strain, the team announced. Moreland was removed in the sixth inning of Friday's game, his first since returning from a lower back strain. For the season, Moreland, 34, has been worth 0.8 rWAR with a .225/.316/.543 line, the final number of which leads the Red Sox this season. Hee also leads the club with 13 home runs, though Jose Martinez and Xander Bogaerts are hot on his heels with 12 apiece. Rookie slugger Michael Chavis has been seeing time at first base in Moreland's absence. Josh Smith , meanwhile, has joined the team as the 26th man for today's day-night doubleheader against the Rays. The 31-year-old righty has appeared in four games for Boston this season. He has started six games for Pawtucket. He owns a career 5.28 ERA across 134 2/3 innings for the Red Sox, A's and Reds. Smith signed with the Red Sox this past winter as a minor-league free agent after being released by the Mariners. He will get the start in the first game of today's doubleheader, after which he is likely ticketed for a return to Pawtucket. Infielder Marco Hernandez , 26, was recalled from Triple A to fill Moreland's roster spot. The versatile infielder makes his first appearance with the Red Sox since 2017. He missed most of that season and all of 2018 with a shoulder injury. Since his return, Hernandez has hit .303 in Pawtucket while playing mostly up the middle. There's some opportunity for Hernandez at second, where Brock Holt and Eduardo Nunez will compete for at-bats while Chavis slides over to first. Holt has been injured for much of the season, whereas Nunez struggled to the tune of .238/.257/.324 in 105 at-bats. Related slideshow: The 2019 MLB season (Provided by imagn)


The Panthers played a part in the first season of Amazon's behind-the-scenes NFL show, "All or Nothing." Carolina spoiled the ending for the Cardinals' debut on the show three years ago by demolishing them in the NFC Championship game, closing out their 2015 season. This year, Panthers fans will get to see their own team take the spotlight. Amazon just released the trailer for Carolina's season. Watch. There's more to an NFL season than what you see on the gridiron. Watch an all-new season of All or Nothing: The Carolina @Panthers July 19 on @primevideo #AllorNothing pic.twitter.com/MxJAeTjrag - All or Nothing (@allornothingtv) June 26, 2019 The season will follow the Panthers during their 2018 campaign. It will be available to stream on Prime starting July 19. MORE: Four potential DeMarcus Cousins landing spots in free agency This perfect Shaq impersonation at the NBA Awards show had fans in tears Report: Nets likely to sign Kyrie Irving to 4-year, $141 million deal New York Knicks Rumors: Dolan Wants Durant's Medicals, Julius Randle, Tobias Harris Still in Play Davante Adams already conducting the Darnell Savage hype train


CARROLL, Iowa (AP)   Pete Buttigieg stunned the Democratic presidential field with a nearly $25 million second-quarter fundraising haul. Now he needs to figure out how to use that money to build a campaign that can go the distance against nearly two dozen rivals   many of them better known   and ensure that enthusiasm from donors is matched by support from voters. That poses big challenges for the 37-year-old mayor of South Bend, Indiana, who lags several of his top opponents in the number of staff on the ground in early states. He also has significant work to do to earn support of African American voters, a crucial constituency in the Democratic presidential primary. Buttigieg said much of his emphasis will be on retail politics   more days like Thursday, when he blitzed across Iowa for a parade and picnics and one-on-one interactions with voters. The campaign also says it plans in coming months to add 100 people to a staff that started with six employees and now has about 200, as well as enlist a larger number of volunteers. "The whole point of all that fundraising was to make sure that we have the organization we need to win," Buttigieg told reporters after a town hall meeting in a sweltering Sioux City, Iowa high school gymnasium. "Obviously we got great news on that front, now we've got to put it to work." Buttigieg has been a source of both fascination and skepticism in the opening months of the Democratic primary. He was virtually unknown when he launched his campaign, but garnered attention with high-profile media appearances and a call for generational change in politics. His fundraising prowess suggests he will be more than Democrats' flavor-of-the-month candidate   he topped former Vice President Joe Biden's haul and more than doubled the money raised in the second quarter by Sen. Kamala Harris, whose home state of California is the center of the Democratic fundraising universe. He's attracted high-dollar donors, including "West Wing" actor Bradley Whitford and "Glee" producer Ryan Murphy, and his grassroots events, with tickets as low as $25, have drawn as many as 1,500 people. Yet Buttigieg still faces questions about his experience and whether his appeal extends beyond wealthier donors and white voters. "Ultimately you can raise all the money in the world but you need to figure out your pathway to win that nomination," said Doug Thornell, a Democratic strategist. Buttigieg's biggest investment has so far been in Iowa, the overwhelmingly white state that kicks off the Democratic primary with a caucus on Feb. 3. The campaign has about 40 staffers on the ground there, more than it has in any other state, though Buttigieg's team acknowledges that the caucus structure   in which voters are asked to attend local meetings to support their candidate   requires more boots on the ground to organize. Buttigieg spent the July 4 holiday barnstorming the state and plans three more visits there this month, according to his campaign. At a parade in Storm Lake, Iowa, Buttigieg's reception was mixed. Dana Evans, who runs the local Vietnam Veterans of America chapter, greeted Buttigieg   who served in the Navy Reserve in Afghanistan   with an offer to ride in his group's truck if he got tired of walking the parade route. He said he was glad to see Buttigieg out meeting with the "little people" and hoped he'd return to the area to talk more about veterans' issues and national security. But as Buttigieg walked the route with a group of mostly young volunteers, he remained unfamiliar to some in the crowd. One woman took a sticker from a volunteer then used it to type his name into her phone to find out who he was. Carroll County Democratic Party Chairman Peter Leo said that's why it's important for Buttigieg to use his money to spend as much time in the state as he can. Leo introduced Buttigieg to the crowd gathered at a local park, where the candidate also took a turn at the grill and joined in a yard game tossing beanbags, often referred to as "bags." "Iowans love their retail politics. They want to have a chance to ask a question directly, meet you in person, shake your hand and really get a chance to, you know, just size you up one-on-one," Leo said. "You know what I know about this area? They reward people who show their face." Buttigieg's challengers get tougher as the primary calendar swings into the South, where black voters make up a significant share of the Democratic electorate. Buttigieg's support from black voters has been marginal, according to early polls, and may have been further damaged by the fatal shooting of a black man by a white South Bend police officer last month. Antjuan Seawright, a South Carolina-based strategist, said Buttigieg must invest more in research and getting to know communities of color, whether it's face-to-face meetings or focus groups or polling, if he has any chance of winning the nomination or a general election. "People don't know him. He doesn't have any connection to the African-American community here," Seawright said. "He's got to find out what's on their minds. The worst thing he can do, particularly in the African-American community, is assume he knows." Buttigieg said he believes he can compete and beat expectations in South Carolina, and that his team there   which has been made up of just a handful of staffers   will grow, just as it will in other early states like New Hampshire, Nevada and California, which holds its primary in March but begins early voting weeks before that.


A new study found that a record-breaking number of American travelers will hit the road for an Independence Day getaway this year. The data revealed by AAA Travel estimates around 49 million people will drive, fly, cruise or travel in another way during the Fourth of July holiday period , which translates to an additional 1.9 million people traveling this year when compared to 2018 (a 4.1 percent increase). For those hitting the road for the holiday , AAA predicts a record-high 41.4 million Americans will travel by automobile, which will cause delays as much as four times a normal commute. The data found that July 3 will be the worst day on the roads, followed by July 5 and July 7. The rise in the number of travelers taking a vacation has been attributed to lower gas prices, a decline in unemployment, robust consumer spending and rising disposable incomes. "As Independence Day approaches, it's time for the much-loved family road trip and this year will be one for the record books, with more Americans than ever planning vacations," AAA Travel vice president Paula Twidale said in a statement. "This holiday builds on the strong travel demand seen for Memorial Day, and with schools now out of session across the country, families coast to coast are eager to travel." In total, AAA estimates 3.96 million people will fly to their destinations (a 5.3 percent increase) and another 3.55 million passengers will travel via trains, buses and cruise ships. For those renting a car, the average rates are five percent higher than last year at $69 daily. As for the top Independence Day travel destinations, Orlando tops the list as the most popular, followed by Honolulu, Seattle, Las Vegas and Anaheim. Rounding out the top 10 is New York City, Boston, Maui, Anchorage and Chicago. Most travelers looking to have an international adventure for Independence Day will likely be visiting the top-five destinations, including Rome, London, Dublin, Paris and Vancouver.


DETROIT (AP) Joey Gallo nearly backed up his manager's big prediction. Gallo hit two solo homers, Ariel Jurado threw seven shutout innings and the Rangers completed a three-game sweep of Detroit with a 3-1 win over the Tigers on Thursday. ''I actually made a bold prediction that he was going to hit three homers today to get him to the All-Star Game,'' manager Chris Woodward said of Gallo. ''He came up a little bit short but it was impressive.'' Woodward's office in the visitors' clubhouse at Comerica Park was wall-to-wall balloons, courtesy of designated hitter Shin-Soo Choo for the manager's 43rd birthday. ''When you get to be my age, you don't really celebrate,'' Woodward said. His team's performance was more of a cause for celebration for their manager. Texas has won five straight games, matching a season high. The Rangers hit the midseason mark a season-best nine games above .500. ''We're beating the teams would should beat and we've beaten a lot of good teams in the process also,'' Woodward said. ''We've got some tough series coming up, but I think that's a good thing. ''We set out from the beginning to be in the hunt and to get to the playoffs. Right now, we've got as good a chance as anybody.'' Gallo led off the second inning by driving Spencer Turnbull's pitch deep into the right-field seats. With two outs in the fourth inning, Gallo lined Nick Ramirez's pitch over the left-field wall. ''I don't really do that too much, especially against a lefty,'' Gallo said of his homer off Ramirez. It was Gallo's eighth multi-homer game and his first since Aug. 8, 2018, against the Seattle Mariners. Gallo has 19 homers on the season. He wasn't aware of Woodward's prediction but was happy to deliver. ''I did want to get a win for him for his birthday, so it was nice to kind of play pretty well,'' Gallo said. Turning in the longest outing of his big-league career, Jurado (5-3) allowed six hits as he improved to 4-1 as a starter this season. He struck out four and walked just one. Jurado has won four of his past five decisions. ''He did a really good job of pitching with conviction,'' Woodward said. ''He let it rip from Pitch One.'' Texas added a run in the seventh inning on Choo's sacrifice fly. Miguel Cabrera's eighth-inning sacrifice fly off reliever Chris Martin accounted for Detroit's run. Shawn Kelley pitched the ninth inning for his 11th save. The Tigers have lost seven in a row overall, as well as their past seven home games. ''We stayed in the game, got close at the end, got men on,'' Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire said. ''They're trying. It's just a rough time. ''I've said it over and over again. I don't have any answers for it other than they're up there trying to get hits.'' Turnbull (3-8), the first of six Detroit pitchers, took the loss, his fourth in a row. TRAINER'S ROOM Rangers: Woodward said OF Hunter Pence (right groin strain) is scheduled to run the bases at full speed before Friday's game at Tampa Bay. Following that, an assessment will be made whether to send Pence out for a rehab assignment or activate him from the IL. Tigers: Turnbull left after two innings because of shoulder fatigue. He had an MRI, which was negative. He'll be reassessed on Friday. UP NEXT Rangers: Texas travels to Tampa Bay to begin a three-game series with the Rays. Lance Lynn (9-4) is Friday's scheduled starter. Tigers: Home for a three-game series against the Washington Nationals. Daniel Norris (2-6) takes the mound Friday. Anibal Sanchez is scheduled to start for Washington. --- More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP-Sports


Video by Fox News WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump issued a sweeping executive order Wednesday to block U.S. companies from using products made by Chinese telecom giant Huawei Technologies Co. and other foreign communications firms seen as a threat to America, taking a long-anticipated action that he had postponed while Washington and Beijing were in intense trade negotiations. The White House said the president was taking the action to "protect America from foreign adversaries who are actively and increasingly creating and exploiting vulnerabilities in information and communications technology infrastructure and services in the United States." Trump's directive does not name any company from China or any other country, but it clearly is aimed at Huawei, the world's largest telecommunications equipment manufacturer. U.S. officials have led an aggressive campaign to restrain Huawei's global expansion as a leading supplier of the next-generation 5G wireless networks. With the trade talks at an impasse since Friday, Trump signed an order that was prepared months ago. It immediately added a new level of friction to the standoff, which has led to escalating tit-for-tat tariffs between the world's two largest economies. U.S. officials argue that using Huawei equipment poses risks of Chinese espionage or sabotage. Top Huawei executives have vehemently denied they would allow the Chinese government to use their products for surveillance. Trump's order formalizes what was a de facto ban on Huawei in U.S. markets in recent years as the Pentagon and Congress made moves to discourage its growth. Few Americans own Huawei cellphones and only a small number of local U.S. telecom service providers in rural areas have Huawei gear in their systems. Even so, many in the U.S. intelligence community sought an official ban from the White House, saying it would make the dangers clear and help the administration's efforts - so far only partly successful - to persuade key allies to shun Huawei. Washington has become increasingly worried about Beijing's cyberintrusions and hacking of U.S. companies for sensitive information and technology and trade secrets. The U.S. concerns about cybertheft were on the agenda during the trade talks with China, although U.S. negotiators reportedly dropped the issue recently. The two sides broke off negotiations Friday after the White House accused China of backing away from previous agreements, and Trump sharply escalated tariffs on Chinese goods. Chinese President Xi Jinping responded with countertariffs on Monday. No new talks are scheduled, although Trump and Xi are expected to meet on the sidelines of the Group of 20 economic summit next month in Osaka, Japan. The Trump administration, with bipartisan support in Congress, considers China a top strategic adversary and threat to America's security and economic interests - and technology is a major battleground in this rivalry. Against that backdrop, the White House has stepped up its rhetoric and moves to isolate Huawei and other Chinese telecom firms. Although U.S. officials have offered no public evidence of malicious code or so-called back doors in Huawei equipment, they argue that its products can't be trusted because Beijing could at any time order Chinese companies to do its bidding. The Pentagon already has moved to block sales of smartphones made by Huawei and ZTE, another Chinese firm, at its retail stores in military bases. In December, Huawei's chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, who is the daughter of the company's founder, Ren Zhengfei, was arrested in Vancouver on a U.S. warrant. She is fighting extradition to the United States on charges that she and Huawei conspired to violate U.S. sanctions on Iran. Huawei also faces charges of stealing trade secrets from T-Mobile. Meng and Huawei have denied all charges. The company has fought back in recent months, filing a civil lawsuit in Canada and publicly denouncing Meng's detention as politically motivated and a violation of her rights. Visit the Los Angeles Times at www.latimes.com


Antoine Griezmann is said to have been left frustrated at the talk of a possible transfer swap -between himself and Neymar this summer. It has been widely reported that the Catalan giants have already agreed a deal with Atletico Madrid to sign Griezmann, although there has been no official confirmation from any of the parties involved in the transaction just yet. Recent reports have also indicated that Paris Saint-Germain forward and former Barcelona star Neymar could be set to return to Camp Nou this summer which, according to Le Parisien , could pave the way for a rather surprising swap deal. The farfetched claims suggest the deal would see Barcelona sign Griezmann at the start of July as planned, before immediately offering him to PSG - in an attempt to secure the services of Neymar. The report then goes on to discuss the role of Griezmann, who is said to be fuming at the prospect of being 'used as a pawn' in Barça's quest to strike a deal for Neymar. As a result, it's claimed that Griezmann would be unwilling to join Barcelona at all, if this is what they have planned - well, duh. This hilarious news follows on from a recent El Mundo report which claimed that Lionel Messi had weighed in on the discussions surrounding both players, asking club official to pursue a deal for Neymar instead of Griezmann. Given Neymar's stature, Barcelona are not alone in their pursuit of the Brazilian, with Real Madrid also being cited as a potential candidate to sign him this summer, which means they'll have to come to a definitive decision sooner rather than later.


In any walk of life, surrounding yourself with people you trust and believe in is the way to go. When the going gets tough, those people are always there by your side ready to help. They are also the ones you can confidently confide in without having to worry about any hidden agenda. Jets general manager Joe Douglas his building his front office staff with this philosophy in mind. Douglas' staff came into focus on Tuesday with the hires of Phil Savage as a senior adviser, Chad Alexander as director of player personnel and Rex Hogan as assistant general manager. Not only do Savage, Alexander and Hogan share extensive football backgrounds and a knack for finding talent, but they are also a trio that Douglas can trust. Savage and Douglas go way back to the beginning of Douglas' career in the NFL. With the Baltimore Ravens, Savage was Douglas' boss as the director of college scouting and director of player personnel from 2000-04. Savage helped mentor Douglas when he was first finding his way in an NFL organization. Now, Douglas can turn to him whenever he needs help navigating situations he has never encountered before as a first-time general manager. Like Douglas, Alexander worked under Savage as a scout with the Ravens. The two spent 15 years working together in Baltimore, both ascending to increased roles within the organization over the years. By 2009, Alexander was the Ravens' assistant director of player personnel and was responsible for finding the likes of Terrell Suggs, Michael Oher and LaDarius Webb. It's been a while since they have worked together, but Alexander gives Douglas another familiar face in the building to turn to. Hogan is the outlier when it comes to familiarity with Douglas. The two have never worked together and Hogan was part of the Mike Maccagnan regime from 2015-17. However, Hogan has been a fast-riser through NFL front offices. He joined the Colts as Indianapolis' vice president of personnel at the end of 2017 and helped Chris Ballard build a team that went to the postseason a year ago. Hogan's previous tenure with the Jets also provides him with some knowledge of New York's current roster and the inner-workings of the organization, both of which will be valuable to Douglas. The two have never teamed up before, but Douglas was wise in facilitating Hogan's return to the Big Apple. Douglas is building his front office staff as if he were a seasoned veteran. Most first-time general managers hire executives who are perceived as up-and-comers. If they do hire an executive they are familiar with, they usually aren't the most experienced. With the Jets, Douglas has brought in a former general manager, vice president of player personnel and assistant personnel director. All of those positions are high-ranking within an organization and come with great responsibility. As Douglas learns the ropes, he will not have to hold anyone's hand along the way. Douglas has surrounded himself with seasoned veterans who he can lean on without hesitation. Trust in the NFL is crucial and Douglas is ensuring that his first staff with the Jets is filled with people who want to work with him instead of executives looking to assert their authority or go over his head. So far, so good for New York's newly-minted GM. MORE: Four potential Kawhi Leonard landing spots in free agency Suspended NASCAR driver still found a way to race this weekend Rams trading Tyler Higbee to Patriots would make sense for both teams Heading into training camp: Lions top-8 OL appear locked in Fierce, fiesty WR competition for Cowboys behind Top 3 roster locks


Felissa Latimore brightens mornings along E. North Street with her animated waves and shouts of "have a blessed one." Felissa Lattimore halts traffic at the intersection of East North Street and Prescott Street so a student can cross on his way to school Monday, June 3, 2019. Felissa Lattimore prays as she greets motorists passing by at the intersection of East North Street and Prescott Street Monday, June 3, 2019. Felissa Lattimore hugs crossing guard coordinator Amber Caine at the intersection of East North Street and Prescott Street Monday, June 3, 2019. Felissa Lattimore greets motorists passing by at the intersection of East North Street and Prescott Street Monday, June 3, 2019. Felissa Lattimore greets motorists passing by at the intersection of East North Street and Prescott Street Monday, June 3, 2019. Felissa Lattimore halts traffic at the intersection of East North Street and Prescott Street so a student can cross Monday, June 3, 2019. Felissa Lattimore greets motorists passing by at the intersection of East North Street and Prescott Street Monday, June 3, 2019. Felissa Lattimore prays at the end of her crossing guard shift at the intersection of East North Street and Prescott Street Monday, June 3, 2019.


Intense nightmares are often the result of normal things like garden-variety stress   or they could be a signal of a physical health issue. What causes nightmares? All dreams occur during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, which is essential to mental health. "You need REM sleep to integrate current emotional material into long-term memory," explains Patrick McNamara, Ph.D., associate professor of neurology, Boston University School of Medicine. This means your brain uses dreams to make sense of what you experience every day. "If you disrupt REM sleep . . . that emotional content just sits there and irritates the brain. You get nightmares as a result," McNamara says. These dark dreams usually occur later in the night, and women get them more often than men. In general, you shouldn't worry about the content of your nightmares, says Dr. McNamara. But if you experience nightmares often, talk to your doctor. Most times they are a result of stress, anxiety, certain medications, family history, and hormonal changes. However, other more serious issues could be the cause. Click through the slideshow above to learn more. Serious health conditions related to intense nightmares Intense nightmares in the elderly can result in some unfortunate medical side effects and health conditions. Bad dreams cannot only disrupt sleep but can play a direct role in high blood pressure, sleep deprivation, and can even lead to the following more serious health conditions. Heart disease Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases Psychotic episodes Sleep apnea Heart Disease A 2003 Swedish study discovered that in elderly men and women, increased nightmares were associated with an increase in irregular heartbeats, as well as in spasmodic chest pain. That same study also found that the occurrence of chest pain and irregular heart beats increased in 40- to 64-year-old women with frequent nightmares and poor sleep. The occurrence of spasmodic chest pain was further increased after menopause. Most heart attacks occur in the early morning when REM is occurring, because REM places stress on the body. "When we switch into REM sleep, our breathing becomes more rapid, irregular, and shallow, our eyes jerk rapidly in various directions, and our limb muscles become temporarily paralyzed," says the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. "Heart rate increases, blood pressure rises, and males develop penile erections. When people awaken during REM sleep, they often describe bizarre and illogical tales." So it's not the nightmares that are causing physical stress but rather the REM sleep, which in turn causes the nightmares. "REM sleep is a stressor because it is stimulating your amygdala, the part of your brain responsible for emotions. Combine this overactive amygdala with poor cardiac health, and you are much more vulnerable to having a heart attack. It's as if a person with cardiac problems is riding up a hill. It makes the autonomic nervous system overreact," says Dr. McNamara. (Except in this one instance, nightmares cannot physically harm you.) Parkinson's and other neurodegenerative diseases Three recent studies published in The Lancet Neurology have shown that people with REM sleep disorders who experience intense nightmares that manifest physically during sleep (ie: screaming, crying, punching, and kicking) are at risk for developing Parkinson's Disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. Healthy people experience a paralysis during REM sleep. People with Parkinson's, and related neurodegenerative disorders, however, lose the ability to maintain paralysis in REM sleep. This allows them to act out their dreams, which people who don't have neurodegenerative disorders generally cannot do. Psychotic episodes A new English study found that children who suffer from frequent nightmares or bouts of night terrors may be at an increased risk of psychotic experiences in adolescence. "Our recent research that looked at being bullied and nightmares indicate that experiences during the day are still processed at night and this alters stress responses physiologically. Both of these have been related to increased risk of developing mental health problems," says Dieter Wolke, Ph.D., lead author of the study, Professor of Developmental Psychology and Individual Differences, The University of Warwick Department of Psychology. However, we're not talking about the occasional nightmare: Parents should be concerned when the nightmares occur regularly   over months and even years, adds Wolke. Sleep apnea ightmares not only warn of possible conditions in your future; it can also alert you to health issues you currently have and may not be aware of. If your nightmares are increasing and the content is often about not being able to breath, have your healthcare professional check you for sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a chronic condition that occurs when you have pauses in your breathing or shallow breaths while asleep. Sleep apnea wreaks havoc with your REM sleep due to lack of oxygen. William Kohler, MD, medical director of the Florida Sleep Institute, Spring Hill, explains, "Patients have had terrifying dreams of drowning or suffocation. In reality, their airway is blocked off." A recent study published in Sleep Medicine found that the nightmares disappeared in 91% of patients with sleep apnea were treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. Want to get rid of run-of-the mill nightmares? If your nightmares are not a symptom of illness, there are therapies and treatments to stop disturbing dreams. Treatments for nightmares include: Hypnosis Imagery Reversal Therapy (IRT) Medication Hypnosis Hypnosis is lead by a trained therapist that attempts to reframe your nightmares using suggestions to your subconscious. You'll be instructed to tell yourself when you have a nightmare, "I've had nightmares before and nothing bad has ever happened, nothing ever will happen." Imagery Reversal Therapy (IRT) IRT asks patients to confront the images of their nightmares in a safe place, such as a therapist's office. You draw, describe or write about the scary thing, and then confront it. Look at it, talk directly to it, challenge it. Then you draw/describe/ write about it again, and make it less scary by rewriting the script. That person stalking you is really trying to give you a present, for example. "This does work but it takes time. You have to do it for many weeks," says Dr. McNamara. Medication Medication can also help improve sleep quality. A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry showed that the drug prazosin could decrease nightmares caused by post-traumatic stress disorders. In patients with severe nightmares caused by a traumatic event, the drug has been shown to be effective in diminishing frequency and severity of nightmares. This article originally appeared on Considerable.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.


There was word during the offseason program that Steelers cornerback Joe Haden was looking for an extension as he enters the final year of the three-year contract he signed with the team in 2017. Such a deal does not appear to be on the front burner for the team, however. Haden's agent Drew Rosenhaus told Dale Lolley of DKPittsburghSports.com that nothing is happening in regard to talks concerning a new deal. An extension that lowers Haden's 2019 cap number could be useful as the NFLPA's daily cap calculations have the Steelers with less than $985,000 in cap space at the moment, but the team may prefer to see how Haden does as a 30-year-old before committing to anything beyond this year. Lolley also points out that safety Sean Davis and cornerback Mike Hilton, who has not signed his exclusive rights free agent tender, are also looking for new contracts. Both are also represented by Rosenhaus, so there will likely be contact between agent and team on one matter or another in the coming weeks.


Relax, America. Nobody's going to take your sedans away. In fact, there are some great deals to be had on very good cars, thanks in no small part to the surge in SUV sales. There's been confusion about this since Ford announced it will stop building and selling sedans and station wagons in the United States. Ford's decision was the extreme case of an environment in which all automakers are emphasizing SUVs because they can charge higher prices for vehicles like a Honda CR-V than an Accord, a Ford Escape than a Focus, or a Chevy Equinox than a Cruze. That's how markets work. It's good business for automakers. But when everything's running right, markets also work for consumers. In this case, it that means you can get a terrific sedan for thousands of dollars less than a similarly equipped small SUV. CVS: 4 changes you'll see at pharmacies as 46 store closures are announced Warren Buffett: 7 big thoughts from Buffett during annual Berkshire Hathaway meeting Data from KBB.com shows the average transaction price   an industry term that essentially means the average amount buyers pay   of many popular SUVs is thousands of dollars more than the equivalent car in the automaker's lineup. Examples from KBB research are below. SUVs and their average transaction prices are listed first, cars and prices second: Honda CR-V $28,387; Accord $26,330 Nissan Rogue $27,938; Altima $26,241 Toyota RAV4 $29,817; Camry $26,919 Ford Escape $28,572; Focus $20,887 Ford Ecosport $24,365; Fiesta $17,267 Hyundai Kona $24,137; Elantra $19,625 Chevrolet Equinox $30,296; Cruze $21,330 Mazda CX-5 $29,899; Mazda 6 $26,556 Mazda CX-3 $23,964; Mazda 3 $21,969 Bottom line? If you don't care about the availability of all-wheel drive and the improved visibility an SUV's height gives   that is, if you're part of the "They'll pry my sedan out of my cold, dead hands" crew   you can save serious bucks, and still get the type of vehicle you want. No shortage of sedans Honda, Nissan, Toyota and Hyundai aren't about to stop building cars because they sell big numbers and their cars have a reputation that allows them to charge more than Ford and Chevy can, even if it's not as much as all leading automakers can all charge for small SUVs. "This isn't a new trend," Tim Fleming, KBB manager of industry forecasting, said. "The momentum to SUVs really picked up about five years ago. The best deals were about two years ago because manufacturers were over-producing cars." Since then, Fiat Chrysler has stopped building the Dodge Dart and Chrysler 200 sedans, a legitimately seismic   and brilliant   strategic decision the public met with a yawn because nobody cared much about the cars and FCA announced the plan quietly and without any plant closings. GM got more attention when it said it would close plants that build slow sellers like the Buick LaCrosse, Chevy Cruze and Impala. Chevy will keep building the Malibu midsize sedan because GM isn't sure sedans are dead and perhaps to keep its plant running while the company decides where to build new SUV-type vehicles that will be more profitable replacements for the departed cars. Many choices for smart money Ford caught hell because it neglected to tell people it would introduce new small to midsize SUVs to replace the Fiesta, Focus, Fusion and Taurus. That information vacuum led some people to conclude Ford thought it could force them to buy big F-150 pickups and Expedition SUVs to replace the smaller, less expensive cars they want. It won't, because it can't. That's how markets work, too. If Ford doesn't offer vehicles in the major market segments, profits will tank and investors will storm the gates at company HQ in Dearborn and lo, a new company strategy will be born. Just about every brand, whether luxury or mass market, has at least one car model that offers outstanding value or more features per dollar than its SUV counterpart. Some to consider: Audi A8 luxury sedan vs. Q8 SUV Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen 4Matic station wagon or Jetta sedan vs. VW Tiguan SUV Chevrolet Malibu sedan vs. Blazer SUV Jaguar XE sedan vs. F-Pace SUV Kia Optima sedan vs. Sorento SUV Contact Mark Phelan at 313-222-6731 or mmphelan@freepress.com . Follow him on Twitter @ mark_phelan . Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter . This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: SUVs are hot sellers and that means you'll find sweet deals on sedans


MARYLAND   There are plenty of fun events to enjoy in Maryland from July 12-14. Whether you opt for an activity close to home or a mini day trip, see what's on tap this weekend. Some attractions you'll find include: Maryland Brewery Tours , Jazz in the Sculpture Garden , Bethesda Row Annual Summer Sidewalk Sale , Hamilton , and Christmas in July Craft Fair . FRIDAY, JULY 12 The Gathering Food Truck Fest , Annapolis The Fantasticks , Annapolis (multiple days) The Talent Machine Company Presents "Big Fish" The Musical , Annapolis Bring It! Live: The Dance Battle Tour , Baltimore* Enter promo code "PATCHTICKETS10" to score 10 percent off all tickets Better Than Ezra , Baltimore* Enter promo code "PATCHTICKETS10" to score 10 percent off all tickets 2nd Friday Art Strolls , Berlin Bethesda Row Annual Summer Sidewalk Sale , Bethesda Dane Capot Art Exhibit , Bethesda (multiple days) The Ballad of Mulan , Bethesda (multiple days) Potomac Jazz & Seafood Festival , Coltons Point Allegany County Fair & Ag Expo , Cumberland (multiple days) Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike , Gaithersburg Dolley Madison, Presidentress , Gaithersburg (multiple days) Blast-in-the-Past at Monpelier , Laurel Lake Arbor Jazz Festival , Mitchellville (multiple days) Blues Beatles , North Bethesda Rockville Musical Theatre Presents "Hairspray," Rockville (multiple days) TGIF Downtown Street Party , Silver Spring Anberlin , Silver Spring* Enter promo code "PATCHTICKETS10" to score 10 percent off all tickets Interactive Fountain , Silver Spring Nando's Fiery Friday Night Concerts , Silver Spring Brookside Gardens 50th Anniversary Celebration , Wheaton SATURDAY, JULY 13 Sand Castle Building Contest , Annapolis Take Me Fishing , Annapolis Yoga on the Labyrinth , Annapolis Illuminate Annapolis Mind-Body-Spirit-Arts Festival , Arnold Baltimore Caribbean Festival , Baltimore (multiple days) Jazz in the Sculpture Garden: Matana Roberts , Baltimore Game of Crawls , Baltimore Bubble Days , Baltimore (multiple days) Guided Bike Rides at Herring Run , Baltimore Taste of Cambridge Crab Cook-Off & Festival , Cambridge Maryland Brewery Tours , Columbia The Nextival , Crownsville Murder Mystery: A Murder Most Fowl , Cumberland Quakers Annual Blueberry Festival and Live Auction , Darlington Art in the Garden , Edgewater Soldiers & Subjects , Edgewater Drunk and Disorderly - Frederick in the Civil War Walking Tour , Frederick Singer Songwriter Showcase Concert , Gaithersburg Bands on the Boardwalk , Gaithersburg BlackRock Free Summer Concert Series: The VI-Kings , Germantown Family Workshop: Squirt Gun Painting , Hagerstown Kensington parkrun , Kensington The Reagan Years , Montgomery Village Bethesda Big Train Baseball , Rockville Zumba in the Park , Sandy Spring AFRO FILMS SERIES , Silver Spring Live Music by Faded Denim , Thurmont Christmas in July Craft Fair , West Friendship (multiple days) Westminster Pride , Westminster SUNDAY, JULY 14 Pond Exploration , Abingdon All About Fish , Annapolis Bay Buddies Beach Seining , Annapolis Hives Alive! , Annapolis Latin American Folklore FEST , Baltimore Hamilton , Baltimore (multiple days)* Enter promo code "PATCHTICKETS10" to score 10 percent off all tickets Grease , Columbia Chrysalis Kids: Dance Party on the Chrysalis! , Columbia Free Summer Lakefront Barre Class , Columbia Cumberland Pride Festival , Cumberland Happy Nappy Day 2019 , Gwynn Oak SUMMER BLACK Day Party , Linthicum Heights Blacksmith Shop Workday , Millersville Universoul Circus , National Harbor Free Family Movie On The Potomac , National Harbor The Psychedelic Furs , Silver Spring Museum Estate Sale , Shady Side Silver Spring Arts & Crafts Summer Fair , Silver Spring Free Stand-Up Comedy , Silver Spring * TicketNetwork is a Patch promotional partner


Maximise your box rooms potential with these ingenious small bedroom ideas Make your small bedroom beautiful Small bedrooms needn't feel cramped and claustrophobic. With a few clever furniture tricks and decorating know-how, a tiny box bedroom can be turned into a restful retreat that feels organized and spacious. Be inspired by these stylish small bedroom ideas to create your own dream scheme... Use the picture rail A neutral paneled feature wall behind the bed will give a small bedroom a focus and make it instantly refined. A professional finish is key so make sure to take time getting right if you're doing it yourself. Prep the wood properly and use a chalky paint with a matte or satin finish. Complete the look with a picture rail and use the ledge to display your favorite accessories. Decide on a divan A divan bed will benefit small bedrooms as it creates plenty of under-bed storage in the form of draws or ottoman space. It will also split in two so can be easily navigated and arranged in a small room. The shape of this tapered headboard draws the eye up and takes up less wall space, so it will feel less imposing in a tight space. Wallpaper a new territory Mural walls are having a moment and can be a clever choice for small bedrooms, using an illusion of depth to open up the space. This silhouette scene is a great choice as it is subtle and restful yet draws the eye back into the woodland. Notice how the wire bedside table doesn't interrupt the mural design; in fact, see-through furniture is a top choice for making a space feel bigger. Coordinate the furniture A reduced floor space means you should choose furniture wisely. Try a matching set of bedroom furniture to create a coherent look and opt for tall slim pieces for alcoves and awkward corners. This chalk white range has modern lines and simple curves that are less fussy which looks more streamlined, a perfect choice for small bedrooms. Accessorize with metallics Make your small bedroom look luxe by choosing accessories made from metal. The shiny surfaces will reflect light around the room creating a brighter feel. The gold desk lamp, vase and jewelry tray set on a matching bedside table look beautiful against a green backdrop and it picks up on the brass headboard studs. Include a statement piece Play on the fact that small bedrooms are cozy by adding a statement headboard that cocoons the sleeper. This beautiful fluted headboard has subtle wings that don't overextend into a tight space and the soft pink color lifts a dark bedroom color such as navy or black. Streamline storage Placing a floating shelf securely above a bed is practical in small bedrooms as it makes good use of empty space and draws the eye to focus on the bed. Make a style statement by painting the shelf the same hue as the walls behind and create your own display with vintage paperback books, photo frames and pretty ceramics. Pick a theme Tiny cabins in the woods prove that small can be beautiful. Channel this cozy hut chic with wood-paneled walls and decorative motifs such as woodland flowers and leaves. Keep furniture pale and choose soft furnishings in delicate pastel shades of blush pink and pale gray to balance the heavy backdrop. Elongate with stripes Give your small bedroom a smart and orderly look by choosing a nautical theme. Combine barely-blue walls with a section of white-washed wood paneling to bring in a coastal vibe, using the vertical lines to make the room appear taller. This navy blue striped board and matching cushion add a strong pattern to the scheme while keeping things classic. Dress the bed with crisp white bed linen and boating accessories. Layer pale tones Stop a country-style small bedroom from looking boxed in with a bright white scheme, dressed in touches of gray and green. Add comfort and a subtle pattern with an upholstered gingham headboard. A bedside table painted in pale sage green will continue the charm and pick out the secondary color. Install wall lights Ditch the bedside tables to free up floor space in a small bedroom. Make the scheme sophisticated with a traditional backdrop layered with a deep elephant gray. White furniture and bed linen will lift the scheme and ambiant wall-lighting such as these matching stylish silver wall sconces are a perfect alternative to bedsides lamps that would get in the way. Add rustic charm Keep a small bedroom pale and pretty with a soft white background and then choose bed linen and curtain fabrics in fresh lemon tones. The star of the show is this amazing upcycling project ; a headboard made from a reclaimed door. Enhance the mood with pretty spring prints, ditsy florals and antique accessories. Pull out a tray Quirky extras will give a small bedroom an element of fun which can be invaluable if the room is also used when guests come to stay. This petite bedside table has an integrated, pull-out tea tray creating additional surface space if needed and a touch of practical hotel chic! Create impact with paint If your small bedroom is too tiny for a headboard or feature wall, inject a shot of personality with creative paint effects. Playful shapes in a selection of contrasting colors can add a designer touch and is easy to achieve by marking out the design first with masking tape. If you lack artistic skills, you can achieve the same effect with peel-off wall stickers. Decorate in period petite A small bedroom can still be packed with personality without overwhelming the space. This tiny boudoir uses a bold palette yet still looks spacious thanks to the balanced use of color. Rich navy cladding is offset with neutral cream walls, jewel-tone curtains are sumptuous and rich, and the bed is dressed unexpectedly in plain tonal fabrics. It's a look that shouldn't work but does! Add drama with shutters Don't drown a small bedroom with heavy curtains, instead solid shutters can create a smart feature that won't engulf the space. Colorful shutters are bang on trend and create a focal point in the room. The solid wood finish will also create a blackout scenario to offer an undisturbed night's sleep. Build a window seat Make use of awkward alcoves by building multipurpose, bespoke furniture. A window seat with storage underneath will inject unique and functional charm into a small bedroom. Teamed with a smart red, gray and white color scheme, the striking look is studious and preppy; perfect for a teen. Make it modern A small bedroom will appear larger when flooded with natural light so will benefit from large windows and contemporary glazed walls. The bright canvas is the perfect place to experiment with color. Combine petrol blue or fashionable teal with the other end of the spectrum   think burnt orange, mustard yellow and bright red   for a failsafe color combination . Limit the look Pairing back furniture to the absolute essentials only will make a small bedroom feel bigger and brighter. Take inspiration from Scandinavian schemes with a pale palette and neutral furniture that is simple yet chic. Cushions with a subtle pattern in muted tones will add a touch of comfort and color. Spin homely charm Dress up a small bedroom with plenty of coordinated soft furnishings to give the compact space an inviting elegance. Botanical prints are so versatile and smaller motifs can be used freely on blinds, cushions and bed linen. Rustic painted furniture in traditional shapes will complement the timeless look perfectly. Frame up a few pressed flowers and plants to complement the look perfectly. Lay a light floor Create the appearance of a larger floorplan by choosing a covering in a super pale finish; cream carpets, ash or whitewashed wood and laminate floorboards could all work here. It's a smart complement to a blush pink color scheme and will make the room seem brighter. Here, a modern low sideboard makes for a clever bedside table if you only have room for one piece of furniture. Rethink storage A built-in wardrobe is an asset to a small space. This cupboard has had its doors removed in order to house two chests of drawers as well as an extra railing installed at the top of the space. Ample storage like this would not be possible otherwise in such a tiny room. Dark gray woodwork frames the design making it a stylish focal feature. Soothe with green Make your small bedroom restful and airy with a soothing palette of uplifting green. Arguably green is the best color choice for bedrooms as it is calming yet invigorating and when teamed with chalky white the combination appears uncluttered in a compact space. Include the real thing by accessorising with hanging houseplants to give the room natural character. Lose conventional wardrobes Placing a bed centrally can make a small bedroom practical and interesting. Use the space behind it for a wardrobe with sliding doors or better still choose retail style rails and white garment covers for a contemporary vibe. Here, a funky red wall divider creates a luxurious dressing area; who'd have thought a compact space could accommodate such a bonus feature? Mount a mirror Enhance your small bedroom's illusion of space by including a mirror in your decorating scheme. Go large for the full effect or place an ornamental style close to a window to attract and bounce plenty of light around the room. An oval rattan framed version makes a fabulous finishing touch to this tropical bedroom scheme. Shrink fit accessories Finishing touches bring small bedrooms to life so choose well to liven up the petite space. Look for smaller versions of everyday objects to make the room appear larger while freeing up much-needed surfaces. This mini table lamp is quaint set on the dainty bedside table and its white lampshade means its size will not compromise on the amount of light it throws out. Multifunctional furniture When space is tight, make a chair work harder by using it as a bedside side table when not in use. An organic rattan chair with slim legs will squeeze into a narrow spot and suits the earthy tones of this global-style scheme. Use pattern wisely Don't shy away from pattern: if you love it then use it. A delicate single motif is displayed perfectly in this small yellow and gray bedroom. Wallpaper on one wall behind the bed creates a focal point that is then continued with matching bed linen to create a perfectly balanced and inviting retreat. Pull out a sofa bed If your small bedroom is truly tiny replacing the bed for a sofa bed will be a wise swap. Lay down a rug and choose lightweight furniture that can be easily moved when in use and an ottoman or storage trunk will hide bedlinen when the bed is in day mode. If making a bed every night seems a chore look for a wardrobe wall-bed that can be pulled out ready to sleep in instead. Invest in a metal bed A traditional metal bed with posts you can see through is a stylish space saver that will not date. A shiny material such as reflective nickel not only looks opulent but helps bounce light in a compact room. Finish the period look with plenty of symmetry such as matching wooden nightstands and vintage-style wall lights. Still hungry for more? Check out these inspired ideas for attic bedrooms


DK Live's Ben Zweiman breaks down why the Nashville Predators should be considered the winners of NHL free agency after signing Matt Duchene.


The Cubs have activated right-handed reliever Tony Barnette from the 60-day injured list and optioned righty Rowan Wick to Triple-A Iowa, Bruce Levine of 670 The Score tweets. Barnette's reinstatement gives the Cubs a full 40-man roster. The 35-year-old Barnette is in line for his first major-league action since last July 3, when he pitched for the Rangers. He had been down with shoulder issues since then, but that didn't deter the Cubs from signing Barnette to a low-risk contract in the offseason. He's on a $750K salary this season and could return in 2020 on a $3M club option. Barnette had an up-and-down tenure with the Rangers, pitching well in two seasons (2016 and '18) but poorly in the other ('17). In all, he recorded a quality 3.50 ERA/3.56 FIP with 8.25 K/9, 2.69 BB/9 and a 45.1 percent ground ball rate during his 144-inning Texas career. That's the extent of Barnette's major-league experience as the former 10th-round pick (Diamondbacks, 2006) spent several years pitching in the minors and Japan. Barnette will now work for a contender in Chicago, whose bullpen ranks sixth in the majors in ERA, 10th in FIP and 18th in K/BB ratio. The Cubs' two innings leaders   Steve Cishek and Brandon Kintzler   have posted fine results, but aside from them and Kyle Ryan , they haven't gotten impressive production from any of their regular relievers. Related slideshow: 2019 MLB season (provided by imagn)


These trips will get your heart racing. Who says travel has to mean regimented museum tours and hours stuck on a bus? Backpacking groups, cross-country excursions and day trips out on the water are just a few of the affordable options available to you if you know where to go. If you want to satisfy the adventure lover in in you, then consider taking a life-changing trip full of thrills. Costa Rica Resort Getaway Price: From $183 per night Book an all-inclusive package to the five-star Hotel Riu Guanacaste in Costa Rica, where you ll spend your afternoons surfing and going on volcano hikes. This package includes on-site resort activities, such as beach volleyball, kayaking and paddle boarding. For another affordable adventure, head off to Jaco Beach, where you can go rafting on the Naranjo River for $85 per person via Adventure Tours Costa Rica . Cruises Around Thailand Price: From $679 for a four-day sailing trip If you have a serious case of wanderlust for an exotic getaway, head off on a sailing adventure with G Adventures from Koh Phi Phi to Phuket , and explore the pristine beaches of Thailand s western coast. You can spend your days snorkeling, kayaking and enjoying outdoor adventures around the islands and Phang Nga Bay. It s designed as a small group experience so if you re traveling solo, this could be a great way to meet fellow travelers. Vita Boot Camp in Delray Beach, Fla. Price: From $1,990 for three nights on select dates, single occupancy If you're looking to get in better shape, head off on a fitness-oriented vacation in sunny Florida, where you can sign up for daily boot camp sessions, learn about proper nutrition and kick off your weight-loss program with a dedicated team of coaches and like-minded participants. When you're done with boot camp, you'll find plenty of adventurous excursions nearby from Delray Beach Water Sports . India Adventure Tour Price: From $1,359 for a 15-day excursion Venture from Delhi to Kathmandu to see the best that India has to offer. Explore Buddhist shrines and temples and go shopping for artisanal goods in India's bazaars. See the Taj Mahal and take a cooking class with a local family. Perhaps best of all, you'll venture through the Chitwan National Park to the base of the Himalayas to see exotic birds, rhinos and monkeys. Central America Exploration Tour Price: From $1,164 for a 16-day tour Central American getaways continue to be among the most affordable options for travelers in search of a little culture. TrekAmerica offers a 16-day trip that starts in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, and ends in Antigua, Guatemala, for an unforgettable journey. You can visit ancient ruins , haggle in the markets of Chichicastenango and enjoy time on the beach as you take in the laid-back local vibe. The package includes one breakfast and one dinner, local transportation, 11 nights in a hotel, budget lodging for three nights and camping for one night. Zion Adventure at Red Mountain Resort, Utah Price: $340 per night with a four-night minimum If you ve always wanted to explore the beautiful mountains of Utah, head to the Red Mountain Resort in St. George for a few days of adventure and fitness. This destination spa caters to travelers looking for both pampering and adventure, with some of the most affordable all-inclusive retreat packages. The Essential Zion Adventure Retreat includes three healthy meals each day, plus guided morning hikes and personal discovery activities. You ll also get a chance to take healthy life and fitness classes and participate in cooking demonstrations. For budget travelers, head to Zion National Park for low-cost camping. Morocco on a Shoestring Tour Price: From $979 for a 13-day tour Imagine running away to Morocco for a full two weeks and not having to worry about a budget. You can do just that with the Morocco on a Shoestring tour by G Adventures . This tour for 18-to-thirtysomethings will take you through Morocco s famous souks and to the stunning dunes on a camel ride. From Casablanca and to Marrakesh, you ll get the chance to explore Moroccan city sites like a local. Backpacking in West Clear Creek Wilderness Price: $1,275 for a four-day basecamp hiking tour Make your way to the desert for an outdoor adventure in Arizona's red rock country. This trip from Wildland Trekking will take you around the famous brilliantly colored cliffs of Sedona to enjoy amazing geological features by day and clear skies by night. You'll also get a chance to sample backcountry cuisine at your campsite and relax around a campfire. Be sure to bring a camera to capture the deer, bobcats and mountain lions you'll cross paths with on your adventure. Mayan Exploration Tour Price: From $1,339 for a nine-day tour Explore the historic trade routes of the Mayans in Mexico with the nine-day Mexican BLT package through TrekAmerica. This is your chance to see the historic sites and landmarks around the Yucatan. Take a jungle tour in Palenque, explore the Misol Ha Waterfall and see the new world's only walled city along the coast in Campeche. Boating and Snorkeling Adventure in Puerto Rico Price: $85 per person for a boating and snorkeling excursion If you're in the mood for a tropical getaway , plan on island hopping and snorkeling your way around the crystal-clear waters of Puerto Rico. Explore uninhabited islands and sail around Cordillera Cays Nature Reserve. The Mini Boat Adventures tour package includes snacks and refreshments, as well as a guided tour. Treasures of Turkey Adventure Price: From $2,038 for a 15-day tour around Turkey Explore Istanbul's historic sites and experience a real Turkish bath over a 15-day excursion with Peregrine Adventures . Designed for adventurous spirits, this is the perfect way to learn about Istanbul's rich history, trek across the rocky terrain around Goreme and participate in ancient healing rituals. Click through to read more about how to save big on last-minute travel . We make money easy. Get weekly email updates, including expert advice to help you Live Richer™ . Prices valid as of Febuary 8, 2019.