These shocking health facts will change the way you eat, exercise, and live. Just try not to hurt your jaw when it hits the floor! 50 Amazing Health Facts That Will Improve Your Health When it comes to your health, there are a few basic facts you already know : Drink more water! Get more sleep! Eat right! Exercise! But it turns out, there's way more to it than just that and we're willing to bet you've left more than a few stones unturned. For instance, did you know that just 10 minutes of exercise a day can be just as effective as a longer workout? Or that eating certain foods can boost your mood? To help you master your health and fitness, we've rounded up the most incredible (and practical!) facts that will change the way you live. And for the fascinating facts that go beyond the body, check out these 50 Crazy Interesting Facts We Bet You Never Knew . 1. Laughter is good for your heart. It's well known that laughter can be a valuable coping tool for those suffering from medical conditions. But according to one 2016 study published in The Journal of Epidemiology , it could also directly contribute to a healthier heart. Among male and female study subjects over the age of 65, those who reported laughing daily had drastically lower rates of cardiovascular disease and stroke. And for more ways to improve your heart health, make sure you know the 25 Heart Disease Symptoms You Can't Afford to Ignore . 2. Quitting smoking before 35 could save your life. If you're a smoker, but not yet middle age, let this be your wakeup call: A 2002 report from the American Journal of Public Health suggests that roughly 90 percent of the increased mortality risk associated with smoking cigarettes can be stopped if a smoker quits before the age of 35. Past middle age and still hooked? You can still reap the benefits of increased longevity by quitting today. And for your best chance at kicking the habit for good, here's The Single Most Important Thing You Can Do That Will Help You Quit Smoking . 3. Not working out is as bad as smoking. We all know that staying active is key to a healthy lifestyle, but recent studies have shown just how important it is . "When compared with the lowest [athletic] performers, elite performance was associated with an 80 percent reduction in mortality risk," reads a 2018 study published in the journal JAMA Network Open . "In addition, the adjusted mortality risk of reduced performance was comparable to, if not significantly greater than, traditional clinical risk factors, such as coronary artery disease, diabetes, and smoking." 4. And obesity may soon overtake smoking as the leading cause of cancer. A British report from Cancer Research UK concluded that as smoking rates drop and obesity rates rise, being severely overweight is poised to become the leading cause of cancer by the year 2043. Considering projections that half of all adults in the United States will be obese by the year 2030, we are likely to see similar trends. And to avoid a late-stage cancer diagnosis, make sure you know The Cancer Warning Signs Hiding in Plain Sight . 5. Sugar is as bad for you as cigarettes. We all know smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your health, but a more stealth killer may be having the same level of impact: sugar. Just as cigarettes have long been linked to preventable mortality from cancer, heart disease, and stroke, researchers have increasingly found that consuming added sugar leads to similarly deadly conditions. According to a 2016 report in the journal Nutrients , too much sugar leads to "a variety of chronic diseases including obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as well as cognitive decline and even some cancers." Looking to quit the habit? This Is the Safest Way to Cut Sugar Out of Your Diet . 6. And you may be eating 46 hidden teaspoons of sugar a day. Though it is recommended by the American Heart Association that women eat no more than six tablespoons of sugar and men eat no more than eight per day, a 2010 article in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that Americans take in an average of 46 hidden teaspoons of sugar per day. These hidden sugars lurk everywhere from drinks to tomato sauce, to dried fruits. And, when you're ready to fight back, here are 7 Ways to Sneak Away From Sugar . 7. We eat 600 more calories a day than people did in the 1970s. When we look back on the portraits of past generations, it's clear that Americans have, on average, gotten bigger. While this is likely due in part to the rise of fast food, hormones in meat and dairy products, chemical additives and preservatives, and the streamlining of physical labor, it also comes down to a staggering increase in the number of calories consumed. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services , the average daily calories consumed has increased by approximately 600 calories since the 1970s. 8. Optimism can make you live longer. A good attitude may do more than just brighten your day. According to Harvard Health , a series of studies confirmed that being a "glass-half-full" kind of person is associated with increased longevity . One 1999 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine revealed that optimistic patients who had undergone coronary artery bypass were half as likely to require re-hospitalization within the following six months as pessimistic patients. And to get more professional perspective on your health, check out the 40 Things Nurses Wish You Knew . 9. Sitting up too straight can hurt your back. "Your mom wasn't totally wrong; hunching can certainly be bad for your back," says Dr. Neel Anand , professor of orthopedic surgery and director of spine trauma at Cedars-Sinai Spine Center in Los Angeles, California. "But the opposite is true too. Sitting up straight for too long without a break can also cause strain. If you work in an office setting, make sure your chair is at a height where your knees are at a 90 degree angle, your feet can rest flat on the floor, and you have proper lower back support. Make sure to stand up, stretch , and take a quick walk several times a day to keep from getting stiff or causing injury." 10. Just 10 minutes of daily exercise can save your health. If you don't think you have time to work out, think again: A 2011 study in the Journal of Obesity found that high-intensity interval workouts that last as few as 10 minutes can be effective in reducing fat, lowering insulin resistance, and improving overall health. While more traditional workout durations of 30 to 60 minutes may build on those benefits, the new rule of thumb is that short bouts of vigorous exercise every day can be just as effective as longer workouts. Wondering what benefits may be in store? This Is What Happens to Your Body When You Do a High-Intensity Workout . 11. Walking is nearly as healthy as running. On the other hand, if you've got a lot of time to spend on a leisurely workout, try walking. One 2014 study published in the journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology found that brisk walking can be nearly as effective as running in lowering rates of hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol. The key is to maintain a pace that keeps your heart rate elevated and to cover the same distance as your running route which, admittedly, could take a while. 12. Actually, running can cause permanent health problems. Running is great for your overall health, but your joints and back may beg to differ. "Whether it's concrete or paved asphalt, running on hard ground is incredibly hard on your joints and spine," explains Anand. So what can you do about it? The orthopedic surgeon suggests varying your workout, and running on dirt trails or grass when possible. "You'll also benefit from getting stronger legs, as the softer ground gives more and requires more energy, strength, and effort to push forward on," he adds. 13. Exercise can improve your chronic pain. If you suffer from chronic pain, working out is probably the last thing you want to do. But a 2017 report in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews examined 264 studies with nearly 20,000 participants, and found that overall, exercise was beneficial for chronic pain. In particular, the review suggested that exercise could lower pain severity and improve function, particularly when exercise plans were monitored by a physician. And if your pain includes a chronically aching back, here is The Single Best Way to Ease Your Lower Back Pain . 14. And it can also reduce your risk for Alzheimer's. If you're relying on the Sunday crossword alone to keep your mind sharp as you age, you're missing a huge piece of the puzzle. A growing body of research has revealed that physical exercise can have a huge impact on vitality and resistance to neurological disorders. According to a 2013 study in the journal Comprehensive Physiology , "abundant evidence supports the role of exercise enhancing cognitive function in young subjects and reducing cognitive decay in aging. … Exercise has the potential to reduce the risk for various neurological diseases including Alzheimer's, Huntington's, and Parkinson's." Turns out, your full-body workout includes the brain! And, for more on keeping your brain in fighting shape, check out these 40 Brain-Boosting Habits to Take Up After 40 . 15. But what you do outside of the gym matters most. If you go hard at the gym and then spend the rest of the day recouping on the couch or sitting at a desk, you're missing out on some of your greatest opportunities to get in shape. One 2018 study published in the journal Endotext concluded that non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) is one of the greatest influences on a person's weight. NEAT includes every daily habits and chores that require physical movement, such as cooking, grocery shopping , doing yard work, or even fidgeting and the more you do throughout the day, the healthier you'll be. 16. Job strain can contribute to type 2 diabetes. Stressed at work? According to a 2014 study in the journal Diabetes Care , job strain is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, independent of other lifestyle factors including weight and activity levels. "An association between job strain and diabetes is biologically plausible because stress response increases secretion of the fight-or-flight hormone cortisol," the study authors write. And when you're ready to take control of your stress at work, try these 10 Workplace Stress-Busters . 17. Meditating is better for your mental health than a vacation. Run out of vacation days? Harvard Health explains that meditating is just as restorative as a week-long getaway. In 2018, researchers out of the Netherlands studied 91 female volunteers and divided them into three groups: those who were regular meditators, those who had never meditated, and those who would forgo meditation entirely in favor of a week-long vacation. The first two groups committed to 12 hours of mindfulness training over the course of a regular workweek, while the latter group of "vacation participants" engaged in health lectures and outdoor activities. While all three groups reported similar benefits of lowered stress and improved mood, the participants that continued meditating showed positive results 10 months later, while the vacationers returned to their normal states after their trips ended. 18. If you're over 30, you're already losing up to 40 percent of your muscle mass. Over 30 and still feel like you're in your prime? Your muscles may beg to differ. One 2013 study published in Muscles, Ligaments, and Tendons Journal found that after 30, participants saw a muscle decrease between 16.6 and 40 percent. And that muscular degeneration increased even more rapidly after 40. The takeaway? No matter how incredible you feel, you'll want to ramp up your strength training and protein intake in your 30s to help compensate for the strength you would otherwise lose with age. And for some simple ways to revamp your fitness routine, learn the 40 Ways to Stay Fit After 40 . 19. Heart disease is more deadly than all types of cancer combined. Cancer strikes fear into the hearts of many, but according to Dr. Nicole Weinberg , cardiologist at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California, our hearts themselves pose a bigger threat. Cardiovascular disease causes more deaths than all types of cancer combined, accounting for one in every four deaths in America and every one in three among women. But the good news is that we know more about preventing heart disease than we do about preventing cancer, and eating well and working out can get you on the right track. Weinberg warns that this is only half the battle, and you should also see a doctor to assess how your particular genetic markers may affect your cholesterol levels. 20. And you can help fight dementia by preventing heart disease, too. Need more reasons to get heart-healthy? Heart disease risk factors are also linked to dementia, according to the National Institutes of Health . The body relies on the vascular system to deliver blood and oxygen to the brain, and the better your heart is able to do its job, the less likely you are to suffer from dementia and Alzheimer's disease. 21. Staying fit over time can make you 60 percent less likely to die early. A 2012 study in the journal ISRN Cardiology tracked the link between physical fitness and mortality, and found that men who were consistently categorized as "fit" throughout their adult years had a reduced mortality of 60 percent. If you're already in great shape, that should help motivate you to keep up the good work! 22. And getting in shape for the first time can make you 35 percent less likely to die early. That same study in ISRN Cardiology found that study participants who were considered out of shape but improved their fitness over the five-year study period still had 35 percent reduced mortality. That's proof that it's never too late to start! 23. Your poor sleep habits can make you gain weight. Like eating well, staying hydrated, and keeping active, getting a good night's sleep should be at the top of your fitness checklist. A 2010 study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found that not getting enough sleep, or maintaining an abnormal sleep schedule, is considered an independent risk factor for weight gain. This contributes to a cycle in which poor sleep practices lead to weight gain, which increases the likelihood of sleep apnea or other sleep disturbances, which, in turn, contributes to more weight gain. And for more on how your sleep schedule can tank your weight loss plans, Here's How Weekend Catch Up Sleep Actually Leads to Weight Gain . 24. Firm mattresses can wreak havoc on your back. If you thought a firm matress was the key to improving your back, you might want to bring it up to your doctor. "Back pain sufferers can actually experience greater pain if their mattress is too firm because it puts more pressure on heavy points like the hips and shoulders," says Anand. "Conversely, a mattress that is too soft could lack the support necessary to allow proper movement. In both cases, the person wakes up stiff and in pain." The ideal mattress, medium-firm, involves a bit of a compromise between the two. 25. Mattress covers don't help allergies. If you find yourself suffering from dust mite-related allergies, your bed might not be doing you any favors. And unfortunately, it may not make a difference whether you use a mattress cover or not. A study in The New England Journal of Medicine found that there was little difference in exposure to mattress dust between groups that used allergen-impermeable covers and groups that didn't. 26. Excessive sitting is more likely to cause inflammation in women. " Inflammation is a reaction in the body that creates redness, swelling, heat, and can cause pain," says Dr. Kristine Arthur , internist at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California. "It is usually a response to something like an infection, chronic irritation, or an injury. Studies have shown that sitting longer is associated with an increased level in these inflammatory biomarkers, particularly for women." Because chronic inflammation can lead to a weakened immune system, women should be sure to stay active throughout the day. 27. And standing up more often can save your life. According to Harvard Health , more than half of the average person's day is spent sitting, whether in front of a computer at work, in front of the TV at home, or with a meal at the table. Unfortunately this trend is hazardous to our health, contributing to increased risk of type 2 diabetes , cancer, and obesity, which in turn ups your chances of heart disease and stroke. However, there's good news, too: A 2011 study in the Journal of Women's Health showed that walking for just 30 minutes per day can help reverse some of these issues. 28. In fact, you burn 72 extra calories per day by standing at work. With increased awareness of how dangerous a sedentary lifestyle can be for our health, more and more people have chosen to take on the workday standing up. And though the benefits go beyond weight loss (hello, lowered cancer and diabetes rates) it's natural to wonder just how many calories you might burn by skipping the seat. The answer, according to the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology , is 72 calories in an eight-hour workday. In other words, it's great for other aspects of your health, but don't use it as an excuse to skip the gym. 29. Exercise is better for mild depression than medication. KJ6M0J Attractive man and beautiful woman jogging together While sufferers of more severe depression may benefit from antidepressant medication, a 2007 study in the Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience found that people who suffer from mild depression could be better off exercising. As the study explains, "the risk-benefit ratio is poor for antidepressant use in patients with mild depression." 30. Our brains shrink with age, but we can help slow the process. According to Dr. Vernon Williams , a sports neurologist and director of the Center for Sports Neurology and Pain Medicine at Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles, our brains shrink as we get older. Past our 60s and 70s, the loss of neurons and their connections known as cerebral atrophy is largely inevitable, and leads to cognitive decline. However, healthy habits including not smoking, managing blood pressure, and maintaining a healthy weight can help slow down the process. 31. Eating more fruit will improve your liver health. An apple a day keeps the doctor away or at least it can help keep your liver at its healthiest. A 2017 study in the journal Nutrients revealed that eating more fruit fiber contributed to a healthier liver, especially in overweight and obese people who suffered liver damage, including fatty liver disease. 32. Food can boost your mood. A 2017 report in the journal Microbial Ecology in Health and Disease set out to identify compounds in different food groups that help elevate peoples' moods. Looking at carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, the report identified beta-glucans, tryptophan, and Omega-3 fatty acids as the best mood-boosters. Translation? Foods like oatmeal, spinach, eggs, nuts, and salmon should be regular features in your meal plan. 33. Most Americans' diets are failing them. As Americans, it's time for us all to take a good, hard look at the foods we eat. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services , the average American consumes a diet that exceeds the recommended intake levels in four key categories: calories from solid fats and added sugars, refined grains, sodium, and saturated fat. Not sure if your diet is on the right track? Check out this helpful guide from the USDA . 34. 90 percent of Americans consume too much sodium. If there's one area where most American diets go off the rails, it's sodium. In fact, according to that same report, about 90 percent of Americans eat more salt than they should, consuming an average of 3,400 mg per day, compared with the recommended guideline of less than 2,300 mg per day. Sodium takes a major toll on our health, raising our blood pressure and contributing to heart disease. It is estimated that if Americans reduced their sodium intake by 1,200 mg per day, it could save up to $20 billion a year in medical costs. 35. Up to 70 percent of middle-aged women have a thyroid problem. According to Dr. Melanie Goldfarb , endocrine surgeon and director of the Endocrine Tumor Program at Providence Saint John's Health Center, up to 70 percent of middle-aged women and 40 to 50 percent of middle-aged men suffer from thyroid nodules  whether they know it or not. These are small, often symptomless growths that develop on the thyroid and in some cases cause hypothyroidism. Between 5 and 10 percent of cases are determined to be cancerous, so be sure to schedule an ultrasound if you suspect a problem. 36. One in six people have a pituitary tumor or cyst. Only the size of a pea, your pituitary gland packs a big punch. Situated at the base of your brain, this "master gland" controls other hormone-secreting glands, and has a huge impact on the regulation of your vital organs. So it may come as a bit of a shock that according to Goldfarb, one in six people has a pituitary tumor or cyst. The good news? "You can remove up to 95 percent [of the gland] and still have complete function," says the endocrinologist. 37. Deep breathing may help you lose weight. According to the Mayo Clinic , fat leaves the body mostly via exhaled breath. A 2014 study in the journal Gastrointestinal Tracts found that 84 percent of fat is transformed into carbon dioxide and breathed out, while the remaining 16 percent becomes water, leaving your body through urine and sweat. Some fitness professionals argue that this means that deep breathing with attention to prolonged exhalation can help your body shed fat. 38. Sweating does not help you lose fat. If you've been going on runs wearing sweat suits or garbage bags, it's time to change your routine. Beyond the risks associated with intentionally raising your temperature while exercising, extreme sweating does very little to help you lose fat. As you exercise, your metabolic system oxidizes triglycerides into usable energy for your muscles, shrinking (though not getting rid of) your fat cells in the process. The 16 percent of weight that is lost through urine and sweat is quickly replenished as soon as you rehydrate. 39. Staying hydrated boosts your metabolism. Need more of a reason to drink your recommended eight glasses of water a day? Several studies, including this 2016 report in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition , have concluded that staying adequately hydrated helps people lose weight, both by curbing appetite and increased lipolysis, or the breakdown of fats. Go ahead and top off your glass! 40. Restricting calories increases stress. This may come as no surprise to anyone who's taken on a tough diet before: Calorie-restrictive diets increase stress . As one 2011 study in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine explains, "Restricting calories increased the total output of cortisol, and monitoring calories increased perceived stress." To feel your best, physically and emotionally, forgo calorie-counting and instead focus on eating nutritionally-sound foods in reasonable portions. 41. …And stress makes you store more fat. Not only does stress take a toll on other areas of your life, but it also directly leads to more weight gain. That same Psychosomatic Medicine study found that elevated cortisol levels trigger food cravings and the storage of excess fat, particularly around the abdominal area. 42. Your menstrual cycle should influence your diet. It's normal for women to feel heavier or lighter depending on where they are in their menstrual cycle. But the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that the connection may go deeper than water retention and bloating: The study found that women are more successful in weight loss when they use "a differentiated diet and exercise program that is tailored to counteract food cravings and metabolic changes throughout the menstrual cycle." 43. Boosting your testosterone lowers your risk of heart attack. According to Dr. S. Adam Ramin , urologist and medical director of Urology Cancer Specialists in Los Angeles, testosterone is essential in building muscle mass, preventing loss of bone density, boosting sexual desire, fighting fatigue , and maintaining psychological health. But he also notes another key benefit: Good cardiovascular health and lowered risk of heart attack. 44. And you can boost your testosterone naturally. Ramin explains that both men and women suffer from low testosterone as they age, and while testosterone supplements can cause unwanted side effects, there are many natural ways to boost your levels, consequence-free. He recommends regular exercise, losing belly fat (which "converts naturally-occurring testosterone into estrogen"), getting enough sleep, avoiding stress, and keeping a nutritious diet that includes "healthy cholesterol," found in foods like eggs, avocados, and fish. 45. Parents who exercise have more active children. If you have kids , your health habits are contagious. A 2014 study in the Journal of Sports Science & Medicine revealed that a child's rate of participation in sports was significantly predicted by their parents' rate of physical activity, particularly as younger adolescents. Notably, sons were only impacted by their father's level of activity, whereas daughters were impacted by both their mothers and fathers. 46. "Text-neck" is an epidemic By now you've likely heard of " text -neck," a strain of the cervical spine caused by constantly angling our heads downward to look at our phones and other devices. "The head placed at a 60-degree angle forces the cervical spine to hold the equivalent of 60 pounds," Anand explains. "To put those numbers into perspective, the design of your neck is such that it is strong enough to carry your skull (which weighs about 12 pounds). In effect, these torqued angles we're placing our necks at are putting up to five times the amount of pressure on them than they were designed to hold." If you're feeling the strain, it's time to scale back on devices, and practice better posture. 47. Your choice of friends can be bad for your health. According to Dr. Peter LePort , bariatric surgeon and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in California, who you consider a friend can have a huge impact on the success of your health or weight loss plans. "When you tell them [about your health goals], you may find that your loved ones are all very supportive, initially. And, like most things in life, some will be more supportive than others," he explains. "The tension usually arises when you begin to choose healthy activities over the unhealthy ones you may have previously engaged in with them." LePort recommends including your friends in your new healthy lifestyle, and releasing relationships where your friends' unhealthy habits may be holding you back. 48. Between 10 and 20 percent of health problems are misdiagnosed. The faith we put in medical professionals is profound, and many of us take our doctor's word as gospel, but it's important to remember that medicine is complex, and people make mistakes. In fact, according to one 2013 study in the journal BMJ Quality & Safety , "Autopsy studies identify major diagnostic discrepancies in 10 to 20 percent of cases." The study goes on to explain that in a survey of more than 2,000 patients, 55 percent listed a diagnostic error as their primary concern when seeing a physician, and physician surveys have found that roughly half of responding doctors encounter diagnostic errors every month. 49. Gut bacteria is the new frontier in health. Gut bacteria may be the new kid in town when it comes to health, but mounting research now suggests that it could change the way we look at wellness. A 2013 report in the journal Gastroenterology and Hepatology refers to the study of gut ecology as "one of the most active and exciting fields in biology and medicine ." Researchers are making huge strides in understanding how microbiota can influence everything from disease prevention to weight management. Stay tuned to advancements in probiotics: These could very soon be the key to good health. 50. Bathroom doors spread more disease than toilet flush handles. If there's one place that we can all agree is a hotbed for the spread of germs, it's public bathrooms and many of us are selective about what we will and won't touch when we're in one. The problem is that we've been getting it all wrong: A 2011 study in the journal PLOS One found that if after washing your hands, you use them to open the door, you have a higher risk of contamination than if you flush the toilet with your bare fingers. Another shocker from the study? The toilet floor often has fewer germs than the soap dispenser! And to make sure you get this daily activity right, This Is the Safest Way to Wash Your Hands . 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Saint Paul is set to see light rainfall this coming week, according to drone-powered weather forecasting service Saildrone . Thursday's forecast shows the greatest chance of rain at 78 percent, with rain likely through Friday. The next few days will also bring warm temperatures, forecast to persist through Sunday. Temperatures will reach a high of 77 degrees on Thursday. Skies will be partly cloudy today and mostly cloudy tomorrow. Winds will remain light throughout the week, with the highest speeds on Sunday at only 10 mph. This story was created automatically using Saildrone's local weather forecast data, then reviewed by an editor. We also incorporate historic weather data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


A bill to rename a post office after a man who helped save several lives during the mass shooting at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center now heads to President Donald Trump's desk for his signature. The U.S. Senate passed a bill Tuesday night to rename the post office at 2509 George Mason Drive in the memory of Ryan "Keith" Cox. The House version of the bill, sponsored by Rep. Elaine Luria, was voted unanimously earlier this month . RELATED: US House passes legislation to name Virginia Beach Post Office after municipal center shooting victim Cox was one of the 12 people shot and killed in the Virginia Beach municipal center mass shooting on May 31. For 12 years, he served Virginia Beach as an account clerk in the Department of Public Utilities. Cox was credited for sacrificing his own life to protect and save others inside the building. "The Commonwealth will forever be grateful to Mr. Cox for the selfless actions he took that tragic day to protect his fellow Virginians," said U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine in a joint statement, who both worked to expedite its passage in the Senate. "It's our hope that the President will swiftly sign this bill into law so that we can pay a proper tribute to this heroic Virginian." RELATED: Senators support renaming Virginia Beach post office for Municipal Center shooting victim Cox's father, E. Ray Cox, said he's not surprised his son spent his final moments trying to save others. "He was not one to run and hide, but rather to usher others out of harm's way, while he rushed into harm's way. But the moment I found out that he was one of the victims, whose life was lost, it felt like the bottom of my stomach fell out," said Cox. RELATED: Father of mass shooting victim Keith Cox remembers his son who had 'voice of an angel' Cox said if his son was alive today, he would be shocked by the honor. "He wouldn't know what to say about all this. He would be asking now, 'What is all this about?' because he would see what he'd done as the norm," said Cox. But Cox said that even though he appreciates the honor, he would rather have his son back. "I would not exchange my son for any act of kindness or any act of memorialization of his name. I prefer to have my son."


Often when driving, we encounter situations that are out of our control. Make the right decisions when in a tight spot with these tips. When There's an Oncoming Car in your Lane A car is coming straight toward you in your lane. Try getting its attention by honking and flashing your lights while planning a way to avoid them. Don't stare at the oncoming vehicle, as your car will follow your line of sight. Instead, look where you want to go. Here are the crazy things people have done while driving . To Outsmart a Carjacker… When getting into your car at night, be wary of carjackers by getting in quickly and locking the doors right away, instead of taking the time to move things around while the door is still open or relying on automatic locks. If you ve gotten in your car to discover a carjacker waiting, get out as fast as possible. If the car is in drive but not moving just get out, and if you are in motion stop as fast as possible to leave. When a carjacker has reached from the back seat to cover your mouth, take one finger and peel it backward as hard as you can. Hopefully this will break the perpetrator s finger and buy you some time to make a quick escape. Plus: Do these things to increase your driving comfort. If You're Dealing with Blinding Sun… Try to limit your reaction as much as possible. Don't slam on the brakes or swerve, as this could pose a danger to both yourself and other drivers around you. Do your best to continue on your path and remain predictable to other drivers. Don't miss these driving etiquette rules you've probably forgotten since drivers ed . When Someone Else is Tailgating… If a car behind you is tailgating and honking, pull over and let it by. It may be an emergency, and either way it is unsafe to travel with another vehicle at such a close proximity. Plus: Check out these best practices for safe winter driving. If You Spot an Impaired Driver Ahead If the car ahead of you is swerving and the driver appears to be impaired, give him plenty of room and do not tailgate. Pay close attention, but don't fixate on the vehicle. Here are the things your mechanic won't tell you . Not Sure How to Handle a Yellow Light at an Intersection? If the light turns yellow as you're approaching an intersection, use your judgment to determine the best course of action. Never go through a yellow light if you think you can stop before the light turns. If There's an Approaching Tornado A tornado is quickly approaching and you re stuck in your car. While your instinct may be to pull over under an overpass to wait it out, this plan still exposes you to the dangers of flying debris. Ascertain whether traffic is light and if it is, try driving out of the tornado s path by moving at a right angle away from the vortex. If not, park and make your way inside a sturdy building. If you re in open country, exit the car and try to get as far from any trees, cars, or other large structures and lie facedown, covering your head with your arms. These are the things you should never do during an emergency . If You See a Deer in the Road… A deer jumps in the road right in front of your car, and you re momentarily overcome with terror. Try to stay calm and avoid it with minimal braking and steering. Rash actions increase the chances that disaster will strike. This is how to keep deer out of your yard for good. Not Sure How to Proceed at a Four-Way Stop? You ve come to a four-way stop and you re a little hazy on the rules of right-of-way. Try to make eye contact with the other drivers waiting to proceed. If you see them looking at you or waving, it s safe to move forward. If You're About to be Rear-Ended… You ve slowed your speed or come to a stop, but you see the car behind you is traveling at a much faster speed. Chances are you re about to be rear-ended. Take your foot off the brake so that if the car behind you hits you, your own vehicle will roll forward and lessen the severity of the impact. This is how to make your commute less stressful . If Your Car Gets Submerged in Water… You've taken your eyes off the road for a moment and suddenly find your car sinking quickly in a body of water. Most people will wait until pressure equalizes to try and open the door, but instead you should move as quickly as possible to open the door and make your way to the surface. If the windows and doors are powered by automatic locks, you can probably still open them using buttons if you act quickly. If not, try to break the window using a shoe or a key poking out of your fist. Or, keep a small LifeHammer in your glove compartment. Target the window's corners. Next, check out these maintenance tips that can extend the life of your car. [Sources: autoblog.com, parents.com]


Police have arrested a suspect in connection with the stabbing of an 18-year-old man in Bonney Lake. The stabbing occurred early Friday after the victim and his friends got into an argument with a stranger in a wooded area between state Route 410 and South Prairie Road just after midnight. Detectives identified the suspect Friday afternoon as a 38-year-old man from Bonney Lake. The suspect was located by patrol officers late Friday night or early Saturday, Bonney Lake police said. He was interviewed by detectives and then booked into Pierce County Jail for assault. The weapon used in the stabbing has not been found. After the stabbing, the victim's friends called 911, and East Pierce paramedics treated the victim on scene before taking him to a nearby hospital. He suffered a single stab wound to the chest and was listed in stable condition.     ©2019 The News Tribune (Tacoma, Wash.) Visit The News Tribune (Tacoma, Wash.) at www.TheNewsTribune.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


Exposure to indoor pesticides significantly associated with increased risk of childhood cancers new study finds.


Every member of the NFL has their own story to tell. Some uplifting, others heartbreaking, sometimes both. Ultimately, no two routes into the league are the same, and on occasion, we are lucky enough to learn a person's extraordinary story. The latest of which is Houston Texans wide receiver Floyd Allen. He may not yet be a household name, but this Houston native and Nimitz High School graduate told reporters on Wednesday how he earned his spot on the 90-man roster the hard way. After graduating high school, Allen said that he "started off at an NAIA school," meaning one which specializes in schools with "small athletics programs." However, Allen knew he was destined for bigger and better things, and opted to go to JuCo. His first foray into the world of JuCo couldn't have gone much worse, with him unable to play due to his credits not transferring. And while his second JuCo did allow him to play, however, it wasn't going to plan. During his time at his second JuCo, Allen was living out of the passenger seat in his 2003 Honda Accord. Said Allen: "At the time, I didn't have any money to put down for a down payment for an apartment. So, I was homeless for about a good two to three weeks." Not coming from money, Allen supported himself by working at his local McDonalds, taking orders for the drive-thru customers. Ever the optimist, he did not let this get him down and focused this positivity into his work, even during the tough shifts. "It's hot outside and everybody just wants to get their order, and I'm trying my best to make somebody laugh or trying to keep everybody calm so we can get the line moving," admitted Allen. The 5-10 receiver continued to work long hours, balancing work, practice, and school. "For me, if I didn't have class that day then I tried to work as early as possible until practice," Allen said. "Even if I did have class that day, I'd try to work really early, then go to class, then go to practice. I was doing my best to try to maintain everything." Of course, there were moments when it all almost got too much. He openly admits that there were times when he genuinely considered walking away from the game he dreamed of playing. "When I was homeless, there were moments where I was like 'Is this really what you want to do?' I always said that 'If God wakes me up in the morning, that's an opportunity to chase your dreams,'" said Allen. "To this day, I'm still alive. So, this is an opportunity to keep chasing it." And ultimately, who can really blame Allen? Countless others have tried and failed to get to the position he is in now, and there likely will have been those along the way who believed moving on to another goal would have been the better course of action. However, Allen was determined to continue chasing the dream, despite everything against him. "I was big on seeing the bigger picture," said Allen. "Which is 'know this.' And every night, I used to just think about all of the times that - just thinking about making it to the next level, having an opportunity to take care of my family. It always kept me motivated. Kept me from, in a sense, going insane." And to aid these tough times, he leaned on his family and his faith to pull him through. "I'm big on faith, so I always lean on my parents and God," Allen said. "Again, it's tough in those situations. Especially chasing the dream of being an NFL player. It's tough, because sometimes you go through stuff where you think it might not happen for you. But again, my parents always told me to trust in God. God won't take you anywhere that his grace won't protect you." However, there were more hurdles to come. "Second year, built up a little interest from colleges," said Allen. "Ended up getting a stress fracture in my left ankle, first fall practice. End of that season." This still wasn't enough to deter Allen from making the NFL, or at least doing all he could to try. And finally, luck was on his side. He said that coach Jacob Peeler who had previously recruited him was hired by Ole Miss where he asked Allen to walk on if he was still looking for a team. Naturally, he took a leap of faith, and it paid off. From there, his journey to the NFL really picked up its pace. "Just working out with N.W.O, 'Nasty Wide Outs' - best receiving corps in the country," Allen said. The N.W.O. produced two second-round picks in the 2019 NFL draft in A.J. Brown and D.K. Metcalf. "Then going from there, just worked hard and then got an opportunity at the Tropical Bowl," Allen said. "Got a chance to show what I can do in front of NFL scouts. Then Pro Day, and then I ended up getting an invite to the local day, here for the Texans. Now, I'm here." Allen is convinced that both his work ethic and his attention to detail are what ultimately landed him his dream job. "I think they've seen the fire in me that wants to prove that I belong and that I can be a great teammate and a great asset to the team," said Allen. "I think that's something that probably caught their eye." Now back where it all began, the reality of playing for the team he grew up watching is still settling in. But despite having made it and accomplished his goal, he continues to be humble and grateful. " It's a blessing," said Allen. "Honestly, it would've been a blessing to be on any team. Just knowing that all I've been through to get here. To be in the home team is kind of like a dream come true. I always talked to my parents about 'How crazy would it be if I ended up playing for the Texans.' Lo and behold, I'm here. So, it's pretty crazy." Moving forward, not only will he be working hard to make the final roster or practice squad and get his shot in the NFL, but he aims to use his platform to support others in situations much like that he found himself in just a few years ago. "I also want to give back to the community," said Allen. "Because again, they support us, so why not support them? I feel like, for me, I've been through a lot, so I know there's people out there that's going through the same thing. If I can help them in any type of way, then why not use my platform to do it?" The travails that Allen has been through have taught him to be grateful, and now he hopes to use his platform to inspire even more people who are able to witness his quest to capture his dream. Knowing that my story has reached a lot of people and they, in a sense, have been telling me that I'm inspiring to them. So, just knowing all I've been through to get here. I've always been grateful for everything. Whether it's them giving me shirts and shorts. When I was in JuCo, we never got any of that. So, I'm just like 'Oh my. ' I'm just happy to get that. So, all it did was teach me just to be grateful. You never know where like will take you. So, whether it's up or down, just be grateful that you have an opportunity to see the day. Allen has made it through to the end of mandatory minicamp as a member of the Texans' 90-man roster. How could there not be a more compelling pet cat for Texans fans come training camp than Floyd Allen? MORE: Steve Kerr opens up on decision to play Kevin Durant: 'The Achilles came as a complete shock' NBA trade rumor rankings: Rockets on the move? Lakers reportedly make Ball and Ingram available for AD, Pelicans want Kuzma Davante Adams on Packers rookie S Darnell Savage: 'We got a steal' A Party Like It's 1969: The Remarkable Resilience of Live Sports on Broadcast TV


Every team in the NFL has made a handful of mistakes in the draft that have altered their franchise's history. Unfortunately for the Raiders, they have had a few too many in the last two decades. Today, we are looking at the three biggest "what-ifs" in draft history for the Raiders. So without further ado, let's begin! What if the Raiders selected WR Calvin Johnson over QB Jamarcus Russell? Heading into the 2007 NFL draft, the Oakland Raiders held the No. 1 selection. In what turned out to be a loaded class, the Raiders narrowed their choices down to two players: LSU's Jamarcus Russell and Georgia Tech's Calvin Johnson. After a 2-14 season under head coach Art Shell, the Raiders opted to select the quarterback rather than the generational receiver. The team then traded away Randy Moss to the Patriots the following season, leaving their wide receiver corps depleted. But imagine a world in which the Raiders selected Johnson at No. 1 and held onto Moss. While the team would have needed to add a quarterback in free agency ( Matt Schaub and Jeff Garcia were available ), having two of the best wide receivers of all time on the same roster would have been incredible. What if the Raiders didn't trade for QB Carson Palmer? (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) After years of struggling at quarterback, the Raiders decided to make the bold move of trading for recently "retired" Carson Palmer from the Cincinnati Bengals during the middle of the 2011 season. Oakland gave away its first-round pick in 2012 and a second-round pick in 2013. Palmer started nine games that season, throwing 13 touchdown passes and 16 interceptions. After just two seasons, he was moved to Arizona after failing in Oakland. But what if the Raiders didn't make this trade and decided to continue to start Jason Campbell? They likely wouldn't have ended up with a record of 8-8 and would have been in the sweepstakes for Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III. If neither of those players had been available, the Raiders could have chosen from the likes of Luke Kuechly, Fletcher Cox, Melvin Ingram or David DeCastro. The Palmer trade was one of the worst trades in franchise history. What if the Raiders selected QB Phillip Rivers over LT Robert Gallary? Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports After the 2003 season, there were plenty of signs that Rich Gannon was done. He started just seven games in the previous season, completing less than 56 percent of his passes. Reserve Rick Mirer started eight games during that season, and he finished that season with a passer rating of 64.8. As a team, the Raiders threw for a total of just nine touchdowns that season. But instead of drafting the next franchise quarterback, the team opted to pick offensive tackle Robert Gallary. Oakland passed on not one, but two franchise quarterbacks in Phillip Rivers and Ben Roethlisberger. Imagine for a moment the Raiders selecting Rivers and having him torture the Chargers for almost two decades. Considering the Raiders later made the trade for Randy Moss, pairing Rivers and Moss could have been a deadly combination. Instead, the Raiders spent the next decade looking for their next franchise quarterback as Rivers and Roethlisberger will likely be in the Hall of Fame once their careers are over. MORE: Shaq got so frustrated with Ryan Hollins' basketball takes on ESPN Brett Favre Says He's Coming Out of Retirement on Instagram NBA Free Agency 2019: The top players Mike O'Hara says Matthew Stafford played with broken back in 2018 Lowe: Steven Adams may be moved despite challenge with sizable contract


Stafford is considered a second-tier QB across the league. After a down year in 2018, NFL analysts are in disagreement as to where Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford stands amongst the rest of the league's passers. Now ten years into his career, many would have expected more from the former first overall pick. Others blame his circumstances, noting that he's never truly had a good running game, and his defenses are usually pretty bad. This week, Mike Sando of The Athletic released his 2019 NFL quarterback tiers . Sando reached out to 55 coaches and NFL executives and asked them to place every starting NFL quarterback into a tier. Then he averaged every answer and ranked them accordingly. Stafford came in 11th on Sando's list, with 41 of 55 coaches and executives giving Stafford the second tier grade. 13 voters ranked Stafford in the third tier, while only one still believes the Lions quarterback is a first-tier quarterback. Here's a sampling of what they said about Stafford. "He has 1 talent, but 2 production," an anonymous GM said. "He hasn't won as much as they had hoped, but I think they haven't helped him a lot, either. Last year, they traded his best receiver. I just think he's talented, I think he's a competitor. He scares us." "He can do everything you want, but you are always waiting for everyone around him to get better, and usually what happens with the top guys, they make those guys better, and you just do not see that happening with him," a defensive coordinator said. At this point, 11th seems fair for the veteran quarterback. For the majority of his career, he's hung right around the top 10 and this year doesn't feel any different. On Tuesday, the Lions added one more name to the Physically Unable to Perform list: wide receiver Tommylee Lewis. The #Lions have placed WR Tommylee Lewis on Active/Physically Unable to Perform.   Detroit Lions (@Lions) July 23, 2019 Lewis joins defensive end Trey Flowers and linebacker Steve Longa . This offseason, there were a lot of very misinformed takes regarding the Detroit Lions. Erik Schlitt of Lions Wire addressed each one and took them down . Ever wondered what an NFL contract looked like in 1940? Tommy Hackenbruck, grandson of Lions tackle John Hackenbruck, shared this photo on Twitter: Grandpa's NFL contract. $150 per game for Detroit Lions in 1940. He played 1 year (alongside future Supreme Court justice Byron "Whizzer" White) and then led beach raids in Japan for the US Army. I've literally done nothing in life LOL. pic.twitter.com/edFktaHldb   Tommy Hackenbruck (@TommyHacksaw) July 22, 2019 Justin Rogers of the Detroit News has your pre-training camp 53-man roster prediction . You can catch up with the Lions' new offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell and defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni on the latest episode of the Detroit Lions' One Pridecast: Who better to preview training camp than Lions coaches? Defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni and offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell talk camp on the latest episode of the One Pridecast ⬇ Apple: https://t.co/eFijHK8VoF TuneIn: https://t.co/HXHJZEhRVa pic.twitter.com/lHaRisTBm8   Tori Petry (@sportstori) July 23, 2019


The Colorado eeked out a win this time over the Ranger, but the truth is that both pickups are outstanding. The Ford Ranger and Chevy Colorado are the two biggest competitors from the major pickup-truck makers in the US. I've tested three Colorado trucks in different trims and one all-new Ford Ranger. The Colorado truck eked out a win this time over the Ranger, but the truth is that both pickups are outstanding. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. The Ford versus Chevy rivalry is a familiar one to pickup-truck customers. In the full-size segment, the mighty F-150 has been the bestselling vehicle in the US since Ronald Reagan was President, while the Chevy Silverado has usually been number two. Decades ago, there was robust competition in the compact pickup segment, as well. But more recently, the Detroit automakers have all but abandoned the market in the US. That all changed when Chevy rolled out the Colorado in 2014. Suddenly, the old compact segment became a midsize battleground (the trucks were larger than the entry-level, stripped-down pickups that I drove when I was in college). Toyota was well-established, but with the Colorado and its GMC sibling, the Canyon, General Motors offered more plush, high-tech, yet still versatile and robust small pickups. Honda revamped its Ridgeline to be more pickup-like, and just like that Ford looked like it had fallen behind the curve in its bread-and-butter realm. Not to worry, however, as the Ranger midsize was on sale outside the US, so all the Blue Oval had to do was bring the vehicle back to America. In the first three months of 2019, Ford sold almost 9,500 Rangers, a respectable debut. Colorado sales tallied about 33,500 for the same period. I personally love midsize pickups. They're the ideal vehicles for suburban weekend home-improvement duty, and if you're an outdoorsy person who doesn't need to tow a large boat or horse trailer, they're ideal for getting out into nature (as long as you go for the 4x4 versions). When equipped for offroading, they can be comfort-challenged, but you can also opt for a cheaper, rear-wheel-drive base model that's will provide easier driving dynamics. Having driven several Colorados in the past four years, coming away impressed with them all, I recently enjoyed the new Ranger - so naturally, it was time to compare pickups. Read on in the gallery above to find out how they matched up. First up is the newcomer. The 2019 Lariat SuperCrew four-wheel-drive Ranger was nicely equipped and stickered at almost $45,000. The base-price pickup is a little more than $24,000. Read the review. The SuperCrew configuration sports a 5-foot bed, but the Ranger can be had with a two-door cab and a 6-foot bed. The Ranger is a handsome pickup, especially in "Lightning Blue." You could call the Ranger's front end "snouty," but it's also pretty truck-like for a midsize. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine is a turbocharged power plant that cranks out 275 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Towing capacity is 7,500 pounds   enough to tow just about anything owners of the Ranger would want to. Ford's EcoBoost engine tech uses turbocharging to retain power with good fuel-economy. In this case, the truck gets 20 mpg city, 24 highway, and 22 combined. The 0-60 mph run is achieved is about 6.5 seconds. A 10-speed transmission handles the shifting duties. I didn't get to go all down-and-dirty with the FX4 setup, which an extensive 4x4 rig and even offers off-road cruise control. Our tester came with stout off-road rubber. Most of the pickups we test are lifted 4x4s. I put the Ranger to a more serious hauling test than the Colorado, making a run to Costco and loading up some furniture. The bed is big enough to handle these typical suburban tasks, and it could also easily handle mountain bikes and outdoor gear. The interior of our tester was a no-nonsense "ebony," but the upholstery was leather. The front seats are heated. The rear bench seats, as one might expect with a smaller pickup, were snug. The leather-wrapped steering wheel felt premium, and you'll notice that the cluster presents a speedometer   no traditional tachometer, and that's fine. Old-school tachs aren't very useful on pickups. Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system runs on an 8-inch touchscreen. Sync 3 is one of the best in the industry. It provides superb navigation, easy Bluetooth connectivity, and AUX and USB device-connection options. The 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system in the Ranger I tested is a terrific extra. It sounds too good for a truck this small! Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also available. On to the Chevy Colorado. I've sampled the truck in three trims; here, we see a $43,475 ZR2 that was well equipped and ready for off-road action. But I've tested a closer-to-base ($21,300) and an aggressive Z71 version. Read the ZR2 review here and the Z71 review here . The 2018 ZR2 came with a fetching "Cajun Red Tintcoat" paint job. The truck had a crew cab and a "short box" bed. Some folks don't much like short boxes, but I think for the uses that for most owners, the short box is ideal. The ZR2 has a moderately more aggressive front end than the Ranger, and that gold bow-tie badge really pops against the blacked-out grille. On paper, the 308-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 could be construed as underpowered. But it was anything but in my hands. This pickup has nice pop. Fuel economy is 17 mpg city/24 highway/19 combined   not great, but also not bad given the oomph provided by the V6. The Colorado ZR2 can tow up to 5,000 lbs. That's not massive for a pickup, but the non-performance Colorado and ZR2 aren't really intended for customers who will be hauling horse trailers. More likely, they'll attach a small trailer to pull an ATV, some JetSkis, or a modest camper. The ZR2 has been clocked at a respectable 0-60 mph in 6 seconds, while the Z71 can haul 7,000 lbs. A smaller, four-cylinder powerplant is also available for the Colorado. The eight-speed automatic handles the Colorado's power without straining. Shifts are smooth. The 4x4 capabilities aren't advertised by the Colorado's stickers. But a sturdy 4x4 it is. With the Colorado ZR2, you have electronic-locking differentials, front and rear, so the Colorado ZR2 is ready for serious off-roading. The front underbelly and rear transfer case are also shielded, so rock-busting won't cripple your pickup. As far as the bed goes, there isn't much difference between the Colorado and the Ranger. Both trucks should satisfy the hauling needs of midsize buyers. The Chevy's "Jet Black" interior is on par with the Ford's. It's a nice environment, near-premium without being luxurious. That's by design. This isn't a truck that's meant to be babied, so the interior has to be able to endure some punishment. The driver gets a pretty typical Chevy setup as far as the steering wheel controls and gauges are concerned. There's a small info screen between the speedometer and the tachometer. Beyond heated seats, cruise control, and nicely appointed leather-wrapped steering wheel, you don't get a lot of driver-assist features with the Colorado. The eight-inch touchscreen runs Chevy's Intellilink infotainment system. Bluetooth-device pairing is a snap, and there are USB/AUX options for plugging in gadgets. Like all GM vehicles, the Colorado has 4G LTE WiFi connectivity. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available. And the winner (for now) is the Chevy Colorado! To be completely honest, I had the Ranger as my winner when I started this comparison. I drove the Ford more recently than the Colorado and I was extremely impressed. I also tend to think that Ford knows trucks and knows them well, so I give the Blue Oval the benefit of the doubt. However, with three separate Colorado trims in my backstory - and yet another one coming soon, the ZR2 Bison - I've simply spent too much quality seat time in the Chevy. The ZR2, in fact, is one of the best pickups I've ever tested, period. That said, this contest was TIGHT. In the end, I think I favored the ZR2/Z71 V6 engine and the Chevy infotainment system over the Ranger's four-banger and SYNC 3. But I didn't favor them by much. In truth, the consumer is officially spoiled for choice in the once-forlorn midsize pickup market, with excellent offerings not just from Ford and Chevy, but also stalwart Toyota with the robust Tacoma, nichey-y Honda and the Ridgeline, Chevy sibling GMC and the Canyon, and even Nissan and the aging Frontier. When it comes down to Colorado vs. Ranger, you can't lose. And I'm assuming that Ford is going to offer a more performance-oriented Ranger Raptor to US buyers, as it does in other global markets. So Ranger will match up better with the Colorado line, which has been on sale in the US longer. If you're an offroader, the ZR2 is worth a close look. But what about the Z71 package? It does add thousands to the price tag, and when all is said and done, the $42,000 Z71 that I sampled isn't much cheaper than the top-of-the-line, $43,500 ZR2 . If you have plans for your Colorado that might be more on the brash side, and if you don't mind the menacing appearance, the Z71 trim is at least worth a gander. The Lariat SuperCrew Ranger I tested was a few thousands bucks more expensive that even the ZR2, but I'd say it was ever-so-slightly better appointed and thus worth the extra cost. The Ranger has also been on sale outside the US for a while, so it's not as if this is an unproven truck. There has to be a winner in these comparisons (well, most of the time - I could have declared it a tie). For me, and for now, that's the Colorado. But the Ranger is already close to being neck-and-neck, so in addition to a good, old-fashioned pickup truck war between Detroit rivals Ford and Chevy in the full-size segment, we now have a compelling undercard bout with midsize pickups. I think that's great - and if you're a buyer, so should you.


TERRYTOWN, LA   More than 150 animals had to be taken out of the home and placed into protective care. On Monday night, Jefferson Parish Animal Control Officers executed a warrant based on probable cause of animals needing intervention. One hundred, fifty-eight (158) animals of various species were removed from a Terrytown home, and brought the Westbank Animal Shelter. "Once we were in the house, we realized quickly the animals needed to be removed" said Shannon Neal, Chief Animal Control Officer for Jefferson Parish, "Sometimes people take on more animals than they can handle and it leaves them unable to provide the minimum standard of care." The animals will be evaluated by a veterinarian to determine if any are ill and will be held pending further investigation, in cooperation with the appropriate parish officials. The shelter is currently experiencing a higher than normal capacity, so they are asking the citizens of Jefferson Parish to please help by adopting or fostering one of the many homeless animals in their care. The Animal Shelter is holding an ADOPTION SPECIAL throughout the month of July! Large dogs, 26 pounds or more and cats will be available for adoption for only $10.00. All fees for senior dogs and cats, eight years or older, will be waived! Checks, debit and credit cards are accepted. Fostering is also a great way to "share the love" and help get that amazing cat or dog into a new forever home! Shelter locations: Eastbank Animal Shelter, #1 Humane Way in Harahan Westbank Animal Shelter, 2701 Lapalco Boulevard in Harvey     ©2019 WGNO-TV, New Orleans Visit WGNO-TV, New Orleans at www.wgno.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


Welcome to the latest installment of 3 Up, 3 Down, our weekly rundown of who's streaking and who's slumping throughout Major League Baseball. Our latest edition includes notes on the Astros' blast off, Justin Turner's return to form and the Cardinals' troubling skid. ↑ Houston's Power Surge ↑ It's not as though the Astros crawled out of the gate in 2019 like the defending champion Red Sox , but Houston's start to the year was still a touch underwhelming. Alex Bregman and Co. kicked off the season 2 5 in their first two series, sitting at 18 14 on May 2 after losing three of four to the Twins. Houston has been on a tear since. The Astros now enter Tuesday night with eight wins in their last nine games, bruising their way past a trio of American League lightweights. Houston's 1.034 OPS as a team since May 4 is better than the current mark of all but 10 individual players (min. 40 PA) throughout 2019, and its .644 slugging trails only nine hitters. Navigating through Houston's lineup is a near-impossible task. The Astros have also mashed 30 homers in their last 10 games Bregman has seven of them. The Astros have hit 30 home runs in their last 10 games, their most in any 10-game span in franchise history. Alex Bregman has a team-high 7 of those 30 HR and 8 total HR this month, already his 2nd-most homers in any month of his career (11 HR in June 2018). pic.twitter.com/fMcs5Pw35L   ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 14, 2019 George Springer and Michael Brantley have cruised through the season's opening quarter as AL MVP candidates, with each sporting double-digit dingers and batting averages over .320. Carlos Correa is back to his 2017 form with a .930 OPS and Bregman has quietly amassed 12 homers. Jose Altuve is hitting just .243 and is on the Injured List with a hamstring strain , but pitchers should cower in fear for when he returns to form. The Astros are once again one of the leading title contenders, and their fearsome lineup should breed another 100-win season and a fourth-straight division title. ↑ Welcome Back, Justin Turner ↑ As the Dodgers bashed through April, one player was conspicuously absent from the offensive explosion : Justin Turner. Los Angeles' red-bearded third baseman hit just one homer in his first 37 games, slugging .347 with 24 strikeouts. A .282 batting average halted any significant sirens, though his power outage did raise some eyebrows at Chavez Ravine. But any concerns have dissipated in the last week. Turner got off the schneid on May 7 with a three-homer, six-RBI effort against the Braves, adding two more homers since. Turner has posted an insane 1.605 OPS with five homers and 10 RBIs in his last five games, scoring seven runs in the process. The National League favorites are firing on all cylinders, and Turner is now firmly part of the party. A third-straight World Series appearance is well within reach. ↑ Josh Bell Shaking the Sophomore Slump ↑ Pittsburgh's sweet-swinging switch-hitter struggled to follow up an impressive 2017 rookie campaign in 2018, slugging just .411 with 12 homers in 583 plate appearances. His cleanup bat looked increasingly pedestrian throughout last season, grounding Pittsburgh's power potential in a stacked NL Central . But Bell has delivered in a big way to start 2019. Bell enters Tuesday night with 10 homers and 25 extra-base hits, slashing .319/.389/1.048 through 37 games. He smoked a 472-foot homer right into the Allegheny on May 8, then drove in five RBIs on Sunday. His sophomore slump appears to be more an outlier than a case of regression, with Bell starting 2019 as a top power option in a division filled with premier bats. Josh Bell's homer went SPLASH out of the ballpark 💦 (via @MLB ) pic.twitter.com/35UpiPAP68   SI MLB (@si_mlb) May 8, 2019 Pittsburgh will likely fade from its 20 18 record as we roll through the first half its minus-41 run differential is the worst of any team over .500 but don't expect Bell to cool off anytime soon. The Pirates have a young asset to bank on moving into the next decade. ↓ The Mariners Head East ↓ The Mariners were one of the league's best stories through early April, sprinting to 13 wins in their first 15 games. The good times have subsided of late, though, and Seattle's most-recent road trip provided a cruel setback for the playoff-starved franchise. The Mariners were shellacked in their last seven games, a two-series trip to the AL East. The Yankees won three of four against Seattle in the Bronx to kick off the week, and the Red Sox delivered the finishing blow, sweeping the Mariners and scoring 37 runs against them in four games. The Mariners entered Monday hitting just .211 in their last 17 games and have allowed double-digit runs six times. Their early lead in the AL West has faded to a seven-game hole behind Houston, and the playoffs are likely out of reach. ↓ Matt Carpenter and the Slumping Redbirds ↓ St. Louis is in no way out of the NL Central race at 22 19 entering Tuesday, but the Cardinals need to bust out of their current slump sooner than later. Mike Shildt's club is 2 8 in its last 10 games, losing three-of-four to Pittsburgh over the weekend following a series loss to the Phillies and a three-game sweep at the hands of the Cubs. Such a stretch does the Cardinals no favors in one of baseball's toughest divisions. Matt Carpenter deserves a share of culpability for the Redbirds' rough stretch. His 2018 was filled with dingers and salsa miming for the 33-year-old infielder, while the start of 2019 has provided consistent frustration. Carpenter's .654 OPS is a career worst and the 10th-worst mark of any player with over 150 plate appearances. He's homered just once since April 19 and has registered just two extra-base hits. The Cardinals rank 18th in homers and 16th in slugging, middling numbers compared to Chicago and Milwaukee's potent offenses. We shouldn't panic over Carpenter's slow start. He hit just .202 last April, with 31 strikeouts and just three homers. But he'll need to bounce back fast for the Cardinals to keep pace with the Brewers and Cubs in the NL Central. ↓ Vlad Jr.'s Shaky May ↓ Toronto swept the A's in Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s first series from April 26-28, riding a wave of momentum as one of baseball's most highly touted prospects this decade made his first appearance in the big leagues. But Guerrero and the Blue Jays have cooled off in a big way since May 1. Yesterday, #VladJr got his first career RBI by driving in Justin Smoak. Justin Smoak's 1st career RBI in 2010, for the Rangers, drove in Vlad Guerrero Sr. 😳 pic.twitter.com/KyiZXIABNe   MLB Stats (@MLBStats) May 5, 2019 Canada's team has won just two of its last 10 games with a minus-34 run differential, sinking to eight games under .500 at 16 24. Guerrero's production has followed the Blue Jays' slide. He has just one extra base hit since his debut and has yet to homer in the big leagues, registering a single RBI and 12 strikeouts. We won't panic over Vlad's slow start, and it's possible he'll find his groove as we enter the third month of the season. But the original Vlad Jr. bump has faded entirely, leaving the Blue Jays far from contention in the AL East. Related slideshow: The 2019 MLB season (Provided by imagn)


One name and one name only will reign supreme. When it comes to football in June, not everything needs to be a test of athleticism. And after OTAs have wrapped up, not everything really can be. So I ask you, vigilant reader of this here website: what's in a name? An annual competition at Pride of Detroit, the Name Bracket tournament pits a field of 64 Detroit Lions players against one another for the chance to claim the title of best name on the team whatever that means. In the past, some winners have claimed name supremacy simply for how cool their names are, like Ezekiel Ansah in 2015, Storm Norton in 2017, and Quandre Diggs in 2018. The one other winner of this contest, Jace Billingsley in 2016, had his hometown band together in an effort to stuff the ballot box with votes for the practice squad darling. No player has ever received as many (legitimate) votes as Billingsley in the Name Bracket tournament, and I have a hard time seeing any contestant topping Winnemucca, NV. With the Name Bracket tournament just around the corner, today's Question of the Day is... Who will win the Pride of Detroit Name Bracket tournament? It's important not to overthink when voting because much like deciding a flavor of ice cream, your gut should be in charge. If it sounds good, it is good, so if it looks better, it is better. With that bit of advice given to you free of charge, there's just one name that belongs in the middle of that bracket by the end of this competition and that's rookie Jahlani Tavai . Pronounced "jah-lan-ee tah-VIE," it's pretty much the coolest name there is on the entire team and no one really comes close. Sure, Amani Oruwariye looks pretty slick on paper, and Beau Benzschawel comes equipped with alliteration and a 'z,' but what neither of those have is a campaign slogan that rhymes. Vote for Tavai  he's the guy. Your turn. Tweets from https://twitter.com/PrideOfDetroit/lists/lions-coverage


SEATTLE (AP) The music was bumping and the smiles were easy for the second night in a row in the Mariners' clubhouse. Winning two games in a row for the first time since mid-May will get everyone in a good mood. ''We're streaking,'' Mariners manager Scott Servais said after a 5-2 win over Baltimore on Thursday night. ''I'll keep my clothes on, but we're streaking.'' Domingo Santana hit his third home run in two days, and Wade LeBlanc gave the Mariners a big boost on the mound after another rough outing by an opener. Santana's homers helped the Mariners win back-to-back games for the first time since May 13-14 against Oakland and continued the Orioles' spiral. Baltimore has lost nine straight, and have just three wins in June. Santana tied it at 2 with his 16th homer to right-center field off Orioles starter Dylan Bundy (3-9) in the sixth inning. Kyle Seager and Mac Williamson followed with RBI singles. The home run came a day after Santana hit two homers to fuel a sweep-averting Seattle victory over Kansas City. ''He's on one of those streaks right now,'' Servais said. ''Hopefully, he can keep it going.'' LeBlanc (4-2) wiped out another difficult start by a Mariners opener with a steady outing over 6 1/3 innings in which he struck out seven. Seattle turned to reliever Tayler Scott to start with few other options in the bullpen. Scott walked three of the Orioles' first five batters and was pulled after throwing 13 balls on 23 pitches. ''Just give me the ball, I'll throw it,'' LeBlanc said when asked about the use of an opener. ''That's about all I can say.'' And throw he did, entering the game an inning ahead of schedule. LeBlanc gave up a two-run single to Rio Ruiz before recording the third out of the inning, but then sat down Orioles over the next six innings to keep the Mariners in the game. He gave up a leadoff single to Pedro Severino in the third, but struck out three straight to end the threat. He walked Dwight Smith Jr. and intentionally walked Hanser Alberto in the sixth, but also got out of that inning with two strikeouts. His team backed him up with a double play in the seventh after Richie Martin's leadoff single. The seven Mariners openers now have a combined ERA of 19.50. Scott and LeBlanc combined in this one to give up just two runs and four hits in seven innings. Austin Adams struck out the side in the eighth, and Roenis Elias pitched the ninth for his eighth save. ''Everybody gets caught up in the first inning and what's going on there,'' Servais said. ''It's been a struggle for us. We haven't found that guy yet to go out there and put a zero up consistently. But overall, what you're looking for there, it's working. I know people will disagree with that because they get caught up in the first inning, but at the end of the day we get seven innings out of our starter and another guy.'' Bundy appeared to be cruising as he matched his season high with his eighth strikeout to start the sixth. But five of the next six Mariners got hits, starting with Santana. ''We didn't score,'' Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said.'' We had four hits off Wade LeBlanc and scored two runs in the first. I don't know if we hit a ball hard after that. We're not making it easy on ourselves. We don't tack on runs. It's difficult to win that way.'' SMITH RETURNS Smith returned to his regular spot in left field for Baltimore after recovering from a concussion. Smith ran into the wall chasing a fly ball on June 7 against the Texas Rangers. He entered the concussion protocol and said his head was fuzzy for a week to 10 days. Despite missing 13 days, he remains the Orioles' RBIs leader and vowed to continue running headlong toward the wall. ''I'm going to play my game, regardless,'' Smith said. ''I'm not going to think about getting hurt again. That's when you do get hurt.'' In other moves, the Orioles designated RHP Dan Straily for assignment and recalled RHP Evan Phillips from Triple-A Norfolk. Manager Brandon Hyde said he hopes Straily clears waivers and returns to the organization, and believes the pitcher just needs ''a fresh start.'' TRAINER'S ROOM Orioles: Rookie pitcher John Means was put on the 10-day injured list and will miss his scheduled start Friday in Seattle to rest a sore left shoulder. Means (6-4, 2.67 ERA) has been the Orioles' best pitcher this season. The left-hander hopes it's a temporary setback and said he had a similar situation while pitching in college: ''It was one of those things where I missed a start and was fine for the rest of the season.'' ... Outfielder Trey Mancini hopes to return to the lineup Friday against the Mariners, but acknowledged he may be out longer with a bruised elbow. Mancini was hit by a pitch in the first inning of Wednesday's loss to the Oakland Athletics. ''It looked like a golf ball was in my elbow,'' Mancini said. Mariners: Servais acknowledged right fielder Mitch Haniger might be out until after the All-Star break as he recovers from surgery on a ruptured testicle. Haniger is increasing activity, but has yet to run. Servais said he would also need a minor league rehab assignment before returning. UP NEXT Orioles: Hyde was unsure who would start against the Mariners on Friday, calling it a bullpen day. Mariners: RHP Mike Leake (6-6, 4.14 ERA) will look to continue his three-game win streak in the second game of the Baltimore series. --- More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP-Sports


We're in the home straight as far as the transfer window in England's top two divisions is concerned, but we still have a few days left, while the rest of the continent has plenty of time to get some deals done. What are we waiting for then? Let's jump into Monday's dose of rumoury goodness. Steve Bruce Decides Against Andy Carroll Return New Newcastle manager Steve Bruce is reported to have decided against moving to bring Andy Carroll back to the club this summer, as the former Hull City manager admits there is no urgency to get any further signings in the door. The Magpies have already added Joelinton and Allan Saint-Maximin to the squad to the tune of £55m, replacing the departing Salomon Rondon and Ayoze Perez, and the Mirror say that the return for Carroll that had been on the cards is now no longer under consideration. This seems to be supported by Bruce's comments on his new signings, as he said, via the Chronicle : "We've got one or two things bubbling away but if the window closed tomorrow, I'm delighted with what we've done. "We've spent a hell of a lot of money on two players, two quality players, which I think is the way forward rather than having six or eight. The way forward now, for me anyway, is quality and you can see a bit of quality in what we've brought in." Tottenham 'Closing' on Ryan Sessegnon With Josh Onomah to Be Offered Tottenham 'closing in' on a deal for Ryan Sessegnon? As if we haven't been hearing this one all summer. But no. It's definitely close now. Definitely, say the Mail . This time it's different, because Spurs are to include academy graduate Josh Onomah in the £30m deal to bring him to north London. It does seem highly unlikely that Sessegnon will stay at Fulham, and Spurs do seem like the side most likely to get a deal done. But it's gone on for so long with so many different permutations that it would perhaps be wise not to believe it til you see it. Victor Camarasa 'Set' for Crystal Palace Move Crystal Palace are reportedly set to sign Real Betis midfielder Victor Camarasa on loan with a €15m obligation to buy. The Spanish midfielder impressed with Cardiff City last season, at times looking head and shoulders above any of his team-mates as they suffered relegation back to the Championship, and it has long seemed as if his performances would earn him a second crack at Premier League football. According to the Independent , that long-awaited move will come in the next 48 hours; with Palace closing in on a loan deal that will all-but-certainly become permanent next summer. Leeds Closing in on Inter Striker Have any of Football Insider' s 'exclusives' ever actually come to anything? There's a first time for everything, I suppose... Their latest gem links Leeds United to Inter striker Facundo Colidio (although they've spelled his name wrong) saying that they are prepared to offer a long-term contract to the 19-year-old in a bid to stave off interest from Newcastle, who are in 'pole position' to secure his signing (although we've already established aren't really looking for a new striker.) They've quoted a Leeds source (who definitely exists) in saying that the club are 'keen' to sign him, but fear the competition from the Magpies, offering up the pearl of insightful wisdom that the Premier League side have 'greater resources'. It then ends with an 'in other news' link to another article on their website, and haven't even named the player it relates to in a ham-fisted attempt to bait clicks.. We'll let you make up your own mind on this one. Let's move on to something less terrible before my headache gets any worse. Juventus to Offer Three Players for Paul Pogba Oh. Never mind then. Yep, reports in Italy say that Juventus haven't given up on Paul Pogba, and will make a last ditch attempt to secure his signing by offering up three players for his signature. The problem here? One of the players in question is Paulo Dybala, in whom United are  reported to have ended their interest after failing to agree terms with him the last time he was offered to them, as a pawn in Juve's ill-fated approach for Romelu Lukaku. All a bit confusing? Yeah, blame Tuttosport (via Football Italia ) for that. Anyway, they say that Mario Mandzukic and Blaise Matuidi are the other players on the table, with Pogba's agent Mino Raiola masterminding the deal along with Juve directors Fabio Paratici and Pavel Nedved. You would be forgiven for thinking that is far too many moving parts for a deal to be concluded in the next three days. Mauro Icardi 'Wants to Stay' at Inter Some transfer sagas are exciting, some a bit banal, and most fall somewhere in between. The ongoing stand-off between Mauro Icardi and Inter can decidedly be placed on the far 'please just end' side of that spectrum, but now it looks as if it might not even roll on beyond the summer. Exhibit A: Gazzetta dello Sport say, via CalcioMercato , that the striker now wants to stay at the club by any means necessary, speculating that his wife and agent Wanda Nara may be pregnant, and this could be behind the dramatic U-turn. Exhibit B: Italian press also say that Inter have rather savagely decided he is welcome to stay, he just won't play for the two years he has remaining on his contract, and will be released at the end of it. The worst staring contest in history goes on. Arsenal Have Bid Rejected for Dayot Upamencano Breaking | RB Leipzig have rejected a €60m bid from Arsenal for Dayot Upamecano, according to Bild.   Get German Football News (@GGFN_) August 5, 2019 Arsenal's flagrant ignorance of their defensive problems has been one of the more amusing aspects of the transfer window so far for those who don't support the Gunners, as despite their serious lack of dependable options worsening with the saga involving Laurent Koscielny, the only defender they have signed will remain in France until next summer. However, the latest from GGFN suggests that isn't for the want of trying, as they source Bild in saying that a €60m bid from Arsenal has been rejected by German side RB Leipzig for defender Dayot Upamencano. So much for that £40m transfer budget, eh? Galatasaray Keen on Tiemoue Bakayoko And to close things out with a good old bit of speculation, Turkish side Galatasaray are reported to be 'exploring' the possibility of a loan deal for Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko, with his £120,000 weekly wage proving the major stumbling point so far.. Goal say that their interest comes after Frank Lampard has decided against keeping the former Monaco man around this season, with Jorginho, N'Golo Kante, Matteo Kovacic and more advanced options Mason Mount and Ross Barkley making up the core of his midfield for the season ahead - with Ruben Loftus-Cheek to return towards the end of the year. An offer hasn't yet been submitted, with Chelsea preferring a clean sale rather than a loan, but there is no rush on negotiations over this one, with the Blues unable to sign a replacement regardless of if or when it goes through.


More protesters are expected to take to the streets Tuesday after hundreds of thousands of people rallied in Hong Kong on Sunday to protest the government's proposal to change an extradition law. Protest organizers from the Civil Human Rights Front have also called for a general strike to start Wednesday, with over 100 small businesses, stores and restaurants saying they will take part. If there is a general strike it will be the first in the Special Administrative Region (SAR) since 1967, when it was still a British colony. The controversial extradition law will be introduced to Hong Kong's Legislative Council on Wednesday and the bill will be voted on June 20. Despite the protests and increased police presence, the bill is expected to become law. Why is it so controversial? And what is the likely impact of these protests? (MORE: Thousands protest after proposed changes to Hong Kong's extradition law) The extradition bill The proposal for the extradition bill has been steeped in controversy. It started when Chan Tong-kai, 20, a citizen of Hong Kong, admitted to killing his girlfriend in Taiwan last year. Chan, who has since returned to Hong Kong, has only been charged in Hong Kong for money laundering (he allegedly used his murdered girlfriend's stolen credit card). The Taiwanese government has urged Hong Kong to send Chan back for trial, but the Hong Kong government refused , according to the South China Morning Post. "The extradition bill does a key thing -- it undermines the validity and legitimacy of the Hong Kong legal system," Winnie King, a specialist in Chinese international political economy and international relations at the University of Bristol, told ABC News. "One of the key central pillars of Hong Kong's identity and history, it is at the foundation of the island's strengths (be it for international business and contract law, but also for the protection of its own citizens), the extradition bill illustrates how China's influence is no longer 'creeping' in nature." Although the extradition law amendment is not China-specific, it is universal, meaning that any country, including China, can request extradition of an individual to their home country from Hong Kong for trial. Many fear that China could use the law to arrest political dissidents. The protests have brought into sharp focus the contrasts between Hong Kong's and China's judicial systems. "The bill is controversial in my view for emotional reasons," according to Tim Summers, a former diplomat and senior consulting fellow on the Asia-Pacific program at Chatham House, which is based in Hong Kong. "It brings to the fore distrust of the authorities in mainland China and highlights differences between Hong Kong's robust rule of law and the more arbitrary system in mainland China." (MORE: World's longest sea bridge to open after 9 years of construction) The protests The mass demonstrations have been organized by a group called Civil Human Rights Front, but the sheer numbers involved on Sunday (one million people, according to the organizers), shows that the issue is supported by a cross-section of Hong Kong society. "Protests are a regular feature of politics in Hong Kong," Summers said. "The vast majority of these are peaceful and pass off without incident. These protests had wide support across society, so many people just turned up. There was widespread publicity about the protests in advance and people share info rapidly on social media." Between 7% and 14% of Hong Kong's entire population turned out to protest, according to Steve Tsang, the director of the China Institute at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London. "Logistically it would have been very challenging for the organizers to get such a turnout so quickly," he said. (MORE: 'Trump baby' blimp takes to the sky as mass protests of US president begin in London) What impact will the protests have? Hong Kong's leader, Carrie Lam, has said she plans to sign the legislation despite the protests , according to The Associated Press. The Hong Kong government has been "very savvy" to use the case of Taiwan as the basis for the extradition law, according to King, and the "results from within the legislature will be exactly as the government want." "While the protests are the largest and most significant in decades, the impact on the resulting legislation will be limited," King said. "This being said, they are being very effective in ensuring that Hong Kong's experience under the 'One Country, Two Systems' model is not forgotten. With real implications for Taiwan, the international community would (and should) be very interested to see where this leads." However, introduction of the extradition laws is "ill-advised and unnecessary," according to Tsang, who said it reflects the top down approach of policy making by Chinese Premier Xi Jinping. But neither officials in Hong Kong nor China are likely to change their mind, meaning the crisis could escalate further. "If anything there is a higher than even risk that Xi Jinping will see this as a challenge to his authority and will push the government in Hong Kong even harder to get this legislated," Tsang said. "Such an outcome would be very disturbing and likely to result in some activists in Hong Kong persisting and even seeking to escalate. I hope wiser heads will prevail in the governments of Hong Kong and China."