Building one-off vehicles is a hugely expensive exercise, but car makers build more of them than you might realise. In the early days of the car, when they were hand-made and based on a separate chassis, it was easy to build one-offs. But the advent of monocoque construction made it much harder to construct a unique car, which is why it's now such a costly business. But every so often a car maker will unveil a road-going machine that's unique, either as a customer commission (and one of these is said to have a very famous customer indeed), a marketing exercise or it could simply be as the basis for a production model which never sees the light of day. Let's take a look at the most interesting examples. Peugeot 404 (1966) Starting out with a 404 cabriolet, Peugeot created a diesel-engined record breaker with a fixed narrow roof and just 70hp. It ran for 72 hours at Montlhéry, breaking 22 speed records in the process, three of them all-new. Ford Supervan 1 (1971) When the Transit Supervan made its public debut at the Easter race meeting at Thruxton in England in April 1971, Ford could never have predicted just what an icon this ludicrous machine would become. The bodyshell was a standard Transit Mk1, but it hid a rather barmy secret; this delivery van was based on the chassis of a Ford GT40 , complete with mid-mounted 5.0-liter V8. Ford Supervan 1 (1971) With 440hp on tap, the Supervan's performance was shattering. We clocked a 0-100mph time of just 21.6 seconds when we drove it at Ford Motorsport's Boreham airfield. We also saw 102mph on the clock   in second gear! It was reckoned that the top speed was 168mph , but Supervan's aerodynamics were so poor that it would have been a frightening experience. Sadly, Supervan 1 was scrapped in the 1970s. Fiat 130 Familiare (1971) When business tycoon Gianni Agnelli (1921-2003) ran Fiat he could have whatever cars he wanted and a whole raft of one-offs were built for him. Among them was a five-door wagon based on the ultra-luxurious Fiat 130 saloon, with its 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine rated at 167hp. Fiat 130 Familiare (1971) The Agnelli family actually had four of these ultra-practical estate cars made, each one differing in detail. The boss got one with a roof rack and wickerwork down the flanks; that car was known as the Villa d'Este and is now in private hands. The one shown here was originally owned by Umberto Agnelli (Gianni's younger brother) and is now owned by FCA; it's in the company's heritage collection in Italy. Aston Martin Bulldog (1980) When Aston Martin developed the incredibly futuristic mid-engined Bulldog, there was talk of building up to 25 of the Williams Towns-designed machines. With electrically operated gullwing doors, a twin-turbo V8 cranking out 710hp and the most dramatic proportions imaginable, it s likely the necessary buyers could have been found. Aston Martin Bulldog (1980) With a verified near-200mph top speed, this would have been the world s fastest production road car without doubt. But with all of the development work done, Aston Martin changed hands and the new owners didn t feel this was the way forward for a quintessentially English car maker. So the sole Bulldog built was sold instead, but it still survives. Twin-engined Volkswagen Scirocco (1983) With Audi busy conquering rally stages the world over, with its incredible Quattro, Volkswagen wanted a piece of the four-wheel drive action so it came up with this   a Scirocco with a 1791cc four-cylinder engine - at each end. Thus equipped there was a healthy 365hp available to give a 180mph top speed and 0-62mph in just 4.5 seconds. VW built two of these Sciroccos; one for testing and one for show use. Twin-engined Volkswagen Scirocco (1983) Having already created a twin-engined Scirocco earlier in the year, in late 1983 Volkswagen unveiled a sequel, with boxy wheelarches and a different mechanical spec. This time each engine displaced 1781cc and put out 143hp, and instead of two manual gearboxes with a common linkage, there was a pair of three-speed automatic transmissions. VW developed the twin-engined Scirocco to a point where production could have been feasible, but just the one example was made. Ford Supervan 2 (1984) Whereas the original Supervan used a genuine steel Transit bodyshell, its successor featured a fiberglass shell that was seven tenths of the size of the production vehicle. This time the running gear was from Ford's still-born C100 endurance racer, which meant there was a 600hp 3.9-liter Cosworth DFL V8, which was capable of taking Supervan 2 all the way up to 176mph, which it was timed doing at the Silverstone race track. Lancia Trevi Bimotore (1984) When Lancia needed to come up with a successor to its rally-winning 037 in 1984, it had to feature four-wheel drive if it was going to be competitive. Its initial (rather bizarre) solution was the Trevi BiMotore which was fitted with a pair of turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder twin-cam engines. Although the car was fast and very effective, it was overweight due to having twice the mechanicals and the rear engine had a tendency to overheat. Lancia Trevi Bimotore (1984) The two engines were not mechanically coupled, only the two gearboxes were connected so that they could be operated by a single lever, with just one pedal to activate the two clutches. The two accelerators were controlled by a rudimentary electronic system that determined the delay in supplying power to the rear axle. The dashboard had two rev counters, the second of which replaced the speedometer, and two central gauges indicated the water temperature and oil pressure of each engine. For some reason Fiat decided not to continue this madcap project. Porsche 928-4 (1984) A direct ancestor to the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo, the 928-4 was a regular Porsche 928 S from the B-pillars forward. But the back end of the car was completely replaced with a hatchback, and to give those in the second row some more leg room the wheelbase was also stretched by 250mm (10in). Porsche 928-4 (1984) Presented to Ferry Porsche in September 1984, to mark his 75th birthday, the 928-4 also featured projector headlights in place of the usual pop-up items, while there was also green-tinted glass and a unique leather interior finished in green. The car now sits in Porsche's museum in Stuttgart. Porsche 928 H50 (1987) Three years after Porsche built its 928 shooting brake, it finished this five-door wagon, although the rear doors were so small that they were classed as half doors. Which probably makes the car a four-door estate. Even though the car was finished in 1987, it wasn't seen publicly until the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours; the car was axed because Porsche couldn't make it rigid enough. Porsche 928 H50 (1987) Whereas the shooting brake had been based on a Porsche 928 S, the H50 used the 928 S4 as its basis. That meant power came from a 5.0-liter V8 instead of the earlier 4.7-liter unit. Tuned to produce 335hp the H50 would have been swift, but it would have handled poorly with that lack of stiffness. Lotec C1000 (1991) With a whole raft of supercars set to enter the market in the early 1990s, one middle eastern sheikh decided he just had to own something nobody else could ever have, so he commissioned Mercedes to build a one-off hypercar. The German company in turn asked supercar specialist Lotec to come up with something suitably swift; the C1000 was the result. Lotec C1000 (1991) In the middle was a twin-turbo Mercedes 5.6-liter V8 developing a claimed 1015hp   hence the car s name. Top speed was allegedly 268mph, but this was never independently verified. However, with a race-spec chassis and carbon-fiber bodyshell, it was more high-tech than the name suggested. Ford Supervan 3 (1995) When Ford decided to build a third iteration of its Supervan it took Supervan 2 and converted it to the latest exterior design of the Transit. That meant a new nose, the latest doors and an all-new paint scheme. However, the previous engine was swapped for a Cosworth HB F1 V8 engine rated at 660hp to give a top speed close to 200mph. Ford Supervan 3 (1995) Supervan 3 is the only one of the three to have survived. The F1 V8 was ditched in the 1990s though, as it was too valuable and needed too much attention. The vehicle languished in a warehouse for years, then in 2004 it was brought out of storage to generate some publicity for Ford. The Cosworth-tuned 24-valve V6 that had been fitted years before was fitted with a supercharger for some extra grunt and since then Supervan 3 has been brought out regularly at events across the UK. Renault Espace F1 (1995) Taking a leaf out of Ford's book, to mark a decade of Espace production Renault mated one of its people-carriers with the chassis and running gear of a 1993 Williams-Renault FW15C F1 car. The result was an MPV that wasn't much good at carrying people (although there were still four seats), but it was pretty good at burning rubber. With around 800bhp available the F1 could do 0-120mph in 6.9 seconds and topped out at 194mph, so it was ideal for the school run. TVR Speed 12 (1996) Shown as Project 7/12 at the 1996 Birmingham motor show, this bonkers TVR was intended to become the world s fastest road car thanks to a 7.7-liter V12 pushing out anything up to a claimed 892hp. Originally envisaged as a GT1 racer which could also be adapted for the road, the project was renamed the Speed 12 in 1998. TVR Speed 12 (1996) Race regulations shifted and TVR boss Peter Wheeler reckoned the car was simply too fast for the road. With a curb weight of 1000kg (2200 lb) and the right gearing, 240mph was supposedly possible; Wheeler didn t want to sell such a beast to drivers who couldn t handle the power, so the project bit the dust. Rover 25 Art Car (2002) With MG Rover getting up to nonsense such as this, it's not hard to see why the company went to the wall. In 2002 the British car maker teamed up with young fashion designer Matthew Williamson to create a 25 with some pizzazz, to tie in with London Fashion Week. With its various shades of pink the car was certainly not for shrinking violets. Rover 25 Art Car (2002) If the Rover 25's exterior was not especially easy on the eye, you'd probably need counselling after being exposed to the interior for too long. With its ornately patterned carpets and door trim inserts, plus lashings of neon pink, the 25's cabin would have overwhelmed the romance writer Barbara Cartland, never mind the pretty young things who MG Rover was trying to target at the time. Maybach Exelero (2005) While it looks like a refugee from a Batman film, the Exelero was never designed for a starring role on the silver screen. Instead it was designed as a mobile test bed for high-speed tires, bankrolled by German tire maker Fulda and based on the platform of the Maybach 57 limousine. Maybach Exelero (2005) This wasn t the first time that Fulda had teamed up with the Maybach marque, nor was it the first time that the tire maker had built a vehicle specially for the purpose of demonstrating its tires. Back in 1938, Fulda had paid for a one-off Maybach SW38 named Stromlinie (pictured top), to enable high-speed tire testing on Germany s autobahns. Volkswagen Golf GTi W12-650 (2007) Once in a while Volkswagen does do something completely crazy, and for the 2007 Worthersee festival, the company slotted its largest engine into one of its smallest cars to come up with something utterly bonkers. Worthersee is the world s largest annual celebration of the Golf GTi, so it was fitting that VW should use its then-current hot Golf as the basis for a show car that gave the punters a fresh perspective on this most staid of car makers. Volkswagen Golf GTi W12-650 (2007) Mounted in the middle of the Golf GTi W12-650 was a 6.0-liter W12 engine with a couple of turbochargers strapped on to boost peak power to 650hp. The bespoke drivetrain needed some accommodating, so VW widened the Golf by 160mm (6.2in) and fitted 19-inch alloys with 295-section tires   which no doubt had their work cut out trying to harness the power. The car was claimed to be capable of 202mph along with 0-62mph in just 3.7 seconds. Ferrari SP1 (2008) In 2008 Ferrari unveiled its first official unique car, from its Special Projects division. Called the SP1 (Special Project #1) and built for Japanese collector Junichiro Hiramatsu, the SP1 was based on the F430 and it carried that car's glasshouse and pillars over, but with all new paneling made of carbon fiber. The design was based on Leonardo Fioravanti's 1998 F100 concept; he designed the SP1 too. Ferrari P540 Superfast Aperta (2009) Just a year after the SP1 was unveiled, Ferrari unwrapped its next unique commission. This time it was based on the 599GTB, the lucky buyer was the American cable TV heir Edward Walson and the inspiration came from the 1968 Ferrari-based Golden Roadster that starred in the 1968 cult film Histoires Extraordinaires. Ferrari Superamerica 45 (2011) The third in Ferrari's Special Projects series, the Superamerica 45 was based on a 599GTB and commissioned by serial Ferrari owner Peter Kalikow, a publisher and real estate developer. The car took its name from the fact that it was built to mark 45 years of Ferrari ownership for Kalikow; its most intriguing feature was a carbon fiber rotating hard top which incorporated the rear screen. The Superamerica was finished in Blu Antille paintwork, to go with Kalikow's 1961 400 Superamerica   the design of which inspired the new car. McLaren X-1 (2012) In 2012 McLaren unveiled a unique rebodied 12C at The Quail , part of the Monterey Historics week   and it's never been seen since. Mechanically identical to the car that sired it and using the 12C's monocoque, the X-1 featured entirely new outer paneling made of carbon fiber and aluminium, with even the lights and wheels made specially. Lamborghini Aventador J (2012) Commissioned by Lamborghini boss Stephan Winkelmann just six weeks before the opening of the Geneva auto show where it was making its debut, the Lamborghini Aventador J featured almost entirely new bodywork and was claimed to be the lowest car ever to leave the Sant'Agata factory. By the time the Aventador J was unveiled it had been sold to a prolific Lamborghini buyer, for more than €2m (around US$2.4 million at the time). Ferrari SP12 EC (2012) The SP12 EC is perhaps the best-known of the various official one-off Ferraris, partly because of its celebrity owner, the musician Eric Clapton . The car's design was inspired by the 512 Boxer. However, there were just eight cylinders rather than 12, as the SP12 was based on the 458 Italia. Lamborghini Egoista (2013) Lamborghini marked its 50 th birthday by creating what was surely one of the most outrageously styled cars ever made. The Egoista (Italian for  selfish ) was a single-seater with a 600hp 5.2-liter V10; much of its design (inside and out) was inspired by aviation design and construction. As a result, the cabin was more like the cockpit of a fighter jet, swathed in carbon fiber and aluminium. This car wasn't for a wealthy collector though; Lamborghini made the Egoista for its own museum. Volkswagen Golf Design Vision GTi (2013) For the 2013 GTi Festival at Lake Worthersee, held in Austria, created a 502hp Golf called the Design Vision GTi, 15mm (0.5in) shorter than the regular production GTi, but 57mm (2.2in) lower and a massive 71mm (2.7in) wider. Volkswagen Golf Design Vision GTi (2013) Fitted with ceramic brakes and unique 20-inch alloys, the styling was turned up to the max for that ultimate menacing look. The Design Vision GTi was no sheep in wolf s clothing though, as in the nose there was a turbocharged 3.0 V6 TSI engine that could put out a stonking 413lb ft of torque, most of it from just 2000rpm. Channelled to all four wheels via a DSG transmission, the car could get to 62mph in just 3.9 seconds. Ferrari F12 TRS (2014) The F12 TRS was the first Ferrari Special Projects model to be based on the F12 Berlinetta, with completely bespoke bodywork inspired by the 1957 250 Testa Rossa. Strictly speaking this isn't a one-off though, as the person who commissioned it had a second one built, with modified styling and chrome paintwork. This second car features a different nose, rear diffuser and headlights. Ferrari SP America (2014) American Ferrari enthusiast and supermarket mogul Danny Wegman stumped up the necessary cash for this one, which was based on the Ferrari F12. With a design inspired by that of the ultra-collectible 250 GTO, the SP America got all-new bodywork with round tail lights. The mechanicals were left standard, which meant a 750hp 6.3-liter V12 was in the nose. Ferrari SP FFX (2014) Ferrari Special Projects had a busy year in 2014, with no fewer than three unique cars being unveiled. The SP FFX was commissioned by Japanese collector Shin Okamato and while it was based on a Ferrari FF you would never guess, with the sharply cut away bodywork at the back so it looked more like a restyled F12 Berlinetta. Ferrari SP 275 RW Competizione (2016) Yet another F12-based one-off, the SP 275 RW Competizione was commissioned by American dentist Rick Workman , who obviously put in a lot of fillings to raise the necessary $3-4m to pay for his unique toy. Inspired by the 275 GTB/C Speciale that won its class at Le Mans in 1965, the SP 275 RW used the mechanicals of the F12tdf, which meant a rather handy 780hp was on tap; the 20-inch wheels were unique to this car. Ferrari 458 MM Speciale (2016) Not many official Ferrari one-offs were commissioned by British Prancing Horse fans, but the 458 MM Speciale was. Based on a 458 Speciale, a completely new set of panels were constructed of aluminium and carbon fiber. This one-off was inspired by the 288 GTO, with its wrap-around windscreen; the paintwork was pearlescent white while the interior was swathed in dark brown leather. Kia Sorento Ski Gondola (2016) The Specialty Equipment Market Association has been going since the early 1960s and in recent years it has become a must-see event for gearheads the world over. Held every autumn in Las Vegas, car makers have embraced the annual SEMA bash with such enthusiasm that cars like the Kia Sorento Ski Gondola aren't the most outrageous confections on display. Kia Sorento Ski Gondola (2016) While the Ski Gondola was left standard from an engine and transmission perspective, the rest of the running gear was given a serious makeover, with self-levelling rubber tracks fitted for the Kia to cope with the most tricky arctic terrain imaginable. Ferrari SP38 Deborah (2018) Revealed at Villa d Este in 2018, the SP38 happened thanks to the cash and enthusiasm of Swiss collector Ronnie Kessel whose start point was a 488 GTB, reworked with a design inspired by the F40. The SP38 Deborah name apparently refers to the bespoke shade of red paintwork   although if you can work out the reference you're doing better than us. Rolls-Royce Sweptail (2017) An unnamed owner paid many millions of pounds for this to be built, and when we introduced it to our readers the message boards went into overdrive with readers telling us how much they hated the design. But love it or loathe it, the Sweptail harks back to the glory days of coachbuilding, which is what Rolls-Royce should be all about. Rolls-Royce Sweptail (2017) The Sweptail was based on the Rolls-Royce Phantom VII, complete with 6.75-liter V12 engine. The one-off car took four years to design and build, and it featured the largest ever iteration of Rolls-Royce's iconic Pantheon grille. Despite its generous proportions, the Sweptail was fitted with just two seats   and presumably thus had the luggage space of a large van. Bugatti La Voiture Noire (2019) When Bugatti revealed its La Voiture Noire at the 2019 Geneva salon the company claimed that it was the world's most expensive new car, with a price tag of US$12 million before taxes. You couldn't buy it though; it was commissioned by an unnamed marque enthusiast with very deep pockets. Recent press reports have suggested the buyer was Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo ; citing client confidentiality, Bugatti has stated it can neither confirm nor deny this. Bugatti La Voiture Noire (2019) While it was the 1520hp Chiron that provided the basis for La Voiture Noire, it was the Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic that provided the inspiration   and specifically the car originally owned by Jean Bugatti . That car was lost during World War 2, never to be seen again; we suspect that whoever owns it, now this car has been seen very publicly on one occasion, it won't get too many airings from now on.


The human body is astonishing. Not only can it withstand a great deal of pain , heal itself , and produce millions of new cells each day , but it can also detect when a person is in danger. It can particularly detect when a person is in danger of getting too stressed. Nearly 80 percent of Americans live with some level of stress, a 2017 Gallup poll showed. In the poll, 44 percent of respondents said they frequently encounter stress, another 35 percent said they sometimes encounter stress, and just 17 percent responded that they rarely feel stressed. A mere 4 percent were left over to say they never experience stress (how lucky for them). All that stress manifests in both physical and emotional signs. Here are just a few of the ways your body may exhibit the symptoms of stress. 1. That headache just won't go away. Have throbbing pain in your head all day? It could be a stress-induced headache or migraine. "Headaches are more likely to occur when you're stressed," the Mayo Clinic explained. "Stress is a common trigger of tension-type headaches and migraine, and can trigger other types of headaches or make them worse." What can you do about them? Not much, according to the Mayo Clinic, other than live a less stressful life. But, if your headache is sudden, severe, accompanied by a fever or double vision, or is experienced after a head injury, head to the hospital immediately. 2. Your digestive system feels off. A person's belly may be one of the first places to experience the symptoms of stress or anxiety. "The brain has a direct effect on the stomach and intestines," Harvard Health explained . It noted that even when a person merely thinks about food, his or her stomach will release acids in preparation of a meal. This brain-to-stomach connection is a two-way street that can cause a vicious cycle of stress-related effects. According to Harvard Health, "A troubled intestine can send signals to the brain, just as a troubled brain can send signals to the gut." And, in return, stress can cause an increase in stomach acids , thus causing digestive issues like an ulcer. Symptoms of a stress or peptic ulcer include burning pain in the stomach, nausea, and bloating. 3. The thirst is real. Feeling stressed out? The cure may be drinking a glass of water. Seriously, dehydration can cause your body to not function at its best, which can lead to stress. "Studies have shown that being just half a liter dehydrated can increase your cortisol levels," Amanda Carlson, RD, director of performance nutrition at Athletes' Performance, told WebMD . "Cortisol is one of those stress hormones. Staying in a good hydrated status can keep your stress levels down. When you don't give your body the fluids it needs, you're putting stress on it, and it's going to respond to that." And all those hormones, WebMD explained, could lead to adrenal fatigue, which again, will have you running toward the nearest water cooler thanks to an unwavering feeling of dehydration. 4. Your sleep schedule is wildly unpredictable (and you're having weird dreams). Stress can wreak havoc on your sleep schedule. "Too much stress can cause you to have a bad sleep, leading to mental and physical health issues which can, in turn, cause stress in daily life, leading to poor sleep at night," the American Institute of Stress explained . Remember those stress hormones mentioned above? Those same hormones can cause your body to stay awake as it thinks it's now in fight or flight mode. And because your body can never quiet down, neither can your mind. On top of that, your daytime stress could be causing some odd dreams as well. "When people had these really frustrating, upsetting experiences in their everyday [lives], they had dreams where they felt stressed, sad or frustrated," Netta Weinstein, a senior lecturer in social and environmental psychology at Cardiff University, and lead author of a study on stress and dreams, told Live Science . As she noted, stress can even cause very specific dream scenarios. "The link between the experiences and the content of the dreams was less robust," Weinstein explained. "But we found some evidence that [that dreams about] falling, being attacked by someone, being locked up or trying repeatedly to do something and failing at it could be linked to a frustrating experience during the day." 5. You're sweating a lot. It's normal to sweat a little, especially if you're under duress. But, stress sweat is another beast altogether. "When the body is reacting to an emotion, like anxiety, stress or excitement, sweat is released from the apocrine glands," Piedmont Health explained. Those apocrine glands then produce a "milkier sweat" made up of fatty acids and proteins. These glands are located in the armpit, the groin, and on the scalp. There's one piece of good news: This type of sweat is initially odorless, according to Piedmont Health . But, it can develop an odor if it sits on the skin for too long. So, what can you do about stress sweat? Relax more, according to Kathirae Severson, D.O., a Piedmont internal medicine physician. "If you're a stress sweater, it's important to get to the root of the problem," Dr. Severson said. "Exercise, meditation, and therapy are all viable options to help minimize the stress in your life." 6. Hair loss has become a real problem. If you're finding more strands of hair in the drain or in your brush it could be a telltale sign of stress. According to the Mayo Clinic , there are three types of hair loss associated with stress: telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, and trichotillomania. The first, telogen effluvium, can occur after significant stress pushes large numbers of hair follicles into what is known as "resting phase." That means the hair is pushed out before completing its growth cycle. When this happens, affected hairs might fall out suddenly when you're combing or washing your hair. Meanwhile, alopecia areata can be caused by a variety of things, the Mayo Clinic explained, including severe stress. When alopecia areata occurs, the body's immune system attacks the hair follicles, which causes hair loss. And the last is Trichotillomania , which occurs when a person has "an irresistible urge to pull out hair from your scalp, eyebrows or other areas of your body," the Mayo Clinic said. Importantly, the Mayo Clinic noted, hair loss doesn't need to be permanent. Again, using stress mitigation techniques like meditation can help restore your head of hair in no time. 7. You're simply not enjoying the things you used to. One of the many emotional symptoms of stress is a general feeling of malaise. If you're dreading doing things you once loved like working out, spending time with friends, or simply talking a walk not only you could you be stressed, but you could also be suffering from depression. "Depression is precipitated by long-term, chronic exposure to stress," researchers published in the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health wrote in a 2012 study. As the researchers noted, while experiencing high-stress situations, the body may again release stress hormones and that could inhibit a person's ability to experience joy in daily activities. If you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms, it's time to talk to a health professional. That way, you have someone on your side to help you find ways to de-stress and get back to living your life your way.


ROANOKE, Texas (CBSDFW.COM)   Wednesday's round of rain is priming conditions for another busy summer mosquito season in North Texas. West Nile virus is not showing up in many mosquitoes just yet, but some cities are not waiting for those positive tests before taking action. For several years now, cities and counties have approached mosquito control in a similar way. They set up traps, test what they catch, and if one tests positive for West Nile virus, they consider spraying a small area. But in some places, like here in the small city of Roanoke, they don't see the point in waiting anymore. While most cities are still on standby for mosquito control this summer, Roanoke has already sprayed throughout city. They've already done it twice this season. Trucks will go out again in a couple weeks. And that monthly schedule will continue into October. This is actually something the city started doing 10 years ago. As their public works director and mayor both explained, mosquitoes aren't going away, so they decided to be proactive about keeping them under control. "Our goal is to be ahead of the game and keep people from being attacked by these mosquitos, because they do, it gets ridiculous in the summer time especially," said Roanoke Mayor Scooter Gierisch.


Pike County Sheriff Charles Reader has been indicted on 16 charges stemming from allegations that surfaced in November accusing Reader of stealing cash seized from cases handled from his office. "The grand jury in Pike County presented Reader with 16 charges including seven charges of conflict of interest, four charges of theft in office, two charges of theft, one charge each of tampering with evidence, tampering with records, and securing writings by deception," The Auditor of the State of Ohio Keith Faber said in a statement. Pike County Sheriff Charles Reader was accused in November of stealing cash seized from drug cases handled by the sheriff's office to fund a gambling problem. An anonymous source made the allegation in a complaint that was forwarded to the Ohio Auditor's Office. Pike County Prosecutor Rob Junk requested a special prosecutor for Reader's case, which was investigated by the Ohio Auditor of State's Special Investigations Unit, Junk previously said in a dispute with Reader on Facebook . The anonymous accusation said Reader was taking money seized from drug cases to fund a gambling problem. "This has been a long and intensive investigation with unfortunate and very serious results. It is our job to hold public officials accountable and root out fraud, waste, and abuse in our communities We do not take these charges lightly and recognize that no one is above the law. While this is a major step toward seeking justice, our team is fully prepared to present these findings to a jury as this matter moves forward. I'd like to commend everyone who worked on this case for the immense amount of effort and detail that has been dedicated to the investigation." A Pike County grand jury returned the indictments Friday morning. Reader's criminal case could have a deleterious effect on the prosecution of four members of the Wagner family charged in the Rhoden family massacre , according to legal experts. "It will be interesting to see how this affects the murder prosecutions," said Mike Allen, the former top prosecutor of Hamilton County. More: Pike County Facebook tirades reveal concerns about sheriff's credibility in court George "Billy" Wagner, 47; his wife, Angela Wagner, 48; and their two children, George Wagner IV, 27, and Edward "Jake" Wagner, 26, were arrested and charged last fall. They stand accused of killing eight members of the Rhoden family. Officials have said they were motivated by custody of the child of Jake Wagner and one of the victims, 19-year-old Hanna Rhoden. If defense attorneys make a strong case that Reader's credibility is tainted by his potential conviction, "that could give jurors reason to pause and give reasonable doubt," said David Singleton, a law professor at Northern Kentucky University and the executive director of the Ohio Justice & Policy Center. "It's possible it could make a difference." More: Pike County Facebook tirades reveal concerns about sheriff's credibility in court What's next for Reader could be a suspension while the case goes forward. Dan Tierney, press secretary for Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, said the statute for suspending officials has been used more frequently in the recent past. Former Athens County Sheriff Pat Kelly was suspended before being convicted of 17 felonies in 2015, according to The Athens News . Athens County sought $85,000 in reparations for salary and benefits paid to Kelly or on his behalf while he was suspended, The News reported. The county eventually settled for about a tenth of that amount. Months before Kelly was sentenced after pleading guilty to 14 criminal charges including misuse of public funds, Kyle Overmyer was suspended as sheriff of Sandusky County . Overmyer pleaded guilty in 2016 to felony counts of theft in office, theft of drug take-back boxes and deception of physicians to obtain prescription pain medication. He was sentenced to four years in prison. DeWine, as attorney general, assisted Reader in the investigation of the Rhoden family massacre. "(DeWine) believes that if there are criminal corruption allegations, they should be thoroughly investigated by law enforcement," Tierney said. The law to suspend public officials went into effect in 2005. The first sheriff suspended under the statute was former Shelby County Sheriff Dean Kimpel, in 2012, followed by Kelly in 2014. SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM: Subscribe now for access to all our coverage This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Pike County Sheriff Charles Reader indicted on 16 charges


Austin Dillon topped the final practice Friday among drivers already qualified for the Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Dillon, who earned his first NASCAR Cup Series victory at Charlotte in 2017, posted the fastest average lap speed (179.450 mph) in the final practice session among All-Star Race participants. Ryan Blaney was second (178.560 mph) and Clint Bowyer was third (178.336 mph). Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin completed the top-five. Rounding out the top-10 were Kevin Harvick, Erik Jones, Aric Almirola, Ryan Newman and Kyle Busch. Following the regular practice, teams were allowed to take part in pit stop practice. Qualifying for the All-Star Race is the only one of the year which includes a four-tire pit stop as part of the qualifying process and also no speed limit on pit road. Read Also: Stewart-Haas Racing dominates first All-Star Race practice


The Mets made a touching tribute to the members of the 1969 Miracle Mets on Saturday, but in doing so, they made a massive blunder. While honoring the departed, the Mets paid tribute to Jim Gosger and Jesse Hudson...both of whom are alive. Well the #Mets announced Jim Gosger as one of the 1969 team's deceased members. He's alive and well. #fail https://t.co/1RUqhXFjbV pic.twitter.com/YzKfnXJhoy   Nick Diunte (@ExamineBaseball) June 30, 2019 Nothing is more typical of the Mets than thinking that two players from the franchise's most iconic team are dead, failing to double-check that they are, and then honoring them in front of a stadium full of fans ahead of a game. This is accurate. Team has apologized to Jim Gosger and trying to get in touch with Jesse Hudson, I'm told. #mets https://t.co/WX95LZmUZk   Zach Braziller (@NYPost_Brazille) June 30, 2019 At least we now know that they don't stay up to date with players from the team that brought them their franchise's first World Series title. 2 guys in @mets remembrance are still ALIVE!!! WTF??? Jim Gosger and Jessie Hudson are both still with us!!! #IloveBaseball @BruceBeck4NY @Andy_Adler @MLBNetwork @SNYtv #whatgoeson pic.twitter.com/Qhp8M1ZM29   John Broder (@IamNYSports) June 29, 2019 Seriously, this was a heartwarming way to honor the memory of those players, but it's just astounding that they managed to mess up this badly. Even for the Mets, this is low. And yet, it's almost not surprising at all. Nothing has gone right for the Mets this year, so why should their well-intended pregame ceremony be spared from the nonsense? Related slideshow: 2019 MLB season (Provided by imagn)


The 43rd annual, nation's largest, longest-running free maritime festival, Norfolk Harborfest kicks off June 7, 2019. The event at Town Point Park in Downtown Norfolk kicks off Friday at noon and goes until Sunday at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. TIMES Friday: Noon to 11 p.m. (Parade of Sail starts at noon) Saturday: Noon to 11 p.m. (Fireworks 9:30 p.m.) Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. PARKING The City of Norfolk is encouraging drivers to park once and enjoy everything during the Epic Weekend June 7-9, 2019 in downtown Norfolk. There is plenty of convenient parking and a free shuttle to get you where you want to go. Parking is available at the following garages for $5 cash: Waterside Garage Main Street Garage Town Point Garage West Plume Street Garage Boush Street Garage Fountain Park Garage City Hall South Garage Freemason Street Garage York Street Garage Commercial Place On June 8, MacArthur Center North & South Parking Decks will be open: $2 before 1:00 P.M. $5 after 1:00 P.M. SHUTTLES A free hop on-hop off shuttle will be available during the event throughout the city of Norfolk. It will be running from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and it will be running from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday. Shuttle stops: Nauticus Circle, at Boush and Main Sts. Freemason Street Garage, at Freemason St. between Boush and Granby St. Bank St. Garage, at Freemason St. between Monticello and Banks Sts. Neon District, at Olney Rd. and Magazine Ln. Freemason Harbor, at Harbor St/Pagoda. HRT INFO The Tide Light Rail Schedule Friday: Regular times until 10 p.m. From 10 p.m. until midnight, will run at 15-minute intervals Saturday: Regular times until 4:30 p.m. From 4:30 p.m. until midnight, will run every 7 to 10 minutes Sunday: Regular service begins at 11:00 a.m. Click here to purchase a Tide ticket. Elizabeth River Ferry Schedule The main boat will run a normal daily schedule, but additional ferries will be added as needed throughout the day. Friday: Main boat from 5:30 a.m. until the last boat leaves Waterside at 11:45 p.m. 2nd boat from 11:45 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. 3rd boat from 3:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday: Main boat from 10:00 a.m. until crowds are gone (approximately 12:35 a.m.) 2nd boat from 10:15 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. 3rd boat from 11:45 a.m. to 12:20 a.m. 4th boat Carrie B from 1:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. Ending times will vary based on crowds and demand. When all four boats are operating, they will be dedicated to service direct routes. Two will be operating between High Street / Waterside and two between North Landing / Waterside. There will be no ferry service between the High Street and North Landing docks while all four boats are in operation. Sunday: Main boat from 10:00 a.m. until the last boat leaves Waterside at 11:45 p.m. 2nd boat from 11:45 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 3rd boat from 12:00 p.m. until 6:15 p.m. Bus Service Shuttle buses will stage at Newtown Road Station beginning at 4:00 p.m. These buses will go directly to the MacArthur Square Station. After the fireworks, shuttle buses will be staged at the MacArthur Square Station for the outbound trip back to the Newtown Road Station. Transportation Ticket Sales by Customer Service Representatives Tickets will be sold at the following Light Rail stations: Newtown Road Station   Saturday, June 8 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. Military Highway Station   Saturday, June 8 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the following Ferry docks: High Street Landing   Saturday, June 8 from 3:00 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. North Landing   Saturday, June 8 from 3:00 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. Click here for more HRT information. PERFORMERS FRIDAY Boathouse Stage: DJ Canrock Wylder Bennett Wales and the Relief Five Mile Mountain Road FRIDAY Main Stage: Afishal Oak and Ash SATURDAY Boathouse stage: DJ Canrock After Funk Mike Mitchell Band BJ Griffin Galaxy Groove SATURDAY Main Stage: Rose Royce Ripe Blessid Union of Souls SUNDAY Boathouse Stage: Vegabond Mike Proffitt Band SUNDAY Main Stage: Lonestar Maggie Rose SCHEDULE Click here for the full Harborfest schedule. HARBORFEST APP New this year, there's a Harborfest App! Anyone can text Harborfest19 to 888-777 for street closures, parking, inclement weather updates, and emergency alerts.


The Cowboys have a general sense that whenever Ezekiel Elliott returns from Cabo San Lucas, he'll be in good shape. But one veteran teammate also knows that the perception of being in Mexico can outweigh what's actually happening there. In discussing his teammate's Mexican holdout, Cowboys tight end Jason Witten was asked about his own trip to Cabo. Since the Cowboys had the best record in the league in 2007, they took advantage of their playoff bye week by getting out of town. Witten, quarterback Tony Romo (and his then-girlfriend Jessica Simpson) and a few other Cowboys ducked out for some rest and relaxation, then came home and promptly lost to the Giants in the divisional round. "Yeah, my situation certainly, absolutely many years ago," Witten said, via Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram . "Personally these guys don't even remember that. They're too young to know that story. Perception is reality, I guess . My lesson learned from that point. Honestly that was a different situation. It was during the playoff [bye] week." The other difference is Elliott is working out, as he did during his 2017 suspension.. So when he returns, Witten expects the running back to be in shape and ready to work. "I know he's going to be training, he's going to be ready to play," Witten said. "I don't know if we have a guy on this football team that loves football and enjoys being one of the guys in the locker room and in these meetings [more than Zeke]. And during training camp he's a little bit of a jokester. "He's going to work hard and he's going to be prepared and I know he's preparing himself to carry the workload like he has his entire career. I don't see that being an issue of where he's doing his training at." At least as long as he plays more than one game when he returns.


A man was hospitalized after he tried to save his son who slipped on rocks and into the river at a park in Washington , with the current sweeping both of them down a 15-foot waterfall. Robert Brown, of Vancouver, Wash., said he jumped into the water at Lucia Falls Regional Park this past Sunday after his 12-year-old son, Michael, slipped into the Lewis River and the current swept him toward the falls. Robert described the moments before the fall to Fox 12 in Oregon saying, "We saw some kid jumping off the side of the rocks and I said, 'Michael,' I said 'that's how accidents happen right there,' and we end up being the accident." He told the station that while they were showing the area to family members who were visiting from out of town, his son asked if he could walk across some rocks which were upstream of the falls. "He wanted to go ahead and cross over at that point," Robert told the station. "I was good with that." WASHINGTON WOMAN DUBBED THE 'BOTOX BANDIT' WANTED FOR SKIPPING OUT ON COSMETIC BILLS "In the process [he] slipped on a rock," he continued. Michael fell into the water and the river's strong current then pushed him in the direction of the waterfalls. Robert told the station he tried to grab his son but was unsuccessful. "When I was going down, I tried to grab on to some rocks, but I couldn't because it was covered in moss and algae and stuff," Michael told Fox 12. "That's when he went underwater and wasn't coming back up immediately," Robert said. "So, I had my cell phone on me, just ditched it and just dove right in to get him." ARMED MAN SHOT, KILLED AFTER THROWING INCENDIARY DEVICES AT WASHINGTON ICE DETENTION CENTER Robert told the station he tried to save his son when they were in the fast-moving water but they could not connect. They both ultimately fell down the 15-foot waterfall. Fortunately, the son was able to make it to shore and reportedly suffered just a bruise on his arm. His father, the station reported, was hospitalized with a broken neck and had a deep cut above his eye. His wife, Amy, who had watched the situation unfold, told the station, "It is absolutely a miracle that these two came out over a waterfall and came out alive." "It's a grace of God that I'm here," Robert told Fox 12. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP "Life is precious and it can change in a heartbeat," he added. His son called him his "hero" for jumping in the water in an attempt to save him.


Looking to sample the best tapas around town? Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top tapas spots in Jersey City, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to fulfill your urges. 1. Cellar 335 Topping the list is Cellar 335 . Located at 335 Newark Ave., the tiki bar, which serves Asian fusion tapas and small plates, is the highest-rated tapas spot in Jersey City, boasting 4.5 stars out of 452 reviews on Yelp. 2. Third & Vine Next up is Third & Vine , situated at 353 Third St. With 4.5 stars out of 350 reviews on Yelp, the cocktail and wine bar, which offers tapas and more, has proven to be a local favorite. 3. Broa Broa , a Portuguese cafe offering tapas and small plates, is another go-to, with four stars out of 259 Yelp reviews. Head over to 297 Grove St. to see for yourself. This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


Spending time in the Little Haiti? Get to know this Miami neighborhood by browsing its most popular local businesses, from an upscale Italian restaurant to a New American spot. Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top places to visit in the Little Haiti, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of neighborhood businesses. Read on for the results. 1. MC Kitchen Topping the list is Italian spot MC Kitchen . Located at 4141 N.E. Second Ave., Suite 101A, it's the highest-rated business in the neighborhood, boasting four stars out of 324 reviews on Yelp. The menu at Dena Marino's upscale eatery features seafood dishes, pizza and homemade pastas. Notable items include the pan seared Branzino and fiocchi pasta filled with fresh pear and four cheeses, topped off with a white truffle cream sauce. Finish off your meal with a slice of tiramisu. 2. Mandolin Aegean Bistro Next up is Mediterranean, Greek and Turkish spot Mandolin Aegean Bistro , situated at 4312 N.E. Second Ave. With 4.5 stars out of 1,471 reviews on Yelp, it's proven to be a local favorite. This labor of love by husband and wife duo Ahmet Erkaya and Anastasia Koutsioukis serves up light, authentic Greek and Turkish dishes including ingredients pulled from the edible garden onsite. Menu highlights include hummus with baby heirloom tomatoes, cheese saganaki and Manti dumplings (with minced lamb, yogurt, Aleppo pepper and burnt butter). 3. Zubi Fish House Cuban, seafood and breakfast and brunch spot Zubi Fish House is another top choice. Yelpers give the business, located at 5700 N.W. Second Ave., Suite B, 4.5 stars out of 44 reviews. Popular items range from the New Orleans Po' Boy sandwich to the sample platter with fried calamari, conch fritters, croquettes and tostones. Breakfast items include pastelitos, which are flaky pastries filled with guava and cheese, beef and coconut. 4. Michael's Genuine Food & Drink Michael's Genuine Food & Drink , a bar and New American spot, is another high-traffic neighborhood go-to, with four stars out of 1,652 Yelp reviews. Head over to 130 N.E. 40th St. to see for yourself. Courtesy of James Beard Award-winning chef/owner Michael Schwartz, this spot is "built on seasonal ingredients and warm hospitality," notes the business website . An eclectic menu with items ranging from East Coast oysters to crispy pork belly (with peanuts and Kimchi slaw) to chips and dip with smoked salmon and cream cheese. If you've got a sweet tooth, choose from desserts such as coconut sticky buns, caramel French toast and apple crisp banana bread pudding. This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


Giorgio Chiellini has suffered a reoccurrence of the calf injury that troubled him towards the back end of last season, calling his involvement in Juventus' upcoming pre-season fixtures into doubt. The Italian managed 25 appearances in Serie A last season and has been an invaluable member of the squad for some time, but he's been troubled with injuries in more recent seasons as he approaches his 35th birthday. I Bianconeri are due to face Tottenham on Sunday in the International Champions Cup, before taking on Inter in the same competition. However, they face the prospect of not having the centre-back available for selection. Calciomercato are reporting that Chiellini has suffered the same calf injury that troubled him last season, and the Italian will remain at the club's training centre to nurse it. The report also goes on to claim that this will give Merih Demiral the opportunity to step in and gain more first team minutes. Demiral only joined Juventus earlier in July but Calciomercato also report that AC Milan are serious in their attempts to sign the Turk. However, the injury to Chiellini has dealt I Rossoneri a blow in their pursuit. OFFICIAL⎮Merih Demiral is a Juventus player! ⚫⚪ ➡ https://t.co/EDPOe2RBCe #WelcomeMerih #LiveAhead pic.twitter.com/jTY9JGbdrJ   JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) July 5, 2019 Juventus have finally completed the signing of Dutch sensation Matthijs de Ligt from Ajax in a deal worth up to €85.5m. The 19-year-old will undoubtedly expect to be part of the first XI, meaning competition is high for the other spot in the centre of defence. I Bianconeri have been dealt a blow with the injury to Chiellini, but it is an opportunity for new signing Demiral to prove his worth to the Italian champions.


Phil Mickelson's days as one of the world's best golfers may be winding down, but the recently turned 49-year-old is just entering his prime on social media. After finally joining Twitter and Instagram last summer in what appeared to be just a move to promote THE MATCH with Tiger Woods, Mickelson has maintained active accounts and become a must-follow for his antics like preparing for the Ryder Cup with a sniper rifle, and his random daggers like when he roasted Matt Kuchar for his tipping habits while rolling up to Augusta National for a Saturday tee time at the Masters. And now, he's going to become a storyteller. RANKING: The top 10 most Phil Mickelson moments in U.S. Open history On Wednesday, Mickelson released what he dubbed "the first edition of 'Phireside with Phil,'" which he bills as a series of stories from his PGA Tour career. It's a clever nod to the FDR's famed "Fireside chats," although, as many people pointed out, the way the video is shot makes it seem like Phil is sitting on a toilet with a scented candle. Either way, it's still glorious, especially Mickelson wearing his World Golf Hall of Fame jacket. And in fact, Phil's first story involves a little potty humor. Sort of. Anyway, take it away, Phil! https://twitter.com/PhilMickelson/status/1141077530423824386 OK, I did NOT see that ending coming. Great story, Phil. Let's hope to see/hear these videos, um, phrequently. RELATED: Phil Mickelson and the thumbs up an unauthorized history WATCH MORE VIDEOS FROM THE LOOP See the video.


Torch the muffin top with these slimming eats. 50 Surprising Foods That Melt Fat Wouldn't it be cool to live with a health and nutrition expert? My ex-roomie sure thinks so. Determined to shed weight and get lean, she still asks me which rapid weight loss recipes she should make for dinner. And lunch. And breakfast. Oh, and what about her post-workout shake? Fortunately for her, there are many ubiquitous pantry staples and each one blasts fat with the perfect combination of fiber, protein and heart-healthy nutrients. Read on for our science-backed top picks, and get ready to spoon up some seriously delectable dinners. And to keep the flat-belly efforts going, be sure to avoid these 14 "Health" Foods That Are Worse Than a Donut ! 1. Pumpkin Seed Pesto "Blend [pumpkin seeds] with basil, parm and garlic for a twist on a nut-free pesto," suggests Rebecca Lewis, RD for HelloFresh , a leading healthy meal kit delivery service. Or, you can toast the fat-blasting seeds and sprinkle them onto salads in lieu of toppings. Lewis also suggests adding them to soups for a dose of added protein . 2. Green Tea "If you can drink 4 to 5 cups a day, you may actually not only warm up but speed up your metabolism and even burn more calories (and fat, including belly fat!) in your sleep, thanks to its polyphenol called epigallocatechin-3-gallate, or EGCG," explain The Nutrition Twins , Lyssie Lakatos, RDN, CDN, CFT and Tammy Lakatos Shames, RDN, CDN, CFT, and authors of The Nutrition Twins' Veggie Cure. "It also contains the amino acid theanine that brings on a mental alertness and calmness that helps you to make rational decisions, so you can turn down fatty, caloric foods that you'd normally eat due to stress." Editors at Eat This, Not That! found this to be true: Test panelists on The 7-Day Flat-Belly Tea Cleanse lost up to 10 pounds in one week! 3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts The perfect meld of delectably crispy and bright with fresh flavor, this cruciferous veggie is one of our favorite superfoods . "Roast them with spices and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast," suggests Julieanna Hever , MS, RD, CPT, a plant-based dietitian and author of The Vegiterranean Diet and The Complete Idiot's Guide to Plant-Based Nutrition. "They're excellent weight loss foods because they are loaded with fiber and detoxifying glucosinolates." 4. Pickles Pickles are filled with water, vinegar, and fiber, and barely any calories! In fact, just one cup of the pickled cucumbers pack in two grams of fiber for only 16 calories. Not to mention, studies show that acidic foods like vinegar help increase the body's carb-burning rate by up to 40 percent. Once your body burns off carbs, it moves onto torching fat, which can help you finally rock your skinny jeans muffin top-free. 5. Dried Plums "Dried plums are one of the best natural constipation remedies. A serving of four to five dried plums packs three full grams of fiber," shares Rebecca Scritchfield , RDN, author of the upcoming book, Body Kindness. "About half of that is insoluble, which helps speed food through the digestive tract. The other half is slow-moving soluble fiber, good for enhancing satiety, lowering cholesterol and regulating blood sugar levels. They both add up to a very healthy gut." And trim tummy! 6. Spaghetti Squash "Just when the cooler weather has you craving warm, unhealthy comfort foods, spaghetti squash is one of the best replacements for spaghetti!" exclaim The Nutrition Twins. "It feels like a hearty meal, but one cup only has about 40 calories more than 75 percent fewer calories than a cup of plain pasta." Even better? It's a good source of fiber, which means it will keep you fuller for longer and help keep belly bloat at bay. For other ways to make carbs work for you, click here for the science-backed 25 Best Carbs for Weight Loss . 7. Kiwi "They may be small, but these sweet-tasting fruits contain a hefty amount of actinidin, a natural enzyme unique to kiwifruit that aids in digestion by breaking down protein in the body. Kiwifruit also contains prebiotic fiber, which primes the gut for healthy digestion," says Scritchfield. "Research indicates that a daily serving of green kiwifruit helps to increase bowel movements. So, cut in half, scoop with a spoon, and pop into your mouth like nature's Tums (SunGold kiwis, with a yellow flesh and tropical taste, offer three times the vitamin C of oranges and as much potassium as a medium banana)." Did we mention they're just hankering for a heavenly breakfast bowl? 8. Fennel "Almost all vegetables are good as they help to move gastric irritants out of the stomach that cause stomach distention and bloat, but fennel, which is in season and best in fall and winter helps ease gas and bloating that make the stomach look distended," say The Nutrition Twins. "It also is a good source of potassium to help restore normal fluid balance and flush bloat." Try slicing it raw into salads for a unique flavor profile or roasting it with salt and pepper and a squeeze of citrus. (For other great ideas, here our Special Report: How to Get Rid of Bloating Guaranteed )! 9. Mushrooms Game, set, 'shrooms. As in, time to add a hefty helping of this potent and nutrient-packed fungi to your next meal. Sautée them into a tomato-based sauce or roast them until crisp to add as a topping to tasty salads brimming with autumnal bounty (think: squash, pumpkin seeds, massaged kale). "Swapping any of the infinite types of hearty, umami-flavored mushrooms for meat will keep your belly flat due to their very low fat and calorie count and super nutrient profile," explains Hever. 10. Brown Rice "Healthy eating may be triggering gas overload," offers Scritchfield. "Rice is the only starchy food that does not cause gas, research says." To keep things healthy, stick to a fist-size portion with your meals. For other healthy body hacks, read on the these 44 Ways to Lose 4 Inches of Body Fat ! 11. Winter Squash Yes, you can get 'em all year around (and should!). "Note: These winter squashes have thicker skins so require longer cook times than summer squash," says Lewis. The outcome? A tantalizing, roasted veggie side that's worthy of being an entrée (just stuff with beans, veggies and garlic or herbs for a tasty medley of flavors). 12. Apples "Nature's perfect weight loss food are apples," says Hever. "Eat them raw, sprinkled with cinnamon, or baked as a seasonal treat. You cannot overeat them, there are myriad varieties as options, and studies show that enjoying an apple before a meal decreases total caloric intake at that meal." For more sure-fire ways to lose your belly, don't miss these 50 Best Ever Weight-Loss Secrets From Skinny People . 13. Pistachios Bet you can't have just one. And that's okay, pop a handful of these nutrition superstars. "Pistachios are the perfect fall-flat belly food (harvested in early September with harvest lasting approximately six weeks and popular right through the holidays) are our favorite because they have a winning combination of protein, fiber and healthy fats to keep you satisfied throughout the day," say The Nutrition Twins. In addition to keeping vending machine-cravings in check, the fact that you have to de-shell them, also helps you avoid mindless snacking. "Most snacks with a satisfying crunch also cause stomach irritation and bloat from salt, fat, and from digestive distress, but not pistachios! Also, their fall hues (green and red-purple colors) come from antioxidants!" 14. Dark Leafy Greens These antioxidant-packed powerhouses are perfect to toss into soups, stir fries, and chilis. Some ideas: "Massage your kale to help break down the fibers a bit, then sautée it with garlic and olive oil; Blend spinach in your morning smoothie with bananas for a green power breakfast; add swiss chard to your hearty soup recipes   its texture is able to stand up to the longer cook times." 15. Peanut Butter Besides for making a delicious spread or dip, peanuts also pack in a belly-fat-blasting effect. Genistein, a compound that acts on obesity genes and reduces your body's ability to store fat, is present in this versatile nut. What's more, peanuts are brimming with polyunsaturated fats, which have been shown to "turn on" genes in visceral fat that are linked to reduced fat storage and improved sugar metabolism in the body, according to a Uppsala University study . 16. Kefir "Kefir is like yogurt, but even better because it has more live active cultures to nourish your GI tract so the good bacteria thrive," says Scritchfield. Worth noting: "Even though it's dairy, kefir is 99 percent lactose free because the kefir cultures break down lactose so you don't have to!" Try it with your breakfast or as a satisfying post-workout snack. 17. Baked or Roasted Potatoes And add to that: yams and sweet potatoes. "They're very low in fat, high in satiating complex carbohydrates and fiber that helps you stay lean and satisfied with delicious, comforting sweetness," suggests Hever. 18. Pumpkin If you're buying it from a can and not fresh, be sure to opt for the unsweetened variety of one of our favorite high fiber foods . "It makes a great, low-calorie dessert, just add cinnamon," suggest The Nutrition Twins. "Pumpkin is only 40 calories and 5 grams of fiber per half-cup so it will keep your belly lean and flat while the fiber helps to flush unsightly belly bulges from constipation. You can also use pumpkin to replace oil in brownies and butter in other recipes to keep your recipes low-calorie and delicious and your belly flat." Pumpkin brownies? Don't mind if we do. 19. Lemons This citrus fruit is well worth befriending in your daily routine if you haven't already. "If you drink alcohol, it can cause gas to form in your face and belly. Cut your alcohol in half by swapping a water with lemon between drinks. Try it over ice, sparkling, or hot water with lemon," suggests Scritchfield. "The vitamin C in lemon helps break down the bloat." Making fish? "You can also zest [a lemon] and then slice it and add to any fish recipe," offers Lewis. Green tea with lemon? Even better, you overachiever, you. Don't miss these 23 Amazing Ways to Melt Fat with Tea ! 20. Quinoa "A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that dieters who ate whole grains lost more belly fat than those who ate refined grains," say The Nutrition Twins. "Not only is quinoa made from the whole grain, but it contains 11 grams of satisfying protein per half cup to prevent crashing and binging. It's fiber-rich too, [which helps to] flush wastes and toxins from the colon and flatten the belly." 21. Tomatoes Oh tomatoes, let us count the ways we love you. "They contain the magical combination of water and potassium, which brings on an instant flat stomach by flushing excess sodium, water and bloat from your body and belly," explain The Nutrition Twins. "Plus, they're fiber-packed (goodbye constipation and the puffiness that comes with it!) and super low in calories, so you can eat a lot of them without gaining weight." And don't stop there melt even more fat using these 50 Best Weight Loss Tips Ever ! 22. Skyr Skyr, or Icelandic yogurt, has been around for over a century but only recently started making an appearance in supermarkets' dairy aisles. The snack is similar to Greek yogurt, except lacks the tart flavor and packs in an extra protein punch thanks to the extra straining process. Protein helps boost your metabolism while the healthy fats in the yogurt help keep you satiated enough to avoid snacking. 23. Cayenne This spicy red pepper can give your dinner a kick as potently as it can ignite your metabolism. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that eating capsaicin (the compound in piquant peppers) every day helps burn belly fat by boosting the body's ability to convert food into energy. 24. Whole-Grain Bread You can melt up to five off your frame by eating whole-grain bread, a Tufts University study suggests. To come to these findings, researchers split participants into two groups: one was instructed to include whole-grains (oatmeal, brown rice, whole wheat flour) in their diets and the other ate a diet that included refined grains (white bread, white rice, bleached flour). After about two months, the whole-grain group experienced an increase in resting metabolic rate. And get this: The extra fiber in their diet led them to absorb fewer calories from foods digested. 25. Herring Fatty fish like herring as well as mackerel, salmon, and sardines are jam-packed with a one-two punch against your gut. "Getting enough protein and healthy fat also helps to reduce cravings and has been shown to help keep weight off for longer," Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Alissa Rumsey tells us. 26. White Tea Move over green tea; the white stuff has just as potent fat-furnacing capabilities. A study in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism showed that antioxidant-rich white tea can speed up the breakdown of fat as well as block the formation of fat cells all at the same time. 27. Cheese Losing your muffin top doesn't have to mean giving up all your favorite indulgences  Havarti and Gouda included. Cheese is brimming with butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that's the product of fermentation in the large intestine, which has been proven to prevent the development of both insulin resistance and obesity, a study in the journal Diabetes found. 28. Chocolate And you don't have to give up your sweet guilty pleasures, either. Dark chocolate is rich in polyphenols, plant-based antioxidants, that help you fight both free radicals and stubborn fat. A Louisiana State University study found that gut microbes in our stomach ferment chocolate into polyphenolic compounds, including butyrate, which ignites your body to burn fat as fuel and turns off genes linked to inflammation. 29. Red Wine Grab the charcuterie board and pop open a bottle of wine to celebrate these findings : When mice were treated with just resveratrol, the phytochemical found in red grapes, they capitulated weight gain caused by a high-fat diet. 30. Eggs A study in the journal Nutrition Research divided 21 men into two groups where half ate a bagel breakfast while the other half ate eggs. The findings showed that the egg group showed a lower response to ghrelin and were less hungry three hours later. What's more, those who woke up to eggs ate fewer calories for the next 24 hours following the study. 31. Black Beans The good gut bugs that thrive in your stomach require food to live, and one of their go-to picks are black beans! Gut bacteria munch on these beans' soluble fiber and then transform it into butyrate, a chemical that helps the body burn fat for energy. Every half a cup of black beans has over eight grams of satiating fiber, which is nearly twice as much as an apple boasts! 32. Avocados Stop fearing the fat! Creamy avocados are full of monounsaturated fats that dim your appetite and prevent the accumulation of belly fat. In fact, a European study tracked 90,000 people for several years and discovered that participants who tried to eat a low-fat diet had the same risk of being overweight as those who ate whatever they wished! Consider this fast fact another reason to bite into avo toast. 33. Miso Paste Looking to blast belly fat? Well first, you must make sure you're eating foods that support a balanced gut microbiome like miso paste (yup, the stuff miso soup is made with). Made by fermenting soybeans with salt and koji, miso paste teeming with gut-healthy bacteria that can help stimulate the digestive system, strengthen your immune system, and torch belly fat. Here's proof: in a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, researchers compared overweight women who followed a low-calorie diet and were given either a placebo or a probiotic supplement for twelve weeks. At the end of the study, women who supplemented their calorie-restrictive meal plan with a probiotic lost more weight than those who took the placebo. 34. Plums These reddish fruits can give your fat genes the red light. How so? Plums contain phenolic compounds called flavonoids, which lend the fruit its deep color as well as its ability to fight fat. Plums also are a great source of pectin, a gelatin-like type of fiber found in the cell walls of fruits that puts a cap on the amount of fat your cells can absorb. 35. Spinach There's a reason why Popeye always chose spinach. The dark green leaves contain a long-chain sugar molecule called sulfoquinovose (SQ), which can help your midsection stay trim. According to a study in the journal Nature Chemical Biology, SQ promotes the growth your good gut bacteria, which prevent bad bacteria from colonizing your gut and causing inflammation and belly fat. Toss the leafy greens with a handful of walnuts, sliced strawberries, and goat cheese for a satisfying lunch. 36. Beets This succulent root veggie is a unique source of betaine, an amino acid that increases metabolism, positively influences the mechanism for insulin resistance, boosts your mood, switches fat genes off, and attacks inflammatory markers that are released by belly fat, according to a review in the journal Nutrients. Not sure how to incorporate these bad boys into your meal plan? Try these 19 Boss Beet Recipes . 37. Coconut Oil Take a moment to ignore the recent buzz claiming coconut oil is a health food foe , and consider this: according to a study published in the journal Lipids, participants who supplemented their diet with this tropical oil reduced abdominal obesity significantly more than participants who consumed inflammatory soybean oil. To what can we chalk up the flatter belly? Experts believe it's the coconut oil's medium-chain triglycerides (which are burned as energy instead of being stored as fat) and lauric acid (which has been shown to pinpoint belly fat and torch it). 38. Nut & Seed Trail Mix According to a 2016 Danish study, people who ate a meal rich in plant protein rather than animal protein reported feeling significantly more satiated. Pack a baggie full of flab-frying peanuts, walnuts, and sunflower seeds to munch on if the hunger pangs begin to distract you in between meals. Just make sure to portion your trail mix, as the fix-ins are some of the 30 Healthy Foods You Better Eat in Moderation . 39. Greek Yogurt Besides for being one of our favorite portable proteins for on-the-go satiety, Greek yogurt is also a great belly fat fighter. According to a recent study presented at the annual Society for Endocrinology conference, researchers found that when protein is digested and broken down, one of the resulting amino acids, phenylalanine, triggers hormones that help reduce appetite, which can lead to weight loss. If you find yourself stumped at the dairy aisle, don't forget that we tested 12 yogurts and found the best one. Our top pick is the creamiest of them all and packs in an impressive 15 grams of the muscle-building stuff! 40. Turmeric According to a study in the journal Oncogene, curcumin (turmeric's main antioxidant) is one of the most effective anti-inflammatory foods in existence. Since belly fat encourages inflammation as well as makes it more difficult to lose the bulge, sprinkling anti-inflammatory turmeric onto your eggs or stirring up a golden milk latte will help you tighten that tummy. 41. Tuna Light tuna is a dietary triple threat in a can: it's affordable, packed with protein, and blasts belly fat. In fact, a study in the Journal of Lipid Research found that adding omega-3 fatty acids to your diet could help turn off fat genes. While fish contain two types of omega-3s DHA and EPA the researchers discovered that DHA can be 40 to 70 percent more effective than EPA at suppressing fat genes and preventing fat cells from enlarging. Crack open a can of tuna because it's the fish with the highest DHA content. 42. Bananas When you skimp out on sleep, your body produces more ghrelin, the hunger hormone, encouraging you to eat more the next day. Stay on track with your weight loss goals by noshing on nanners. Not only do their muscle-relaxing minerals, like potassium and magnesium, lullaby your body into a sleep mode, these fruits can also help you look and feel thinner. One study found that women who ate a banana twice daily before meals for two months reduced their bloat by 50 percent, thanks to the fruit's debloating potassium. 43. Cinnamon Who knew that zapping fat is as easy as shaking some cinnamon onto your oats? A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that this blood sugar-regulating spice helps reduce insulin secretion, preventing sugar from being stored as fat. Not into oatmeal? Try sprinkling the stuff into your latte or smoothies. 44. Dinosaur Kale Let's face it, kale is completely overrated. But dinosaur kale, a.k.a. black or lacinato kale, on the other hand, is its lesser-known cousin that's equally as deserving of acclamation. Dinosaur kale's blue-green leaves are less bitter and more tender than the regular kind, but boast the same flat belly properties, like filling fiber, protein, and B vitamins that can help you get rid of the gut. 45. Salmon Wild-caught salmon is brimming with omega-3 fatty acids, which are notorious for squashing inflammation and helping you zap unwanted belly flab. In fact, these healthy fats fight inflammation by increasing in adiponectin, a hormone that boosts metabolism and burns fat. Stock up on this pink fish, as it's rich in both EPA and DHA, the two active forms of omega-3s. 46. Pu-erh Tea If you've never heard of this fermented Chinese tea, it's time to add it to your a.m. routine. A study in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that feeding obese mice a high-fat diet coupled with pu-erh tea extract decreased their total body weight and cholesterol levels. 47. Blueberries These bite-sized berries are as mighty as they are tiny. In a study in the Journal of Medicinal Food, blueberries were shown to reduce abdominal fat, triglycerides, and total body weight. Next time you're making a yogurt parfait, don't forget to toss in some blueberries! 48. Flaxseeds To get the most nutritional bang for your buck, freshly grind your flaxseeds right before using them. Just one tablespoon has about 2.3 grams of fat-blasting ALA, making it a wholesome oatmeal topper. Better yet, invest in a bottle of flaxseed oil to drizzle your salads with. 49. Sunflower Seeds Whether you're adding them to your breakfast bowl or noshing on them to beat the 2 p.m. slump, sunflower seeds are a great way to get in your daily dose of magnesium a nutrient that helps the body release fat from its stores. "Sunflower seeds and sunbutter are two great belly-busters," says registered dietitian Lauren Slayton of Foodtrainers. "The type of fat in the seeds have been shown to reduce abdominal fat in women with no other change in diet." 50. Black Pepper Piperine, a fat-frying compound found in black pepper, has shown to trigger adipogenesis, resulting in a decrease in waist size, body fat, and cholesterol levels. Fortunately for those who've set a goal to ditch the gut, you can sprinkle black pepper on practically anything! Start with these 35 Slow Cooker Recipes for Weight Loss .


Are you a woman who loves her job? Are you funny? Do you look forward to going into work every day so you can joke around with your colleagues and partake in a lively, congenial atmosphere? If so, too bad. Because a new study from the University of Arizona and the University of Colorado at Boulder says that women who engage in humor at the office are far less likely to be taken seriously than male counterparts who do the same thing. The researchers surveyed more than 200 people and showed them a video of a male manager and a female manager both named Sam and both of whom delivered messages in a funny way. The results found that when the man delivered the jokes, they were perceived to be "functional," but when the woman did so, it was considered to be "disruptive," even though they were working off of the same script. The researchers theorize that the results show that when male managers joke around, it's likely to be viewed as a buoy to office camaraderie. But, when women do it, it seems to somehow signal a lack of professionalism and leadership skills. "Based on PCST, we argue that gender stereotypes constrain the interpretation of observed humor such that humor expressed by males is likely to be interpreted as more functional and less disruptive compared to humor expressed by females," the paper reads. "As a result, humorous males are ascribed higher status compared to non-humorous males, while humorous females are ascribed lower status compared with nonhumorous females." The research extends beyond the office as well. In fact, an assessment of several studies on the topic led The Scientific American to conclude : "Men want someone who will appreciate their jokes, and women want someone who makes them laugh." The belief is that, from an evolutionary perspective, women are pickier than men and view a sense of humor is viewed as a positive, in league with traits such as intelligence, creativity, adventurousness, and openness to new experiences. For women, they say, making people laugh has no evolutionary benefit whatsoever. (If this sounds familiar, perhaps you were one of the many readers who eye-rolled their way through the late writer Christopher Hitchens' infamous 2007 essay for Vanity Fair titled, " Why Women Aren't Funny .") But we don't live in the Stone Age anymore, and while it's understandable that some of our primal traits still strongly influence our behavior, it's high time we accept funny women in the workplace with the same enthusiasm that we do with men. And for more on gender disparity in the office, find out Why Women Are Taking Off Their Wedding Rings Before Job Interviews . Related video: Things mentally strong women do (provided by CNBC)


What superfoods will help make your summer and the rest of your life healthier? We have an expert-approved list just for you. Women have unique needs When it comes to nutrition, the needs of men and women overlap in many areas. But differences exist, too. For instance, women need more iron than men. And pregnant and breastfeeding women have many specific nutrient needs. They need more of many vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, folate, vitamin B12, iodine, and zinc than the typical adult. Many more differences in nutritional needs exist, which is why experts weighed in to create this list of summer superfoods handpicked especially for women. Cherries These red gems are at their prime availability in the summer. 'Cherries contain anthocyanins, the component that gives cherries their rich red color,' notes Rahaf Al Bochi , RDN, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 'Anthocyanins are flavonoids that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, which help reduce the risk for chronic diseases.' Add fresh cherries to cherry oatmeal , cherry mint salsa , or protein French toast . To incorporate more inflammation-fighting foods into your day, get the food rules of an anti-inflammatory diet . Walnuts These crunchy nuts can add nutrition to so many dishes. 'One of my go-to superfoods for women is walnuts,' says Natalie Rizzo, MS, RD, a dietitian in New York City and a nutrition partner with California Walnuts. 'A preliminary study shows promising results that walnut consumption could play a role in suppressing the growth and survival of breast cancers. Researchers believe that a variety of nutrients in walnuts including good polyunsaturated fats, antioxidants, and fiber could be contributing to these positive effects.' In addition to enjoying walnuts at snack time, add them to a walnut farro salad , walnut hummus , or spice muffins . Tomatoes 'This summertime favorite is full of lycopene, a disease-fighting nutrient benefiting women by helping to lower their risk of cancer and heart disease,' says Cheryl Mussatto , MS, RD, a dietitian in Osage City, KS. 'Since lycopene is fat-soluble, add a healthy fat such as olive oil to tomatoes to boost absorption.' Mix tomatoes into homemade Mexican salsa , or a vegetarian rice bowl . Watermelon Did you know fresh fruit boasts a super-high percentage of water? 'It's literally bursting with fluid,' says Elizabeth Ward, MS, RD, a dietitian in Boston. 'A cup of cubed watermelon supplies nearly 5 ounces of fluid to help you stay hydrated in the hot summer weather. It also offers the antioxidant lycopene, plus potassium for fluid balance. Freeze it in slices for even more fun.' You can also enjoy watermelon in fruit skewers , watermelon salad , or a watermelon slushie . Flaxseed These crunchy seeds pack a big nutrition punch for their size! 'Flaxseed, a superfood providing omega-3 fatty acids and lignans, is well known for helping to promote hormone balance,' says Bailee Hart , RDN, a dietitian in Los Angeles. 'This can be especially beneficial during menopausal years and is a viable alternative option to hormone replacement therapy. Women in menopause can try adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed to their smoothies this summer to help reduce hot flashes, mood swings, and night sweats.' Also add flaxseed to a healthy broccoli slaw recipe , chocolate waffles , or fruit pizza . Berries 'All berries contain plenty of powerful cancer-fighting nutrients called anthocyanins, which can help reduce the risk of several types of cancer including breast cancer,' says Melissa Mitri , MS, RD, a dietitian in Milford, CT. These antioxidants also help protect the heart. Incorporate berries into a blueberry peanut butter smoothie , blackberry bread pudding , or a brie appetizer with blueberries . There's a reason berries are one of the 15 foods anti-aging experts eat every day . Avocado In addition to heart-healthy fats, this green superfood boasts many other nutrients. 'Avocado provides vitamins B6, folate, and magnesium,' says nutrition blogger Jeanette Kimszal , RDN. 'These compounds are needed for hormone production, and they help with symptoms of PMS.' Folate has other benefits, too. 'It is important for women's health since it helps make DNA and other genetic materials that are especially needed during pregnancy,' notes Sarah Koszyk , MA, RDN, author of 365 Snacks for Every Day of the Year . Whip up an avocado deviled eggs recipe , healthy avocado smoothie , or avocado chocolate pudding . Quinoa 'This grain is loaded with fiber and protein to aid with weight control and digestion,' says nutrition blogger Lisa Andrews , MEd, RD. The combination of fiber and protein helps to keep you fuller for longer, which can help decrease the urge to snack. Mix quinoa into quinoa sliders , a citrus salad recipe , or a chicken quinoa bake . Then find out the other foods you need to start eating in 2019 . Dark chocolate ' Let's be real: Women need chocolate,' says nutrition blogger Michele Fumagalli , RD. 'Luckily, a serving of 70 to 85 percent dark chocolate is a perfect way to satisfy a craving while also providing powerful antioxidants, fiber, and magnesium. Have a square of dark chocolate with your coffee.' The flavonoids in chocolate can also help your brain function optimally, finds research . Unsweetened cocoa powder also does the trick, and this antioxidant-rich food mixes well into many recipes. Enjoy it in chocolate ice cream , almond butter protein balls , or chocolate truffles . Get the list of healthy desserts that can actually help you lose weight . Eggs These protein sources boast many nutrients that are helpful to women. 'Eggs provide choline, a nutrient not only tied to brain health and development but also a reduced risk of breast cancer,' says Sarah Anzlovar , MA, RDN, a dietitian in Boston. Enjoy eggs in hummus toast , breakfast panini , or breakfast tacos . Then take a look at these 55 delicious ways to have eggs . Green tea This drink can be so refreshing in the summer, especially when iced. In addition to providing heart benefits, green tea is a superfood beverage for women because it provides antioxidants that may help protect the skin from aging caused by UV rays. Sip green tea in a sangria mocktail or a ginger latte  or mix it into green muffins . Prunes Here's a reason to eat your purple fruit: 'Prunes contain vitamin K and potassium, which are important for healthy bones,' says nutrition blogger Josten Fish , RD. 'Studies have actually shown that daily consumption of prunes in women can help prevent bone loss.' Eat prunes in a Mediterranean vegetable salad , prune jam , or avocado chocolate brownies . If you want more foods that will help keep you healthy as you get older, check out the 14 foods everyone over 50 should probably be eating . Arugula This peppery-tasting veggie is perfect to add to your summer salads and more. 'Arugula is a flavorful, nutrient-dense leafy green to enjoy all summer long,' says Emily Wunder , RD, a dietitian in Nutley, NJ. 'With only 10 calories for two cups, arugula can be a great base to all your summer salads, or you can add it to a sandwich.' Arugula provides an excellent amount of vitamin K, too. 'Women need vitamin K for bone density to help prevent osteoporosis,' says Wunder. Enjoy the power green in a vegan power bowl , arugula salad , or arugula crostini . Amy Gorin is a freelance writer, registered dietitian, and owner of Amy Gorin Nutrition in the New York City area. Connect with her on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter , and Pinterest .


Washington is due to experience light rainfall this coming week, according to drone-powered weather forecasting service Saildrone . The highest chance of rain is predicted on Tuesday at 70 percent, with the potential for light rainfall of 0.44 inches. The next few days will also bring hot temperatures, forecast to stick around through Saturday. Temperatures will reach a high of 94 degrees on Saturday, then drop slightly on Sunday and Monday. Skies will be partly cloudy today and mostly cloudy on Sunday. Winds will stay fairly calm through the week, with the highest speeds on Sunday at only 11 mph. This story was created automatically using Saildrone's local weather forecast data, then reviewed by an editor. We also incorporate historic weather data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


WASHINGTON (AP)   Max Scherzer is back on the 10-day injured list, unwelcome news for the Washington Nationals as they push for a wild card berth and try to catch the Atlanta Braves in the NL East. The Nationals announced Monday that Scherzer was placed on the IL with a minor rhomboid strain. The injury is in the same area as the inflammation under his right shoulder that forced the ace right-hander to the IL for 19 days earlier this month. Scherzer was dominant in June and won seven consecutive starts as Washington worked its way back into playoff contention following a 19-31 start. He returned from the IL last Thursday and allowed three runs in five innings in a no-decision against the Rockies. The next day, he had an MRI that revealed the injury. Last week, Nationals manager Dave Martinez said he was relieved the famously intense Scherzer, known as "Mad Max," would be back on the mound, giving him an outlet for his competitive energy. But on Monday, Martinez said Scherzer needs to be cautious about his recovery. "Right now, we just want him to understand, 'Let's just take our time and get it right so this doesn't continue to be an issue,'" Martinez said. Martinez said he was the "wrong person to ask" about whether the injuries were related, noting that Scherzer now has a muscle strain instead of inflammation. The move to the IL is retroactive to July 26, which means Scherzer could pitch as soon as Aug. 5. "That's not by any means a target date," Martinez said. "We just want him to be 100 percent." The three-time Cy Young Award winner is 9-5 with a 2.41 ERA. Washington recalled right-hander Erick Fedde from Double-A Harrisburg to take Scherzer's place on the roster. Fedde was slated to start Tuesday night against the Braves in Scherzer's rotation spot. He is 1-1 with a 3.40 in 13 appearances (eight starts) this season. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


Early in what was hoped to be a breakout year, the former top pick has looked like an ace at times - but only in flashes. As of right now, this moment, things are looking good for Dylan Bundy . The Orioles ' right-hander is scheduled to pitch today, however. And who knows what the story will look like after that. Bundy , who constantly looks "thisclose" to breaking out and turning into the starting pitcher the Orioles have hoped he'd be since drafting him fourth overall in 2012, has instead gone back and forth between looking like that guy and looking like a lost cause. He's 26, no longer the 19-year-old Oklahoma kid that had O's fans hoping for Cy Young awards, and it feels like Baltimore is still no closer to knowing what it has in him despite more than half a decade in the organization. Right now, the arrow is pointing up. Bundy has posted a 2.28 ERA over his last four starts, and it's no accident, as his WHIP has stayed below 1 and batters have managed just a .573 OPS against him. So, there's that step forward, right? Well, not quite. Bundy had a 1.37 ERA after his first four starts in 2017, went 4-0 and had an ERA of 2.00 for the entire month of August, and still finished the season with a 4.24 mark. He had a 1.42 ERA through his first five starts last year, and then ended up leading the league in home runs allowed while seeing his ERA balloon to 5.45. So we've seen this before. A good run from Bundy doesn't mean the good times are here to stay. Plus, even this recent stretch has been more of those ups and downs. On May 4, he threw 7.1 scoreless innings against Tampa Bay. Then he gave up three runs in five innings against the Angels , with his velocity noticeably lower than usual. Then he was good again, allowing no earned runs and striking out seven in 5.2 innings against Cleveland. Then he was so-so again, allowing three runs in 5.2 innings against the Yankees . So even when he has his stuff figured out, it's still a guessing game as to whether he'll still have the answers when he takes the mound again. There are, however, some stats that point to a key to Bundy's success - and maybe provide the blueprint for more in his starts to come. One is his ability to keep the ball in the yard. Few pitchers in the majors get punished more for lack of command than Bundy, who allowed 67 home runs over the last two years and has given up 12 already this season. Bundy hardly ever gets away with it if he keeps the ball up, and indeed, as the ERA has gone down, so have the home runs; after allowing nine home runs in his first six starts and pitching to a 6.67 ERA in his first six outings, he's allowed only three over the four starts since. The numbers say Bundy has been avoiding the long ball not because opponents aren't connecting, but because they're not getting pitches to drive. Bundy only once had six or more ground balls during his six rough starts in April, but he's passed that mark in all four starts in May. It's the Zack Britton philosophy; the more ground balls a pitcher gets, the more work the other team has to do to put together runs. After that, however, it's hard to find stats that correlate. Command doesn't; he walked only one in the good start against Tampa Bay, but walked fewer (two each time) in his two bad May starts than in his other good outing (three), and he was worked to the point of 118 pitches in less than six innings in that one. The swing and miss quality of his pitches doesn't do it either; he struck out seven in the 5.2 innings against Cleveland, but only four in seven-plus innings against Tampa Bay. And while he allowed fly balls at low rates in his two best starts this month, his best one from April (six innings, two earned runs in a loss to Minnesota April 21) featured the most fly balls he's allowed in a start this season, so that hurts the notion that keeping the ball out of the air is a prerequisite to success. So in answering the question of what Bundy does well in his successful starts, it appears that it's been a different thing each time. His ability to work the bottom of the zone is the closest thing to a common element in his strong starts, but Bundy has shown a variety to get the job done in different ways. Sometimes, like against Tampa Bay four starts ago, he thrives by pounding the zone and staying out of trouble. And sometimes, like against the Indians or the Twins in April, he gets into danger with baserunners and uses the movement on his pitches to escape it. And sometimes, he's on the ropes from the first inning on and it's another short start. Hopefully we don't see one of those Tuesday. Hopefully, Bundy's finding a way to not only make it work, but make it keep working.


Manchester United are lining up a £30m bid for Newcastle midfielder Sean Longstaff, as reports boldy claim that Old Trafford chiefs intend to step up their interest in the 21-year-old in the event of Pogba's departure. The St James' Park youth academy graduate made his first-team breakthrough last season, managing 13 first-team appearances before an injury abruptly ended his campaign. The impression he made, however, has led many to believe he will be a key part of the team when he returns. Pogba , meanwhile, is thought to be on the verge of a move away to either Real Madrid or Juventus worth over £100m, with the World Cup winner seeking pastures new after a difficult season. Suggesting the two are equals in any way would have been ridiculous 12 months ago, and remains ridiculous now, with Pogba possessing a clear pedigree that the Newcastle man can't yet come close to. Nonetheless, however, the Times have come out with a report equating the deals, suggesting that Longstaff is seen as a 'replacement' for the Frenchman. The claim is that while Newcastle are keen to resist all approaches, United 's resolve to get a deal done is only strengthened by the departure of Pogba, who seems increasingly likely to leave. They are prepared to offer as much as £30m this week in order to secure the Newcastle midfielder and take Longstaff with them on their pre-season tour, as they head to Australia for their first friendly with Perth Glory on Saturday. The midfielder signed a four-year deal at Newcastle last December, so the Magpies are under no obligation to sell, but if United's interest is genuine then it seems likely that the player's head could be turned. He would become the third home-grown player United have signed this summer, following the arrivals of Swansea's Dan James and Crystal Palace's Aaron Wan-Bissaka, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's transfer remit becomes demonstrably clear.


The Denver Broncos have unveiled plans to celebrate the NFL's 100th season with a 'Fantennial Weekend.' The celebration will culminate with the team recognizing owner Pat Bowlen and cornerback Champ Bailey's induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame during the Broncos' game vs. the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 13. As part of the Fantennial Weekend , Broncos fans are asked to help select the Broncos Top 100 Team through online voting. Fan voting is now open at DenverBroncos.com/Forms/Broncos100 . Voting will run through May. The Broncos Top 100 Team will be announced in mid-June. VOTE | Broncos Top 100 Team RELATED: Broncos to celebrate NFL's 100th anniversary with inaugural 'Denver Day of Service' Fans can also use #Broncos100 on social media to qualify for prize giveaways. Members of the Broncos Top 100 Team will be recognized during the Fantennial Weekend and Oct. 13 game. More details about the Fantennial Weekend will be announced at a later date. The Broncos' preseason begins on Thursday, Aug. 1 when they play the Atlanta Falcons in the 2019 Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio. RELATED: Pat Bowlen, Champ Bailey elected into Hall of Fame RELATED: Denver Broncos release 2019 schedule VOTE | Broncos Top 100 Team


Here's big news from Hershey : Hershey's chocolate kisses and chocolate bars will no longer be made with artificial ingredients. The premiere American chocolate company will instead strive toward "simplicity and transparency," meaning that Hershey is taking the junk out of their chocolate. The phrase "artificial flavor" on your package of Hershey's kisses will be replaced by the words "natural flavor," and, by the end of 2015, their chocolate bars and kisses will no longer contain GMO sugar or soy lecithin (an emulsifying agent that is usually made from genetically modified soy). "We will strive for simplicity with all of our ingredients, but we may not achieve it with every product," said Jeff Beckman, a representative with Hershey. "We are equally committed to sharing what we achieve and what we don't. For ingredients that are not as simple, we will explain what they are and why we need them to provide the great flavors, aromas, textures, and appearances that our consumers know and expect from our products. Our commitment to simple ingredients is a holistic approach across all of our ingredients and not a specific ingredient." The new list of ingredients on a package of Hershey's chocolate ingredients will contain recognizable components like sugar, milk, chocolate, cocoa butter, and milk fat. Hershey will be taking out lactose (a natural sugar present in milk), PGR (Polyglycerol polyricinoleate, a chemical emulsifier), other emulsifiers, and vanillin (the primary component of the vanilla bean). As always, Hershey's chocolate will not contain high fructose corn syrup. For now, the switch to new natural ingredients only pertains to Hershey's signature chocolate bars and kisses, though Beckman said that the company is striving toward better ingredients for their other brands. Slideshow: 8 Things You Never Thought to Dip in Chocolate (Slideshow) The news comes on the heels of Nestlé announcing plans to remove artificial ingredients from its products.


A whole day celebrating the finger food that bites back   saucy, spicy, succulent chicken wings? Mark your calendar for July 29   we certainly have. Hoodline tracked down the top chicken wing spots in Los Angeles, using Yelp data tossed with our own special sauce. So grab your bib and get your wet wipes ready. 1. Hot Wings Cafe Topping the list is Hot Wings Cafe . Located at 7011 Melrose Ave. in Hollywood, the spot to score chicken wings and more is the highest rated chicken wing spot in Los Angeles, boasting four stars out of 843 reviews on Yelp. 2. Love Baked Wings Next up is Melrose's Love Baked Wings , situated at 7350 Melrose Ave., Unit A. With four stars out of 362 reviews on Yelp, the spot to score chicken wings has proven to be a local favorite. 3. Wings & Pot Gramercy Place's Wings & Pot , located at 2108 W. Manchester Ave., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the spot to score chicken wings and more four stars out of 206 reviews. 4. Gol Tong Chicken Gol Tong Chicken , a Korean spot that offers chicken wings and more in Koreatown, is another much-loved go-to, with five stars out of 470 Yelp reviews. Head over to 3625 W. Sixth St. to see for yourself. 5. OB Bear Over in Koreatown, check out OB Bear , which has earned four stars out of 997 reviews on Yelp. You can find the Korean spot, which offers chicken wings and more, at 3002 W. Seventh St. This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.