You don't have to spend a lot to enjoy Florida's attractions. When you travel to the Sunshine State for your family vacation, a few things are certain: There will be mosquitoes, you ll need tons of sunscreen and you will have no shortage of activities. In fact, when you re planning a Florida vacation, you might find yourself overwhelmed with the state s wealth of tourist attractions, from Orlando to the Keys. If you re not careful, you might find your budget a little overwhelmed, too. Here are some exciting things to do in Florida and tips to experience all the sights and sounds on a budget. How To Save On a Fort Lauderdale Vacation Whether you're looking for a family-friendly escape, a romantic getaway or a fun girls' or guys' trip, you can find plenty to do in Fort Lauderdale. The area has 23 miles of beaches, a thriving art scene, a plethora of restaurants and bars, a lively nightlife, casinos and more. To save on your trip, pick affordable hotels and dining options, and make the most of the free activities available. Fort Lauderdale: Where To Stay The Nobleton Hotel was rated the No. 3 hotel in Fort Lauderdale by Trip Advisor, with a perfect five out of five review from guests. "You could not find a better place to stay," wrote one reviewer. "It is immaculately clean and fresh. It is about one block from the beach with direct access." Best of all, it won't cost a fortune to stay there, with rates starting at $89 a night. Fort Lauderdale: Where To Eat Most of the menu at local staple the Floridian Restaurant on Las Olas clocks in at under $13. Despite the value price, Chef John s diner-style menu comes recommended by Rachael Ray herself. Fort Lauderdale: What To Do There are plenty of things to do in the area that won't cost you a dime, such as strolling along the 2 1/2-mile Broadwalk, snorkeling among the reefs in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, catching the sunrise at Deerfield Beach and taking free trolley rides along Las Olas Boulevard. If you plan your trip right, you can also catch free live musical performances, like the weekly Friday Night Sound Waves Concert, and check out free festivals and events, such as the Wreck Bar's weekly Live Mermaid Show. How To Save On a Key West Vacation Key West is a one-of-a-kind tropical island city, known for its beautiful beaches and relaxing atmosphere. Although it's not known to be a budget-friendly destination, there are ways to cut costs when you visit Florida's southernmost locale. Key West: Where To Stay If you're touring the Keys, your hotel budget just got a lot more strapped. Worry not   a hidden gem called Captain Pip's Marina & Hideaway in Marathon has rates starting at $84 a night. Key West: Where To Eat Bien serves up Caribbean and Latin food and has a wide selection of hearty sandwiches on the menu   most of which cost less than $14. If you're in the mood for Mexican, head to Bad Boy Burrito, which offers a variety of burritos, tacos and more, with most items costing around $10. Key West: What To Do If you're in Key West, you can have a fishier   in a good way   experience at the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. This includes exploring the incredible diversity of ocean life and the educational Eco-Discovery Center, all for free. How To Save On a Miami Vacation Miami is probably known as much for its nightlife as it is its pristine sandy beaches. The city is also a large cultural hub, with unique neighborhoods that include Little Haiti and Little Havana. Although Miami can be an expensive place to stay and enjoy, if you do some research, you can enjoy the city on a budget. Other Vacation Options: Discover the Best Hidden Gem Destinations in Every State Miami: Where To Stay   Airbnbs Some Airbnbs offer the same perks as a hotel   like pool access, beach access and more   for a fraction of the price. You can get a place to yourself for as low as $55 a night for a Miami Beach apartment on the water. Miami: Where To Stay   Hostels It might not be ideal for kids, but if you and your partner are feeling adventurous and cost-conscious, spring for the freewheeling style of a Florida hostel. South Beach's Posh Hostel offers complimentary drinks every night and a round-trip shuttle from Miami airport for free. For a more bohemian vibe, SoBe Hostel and Bar offers free breakfast with its $16 to $75 per night rate, even when booking at the last minute. The most seasoned travelers know that hostels are among the best-kept secrets for globe-trotters   you'd be hard-pressed to stay in a hostel and come home without a handful of amazing stories to tell. Miami: Where To Eat You're in Florida, you're on a budget, you're hungry   but you didn't travel thousands of miles to eat at the same chain restaurant you could visit at home. It's time to think like a local. In Miami, famous local chain 100 Montaditos offers 40 different styles of the Spanish sandwiches for $1 a pop   not to mention $2 beers   on Wednesdays, plus buy one, get one half-off family platters on Sundays. Or maybe you'd prefer a traditional frita Cubana (Cuban hamburger) at El Mago de las Fritas, which you can nab for $3.50. Miami: What To Do With a thriving art scene, you're likely to be able to find a free art walk or fair no matter when you visit. Some regular events include the Wynwood Art Walk, which happens every second Saturday of the month, and Viernes Culturales, which happens on the third Friday of every month. You can also take free yoga classes at North Miami Beach Yoga Studio, catch a free concert at the New World Center or take a free trolley ride. And of course, there are always the beautiful beaches that are a major draw of the city. How To Save On an Orlando Vacation If you're wondering about what to do in Florida, a trip to Orlando is likely at the top of your mind. Orlando has become almost synonymous with Disney World   which is a notoriously expensive place to go on a family vacation. Whether or not you take your family to the theme park, there are ways to save on a trip to Orlando, including choosing your hotel wisely and avoiding common tourist traps. Orlando: Where To Stay   Hotels For families doing the Disney thing, hotel insiders know there are deals to be had at Disney-affiliated hotels. Although many on-site resorts are expensive, the over 25 different hotel locations offer a range of options from "value" to "deluxe." The secret is, even value-tier resorts come with all the perks, including free use of Disney's Magical Express shuttle service, free parking at the theme parks and admission to extra Magic Hours. Value category hotels like Disney's All-Star Resorts start at $99 per night. Orlando: Where To Stay   Airbnbs If you're budget-minded but want to forgo the traditional hotel route, it might be time to hop on the Airbnb train. Although rates and rooms vary, you can stay at a three-bedroom townhouse near Disney World in Orlando for $85 a night. Orlando: Where To Eat Le Cordon Bleu alum Bernie Schwab keeps most of his entrees below $8 at Bernie's Gourmet to Go, and Mediterranean Blue keeps things fresh and healthy with Greek gyros and salads for about $8 each. Orlando: What To Do   Free Disney Activities There are ways to enjoy Disney that don't require a ticket. Take in free Disney sights like the monorail, Boardwalk, Downtown Disney and Magic Kingdom Fireworks. Want to tell your kids you're going to Disney without spending any money, and also secretly encouraging them to go outside and learn something? You're not dreaming   the Disney Wilderness Preserve in Kissimmee is just the ticket. There are more than 11,000 acres and over 1,000 species of observable wildlife, all at the same cost: free. Orlando: What To Do   Other Free Activities Travel is all about stopping to smell the roses, so check out Leu Gardens' 50 acres' worth of botanical wonders and butterfly havens just outside of Orlando. Get there on the first Monday of the month, and admission won't cost you a dime. As a free and sneakily educational alternative to Space Mountain, check out the stars   both real and projected   at Eastern Florida State College's observatory and planetarium and exhibits just outside of Cocoa Beach. The observatory is about an hour drive from Orlando. Orlando: What To Do   A Disney Alternative Kids love Legos   just as much as adults hate stepping on them. For a theme park experience that rivals Mickey without the Disney World prices, check out Legoland Florida Resort. Buy an online Super Saver ticket starting at $84.99 or get a one-day plus water park ticket online for $109.99 to get access to both the entire park and its sister water park. In comparison, just one day at Disney's Magic Kingdom Theme Park alone starts at $109 per child (on a value weekday). Orlando: More Money-Saving Tips Staying at an inexpensive hotel or Airbnb and opting for free activities are just some of the ways to save on a trip to Orlando. Here are some other money-saving tips: Choose the right travel dates: Saving money at Disney World starts in the planning stages. Shop smart on accommodations, avoid the crowds and find more dinner reservations by booking a trip for the August or September back-to-school seasons or save money on off-season travel in January. Use a grocery delivery service instead of always eating out: When you're staying at the park, use a grocery delivery service to get the essentials   like to-go beverages, milk and bread   delivered right to your hotel room for a fraction of the cost of eating out. Know where to buy souvenirs: Always grab your souvenirs off-resort to avoid inflated prices. How To Save On a St. Augustine Vacation History lovers will enjoy a trip to St. Augustine, the nation's oldest city. The quaint city has brick-lined streets, centuries-old buildings and European flair, plus high-quality restaurants, art galleries, shopping options and 42 miles of beaches. There's no need to bust your budget visiting this destination   read on to find out how to save on accommodations, dining and entertainment. St. Augustine: Where To Stay St. Augustine's Smart Stay Inn has rooms starting at $63 a night and received excellent reviews on Trip Advisor, with one reviewer calling it the "best little secret in St. Augustine." A free breakfast is included in the stay   and it's not just a stale muffin and black coffee. The complimentary breakfast options include scrambled eggs, sausage, waffles, cereal, yogurt, pastries and more. St. Augustine: Where To Eat When you're in the South, eating biscuits and gravy is pretty much a must. The Maple Street Biscuit Company takes the traditional dish to the next level with its inventive biscuit sandwiches, like the "The Five," a flaky biscuit topped with all-natural fried chicken breast, pecan wood smoked bacon, cheddar cheese and sausage gravy. Best of all, all the sandwiches are $10 or less. For a taste of the local seafood, try the Uptown Scratch Kitchen food truck, which has a rotating menu that typically includes a fish of the day, plus options that can include fish 'n' grits, seafood etouffee and "not your average" fish 'n' chips. Most entrees cost around $16. St. Augustine: What To Do It might require more patience than the kids have, but fishing at the St. Johns County Ocean Pier on St. Augustine Beach is something both you and your wallet will enjoy. Fishing fees are $3 for adults and $1.50 for children, and you can rent a pole at the bait shop nearby. How To Save On a Tampa Vacation Tampa Bay calls itself the "hip, urban heart of Florida's Gulf Coast." The sunny city has miles of waterfront, fine dining options and plenty of family-friendly attractions. If you're planning a trip to Tampa, find out how to make your dollar stretch the furthest when you're there. Tampa: Where To Stay An Airbnb might be your best bet for an affordable place to stay in Tampa. You can find a nice two-bedroom bungalow that costs only $29 a night. Tampa: Where To Eat When President Barack Obama visited Tampa in 2012, he paid a visit to the West Tampa Sandwich Shop   and if it's good enough for the former president's palate, it should be good enough for you. According to Time Out, Obama went for the "tripleta," a pork, steak and ham sandwich ($5) and the honey-glazed Cuban ($4)   now called the Honey Cuban "Obama Sandwich"   which is what the restaurant is best known for. For the best pizza in town, head to Due Amici, where you can get pizza by the slice starting at $3. Tampa: What To Do When in Tampa, check out the Lowry Park Zoo. Youth admission is only $24.95 when you purchase your tickets in advance. The ticket also includes free parking. As you soak up the sun wherever you go in Florida, you'll also learn an important lesson: Cheap is good, but free is even better. Click through to find out the most expensive tourist destinations in the U.S. More on Money How To Save Money Fast: 3 Ways To Save $1K in a Month The Best Time To Buy Things in 2019: The Ultimate List 50 Ways You're Throwing Money Away Best Travel Credit Cards of 2019 Joel Anderson and Gabrielle Olya contributed to the reporting for this article.


Darren Woodson spent 12 years in the NFL. He spent 14 years at ESPN. The latter run is now over. ESPN has announced that Woodson is exiting the network. He'll instead focus on other business interests. "My commercial real estate business in Frisco, Texas has grown in recent years, so much so that I have decided to focus more of my time on this ," Woodson writes. "As I conclude this unforgettable chapter of my life, I thank everyone at ESPN for their friendship and for the knowledge they imparted on me, and for making my experience as an NFL analyst with the company so enjoyable." A second-round pick of the Cowboys in 1992, Woodson won three Super Bowls and spent his entire career in Dallas. The five-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro also is a member of the Cowboys Ring of Honor. Related slideshow: Top picks of 2019 NFL Draft (provided by imagn)


When the future stars of the upcoming Houston-based HGTV show "Going for Sold" bought their first house in 2011, it wasn't your typical dream home. The roof was caved in and leaking water, the previous owners had entered foreclosure and the tax appraisal district had assessed just half the house as livable. But Jon Pierre and Mary Tjon-Joe-Pin saw potential in the Northwest Houston home in the Champions neighborhood. "We were avid HGTV watchers," Mary explained. So they applied what they had learned from hours of watching real estate reality television. "We lowballed that house," Mary said. "We said, 'There's no way, they're never going to (accept)'   and they did! They took it!" On HoustonChronicle.com: As Zillow buys homes, people, not Zestimate, find the right price Shows about spotting real estate diamonds-in-the-rough and polishing them to a shine have become big business. On average, 1.3 million people watch prime time HGTV each evening in early June, nearly double CNN's daily viewership. Intertwined with the popularity of these shows has been a rise in home flipping itself. The share of homes purchased to flip is at an all-time high, both in Houston and nationwide, according to the real estate data company CoreLogic   even as returns on these investments have nearly reached an eight-year low, according to data company Attom. The result is a sprawling industry in which the line between home-improvement entertainment and education has blurred, leading many first-time flippers to lose thousands of dollars. "What you see on HGTV is nothing like what it actually is," Jon Pierre said. "And we had to learn that first-hand." Andy Thoms, a vice president at Finance of America Commercial who lends money to home flippers, agreed. "You really have to know what the heck you're doing," he said. "You can lose that equity with a snap of the fingers." Full-time commitment Five years after the couple bought and fixed up their own house, shortly after the birth of their first child, Jon Pierre decided to quit his job at his family's oil services company and go into home flipping full time. Jon Pierre   who was working on the side as a photographer and basketball referee while training as a mixed martial arts fighter in his spare time   wanted a job that could get him out of the office but still tied into his ideas of success. "I wanted to do something that I knew at some point could make a lot of money but, more importantly, on the journey itself, would allow me to stay close to my family." Mary, on the other hand, had a less romantic idea of work. She was used to working 12- to 14-hour days in the service industry   she was a flight attendant at the time, with one month left of maternity leave   and viewed work as a means to survival. "When he came and told me, with my five-month-old baby, that he wanted to go leave his very steady job, I was like, 'Are you crazy?'" she recalled. "And then I really had to say: Who am I to stop him from pursuing happiness? My role is just to be supportive of what he wants to do   and trust that he won't have us out on the street." Prime Property: Get Houston real estate news sent directly to your inbox The Tjon-Joe-Pins (pronounced "chon-you-pin") decided to bypass home-flipping seminars offered around the country, figuring that if they lost money on their first flip, they would learn from the experience. They bankrolled their purchase with a hard-money loan   a short-term, higher-interest loan on the projected after-repair value of the property   that meant they'd have to renovate the home and resell it within five months to make a profit, and documented their journey with videos posted on YouTube and Facebook. In one of the first videos, Mary tries to solve an interior design disagreement by posing the question to the audience: "To paint the brick? Or not to paint the brick?" After receiving a number of impassioned Facebook comments, they decided not to paint the brick. In another, their one-year-old daughter toddles around the home, seeming to inspect the property. "I think she approves y'all," Jon Pierre says, grinning up at the camera. Scouting talent A thousand miles away, in Knoxville, Tenn., a television show developer with Red Arrow Industries   which produces shows for HGTV, the Cooking Channel and USA Network   was sitting at a computer, trawling through Facebook looking for leads. She came across videos of Jon Pierre and Mary bantering as they flipped their first home and pitched them as subjects for a new show in the company's weekly meeting. The couple immediately struck Red Arrow co-owner Danny Downing as charismatic, polished and warm. "With every show, there are multiple boxes that need to be checked. That includes the personalities, that includes the design and that includes the setting," he said. "It was check, check, check… We said, 'Reach out. Reach out. We want to reach out to them first.'" At first, the Tjon-Joe-Pins thought it was a scam. Their videos had been a way to keep spirits high during a psychologically daunting time. Jon Pierre was often sleeping four hours a night as he juggled other jobs to make ends meet. The Tjon-Joe-Pins exceeded their renovation budget, and when they listed the home, they struggled to find a buyer. It took them eight months to sell the house. Meanwhile, they were paying 12 percent interest, taxes, insurance and utilities. On HoustonChronicle.com: Smaller investors drive uptick on single-family home purchases When they sold the home, they absorbed a $10,000 loss. "That was a gut punch," Jon Pierre said. "That hurt." But other production companies began reaching out as well. In the end, Jon Pierre said 15 companies asked the Tjon-Joe-Pins about filming a show. The couple decided to move forward with Red Arrow, and after HGTV saw the pilot, the network ordered a full season of seven episodes of the show, "Going for Sold," which premieres Aug. 1. Each episode documents a flip in the Houston area, including homes in Champions and the Third Ward. The Tjon-Joe-Pins said they were paid for appearing on the show, but HGTV does not help finance the homes they flip. Risky proposition As home flipping in Houston has reached unprecedented levels   more than one in 20 Houston home sales is a flip   some experienced investors are feeding the surge. On HoustonChronicle.com: Increase in Houston home prices expected after 13 months of slowing "In the last 12 months, we bought more houses in Houston than any other city in the country," said David Hicks, founder of the home-flipping company Homevesters, which trademarked the phrase "We buy ugly houses." Still, the fastest-growing segment of the business has been inexperienced home flippers, said Brian Spitz, founder of Big State Homebuyers, which buys distressed homes and often sells them to flippers. CoreLogic data appears to back that, showing that mom-and-pop investors   those who have purchased 10 homes or fewer over the past two decades   have increasingly been drawn to flipping as a revenue strategy, rather than holding the homes and renting them out. In 2000, only 1.3 percent of homes sold by small-time investors were flips. In 2018, that increased to 16 percent. And the learning curve for a first-time home flipper can be expensive. "A lot of people lose money on their first homes," Spitz said. He lost around $60,000 on his first two flips. "I wanted the glamour of ripping the house apart and picking the granite slabs and all of that stuff. I don't do any of that now." Spitz said 10 percent of the homes his business buys are from amateur home flippers who find themselves in over their heads and ready to sell half-finished remodels at a loss. "They're stuck with the house, and they're trapped with these high-interest loans," Spitz said. Common mistakes include underestimating renovation, holding and closing costs. Valuing experience Experience makes a difference, figuring prominently into the rate and the size of the loan hard-money lenders are willing to offer. "Your track record is the number one predictor of your ability to pay us back," said Thoms, of Finance of America Commercial. Private lenders have been pouring money into hard-money loans, which often fund home flippers who cannot buy and repair a home with cash. Bobby Montagne, chief executive of hard-money lender Walnut Street Finance, estimated that around $56 billion of residential properties are currently financed with hard money, which usually has double-digit interest rates and high origination costs in exchange for little money down. Often, if a borrower misses a single payment, the lender can take the home. Alex Buriak, chief operating officer of Katy-based hard-money lender Investor Loan Source, said his company's loan volume had doubled every year for the past five years, reaching $80 million in 2018. Buriak has been seeing small hard-money lending shops opening and more people trying to get into flipping, even as flipping margins shrink, because of the hot housing market. "That's what you're going to see when the peak comes," he said. Home flipping is most difficult at the peak of a housing market, Buriak explained, because it's the hardest time to find a sufficiently discounted home. Despite the obstacles, the Tjon-Joe-Pins have figured out a way to make it work. The couple has turned a profit on each one home after their initial attempt. Each project takes about a month to complete, and they have been flipping between 12 and 15 houses a year that sell for around $400,000 or less. Mary, who was not surprised to learn that home flipping was hard work, sometimes sounds surprised by their success. "I didn't think it was possible to be doing what you love," she said. The success of "Going for Sold," however, depends on ratings; the network will likely decide whether it will pick the show up for a second season by the time the third episode airs. Downing, of Red Arrow Industries, is betting that the Tjon-Joe-Pins' combination of chemistry, talent and frankness about their failures will catch the attention of viewers. "They were willing to share their ups and downs   when the copper was pulled out of their house and their air conditioner was stolen," he said. "When people are genuine, it comes through. That's what people will tune in for." rebecca.schuetz@chron.com twitter.com/raschuetz


Bringing home a rescue until they find their forever home can be so rewarding, but there are a few things you should be aware of first. You've likely heard about the concept of fostering a baby or child. In this situation, you temporarily take someone who is under the age of 18 into your home until they are adopted by their "forever family." But did you know that you can also foster animals in the same way? Technically any rescued, abandoned, or stray animal can be fostered. But dogs (and especially young puppies) are among the most popular. Fostering puppies can be an incredibly rewarding (and fun!) experience. But there are a few key things you should know before deciding to move forward as a foster "pawrent." When you foster a puppy, you agree to take him or her into your home for a set amount of time until they're ready to be adopted. Generally, rescues like to keep a dog in one home until they're adopted   transitioning from one place to another can be stressful and tough for a young pup! In some cases, this could be as short as a few days. In others, it might take longer for the dog to be adopted. Puppies are generally easier to adopt out   and especially small breeds   so in all likelihood, you'd have a puppy for a minimal amount of time. If the pup in your care has health issues, it may take them longer to be adopted and you'll have them for a longer amount of time. There are plenty of reasons why a dog might need foster care prior to being adopted. For one, the rescue group may not have a physical space that acts as a shelter. In these instances, the rescue would be an "all-foster" organization, meaning that all of their adoptable animals are held in homes until adoption. On the flip side, if a physical shelter is overcrowded, fostering puppies in homes opens up space to rescue other dogs. Sometimes, a puppy is too young to be eligible for adoption yet. In this case, they'd need a safe space to grow and become the most adoptable pup they can be prior to being advertised as an adoptable pet. If the pup has had any health issues, such as illness, injury, or surgery, they may need time to recuperate before finding their forever family. In other cases, the stress of winding up in a shelter in the first place can make it difficult for the puppy to adapt. Whether they've not lived in a home before and desperately need socialization or they were previously in a home and are disoriented by the sudden change, it's so important for a pup to have a stable environment in which to relax and let their true colors show. Being in a shelter can also be difficult. Surrounded by other dogs, the puppy (whose immune system is still developing) can easily contract contagious diseases from the other rescues around them. This can be extremely dangerous for very small or very young pups. On that note, don't be surprised if your foster puppy comes to you sick. Most commonly, they may have contracted kennel cough (a common viral infection that spreads easily among dogs in close quarters), fleas, or a gastrointestinal ailment, like giardia or worms. If your puppy is sick, don't panic. Contact the rescue you're working with as soon as you notice symptoms. Most (if not all) rescue groups cover pre-approved veterinary costs, so this financial burden won't fall on you. The goal is to get these puppies in tip-top shape   both physically and emotionally!   before they're ready to be adopted. Of course, you should check with the rescue organization you're working with to be sure they cover fosters' veterinary visits. Some shelters also provide basic supplies to their foster families. This can include food, toys, bedding, carriers, collars, leashes, and crates. But if you're intending to regularly foster in the long run, it might be worthwhile to buy your own supplies. Typically, if you borrow something like a crate from a rescue, you'll need to return it when you're not actively using it so it can be utilized by another foster pawrent. Similarly, you'll want to make sure to puppy-proof your home before bringing home your temporary furry houseguest. Puppies are notorious for getting into all kinds of mischief, so it's essential to give them a safe, hospitable space to unwind and adapt. This may include putting up gates across entryways or investing in some type of dog playpen to keep the pup confined to one area while you're out of sight. You can also foster a mama dog and her litter of puppies. This is obviously a big commitment, but so important. When a dog arrives at a shelter already pregnant, she needs a safe space to nurse and then eventually wean her puppies before both mom and babies can be adopted out. Remaining with their mother for at minimum the first eight weeks of their lives is essential for healthy and well-adjusted puppy development. Puppies (and particularly young ones) need a lot of time and attention. In general, puppies shouldn't be left alone for more than four or five hours at a time. If they're alone for more than that, it can make socialization, separation anxiety, and house-breaking very tough. Be prepared to do a lot of laundry and cleaning. Puppies don't innately have a sense of where they should and should not go to the bathroom. Plus, their bladders and bowels haven't really gotten the hang of the whole "holding it" concept. Training puppies to go on designated pee pads or only during walks outside is essential, and working on that while the pup is in your care, helps make them so much more adoptable! You will likely have to submit paperwork, references, and perhaps even agree to a basic background check. While this may seem like overkill for an unpaid, volunteer position, shelters will understandably want to insure that their puppies are in the best (and safest) possible hands outside their care. If you have the capacity to foster special needs puppies, say something about it! These dogs can be harder to place, both because they will likely remain in foster care longer and because they may require extra care. If you work from home (or are retired), you'd be an optimal special needs puppy foster pawrent. Saying goodbye might be really hard. If you're a dog lover, it's nearly impossible to avoid getting attached to a sweet little puppy who will very likely bond closely to you as their first-ever consistent human contact. You may even "foster fail," which means adopting a puppy you initially intended to only foster temporarily. It happens a lot! But just remember that each tough "goodbye" is another opportunity to help save an at-risk puppy and find them their forever home. Many shelters encourage sharing photos of your foster dog on social media, tagging relevant hashtags, to help spread the word that the pup is available for adoption! Plus, for every foster puppy you give up, that's another space that has opened up to take a new, equally adorable new dog into your home. And who could be sad about that?!


It feels like the AFC North has been close to the top for a long time - something experts see continuing in 2019. The division's dominance over the years has stemmed from a stellar track record by the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers, with the Marvin Lewis-led Cincinnati Bengals consistently scrapping and fighting for playoff bids as well. Heading into 2019 though, questions swirl around those three teams while the Cleveland Browns are one of the most hyped in football. Yet, that doesn't stop NFL.com's Gregg Rosenthal from suggesting the AFC North as the NFL's second-best division: Like the NFC North, it's hard to find a team truly lagging in talent here. The Ravens are undergoing their most dramatic transformation on both sides of the ball in more than a decade, but they have the organizational culture to survive it with flair. The Steelers and Browns could have the two most talented rosters in the entire conference, even if they have vastly different track records over the last decade. The Bengals don't dazzle with defensive firepower, yet new coach Zac Taylor inherits a roster without many clear weaknesses. Coming out of this division with a playoff bye is going to be difficult because of its depth. It is an interesting claim given the circumstances. Pittsburgh has lost superstars like Le'Veon Bell and Antonio Brown, a critical offensive line coach and still hasn't properly replaced Ryan Shazier. Baltimore lost droves of defensive talent headed up by Terrell Suggs and C.J. Mosley and will also bank it all on Lamar Jackson under center. Then there are the Browns, who are much hyped but already sport a little Baker Mayfield drama . The on-paper hype will have to translate to the field either way. As for the Bengals…it's hard to say. The first new head coach in 16 years will have an unknown impact on a roster that seems talented enough to compete, though the offensive line and linebacker remain question marks. That experts feel the AFC North will be brutal is a tough sign for Zac Taylor's Bengals as they try to get their footing under them to start a new era. Should they perform well, though, it will make the accomplishments all the more impressive. MORE: Four potential Kawhi Leonard landing spots in free agency Dale Earnhardt Jr. weighs in on NASCAR Truck Series feud, penalty options Three Potential Trade Destinations for Chris Paul Rams trading Tyler Higbee to Patriots would make sense for both teams Fierce, fiesty WR competition for Cowboys behind Top 3 roster locks


One morning last week, I arrived at my desk -- one of the hundreds arranged in long rows throughout the Huffington Post newsroom -- and instinctively took out my earbuds. "What kind of music do you listen to?" my coworker Alex asked me. I hadn't had enough coffee that morning and I was confused (also I'm perpetually afraid of not liking the "right" music because I'm 26 but still in high school). "What? Why?" I asked. Alex explained that he always saw me with my earbuds in, so assumed I was really into music. Oh. In reality, I often have earbuds in with nothing playing, or some random Spotify radio station I don't really care about. I listen to the kind of music that functions as white noise to cut out the voices of the dozens of people around me. In a big open newsroom, cutting out the sound around me is my favorite way to construct imagined private space where none exists. Here's the thing: The open plan, itself, is not really the problem. Office design experts now think that you need elements of an open plan as well as closed private offices to encourage people to produce their best work. The key is recognizing that employees have different working styles that require different types of spaces. Often, what the same person needs in the workplace varies from one task to the next. The office of the future has both open and private spaces. It has spaces where two people can have a quiet conversation, spaces for people to do highly focused work and lots of open areas where creativity and innovation can thrive. The office of the future is about giving workers both flexibility and agency. "What has happened [to the workplace] is it has gone from a real estate discussion... to becoming more of a people-centric discussion," said Tracy Wymer, the director of workplace strategy at Knoll, the office design firm. And people, it turns out, need privacy sometimes. The open office has been around for decades. In fact, the cubicle was designed in the 1960s by the American inventor Robert Propst, who was attempting to solve many of the privacy issues that arose from open offices back then. But Propst's design backfired as, by the 1990s, "the flimsy walls of the cubicle began to symbolize not independence and flexibility, as Propst had hoped, but transience, precariousness and the disposability of the American worker," according to Nikal Saval , who wrote a book on the history of the office space. The early 2000s, then, saw the dawn of the new era of the open office. Not only does an open plan free workers from their cubes, it also frees up valuable real estate. After the Great Recession, converting to an open plan allowed companies to put more employees in smaller spaces, making overhead cheaper. In 2009, when Goldman Sachs moved to its newly built office at 200 West Street in lower Manhattan, the company wrote in its environmental progress report that it improved "space utilization through workplace standards and increased occupancy rates." In other words, they put more workers in a smaller space (the previous year, if you remember, was not Wall Street's greatest ). Part of that is simple consolidation: the new building combined what had been two different campuses, so they naturally reduced some common areas. But it also moved everyone below the managing director rank into an open office environment. And then, a few years after that, came the great backlash. "There was chatter on the web questioning the value of open plan and constant collaboration," said Melanie Redman, a senior design researcher at the furniture company Steelcase. "We felt the need to respond to that." And these weren't just empty complaints. The team detected a "deeper level of angst " about open offices than they expected, Redman said, and they wanted to learn more about it. It turns out my headphones-on-with-nothing-playing trick is one of the most common reactions to working in an open office, she said. After the company's research team spent time studying privacy in the workplace around the world, they found that it's "a basic fundamental human need," said Redman. No matter the company or the culture, almost every employee desires privacy for one of two reasons: they either want to control the stimuli coming in to their environment or they want to control the information they are projecting out to the people around them. An open plan office can be annoying because your coworkers come and interrupt you every five minutes, or it can be annoying because your boss can see what you are doing every moment of the day. Either way, the solution is more private spaces. It's no surprise that American office drones workers largely despise open office plans. "It's important to me to give my (albeit small) staff a sense of having their own space, and I absolutely would be discouraged from taking a job with an open plan," said Randy Locklair, the owner of Hatchmap, a software development company. "I really despise the feeling of having people sneaking up on me at work," he added. Lucia Deng, a mid-career lawyer who has recently been on the job market, told me, "When I was interviewing at a startup, I saw that their lawyers worked in an entirely open space and on communal tables and the thought of that gave me agita!" I should probably say that the Huffington Post newsroom, despite the silent headphones many people use, is actually an example of the kind of open office plan that can work. Though there is a cavernous open room, there are also various different kinds of breakout spaces: tiny single-person phone rooms, medium-sized huddle rooms and big conference rooms that can be reserved, in addition to various couches and tables strewn through the common spaces of headquarters. The key is flexibility. "The big picture is that there is no one-size-fits-all [workspace]," Redman said. "We can't predict what people are going to need. Open plan only works if workers have the permission to move and a place to move to." The question is not whether we need privacy in our office spaces. The question is how to configure the space so that workers can move to the right type of environment for whatever task they happen to be working on. Steelcase has designed several different kind of "enclaves." The company says "highly differentiated settings ensure that users can choose their best place based on task, mood and personality, making the experience of privacy personal." It turns out that coworking spaces -- which generally are in the business of designing office space so that either individuals or small companies want to rent it out -- are getting this right more than most. In a Harvard Business Review article from September about why those who work in coworking spaces tend to be more productive than the average worker, a group of researchers from the University of Michigan write that being connected to a community at work is important, but a successful workspace has a mix of different kinds of spaces: In reality, people need to be able to craft their work in ways that give them purpose and meaning. They should be given control and flexibility in their work environment -- many companies are increasingly adopting the best planning practice of providing a 1:1 ratio (or close to it) of desk seats to seats in shared settings used for either collaborative work or quiet work. There are a lot of moving parts to the theory of office design, according to Wymer. Workspaces are starting to borrow design theory from hotels, he said. "There is a notion of hospitality, a notion of theater and there's a certain notion of play that gets involved. A lot of boundaries are really getting blurred at this point." And then there are the people who are still creating completely open offices, because it works for them. Kyle Chayka just opened a new coworking space with a group of writers in Brooklyn in September. They did a gut renovation and chose to keep the office open so they could communicate better and be helpful to each other throughout the day. "Having an open office without different little private areas, people are more aware of each other -- that is useful for us since we are all journalists," Chayka said. Of course, in an office for freelancers, the solution to needing privacy at work is just staying at home.


Bill Belichick seemed pleased to speak about NFL Films and little else during his 13-minute press conference on Wednesday at Gillette Stadium. The meeting with the media was essentially the opening presser for the 2019 season, with the Patriots' first practice coming on Thursday. But Belichick was tight-lipped about all the team's most pressing topics heading into training camp. Shocking, I know. He dodged topics like Tom Brady's contract, Isaiah Wynn's injury status, Josh Gordon's suspension status and all reflection on the past, whether it be his whole career or Super Bowl LIII. If the topic was important, he was ready to dodge, dip, dive, duck and dodge. Here's a run through his answers on those questions. Any announcements about attendance (which might reveal news about something like a holdout)? Belichick: "We'll have something at the end of the day if there are any things." Do you expect to have a new contract in place for Tom Brady before the regular season begins? "I'm not going to talk about player contracts or any other contracts, for that matter." Do you reflect on being in your 20th season? "I haven't spent a lot of time on that." Any news on left tackle Isaiah Wynn's injury status to start training camp? (Wynn is slated to be the Patriots' starter at the position.) "We'll see where everybody is. That's part of the start of training camp is to evaluate everybody's physical condition, especially the players that didn't participate last year or that are new to the team that are dealing with some type of condition, let's call it." Can you provide any updates on Josh Gordon's status? "That'll be a league matter. You should talk to them about it." Does Super Bowl LIII bring any extra pressure to 2019? "I'm thinking about trying to have a good day today. That's what I'm thinking about. Then our first practice is tomorrow, so getting out there and having a good practice tomorrow." Illuminating. MORE: Mike Trout's perfect 98.6 MPH throw to home plate had everyone in awe Ranking the NBA's Top 10 Big Threes Jalen Rose: Don't Be Surprised if Anthony Davis Winds Up With the Bulls Packers GM explains reasoning for releasing DL Mike Daniels Texans' DeAndre Hopkins ranked as the top WR in NFL Fantasy Top 50


Liverpool are closing in on the signing of former West Ham United goalkeeper Adrian to replace Simon Mignolet, who completed a £6.5m move to Club Brugge over the weekend. With Alisson the only senior goalkeeper left in the squad, Liverpool were eager to find a replacement for Mignolet as soon as possible, with Adrian quickly emerging as one of their primary targets. Simon Mignolet is already training with Club Brugge.  Photonews. #lfc pic.twitter.com/VlaOijDP8v   Kristof Terreur  (@HLNinEngeland) August 5, 2019 Southampton 's Alex McCarthy was also near the top of their wish list, but The Times state that Liverpool have opted to move for Adrian instead, given he is currently a free agent after leaving West Ham this summer. A deal for the Spaniard will be easier, faster and cheaper than moving for McCarthy, and Jurgen Klopp wants to find a new backup goalkeeper as soon as possible, so as to ensure he does not need to worry as the new season approaches. The Reds will face Norwich City in the opening game of the Premier League campaign on Friday, and Klopp does not want to be without a reserve goalkeeper for the game. As such, a move for Adrian has been accelerated. He spent six years with West Ham, racking up plenty of Premier League experience, but ultimately lost his place to Lukasz Fabianski. He has made 125 appearances in the competition, and someone with that kind of knowledge is thought to be one of Klopp's top priorities. Young goalkeepers Daniel Atherton, Jakub Ojrzynski and Caoimhin Kelleher are seen as too inexperienced to assume the role of reserve goalkeeper, although they could take over from Adrian further down the line.


Bill Belichick will have different responsibilities for the 2019 season, according to The Boston Globe's Ben Volin . The New England Patriots coach will take over as the defensive play-caller after the team has seen three defensive coordinators depart in the last two offseasons. Most recently, the Patriots saw Greg Schiano resign before the team had formally announced he had taken the job. Schiano replaced defensive play-caller Brian Flores, now the Miami Dolphins head coach. Before Flores, who was also the de-facto defensive coordinator, Matt Patricia served in the role. Patricia took the job as the Detroit Lions' coach during the 2018 offseason. That turnover has forced Belichick to take over as the play-caller. But Belichick won't be lacking for help. He will have one more defensive coaching assistant on staff than last season. The Patriots defensive assistants include safeties coach Steve Belichick, cornerbacks coach Mike Pellegrino, defensive line coach Bret Bielema, outside linebackers coach DeMarcus Covington and inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo. The Patriots only had one linebackers coach in 2018. Still, it will be interesting to see how - if at all - Belichick's added duties will impact his ability to make in-game decisions. MORE: Aaron Rodgers discusses his 'Game of Thrones' cameo, and it's not what fans all thought it was NBA Free Agency 2019: The top players Video confirms reports of Chris Paul's attempt to sabotage Steph Curry Future heir or temporary face? Assessing the unknowns of Patriots QB Jarrett Stidham Ex-GM: Giants got it right with Daniel Jones at No. 6 Related slideshow: Top picks of 2019 NFL Draft (provided by imagn)


As the outpouring of support for David Ortiz continues, his daughter, Alexandria, is making sure everyone knows how much her family has appreciated the positive energy. In a heartfelt message posted to Instagram on Thursday, Alexandria Ortiz thanked those who have reached out and lifted their spirits in the days after her father was shot in the back during a reported attempted murder in the Dominican Republic . She also touted her father's toughness and positive attitude, noting that he's never once complained or looked for pity as he begins his road to recovery.


Dwight Powell has until June 29 to decide what he wants to do with the player option on the final year of his deal. Yahoo! Sports previously reported that the big man would decline it and hit the open market. However, Powell addressed that report. "I did not have any conversation prior to that article coming out with whoever wrote it. So I don't know where the information came from. I didn't have any conversation with anybody about that," Powell said via Brad Townsend of the Dallas Morning News . Powell reportedly was going to turn down the $10.26 million player option with many speculating that he would be signing a new contract with a lower annual salary but more overall money. Powell taking that route is still a possibility. "There's no place I would rather be than Dallas," Powell said. "I think I have done everything to show that I love it here. This team gave me my shot. They've treated me extremely well, as an athlete and as a man. I love the Dallas Mavericks." If the Mavericks intend to carve out salary-cap space for a max contract player, they'll need to make additional moves as they currently are projected to have roughly $29.3 million in available space. Working out an arrangement with Powell that lowers his annual salary is just one of the ways that Dallas can create additional cap space, as Luke Adams of Hoops Rumors recently detailed.


We don't know what adventures we're in for once we reach retirement age, but you can bet that it probably won't go exactly as you plan. As you prepare for retirement, you're going to have to protect yourself from potential health problems, unexpected expenses and other financial hardships. Here are some lies we tell ourselves about retirement. 20 lies we tell ourselves about retirement We don't know what adventures we're in for once we reach retirement age, but you can bet that it probably won't go exactly as you plan. As you prepare for retirement, you're going to have to protect yourself from potential health problems, unexpected expenses and other financial hardships. Here are some lies we tell ourselves about retirement. I'll be able to retire when I reach retirement age It's increasingly common that individuals work past the date at which they become eligible for government assistance, even as the official retirement age keeps increasing in countries like the United States and Canada. According to a report from United Income , the number of retirement-age Americans in the labour force has doubled since 1985. I will be able to work until retirement age According to the Center for Retirement Research, 37% of retirees stopped working before they planned. The decision to stop working is often involuntary, and it can be precipitated by poor health or late-in-career layoffs. Taking an involuntary early retirement can have a serious impact on your savings and your retirement planning. I won't have to work at all once I end my career Retirement today isn't the same as it used to be. Full pensions are no longer common and you can expect to live longer than ever. It may be necessary, even after you've retired, to pick up some part-time or temporary work to help pay the bills and to make sure you'll be financially healthy as you get older. I won't need to save money until later in life Investments grow over time, which is why it's important to start saving early. Even if you can't put that much toward your retirement investments at first, it will compound over time. According to Vanguard , a dollar you invest at 20 could be worth almost four times a dollar invested at 55 when you reach retirement age. I can't afford to save money Even if you don't have much money to save right now, it's also important to get into the habit of saving. Even if you can only put aside a small portion of your paycheque, or even a few dollars a day, it creates a habit that you can continue when you start earning more money. I don't need to invest If you have a healthy amount of money in your savings account, it means that you've done a good job of budgeting, and you have a healthy sense of financial responsibility. Unfortunately, inflation is going to eat away at those savings the longer they sit there, which is why it's important to invest your retirement savings, according to Investopedia . Marriage will help me save more money for retirement If you're planning on waiting until marriage to begin saving for retirement, you might need to rethink your plan. Sure, the combination of two incomes will help with some costs, but those savings will quickly get eaten up if, for example, you decide to have children, or something happens that prevents your spouse from earning an income. I'll get by on my inheritance Are you expecting a large inheritance before you retire? Well, your parents might not see it that way. As baby boomers pay out for expensive end-of-life care (or even for expensive and comfortable retirement lifestyles), Gen Xers and millennials may be surprised at how little is coming their way, according to MassMutual . Once I downsize, I'll be able to live off the equity of my home In 2008, the real estate market crashed and millions of people lost all of the equity in their home. A good retirement portfolio, in contrast, requires diversification to hedge against the risks of a market downturn. Owning a home is good, but it's not enough to ensure your financial security in retirement. I will be able to work when I'm older You may believe that you'll be able to work past retirement age, especially if you're healthy and you love your job. However, a Gallup poll found that the average retirement age in the United States is 61 which is lower than one might expect because of unplanned retirements due to poor health or layoffs. My kids will take care of me For generations, parents could rely on their children to take care of them in old age, but this dynamic is changing as younger generations can no longer expect to have the same financial security as their parents. According to a report from the Federal Reserve, millennials have a net worth 40% less than Gen Xers in 2001. My company's retirement plan will be sufficient for retirement While you should always take advantage of an employer-provided retirement savings plan, don't expect it to be enough for your retirement. Financial guru Dave Ramsey warns that some employer-sponsored plans, for example, can only be put toward a limited amount of mutual funds, which could limit its potential returns. I'll have enough money to retire early If you're planning to retire early, you'll need enough money to last into old age, despite the fact that your government assistance may be lower in some countries ( like the United States ) and you won't have as much time for your investments to increase in value. As more people work past retirement age to make ends meet, most economic indicators are trending in the opposite direction. I will sell my business for retirement money If you've risked your financial savings to become an entrepreneur and, against all odds, managed to succeed, it may be tempting to view your small business as a nest egg, but you don't know what the market holds for a business like yours. Putting faith in one business is roughly equivalent to investing all your money in one stock it's a big risk. Investing is too risky Risk-averse individuals may see investments as a chance not worth taking. Unfortunately, however, a savings account will lose value over time compared to inflation, according to Investopedia. Investments in low-risk products like bonds, mutual funds or indexed funds can help earn money without putting your money in jeopardy. I won't need to worry about health care costs in old age Most developed countries offer government-sponsored healthcare to their citizens, and even in the United States, seniors are eligible for government-provided Medicare coverage, but don t expect government programs to pick up all of your late-in-life healthcare needs. Fidelity estimates that the average couple will require $285,000 for healthcare in retirement. My credit score isn't important Once you've paid off your mortgage, you may make the mistake of believing that your credit score isn't all that important, but you'll still need good credit if you plan to rent a new house or apartment, purchase a new car, co-sign a loan for a child or grandchild, or even take out a loan to cover an emergency. I can start saving for retirement once I'm out of debt As any financial adviser can tell you, there is such a thing as "good" debt, like a low-interest student loan, and "bad" debt, like a high-interest credit card. While it makes sense to eliminate "bad" debts before they snowball out of control, you may get better value out of investments than paying off good debt as quickly as you can. I won't need long-term care Even if you are in good health and expect to remain that way for some time, don't make the mistake of assuming you'll never need long-term care. Seniors have a 70% chance of needing long-term care, according to the American government, and 20% of them may need it for longer than five years. I'll never be able to retire anyway While some people believe that they'll never be able to retire, they make a mistake in assuming that they'll have a choice in the matter. According to a study from ProPublica , 56% of people who leave their jobs after turning 50 did so involuntarily, either for health reasons, age discrimination or layoffs, suggesting that retirement is not always a choice.


The United States Tennis Association has responded to a lawsuit filed by Eugenie Bouchard after she slipped and fell in a locker room at the 2015 U.S. Open. The fall resulted in Bouchard sustaining a concussion and withdrawing from both the women's singles and doubles draws. In the lawsuit, Bouchard said she suffered severe pain and economic loss as a result of the incident. In a 16-page response , the USTA denies wrongdoing, arguing that the "Plaintiff [Bouchard] was experienced and well-versed in the procedures and protocols of the women's tour, both in the United States and internationally, and knew or should have known the procedures and protocols as they related to the operation of the physiotherapy room adjacent to the women's locker room at the National Tennis Center and the attended rooms." • LISANTI: Inside Wozniacki's fridge and diet on the Tour Before withdrawing from the tournament, Bouchard was slated to play Roberta Vinci in the fourth round of the women's draw. Vinci automatically advanced to the quarterfinals and ultimately made the tournament's final after a stunning upset of No. 1 Serena Williams. Bouchard, 21, is currently ranked No. 48 in the world.


CLEVELAND   The Twins rallied for three runs in the seventh inning to tie the game Sunday, but Carlos Santana's home run off Trevor May in the bottom of the inning led the Indians to a 4-3 at Progressive Field. Cleveland avoided getting swept in the three-game series with the win. Santana's home run came on a 0-2 pitch from May, who had gotten ahead in the count with two 98 miles per hour fastballs. May went with a curveball on 0-2 and left it in the center of the plate/ Cleveland righthander Shane Bieber was unstoppable for six innings, holding the Twins to three hits. But the Twins came alive in the seventh. Luis Arraez led off with a walk before Mitch Garver was nicked - somewhere - with a pitch. Home plate umpire Ron Kulpa ruled that Garver was hit by a pitch, to which Indians manager Terry Francona challenged. Replays showed the ball deflecting off of Garver's bat, but his hand moved as well. The call stood, fans booed, and Garver took his base. Marwin Gonzalez singled on an 0-2 pitch to load the bases for Miguel Sano, who had looked overmatched while striking out twice against Bieber in his first two plate appearances. But Sano worked the count to 3-2 and delivered a RBI single to left for the Twins' first run of the game. Jake Cave fell behind 0-2 before Bieber came up and in with pitch that was called a ball by Kulpa. But the Twins challenged that the ball nicked Cave. Replays backed that up. Cave was awarded first as Mitch Garver scored to make it 3-2. Max Kepler batted with two outs against Oliver Perez and blooped a single to center that drove in Gonzalez with the tying run. Both Bieber and Twins righthander Jose Berrios worked an inning in Tuesday's All-Star Game. But it was Bieber who was named the game's Most Valuable player. Berrios pitched a scoreless inning but didn't show that same form on Sunday. Berrios needed 21 pitches to get through the first inning, as Jose Ramirez's RBI double put Cleveland ahead. The Indians scored two more in the fourth, on RBI singles by Greg Allen and Tyler Naquin, as Cleveland took a 3-0 lead. Berrios lasted just five innings, giving up three runs on six hits and three walks while striking out three, Berrios is winless in his last four starts. The Twins won the first two games of the series, rallying on Friday while watching Max Kepler hit two home runs off of Trevor Bauer in Saturday. They snapped Cleveland's six game winning streak and have a 61/2 game lead over the Indians in the American League central. The next couple of weeks will allow Cleveland to return to the soft part of their schedule, as they face the Tigers, Royals, Blue Jays and Royals again. The Twins open a nine-game homestand during which they face the Mets, Athletics and Yankees.     ©2019 the Star Tribune (Minneapolis) Visit the Star Tribune (Minneapolis) at www.startribune.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


Cleveland will see a return of last week's light rainfall as early as tomorrow, according to drone-powered weather forecasting service Saildrone . Friday's forecast shows the highest possibility of rain at 85 percent, with predicted rainfall of 0.46 inches. The immediate forecast also has cool temperatures in store for today. Temperatures will turn warmer on Saturday, with a high of 70 degrees. Skies will be mostly cloudy today and cloudy on Thursday. Winds will reach a modest high of 16 mph today, but will ease off a bit beginning on Friday. This story was created automatically using Saildrone's local weather forecast data, then reviewed by an editor. We also incorporate historic weather data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


A restart violation nearly cost Noah Gragson a win but another put him back into contention Saturday at Sonoma. Gragson clearly had the best car in Saturday's NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway but he was assessed a restart violation on Lap 23 of 57 and forced to make a pass-through penalty on pit road. Gragson rallied from the back of the field back with the help of a fast car and survived three overtimes to win the Procore 200   his first NASCAR victory in over a year. Gragson lined up third on the final and third overtime only to see leader Ryan Preece also penalized for a restart violation. By the time NASCAR had made the call, Gragson had already got around Daniel Hemric for second. A wreck in Turn 11A brought out a caution on the final lap, which froze the field and secured the improbable victory for Gragson. The win is Gragson's seventh in K&N Pro series competition. His most recent NASCAR win came last May at Kansas Speedway in the Gander Outdoors Truck Series. "It was a hell of a race there. It was a frustrating race. We led most of the first half and then had a (expletive) penalty there - I think we can all agree on that," Gragson said. "What happened at the end was an eye-for-an-eye I guess and we got back up there. "It was a fun day to take home the trophy for Jefferson Pitts Racing. I wouldn't be here without these guys. I started my K&N series career with them." Asked how he dealt with the frustration of the penalty as well as the repeated cautions near the end that forced the lineup to revert to the previous restart, Gragson said: "My spotter Brandon McReynolds kept me calm. We never gave up. Racing in the Xfinity Series this year has taught me you can't ever quit and you can't have a bad day if you're at the race track." Asked how it felt to be back in a NASCAR Victory Lane after more than a year, he said, "It feels extremely good with everything that has been going on in my life. It's a good feeling to be back in Victory Lane. I love my family and I'm just thankful." Gragson currently competes fulltime in the Xfinity Series with JR Motorsports. Hemric ended up second, Austin Dillon was third, Cole Custer was fourth and David Mayhew rounded out the top-five.


Indianapolis Colts quarterback is still dealing with a calf injury that will now keep him off the field through the team's first preseason game, which arrives Thursday against the Buffalo Bills. As the Colts keep Luck off the field during practice-hoping the extra rehab will speed up the timeline of recovery-there is still the question of whether the 29-year-old will be ready for the regular season opener on Sept. 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers. While it's difficult to know for sure, Luck told Peter King of NBC Sports that he believes he will be ready for the road matchup to begin the season. Here's the snippet from King's weekly column in Football Morning in America: I asked Luck if he had any doubt he'd be ready to play opening day. "No," he said. "I certainly believe I will [be ready]. That's certainly the goal." But when I asked him how stubborn the injury has been, he said: "At times I do worry about it. It can be frustrating. The arc of an injury, whether it's a big surgical one or something you're rehabbing through. But no, because I've improved. Maybe I'm not improving as fast as I want and missing things is no fun. It eats at you. But I do know at the end of the day if I'm getting the most out of myself, if I'm being the best I can that day, then that's what I need to do." The Colts are holding Luck out of practice indefinitely until they feel he is 100% healthy to return. The calf injury has been lingering for roughly three months, as far back as May. There is some good news with the calf as Luck told reporters last week that all of the tests have indicated that the Achilles tendon does not appear to be in danger, which helps them avoid a Kevin Durant situation. Getting Luck back will certainly ease the minds of Colts fans, but the team will be taking it slow during the preseason. The hope is that the franchise quarterback will be ready to take the field confidently when the Colts hit the road and travel to the West Coast for the regular-season opener. MORE: Cleveland Indians completely roasted Colin Cowherd after Baker Mayfield chugged a beer Roundup: Taylor Swift Secret Listening Party, Entenmann's Recall, Jason Mamoa Without Beard and Long Hair 2020 aggregate mock draft 1.0: Here are the top NBA prospects to know Matt LaFleur on Packers FB Danny Vitale: 'He's been awesome' How Andre Iguodala could still be attainable for Houston


Largo police have arrested two men and continue to search for a third accused of being involved in luring a man before shooting him. Police say the shooting happened in a parking lot at the Autumn Chase Apartments, where a 22-year-old man was found dead with a gun shot wound to his back. Witnesses say they saw three men leave the scene. Investigators say the man was lured to buy marijuana before he was robbed. Largo police identified two of the three men as Gavin Griffin, 18, and a 17-year-old. Police say both confessed to the crime. Largo police have an active warrant and continue to search for Ryan Elliott, 20, who also goes by 'Hundo Rich.' He is considered armed and dangerous, according to police. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Largo Police Department at (727) 587-6730. What other people are reading right now: Hurricane watch issued ahead of Potential Tropical Cyclone Two Police: Mom had kids ride in swimming pool on car roof Man says he was kicked off Busch Gardens ride because he looked too old Tech worker charged with murder in death of Utah college student Woman caught urinating into ice cream bucket, spitting into ice cream at shop, police say ► Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the 10News app now . Have a news tip? Email desk@wtsp.com , or visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed .


California Gov. Gavin Newsom is ramping up his rhetoric against the Republican Party by telling Axios he believes they will soon become an irrelevant third party. Newsom, whose state has sued Trump's administration 50 times, admitted he watches Fox News and hears rhetoric that appeals to a shrinking voting base. "And here's the real story, the Republican Party walks off the cliff, they're third party status," the Democratic governor said. "It's exactly what Donald Trump is doing and Mitch McConnell, who is completely complicit, is doing to the Republican Party nationally. And they don't even know what's about to hit them." Newsom said he feels empathetic to the GOP because they are about to experience a "profound demise" that's the result of their own making, such as their "xenophobia" and "hypermasculinity." Newsom's critiques of the GOP comes shortly after he said they will go " into the waste bin of history , the way Republicans of the '90s have gone. That's exactly what will happen to this crop of national Republicans."


The FBI is looking for an armed suspect who robbed a bank in the South End on Monday, officials said. Boston police got a call at 9:12 a.m. Monday about a robbery at Berkshire Bank on 1320 Washington St., Boston police Officer Stephen McNulty said. The man entered the bank carrying a firearm and wearing a white sweatshirt that said "BREAKING NEWS" on the front, the FBI Bank Robbery Task Force said in a statement. "[He] brandished a black semiautomatic firearm in a threatening manner, and handed the teller a blue 'hard hat'-style construction cap along with a demand note. The teller handed the [man] an unknown amount of U.S. currency," the statement said. The man took the hat back and fled on foot, the statement said. Boston police do not know which direction he fled and declined to say how much money he stole, McNulty said. "[He was] described by the victim tellers as a black male, medium build, approximately 5 feet 7 inches, dark-colored bandana or scarf covering his head, black sunglasses, [and] what appeared to be tape over his nose," the statement said. The man also wore tan boots and black gloves with white writing, the FBI said. Berkshire Bank on Washington Street was closed after the robbery and reopened Wednesday, said Cassandra Giovanni, a corporate communications manager at Berkshire Bank. The bank is more than half a mile from Back Bay Station. The FBI Violent Crimes Task Force is assisting Boston police in the investigation, said Laurel Sweet, an FBI spokeswoman. "No arrests have been made at this time," McNulty said. Alyssa Lukpat can be reached at alyssa.lukpat@globe.com . Follow her on Twitter @AlyssaLukpat .


Not all retirees want to give up working forever. Many find part-time work a rewarding way to spend time and earn extra income. Here's a look at 20 part-time employment opportunities I'd recommend for retirees, one of which just might be the thing for your golden years. Earn extra income in your golden years Not all retirees want to give up working forever. Many find part-time work a rewarding way to spend time and earn extra income. Click ahead for 20 part-time employment opportunities I d recommend for retirees, one of which just might be the thing for your golden years. Consultant Rather than staying on in your old role, you could strike out on your own and put your experience to work as a consultant. Many companies seek out short-term or part-time consultants to offer advice and expertise on different projects. If you're established in your field and have an analytical mind, I suggest trying your hand at some consulting projects. The local sports team No, you're not going to be lining up at quarterback or swinging for the fences. But that doesn't mean you can't get a job with a team in your town. Whether major league or minor league, teams in every sport need seasonal staff to work as ushers, security, vendors, ticket sellers, and other roles. I think you'll find that jobs like these offer a fun way to get a little closer to the action, while spending time with fellow fans. Turn your hobby into a job Are you an accomplished photographer? A brilliant baker? Maybe you're nifty with knitting needles. Whatever it is, there's probably a way to turn your hobby into a money-making opportunity, say by photographing weddings, providing tasty treats to local cafés, or selling handmade scarves. Tutor Like working with kids or eager students of any age? Helping people master new subjects as a tutor can be a rewarding way to spend a few hours each week. This is a great way for retired educators to keep their skills sharp or for experts in any field to help the next generation prepare for what s ahead. ESL instructor Another job that's an ideal fit for former teachers or anyone with enthusiasm and a good grasp of the English language is an ESL instructor. It's also a remarkably portable position. Do it in your home area with students of all ages or find a perfect place overseas and put your skills to work in an exciting new environment. Dog walker Dog owners everywhere appreciate the chance to get their pooch out for some exercise while they're at work, not to mention the added benefit of avoiding "accidents" inside the house. If you like dogs and can handle having a few on the leash at the same time, I'm certain you'll find that work as a dog walker is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors with animals. Driver The rise in ride-sharing apps has opened up new avenues for people looking to make a little extra money with their car. Working as a driver is as flexible as you want it to be and a good way to meet new people and explore your area. If you're looking for something a little different, there are plenty of part-time opportunities as a delivery driver, or you could pursue something with your local transit system. Gardener Got a passion for plants? Maybe you'd make a great gardener. You'll want to make sure you're fairly physically fit before taking on too much work digging up flower beds, pushing a mower, and picking out weeds. As long as you're up to it, I recommend part-time work as a gardener as a great way to put some spare cash between your fingers and your green thumb. Tour guide If you're a keen student of history or love learning and sharing the stories that shape your local area, you might make an ideal tour guide . I'm sure you'll agree this is a great job for those who love to meet new people. Opportunities exist in a variety of fields, including art and architecture, animals, fine cuisine, and gardens. Home care aide Supporting someone in need by spending time working as a home care aide can be an extremely gratifying experience. Besides keeping tabs on a patient's physical and mental condition, aides also take care of basic errands, such as shopping, cooking, and cleaning. Child care worker Put your years of experience as a parent (and possibly a grandparent) to use in a part-time setting by providing part-time child care services, either in your home or at a local school or daycare facility. I don't have to tell you that working with kids is rewarding and a great way to feel young at heart. Retail A myriad of opportunities exist for work in the retail sector, whether it's something simple like a shop cashier or a sales position that suits your individual tastes and interests. Many retail jobs are seasonal, offering retirees the option of working part of the year and leaving them free to travel or simply relax at other times. Researcher Put your expertise to work on a part-time basis by conducting research for an academic or professional client. Short-term and freelance positions are often available in different fields, although certain qualifications may be necessary if the subject is highly specialized. Catering If you're a gourmet genius with serious skills in the kitchen, perhaps you'd make a fine part-time chef or caterer. I suggest making sure you're the kind of person who can handle deadlines, though. You'll also have to work whenever clients are holding events, which will often be evenings and weekends. Event planner Over the years, you've probably had to plan a wide variety of events, from weddings and birthday parties to vacations and family reunions. If you're good at the logistics of large events, I think you'd be surprised how good you'd be as a planner. Help people throw parties or assist corporate clients with their hospitality needs. Restaurants and cafés Jobs in restaurants and cafés tend to offer flexible hours and plenty of seasonal opportunities, although many positions require evening and weekend work. I think you'll find that this is a good way to combine work with meeting plenty of people, coworkers, and customers alike. Some jobs in this sector can also be a source of bountiful tips. Concert halls, galleries, and museums If you love music or enjoy art, you might find a rewarding part-time position at your local concert hall or art museum. Even a job as a ticket taker or usher gets you access to somewhere or something you couldn't otherwise get for free. Music teacher Are you great with a guitar, terrific with the trombone, or a skilled singer? Turn your talent into extra income by working as a part-time music teacher . Give lessons at your own home or travel to see clients. I like that this job can offer a decent degree of schedule flexibility, although some lessons will tend to happen after school and work or on the weekend. Courier Assuming drones don't take over all deliveries, one line of work you might pursue in retirement is a job as a courier. Whether you deliver goods or documents in a vehicle, on a bike, or on foot, working as a courier is a job that keeps you active and exposes you to new people and places. Your old job, just part-time What are you best trained for at this stage in life? In most cases, it's probably the job you've spent the bulk of your career doing. As long as you're not too burned out, consider staying on with your employer beyond retirement, only in a reduced role. You might even pursue a phased out departure plan that sees your responsibilities gradually diminished over a fixed time frame.


President Donald Trump may have made history Sunday in taking 20 steps into North Korea, but for some 2020 Democrats, the event was nothing more than a "photo op" that hurt America more than it helped. Trump and Kim Jong Un's meeting merely elevated the image of a dictator, a number of presidential hopefuls contended, while others argued it would net no tangible results -- like getting rid of North Korea's nukes. Here's what the 2020 Democrats had to say after Trump became the first sitting president to enter the hermit nation. Elizabeth Warren Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts said Trump shouldn't be "squandering American influence on photo ops and exchanging love letters with a ruthless dictator ," in a tweet. "Instead, we should be dealing with North Korea through principled diplomacy that promotes US security, defends our allies, and upholds human rights," the Massachusetts Democrat wrote. Kamala Harris Sen. Kamala Harris of California criticized Trump for meeting with the dictator of a country that the US has repeatedly sanctioned and lambasted for its human rights record. "This President should take the North Korean nuclear threat and its crimes against humanity seriously," Harris posted on Twitter, adding, "Our security and our values are at stake." Joe Biden A spokesman for former Vice President Joe Biden told CNN in a statement, "President Trump's coddling of dictators at the expense of American national security and interests is one of the most dangerous ways he's diminishing us on the world stage and subverting our values as a nation." Andrew Bates said in the statement Trump "fawned over Kim Jong -un -- to whom he's made numerous concessions for negligible gain -- joked with Vladimir Putin about our election security and 'getting rid' of journalists, and even expressed sympathy for Turkey buying Russian missiles." Julián Castro Julián Castro said Trump "haphazardly" meeting with Kim raises the dictator's profile and is "strengthening him across the world," while giving the US "nothing." "That is a problem," Castro told CNN's Brianna Keilar on "State of the Union" on Sunday. "It's all show, it's all symbolism, it's not substance," the former secretary of Housing and Urban Development said, adding Trump "keeps telling us one thing, but the reality is another." Castro said he supports diplomatic conversations, but said Trump "seems bent on approaching this very erratically, very haphazardly" and pointed to how the meeting was put together "at the last minute." Trump extended what he claimed was a spontaneous invitation to Kim in a Saturday morning tweet for a handshake at the DMZ. "If Chairman Kim of North Korea sees this, I would meet him at the Border/DMZ just to shake his hand and say Hello(?)!" Trump wrote. Castro added Sunday: "I'm not quite sure why this President is so bent on elevating the profile of a dictator like Kim Jong Un when Kim Jong Un has not lived up to his promise from the first summit." Amy Klobuchar Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota said she supports discussions , but said "toughness is just not saying things by tweet, toughness is results and standing true to our country." "The President will meet with him, that's fine, it's always good to talk to people when you're dealing with something so important as nuclear weapons, but then we have no clear path and nothing come out of it," she told Keilar Sunday on "State of the Union." "I don't think we know if it works until there's results," she said, saying Trump has in the past announced summits with Kim and "nothing really comes out of it." Klobuchar said the US wants to see the reduction of North Korean missiles and denuclearization, "but it is not as easy as just going and you know, bringing a hot dish over the fence to the dictator next door." She called Kim "ruthless" and said Trump has to have a "clear mission and clear goals," which she said he has not yet shown, in order to make progress. Bernie Sanders Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont said Sunday on ABC's "This Week" that he didn't have an issue with the President negotiating with US adversaries. Sanders cautioned, however, that the meeting wasn't much more than a "photo opportunity." "We need real diplomacy," he said. "What's going to happen tomorrow and the next day?" Sanders explained his dismay in the Trump administration's handling of the State Department and diplomacy with other countries. Trump has "weakened the State Department," Sanders said. "If we're going to bring peace to this world, we need a strong State Department, we need to move forward diplomatically, not just do photo opportunities." More than two years into Trump's presidency, key positions remain vacant throughout his administration, including at the State Department. The Trump administration has repeatedly attempted to slash the State Department's budget , and State has struggled to fill overseas posts due to factors including the hiring freeze implemented under former secretary of state Rex Tillerson and reduced appropriations. The Vermont senator wished Trump would sit down with adversaries in the Middle East and in the Persian Gulf.


Footballers are rarely universally loved, no matter who they are or what they have achieved. And sometimes even those who command great respect or adoration are hated in equal measure. These seven heroes divide the world of football...  David Beckham David Beckham can lay claim to being a Manchester United and England legend for numerous achievements in both shirts - including six Premier League titles and the most capped Three Lions outfield player in history. He also enjoyed great success in the United States, was popular in Spain, and dedicates a lot of his time to charity work in his retirement. But despite an army of adoring fans around the world, there are those that just don't see eye-to-eye with 'Brand Beckham'. To them, he was an overrated footballer who cashed in on 'celebrity' pursuits. Neymar A dazzlingly talented footballer, arguably the closest that Brazil has found to finally fill the enormous boots of Pele, but one whose penchant for theatrics on the pitch have made it difficult for fans to fully embrace Neymar as the superstar his ability dictates he should be. The Brazilian can still be the next 'best player in the world', but he will never be universally adored unless he adapts his on-field person personality and evolves into a mature professional. Jose Mourinho Jose Mourinho is one of the most successful managers of the 21st century after winning trophies for Porto, Chelsea, Inter, Real Madrid and Manchester United. His record is impossible to argue with and that alone has given him loyal supporters that refuse to see any potential shortcomings. For others, the Portuguese's apparent shortcomings are all they can see. For the detractors, his acrimonious exits from both Chelsea and Manchester United in the last three years trump everything else as modern football moves on without him. Diego Maradona One of four players in history with genuine credentials to be labelled the 'greatest of all time', Diego Maradona has long divided opinion among fans over his incredible innate ability and success on the greatest stage, and a string of controversies from flagrant cheating to drug use. The 1986 World Cup quarter final against England sums it up rather perfectly, showcasing Maradona at his worst - the 'Hand of God' goal - and his best - the solo strike that saw him dribble past half the England team to score. Both have become iconic in their own way. Luis Suarez Luis Suarez has emerged as one of football's great love/hate figures over the last decade, combining great achievements with a lengthy rap list of offences. He even managed to rile Liverpool fans when he celebrated scoring against them in the Champions League. The Uruguayan is one of the great strikers of his generation, netting over 450 times for club and country to date, and proving himself in multiple countries. Then there are accusations of diving, a ban for racially abusing Patrice Evra, and three suspensions for biting opponents. Sergio Ramos He is the born winner who will seemingly do almost anything to get his hands on trophies and Sergio Ramos commands great respect and sour hate as one of the most decorated footballers, both at club and international level, of the last 20 years. The huge divide over Ramos reached its peak in 2018 after a heavy challenge on Mohamed Salah in the Champions League final between Real Madrid and Liverpool. The Spaniard embraces it because his aggressive competitiveness has clearly worked. Cristiano Ronaldo Cristiano Ronaldo has won five Champions League titles, five Ballon d'Or awards, and scored nearly 700 goals and counting during his career to date. Ordinarily, that level of achievement might yield unadulterated love and admiration, but CR7 has plenty of haters. His is often perceived as greedy and arrogant, two qualities, however accurate, that are sure to paint a very negative picture indeed. And when great personal rival Lionel Messi has the public image of a well behaved schoolboy, it makes it even harder for Ronaldo to win over his critics. This article is brought to you by X-Men: Dark Phoenix, in cinemas soon. Check out the trailer below:


CLEVELAND-- A Cleveland police officer was suspended for weeks after what happened when he pulled a woman over for a traffic stop, the FOX 8 I-Team learned. Officer William Tell ended up suspended 25 days. The stop happened last year, but an internal review took months. The documents and video from the investigation were just released to the I-Team. A woman got nervous when a Cleveland cop pulled her over as she drove downtown, and then she got angry. So she filed a complaint. She told the office of professional standards, "I was like, 'You pulled me over before.' He was like, 'Yeah.' I said, 'What happened?' He said, 'You never called me.' I was like, 'Oh, sorry.'" The woman said the officer threatened to arrest her, saying she had a warrant out for her when she did not. "He's like, 'I'm gonna have to take you in. Do you have anybody to bond you out?' At this point, I fell apart. I'm crying." Officer Tell told a different version of events. He said, "Did I know who she was before I stopped her? No." "I said, 'No, you're not going to jail. You're not going to jail. I was just joking with you.'" Cleveland police wear body cameras. Investigators found the officer didn't record this stop. Investigators also found he never ran a check on the driver's license plate until after he had let her go. The driver's uncle was talking to her on the phone and he heard what happened during the traffic stop. He told investigators, "I don't think this guy should be doing this." Tell is assigned to the traffic unit. He did not return a message left for comment. He is appealing his punishment. He also told investigators, "We was laughing and joking. It was shocking when I got the complaint."     ©2019 WJW-TV, Cleveland Visit WJW-TV, Cleveland at www.fox8.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


Former linebacker Rolando McClain is attempting another NFL comeback, according to Matt Zenitz of AL.com . The Ravens, who have a brief history with McClain, just so happen to need some experience there as they head into training camp. McClain said he had surgery to fix a hip issue and is feeling healthy and rested. "Every time I got in my linebacker position, it was bone on bone grind," McClain said, per Zenitz. "Not only do I feel good, I'm recovered and I'm rested. I feel better now because I know I'll be playing with two legs." Though McClain is healthy and ready to return, he'll have to get the permission of the league. McClain last played in 2015 before being suspended indefinitely for violating the league's substance abuse policy . It was his second suspension of 2016 for a failed/missed drug test. McClain has had a troubled career in the NFL. Drafted by the Raiders in 2010, he looked like the next great linebacker. But off-field incidents while in Oakland and some lackluster play caused the Raiders to wave him just three years into his rookie contract. The Ravens signed him shortly afterward, but McClain retired a month later without ever playing a down for Baltimore. The Ravens ended up trading McClain the following year to the Dallas Cowboys in return for a seventh-round pick after linebacker Sean Lee went on injured reserve. McClain came out of retirement and stepped up in a big way, combining for 87 tackles, two interceptions, one sack and one forced fumble that season in spite of dealing with injuries that made him miss three games. Baltimore has a need for depth at inside linebacker following C.J. Mosley's departure in free agency to the New York Jets. Patrick Onwuasor is expected to fill Mosley's starting role, with a competition between Kenny Young and Chris Board for the other starting job. However, the Ravens likely want additional depth behind that group, especially a player with starting experience. While McClain burned Baltimore previously, beggars can't be choosers. McClain undoubtedly won't get much more than a one-year, veteran-minimum contract anywhere in the NFL considering his suspension history. That's the type of low-risk, high-reward signing the Ravens typically like to make this close to training camp. But first, McClain would have to be reinstated by the NFL. MORE: Poker player loses brutal 31 million chip hand with pocket aces at 2019 WSOP Main Event Three Potential Landing Spots for Chris Paul News: Major trade target at safety, levels to Cowboys WRs, NFL's best RB NBA Depth Charts Eagles earn $274.3M of a record $8.78B revenue split between all 32 NFL teams


With the end of the season comes the expiration of contracts, and as Premier League teams begin the offseason and the end of June nears, more and more clubs are working to pin down their rosters and make room for imminent transfer arrivals. Manchester United announced the release of 15 players on Friday, including captain Antonio Valencia and midfielder Ander Herrera , while Arsenal confirmed the departure of striker Danny Welbeck . The Red Devils have cleaned house, although most of the departures are youth players who never made an impact on the first team squad. The most notable names are Valencia and Herrera, with the former ending a 10-year career at Old Trafford that saw the Ecuadorian international rack up 339 appearances and score 25 goals while assisting 62 more. Valencia hoisted two Premier League championship trophies and won domestic cup competitions three times, also winning the Europa League once. At 33 years old, Valencia made just six Premier League appearances for the club this past season, and his time at Old Trafford was clearly coming to an end. It will be interesting to see where Valencia lands should he decide to continue playing. Herrera, meanwhile, is leaving Manchester United still in the prime of his career. At 29 years old, Herrera made 28 appearances last season and was an integral part of the Red Devils midfield. Still, with his contract expiring and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer leaving Herrera out of the squad a number of times down the stretch, the Red Devils decided not to extend the Spaniard and he moves on from the club after five years at Old Trafford. Juan Mata was not on the released list despite his contract ending this summer, instead appearing on the retained list, and reports in England indicate that he has been offered a new contract which the club is hopeful he will sign. At 31 years old, Mata has been with the Red Devils since joining from Chelsea in 2014, and while he was not a regular starter for the club this season, he is still an important squad player racking up over 1,700 minutes across all competitions. Welbeck sees a five-year Arsenal career come to a close as he departs the Emirates on the expiration of his contract. The 28-year-old England international made 126 appearances for the Gunners but was hampered by consistent injury problems, with his knee, ankle, hip, and groin all troubling him at some stage or another. He began this season as a consistent option off the bench for Unai Emery but suffered a broken ankle in early November and never returned to action. Still in the prime of his career, Welbeck could be an important free transfer for a club that is willing to take the risk brought on by his injury history, and if he can find some luck and stay healthy, he could still have an impact wherever he should land. Follow @the_bonnfire