BRUSSELS   NATO repeated its support for the United States' decision to abandon the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces agreement on Friday and said it would respond in a "measured and responsible way" to a deployment of missiles by Moscow that violated the pact. "Russia bears sole responsibility for the demise of the treaty," the alliance said in a statement , repeating accusations that Russia had long been out of compliance by deploying medium-range missiles with both conventional and nuclear capability. Russia denies breaching the pact. Sign Up For the Morning Briefing Newsletter "There are no new NATO missiles in Europe, but there are many, many, many new Russian missiles," Jens Stoltenberg, the alliance's secretary-general, said at a news conference. "We don't want a new arms race, and we have no intention to deploy new land-based nuclear missiles in Europe." Washington has for six years accused Russia of developing a new type of missile, the 9M729, also known as the SSC-8, which it says violates the treaty. The missile has a range estimated to be about 900 miles, though Moscow says it can travel only about 300 miles. While blaming Russia, the United States has cited a threat from China, which was not a signatory to the treaty, as another reason for abandoning the pact. A large percentage of Chinese missiles are of intermediate range, and Washington plans to start testing a new class of intermediate-range missiles this summer that are intended to counter China. But the abandonment of the pact leaves Europe exposed to Russian land-based missiles capable of hitting their targets within minutes   exactly the vulnerability that led to the treaty in the first place, after the United States started deploying Pershing II missiles in Europe in the early 1980s to counter Soviet SS-20s. The American deployments caused huge public protests in Western Europe and explain why NATO's 29 countries do not want to go through the experience again. "We must prepare for a world without the I.N.F. Treaty, which will be less stable for all of us," Mr. Stoltenberg said in July. With the loss of the treaty, "Europe loses a central pillar of its security," Christian Mölling and Heinrich Brauss of the German Council on Foreign Relations wrote in a recent paper. "Russia's threat potential rises due to its intermediate-range missiles," which "could split NATO into two zones of security and lead Moscow to assume it holds escalation dominance." Russia's new missiles are land-based, mobile, difficult to identify, rapidly employable and armed with conventional or nuclear warheads, and can strike almost any target in most European countries with little to no warning time, Mr. Mölling and Mr. Brauss wrote. "This potential could therefore considerably restrict NATO's operational freedom of action in a conflict," they wrote, and "as a result, NATO's general ability to defend itself could be seriously compromised." How to deter Russia and balance its missile deployments is a problem that NATO has been discussing for months now. Part of the answer are existing missiles based on ships or fired from airplanes, which were never covered by the I.N.F. treaty. The accord banned land-based missiles that can travel 310 to 3,417 miles and said they were to be destroyed. At the end of June, Mr. Stoltenberg described "potential NATO measures," including further military exercises involving intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance and "closer examination" of existing air and missile defenses and conventional capabilities. "We will ensure that our nuclear deterrent remains safe, secure and effective," he said. On Friday, the NATO statement said blandly that the alliance had "agreed a balanced, coordinated and defensive package of measures to ensure NATO's deterrence and defense posture remains credible and effective." The issue is expected to be central to NATO's next summit meeting, scheduled for London in early December. Responses are likely to include an enhancement of missile defenses against ballistic and intermediate-range missiles, though some NATO members, like Germany, may be reluctant to have systems so directly aimed at countering Russia, argues Katarzyna Kubiak, an analyst with the European Leadership Network. "While NATO's military-defensive response to the new post-I.N.F. threat is legitimate, it is only a superficial 'patch and mend' to a major problem: a growing crisis in the Euro-Atlantic amidst global geopolitical shifts," she wrote in a briefing paper. "Military remedies will only put off solving critical issues between NATO and Russia, deferring to a later point,'' she added, ''and most likely contributing to a costly and potentially dangerous arms buildup in the meantime."


NBC Charlotte has learned a man accused of attacking three CMPD officers during and after his arrest has 63 arrests on his record and was wearing an electronic monitor. In Tuesday night's incident, 24-year-old Romell Mackey was charged with assault with a deadly weapon on a government official, assault on a law enforcement officer, unlawful concealment (shoplifting), damage to property, resist/obstruct/delay a law enforcement officer, malicious conduct by a prisoner, damage to property, and communicating threats. It happened at 2nd and Charles on South Blvd. When an officer tried to put Mackey in handcuffs, police said he started fighting and tried to run away. Then, on the way to jail, he attacked two officers and tried to escape again, according to investigators. Mackey's previous charges included 1st-degree burglary, 1st-degree trespassing, auto theft, armed robbery, possession of stolen goods, possession of marijuana, and resisting arrest. Never miss an alert. Download the new WCNC app today


Dolphins receiver Kenny Stills has no qualms about calling out the man who signs his checks. Via Tom Ley of Deadspin.com, Stills questioned on Twitter the decision of team owner Stephen Ross to host a six-figure-per-person fundraiser for President Trump. "You can't have a nonprofit with this mission statement then open your doors to Trump," Stills tweeted in reference to the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality, which describes itself as a "national nonprofit that educates and empowers the sports community to eliminate racial discrimination, champion social justice and improve race relations ." According to Derrick Waller of ABC 7, the Ross fundraiser in the Hamptons will provide lunch, a photo, and a private roundtable in exchange for a contribution of $250,000. Stills has emerged as not only a great player but a committed and conscientious citizen. He's due to make $7.975 million this year in salary from Ross, which makes Stills' willingness to speak his mind even more admirable. And before telling him to stick to sports, the Ross nonprofit has specifically been crafted to "eliminate racial discrimination, champion social justice and improve race relations" in sports . Stills' point is that he believes it's impossible to harmonize those objectives with the policies and practices of the current President   and as a member of the sports community Stills has every right to say it.


Manchester City and West Ham meet in the Premier League Asia Trophy for the first game of their pre-season tours of China on Wednesday. It has previously been unusual for two sides from the same league to meet during pre-season, but with the emergence of tournaments and tours of different countries it has become more common for teams at the top level to play each other before the season commences. The winner of this clash will play in a final on against either Newcastle or Wolves, who also play each other on Wednesday. Where to Watch When Is Kick Off? Wednesday 17 July What Time Is Kick Off? 13:30 (BST) Where Is it Played? Nanjing Olympic Sports Centre, China TV Channel/Live Stream? Sky Sports Main Event/Sky Sports Premier League Referee? TBC Team News City are without a few of their South American stars. Neither Sergio Aguero, Ederson or Gabriel Jesus have been named in the squad, while Riyad Mahrez is preparing for the Africa Cup of Nations final, so Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sane and Bernardo Silva could all start as the front three. Phil Foden will join the squad in Hong Kong so will be unavailable here, but new signings Rodri and Angelino could both play their first games for the club. Fabian Delph has been omitted from the squad amid speculation he is close to sealing a switch to Everton. On the way... ✈  #mancity pic.twitter.com/2swgVCVBvV   Manchester City (@ManCity) July 15, 2019 Aaron Cresswell missed the Hammers' last pre-season game against Altach, and although he has travelled with the squad to China, he is unlikely to feature from the start. Arthur Masuaku and Fabian Balbuena have been granted further time off after their AFCON and Copa America exploits, but Winston Reid is among the touring party after finally recovering from long-term injury. Chilean Pellegrini is likely to field a strong lineup against City, with a point to prove ahead of the new Premier League season. Predicted Lineups Manchester City Bravo; Walker, Stones, Laporte, Angelino; Rodri, Gundogan, Zinchenko; Sane, Bernardo Silva, Sterling. West Ham Fabianski; Fredericks, Diop, Balbuena, Johnson; Noble, Rice, Wilshere; Snodgrass, Felipe Anderson, Hernandez. Head to Head Record The recent fixtures between these two teams don't provide too many happy memories for West Ham fans. They last beat the Citizens in 2015, conceding 25 goals in the eight games since then.  @JackWilshere pic.twitter.com/6jf1mAlons   West Ham United (@WestHamUtd) July 15, 2019 During the 2018/19 season, City won 4-0 at the London Stadium in November before picking up a more slender victory in February, Sergio Aguero netting a penalty in a 1-0 victory at the Etihad. Recent Form West Ham got their pre-season festivities up and running with a 3-2 victory over Austrian side Altach, Carlos Sanchez, Michail Antonio and Issa Diop all scoring. City are yet to play this summer - their last match being the 6-0 thrashing of Watford that secured them the FA Cup - but don't expect them to come into this game cold, even if there has been a bit of a kerfuffle over their flights. Here's how each side has fared in their last five games.  Manchester City West Ham Manchester City 6-0 Watford (18/5) Altach 2-3 West Ham (11/7) Brighton 1-4 Manchester City (12/5) Watford 1-4 West Ham (12/5) Manchester City 1-0 Leicester (6/5) West Ham 3-0 Southampton (4/5) Burnley 0-1 Manchester City (28/4) Tottenham 0-1 West Ham (27/4) Manchester United 0-2 Manchester City (24/4) West Ham 2-2 Leicester (20/4) Prediction Overall, this could be an interesting clash with City the favourites to come out on top. However, West Ham are an established Premier League side and should put up a fight. City should have too much for the Hammers, but don't expect a classic - pre-season games rarely are. Prediction: Manchester City 2-0 West Ham


As a rookie last season, Bills quarterback Josh Allen threw 12 interceptions, fumbled eight times and took 28 sacks. He wants to cut down on those this year. That's why, Allen said on Sirius XM NFL Radio, he's been watching all of his bad plays from last year with a mind for eliminating them this year. "I know there's a lot of things that I missed on last year," Allen said, via NewYorkUpstate.com. "A lot of dumb plays going back and watching film that just were like, 'Why did I do that? What was I thinking? ' But [now it's about] learning from those and then going into next season and trying to apply what I've learned onto the field." The Bills haven't won a playoff game since 1995. Whether Allen can be the first starting quarterback to win a playoff game for Buffalo since Jim Kelly will depend in large part on whether he can cut down on those dumb plays.


DeMarcus Cousins has had some stretches of play during the NBA Finals where he looks like his old self, but there have been other times when he looks extremely rusty. That was to be expected after he suffered a torn quad muscle less than two months ago, and the All-Star big man admits he is dealing with some conditioning issues. Cousins said this week that he has been trying to "push through" and simply doesn't know how his body will react from day to day. "I'm still at the point where I'm trying to train my legs to be at that level 100 percent of the time. I just haven't had time to focus on that," Cousins admitted this week, via Anthony Slater of The Athletic . "It's hard to condition midseason. It's hard to get that balance of conditioning, rest, being ready to play. It's a hard balance. I need the offseason, when that can be the priority." Cousins had a a strong six-minute stretch during Game 5 that Warriors coach Steve Kerr said was the difference between a win and a loss. With Kevin Durant now officially out for Game 6 and Game 7 (if it's needed) and Kevin Looney listed as questionable for Thursday night, Golden State needs Cousins now more than ever. After scoring 14 points in just 20 minutes in Game 5, Cousins should have plenty of confidence. The question is whether or not his body will feel good enough to be at his best. If it does, the Warriors will have that much better of a chance at forcing a Game 7. Related slideshow: 2019 NBA Finals (Provided by imagn)


Deputies are looking for a woman who gave birth to an infant who was found alive in a plastic bag in the woods in northern Georgia. Deputies found the newborn after someone reported hearing her crying Thursday night in the woods off Daves Creek Road in Cumming. The baby was taken to a hospital where she was listed as stable. Officials are asking for tips about a woman who was in the late stages of pregnancy who recently gave birth but does not have a child in her custody. The newborn is in the custody of the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services. READ MORE: Deputies looking for mother of newborn found alive in plastic bag in woods CHECK OUT WYFF: Get the latest Greenville news and weather. For live, local, late-breaking Greenville, SC, news coverage, WYFF is the place to be.


Start your day off right by browsing through cuddle-hungry puppies! There are dozens of puppies up for adoption right here in Washington. Hoodline partnered with Petfinder , an online adoption site that lists "more than 315,000 adoptable pets from nearly 14,000 animal shelters and rescue groups" to bring you this roundup of puppies near you. (Details like pet availability, training, vaccinations and other features are based on data provided by Petfinder and may be subject to change; contact the shelter for the latest information.) Hobart, shepherd mix Hobart is a male shepherd puppy being cared for at Lucky Dog Animal Rescue . Hobart plays well with others   he'll get along great with your other dogs. He has been vaccinated. Notes about Hobart: My brothers and I are looking for loving homes to celebrate the spring. Don't get me wrong, our foster family is great. But we'd like to go to our own forever homes with soft, warm beds and comfy laps and yummy treats. We'd like to take trips to the dog park and go to obedience school so we can be the best puppies we can be. Apply to adopt Hobart today at Petfinder . Baby Dimitri, terrier and Schnauzer mix Baby Dimitri is a male terrier and Schnauzer puppy in the care of K-9 Lifesavers . Baby Dimitri plays well with others   he gets along well with other dogs. His vaccinations are up to date. Read more about Baby Dimitri on Petfinder . Baby Toby, Australian shepherd and spaniel mix Baby Toby is a charming male Australian shepherd and spaniel puppy currently residing at K-9 Lifesavers . Baby Toby is a social butterfly   he's happy to keep company with other dogs. Baby Toby has been vaccinated. Here's what Baby Toby's friends at K-9 Lifesavers think of him: This litter of pups (including Baby Tim, below) came to us from a hoarding case in South Carolina. They are all very sweet, but a little timid right now. They have been through a lot at their young age, but we know they will all flourish once they are in a home full of love. Your new pet will require a refresher in house-training. Read more about Baby Toby on Petfinder . Baby Tim, Australian shepherd and spaniel mix Baby Tim is a male Australian shepherd and spaniel puppy staying at K-9 Lifesavers . Baby Tim is ready to make friends   he's happy to keep company with other dogs. Baby Tim has been vaccinated. Read more about Baby Tim on Petfinder . This story was created automatically using local animal shelter data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


UNCASVILLE, Conn.   It has been a process for Katie Lou Samuelson. Former UConn Huskies often reach stardom in the WNBA, but it doesn't necessarily come overnight. "It's just time," Chicago Sky coach James Wade said before Samuelson's first game back in Connecticut as a pro, against the Sun on Tuesday night. "We have a deep roster, it's going to take her a little time for her to get situated in the league. And we knew that. The injury she had set her back, we're just trying to get her back to where she was before that." Samuelson, who fought through and back from several injuries during her career at UConn, fractured her right wrist in early June, landing on the hand after taking a charge, and missed about six weeks. But, characteristically, she did what she had to do methodically, and kept her spirits up. "It can always be worse," she said, "so I had to keep myself motivated." During her recovery, Samuelson spent as much time as she could on the court, even while she was wearing a cast. "I was really proud of the way she handled it," said Stefanie Dolson, one of three former Huskies playing for the Sky (11-9). "It's very rare that you see someone put in a difficult situation have such a positive attitude," Wade said, "and still remain humble and a hard worker." Samuelson, who returned to action July 21, got into the game against the Sun for a little over eight minutes, scoring six points. After hitting a 3-pointer, she fouled former teammate Morgan Tuck at the other end of the floor. She's been playing against former teammates, like her close friend Napheesa Collier, a rookie who represented the Lynx in the All-Game. But Samuelson can look around her own locker room for shared experiences, to Dolson and Gabby Williams, in her second season in the league, and playing a little of virtually every position for Chicago. "Discipline," Wade said. "(UConn players) buy in quickly. They're winners. They're automatically winners. They try to find solutions. They're good at talking and getting through stuff. I just like the way they communicate, the way they come in and work and they don't take plays off. That's something every coach values, and I value from all three." Dolson, 27, averaging 9.2 points and 6.0 rebounds, is the veteran of the group, in her sixth WNBA season, third with the Sky. She had eight points and 10 rebounds in the Sky's 100-94 loss to Connecticut. "It's nice, because my first year at Chicago, there were no UConn players," Dolson said, "and a lot of people say, there is usually a UConn player on every team. Now to have three, it's been nice. I try to help them through their struggles." Williams, 22, didn't make the trip to Connecticut due to an undisclosed illness, according to the Sky. Wade raves about her development, as she takes on more time at point guard. "She's one of our valuable pieces," Wade said, "because we can put here in a little bit everywhere. We like her at the point guard spot because we see her as a pseudo Russell Westbrook, Draymond Green. We also like her at the four and at the two. At the guard spot she can switch on bigger players and defend. She's actually our best pick and roll defender. She's just so valuable. The thing about how humble she is, is that she doesn't know how valuable she is. She probably doesn't see some of the things we see." Williams is averaging 16 minutes, 6.1 points, 2.0 assists and 1.9 rebounds. "She's a smart player," Wade said, "but more than being smart she has really natural instincts and we want her to trust those. She's playing winning basketball. Her trust in her instincts is going to be a key." Samuelson, 22, like Williams, was the No.4 pick in the draft. In the six games she has played, she's averaged 9.5 minutes, 2.7 points, shooting 40% from the floor. Dolson said the toughest adjustment for a rookie is stepping up to the physical nature of the league; Samuelson is working on that part of her game, along with the grind of the professional life. "I'm just figuring out how to get that first push," Samuelson said. "For me, it's becoming more physical in the post, playing that four (spot). … It's a whole 180 (from college). It's different, but it's part of the job, it is a job and you do what you need to do."     ©2019 The Hartford Courant (Hartford, Conn.) Visit The Hartford Courant (Hartford, Conn.) at www.courant.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


Oakland The food scene in Oakland continues to impress, with top-rated new restaurants debuting on a near-weekly basis. Here are three of the hottest new arrivals to the Town, all of which have clocked Yelp ratings of four stars or higher in their first few weeks in business. Mägo 3762 Piedmont Ave., Piedmont Avenue Owned by Mark Liberman, the former chef of San Francisco's acclaimed AQ, Mägo offers a small-plates menu that changes weekly, with many dishes cooked over a wood fire. Options include potato gnocchi with summer squash and basil pesto; the halibut with onion soubise, sungold tomatoes and purslane leaves; or the beef ribeye smothered with spring vegetables, shishito peppers and soy-honey glaze. There's also a full bar with wine and cocktails. Fans of the restaurant can also take cooking classes with Liberman, or wine and cheese pairing classes with his wife and co-owner, Theresa, who studied at the Cheese School of San Francisco. Yelpers are excited about Mägo, which currently holds five stars out of four reviews on the site. Gabe K. noted , "Had a brilliant meal with equally fantastic drinks. Heard great things about the chef/owner, Mark, and it exceeded already high expectations." And Yelper Logan N. wrote , "We had a few cocktails and some dinner. Really great, innovative food and cocktails   plus warm and attentive service!" Mägo is open from 5 10 p.m. on Monday-Saturday. (It's closed on Sunday.) Grand Lake Kitchen 2042 MacArthur Blvd., Dimond District American comfort food eatery Grand Lake Kitchen , which made its name with a popular location near Lake Merritt, has now expanded to the Dimond District. On the dinner menu , look for the GLK burger (caramelized onions, mushrooms, Point Reyes blue cheese, on a sesame bun, with fries), the vegetable pot pie (English peas, spring onions, asparagus and Yukon gold potatoes) or the smoked fish tower (trout dip, smoked salmon, black cod, bagel chips, cream cheese, capers, cucumbers, red onions, chives and lemon). Brunch brings a pastrami benedict, sweet or savory French toast and chilaquiles. There's also a full bar with wine, beer and cocktails. The restaurant currently holds four stars out of 22 reviews on Yelp, indicating good reviews. Yelper Jonathan U., who reviewed Grand Lake Kitchen on June 8, wrote , "The interior is beautiful   a throwback design that is also spacious and welcoming. The staff was super friendly; you can tell this isn't their first rodeo, as there were no hiccups for the new location." Yelper Rob K. wrote , "This is a game-changer eatery for the Dimond District. Matzo ball soup, summer chopped salad and burger were delicious. Hemingway and Paloma cocktails were refreshing." Grand Lake Kitchen is open from 9 a.m. 10 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. (It's closed on Tuesday.) Grandeur 366 Grand Ave., Suite B, Adams Point Grandeur is a burger bistro that caters to vegan, halal and gluten-free diners. It offers menus for both carnivores and vegans   and all of the meats it uses are halal. On the menu , expect to see items like a fried chicken sandwich (halal chicken, jalapeño slaw and pickles, with an optional gluten-free bun), the Impossible Burger (vegan patty, grilled onions, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and sauce) and regular or vegan wings   the latter made with adobo cauliflower. Fries and drinks round out the menu. Grandeur is off to a promising start, with a current rating of four stars out of 33 reviews on Yelp. "If you want vegan, halal, gluten-free, burgers, fries, sweets, this place has something for everyone," wrote Kristine P., who reviewed the eatery on June 1. And Yelper Jay W. noted , "The food was quite tasty ... The beef and lamb burgers were both more well-done than we would have preferred, but the lamb was still tasty. Best sweet potato fries I've had!" Grandeur is open from 11 a.m. 10 p.m. on Monday-Wednesday and 11 a.m. 2 a.m. on Thursday-Sunday. This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


New research and diet trends are changing all the time including what foods are good for you and which are not. We asked nutritionists to weigh in (pun intended!) on the ones that won't actually make you any healthier. Going low on sodium If you've ever had high blood pressure, you were probably told to cut down or stop consuming sodium. But a new study from Boston University that followed 2,600 people over 16 years found that a low-sodium diet didn't actually lower blood pressure. So salt might not be the enemy after all and actually, eating a little salt might be part of your healthy food habits. The study also found that people with the lowest intake of sodium (along with the highest) had a greater risk of heart disease than the people in the middle. But that doesn't mean you should go crazy eating processed foods that contain lots of sodium either. 'In general, focusing on reducing processed foods, which tend to be rich in added sodium, and adding in more whole foods may be more effective than just focusing on counting milligrams of sodium when it comes to promoting heart health,' says Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDE, author of Belly Fat Diet for Dummies . Find out the 55 health myths that need to die . Avoiding dairy You may have heard the theory that drinking milk past infancy (or even drinking animal milk at all) is 'unnatural' as evidenced by 65 percent of people in the world being lactose intolerant. Although it is true that humans are the only species to drink milk as adults or to drink milk regularly from other animals  research has shown we've genetically evolved to adapt to it. And in fact, milk products actually play an important role in our health. 'Dairy is rich in beneficial nutrients such as whey protein, conjugated linoleic acid, and calcium,' Palinski-Wade says. Some past research has shown that low-fat dairy could help lower blood pressure, but new research also finds benefits to full-fat dairy. Surprisingly, a recent study found that those who ate full-fat dairy (but not low fat) gained less weight, possibly because it keeps you fuller longer. It also may reduce diabetes and heart disease risk. Not consuming fat As with dairy, eating fat in general may not be such a bad thing when it comes to food habits. The scientific community is still debating the benefits of saturated fat, but other types of fats are actually good for you in moderation, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics . 'Plant-based fats such as monounsaturated fats found in foods like almonds and avocado, and omega-3 fatty acids found in fish offer many health benefits,' Palinski-Wade says. 'These fats may reduce inflammation, improve blood lipid levels, and may even promote a lower body weight.' Plus, many processed foods labeled 'reduced fat' have replaced the fat with sugar or additives, which actually make them more unhealthy. 'Many individuals are still fat-phobic and feel that all dietary fat should be avoided, but we all remember the low-fat craze of the '90s that caused everyone to gain weight!' Palinski-Wade says. These 10 myths about fat keep you from losing weight. Worrying about cholesterol in food If you think you're being healthy by eating egg whites only, think again about your food habits. Despite what we've been told for years, egg yolks, which are high in dietary cholesterol, can be healthy-habit health foods. 'We used to think that dietary cholesterol impacted our [blood] cholesterol levels, and that foods rich in cholesterol such as eggs should be avoided,' Palinski-Wade says. 'We now know that dietary cholesterol has little impact on blood cholesterol levels.' Plus, blood cholesterol isn't so cut-and-dry either: There's so-called 'good' HDL cholesterol, which is thought to help heart health (although this has recently been called into question), and 'bad' LDL cholesterol. In any case, the most recent federal nutrition guidelines from the USDA and Department of Health and Human Services lifted the restrictions on dietary cholesterol, saying it's 'not a nutrient of concern for over-consumption.' Egg yolks are also a good source of vitamin E and carotenoids. Skimping on shellfish Shellfish has also gotten a bad rap due to its dietary cholesterol and its reputation as 'bottom feeders.' But unless you're allergic, shellfish, including mussels, clams, shrimp, lobster, and crab, can be part of a healthy diet. They are rich in protein, omega-3s, and the antioxidant selenium. Research from Oregon Health & Science University found that shellfish promotes brain health and may even help prevent Alzheimer's disease. According to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) , choose domestic seafood to ensure your meal didn't come from water containing contaminants and check local water conditions if eating locally caught. Eating processed 'healthy' foods It may seem like diet products such as light salad dressing are healthier choices, but often they really should not be part of your healthy food habits. ''Healthy' foods like this used to be popular, but many of these products remove the fat and replace it with added sugars,' Palinski-Wade says. 'Large amounts of added sugar in the diet may be even more damaging to health than excessive dietary fat.' A major study from the CDC showed that people who consumed a lot of sugar were more than twice as likely to die from heart disease. 'If you opt for a 'lighter' food, check the ingredient list and food label to make sure the fats have not been replaced with added sugars,' Palinski-Wade says. In addition, 'health' foods like energy bars are also often filled with additives. Even prepackaged vegetarian or vegan foods can fool you. 'In general, it's not safe to assume that just because something is vegan it is healthy,' says Despina Hyde Gandhi, MS, a registered dietitian at NYU Langone's Weight Management Program. 'These items can be quite high in calories, and I would encourage someone to read food labels and decide how the product fits into a balanced diet.' Going gluten-free if you're not allergic to gluten Gluten, found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye, has gotten a bad rap lately, and some people think it's healthier to go without it. But in reality, the opposite might be true. 'Unless you are truly allergic or intolerant to gluten, there is no need to avoid it,' Palinski-Wade says. A study from Spain actually showed that going gluten-free led to reduced gut bacteria, which affects immune function. Another study from the University of Illinois also found that people who were gluten-free had higher levels of arsenic, probably because they tend to eat a lot of rice. In addition, 'some people promote gluten-free diets as a way to reduce body weight, however, gluten-free foods may actually promote weight gain if you are not careful [because they are often packed with calories],' Palinski-Wade says. 'If you do opt for gluten-free foods, choose options made with whole grains to prevent a reduced fiber intake.' These 8 old wives' tales about food are actually true(ish) . Eating 'whole grain' or 'multigrain' Speaking of eating whole grains, one mistake you might be making at the grocery store is not reading the labels properly on breads and also foods made with them. 'If a product is just labeled whole grain or multigrain, there may be some whole grains in the food, but the entire food is not necessarily 100-percent whole grain,' Palinski-Wade says. According to the Cleveland Clinic , 100-percent whole grains can lower your risk of stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. Although it sounds healthy, 'multigrain' really just means a blend of grains, which can be refined or whole so that label doesn't really mean it's a healthy food. 'Look at the ingredient list to identify how much of the food is truly made from whole grains if a product is labeled 100-percent whole grain, then you know,' Palinski-Wade says. Drinking almond or other 'milks' Although there's nothing inherently wrong with alternative milks, they might not give you the nutrients you think you're getting. 'Almond milk is not a good source of protein it contains only two grams of protein per serving compared to eight grams in cow's milk,' Gandhi says. Although you think of nuts as high in protein, the 'milk' is mostly water, so the nutrients get lost. And be careful if you're replacing cow's milk for babies a study from France showed that this can result in nutritional deficiencies. The dairy industry has even launched a campaign to prevent almond and other plant-based milks from being called 'milk' so that consumers won't think they're nutritionally similar. But if you do choose to go with a plant-based milk, choose unsweetened. 'Check to make sure you aren't buying the sweetened version with added sugars or sweeteners,' Gandhi says. Find out the dairy myths and facts you need to know, Guzzling sports drinks Other beverages to be wary of include sports drinks, even post-workout. 'Sports drinks have carbs and sugars that are meant to replace carbohydrates lost during exercise, but in most cases, staying hydrated with water is adequate and these products aren't necessary,' Gandhi says. A report from the British Medical Journal (BMJ) found that evidence for the benefits of sports drinks is lacking. Unless you're an endurance athlete exercising intensely or for an extended period, you probably don't need the electrolytes (sodium and potassium) in the drinks. 'Reaching for sports drinks unnecessarily can lead to consuming excess calories, sugars, and in some cases chemicals from artificial sweeteners,' Gandhi says. Using agave or other 'natural' sweeteners We've just told you that sugar consumption is a huge nutritional problem that can affect your health, which might have you reaching for 'natural' sweeteners like agave. But they are often just as bad for you. 'Many of my patients are fooled into thinking alternative sweeteners are healthier than sugar because they are labeled 'natural,' however that is simply not the case,' Gandhi says. 'Agave, honey, and maple syrup still contain calories. Agave, for example, contains slightly more calories per teaspoon, 21, than sugar!' Studies have found that the levels of fructose in agave, honey, and other 'natural' sweeteners are not any safer for your health. Whatever sweetener you choose, the American Heart Association recommends no more than six teaspoons of sugar per day for women and nine for men as one of the most healthy food habits to follow. These are the 15 food myths that are making you gain weight. Only eating raw food You may have heard the theory that cooking vegetables destroys their nutrients, which Gandhi says isn't necessarily true. 'Cooking helps food to be more easily digested, plus it's safer and can prevent food-borne illness,' she says. 'One big drawback is that this [raw food] diet is difficult to maintain think eating out, eating as a guest in someone's home and may lead to nutrient deficiencies due to the restrictive nature.' Studies show that a raw-food diet is associated with being underweight and other negative health consequences. One study even asserted that the reason humans' brains evolved more than other primates' is because cooking food allowed our bodies to better absorb the nutrients necessary for brain growth. Cooking your veggies should be part of your food habits. Cutting out food groups or focusing on one particular food You might have tried the cabbage soup diet or the grapefruit diet but any 'health' plan that recommends you sticking to one particular food or food group is not going to benefit your well-being long-term. 'Any time you cut out an entire food group, you will be missing out on important nutrients that your body needs,' Gandhi says. 'Often times these diets are just a way of cutting calories overall. They work for a short amount of time, but ultimately feelings of deprivation can lead to overeating and regaining all of the lost weight, plus more.' Even food theories like avoiding white food are misguided, she says. 'The nutrition facts panel is more important than the color!' she says. 'Cauliflower, Greek yogurt, and eggs are just a few examples of white foods that are healthy.' The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics says to ditch diets that allow unlimited quantities of any one food, promote combining certain foods or at certain times of the day, limit food choices, or follow rigid meal plans. The best way to be healthy is by eating a well-rounded diet from all food groups. Don't miss the 21 food myths that are wildly untrue .


The Buccaneers are currently in salary cap hell , which is a place that forces NFL teams to do things they don't want to do. In this case, they just released their best player. Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy was the Bucs' first-round pick in the 2010 draft. Since then, he's been a wrecking ball up front for their defense. In 123 games, McCoy has collected 54.5 sacks, 140 quarterback hits and 79 tackles for a loss. Some of McCoy's best games have come against the Panthers. He's posted 42 of his combined tackles against Carolina, more than any other opponent. Despite everything he's done, Tampa just released McCoy, freeing themselves from a $13 million cap hit for 2019 and another $25 million plus the next two years. One guy who sounds glad about the news is Panthers guard Trai Turner. On Twitter, Turner said McCoy is a real life savage and offered real battles twice a year. Real battles twice a year!! Real life savage! https://t.co/56VpHvhxRn - Trai Turner (@trai_turner) May 20, 2019 Unless McCoy lands with another NFC South team, Turner and the other Carolina linemen won't have to deal with him nearly as often. That's reason enough to feel good about the move. Even with McCoy, Tampa hasn't had much luck against the Panthers, though. The Bucs have lost nine of the last 12 meetings . MORE: Browns players quickly start recruiting freshly cut DT Gerald McCoy Injury to Reuben Foster could help Chiefs, Redskins strike a deal Kevin Durant fired back on Twitter after Chris Broussard questioned his Warriors titles Magic Johnson confirms rumor that Lakers want to sign Kyrie Irving Should the Eagles inquire about DT Gerald McCoy if he's released by the Bucs?


We took a look at what the view is like for $100 seats at upcoming sporting events in all the major leagues in North America and a few other events. How much it costs to attend a sporting event can vary wildly depending on where you go and when. We took a look at what the view is like for $100 seats at upcoming sporting events, including all the major leagues in North America. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. The cost of attending a sporting event can vary wildly depending on the sport and the location, and recently, more teams have started using dynamic pricing which can alter the price based on the opponent or even the day of the week. To get a sense of how far the dollar goes at different events we looked at some upcoming sporting events in the U.S., including all the major sports leagues and some combat sports. We then found the best seats for $100 at each event and what the view looks like from that spot in the stadium or arena. Here's the list. Ticket prices are through each team's website and represents either standard tickets or verified resale tickets. Yankee Stadium   New York Yankees vs Boston Red Sox Date: Saturday, June 1, 2019 Price: $99 Seat Location: Sec. 331 Fenway Park   Boston Red Sox vs New York Yankees Date: Saturday, July 27, 2019 Price: $100 Seat Location: Right field box 8 Wrigley Field   Chicago Cubs vs St. Louis Cardinals Date: Sunday, June 9, 2019 Price: $99 Seat Location: Outfield bleachers Busch Stadium   St. Louis Cardinals vs Chicago Cubs Date: Sunday, June 2, 2019 Price: $99.90 Seat Location: Sec. 240 Marlins Park   Miami Marlins vs New York Mets Date: Saturday, May 18, 2019 Price: $95 Seat Location: Sec. 19 ROKiT Field at Dignity Health Sports Park   Los Angeles Chargers vs Indianapolis Colts Date: Sunday, September 8, 2019 Price: $100 Seat Location: Sec. 122 MetLife Stadium   New York Giants vs Minnesota Vikings Date: Sunday, October 6, 2019 Price: $115 (cheapest available) Seat Location: Sec. 305 TIAA Bank Field   Jacksonville Jaguars vs New Orleans Saints Date: Sunday, October 13, 2019 Price: $101 Seat Location: Sec. 203 Lincoln Financial Field   Philadelphia Eagles vs Baltimore Ravens (preseason) Date: Thursday, August 22, 2019 Price: $100 Seat Location: Sec. 121 Bryant-Denny Stadium   Alabama Crimson Tide vs Tennessee Volunteers Date: Saturday, October 19, 2019 Price: $95 Seat Location: Sec. FF Michigan Stadium   Michigan Wolverines vs Iowa Hawkeyes Date: Saturday, October 5, 2019 Price: $105 Seat Location: Sec. 20 Barclays Center in Brooklyn   Deontay Wilder vs Dominic Breazeale (WBC Heavyweight Title) Date: Saturday, May 18, 2019 Price: $99 Seat Location: Sec. 219 (ring will be in the middle of the floor) United Center in Chicago   UFC 238 (Henry Cejudo vs Marlon Moraes) Date: Saturday, June 8, 2019 Price: $100 Seat Location: Section 319 (ring will be in the center of the court) Pepsi Center in Denver   Denver Nuggets vs. Portland Trail Blazers (Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals, if necessary) Date: Sunday, May 12, 2019 Price: $94 Seat Location: Sec. 302 Toyota Center in Houston   Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors (Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals) Date: Friday, May 10, 2019 Price: $125 (cheapest ticket) Seat Location: Sec. 418 SAP Center at San Jose   San Jose Sharks vs St. Louis Blues (Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals) Date: Monday, May 13, 2019 Price: $111 Seat Location: Sec. 220 Orlando City Stadium in Orlando   Orlando City SC vs Atlanta United FC Date: Friday, August 23, 2019 Price: $99 Seat Location: Sec. 19 Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles   Los Angeles Football Club vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC Date: Saturday, July 6, 2019 Price: $101 Seat Location: Sec. 115 Bethpage Black Course in Old Bethpage, New York   2019 PGA Championship Date: Friday, May 17, 2019 Price: $110 Seat Location: General Admission Read more: WHERE ARE THEY NOW? The last 27 QBs taken in the first round of the NFL Draft and how this year's crop compares Here's Michael Jordan's 56,000-square-foot house in Chicago, and why it's still on the market after 6 years The 27 biggest NFL Draft busts of the last 15 years Tiger Woods staged one of the biggest sports comebacks ever at the Masters - here's how he spends his millions and lives his life off the course


Kawasaki World Superbike rider Leon Haslam has admitted he is suffering similar issues to his predecessor Tom Sykes this season with braking. After a promising start to his Kawasaki tenure at Phillip Island, where he scored two podiums, Haslam has consistently struggled to match teammate Jonathan Rea in the last four rounds. Following last weekend's Imola round, where Rea took his first wins of the year and Haslam came away with a fifth and a sixth, the reigning British Superbike champion lies fifth in the points, behind both factory Yamaha riders and more than 100 points adrift of Rea. Explaining the problems he has faced in detail, Haslam said he has been having trouble adapting his style of braking to the Kawasaki, and that the problem was particularly pronounced at Imola compared to previous circuits. He added his issues are "exactly the same" as the ones faced by Sykes, who left Kawasaki at the end of last season to join the new factory BMW effort. "I can't pass," said Haslam. "That's been my biggest issue throughout this year. Jonny is stopping the bike better than me, a bit earlier than me, to help the way the engine braking works. "The pace is good enough for the podium, but I can't get on the podium if I can't pass people. "For me it's a big learning curve, how to work with this bike and changing my riding style. At this track it's 90 percent of the corners [that require hard braking], other tracks it's 50/50. "If you look at the past four years at Tom, he had exactly the same problems, so it is a style. "I'm trying to change it, but I can't quite do it just yet. At some tracks it's not an issue, but this track with six heavy braking zones, it's an issue." More from Imola: Bautista: Imola first track to expose Ducati weaknesses Rea needed Imola wins to keep up motivation Davies "convinced" Imola the start of sustained turnaround Haslam said he wasn't unduly concerned by the disparity between himself and Rea, as he says the four-time champion has been able to mould the ZX-10RR around his specific needs over the course of the last four seasons. "He's been on the bike four years," said Haslam of his teammate. "It's taken four years for him to be that good. I'm getting frustrated because I'm not maximising my riding style on the bike, but I've had five rounds. He's had four years. "The rest of the situation, I'm quite happy with where we are. But we have a major thing I need to adapt to, or the bike needs to adapt to me. At the minute that's one issue we need to solve." Haslam was also asked about Puccetti Kawasaki rider Toprak Razgatlioglu's performances in Imola, as the Turkish rider finished third in the opening race of the weekend behind Rea and Alvaro Bautista, scoring his first podium of the season. Razgatiloglu has been linked to a factory Kawasaki ride as early as 2020, but Haslam, who is only on a one-year deal with KRT, insists he is not worried about the threat. "If he starts making podiums and beating me in the championship, then he deserves [the factory ride]," he said. "But for a one-off race where I have a problem, I'll carry on doing what I'm doing." Additional reporting by Lorenza d'Adderio Leon Haslam, Kawasaki Racing Team Photo by: Gold and Goose / LAT Images


MAMARONECK - A savvy business owner helped police arrest two suspects who ran away from Friday's car crash on Interstate 95. Anthony Paniccia, who owns Vincent Garage in Mamaroneck, was in his shop when he heard the accident. ORIGINAL STORY: Accident on I-95 cleared, occupants found in local diner "I ran to see what happened when I saw them running down the Exit 18 ramp. I already knew it was shady to be running away," Paniccia said. "I asked them if they were OK, and they said yes but they needed to go to the nearest hotel." Paniccia already had a plan. "I said, 'Listen, I got you. I'll get you there, and I won't tell anybody.' Meanwhile, I notified the Thruway Authority of where we were going," he said. Paniccia showed them where they could get something to eat and then watched them from the truck to make sure they didn't leave. That's when Mamaroneck police and state troopers converged on their location. Police questioned the man and woman, who were both ultimately arrested. The man was charged with driving with a suspended license, a misdemeanor. The woman was charged with two counts of possession of forged documents and possession of a skimmer device, which is used to steal data from the magnetic stripe on the back of an ATM card, all misdemeanors, as well as possession of marijuana, a violation. State police said the incident is still under investigation and more charges could be added. Twitter: @ChrisEberhart2 This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Business owner helps police arrest suspects who fled scene of crash


Citywide From an art exhibit to a craft cocktail tasting, there's plenty to enjoy in San Francisco this week. Read on for a rundown of ideas for how to fill your calendar. Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. Tilden Tuesday Art Exhibition From the event description: Pop-up art gallery by Leonardo Nino with live entertainment and complimentary small, elevated bar bites and beverages crafted by The Douglas Room, our signature restaurant and bar. When: Tuesday, Aug. 6, 5-8 p.m. Where: Tilden Hotel, 345 Taylor St. Admission: Free Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Gurjeet Singh: 'The Shape of Data and Things to Come' From the event description: We're pleased to welcome a mathematician, computer scientist and entrepreneur whose understanding of mathematical history enables a vision of the future. When: Tuesday, Aug. 6, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Where: The Interval at Long Now, Fort Mason Center, 2 Marina Blvd. Admission: $100 Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Odd Salon SF: 'Scheme' From the event description: Six storytellers bring strange-but-true tales of cunning cons and devious dodges, impossible intrigues, contrived controversies and serious skullduggery. When: Tuesday, Aug. 6, 6:30-10 p.m. Where: Public Works, 161 Erie St. Admission: $15 Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Ripe: Summer Cocktails of the Farmers Market From the event description: At this happy hour party, you'll bask in the sunshine of the iconic Ferry Building's Grand Hall while tasting impeccably crafted cocktails from 13 of Bay Area's most talented bartenders. Each drink, created for one night only, will feature the best the summer farmers market has to offer: tree-ripened peaches and plums, juicy heirloom tomatoes, berries bursting with flavor and much more. When: Wednesday, Aug. 7, 5:30-8 p.m. Where: San Francisco Ferry Building, One Ferry Building Admission: $55 (Party Pack); $65 (Last Minute) Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Parking in San Francisco can be tough, especially during popular events. To find free or cheap parking and to book parking in advance, see this map of San Francisco parking from SpotAngels. And to get there by public transportation, check BART or MUNI for nearby stations and schedules. This story was created automatically using local event data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


College football's best programs since 2010: Alabama, Clemson lead top 20 rankings Alabama and Clemson have dominated the last decade of college football, but there is still one year remaining in the 2010s for other programs to catch up. Sporting News ranked the top 20 college football programs since 2010 with a statistical formula that spans the BCS and College Football Playoff eras. MORE: Sporting News' post-spring top 25 for 2019 Here are the categories we used to determine those programs: National championships: 10 points each National title game appearances: 5 points each College Football Playoff appearances: 5 points each New Year's Day Six/BCS bowl appearances: 3 points each Heisman Trophy winners: 2 points each That's not all: Overall winning percentage, All-Americans and NFL Draft picks first-round picks were awarded with a poll style 15-1 score. Ties were broken by the team with the higher ranking heading into this season :. With that in mind, here are the 20 best college football programs since 2010: USC Score: 12.5 Why they're here: The Trojans still made the cut despite the fact their third head coach this decade is on the hot seat. Lane Kiffin, Steve Sarkisian and Clay Helton have tried to manage expectations at a program that still produces enough NFL talent to win big. USC did make the Rose Bowl and Cotton Bowl in 2016 and '17, respectively, but has six seasons with four losses or more. Michigan Points: 12.5 Why they're here: Michigan was 38-26 in the five seasons this decade before Jim Harbaugh arrived, and is 38-14 since. That's progress, provided they do not finish 0-12 this season. Harbaugh has put the program back on a Lloyd Carr-like level. The Wolverines, however, still must beat Ohio State and win their first Big Ten championship since 2004. That could create real momentum for the next decade. Boise State Score: 14 Why they're here: The Broncos have been the model Group of 5 program, and that includes seven seasons with 10 or more wins this decade. Boise State has more competition from other Group of 5 busters now, but Bryan Harsin has kept the program in the New Year's Day conversation every season. Washington Score: 14 Why they're here: Chris Petersen has led the Huskies to a College Football Playoff berth and two New Year's Day Six bowls since his arrival in 2014. Washington has emerged as the team to beat in the Pac-12, but they lost all three games on that big stage to Alabama, Ohio State and Penn State. That's the next step Washington needs to take, not just for its program, but for the entire Pac-12. Oklahoma State Score: 14.5 Why they're here: The Cowboys remain a consistent winner under longtime coach Mike Gundy, and six seasons with double-digit wins this decade provide the proof. Oklahoma State is 2-7 against rival Oklahoma in that stretch, however, and Texas is coming up fast under Tom Herman. There are challenges moving into the 2020s. Texas A&M Score: 15 Why they're here: The Aggies ' ranking is skewed a little by the fact they have produced the third-most All-Americans this decade, with Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel the program's most recognizable player. Texas A&M has increased the program profile with the move to the SEC, however, and Jimbo Fisher should keep that going. This program has the talent. Now, the results must follow. Michigan State Score: 17 Why they're here: Mark Dantonio built a stable Big Ten contender that won three conference championships this decade. That reached its peak with a College Football Playoff appearance in 2015. The Spartans are just 20-18 the last three seasons, however, and whether they admit it or not their in-state rival Michigan has leveled the playing field in that rivalry. It's a big year for the Spartans in the Big Ten East. Florida Score: 19 Why they're here: The decade featured the end of the Urban Meyer era and seven up-and-down seasons with Will Muschamp and Jim McElwain. Dan Mullen enjoyed a 10-win season to start his tenure in Gainesville, and the Gators will expect to move up this list fast. Can they close the gap with Georgia and take aim at Alabama next? Georgia Score: 26.5 Why they're here: Georgia's winning percentage dipped a little at the end of the Mark Richt era, but Kirby Smart has made the transition and inched the Bulldogs closer to ending a national championship drought that extends back to 1980. Expect the Bulldogs to be in the top 10 in All-Americans and NFL Draft picks in the 2020s, but that slight drop-off keeps them out of this top 10   for now. Notre Dame Points: 26.5 Why they're here: Notre Dame has an appearance in both a BCS championship and a Playoff semifinal under Brian Kelly, part of two undefeated regular seasons. The rest of the decade has been hit or miss for the Irish. Kelly does an excellent job of developing NFL talent, especially on the offensive line, but this program's national championship drought is now more than 30 seasons. Wisconsin Points: 32.5 Why they're here: The Badgers rank in the top 10 in winning percentage and have produced more All-Americans than any other Big Ten program this decade as part of their never-ending Running Back U assembly line. Paul Chryst has continued that no-nonsense approach in the Big Ten West, and Wisconsin will be in the hunt this season with Heisman Trophy contender Jonathan Taylor. Auburn Points: 34 Why they're here: The Tigers won the national championship with Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton in 2010, and they are the worst-ranked national title team on this list. The fact they are ranked here speaks to the up-and-down nature of the program. Auburn has won two SEC West championships since 2010, but they have also lost five or more games in six seasons. That is why there is pressure on Gus Malzahn heading into the next decade. Oregon Points: 35.5 Why they're here: Chip Kelly and Mark Helfrich took the Ducks to the BCS and Playoff national championship games in 2010 and 2014, respectively, but Oregon is just 29-22 the last four seasons under three different coaches. Mario Cristobal appears to have the program back on solid footing with quarterback Justin Herbert heading into this season, but the Ducks have to prove it all over again. Stanford Points: 40.5 Why they're here: David Shaw picked up where Jim Harbaugh left off after a 12-1 season in 2010, and the Cardinal have won at least nine games in all but one season since. Christian McCaffrey and Bryce Love picked up where Toby Gerhart ended the previous decade. The Cardinal are a steady Pac-12 contender with the sixth-best winning percentage since 2010, but a Playoff breakthrough continues to elude the program. That will get tougher in the Pac-12. LSU Points: 44.5 Why they're here: There is a gap after the top five, and the Tigers are here because their program has produced the second-most NFL picks and ranks. LSU also ranks in the top five in All-Americans produced. Of course, it has the seventh-best winning percentage in that stretch. Ed Orgeron re-centered the program last year with a 10-win season, but Alabama remains the roadblock to something more. Oklahoma Points: 68.5 Why they're here: The Sooners just missed out of the top four, but they are the best program without a national championship this decade. Oklahoma has made three CFP appearances, and Lincoln Riley made the transition from Bob Stoops with back-to-back Heisman winners in Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray. Those quarterbacks went on to be No. 1 picks. What does the future hold for Alabama transfer Jalen Hurts? Florida State Score: 69 Why they're here: When the College Football Playoff era started, FSU would have been No. 2 on this list. The Seminoles have produced 12 All-Americans this decade, and Jimbo Fisher had a powerhouse that was good enough to put together the decade's longest win streak at 29 games with Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston. It's on Willie Taggart to bring that back   or this program could slip out of the top five. Ohio State Points: 78.5 Why they're here: There is a gap between Alabama, Clemson and everybody else, but the Buckeyes remain the most consistent program behind the Tide and Tigers. Urban Meyer elevated the program with a national championship run in 2014, and they have the second-best winning percentage and fourth-most NFL Draft picks. Ryan Day now has the keys of a national championship contender. Clemson Points: 105.5 Why they're here: The Tigers have trailed Ohio State and Florida State on this list until now. Dabo Swinney has brought the big-game mentality to Clemson, leading the Tigers to national championship runs in 2016 and '18. The Tigers will be in position for more with quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Case in point: The Tigers have beat all the other top-five schools on this list this decade. Alabama Points: 166 Why they're here: Nick Saban won his first national championship at Alabama with in 2009, and the Crimson Tide tacked on four more this decade. They've reached the College Football Playoff all five times and have played for the national championship in six of nine seasons this decade. If not for the Kick Six, it would have been seven. Alabama also leads in winning percentage, draft picks and All-Americans. It is the complete program. Related slideshow: Early Top 25 college football teams for 2019 (Provided by USA Today Sports)


Safety Blake Countess is back with his initial NFL team. Countess was waived by the Rams on Thursday and Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that the Eagles claimed him on Friday. Countess entered the league as an Eagles sixth-round pick in 2016. Countess appeared in every game for the Rams over the last two seasons and saw the majority of his time on special teams. He has 54 tackles, a sack and two interceptions over the course of his career and also returned 17 kickoffs for 419 yards last season. He's the second safety to join the Eagles on waivers this week. Godwin Igwebuike is the other and the two newcomers join a safety group in Philly that includes Malcolm Jenkins , Rodney McLeod , Andrew Sendejo and Avonte Maddox .


Long a vacation hotspot for Japanese travelers looking for a little sand and surf, subtropical Okinawa is finally getting its turn in the spotlight, thanks to more and more flights from the mainland. It feels distinctly different than the urban vibes of Tokyo , Kyoto, and Osaka: In large part, this is because Okinawa existed for centuries as part of its own kingdom, giving the island its own distinct culture, dialect, and cuisine. (It didn't become part of Japan until 1879.) Another reason it feels different is because it's more reminiscent of a place like Hawaii than the aforementioned tech-forward metropolises: as part of Japan's southernmost prefecture (also called Okinawa), Okinawa island has vibrant coral reefs, lush rainforests, beaches galore , and average annual temperatures that rarely dip below 58 degrees Fahrenheit. Its citizens thanks to some combination of diet, sun, and lifestyle live the longest in the world. Since World War II, Okinawa has also had a strong U.S. military presence, which continues to be controversial. As the daughter of two teachers who taught on base, I grew up on Okinawa, and have spent countless hours driving the island, north to south, east to west, and all around. But one of my favorite drives is on the island's portion of Route 58, which runs from the capital of Naha to the northernmost point of Okinawa proper. I took my husband to Okinawa for the first time last year, and we spent a few days winding along the coast, stopping at waterfalls, and seeing centuries-old ruins. Here's how we did it. The trip: Three days, 70 miles on Route 58 (plus some detours) Japan's National Route 58 actually spans several disconnected island chains, from Kagoshima in the Kagoshima Prefecture to Naha in the Okinawa Prefecture. This road trip focuses on the highway's "fourth" segment, in Okinawa. To get to Naha, your starting point, take a three-hour flight from Tokyo's Haneda Airport . When to go There's sunshine and manageable heat if you visit in spring (early March to early May) or autumn (October and November). The prefecture gets rainier in May and June, and typhoons are frequent in July and August. What to drive The smaller the car, the better, as some of Okinawa's roads off of the highway are narrow with a bevy of blind spots. Pick up a car from Times Car Rental in Naha, which has a free shuttle from the airport. Day 1 Okinawa has a cuisine all its own, and there's no better place to try it than at Makishi Public Market off of Kokusai Dori, Naha's main artery. Browse regional specialties including goya (bitter melon), shikuwasa (a citrus fruit), and purple sweet potatoes and for breakfast, choose some seafood and have it cooked on the market's second floor for around $5. If caffeine instead of tempura is more your morning speed, my Naha go-to is The Coffee Stand, which is housed in an old shipping container nearby and serves some of the island's best espresso and pour-overs. Next up is Shuri Castle , which was the former palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom during the 14th century and almost completely destroyed during the 1945 Battle of Okinawa. It's since been reconstructed based on photographs and historical records, and reflects the island's varied influences: the castle was built using Ryukyuan limestone, and has red lacquer and architectural elements reminiscent of China's Forbidden City. Once done wandering the grounds, do as we did and head 10 minutes north up winding hills for lunch at Shimujo, which serves steaming bowls of Okinawan soba with slow-cooked pork in an old home designated National Tangible Cultural Property by the government. (Get there by 11:30 a.m., lest they sell out, which has been my experience far too many times.) Okinawa is known for its unglazed Tsuboya pottery, made using soil in a wood-fired kiln. One of my favorite places to see it being made is Yachimun no Sato, or Yomitan Pottery Village, home to more than 40 artisans. There's an expansive parking lot at the beginning of the complex, and shops and studios are connected by a path best explored on foot. Potters display their wares on tables in front of their homes, but anyone can wander back to their studios and see them in action. Items, including bowls and curly-maned shisa , which resemble a cross between a dog and a lion and are seen virtually everywhere on Okinawa, start at $5 and run into the hundreds. For dinner, it's worth forgoing 58 and heading east for taco rice, a popular Okinawan dish that is pretty much what it sounds like: taco meat, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes over a bed of rice. My pick for dinner is King Tacos in Kin, which claims to have invented the dish. (Even Anthony Bourdain, who featured the island on Parts Unknown in 2015 , was a fan, characterizing it as an "unholy, greasy, starchy, probably really unhealthy delight, a booze-mop-turned-classic.") The only real option after a plate of taco rice is to collapse into bed. Stay on the west side at Guesthouse Tama , which is conveniently located next to Nagahama Seika, a factory that makes traditional chinsuko (Okinawan salt cookies). Day 2 To start the day, I'm partial to breakfast to-go from Bakery Otonariya, which has friendly staff and an incredible selection of French and Japanese baked goods, like a walnut and chocolate loaf with Okinawan orange, and flaky pastries with blueberries and custard. Take a picnic to nearby Maeda Flats, one of the best beaches for exploring tidepools when the water is low. Dust off the sand (and crumbs) and head to Cape Manzamo, which comprises a grassy plain overlooking the East China Sea and is known for its offshore rock formations including one that resembles an elephant snout. Continue heading north, and turn off at the Motobu Peninsula, where the move is to wind around the island on road 449 and head uphill once you see signs for Kajinho , or Pizza in the Sky. The cash-only pizza restaurant has become increasingly popular in recent years, so you can expect a wait, but we promise it will be worth it: the pizza crust is made with local spring water and topped with corn, and is served in a traditional Okinawan house overlooking the surrounding sea and countryside. Peeling yourself away from pizza is tough, but hey, whale sharks await: Continue the drive around Motobu until you hit Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium , which highlights the region's rich marine life and was once the largest aquarium in the world (it was surpassed in 2005 by the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta). The aquarium is known for its work with whale sharks, and it's hard not to be humbled standing in front of the 26-foot-tall, 74-foot-wide Kuroshio Sea Tank, where several 28-foot gentle giants glide by. Five miles east of the aquarium, amid lush forests, stands the UNESCO-listed Nakijin Castle, but if you're short on time (or just hungry again), head straight for dinner. At Usi no Ibukuro, red meat is what's on the menu. Similar to Kobe (but a lot less well-known and rarer), Okinawan beef has lots of marbling; sample premium cuts as well as pieces of the heart, tongue, second stomach, and small intestine, all grilled yakiniku -style right in front of you. (Orion beer on draft helps things go down even smoother.) Small, clean Tinto Tinto hotel has Japanese- and Western-style rooms overlooking the water; depending on your booking, breakfast may be included. Day 3 In the morning, head toward Yagaji Island and then over the Kouri Bridge: the longest toll-free bridge in Japan, it's more than 6,000 feet long and has spectacular views of the blue-green sea all around it. (The conical Kouri Ocean Tower has even better views from up high, if you're into that sort of thing.) Kouri is known for its beaches, and one of the most popular is at the base of the bridge; other sandy go-tos include Chigunu Beach and Tinu Beach, which has two heart-shaped rocks offshore. Back over the bridge on Okinawa proper, continue north to the village of Ogimi, which is considered the island's "village of longevity" (its residents live the longest in the world ). There isn't much to see in Ogimi it's primarily full of small homes but lunch at restaurant Eminomise , which serves a "longevity" tasting menu with purple sweet potatoes, shikuwasa, azuki (Japanese red beans), and bitter melon with tofu, is worth the stop. Reservations are required, and can be made by emailing the restaurant a day before. Having added a few years to your life, travel north on 58 and turn inland to Hiji Falls. You'll have to hike about 40 minutes through dense jungle to reach the waterfall which, at around 80 feet, is the tallest on Okinawa but the good news is that much of the trail has been covered with stairs and walkways in recent years, making it much more accessible. (The bad news: Though I used to swing into the base of the waterfall during high school, swimming here has since been outlawed because of risk.) The next stretch of 58 is the most picturesque, with the road curling along the island's western coast until it comes to an end. Cape Hedo is the island's northernmost point, and it's here that the East China Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet. It's dramatic, to say the least: waves crash into cliffs, and fishermen sit on rock ledges to dangle their lines into the foaming sea below. Take in the view and snap a few photos, then sit for the sunset  even those are better here. Come nightfall, turn around and head back to Naha: without stopping, the drive will take you just two hours.


The best long weekend trips for every personality. Memorial Day might just be the best holiday weekend on the calendar; after all, it ushers in the summer season. Whether you're keen to hop on a flight to a far-flung destination or prefer a breezy road trip, there are weekend getaways for dwellers on each coast . From picture-perfect preppy beach towns to a mountain-ringed spa retreat-even luxury glamping-here are the sweetest spots to catch the first rays of sun. If You Want a Relaxing-Yet-Glamorous Getaway: Surfside, Florida READ REVIEWS Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club Surfside, Miami's "uptown beachtown," has remained relatively under-the-radar compared to some of South Florida's buzzier enclaves-and that's exactly what makes it so appealing. Back in the '30s, Hollywood elite like Elizabeth Taylor and Frank Sinatra flocked here for The Surf Club, a membership-only hangout that was recently brought back to life-in hotel form-by the Four Seasons. It's an ideal Memorial Day weekend escape, whether you're looking to relax by the pool, indulge in a few fantastic meals (try Makoto for mind-blowingly delicious Japanese fare), or go shopping in nearby Bal Harbour, an area that's renowned for its luxury retail offerings. The Four Seasons Surf Club is worth making the trip for alone-with just 77 rooms and a glamorous Art Deco vibe, the resort truly transports you back in time. Plus, the property is currently offering a Stay Longer Fourth Night Free package, which makes booking for the holiday weekend a no-brainer. If You Want a Preppy Beach Town: Nantucket, Massachusetts READ REVIEWS 76 Main Nothing evokes New England charm more than Nantucket. The Shingle style homes and stretch of natural beaches has one reaching for their lobster shorts and Sperrys come May. The ideal weekend is spent beaching, golfing, and perusing the boutiques-all of which can be done with ease on a cruiser bike. Check in at the 76 Main property, which boasts a Vineyard Vines Suite that fulfills all your beach-chic nautical dreams, and pass the rosé. If You Love the Caribbean: Ocho Rios, Jamaica READ REVIEWS The Jamaica Inn The best part about a Caribbean weekend: In just a few hours' time, an airplane can plop you onto the most beautiful beaches in the world. Spend the weekend exploring waterfalls, local markets, and splashing in the sea. The Jamaica Inn -a luxury colonial resort that's played host to Marilyn Monroe and Katharine Hepburn-is the ideal spot for that old-school luxury scene. Opt for a cottage, where beds are dressed in mosquito netting, and feature a private pool and ocean access. Evenings call for cocktail hour, where tuxedo-clad gentlemen serve up martinis to moneyed families in tony beach attire. If You Prefer to Play Francophile: Provence, France READ REVIEWS Baumanière Les Baux de Provence For the real-deal wine weekend, a trip to Provence ticks all the boxes. Skip the tourist-choked region of Marseille and opt to taste from the small group of winemakers in Les Baux-de-Provence village, producing magnificent red, rosé, and white wines. The almost-hidden Relais & Châteaux property, Baumanière Les Baux de Provence , is nestled among craggy rocks and lush olive groves. Comprised of five buildings, including an 18-century manor, the estate includes a Michelin-star restaurant, spa, three outdoor pools, and a tennis court. If You Crave Southern Charm: Charleston, South Carolina READ REVIEWS 86 Cannon This Southern city is about as perfectly posh as they come. From the colorful row homes to top-notch food scene (hello, Husk and mile-high coconut cake !), it s no wonder that so many visitors crush hard on this Lowcountry locale. The 86 Cannon , a luxury boutique property, was constructed in the early Civil War-era, and now serves as a three-story home with five guest rooms designed by Betsy Berry of B. Berry Interiors . Guests can buzz around on the hotel s bicycles and ride back in time for the nightly wine and cheese service. If You Want Instagrammable Vacation Pics: Palm Beach, Florida READ REVIEWS The Brazilian Court Home to billionaires and Mar-a-Lago , the retro Florida throwback town is also heavy on the charm factor. Case in point: it's here that you'll find the largest croquet complex in the world. This Memorial Day weekend, The Brazilian Court Hotel is playing host to a Lilly Pulitzer package (from April 1 to September 30) that includes a studio suite, breakfast, beach picnic, and Lilly-inspired Martone Bicycles. Pack your most colorful shift and off you go. If You Want Something Über-Luxurious: Napa Valley, California READ REVIEWS Auberge du Soleil Napa is a no-brainer for good reason: Michelin-starred restaurants, rolling hills, perfectly warm weather, and-of course-the wine. The ideal Memorial Weekend getaway would begin in a cheeky convertible, used to drive from SFO to Napa, and then serve as a fitting accessory for touring the wineries, such as Robert Sinskey and Sciandri Family Vineyards . Post up at the ever-so-enchanting Auberge du Soleil, where each room comes equipped with a soaking tub, fireplace, and private terrace, all set among 33-acres of intoxicating olive groves. If You Want a Spa Getaway: Sedona, Arizona READ REVIEWS Mii Amo READ REVIEWS Enchantment Resort Sedona, with its crimson buttes set against bright blue skies (a backdrop for the most breathtaking of sunsets), is as magical as it sounds. Visitors flock for the art and hiking, but it's a spa city at heart, and ideal for a respite-seeking getaway. Hike the Oak Creek Canyon and Chimney Rock, then retreat to Mii Amo , a destination spa comprised of 16 rose-hued casitas. Indulge in Native American-inspired therapies as well as new-agey but luxurious treatments like a rain dance, Pinon body scrub, and energy clearing. If they're booked, try its sister hotel, Enchantment Resort. And fret not, the neighboring properties share a spa. If You're Craving the Sand Between Your Toes: Waikiki, Hawaii READ REVIEWS The Royal Hawaiian A Hawaiian getaway is a surprisingly zippy trip from the West Coast-and worth every minute in the air. Waikiki, long known for its surfer-chic vibe, is best experienced at The Royal Hawaiian , a historic hotel with a punchy pink façade that's been nicknamed "The Pink Palace of the Pacific." The hallways are bedecked with pineapple-print wallpaper and rooms filled with bamboo furnishings; it's easy to see why an opening episode of Mad Men was filmed here. Tack on the views and envision a serious Mai Tai-sipping session on your lanai. If You're Into That Ranch Life: Western Montana READ REVIEWS The Resort at Paws Up "I'm in love with Montana. For other states I have admiration, respect, recognition, even some affection. But with Montana it is love. And it's difficult to analyze love when you're in it," said John Steinbeck. Picture this: a colorful poncho, buttery-soft boots, and a look that's crowned with the perfect Western hat. It's the ensemble for your weekend at The Resort at Paws Up in Greenough: a luxury ranch that invented that whole glamping phenomenon. If You're Into Camping: The Adirondacks READ REVIEWS The Point at Saranac Lake Head up to a woodland retreat that was built during the golden age of Great Camps by the Rockefellers. Situated on the peaceful wooded shore of Upper Saranac Lake, you find the perfect blend of rustic simplicity and luxury at The Point. Bonus: if you love tennis, horseback riding, and golf, you can get your leisure activities on between gourmet picnics and boating on the lake. If You Love to Hit the Tennis Courts: San Diego READ REVIEWS Rancho Valencia in Sand Diego If you fancy yourself a pro with a tennis racquet, there's no better place to kick off the peak season for the sport than at Rancho Valencia in sunny San Diego. Aside from the immaculate tennis courts on the property, you'll also find an indoor and outdoor pool, a spa, a yoga pavilion, a croquet lawn, and a bocce ball court-the perfect place to kick off all of your summer games.


The NFL continues to be the most-watched sport on TV. So far, NFL games have dominated the airwaves in 2019. This time, it's a little different for the Kansas City Chiefs. They had the NFL's MVP, Patrick Mahomes, taking the league by storm. They had one of the most productive offenses the NFL has ever seen. Every time they came on the TV, it yielded a must-see moment, and not just for Chiefs fans. When the team made it to the biggest stage in the NFL's postseason, TV viewers were paying attention to it. Both the divisional round against the Colts and the AFC championship against the Patriots made it into the top 10 most-watched sports broadcasts in 2019, so far, according to SportsMediaWatch . The Top 10 most-watched sporting events of 2019 (so far) https://t.co/YYm9pluugr pic.twitter.com/saFuQRcqNn - Aaron Nagler (@AaronNagler) July 15, 2019 In 2018, the Chiefs didn't have a game that made it into the 25 most-watched broadcasts. At the halfway point of 2019, they've earned two shares of the 10 most-watched sporting events. The AFC title match came in at at No. 2 spot with 53.9 million viewers and the divisional round came in at No. 9 with 29.1 million viewers. The only non-NFL game that came close to cracking the top 10 most-watched was the the college football national championship game between Clemson and Alabama. They were a mere 100,000 views off from tying the Chargers vs. Ravens divisional playoff game for the No. 10 spot. The NFL isn't going anywhere folks, and it feels like this is only the beginning for this Chiefs team. They're primed for many years of success and exciting offensive play with Patrick Mahomes as their quarterback. With that should come an increase in TV viewership. MORE: Poker player argues over dealer chip counting error during crucial all-in hand at WSOP Main Event Future looks bright for the Steelers according to ESPN Colts ranked No. 1 in NFL future power rankings Roundup: Lindsey Graham's Comment; Lunar Moon; NASA Sets Sights on Mars; Austin Butler Trysten Hill may be crowning point on Cowboys star-studded defense


A shock report from France claims that Chelsea defender David Luiz is attempting to force a move to Premier League rivals Arsenal, who are 'keen' on the centre back, ahead of the 5pm deadline on Thursday evening. Luiz is currently in his second spell with the Blues, having initially joined from Benfica in 2011 before moving to France with Paris Saint-Germain, and eventually returning to west London ahead of the 2016/17 campaign. Breaking | L'Équipe report that Chelsea defender David Luiz is seeking to force a move to Arsenal. More follows.   Get French Football News (@GFFN) August 7, 2019 In a surprise update, major French outlet L'Equipe via ( GFFN ) state that the Brazilian is hell-bent on moving north of the capital and is seeking to 'force' a move to Arsenal . While the Gunners' defensive woes are clear as day, the news of interest in Luiz has come straight out of the blue (no pun intended) and would spark a huge change in direction from Unai Emery's side who were keen to land Dayot Upamencano - a player 12 years his junior. However, it doesn't stop there. L'Equipe also mention that the 32-year-old skipped Chelsea training in an effort to heighten his chances of moving, with contact having already been made by both parties. It is worth mentioning that this is the same outlet that stated just a few days ago that Philippe Coutinho's rumoured loan move to Arsenal was a 'done deal', only for such suggestions to fall flat on their face when Emery himself dismissed the claims. However, UK reports including the Telegraph have since backed up L'Equipe's claims about Luiz refusing to train in order to force a move. Furthermore, Arsenal transfer guru David Ornstein confirmed the Gunners' interest in Luiz, stating that centre back in one of the club's options and they're 'keen' on a deal. Chelsea's stance on the matter may prove unwavering, with the club currently under a transfer embargo meaning they would not be able to register any replacements ahead of the deadline. David Luiz is among options Arsenal working on for centre-back - delicate but not for 1st time (see 31/01/18) #AFC keen. Kieran Tierney remains a target, Eddie Nketiah still deciding but likely Leeds, Alex Iwobi will happen IF Everton make suitable offer #EFC #LUFC #CFC #CelticFC   David Ornstein (@bbcsport_david) August 7, 2019 A curious side-note in this development is that Luiz, like Coutinho, is represented by 'super-agent' Kia Joorabchian, who is an Arsenal fan and was reportedly involved in bringing Arsenal's new technical director Edu to the Emirates Stadium.


PARIS   If only it were so easy as winning a few games or making a deep run. The World Cup kicks off Friday, and the burden on France is perhaps heavier than it's been for any host since 1999. It is not just that a title could have a transformative impact on women's soccer in France, which still stands deep in the shadow of the men's game. Or that the country already holds one World Cup trophy from the men's victory last summer and very much wants another, a feat no country has accomplished. Or even that the beleaguered nation could use a psychological boost after the tumultuous yellow-vest protests and the horrifying blaze that nearly destroyed Notre Dame. It is that it is all of that. "If we get the results, of course it will be only a positive thing for women's soccer in France," coach Corinne Diacre said Thursday. "But for us, the main goal is to have the results on the field and to be focused on our performance on the pitch." In other words, tune out the noise and the heady expectations. If that's possible. France would be considered a favorite no matter where the World Cup was being played. Though it has never advanced beyond the semifinals of a major tournament   at the 2011 World Cup and the 2012 Olympics   it enters the World Cup in the best form of any team. It has lost only one game since March 2018, and its first game this year was a 3-1 drubbing of the top-ranked Americans. Captain Amandine Henry was the second-best player in the 2015 tournament, and most of the players on its current roster play for Olympique Lyonnais, the world's most dominant club team. Couple that with France's history when it hosts major tournaments   Les Bleus won the men's World Cup in 1998 and the 1984 European championship, and was runner-up at Euro 2016   and it is easy to see why so many people believe this is Les Bleues' year. But maintaining focus will get harder and harder as the victories pile up. 'WONT FAKE IT': U.S. women's soccer star Megan Rapinoe won't White House offer Women's soccer is often an afterthought in France   if it's thought of at all. Women were prohibited from playing for a good portion of the 20th Century, and it wasn't until 2003 that it qualified for a World Cup or the Olympics. Even Thursday, there were ads in subway tunnels for the men's team's upcoming European qualifiers and scant evidence the women are playing in the World Cup. But there are signs that success can change that. TF1, which is France's most popular network and has long broadcast the men's team's matches, has the rights for the World Cup and is using its top talent for the tournament. French president Emmanuel Macron visited the women's training camp earlier in the week to wish the team well. As if to remind the players what is at stake, he awarded members of the World Cup-winning men's team the prestigious Legion of Honor later that same day. "We have the expectations of others," Diacre acknowledged. "Yes, we've got the (French federation), we've got different stakeholders, we've got the president of the French Republic. But that's not my problem. We've got other fish to fry. We need to think about winning games and winning the World Cup." It is not lost on Diacre or her players how significant a World Cup title could be. When the men won, both in 1998 and last year, it set off raucous celebrations throughout the country. French children are more likely to be able to name the players on those rosters than the country's presidents. Best of all, the diversity of those World Cup-champion teams was seen as France at its aspirational best, the color of a player's skin made irrelevant by the red, white and blue of his shirt. "Obviously I'm from the 1998 generation, so I have great examples of players," Henry said when asked who her role models were growing up. "Zinedine Zidane was someone I admired a lot. He was the player from the World Cup in 1998. But also, all of the players from the 1998 team. "They made us all dream in France," she added. "We want to go through the same emotions." There's no doubt France could use it. The country, and Paris in particular, have been roiled for much of the last year by protests over growing economic inequity. Even the national unity that occurred after Notre Dame's iconic roof and spire went up in flames didn't last. When France's richest citizens poured money into a restoration fund, they were criticized for their selective generosity. But asking one team to fix all these things, be all these things, it feels like too much. The hype, the expectations, the obligation   it's too big a burden to carry, even if it is spread across the shoulders of 23 players. Follow USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armour on Twitter @nrarmour . This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Opinion: Is too much being asked for France as it hosts World Cup?


Per DraftExpress' Jonathan Givony, the Boston Celtics are considering trading up to the 4th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft in order to select former Vanderbilt guard Darius Garland. Darius Garland will conduct a last-minute workout in Tarrytown with the New York Knicks tomorrow, a source told ESPN. Garland is in serious consideration for the No. 3 pick. Minnesota, Boston, Chicago are teams looking at potentially trading up to No. 4 with Garland in mind. - Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 18, 2019 Garland only played five games for the Commodores due to a meniscus injury he sustained in November . He left the program after averaging 16.2 points per game on 53.7 percent shooting from the field and 47.8 percent from three in those contests but, despite the small sample size, his game has been compared to two-time MVP Stephen Curry. Garland is a dangerous player with the ball in his hands because as the video notes, he's quick, shifty, has the ball on a string and is an impressive shooter from beyond the arc. His in-between game could use some work as could his shot-selection but he's so efficient it's easy to understand why he has the confidence he's displayed. As a facilitator, Garland's 2.6 assists per game were far from impressive but he's a flashy playmaker who makes solid reads and has displayed nice touch on his passes in the pick-and-roll. Defensively, Garland may not be a special player because of his slight frame but he has a 6-foot-5 wingspan and that will aid him if he's asked to guard players off-ball. With Kyrie Irving likely headed to Brooklyn to continue his basketball career, the Celtics are clearly looking for players that can become or are stars. At the next level, Garland projects to be a dynamic offensive star with a little work in his game inside of the arc and as he gains experience running an NBA offense. It's unclear what Boston would have to surrender to the New Orleans Pelicans to be able to draft Garland but it's more than likely that the first-round pick Boston is owed from the Memphis Grizzlies will be involved. That pick - which they received for trading Jeff Green to the Grizzlies in a three-team deal in 2015 - is protected (top-6) in 2020 but if not conveyed to the Celtics (or Pelicans) by then, it'll become an unprotected pick in 2021. MORE: NBA fans honored Drake's 'make a meme out of this' request, and the results are hilarious Four Most Overrated NBA Free Agents NBA Free Agency 2019: The top players Report indicates Matthew Stafford played with a broken back in 2018 Javon Wims worked with starters during Bears offseason practices


AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) -- It isn't easy to win an NBA game after getting outscored 36-14 in the second quarter and trailing by 19 points in the third. Doing that without the best player on the team and with two veterans playing out of position is nearly impossible. Detroit not only did all that Saturday night, it won going away. The Pistons, using Joel Anthony and Tayshaun Prince at power forward, outscored Chicago 54-19 in the final 19 minutes of a 107-91 victory. "That was just a tremendous victory, and it only happened because we got contributions from so many players," coach Stan Van Gundy said. "Everyone who played tonight played a big part in that win." On paper, the stars of the comeback were point guards Reggie Jackson and Spencer Dinwiddie, who combined for 27 points and 13 assists in the second half. Jackson had 17 points and seven assists in the third, starting Detroit's comeback, and Dinwiddie finished it off with 10 points and six assists in the fourth. BOX SCORE: PISTONS 107, BULLS 91 "My teammates made it easy for me," Jackson said. "They did a great job on defense, we got some stops and I was able to get out in transition. All the big guys were setting screens and that let me attack downhill." What made the rally possible, though, was the defensive effort by Anthony and Prince. With Greg Monroe (knee) and Shawne Williams (illness) unavailable and Anthony Tolliver in foul trouble, Van Gundy didn't have a power forward to put on the floor. He started out with Anthony playing next to Andre Drummond -- a combination that was made up on the fly. "Those two have not only never played together before, they've never even practiced together," Van Gundy said. "We just gave it a try and they made it work." When Drummond needed a rest, Anthony moved back to center and Prince came in at power forward. That combination had been completely ineffective in the lopsided second quarter, but Prince had two steals and nine rebounds in the fourth. "Guys like Joel and Tayshaun have been around for a long time, and they know how to adjust when their teams need it," Kentavious Caldwell-Pope said. "That was huge for us." It also helped that Chicago's offense disappeared in the second half. Pau Gasol had 17 second-half points on 5-of-8 shooting, but his teammates managed only 18 while going 7 for 30. "That was just a lot of sloppy play down the stretch," Joakim Noah said. "We were tired, and when you are tired, you have to play smart. We didn't do that. That's a game we should have had, and we let it slip away." Gasol finished with 27 points and 10 rebounds. Aaron Brooks scored 15 of his 19 in the first half. "We were 19 with about six minutes left in the third, and they went on a run and we couldn't stop it," Chicago coach Tom Thibodeau said. "The game isn't over if you start giving them easy scores and don't get back on defense. You have to keep playing, and we didn't." The Pistons led 30-20 after the first quarter, but with Prince in his first stint at power forward, the Bulls went on a 26-6 run to start the second period. Detroit missed 13 of 15 shots during one stretch, even after bringing its starters back in. The Bulls ended up outscoring the Pistons 36-14 in the quarter to take a 56-44 halftime lead. Chicago outshot Detroit 53.8 percent to 40.4 percent in the half, but things were vastly different in the final 19 minutes. ------ TIP-INS Bulls: Taj Gibson was a game-time decision due to a left ankle injury, but playing against the depleted Pistons frontcourt turned out to be a good move. Gibson scored eight points in his first 8 minutes, including three straight dunks to start Chicago's second-quarter surge. Pistons: Drummond was presented with his World Cup championship ring by a Team USA representative in a pregame ceremony. In his first international experience, Drummond was the team's 12th man in Spain last summer, averaging 3.0 points and 2.5 rebounds in 5.7 minutes. UP NEXT Bulls: Host the Hornets on Monday. Pistons: Visit the Celtics on Sunday.


Jerry Jones first pretended he didn't hear the question about Jason Garrett's future. "What did you say? I really didn't hear you. I really didn't hear you. There's a drill going on back over there," Jones said, chuckling, before adding, "Next question." Like quarterback Dak Prescott and receiver Amari Cooper , the Cowboys coach is entering the final year of his contract. Unlike Prescott and Cooper, Garrett knows he will go into this season without a new deal. The Cowboys have made it clear Garrett is coaching for his job. Jones, though, also made it clear Friday, he wants a reason to give his long-time coach a new deal. "There's no secret that the guy to my right here, I want to be the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys for as long as I'm around to spell it," Jones said, pointing to Garrett. "That would be my goal, and that's no secret, and many of you have written about it in various ways. So let's see what's ahead." Rumors have persisted that the Cowboys would love to hire Sean Payton as their next head coach. A lot of things would have to happen for that to happen. The Cowboys front office obviously has hopes for "advancing our place in the playoffs," as Jones said. That would mean at least a trip to the NFC Championship Game for the first time since 1995, and that likely would make the Cowboys' decision for them. Executive Stephen Jones said he is convinced Garrett is the right head coach for the Cowboys now and the future. The addendum, though, is the Cowboys need to see the Cowboys "take the next step." "I think we've had some really solid football teams," Stephen Jones said. "I've never seen this team not play hard for him, even in tough situations. When we didn't have Zeke [Elliott] for six games a couple of seasons ago, and the season was tough. I've always seen his teams play hard for Jason all the way to the end, even when we knew in some cases we were out of it. The guys respond well to him. They play hard for him. We've got to take the next step. But I do feel really good that Jason is the right guy for this job."