The Packers underwent a major and necessary defensive overhaul this offseason, signing free-agent defensive linemen Za'Darius Smith and Preston Smith, along with safety Adrian Amos. And with the 12 th overall pick in the 2019 draft, they selected Michigan pass-rusher Rashan Gary-an athletic freak who needs development. All this was done to improve a defense that ranked 29 th in Football Outsiders' opponent-adjusted efficiency metrics, and should go a long way to giving defensive coordinator Mike Pettine the required tools for an uptick in effectiveness. But all those moves apparently left defensive lineman Mike Daniels as the odd man out. Selected in the fourth round of the 2012 draft out of Iowa, the 30-year-old Daniels has been one of the more unconventionally disruptive linemen of his era. At 6'0" and 310 pounds, Daniels has the look of a short three-tech tackle, but he can make things happen in every gap of a defense-from head-over nose tackle to end. And through his Packers career, he's done so to great effect, with 36 sacks, 45 quarterback hits, and 190 quarterback hurries, per Pro Football Focus. Though he lost the last six games of the 2018 season to a foot injury, Daniels was still a star when on the field. In just 233 passing snaps, he amassed two sacks, three quarterback hits, and 27 quarterback hurries-once again doing so from all over the defensive line. He also posted 18 total stops, pointing to his ability as a run defender. This wasn't enough for the Packers, who were already planning to scale back Daniels' snaps and were looking at his $10,712,500 cap number for the 2019 season. By releasing Daniels, which the team did on Wednesday, the team saved $8,312,500 in salary cap dollars, per OverTheCap.com , and only $2.4 million of Daniels' number goes on the books as dead cap space. Ostensibly, releasing a defensive lineman who just turned 30 and is coming off a lower-body injury would make financial sense. But where does this hurt Green Bay's defensive line, and where does Daniels go from here? Certainly, Za'Darius Smith pencils in well as Daniels' primary replacement. The former Raven can play inside and outside, and he had 10 sacks, 17 quarterback hits, and 34 quarterback hurries in 2018. Smith fits a different physical profile at 6'4" and 272 pounds, but it could be said that the moment he was signed was the moment Daniels was out the door. Which, in my opinion, is a mistake. As long as Daniels can come back fully healthy from last year's foot injury, he still brings a fascinating skill set to the table. He's still a player able to do everything asked of him at a top level, and while the financial constraints in the final year of Daniels' four-year, $41 million contract make his release understandable from a front office point of view, the Packers will very much miss what Daniels brought to the field. And now, some other team will benefit-certainly in the short term. ESPN's Adam Schefter has reported that Daniels would prefer to sign with a Super Bowl contender. Well, wouldn't we all? But any playoff team in need of a consistent pass rush and run-stopping ability, especially in an interior defensive line rotation, would do well to pull out the wallet and start counting the money. Because Mike Daniels is still a force. This Week 9 sack of Tom Brady shows Daniels' footwork, which is still top-notch. The Packers are "sugaring the A-gaps" here on a blitz look, which leaves right guard Ted Karras responsible for Daniels one-on-one. Not a great matchup for the Patriots. At the snap, Daniels gives Karras the kind of shudder-step you'd expect from a slot receiver and heads to Karras' inside shoulder with little resistance. Center David Andrews is monitoring the blitz looks, so he can't help in time. And if you want mobility in the open field from your defensive lineman, look no further. This Week 1 sack of Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky is more about Daniels' athleticism than any particular technique. Dropping off at the snap to spy Trubisky, Daniels simply tracks the quarterback down to Trubisky's left after Trubisky runs out of options as a thrower. Effort and quickness combine for a great play. This 22-yard touchdown pass from Kirk Cousins to Adam Thielen in Week 2 was perhaps the most improbable and spectacular of Cousins' career, considering how he usually operates under pressure. The pressure in question comes from Daniels, who absolutely works Minnesota center Brett Jones from a head-up alignment. Jones has no counter for Daniels' leg drive and leverage, which is a common complaint among Daniels' opponents-when he gets rolling from a low stance, he's very difficult to deal with. These two run stops against the Lions in Week 5 show that Daniels has more than one way to get to the running back and snuff things out. In the first play, he's running a stunt with end Dean Lowry (No. 94), with back Kerryon Johnson heading to the right. Johnson doubles back to the center, and though Daniels looks to be out of the play at first, he makes a great effort to get back to the ball, stopping Johnson for no gain. And this is just pure power. Pre-snap, Daniels is aligned between left guard Frank Ragnow and left tackle Taylor Decker. Double-teamed at the snap by Ragnow and center Graham Glasgow as Ragnow moves to the right, Daniels bulls though it with leverage and takes Johnson down for another no-gainer at the line of scrimmage. Teams looking to add Daniels to their roster will have to take a good look at his current injury situation, and the money will have to be right, especially if he's designated as a rotational player as opposed to an every-snap guy. But based on the tape he put up before his 2018 injury, any team looking to make a long push into the playoffs would find their defense enhanced by his presence to an extreme degree. MORE: Mike Trout's perfect 98.6 MPH throw to home plate had everyone in awe Why Mike Daniels should be on every potential playoff team's radar What might Kostas Antetokounmpo bring to the Lakers on offense? Packers GM explains reasoning for releasing DL Mike Daniels Dan Le Batard Didn't Address the Elephants in His Room Yet


SAN JOSE, Calif.   Logan Couture got San Jose started in the opener of the Western Conference final against St. Louis by finishing off a 2-on-1 rush. He sealed the win with an empty-net goal, and in between, he did everything else the Sharks needed on both ends of the ice. Just another typical standout performance from Couture, who always seems to be at his best at this time of year. "Logan Couture, if he's not the top two-way center in the league, he's in that conversation," coach Peter DeBoer said after Couture had two goals and one assist in a 6-3 win over the Blues in Game 1 on Saturday night. "Plays a 200-foot game, always on the right side of the puck, always making the right reads. When your center is like that, he drives the guys around him to play an honest game like that." Couture and linemates Timo Meier and Gustav Nyquist once again led the way for the Sharks, with Meier also having two goals and an assist, Nyquist getting two helpers and the trio combining for a plus-seven rating. This is Couture's time of year. Ever since his first postseason as a rookie in 2010, he has shined on the big stage. His 45 goals in the playoffs since making his debut that season are second most in the NHL to Alex Ovechkin's 50. He leads the NHL this postseason with 11 goals and 17 points and is one of six active players with two postseasons with at least 10 goals. But four of those other players have won the Stanley Cup   a goal that has eluded Couture and the Sharks despite making it to the conference finals for the fourth time in his 10 seasons. "We haven't won," he said. "So I don't care what my numbers get to be. I could go this whole playoffs and have zero points and if we win the Stanley Cup I'll be the happiest guy in this room." Couture led the NHL with 30 points in the 2016 playoffs, when the Sharks got to their first Stanley Cup Final in franchise history, and he scores at a higher rate in the playoffs than the regular season despite the tougher opponents and more defensive approach. He has eight game-winning goals in the playoffs and two in overtime, earning the reputation as a clutch player. "His biggest thing is he doesn't change his game no matter what the situation is," teammate Erik Karlsson said. "I think we all know that these games are more important than the regular season, but that doesn't mean that the game of hockey is changing. You still have to do the same thing out there to be successful. He's really good at doing that. No matter what happens out there, he doesn't let anything affect him, and he's not trying to do things that aren't normal." While the goals and the points get the attention from outsiders, his team respects him most for aspects of his game that don't always show up on the scoresheet. He plays in all situations, including the penalty kill, often matches up against top lines, takes faceoffs, blocks shots and is a leader in the dressing room. "I think Logan is the consummate 'I'm not going to tell you, I'm going to show you what my commitment level is,'" DeBoer said. "He brings that every night. ... I know everybody looks at the goals and where he is in the scoring and the production and what he's brought offensively. For me, he walks the walk at both ends of the rink. Those are the type of guys you can win with." TARASENKO'S STRUGGLES While Couture delivered for the Sharks in Game 1, the Blues know they will need more from one of their top forwards if they want to advance to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 1970. Vladimir Tarasenko, who led the team with 33 goals in the regular season, was once again mostly a nonfactor in the conference final outside of an assist on St Louis' first goal. Tarasenko managed just one shot on goal and was on the ice for four of San Jose's goals. Tarasenko also struggled the last time the Blues made it this far in the postseason back in 2016, when they lost to the Sharks in six games. He had no points and a minus-four rating in the first five games before finally scoring twice in the third period of a 5-2 loss in the clincher. "Vladi's got to work without the puck a lot harder and he will," coach Craig Berube said. "He's got to get more involved. You can't just wait for things to happen, especially in the playoffs. You've got to go get it and you've got to go make it yourself. It's about working and it's about working with your line." ___ More AP NHL: https://apnews.com/NHL and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed he is certain Paul Pogba will remain at the club this summer, despite serious interest in the Frenchman from Real Madrid. Los Blancos have been heavily linked with Pogba after he admitted his desire to leave the club this summer, and his absence from Saturday's victory over AC Milan left many fans questioning whether Pogba had pushed for a move away from Old Trafford. Job done in Cardiff 🤜🤛 Now our attentions turn to the #PremierLeague   and Chelsea. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/owHo5rJZRj   Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 3, 2019 However, speaking in his post-match press conference (via the Daily Mail ), Solskjaer insisted that Pogba had been dealing with a minor injury, adding that he is confident Pogba will still be at the club for the start of the season. He said: " It's not an injury, it's just some pain. I spoke to him after training and he didn't feel right. I wasn't going to risk anything this weekend. He'll probably be back early on next week training. He should be OK for Chelsea ." When asked whether he felt Pogba would still be a United player when the transfer window closes on Thursday, Solskjaer simply responded: "Yeah, no doubts at all." Solskjaer also hinted that defender Harry Maguire could feature in United's opening game against Chelsea, assuming his transfer from Leicester City is completed in time. " Hopefully the last little details [of the transfer] will be in place and we can announce something soon. Let's get the last details over the line but he's played a few games over the summer so we'll have to assess him if and when." Maguire has featured for Leicester during the Foxes' pre-season preparations, and the hope is that he would be fit enough to feature for the Red Devils instantly if his £80m move to Old Trafford goes through. They will face Chelsea on the opening weekend of the campaign, before meetings with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace , and fans will be eager to see Maguire feature heavily in the three fixtures.


Looking to sample the best coffee around town? Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best affordable coffee hot spots in Irvine, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to fill the bill. 1. 85°C Bakery Cafe Topping the list is 85°C Bakery Cafe . Located in the Diamond Jamboree Shopping Center at 2700 Alton Parkway, Suite 123 in Business District, the bakery, patisserie/cake shop and coffee and tea spot is the most popular inexpensive coffee spot in Irvine, boasting four stars out of 5,593 reviews on Yelp. The cafe serves hot and iced espresso drinks such as Americano, caramel macchiato and iced hazelnut latte. View the menu here . 2. Bambu Next up is El Camino Real's Bambu , situated at 14775 Jeffrey Road, Suite B. With 4.5 stars out of 990 reviews on Yelp, the coffee, tea and bubble tea spot has proven to be a local favorite for those looking for a budget-friendly option. On the menu, look for Vietnamese black coffee, coconut mocha and cafe mocha. See what else is on the menu . 3. Kona Loa Coffee Kona Loa Coffee , a coffee and tea spot that also offers juices and smoothies and more in Business District, is another much-loved, inexpensive go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 348 Yelp reviews. Head over to the Diamond Jamboree Shopping Center at 2750 Alton Parkway, Suite 141 to see for yourself. The menu features espresso macchiato, vanilla frappe and caffe mocha. Check out the full menu . 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.


The Louisville baseball team officially knows who it will play in the first round of the NCAA College World Series. Vanderbilt, the No. 2 national seed, advanced to the College World Series after defeating Duke 13-2 in its Game 3 on Sunday evening. Louisville and Vanderbilt will meet in the first round of the College World Series, although the dates and times won't be released until Monday night. The Commodores (54-11) lost Game 1 of their super regional to Duke 18-5, ending a 12-game winning streak. They bounced back to win Game 2 after a historic no-hitter from freshman pitcher Kumar Rocker and dominated the Blue Devils on Sunday. More: Why might this College World Series be different for Louisville baseball? Both teams will be familiar with each other after meeting at Jim Patterson Stadium on May 7. It was a midweek game, so neither team pitched its normal weekend starters, but the Commodores defeated the Cardinals 6-2. The game was tied 2-2 until Vanderbilt scored two runs in the eighth and ninth innings. Six teams have punched their tickets to the College World Series already. Mississippi State, the No. 6 national seed, will also be in Louisville's four-team bracket. The final spot will be decided by the winner of No. 14 North Carolina and Auburn, which play at 1 p.m. The tournament will be run similar to the NCAA Regional. The eight teams will be broken into two four-team double-elimination brackets with the winner making the championship round. The championship will be a best-of-three series, like the NCAA Super Regional. Read this: As Louisville heads to the College World Series, its pitching depth shines You may like: 3 takeaways from Louisville baseball's dream NCAA Super Regional While Louisville's four-team bracket features two of the top-6 seeds in the tournament, the other side is riddled with upsets. Florida State clinched its spot after upsetting No. 13 LSU and Michigan pulled the biggest upset of the tournament, defeating UCLA, the No. 1 seed in the tournament. Also in that bracket is No. 8 seed Texas Tech. The finial spot will feature the winner of No. 12 Mississippi and No. 5 Arkansas. Louisville is 2-8 all-time at the College World Series, but is coming off of its most dominant weekend of the year. The Cardinals (49-16) outscored East Carolina 26-1 in its two games. Can't get enough Cards? We've got you covered. Subscribe for unlimited access HERE for exclusive coverage! This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: NCAA College World Series: Louisville baseball to play Vanderbilt


All eyes will be on Abu Dhabi in September when lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov returns to unify his title against interim champ Dustin Poirier in the UFC 242 main event. UFC president Dana White isn't ruling out the possibility of one set of eyes, in particular, being in attendance for the event. According to White, an appearance by Conor McGregor isn't unrealistic. Following last year's UFC 229 showdown and the subsequent brawl between the Nurmagomedov and McGregor camps, the rivalry between the two didn't simmer. Earlier this year, McGregor and Nurmagomedov engaged in one of the most personal social media exchanges in the history of the sport. While both men got in their fair share of vicious insults, one tweet in particular from McGregor sparked an added amount controversy. In the crossfire, McGregor tweeted a picture on Nurmagomedov's wife at their wedding. The caption read: "Your wife is a towel mate," referencing the traditional veil Nurmagomedov's wife was wearing. The post was deleted shortly thereafter. Despite Abu Dhabi's large Muslim population, White doesn't believe any issues would ensue if McGregor showed up to watch the bout. "I don't think that's going to be a problem," White told ESPN . "I honestly believe in that region they like Conor McGregor, too. I know they take things a little serious when stuff is said. But Khabib won the fight, and I think it's all just trash talk. "Obviously (with) Khabib and Conor there's no love loss. Those guys do not like each other, but it's part of the business. Culturally, I don't think so. I would have no problem with Conor showing up to it." White didn't specifically reveal if McGregor would be in attendance for UFC 242 but said "he could probably show up." "He could (attend)," White said. "He could possibly. He hasn't said, (but) I'm saying he could probably show up to that fight. I don't know if he will. He hasn't said anything to me." White also reiterated McGregor has his mind set on a rematch with Nurmagomedov after the fight with Poirier. Will it happen? White is non-committal at this time. "Nothing has changed with Conor McGregor since the last time I talked to you," White said. "He wants to rematch and, again, we'll see how this thing plays out in September." UFC 242 will take place Sept. 7 at the du Arena in Abu Dhabi. The main card streams live on pay-per-view with the prelims on ESPN and ESPN+. For more on UFC 242 , check out the UFC Rumors section of the site. MORE: This perfect Shaq impersonation at the NBA Awards show had fans in tears NBA Free Agency 2019: The top players 3 adjustments the Raiders should make on offense in 2019 D'Angelo Russell Rumors: Lakers, Timberwolves Interested in Young Point Guard New Packers offense will prioritize RBs in the passing game


The Memphis Grizzlies began their Thursday night by picking up the NBA draft's best passer in Ja Morant. Now, they might have just added one of its best shot-blockers as well. After trading up to the 21st overall pick from No. 23, the Grizzlies selected Gonzaga forward Brandon Clarke. Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Grizzlies gave up a second-round pick in the 2024 draft to move up two spots. Oklahoma City will get the No. 23 pick tonight and a 2024 second-round pick in the trade, league source tells ESPN. https://t.co/4qVdrV6mOP   Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 21, 2019 After transferring to Gonzaga from San Jose State, Clarke averaged 16.9 points per game on 68.7 percent shooting with 8.6 rebounds per game in his only year with the Bulldogs. Clarke ranked third in the NCAA in shots blocked last year with 3.16 per game, earning him WCC Defensive Player of the Year honors as well as WCC Newcomer of the Year. Despite not possessing prototypical shot-blocker length, Clarke should fit in well thanks to his versatility. Alongside 2018 fourth overall pick Jaren Jackson Jr., Clarke figures to form an imposing frontcourt in Memphis and should have plenty of fun receiving lobs from Morant. The Thunder ended up taking forward Darius Bazley, who sat out all year after forgoing a Syracuse commitment to play in the G League , then not playing in the G League . Bazley was considered a possible top 10 pick before the move, so the Thunder are taking a high-reward risk here. More from Yahoo Sports: Zion breaks down next to mom after being selected No. 1 Why the No. 4 pick won't be a Laker but still wore team's hat Minor league team loses on outfielder's mindless flub Shaq's son 'could've died' from heart defect


After all the delays, obstacles, and promise, David Beckham may not wind up overseeing a minute of Inter Miami CF. Yes, really. A report from Cristian Rivas of AS says the Manchester United legend is selling his shares of his expansion club, which is set to begin play in 2020 ( from US.AS.com ). [ MORE: Mata staying with Man Utd ] Inter Miami CF has denied the report to several outlets, including intrepid MLS reporter Paul Tenorio. Am told by an Inter Miami spokesperson that this is not true. "There is no truth to this rumor. David Beckham is a proud owner of Inter Miami CF." https://t.co/KljZiwnCxg   Paul Tenorio (@PaulTenorio) June 18, 2019 Beckham's MLS contract allowed him the option of starting a club at the end of his playing career, and he opted for South Beach. But the English midfielder watched as stadium sites, lawsuits, and myriad issues got in the way of his project, which led to questions of "Will this ever happen?" and multiple public announcements. It wasn't all negative, as speculators salivated over the megastars expected to play for "Beckham United." According to the report , current IMCF partners Jorge and Jose Mas Santos will purchase Beckham's shares. Nutty. If true, this report would be a face palm for the executives of Major League Soccer, who backed Becks at every turn (though maybe they knew, too). And if it happens, maybe this was always Beckham's plan. It would've been foolish for the entrepreneur to turn down the rights to his own team, and staying behind the brand this long certainly aided in the group's growth. But how will players and fans react in a market which has certainly had its problems growing, and has been rivaled by a number of upstart teams? Perhaps it's all foolhardly speculation, and a reporter was given bad information. Let's hope so, for the good of Miami having a successful team. Follow @NicholasMendola


Car owners can buy a new car through Sam's Club and have their tires installed, among other advantages. Sam's Club offers several surprising goods and services for car owners. Car owners can buy a new car through Sam's Club and have their tires installed, among other advantages. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories . Most people go to Sam's Club looking for big savings on bulk products like printer paper, cases of soda, gallons of detergent. Others go for low prices on appliances, outdoor furniture, bedding, and more. Some people, however, turn to Sam's Club when it's time for a new car. Sam's Club offers car owners a number of benefits, including both savings and services. Whether you are buying automotive accessories or replacement parts from one of their stores or you are working with a partnered car dealership, when you work with Sam's Club, your purchases are backed by the company's guarantee of your satisfaction. If you are already a Sam's Club member, you stand to save a good deal of cash on various car parts, products, and services by sticking with the club. Here are six perks you can get as a car owner at Sam's Club. Instant savings on tires If you buy a full set of four tires from Sam's Club , you can save a good deal of cash. Sam's Club offers $70 off a set of Michelin tires and $80 off Pirelli, Goodyear, and BFGoodrich tire sets. And you can order your tires online even if you're not a member, but note that nonmembers will pay more. Tire installation Those tires you ordered online? The ones you saved $80 bucks on? You can go to Sam's Club to have them installed on your car. And it will even take your old tires and properly dispose of them for you. Competitive pricing on rental cars Sam's Club members can get excellent prices on rental cars from four major companies, Enterprise, Hertz, Dollar, and National. Just book your car through the Sam's Club rental car portal , which is an easy interface where you punch in travel dates and location, and it shows you the best prices available on a variety of vehicles. A huge variety of car parts and accessories From car batteries to floor mats to bike racks to sun shades, Sam's Club offers dozens of different products for vehicles. Some are necessities, like batteries, while others are simply good to have on hand, like a device that can jump a dead battery . A car-buying program that guarantees great rates and no hassles Sam's Club's car buying program, the TrueCar Auto Buying Program , links club members looking for a car with a network of dealerships Sam's Club has vetted and trusts. These dealers offer members better prices than sellers outside the network, and the prices are fixed, so there's no haggling involved. Savings on car repairs If you buy a vehicle via a Sam's Club's network dealer and then report the purchase to Sam's Club , you can enjoy up to $2000 of credit in the form of discounts on repairs and deductible reimbursement.


Visitors to this year's Minnesota State Fair will experience dozens of new attractions, the highlight being a new $16 million events center. The Fair, which drew more than 2 million visitors last year, showed off its new building and other additions on Wednesday. The upgrades will offer new programs and features for the ever-growing Fair, which returns for its annual blast Aug. 22   Sept. 2. Here are some things to look for at the 2019 Great Minnesota Get-Together: NORTH END EVENT CENTER This $16 million building provides 12,000 square feet of space that will feature rotating exhibits. The North End Event Center's shed-like roof and wooden features help connect the glass-heavy building to the Fair's older structures. "It's all very Minnesota-centric," General Manager Jerry Hammer said Wednesday while giving media a tour of the structure. "Angry Birds Universe" will be the hall's first exhibit. Based on the Angry Birds game and characters, the exhibit helps visitors explore art and science concepts through hands-on activities, he said. Visitors can build and race hand-held vehicles, launch Angry Birds with massive slingshots and knock over enormous foam structures while riding on a zipline. The exhibit is free with Fair admission. When the Fair is not in season, the event center is available to rent for special events, from car shows to weddings. The North End Event Center is located north of Murphy Avenue. STATUES AND STRUCTURES The Minnesota Corn Fairstalk   a 24-foot structure   is an art piece intended to celebrate the state's agriculture. It will be located in the North End's front plaza. LED screens will display fun facts about farming, food and the Fair. Fairgoers can contribute to the video content in the display by using the #mnstatefair hashtag in their social media posts. Also, new this year will be statues of Minnesota icons old and new. Minnesota artist Adam Turman has created six-foot-tall figures placed in the North End, including State Fair mascot Fairchild, Paul Bunyan, Babe the Blue Ox and newcomer Hotdish Girl. And Minnesota Marquees will be three large exhibit panels that will showcase influential people, institutions and events from Minnesota. The shade structures will also be on the Fairgrounds' North End, which Hammer called a new, 4.8-acre "neighborhood." FOOD LAB The State Fair will celebrate Minnesota's indigenous foods and culture on Sept. 1 at Dan Patch Park. Chefs will demonstrate Native foods and share the history, significance, uses and preservation techniques of ingredients and dishes. The program will also introduce the Indigenous Food Lab, a culinary training center coming to the Twin Cities in 2020. GOATS Goats are one of the fastest-growing livestock exhibits at the State Fair. More than 1,400 goats came to the Fair last year. This year, goats will have their own education station, dubbed the Goat Booth. Visitors can learn more about goat breeds through activities and displays. Did you know that the tassels hanging from a goat's neck are also called wattles? Fun facts like this and more can be found at the Goat Booth, located inside the south entrance of the Sheep and Poultry Barn. The Goat Booth will be open Aug. 30 through Sept. 2. WELCOMING NEW RIDES AND CELEBRATING OLD ONES The five-story Giant Slide celebrates its 50th anniversary at the 2019 State Fair. Around 9 million Fairgoers have sat on burlap sacks to ride the slide's dips. The slide is owned and operated by three generations of the Pittroff family, who first brought the slide to the Fair in 1969. It's located east of Nelson Street and north of Carnes Avenue. Three new rides debut at the Fair this year: a swinging pirate ship dubbed the Sea Ray, the fast-spinning Zero Gravity and a Merry-Go-Round. Go to mnstatefair.or g for more information. Related Articles 22-year-old on trial for causing traumatic brain injury in fight outside State Fair Minnesota State Fair removes new food following petition over use of syringes 8 questions with QuickFire Pizza's Ryan Lettner: How DO you get a giant pizza oven into a space? Minnesota State Fair's new foods include grits, lamb chops, duck wings and lots on a stick


Because everyone loves going to the game, even celebrities and other athletes! Ice Cube Entertainer Ice Cube and his wife, Kimberly Woodruff, watch a game from the BIG3 basketball league in Oklahoma City on July 21. Klay Thompson Warriors guard Klay Thompson and actress Laura Harrier see the Dodgers host the Marlins at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on July 21. Former New York Yankees Former New York Yankees Tino Martinez, Andy Pettitte, Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada attend the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Cooperstown on July 21. Kate Beckinsale and Judy Loe Actresses Kate Beckinsale and Judy Loe attend the Men's Finals at Wimbledon in London on July 14. Jennifer Lopez Actress Jennifer Lopez watches the Red Sox face the Dodgers at Fenway Park in Boston on July 14. Katherine Jenkins and Andrew Levitas Singer Katherine Jenkins and painter Andrew Levitas attend Wimbledon in London on July 14. Stanley Tucci Actor Stanley Tucci sees the final day of Wimbledon in London on July 14. Kendall Jenner Model Kendall Jenner attends the final day at Wimbledon in London on July 14. Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall British equestrian Zara Phillips and rugby player Mike Tindall attend Day 9 of Wimbledon in London on July 10. James Norton English actor James Norton attends Day 9 at Wimbledon in London on July 10. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, holds her son, Archie, as they watch the King Power Royal Charity Polo day in Wokingham, Berkshire on July 10. Nico Rosberg Racing driver Nico Rosberg and his wife, Vivian Sibold, see Day 9 of Wimbledon on July 10. Michael Parkinson Broadcaster Michael Parkinson sits with his wife and watches Day 9 of Wimbledon in London on July 10. Geri Horner English singer Geri Horner and her husband, Christian, watch Day 5 of Wimbledon in London on July 9. Justin Rose Pro golfer Justin Rose and his wife, Kate, watch Rafael Nadal face Joao Sousa on Day 7 at Wimbledon in London on July 8. Magic Johnson Basketball Hall of Fame member Magic Johnson and his wife, Cookie, watch the Dodgers play the Padres at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on July 6. Prince Harry Prince Harry watches the first inning of the Yankees-Red Sox matchup at London Stadium in London on June 29. Jose Mourinho Portuguese soccer coach Jose Mourinho talks with former French President Nicolas Sarkozy while watching the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup quarterfinal matchup between France and the USA in Paris on June 28. Nagui Fam and Melanie Page Television personality Nagui Fam and his wife, actress Melanie Page, watch the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup quarterfinal matchup between France and the USA in Paris on June 28. David Beckham English soccer player David Beckham and his daughter, Harper, watch the FIFA Women's World Cup quarterfinal matchup between Norway and England in Le Havre on June 27. Kawhi Leonard Raptors superstar Kawhi Leonard and his girlfriend watch a baseball game between the Blue Jays and Angels at Rogers Centre in Toronto on June 20. Queen Elizabeth and Prince Andrew Queen Elizabeth and Prince Andrew, Duke of York, watch Day 3 of the Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse in Ascot on June 20. Rosie Tapner British model Rosie Tapner watches Day 3 of the Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse in Ascot on June 20. Piers Morgan Television commentator Piers Morgan cheers while viewing Day 2 of the Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse in Ascot on June 19. Drake Rapper Drake speaks with basketball analyst Doris Burke before Game 5 of the 2019 NBA Finals between the Raptors and Warriors in Toronto on June 10. Odell Beckham Jr. Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. watches Game 4 of the 2019 NBA Finals between the Warriors and Raptors at Oracle Arena in Oakland on June 7. Beyonce and Jay-Z Recording artists Beyonce and Jay-Z watch Game 3 of the 2019 NBA Finals between the Warriors and Raptors at Oracle Arena on June 5. Jon Hamm Actor Jon Hamm watches Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals between the Blues and Bruins in St. Louis on June 3. Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll PGA golfer Rory McIlroy and his wife, Erica Stoll, watch Game 2 of the NBA Finals between the Raptors and Warriors in Toronto on June 2. Shawn Mendes and Drake Recording artist and model Shawn Mendes with recording artist Drake during Game 2 of the 2019 NBA Finals between the Raptors and Warriors in Toronto on June 2. Melissa Etheridge Singer Melissa Etheridge attends LGBT Night at Dodger Stadium when the Dodgers played host to the Phillies on May 31. Lindsey Vonn and P.K. Subban Former skier Lindsey Vonn and Predators defenseman P.K. Subban catch the 2019 French Open in Paris on May 29. Shirley Bousquet French actress Shirley Bousquet watches the 2019 French Open with Charles Watine in Paris on May 29. Geraldine Maillet and Daniel Riolo Film director Geraldine Maillet and journalist Daniel Riolo attend the 2019 French Open in Paris on May 29. Bob Sinclar French musical artist Bob Sinclar attends the 2019 French Open in Paris on May 29. Laurent Delahousse French journalist Laurent Delahousse attends the 2019 French Open in Paris on May 29. Bill Walton and Bob Weir Musician Bob Weir and NBA legend Bill Walton attend Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals between the Warriors and Trail Blazers at Moda Center in Portland on May 20. Malena Costa Spanish model Malena Costa attends the Longines Global Champions Tour and Global Champions League in Madrid on May 19. James Goldstein NBA superfan James Goldstein watches warmups for Game 1 of the NBA Western Conference Finals between the Warriors and Trail Blazers at Oracle Arena in Oakland on May 14. Aaron Rodgers and Danica Patrick Packers star quarterback Aaron Rodgers and his girlfriend, race car driver Danica Patrick, watch Game 5 of the second round between the Bucks and Celtics in the 2019 NBA Playoffs in Milwaukee on May 8. Von Miller Broncos star linebacker Von Miller roots on the Nuggets in Game 5 of the second round in the 2019 NBA playoffs against the Trail Blazers at Pepsi Center on May 7. Patrick Warburton Actor Patrick Warburton and his wife, Cathy, walk the red carpet at the 145th Kentucky Derby before watching Country House win in controversial fashion at Churchill Downs on May 4. Quincy Actor Quincy poses on the red carpet prior to the 145th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 4. Ian Rapoport NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport poses with his wife on the Kentucky Derby red carpet prior to the race on May 4. D.B. Woodside Actor D.B. Woodside walks the red carpet prior to the 145th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs at May 4. Taylor Kitsch Actor Taylor Kitsch on the red carpet before watching the 145th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 4. Stephen and Cassandra Amell Actors Stephen and Cassandra Amell pose on the red carpet at the 145th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 4. Ty Burrell Actor Ty Burrell on the red carpet before witnessing the 145th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 4. Johnny Knoxville Television personality Johnny Knoxville on the red carpet before seeing the 145th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 4. J.D. Shelburne Musical artist J.D. Shelburne and his wife, Amy, walk down the red carpet at the 145th Kentucky Derby before watching the race at Churchill Downs on May 4. Byron Allen American television producer Byron Allen and his son, Lucas, attend the 2019 NBA Playoffs first round Game 6 matchup between the Warriors and Clippers at Staples Center in Los Angeles on April 26. Robert Iger CEO of Disney, Robert Iger, watches the Warriors visit the Clippers during Game 6 of the first round matchup in the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center in Los Angeles on April 26. Larry David Actor Larry David seems thrilled to be watching Game 6 of the first round between the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center in Los Angeles on April 26. Floyd Mayweather Boxer Floyd Mayweather catches the Warriors vs. Clippers Game 6 matchup during the first round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center in Los Angeles on April 26. Karl-Anthony Towns and Brandon Jacobs Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns and former NFL running back Brandon Jacobs take a picture together while attending the WBO welterweight title fight between Terence Crawford and Amir Khan at Madison Square Garden in New York City on April 20. Saquon Barkley Giants star running back Saquon Barkley watched the WBO welterweight title fight between Terence Crawford and Amir Khan at Madison Square Garden on April 20. Tracy Morgan Actor Tracy Morgan watched the WBO welterweight title fight between Terence Crawford and Amir Khan at Madison Square Garden in New York on April 20. Franco Harris and Jabrill Peppers Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Franco Harris and Giants safety Jabrill Peppers attend the welterweight title fight between Terence Crawford and Amir Khan at Madison Square Garden in New York on April 20. Terrell Owens Former football star Terrell Owens sees the Clippers host the Warriors in the NBA playoffs at Staples Center on April 18. Billy and Janice Crystal Billy Crystal and his wife, Janice, see the Clippers host the Warriors in the NBA playoffs at Staples Center on April 18. Cesc Fabregas Spanish soccer player Cesc Fabregas and his wife, Daniella Semaan, watch Rafael Nadal beat Roberto Bautista during Day 4 of the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters 2019 on April 17. Dustin Hoffman Actor Dustin Hoffman and his son Jake see the Pistons play the Knicks at Madison Square Garden on April 10. Charles Barkley, Scottie Pippen and Larry Bird After watching the Mavericks play the Suns, Basketball Hall of Famers Charles Barkley, Scottie Pippen and Larry Bird stick around on the court to honor Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki on April 9. Robert Horry and Stephen A. Smith Former basketball player Robert Horry (right) talks to ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith before the Lakers face the Trail Blazers at Staples Center in Los Angeles on April 9. Sara Sampaio and Jasmine Tookes Models Sara Sampaio (left) and Jasmine Tookes attend the Lakers-Trail Blazers matchup at The Staples Center in Los Angeles on April 9. Chrishell Stause and Justin Hartley Actress Chrishell Stause and actor Justin Hartley see the Knicks take on the Wizards at Madison Square Garden in New York City on April 7. Katie Holmes Actress Katie Holmes attends the Knicks-Wizards matchup at Madison Square Garden in New York City on April 7. Barry Bonds Former Giants star outfielder Barry Bonds watches the Giants host the Rays at Oracle Park in San Francisco on April 5. Meek Mill Musical artist Meek Mill poses with a Philadelphia fan during the 76ers-Bucks matchup in Philadelphia on April 4. Joe Haden Steelers cornerback Joe Haden attends the Warriors and Lakers matchup at Staples Center in Los Angeles on April 4. Sarah Silverman Comedian Sarah Silverman poses with Warriors head coach Steve Kerr before the Warriors face the Lakers at Staples Center in Los Angeles on April 4. Naomi Osaka Tennis player Naomi Osaka sees the Lakers host the Warriors at Staples Center in Los Angeles on April 4. Jason Estrada Boxer Jason Estrada and his son see the Clippers host the Rockets at Staples Center in Los Angeles on April 3. Jeff Flake Former Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake and his wife, Cheryl, watch the Suns face the Cavaliers in Phoenix on April 1. Jerry and Jessica Seinfeld Comedian Jerry Seinfeld and his wife, Jessica, attend the Miami Open tennis tournament in Miami on March 29. Johnny Galecki Actor Johnny Galecki and his girlfriend, Alaina Meyer, attend an NBA game between the Lakers and Hornets at Staples Center in Los Angeles on March 29. Fat Joe and Angelica Vila Artists Fat Joe and Angelica Vila attend the Knicks vs. Raptors game at Madison Square Garden in New York City on March 28. Noah Wyle and Sarah Wells Actor Noah Wyle and actress Sarah Wells see the Wizards visit the Lakers at Staples Center in Los Angeles on March 26. Paul Wesley Actor Paul Wesley sees the Knicks face the Nuggets at Madison Square Garden in New York City on March 22. Emmy Rossum Actress Emmy Rossum and her guest see the Knicks face the Clippers at Madison Square Garden in New York City on March 17. Michael O'Leary Actor Michael O'Leary and his wife, Anita Farrell, spend the day at the Cheltenham Racecourse on St. Patrick's Thursday during the 2019 Cheltenham Festival on March 14. Andy Murray Tennis player Andy Murray and his wife, Kim, watch the action from the Ladies Day of the 2019 Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 13. Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas Actress Sophie Turner and musical star Joe Jonas see the Knicks host the Kings at Madison Square Garden in New York City on March 9. John McEnroe and Michael Imperioli Former tennis player John McEnroe and actor Michael Imperioli watch the Knicks face the Kings at Madison Square Garden in New York City on March 9. Marcus Morris Celtics forward Marcus Morris watches the Thunder face the Clippers at Staples Center in Los Angeles on March 8. David Castaneda Actor David Castaneda talks to a friend during an NHL game between the Kings and Blues at Staples Center in Los Angeles on March 7. Didier Deschamps France national team coach Didier Deschamps watches the UEFA Championship League match between Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United with his wife, Claude, in Paris on March 6. Adam Sandler Actor and comedian Adam Sandler sees the Lakers face the Pelicans at Staples Center in Los Angeles on Feb. 27. Leon Robinson Actor Leon Robinson attends an NBA game between the Knicks and Magic at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Feb. 26. Aldrick Rosas New York Giants kicker Aldrick Rosas sees the Knicks play the Magic at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Feb. 26. Christian Slater Actor Christian Slater watches the Magic face the Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York on Feb. 26. Denzel Washington Actor Denzel Washington attends an NBA game between the Lakers and Rockets at Staples Center in Los Angeles on Feb. 21. Justin Long Actor Justin Long catches the Knicks hosting the 76ers at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Feb. 13. Maluma and Natalia Barulich Singer Maluma and model Natalia Barulich see the 76ers face the Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Feb. 13. Michael Zegen Actor Michael Zegen attends the Knicks vs. 76ers NBA game at Madison Square Garden on Feb. 13. Tracy Morgan and Regina King Actor and comedian Tracy Morgan and actress Regina King catch a game between the Knicks and 76ers at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Feb. 13. Victor Cruz Former NFL wide receiver Victor Cruz and actress Karrueche Tran watch the 76ers play the Knicks in New York City on Feb. 13. Jesse Jackson American civil rights activist Rev. Jesse Jackson watches the Knicks host the Raptors at Madison Square Garden on Feb. 9. Bernard King Former NBA star Bernard King attends the Knicks and Raptors NBA matchup at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Feb. 9. Bill Belichick New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and his girlfriend, Linda Holliday, watch the Celtics face the Lakers at TD Garden in Boston on Feb. 7.


After the second day of Pittsburgh Steelers rookie minicamp, head coach Mike Tomlin addressed the media. And in true Tomlin fashion, he spent several minutes telling us very little about who this group of rookies has shown him through two days. Tomlin did note the circumstances that brought the various rookies plays a role in not only how they are evaluated but how the rookies approach a situation like this. It also creates a complicated situation for the coaches in terms of evaluation. "We have a lot of irons in the fire as we do during a rookie minicamp," Tomlin said. "But it's been a good, positive camp thus far. Just appreciate the efforts, energy and attention we are getting from the young people." Coach Tomlin is excited to watch the rookies prepare for the NFL. pic.twitter.com/y2mFlc5ehc - Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) May 11, 2019 The 2019 rookie class is especially important for the Steelers. Pittsburgh missed the playoffs in 2018 and they will lean heavily on this group to help turn things around. Rookie minicamp runs through May 12, then the team will break until May 21 gets back together for the next round of OTAs. MORE: Video confirms reports of Chris Paul's attempt to sabotage Steph Curry Most bizarre and incredible catches by fishermen in past decade NBA Free Agency 2019: The top players Matthew Boling sets national high school record in 100-meter dash Wrestler Silver King Died in the Ring Today


If you're looking for a place to live and have children or want some someday, you should be thinking about a schoolhouse as much as a house. It may be hard to imagine if you aren't there yet, but someday your life may revolve around telling your kids not to stress over state-standardized tests. You'll find yourself talking, texting, phoning and emailing teachers, school administrators, bus drivers and counselors. If the school is the worst, you may rue the day you bought your house. Meanwhile, your real estate agent can only help you so much in your search for a home near a good school . Due to fair housing laws designed to prevent discrimination, agents and property managers can't offer their opinions on schools. Even in recent years, some real estate agents have been accused of contributing to segregation by steering white homebuyers away from nonwhite neighborhoods by referring to the nearby school as "bad." If you want to find a home near a good school, it will be up to you to determine the definition of "good." Once you find a school you're interested in, you can certainly ask your real estate agent to only show you houses in that particular district. Just know that this may not be the easiest thing for the agent to do if there are numerous districts seemingly smashed together. You can also ask questions about the school related to your house, like whether you'll be paying a school-district tax. But stick with the facts, and don't ask your real estate agent for his or her opinion on the quality of the schools in the area. Ethically, he or she can't say anything, which may be just as well. As Ryan Gibbons, an agent with RE/MAX Real Estate Limited in Oradell, New Jersey, says, "I may think one school is great, while another may not see it the same way." So while you're hunting for that special house , there are at least three questions you should get answers to with respect to schools. What school will your child attend? That sounds so obvious, which is the problem. It's such an obvious question that you may not ask it. Granted, if you're house hunting where there isn't another community for miles, it may be clear which elementary, middle and high school your child will be attend. But it isn't always so evident, says Kathleen Kelly, a home sales consultant for Meritus Homes, a custom homebuilder at The Reserve of St. Charles, a luxury residential community in St. Charles, Illinois. For instance, Kelly says, "In some larger metropolitan areas like the suburbs of Chicago, community-consolidated school districts can pull from multiple towns, suburbs and villages, meaning district lines aren't always clear-cut based on the specific name of the town." She adds that it would be easy for prospective homebuyers to look for a house in a suburb known for its excellent schools, only to find out later that their children will actually be attending a school in a district with a less-stellar reputation. So when you fall hard for a house , don't let love blind you. Ask your agent what school district the house is in. If he or she doesn't know, the agent can call the board of education to find out, Gibbons says. Or you may prefer to be safe and call yourself. "Boundary lines for a particular school can change over time," Gibbons says. "Many districts now reserve answers on placement until the child actually applies for admission because of shifting populations in the district." What do the numbers say about the school? For the most part, the numbers you're probably interested in are test scores. Heidi Waterfield, a San Francisco-based educational consultant for almost a quarter of a century, says that would be one of the first things she would look for when assessing school quality. "Test scores definitely do not tell the whole story, but you have to start somewhere," she says. But these aren't the only important numbers. The school's graduation rate and teacher-to-student ratio may also shed light on quality. Beyond the U.S. News rankings of high schools, which take this data into account, other sites that offer intelligence on schools include SchoolDigger.com and GreatSchools.org. You can also call the school or peruse its website, where test scores may be posted. What is the school's reputation? As Waterfield notes, test scores are a good place to start, but she says the school's general reputation is important, too. If everyone speaks highly of a school or trashes it, there may be reasons. Benjamin Beaver, a sales associate with Coldwell Banker Patterson Properties in San Angelo, Texas, agrees. "I've certainly observed a growing awareness that there is more to consider when searching for a school district than test scores," he says. "People seem to have more trust for the recommendations of their friends than what can be found on a website." If you're new to the area and haven't established social connections, you can always tap neighbors for their opinions. You could also see if the principal will meet with you, since there's no substitute for seeing a school in person when trying to assess it. If the staff is friendly and accommodating to your needs, that's a good sign. If the library is sparsely stocked or the classes seem to house 40 students to one teacher, those can be red flags. You might also pick up important information on this tour, including whether school buses service your area and what extracurricular activities are available. And if you have kids, bring them on the tour, Waterfield advises. "Watch their body language and listen to their reactions. It's amazing how easily the right fit will sometimes be easy to recognize," she says. Whatever you do, ask lots of soul-searching questions, Waterfield suggests. They include: Do your children seem to prefer more structured or creative environments? Small or large groups? What type of adults do your children respond to best? Do you, as parents, want to be involved in your children's educational community, or do you prefer to drop them off in the morning and pick them up in the afternoon and let the school take care of the rest? "Thinking through these questions before researching each school will keep you from feeling lost as you navigate them," Waterfield says. Of course, someday your child will ask you for help with his homework, and you will stare blankly at it. Maybe it's not such a bad idea to get used to feeling lost now. Copyright 2015 U.S. News & World Report


It also goes over some different types of spoiler designs. This episode of Muscle Car Of The Week includes a key discussion about the importance of aerodynamics in cars. In the automotive realm, aerodynamics refers to the goal of reducing drag and wind noise, improving fuel efficiency, and preventing undesired lift forces or other causes of instability at high speeds. At low speeds and on days when the weather is not very windy, it's hard to notice how our vehicles interact with the air. However, at high speeds and on noticeably windy days, air resistance has a huge impact on the way a car accelerates and handles. The clip below shows a wide range of beautiful muscle cars with aerodynamic features, such as spoilers, and discusses their design and function. Having a car designed with airflow in mind means that it will have less difficulty accelerating and achieving higher fuel economy figures. That's because the engine won't have to work nearly as hard to push the car through a "wall" of air. Automotive engineers have developed several ways of making vehicles aerodynamic, which includes spoilers, rear wings, lower front air dams, side skirts, hood vents, and more. Apart from merely looking great and making the vehicle "appear" fast, they are highly functional and add several benefits. For example, spoilers create downforce or drag, while lower air dams to wonders to keep high-pressured air from stacking up and lifting the front nose. The video discusses the fact that racers are well aware of the dangerous effects of negative air pressure on high-speed cars and combat the issue by adding these aerodynamic parts. It also defines the difference between a "spoiler" and "wing"   two terms that are almost always used interchangeably. All of these key parts provide the driver with more control and, therefore, provide a better experience overall. Apart from merely being an important and educational episode, this clip shows some off gorgeous cars like a Chevrolet Camaro, Mustang Mach 1 , Pontiac GTO, Dodge Daytona, and Plymouth Superbird . Source: Muscle Car of the Week Read more: - Video: Dennis Gage Checks Out Richard Petty's Car Collection - Video: New Vs Old Shelby GT350R


What Women Want Now is a program by HuffPost and her sister sites dedicated to creating content about the issues and stories that matter most to women. Read more here . Join the conversation with #WhatWomenWantNow. *** I think about self-care more than the average person. I've been a wellness writer and editor for more than half a decade, and in that time I've published probably hundreds of stories on managing burnout, stress, self-esteem and anxiety. I can recite data on mental health more easily than I can recall my mom's cellphone number. I've tried my best to help people live better, happier lives. However, I've also noticed ― as a journalist in this space and as a consumer in general ― how oversimplified self-care guidance really is. Self-care isn't some new concept (although Americans have Googled the term more in the last three years than ever before). Hell, it was discussed long before I was even born ― first medically , and then, during the civil rights movement, more politically. But the concept of self-care has shifted toward the notion that improving our well-being is only a product away. Take one look at Goop, with its suggestion that adding moon dust to your morning smoothie can help boost "your spirit." That's not nearly adequate to help us survive in the world today. A bubble bath may help my muscles relax but isn't going to wash away the dirtiness I feel after a man brazenly gazes at my breasts on the subway. A face mask may remove my blackheads but it isn't going to extract the shame I carry over my student loan debt. Going for a jog may take my mind off my to-do list for a little while but it isn't going to help me outrun the emotional labor I have waiting for me at home. Self-care shouldn't be reduced to a fleeting activity or dispensable product. It shouldn't even just be considered a wellness phenomenon. For women, it's a difficult but necessary act that helps us survive in a world with work demands, family pressures, duties at home, rampant incidents of sexual harassment, a relentless news cycle, financial worries and more. Inner reflection takes time and energy ― resources we're already lacking. Self-care is hard work. This is rarely acknowledged. There's something missing when we talk about self-care, both in the media and on our own. So I asked several women what they find problematic with our collective discussion about the concept ― and what taking care of yourself actually means to them. Below is their advice. Consider it a real guide to real self-care (no purchases necessary). Self-care is... 'not attending some extravagant spa day with the girls, but rather being able to identify when I need to slow down and perhaps cancel that spa day.' Katie McCartney had practiced what she thought was self-care for years, sometimes turning to articles on how to have a better life. But the Michigan resident said she had a terrible sense of self-worth, often not extending herself compassion or respect. That finally shifted about two years ago, when she decided to go to therapy and learned the way she was treating herself undid anything she did for her well-being. "For me, it was a learning experience that took a brutally honest self-assessment leading to awareness, which led to motivation for change," McCartney, 33, said. "It is often falsely assumed that as women we should know these things, but in truth ... there is a tremendous need in this country for a reassessment of what it takes to take good care of ourselves." It is often falsely assumed that as women we should know these things, but in truth ... there is a tremendous need in this country for a reassessment of what it takes to take good care of ourselves. Katie McCartney That means ignoring alluring ads and articles promising a better mentality could come from an expensive product or day out. "In my opinion, self-care is not attending some extravagant spa day with the girls, but rather being able to identify when I need to slow down and perhaps cancel that spa day," she said. McCartney also said an hour of mindfulness meditation and getting adequate sleep each night is critical for her. " I've never needed these skills more than I have currently with global morale seemingly hitting an all-time low," she said. McCartney said she hopes women ― especially those with a public platform ― continue to discuss what self-care habits work for them as a way to normalize the subject. She pointed to the discourse around women in politics and how they publicly talk about what eases their stress. " I don't want to see our president make fun of Elizabeth Warren for being herself and putting out a video where we see her genuinely happy at home with her husband," McCartney said. "I want Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to be validated by the media for being able to recognize that she needed a break ." " Life is hard," she added. "It is high time we drop the glittery facade and accept that, while happiness very much is a choice, it is dependent on our individual understanding of ourselves." Self-care is... 'based on age, demographics and lifestyle.' S. Angelique Mingo is tired of reading the same narrative. "I find mainstream media doesn't speak to women of color about self-care," said Mingo, a 40-year-old from New Jersey. "Self-care is a broader conversation based on age, demographics and lifestyle. ... Our stressors are different and we are constantly burning the candle at both ends like, 'You can do it all, #BlackGirlMagic.' So finding ways to take care of ourselves when we're usually taking care and putting others before us doesn't feel very realistic." Our stressors are different and we are constantly burning the candle at both ends like, 'You can do it all, #BlackGirlMagic.' S. Angelique Mingo It wasn't until about a year and a half ago that Mingo realized she was burning out. She said she had adopted unhealthy habits due to a busy schedule, which included working on new projects as the creative director at a lifestyle and communications agency as well as serving as a part-time caretaker for her grandmother. "My mom had been nagging me to take care of myself for a long, long time. ... She sat me down for a frank conversation where she said, 'Where is my daughter? I no longer recognize you,'" Mingo said. "That evening, I looked at myself in the mirror and did not recognize myself either. It was at that moment I had to re-elevate how I was treating myself and do something about it." Mingo started by examining her relationship with food. "I was always eating on-the-go, having something delivered or dining out," she said. "When I looked at myself in the mirror, I could physically see the problems with living that way." She began cooking more regularly, which became a self-care ritual she can no longer live without. "I spoil myself by indulging in my flavor cravings or trying a new recipe I see on my social media feed," Mingo said. "It is my time to pay attention to what type of fuel I am giving my body to nourish my insides and satisfy my tastebuds." Mingo hopes there's more diverse public information on what it means to take care of yourself, including advice on "how to squeeze in self-care as parents, caregivers, entrepreneurs and as we age in our retirement years." "More importantly, [we need] a more inclusive conversation so black and brown people no longer feel like the media does not speak to them," she said. Self-care is... 'about mitigating what harm cannot be avoided.' For Stella Sacco, self-care is a taxing act that requires being aware of ugliness ― both in personal habits and in society. "It's being cognizant of feelings or behavior that harm you in some way ― overwork, self-hate, conflict avoidance, etc.," said Sacco, a 33-year-old American now living in Denmark. "Of course, in everyday life, some degree of harm is unavoidable. I will always be tired after a week of work, for example. Self-care is about mitigating what harm cannot be avoided. As a trans woman, I recognize that I will never be free of the psychic harm that transphobia causes. I cannot avoid it, so through self-care, I have to try to mitigate it." As a trans woman, I recognize that I will never be free of the psychic harm that transphobia causes. I cannot avoid it, so through self-care, I have to try to mitigate it. Stella Sacco She does this by tapping into a supportive community and reframing damaging thoughts when they pop up. "If transphobia has made my dysphoria particularly bad one day and I start zeroing in on things that are 'masculine' about my appearance, I recontextualize it [by reminding myself] almost anything I could hate about my body, a cis woman somewhere is feeling too," Sacco said. "If I see the government using its power to diminish and frighten me, I recontextualize it [by thinking about how] black folks have been dealing with these kinds of monstrous laws for centuries. ... History tells us there is power in solidarity, so finding it and taking it seriously is my self-care." Sacco said the concept of self-care "has been co-opted and marketed mostly to well-off white women" and she detests the idea that it implies avoidance ― especially when that can be more harmful in the long run. "I hate that it tends to be portrayed as just doing whatever you feel like doing," she said. "Part of self-care is understanding your own patterns of behavior and trying not to do things that will feed into negative patterns." "For example, opting not to wash the sink full of dishes today might feel like self-care when you've had a long week and feel like you need a break. But will those dishes sitting there contribute to you feeling bad tomorrow?" she said. "Sometimes, self-care means doing the dishes." Self-care is... 'typically more difficult and less glamorous than treating yourself.' Emily Bilek is on a mission to have her patients ― and herself ― view self-care as something greater than the "treat yo' self" mentality on social media. Bilek, a clinical assistant professor at the University of Michigan's Depression Center, said the Instagram version of self-care and what it actually means to take care of yourself are two very different things. "Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with treating yourself, and it has an important place in the priorities I set for my own time and money. However, conflating self-care and 'treating yourself' is misguided and potentially harmful," Bilek, 34, said. "When self-care becomes a competitive and performative ritual on social media, it defeats its purpose." When self-care becomes a competitive and performative ritual on social media, it defeats its purpose. Emily Bilek Bilek, who is also responsible for helping others come up with strategies to protect their mental health, personally chooses self-care in the form of enforcing healthy lifestyle habits. (And then breaking or adjusting as necessary.) "Good self-care is typically more difficult and less glamorous than treating yourself," she said. "It means doing things like having good sleep hygiene, getting a little more exercise, staying hydrated, taking medication as prescribed, eating at regular intervals, creating healthy boundaries and taking a break from social media." Ultimately, Bilek has to remind herself and the people she treats that self-care is hard work that's only going to be rewarding in the end. No clever status, flattering photo filter or hashtag is going to enhance it. "Self-care isn't glamorous. It's the everyday work you do for yourself to make you a little bit happier and healthy," she said. "If I had a self-care Instagram account, it probably wouldn't be very popular ― there are only so many creative ways to take pictures of a water bottle or broccoli ― but self-care isn't for other people, it's just for you." This article originally appeared on HuffPost . Related: 7 Ways to Reset Your Mental Health That Cost You Nothing [Provided by GoBankingRates]


Chase Elliott led the way in Friday's NASCAR Cup Series practice session at New Hampshire that saw two drivers wreck in the session's final minutes. , who finished a career-best fifth at New Hampshire in last year's race, topped the leaderboard with an average lap speed of 137.086 mph. completed the top-five. spun in Turn 3 and slammed into the wall, doing significant damage to his No. 11 Toyota. This was not the way @DennyHamlin wanted to end practice. Ride along with the No. 11 as he spins and hits the wall at @NHMS . pic.twitter.com/QJJXvk3tJj   NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) July 19, 2019 "I just got loose," Hamlin said about the incident. His Joe Gibbs Racing team will move to a backup car which means Hamlin will have to start Sunday's race from the rear of the field. tag the wall in Turns 3 and 4 with the right-rear of his No. 6 Roush Fenway Racing Ford. Newman's team decided after practice that they are also moving to a backup car and will have to start Sunday's race from the rear of the field as well. . Cla#Driver ManufacturerLapsTimeGapIntervalMph 1 9 Chase Elliott Chevrolet 12 27.784 137.086 2 18 Kyle Busch Toyota 10 27.827 0.043 0.043 136.874 3 95 Matt DiBenedetto Toyota 10 27.827 0.043 0.000 136.874 4 12 Ryan Blaney Ford 9 27.839 0.055 0.012 136.815 5 41 Daniel Suarez Ford 9 27.844 0.060 0.005 136.791 6 88 Alex Bowman Chevrolet 13 27.849 0.065 0.005 136.766 7 19 Martin Truex Jr. Toyota 9 27.853 0.069 0.004 136.746 8 4 Kevin Harvick Ford 11 27.869 0.085 0.016 136.668 9 2 Brad Keselowski Ford 13 27.904 0.120 0.035 136.497 10 22 Joey Logano Ford 26 27.932 0.148 0.028 136.360 11 42 Kyle Larson Chevrolet 10 27.945 0.161 0.013 136.296 12 10 Aric Almirola Ford 10 27.988 0.204 0.043 136.087 13 14 Clint Bowyer Ford 11 28.002 0.218 0.014 136.019 14 48 Jimmie Johnson Chevrolet 10 28.009 0.225 0.007 135.985 15 1 Kurt Busch Chevrolet 10 28.018 0.234 0.009 135.941 16 11 Denny Hamlin Toyota 8 28.039 0.255 0.021 135.839 17 8 Daniel Hemric Chevrolet 13 28.061 0.277 0.022 135.733 18 21 Paul Menard Ford 13 28.066 0.282 0.005 135.709 19 20 Erik Jones Toyota 11 28.070 0.286 0.004 135.689 20 17 Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Ford 11 28.107 0.323 0.037 135.511 21 24 William Byron Chevrolet 10 28.110 0.326 0.003 135.496 22 13 Ty Dillon Chevrolet 18 28.179 0.395 0.069 135.164 23 32 Corey Lajoie Ford 13 28.212 0.428 0.033 135.006 24 6 Ryan Newman Ford 12 28.247 0.463 0.035 134.839 25 47 Ryan Preece Chevrolet 17 28.325 0.541 0.078 134.468 26 36 Matt Tifft Ford 24 28.409 0.625 0.084 134.070 27 38 David Ragan Ford 10 28.438 0.654 0.029 133.933 28 3 Austin Dillon Chevrolet 10 28.447 0.663 0.009 133.891 29 43 Darrell Wallace Jr. Chevrolet 13 28.607 0.823 0.160 133.142 30 34 Michael McDowell Ford 11 28.636 0.852 0.029 133.007 31 00 Landon Cassill Chevrolet 7 28.772 0.988 0.136 132.379 32 15 Ross Chastain Chevrolet 3 28.874 1.090 0.102 131.911 33 37 Chris Buescher Chevrolet 21 28.890 1.106 0.016 131.838 34 27 Reed Sorenson Chevrolet 5 29.539 1.755 0.649 128.941 35 51 Andy Seuss Ford 12 29.945 2.161 0.406 127.193 36 77 Quin Houff Chevrolet 18 30.144 2.360 0.199 126.354 37 52 Austin Theriault Chevrolet 1 4'26.384 3'58.600 3'56.240 14.298


GREENSBORO, N.C.   The last time Matthew Wolff and Collin Morikawa drew a tee time together, they collectively stole the show at the 3M Open. While the opening round of the Wyndham Championship didn't quite offer the same theatrics as Wolff's 72nd-hole win in Minnesota, the theme of the two rookies torching another PGA Tour venue continued. Both Wolff and Morikawa now have victories to their credit less than two months after turning pro, the latter snagging his maiden win Sunday at the Barracuda Championship. They were grouped together Thursday at Sedgefield Country Club, where Wolff again edged his budding rival, shooting a 5-under 65 to Morikawa's 66. "It's always a lot of fun playing with Collin," Wolff said. "There's a level of comfort out there, and I think when we play together it kind of comes out. Obviously he's been really hot, and we've both got a win now, so it's kind of just awesome battling back and forth." Full-field scores from the Wyndham Championship Full coverage of the Wyndham Championship Wolff's 5-under total came despite a tee shot out of bounds on No. 11, as the former Oklahoma State standout circled six birdies in addition to an eagle on the par-5 15th. While he was low man of the group in the opening round, it's actually Morikawa who occupies the better position in the points race with the playoffs on deck (46th to 72nd), thanks to a run of three top-5 finishes in his first six starts as a pro. "I've said it since day one, we believe in ourselves and that's where it's going to start. We believe that we can do it," Morikawa said. "We're still learning. We're only six, seven events in, so it's a great experience out here." Not to be outdone by the more decorated members of the Class of 2019, reigning U.S. Amateur champ Viktor Hovland matched Morikawa with a 4-under 66. Hovland will likely head to Korn Ferry Tour Finals from here in an effort to earn a PGA Tour card for 2020, needing a top-2 finish this week to guarantee full status for next season. But all three of them are looking up at 21-year-old Sungjae Im, who grabbed a share of the lead with an 8-under 62 as he looks to bolster his Rookie of the Year candidacy. Im started the week 25th in the points race and could crack the top 10 to snag a piece of the Wyndham Rewards bonus pool with a victory this week.


French Finance and Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire says if the trade tensions between U.S. and China continue to escalate, that would have a negative impact all over the world   especially in Europe. He says Europe's economy is already performing worse than it otherwise would because of the ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China. Governments need to clearly distinguish between national security concerns and trade disputes, the French official says. If trade tensions between the U.S. and China continue to escalate, that may have a "direct and very negative impact all over the world, especially Europe and the Eurozone," according to France Finance and Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire. In fact, Le Maire said the tariffs battle, which kicked off last year, has already reached beyond the world's two largest economies. Speaking with CNBC over the weekend at the G-20 Finance Ministers Meeting in Fukuoka, Japan, he said Europe is already performing worse than it otherwise would because of the ongoing U.S.-China trade war. He pointed, in particular, to the French and Germany economies as examples of those caught in the crossfire. "We do not have the growth figures we should have because of the trade tensions between the U.S. and China," Le Marie said. "I want to be very clear, a trade war would mean an economic crisis all over the world, and especially in Europe," he told CNBC's Nancy Hungerford. Le Maire said that, during a recent meeting with U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin , the American official suggested he wants to avoid escalating the trade war. That will depend, however, on the results of the highly anticipated meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump later this month. 'A clear difference' When asked whether France will comply with U.S. government requests to bar next-generation networking equipment from Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei, Le Maire responded that it is not about the specific company. Instead, he said, his country is focused on the larger picture, which is to ensure national sovereignty in France. He added that the Chinese tech behemoth currently plays an important role in France's use of 4G technology, the current mobile networking standard. No matter the decision on Huawei, Le Maire said, the French government will be very "vigilant" in guaranteeing that 5G technology   which promises to underpin advanced tech such as driverless cars   will not harm citizens' sovereignty or independence. Some have suggested that Washington's recent campaign against Huawei is part of an attempt to gain leverage on its trade talks with Beijing. For his part, Le Maire said that governments should not be mixing trade and non-trade issues. "We need to make a clear difference between ... sovereignty, key technologies on the one side, and trade on the other side," he said. "Trade tariffs do not have anything to do with the technologies. We want to have a fair trade," he added. "We want to build a trade that will be more efficient that will feed growth in the future and for that we have to avoid hitting countries with new tariffs and entering into a trade war." The White House has also been criticized for mixing tariffs with non-trade issues for U.S. President Donald Trump's threats to hit Mexico with new tariffs in order to extract assistance on immigration issues. Mnuchin, meanwhile, defended Trump's approach, and when asked if trade could again be used as a weapon in non-trade disputes , said, "I think it's very important that we have all these tools, that we use them." On Huawei, the Treasury secretary claimed the U.S. actions weren't about trade   but suggested that Trump may soften the stiff restrictions that the U.S. has slapped on the Shenzhen-based company after feeling satisfied on the trade issue. "They're separate from trade: Both we and China have acknowledged that in our discussions," he said. "Now, of course, President Trump, when he has the meeting (with Xi), to the extent he gets certain comfort on Huawei or other issues, obviously we can talk about national security issues, but these are separate issues, they're not being linked to trade."   Natasha Turak contributed to this report.


The last US cruise liner to stop over in Cuba sailed out again Wednesday as stepped-up US sanctions against the Communist-run island came into force. Cubans who have welcomed and benefited from such visits as part of a rapproachment with the United States under Barack Obama in 2015 and 2016 watched sadly as the Empress of the Seas headed out to sea. Passengers waved from the deck of the huge white vessel and waved small red, white, and blue Cuban flags. The Bahamian-flagged ship operated by US company Royal Caribbean Cruises docked in Havana on Tuesday just as the new sanctions were announced, taking many passengers by surprise. It was supposed to stay for two days, but has now left early. President Donald Trump ordered a halt to these cruise ship stopovers and a clamp-down on US visas for visiting Cuba as part of a strategy to cut the flow of dollars to a country that Washington accuses of helping prop up Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Mario Diaz, a 19 year old disc jockey waiting for a bus as he watched the cruise ship depart, said Obama's visit here a year after the longtime Cold War foes restored relations in 2015 was an unforgettable event and one that brought great hope. "All this is so sad, really," said Lopez, "for Trump to come in and turn everything back from one day to the next." Fernando Santana, a 50-year-old fisherman, remembers using his cell phone to film the arrival of the first US cruise ship back in 2016. He recalls how Cubans and visitors alike shouted with joy as blasts from its fog horn echoed across the port of Havana. Santana said Obama had worked hard to bring Americans and Cubans together. "Then a donkey came along, and with its feet it kicked down everything that the other guy had done with his head," said Santana. Americans who were on the departing ship said they knew nothing about the new US sanctions. Some found out while walking around Havana during the abbreviated port call. "Right or wrong, we know nothing about it as American citizens. It was a total surprise to us," passenger Linda Mensure from Texas told AFP. "We have got people scheduled to come next week and now they won't be able to. It's sad," said Jim Johnson, from Florida, referring to vacationers who had bought tickets for cruises that were to include Cuba on the itinerary. - 'Very upset! - "I'm one of hundreds of very angry passengers aboard a cruise ship in the middle of the Caribbean," said Cindy Hamilton, a nurse from Terre Haute, Indiana, said in a tweet. "We all planned this cruise anticipating our stop in Cuba. Very upset!" The Treasury Department banned group educational travel, cruise ship and private yacht visits by Americans, taking aim at the most common ways US tourists and Cuban-Americans visit the Caribbean island. The move could constitute a heavy hit on Cuba, which saw more than a quarter-million US visitors in the first four months of 2019, almost double the figure from a year earlier. The Cruise Lines International Association said the new US measure will affect nearly 800,000 reservations that were already made or being finalized. Cuba and the United States restored ties in 2015 and Obama himself visited Havana in a historic presidential trip in March 2016, meeting with then-president Raul Castro. Weeks later, the ban was lifted on US commercial ship visits, opening the door for the Caribbean cruise ship industry to expand stops in Cuba. American tourism in Cuba had taken off after Obama moved to ease the half-century trade embargo against the communist government in 2014 -- even though continuing restrictions kept visits nominally in the realm of cultural and artistic exchanges and business dealings. However, the Obama initiative was attacked by Trump, who began restricting relations within months of taking power in 2017.


(Reuters) - Almost half of all Americans incorrectly believe that federal law protects lesbian, gay and bisexual people from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, according to a Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll released this week. A month ago, the Democratic-controlled U.S. House of Representatives passed the Equality Act, which would codify anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people in areas such as healthcare and housing into federal law. But the bill faces stiff opposition in the Republican-controlled Senate and the administration of President Donald Trump, a Republican, opposes the bill on the grounds that it threatened "to undermine parental and conscience rights." Some supporters of the bill say the disconnect between the public perception and the actual protections afforded to LGBTQ people shows a need to drum up support for the legislation. "The public might be getting the sense that we're fully integrated in society and that we live a trouble-free life, and that is a challenge for my organization," said Stacey Long Simmons, director of advocacy and action at the National LGBTQ Task Force, which works on behalf of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and other queer people. The Reuters/Ipsos poll, conducted with the Williams Institute at the University of California at Los Angeles, was released as New York prepares to mark the 50th anniversary of the spontaneous rioting that erupted outside the Stonewall Inn gay bar in Greenwich Village in protest at police harassment. The demonstration on June 28, 1969 gave rise to the worldwide movement for LGBTQ equality. Supporters of the Equality Act believe federal safeguards are necessary. In 30 U.S. states, LGBTQ people are at risk of being fired, evicted from their homes and denied services because of their sexual orientation and gender identity, according to the Human Rights Campaign, the largest U.S. advocacy group for the LGBTQ community. "When you talk to people across the country, regardless of where they stand on LGBTQ equality, so many don't know that in 30 states LGBTQ people are still at are risk of being fired solely because of their gender identity or sexual orientation," said Charlotte Clymer, HRC's press secretary for rapid response. "These things are flying under the radar for most Americans." HRC said in its 2018 State Equality Index that 17 states and Washington, D.C. have robust LGBTQ non-discrimination laws for employment, housing and things such as obtaining credit and insurance. 'MOSTLY WRONG' PERCEPTION The Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 45% of respondents believed federal anti-discrimination protections already exist for lesbian, gay and bisexual people, including 40% of those aged 18-34 and 57% of registered Republicans. Only 23% said they were not protected at the federal level. Only one in three respondents knew that transgender people were not protected from gender identity discrimination under federal law. The rest either said they did not know, or they believed - incorrectly - that transgender people already had federal protections. "We're working so very hard to set a ground game about the Equality Act so that people understand that their common perception is mostly wrong," said Long Simmons, whose group is trying to build support among lawmakers and constituents. Opponents of the Equality Act see legislation as unnecessary and a threat to religious freedoms, such as business owners who object on religious grounds to serving same-sex couples. The poll indicates that most Americans do not think religious objections should be a reason to deny service to an LGBTQ person, whether in business (57%), healthcare (64%) or employment (62%). In the survey, only 20% of respondents said that LGBTQ people are treated "about the same" in the U.S. military, while 43% percent said they are treated worse. "I think that's got to be an awareness of the Pentagon and the Trump administration's decisions to make it impossible for trans people to serve authentically," said Kerith Conron, a research director at the Williams Institute. In January, the U.S. Supreme Court lifted lower court rulings that blocked a Trump administration ban on certain transgender people from serving in the U.S. military, allowing the policy to go into effect. The ban is one of several steps taken to curtail LGBTQ rights, after a decade of change that included the legalization of same-sex marriage nationwide in 2015 under the LGBTQ-friendly administration of President Barack Obama, a Democrat. Last month, the Trump administration proposed rules that would roll back protections for transgender patients under the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, and allowing homeless shelters to turn away transgender people for religious reasons. In the poll, 43% of Americans said LGBTQ people were treated "about the same" as people who do not identify as LGBTQ in obtaining access to healthcare from doctors and hospitals. Only 17% say they are treated worse, and about 1 in 3 said they did not know. "It's been a struggle and that's the weird thing about things that we take for granted," HRC's Clymer said. "You'll see people support these issues of equality and yet maybe not be fully informed on their status." The Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted online on May 29-30 and June 5-6 in English throughout the United States. It gathered responses from 2,237 adults and has a credibility interval, a measure of precision, of 2 percentage points. (Reporting by Maria Caspani in New York; Editing by Frank McGurty and Grant McCool)


Liverpool look set to complete their first signing of the summer after Sepp van den Berg flew to London 'in the deepest secrecy' with his parents to meet with club officials. Jurgen Klopp's side look to have beaten fellow interested parties Bayern Munich and PSV Eindhoven to the punch for the 17-year-old Dutch defender, who has established himself as a regular part of PEC Zwolle's side over the last few seasons. PEC Zwolle heeft vervanger van de naar Liverpool vertrokken Sepp van den Berg op het oog. #pec #fcdenbosch #kersten https://t.co/iosWpA7oFF   Redactie Telesport (@telesport) June 27, 2019 According to Dutch publication De Telegraaf , the defender's current club PEC Zwolle will initially receive €1.9m, an amount which could increase significantly with additional bonuses. The report adds that Van den Berg had spoken to the other clubs in question, and was given a week to mull over his decision, yet it seems Liverpool have won the race to sign the central defender who has earned plaudits all across Europe. He looks set to join up with fellow Dutch players Virgil van Dijk and Georginio Wijnaldum, after making just 15 Eredivisie appearances for PEC Zwolle last season. While De Telegraaf's report states that discussions are taking place and are set to be concluded, the Evening Standard go one further and claim on Wednesday that the youngster traveled north to Merseyside to complete a medical. They add that the club are eager to wrap the deal up before the weekend. In terms of outgoings, Simon Mignolet's future at Anfield looks set to have run its course after Crystal Palace expressed their interest in the Belgian stopper and are weighing up an £8m move for the goalkeeper. The Evening Standard add that if the Reds' valuation is met, they will allow the 31-year-old to leave.


BOSTON, MA   Bruins defenseman Matt Grzelcyk was taken to the hospital after suffering a big blow Wednesday night. Coach Bruce Cassidy said after the game he was unsure of Grzelcyk's condition, and his status for Game 3 is unknown. Grzelcyk was hammered against the boards by Blues center Oskar Sundqvist late in the first period. Grzelcyk fell to the ice, grabbing his helmet, and stayed there while the two teams got into it after the whistle. "I don't think that's a hit we want in our game," former Blue and current Bruin David Backes said. The Bruins failed to score on the ensuing power play after Sundqvist was sent off for boarding. The Bruins lost, 3-2, in overtime. Grzelcyk, 25, is from Charlestown. He played at Belmont Hill and Boston University before signing with the Bruins in 2016. Game 3 is Saturday night in St. Louis.


Bindi Irwin is in awe of her younger brother Robert, and she's convinced that their late father would be too. The 21-year-old took to Instagram to post a sweet tribute to Robert and their dad, "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin, who was killed in 2006 after being stung in the chest by a stingray. "Dad, You would be so incredibly proud of Robert. He has been such an amazing support during this beautiful new life chapter," she captioned a throwback family photo, as well as a picture from her recent engagement. "I know you'd be beaming with pride when the time comes that he walks me down the aisle. I wish you could be here for these moments, but I know that your spirit lives on in us." Robert, 16, commented with a heart emoji. Last month, Bindi announced her engagement to longtime boyfriend Chandler Powell. She has already said that Robert will be walking her down the aisle. "I think that, for me, it'll be really important that Robert walks me down the aisle That's something that I really want to do," she told Entertainment Tonight. "I'm always so grateful that Robert is there, and he has been such a big part of my life and he's always stepped up and been the one to give me a hug when I need it and encourage me forward in life," "So he will definitely be the one to walk me down the aisle when the time comes," she said, "and I think that will make it really special." Celebrity engagements of 2019:


Curious just how far your dollar goes in Milwaukee? We've rounded up the latest rental offerings via rental sites Zumper and Apartment Guide to get a sense of what to expect when it comes to finding an apartment in Milwaukee if you don't want to spend more than $1,200/month on rent. Read on for the listings. (Note: prices and availability are subject to change.) 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. 1700 E. Belleview Place Here's a 1,200-square-foot three-bedroom, one-bathroom residence at 1700 E. Belleview Place that's going for $1,125/month. The residence includes carpeted floors. The building boasts on-site laundry and additional storage space. Pet owners, inquire elsewhere: This spot doesn't allow cats or dogs. The rental doesn't require a leasing fee. Walk Score indicates that this location is quite walkable, is easy to get around on a bicycle and has good transit options. (See the full listing here .) 1743 N. Franklin Place (Lower East Side) Next, check out this 1,100-square-foot three-bedroom, one-bathroom abode that's located at 1743 N. Franklin Place. It's listed for $1,125/month. When it comes to building amenities, anticipate on-site laundry. You can also expect to see a renovated kitchen and hardwood flooring in the unit. Pets are not allowed. There's no leasing fee required for this rental. Walk Score indicates that the area around this address is extremely walkable, is a "biker's paradise" and has good transit options. (Take a look at the complete listing here .) 1626 N. Prospect Ave. (Lower East Side) Listed at $1,150/month, this studio apartment is located at 1626 N. Prospect Ave. Building amenities include assigned parking, a swimming pool, an elevator, on-site laundry and a fitness center. The residence also has a dishwasher. Animals are not allowed. According to Walk Score's assessment, the area around this address is moderately walkable, is convenient for biking and offers many nearby public transportation options. (Take a look at the complete listing here .) 1121 N. Waverly Place (Yankee Hill) Last but not least, there's this one-bedroom, one-bathroom residence situated at 1121 N. Waverly Place. It's listed for $1,150/month. The unit offers central heating, hardwood flooring and a deck. When it comes to building amenities, anticipate outdoor space, on-site laundry and a roof deck. Cats and dogs are not permitted. Per Walk Score ratings, the area around this address is quite walkable, is convenient for biking and has good transit options. (See the complete listing here .) Working with a tight budget? Here are the cheapest rentals recently listed in Milwaukee . This story was created automatically using local real estate data from Zumper and Apartment Guide , then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


MIAMI (AP) Max Scherzer had his worst outing of the season the last time he visited Marlins Park and vowed to do better in his next trip. He did. Scherzer struck out 10 in eight innings and won his fifth straight start, leading the Washington Nationals over the Miami Marlins 6-1 on Tuesday night. The three-time Cy Young Award winner allowed season highs in hits (11) and earned runs (six) in a 9-3 loss on April 20 the last time he was at Marlins Park. The announced crowd was 7,327 for the rematch. ''You've got to come down here and you might not have many fans in the stands, there's no atmosphere here, but you've got to mentally bring it every single time,'' Scherzer said. ''They know how to play in this atmosphere and that's what they're really good at, catching you and grinding you away. It's happened to me coming down here. I was fully aware of that and I wanted to come out there and really put an `A' game against them,'' he said. Scherzer (7-5) is 5-0 with a 0.92 ERA over his last seven starts and has fanned exactly 10 in three straight games. He also had two hits and scored twice. ''It's fun because it makes it a quicker game and we're not standing around so much,'' Nationals shortstop Trea Turner said. ''He pitched great. You see it time and time again and he does it different ways.'' Scherzer allowed five hits and one run while throwing 71 of 94 pitches for strikes. He credited catcher Kurt Suzuki with making things easy. ''We had a good game plan going in on what we wanted to work on, when we wanted to throw each pitch, and really executed with every single off-speed pitch. When I can do that and be consistent with my off-speed pitches, it makes Zuk that much better and he gets fired up because he knows he can put together some sequences.'' Turner hit a three-run homer and Juan Soto knocked in two runs for the Nationals, who have won six of eight. Miami had its four-game winning streak end, and manager Don Mattingly and shortstop Miguel Rojas were ejected in the eighth by plate umpire Mike Estabrook for arguing. Rojas struck out earlier in the inning. ''I feel it was more of a personal thing,'' Rojas said. ''I wasn't happy with that call right there. I feel sometimes they make calls because the game is a little open right there and you can't come back.'' Trevor Richards (3-8) allowed a season-high six runs in five innings. Curtis Granderson knocked in the Marlins' only run while Garrett Cooper had his 14-game hitting streak snapped with an 0-for-4 night. The Nationals scored three runs in the third on Soto's two-run single and a grounder by Howie Kendrick. Turner's sixth homer of the season gave the Nationals a 6-0 lead in the fourth. ''They made me throw pitches up and took advantage of those pitches,'' Richards said. Granderson's RBI single in the fourth was the first run Scherzer had allowed in 13 innings. ''You're always going to be in a battle every time you face him,'' Mattingly said. ''You've got to stay with him. When you get behind early, it puts you in a bind with him.'' Adam Conley relieved Richards and struck out seven in three innings. It was the fourth time in Marlins history a reliever had at least seven strikeouts, the first since Merandy Gonzalez fanned seven in May 2018. ARROW MAN The Nationals tried to boost their bullpen, calling up veteran relievers Fernando Rodney and Jonny Venters from the minors. The 42-year-old Rodney pitched a scoreless ninth and, as usual, enjoyed an arrow-shooting celebration when it was over. The right-handed Rodney, who was with Oakland earlier this season, is with his 11th major league team. Venters, a 34-year-old lefty, pitched for Atlanta this season. He's come back from three Tommy John surgeries. The Nats sent righty Kyle McGowin to Triple-A Fresno and transferred right-hander Jeremy Hellickson (shoulder) to the 60-day injured list. SOTO STRING Soto has extended his hitting streak to 10 games. He is hitting .429 (15 for 35) with two doubles, two triples, two home runs, and 11 RBIs during that span. TRAINER'S ROOM Nationals: 1B Ryan Zimmerman (foot) has been rehabbing with Double-A Harrisburg and is aiming toward a return in the weekend series at Detroit. ''If everything goes well from now until then, he'll meet us in Detroit,'' manager Dave Martinez said. ''He had a good day yesterday, will DH today, and hopefully if he feels good play nine innings tomorrow and then we'll see where we're at.'' ... RHP Jeremy Hellickson was transferred to the 60-day injured list. ''It's going to be a little longer process than we thought and we just want to make sure he's OK,'' Martinez said. Marlins: 1B Neil Walker (quad) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list. ... LHP Caleb Smith (hip) will make another rehab start before rejoining the team after he struck out 11 in 4 1/3 innings on 71 pitches for Double-A Jacksonville on Monday. ''I know Caleb probably feels he's ready to go, but for us it wouldn't be over 90 pitches the next time out and it puts us in a little bit of a bind,'' Mattingly said. ''I think we've got to get Caleb all the way back to full speed.'' UP NEXT Nationals: LHP Patrick Corbin (6-5, 3.90 ERA) threw a complete game against the Marlins on May 25. Marlins: RHP Zac Gallen (0-0, 1.80) will make his second big league start after allowing one run in five innings at St. Louis in his debut. --- More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP-Sports