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Seventy years ago, the Korean War ended with a cease-fire, not a victory or a peace deal, and veterans marked the occasion Thursday at the Korean War Memorial in Washington, D.C., with some even joining activists pushing for a formal end to the war.
But as most Korean War vets are well into their 90s, they still struggle with America's perceptions of what has been called "the Forgotten War."
"We don't call it the Forgotten War, we call it the forgotten victory," said retired U.S. Marine Col. Warren Wiedhahn. "We saved South Korea from becoming a communist country."
Wiedhahn said it might not have been clear at the time, but it sure is now. South Korea is democratic and among the world's leading economies, while the North is an impoverished, brutal dictatorship. Wiedhahn just wishes the United Nations force, led by the U.S., had held on to more of the Korean peninsula before the cease-fire. At a certain point they had driven North Korean forces all the way to the Chinese border before being pushed south again.
"Now don't get me wrong. The [cease-fire] was welcomed because that meant that the Marines and soldiers were not getting killed anymore. But to me, to us who had fought in the beginning, it was kind of an anti-climactic," he said.
At 94, Wiedhahn is president of the Chosin Few, a group of vets who fought at Chosin Reservior, a freezing 17-day battle with the Chinese army.
Membership is now being gradually passed on to the next generation.
"I actually had no idea my dad was involved with the Chosin Reservoir. He didn't say one word about it," said Nancy Weigle, whose father, Gerald, was a Navy corpsman who died in 2018. Like many Korea vets he didn't talk about it much for the first few decades, Weigle said.
"The World War II vets had obviously been celebrated. There was a clear victory. And when these guys came back, nobody even knew what Korea was," she said. That came later, as Korean products and culture spread across the globe. Her dad was one of many Korean War vets who were invited by South Korea to visit Seoul.
Weigle is now a legacy member of the Chosin Few, carrying on their stories.
Robert Grier, 90, served in Korea just a few years after the U.S. military desegregated, a memory that stood out for him even as he finds it harder to recall many other details of his service.
"Black soldiers didn't get promoted very much back then. It was always in the lower ranks," he said.
Grier eventually made captain. He has just one memory of the armistice in 1953.
"We were not happy," he said. "[We] didn't like to lose things. We thought that we lost that."
Korea was the first of many wars after World War II with, at best, ambiguous endings that most Americans didn't see as success. That includes Afghanistan and Iraq.
"I sympathize with the Korean War vets," said Welton Chang, who served two tours in Iraq.
"Their experience was much more intense, and certainly the casualties were higher," he adds.
Before Iraq, Chang also deployed to Korea for a year, during which North Korea detonated its first nuclear weapon and tested intercontinental ballistic missiles. His time there showed him the value of what Americans and others did for South Korea.
"Older Koreans are still very thankful for U.S. involvement and were often the ones who would come up to us on the street or hiking a mountain somewhere and shake our hands and say 'thank you,' " Chang said.
"It was always super awkward because you kind of have to remind them that, like, I wasn't even born when any of this stuff happened," he said. "But they saw it as this long, unbroken line of U.S. commitment in Asia."
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.kasu.org/politics/2023-07-30/as-living-memories-of-the-korean-war-fade-its-consequences-become-clearer | 2023-07-30T09:47:33 | 0 | https://www.kasu.org/politics/2023-07-30/as-living-memories-of-the-korean-war-fade-its-consequences-become-clearer |
PAVLIVKA, Ukraine (AP) — The summer winds carried the smell of burned grain across the southern Ukrainian steppe and away from the shards of three Russian cruise missiles that struck the unassuming metal hangars.
The agricultural company Ivushka applied for accreditation to export grain this year, but the strike in mid-July destroyed a large portion of the stock, days after Russia abandoned the grain deal that would have allowed the shipments across the Black Sea without fear of attack.
Men shirtless and barefoot, with blackened soles from ash, swept unburnt grain into piles and awaited the loader, whose driver deftly steered around twisted metal shrapnel, bits of missile and craters despite his shattered windshield.
They hoped to beat the next rain to rescue what was left of the crop. According to the Odesa Regional Prosecutor’s Office, Russia struck the facility July 21 with three Kalibr- and Onyx-class cruise missiles.
“We don’t have a clue why they did it,” explained Olha Romanova, the head of Ivushka. Romanova, who worked in the debris alongside the others, wore a red headscarf and an exhausted expression and was too frazzled to even estimate her losses.
She cannot comprehend why the Russians targeted Ivushka, as there are no nearby military facilities and the frontlines are far from the village in the Odesa region.
“They spent so much money on us,” she said, puzzled. The missiles that ruined the silos are worth millions of dollars — far more than the crop they destroyed.
But Ivushka wasn’t the only target in Odesa. The main port also was struck, leaving Black Sea shipping companies that relied upon the grain deal to keep them safe and food supplies flowing to the world at a standstill.
The Black Sea handled about 95% of Ukrainian grain exports before Russia’s invasion and the U.N.-brokered initiative allowed Ukraine to ship much of what farmers harvested in 2021 and 2022, said Joseph Glauber, senior research fellow at the International Food Policy Research Institute.
Ukraine, a major supplier of corn, wheat, barley and vegetable oil, shipped 32.9 million metric tons (36.2 million U.S. tons) of grain under the nearly yearlong deal designed to ease a global food crisis. It has been able to export an additional 2 million to 2.5 million metric tons (2.2 to 2.7 million U.S. tons) monthly by the Danube River, road and rail through Europe.
Those are now the only routes to ship grain, but have stirred divisions among nearby European countries and generated higher costs to be absorbed by Ukrainian farmers, said Glauber, former chief economist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Russian missiles strikes against the Danube port last Monday also raised questions about how much longer that route will remain viable.
That’s a disincentive to keep planting fields already threatened by missiles and strewn with explosive mines. Corn and wheat production in agriculture-dependent Ukraine is down nearly 40% this year from prewar levels, analysts say.
From the first of July last year until June 30 this year, Ukraine exported 68 million tons of grain, according to data from Mykola Horbachov, the president of the Ukrainian Grain Association. Ukrainian farmers shipped 11.2 million tons via railways, 5.5 million tons by road transport and around 18 million tons through Danube ports. Additionally, nearly half of the total exported grain, 33 million tons, was delivered through seaports under the Black Sea Grain Initiative.
Ihor Osmachko, the general director of Agroprosperis Group, was unsurprised by Russia’s withdrawal from the deal leading to its collapse. His company had never considered it a reliable or permanent solution during wartime.
He said Russians frequently stymied the deal, even while it was functioning, by delaying ship inspections until the cargos were sent back, leading to $30 million in losses for his company alone. Now, they are once again forced to pay to reroute 100,000 tons of grain trapped in ports that are no longer safe, Osmachko said.
“We have been preparing for this whole time,” Osmachko said. “We haven’t stopped. We are moving forward.”
Osmachko estimated around 80% to 90% of the approximately 3.2 million tons of grain Agroprosperis exported to China, Europe and African countries during the past year went through the grain corridor.
“The most significant problem today is the cost of logistics,” explained Mykola Horbachov, president of the Ukrainian Grain Association. Before the war, farmers paid approximately $20 to $25 per ton to transport grain to the Odesa ports. Now, logistics costs have tripled as they are forced to pay more than $100 to transport a single ton via alternative routes through the Danube port to Constanta, Romania.
“If we were to go on the Danube with the grain corridor closed, practically all our production would be unprofitable,” Osmachko said.
The Danube ports can’t handle the same volume as seaports. The most Agroprosperis has sent through this route is 75,000 tons per month, compared with a monthly average of 250,000 tons through Black Sea ports.
The Ukrainian harvest this year is the lowest in a decade, according to a July report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Horbachov said shipping costs to export around the world and uncertainty about the length of the war will last could quickly make new planting unprofitable for Ukrainian farmers.
Ukraine currently produces three times more grain than it consumes, while global prices will inevitably rise if the country’s exports decrease.
“I think you’re looking at a diminished Ukraine for at least the next couple of years and maybe longer,” said Glauber, the former U.S. agricultural official. “That’s something the rest of the world just needs to make up.”
The war from all sides poses risks for Agroprosperis.
In the Sumy region on the Russian border, farmers harvest their crops wearing body armor. Sometimes they must stop their combines in the middle of the wheat fields to pick up shrapnel from Russian projectiles.
“It can get tough at times,” Osmachko acknowledged. “But there are responsibilities — some have duties on the front. Some must grow food and ensure the country’s and world’s security.”
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Volodymyr Yurchuk in Lviv, Ukraine, and Courtney Bonnell in London contributed.
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Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine | https://www.wfla.com/news/international/ap-international/ap-russian-missile-attacks-leave-few-options-for-ukrainian-farmers-looking-to-export-grain/ | 2023-07-30T09:47:36 | 0 | https://www.wfla.com/news/international/ap-international/ap-russian-missile-attacks-leave-few-options-for-ukrainian-farmers-looking-to-export-grain/ |
LAS VEGAS (AP) — The fight itself didn’t match the hype, but Terence Crawford’s performance exceeded it.
He knocked down Errol Spence Jr. three times Saturday night before finally ending the fight at 2:32 of the ninth round on a technical knockout to cement himself as one of the greatest welterweights in history.
The fight, the most-anticipated boxing match in several years, made Crawford the first undisputed champion in the 147-pound division in the four-belt era that began in 2004.
Crawford (40-0, 31 knockouts) already owned the WBO belt, and took the WBC, WBA and IBF titles from Spence (28-1). Crawford also ran his KO streak to 11 matches, the second-longest active stretch.
Crawford, 35, has won titles at super lightweight and lightweight in addition to welterweight, capturing the latter after moving up in 2018. The Omaha, Nebraska, fighter became the first male boxer to become the undisputed champion in two divisions in the four-belt era.
“I only dreamed of being a world champion,” Crawford said. “I’m an over-achiever. Nobody believed in me when I was coming up, but I made everybody a believer. I want to thank Spence and his team because without him none of this would have been possible.”
A big fight night on the Strip still brings out the stars, with recording artist Andre 3000 of Outkast, NBA star Damian Lillard and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones at T-Mobile Arena. They were among the celebrities that also included former boxing champions such as Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao.
Eminem introduced Crawford and his song “Lose Yourself” played as he walked into the ring before a sellout crowd of 19,990 at T-Mobile Arena.
Spence was the aggressor early on, but Crawford sent him to the floor with a right hand with 20 seconds left in the second round. Then Crawford went after Spence, but time ran out before he could finish him off.
Crawford, a minus-154 favorite, according to FanDuel Sportsbook, then took control of the fight, landing several major blows, often on counters. But Crawford also picked his spots to go after Spence, his punching power taking a heavy toll.
“He was just better tonight,” Spence said. “I make no excuses. He was throwing a harder jab. He was timing with his jab, and he had his timing down on point.”
In the seventh round, Crawford knocked down Spence twice — with a short right at 1:02 and with another right with just a second left.
The fight was essentially over at that point, though Crawford backed off in the eighth round. He came roaring back in the ninth to end it for sure.
Crawford didn’t waste the chance to gloat afterward, directly responding to his critics.
“They said I wasn’t good enough and I couldn’t beat these welterweights,” Crawford said. “I just kept my head to the sky and kept praying to God that I would get the opportunity to show the world how great Terence Crawford is. Tonight, I believe I showed how great I am.”
Spence, however, said he would be up for a rematch, but wants to move up to the 154-pound division.
“We’ve got to do it again,” Spence said. “I would be a lot better.”
Crawford said he would have no problem moving up a weight class.
“I’m in the hurt business,” Crawford said. “Forty-seven is kind of hard for me, too. I was already talking about moving up in weight and challenging (champion Jermell) Charlo.”
The 33-year-old Spence, who lives in DeSoto, Texas, won the IBF title in 2017, claimed the WBC championship in 2019 and took the WBA championship last year.
In the co-main event, Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz (25-2-1) of Mexico beat Chicago resident Giovanni Cabrera (21-1) by split decision in a WBC and WBA lightweight match. Judges Benoit Roussel (114-113) and Don Trella (115-112) scored the fight in favor of Cruz, and Glenn Feldman gave Cabrera the fight by a 114-113 score. Cruz had a point deducted because of a head butt.
Also, Alexandro Santiago (28-3-5) of Mexico won the vacant WBC bantamweight title with a 115-113, 116-112, 116-12 decision over Nonito Donaire (42-8), who lives in Las Vegas.
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AP boxing: https://apnews.com/hub/boxing and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.wfla.com/sports/ap-sports/ap-crawford-unifies-welterweight-division-with-9th-round-tko-in-dominant-performance-over-spence/ | 2023-07-30T09:47:45 | 0 | https://www.wfla.com/sports/ap-sports/ap-crawford-unifies-welterweight-division-with-9th-round-tko-in-dominant-performance-over-spence/ |
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Justin Gaethje knocked out Dustin Poirier with a head kick one minute into the second round to win the main event lightweight bout at UFC 291 on Saturday night.
The third-ranked Gaethje (26-4) celebrated his victory by climbing to the top of the Octagon fence and doing a backflip off it. His perfectly timed headshot helped him avenge a loss to Poirier in 2018 when he suffered a fourth-round technical knockout via strikes.
“This chance at redemption was amazing,” Gaethje said. “It drove me to work harder to be ready.”
It was Gaethje’s 20th win by knockout or TKO and his seventh victory in his last nine fights. He also scored his first knockout win since UFC 249 in 2020.
“I was surprised by myself and how good I fought,” Gaethje said.
Second-ranked Poirier (29-8) entered the rematch between the two former interim lightweight champions as a minus-152 favorite according to FanDuel. He matched Gaethje blow for blow in the first round – earning a 10-9 advantage on two of three scorecards – before being quickly dispatched in the second.
The decisive high kick from one former champ caught the other by surprise because it wasn’t a move that he expected to see from Gaethje.
“I thought I had four more rounds,” Poirier said. “I didn’t know I had two more minutes.”
With the victory, Gaethje earned a BMF belt – the second UFC fighter to be awarded that belt.
Beating Poirier opens the door for Gaethje to have a potential title bout against the winner of Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira, who are set to square off at UFC 294 in October.
Gaethje’s BMF win over Poirier headlined five main card bouts.
Alex Pereira defeated Jan Blachowicz by split decision in a light heavyweight bout billed as the co-main event for his eighth win in his last nine fights.
Pereira (8-2), ranked second as a middleweight, made his debut in the light heavyweight division at UFC 291 after losing the middleweight title belt via knockout to Israel Adesanya at UFC 287 in April. Blachowicz (29-10-1) did not make the transition in weight class a smooth one for the former champion.
He weathered early takedowns in the first two rounds and rallied in the third round.
Derrick Lewis earned a record 14th knockout win over Marcos Rogerio de Lima just 33 seconds into the first round of the heavyweight bout. The No.10-ranked Lewis (27-11) scored an immediate takedown with a flying knee and pummeled 15th-ranked Rogerio de Lima (21-10-1) with repeated punches to score the early finish. He celebrated snapping a three-fight slide by stripping off his shorts and dancing around the Octagon.
“The win means a lot to me,” Lewis said. “I had a lot of pressure on me coming into this fight and I just wanted to prove to everyone I’m still one of the best fighters in the world.”
Bobby Green beat Tony Ferguson by submission via choke with six seconds left in the third round of the lightweight bout. Green (30-14-1) dominated the final two rounds to earn his second career submission, scoring takedowns in both rounds while raining repeated blows that left his opponent battered. He denied Ferguson (26-9) a shot at earning his first UFC victory since 2019, sending the 39-year-old fighter home with his sixth straight loss.
Kevin Holland made quick work of Michael Chiesa to win the welterweight bout. Holland (25-9) beat the 12th-ranked Chiesa — fighting for the first time following a two-year hiatus — by submission at 2:39 in the first round. He used his length and striking abilities to trap Chiesa (18-7) in a D’arce choke, forcing a quick tap out.
Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith, Jazz coach Will Hardy, and former Jazz stars Deron Williams and Karl Malone were among those in attendance at the second UFC pay-per-view event in 11 months in the Beehive State.
UFC reported a live gate of $6.5 million, breaking the previous venue record set at UFC 278 in August 2022. A sellout crowd of 18,467 was in attendance.
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AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.wfla.com/sports/ap-sports/ap-gaethje-knocks-out-poirier-in-second-round-to-win-ufc-291-lightweight-bout/ | 2023-07-30T09:47:53 | 0 | https://www.wfla.com/sports/ap-sports/ap-gaethje-knocks-out-poirier-in-second-round-to-win-ufc-291-lightweight-bout/ |
FUKUOKA, Japan (AP) — The American swim team has had a so-so meet at the world championships in Japan. Meanwhile, Australia and China have been pouring it on.
The American gold-medal count at the worlds is the lowest in at least two decades, although the overall medal count of gold, silver, and bronze, is similar to most years.
“Obviously, we’d like to win more gold medals and I think we will,” American coach Bob Bowman said going into Sunday’s final day.
The slight predicament for Bowman is that two of the swimmers he coaches at Arizona State University, Leon Marchand of France and Hungary’s Hubert Kos, have won four gold medals. Marchand has three, and he’s sure to be a star in next year’s Paris Olympics, and Kos has one.
That’s the same gold-medal total for the entire American team through seven of eight days — four gold. The average for the Americans over the last nine championships has been about 15 golds.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, two of the first three questions Bowman fielded were about Marchand and Kos, from French and Hungarian news outlets.
“If you look at swimming, every coach on the U.S. team is coaching a foreign swimmer, an international swimmer. There’s always that dynamic,” said Bowman, who has legendary status for helping Michael Phelps win 23 Olympic gold medals.”
Bowman was cautious about taking credit for Kos, who came to Arizona State late last year. He went from being a good individual medley swimmer to a world champion a few days ago in the 200-meter backstroke.
“I think it’s just the Bob Bowman effect,” said Kos, son of an American father and Hungarian mother. ”That’s as simple as it is.”
He said Bowman had a “magic” touch.“
Bowman played down his role.
“He (Kos) had an excellent coach at home for 10 years before me,” Bowman said. “He deserved the credit for this. I just helped a little bit at the end.”
Bowman compared Marchand to Phelps. But can he produce and endure the pressure, particularly with the Olympics in his home country.
“It remains to be seen what he can do next year. It’s going to be a lot of expectations,” Bowman said. “But I feel like he’s done a very good rehearsal this year and last year. They’ve been good preparations for what will happen next year and we’ll try to carry that over to Paris.”
Swimming is an individual sport, separate from team sports like soccer. It would be unthinkable for the coach of Real Madrid to be also coaching Barcelona players on the side. But it’s normal in swimming, and Bowman said he was “ethically” comfortable with it.
“I mean, the bottom line is I get paid to coach these guys at ASU,” he said. “I’m representing my country for the love of my country and happy to do that. I don’t think there’s an ethical question. It’s not a zero-sum. I’m not taking away from the U.S. guys.”
He said he was interested in coaching the Americans at next year’s Olympics, but suggested any decision was still pending.
“I don’t think we know yet,” he said. “I have to go through this week, get home, think about what the scenarios look (like) and then we’ll decide. I always want to do. But we’ll see how it goes.”
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AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.wfla.com/sports/ap-sports/ap-legendary-coach-bob-bowman-keeps-turning-out-winning-swimmers-and-not-just-americans/ | 2023-07-30T09:48:01 | 1 | https://www.wfla.com/sports/ap-sports/ap-legendary-coach-bob-bowman-keeps-turning-out-winning-swimmers-and-not-just-americans/ |
AUCKLAND, New Zealand — Norway had spent its first 10 days at the 2023 World Cup enveloped by drama. It had teetered on the brink of crisis ever since an opening-night loss to New Zealand. It plunged in fully on Matchday 2. A Ballon d’Or winner pulled up injured. The team’s best player, who’d been benched, lashed out at the coach. They all entered Sunday’s Group A finale eyeing a flameout for the ages, with the world eagerly awaiting their combustion.
But over 90 minutes here at Eden Park, they remembered that, drama aside, they are also a collection of world-class players.
They beat the Philippines 6-0, advanced to the knockout rounds and eliminated two lovable underdogs in one fell swoop.
New Zealand had seized the sport's attention with an upset of these same Norwegians last Thursday. The Philippines then stunned New Zealand, became the tournament's gripping Cinderella tale and relegated Norway to last place in the World Cup's weakest group.
But Norway’s convincing win sent them through in second place, behind Switzerland and ahead of New Zealand, who played to a 0-0 stalemate.
And the Norwegian protagonists, of course, were the injured star’s replacement, Sophie Román Haug, and the drama chief herself, Caroline Graham Hansen.
Haug put Norway ahead with one of the goals of the tournament, a flying volley that looped over Philippines keeper Olivia McDaniel and skimmed in off the far post.
NORWAY TAKES THE LEAD 💪🇳🇴
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 30, 2023
What a finish 🔥 pic.twitter.com/czvxhA35gM
She soon doubled the lead with a header, peeling away from the Filipina center backs.
And all the while, Graham Hansen took over. She toyed with the Philippines defense. She scored a brilliant goal of her own, and nearly set up Haug for another goal — but Haug’s point-blank back-flick was deflected just past the post.
The dangerous Caroline Graham Hansen triples the lead for Norway!
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 30, 2023
A truly masterclass of finishing from the Grasshoppers 🇳🇴 pic.twitter.com/ilsBBnt18w
Graham Hansen skipped past fullbacks and danced around them, the ball seemingly tied to her foot on a string. She did precisely what she always does at Barcelona, where she became a two-time European champion and one of the premiere dribblers in the world. An audacious, crafty winger, she arrived in New Zealand at the apparent top of her game — but then everything went awry.
She struggled in the opener. Players stalked through the mixed zone after their 1-0 loss, dumbfounded and frustrated, shaking their heads. “So poor,” midfielder Guro Reiten said of the overall performance. “I'm very disappointed.”
Ahead of their second match, against Switzerland, head coach Hege Riise shuffled her lineup — and dropped Graham Hansen, who eventually played 33 minutes off the bench. With star striker Ada Hegerberg injured in warmups, Norway failed to score again, and settled for an unsatisfactory 0-0 draw.
Speaking postgame, Graham Hansen let loose. "There's not much I can say, I feel like I'm standing here with my hands tied," she said. "I feel I have been stepped on for a whole year – everyone says all the time that we have to stand together as a team and as a nation, but I feel I've been on the receiving end [of a raw deal]."
“Nothing comes for free in life,” she added, “but I thought I had earned a certain amount of respect. But maybe that wasn’t the case.”
There was complicated history underneath the sudden spat. Graham Hansen stepped away from the national team last summer, not long after Riise had been appointed head coach. She had also allegedly been removed from the team’s leadership group. It’s unclear how that related to her decision to step away, or how any of this affected her relationship with Riise going forward.
No matter the backstory, the post-match outburst seemed to unleash a crisis. But it didn’t detract from Graham Hansen’s skill. She publicly apologized the following day. Ahead of Sunday’s decisive match against the Philippines, Riise said: “We have talked it out and put it behind us.”
Some 24 hours later, they put a shaky group stage behind them as well. They scored a fourth, an own goal, shortly after halftime. Reiten scored a fifth from the penalty spot five minutes later. In the 90th minute, Haug would get her hat trick to top things off.
The Norwegians have cautioned the world, explicitly and implicitly, that they are not always the sum of their parts. But the parts are pretty darn good. They’ll advance to the Round of 16, where they’ll meet the Group C winner — either Japan or Spain — next Saturday, Aug. 5. | https://www.star945.com/news/national/with-2-world-cups/DQU3CWDNMSMNR6VSDGLJBCDLGU/ | 2023-07-30T09:48:04 | 1 | https://www.star945.com/news/national/with-2-world-cups/DQU3CWDNMSMNR6VSDGLJBCDLGU/ |
AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — Megan Rapinoe is adjusting to her new role at the Women’s World Cup, even if it means she’s not on the field as much as she’d like to be.
The outspoken 38-year-old known for her eclectic hair colors and the iconic victory pose she struck at the 2019 World Cup is the oldest player on the team. She already announced that her fourth World Cup would be her last.
“Ultimately, we’re at the World Cup. This is where everybody wants to be, whether you’re playing 90 minutes, whether you’re a game changer, whatever,” she said Sunday. “I think it’s a lot similar to what I thought it would be — bringing all the experience that I can, all the experience that I have, and ultimately being ready whenever my number is called up.”
Rapinoe has played limited minutes so far, coming in as a substitute in the 3-0 victory over Vietnam in the tournament opener, which was her 200th career appearance for the team.
She was available but didn’t play in the disappointing 1-1 draw with the Netherlands on Thursday in Wellington. U.S. coach Vlatko Andonovski made just one substitution in the match, bringing in midfielder Rose Lavelle after the first half.
“I think all of us on the bench, it’s like we think we should be on the field as much as the players on the field believe that they should be on the field,” Rapinoe said. “Every player on the field that starts the game thinks that they should play 90 minutes, and every player who doesn’t, who is a sub, thinks that they should be on at some point.”
The United States has won the last two World Cups, but the players find themselves in a more precarious position as they chase an unprecedented third consecutive title. The Americans need at least a draw going into the final group match against Portugal on Tuesday at Eden Park in Auckland.
The Americans top Group E, even on points with the Netherlands, but hold the edge because of goal difference. Portugal, which beat Vietnam, could send the United States home early with a win over the Americans.
“We’re unsatisfied with the way we played, but we know there are areas that we can be better and I think there’s some really simple fixes we can do to put ourselves in a better position to have more joy on the ball, especially in the final third,” Rapinoe said. “I think everybody’s looking at this like `Let’s go.’”
At the 2019 World Cup in France, Rapinoe scored six goals over the course of the tournament, including a penalty in a 2-0 victory over the Netherlands in the final. She also finished with three assists and claimed both the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball for the best overall player.
Rapinoe, who is engaged to former WNBA star Sue Bird, has been a leader on and off the field.
She made headlines during the 2019 tournament when she said she wouldn’t visit the White House if the United States won. Her decision was based on her disdain for then-President Donald Trump, and the team did not go to the White House after winning its second World Cup.
And in the midst of a dispute with U.S. Soccer over equal pay with the men’s national team, Rapinoe helped the women hold firm on their position.
“I just think back to 2019 in particular. We didn’t really talk about it a lot as a group but we were like, `Well, we have to win. This is kind of like a must-win World Cup for us.’ And I think it did give us confidence,” she said. “It pressured us, but I think we also knew that we could handle it and it was almost a mandatory upping of our level to be able to match everything that we were saying off the field. I think in so many ways we were betting on ourselves.”
Rapinoe has won two Women’s World Cup titles and an Olympic gold medal with the United States. She also took home the Ballon d’Or and the Best FIFA Women’s Player awards — the game’s top individual honors — for her play in 2019.
As a fierce advocate for social justice issues, including gender equity and LGBTQ rights, she was awarded the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, by President Joe Biden last year.
The team also won a new contract that pays the players the same as their male counterparts.
“I’ve always tried to use whatever platform we have, and this platform was built long before I got here. We just continue to add to to it, to grow the game, to make the world a better place, to use our voices, to advocate for more,” she said.
At this World Cup, she’s passing that legacy on to younger generation. Fourteen of the U.S. players are playing in their first World Cup. In 2019, Carli Lloyd was in a similar role of a player who was also something of a coach who led by example.
Rapinoe is doing that now.
“Still every day in training I’m like, `I’m gonna try to bust your ass,’ and that makes them better, that makes me better,” she said. “That makes the whole team better. So I think it’s been really rewarding. And I think ultimately, and I think that this gets lost, but I get to play in another World Cup.”
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AP Women’s World Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-womens-world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.wfla.com/sports/ap-sports/ap-megan-rapinoe-adjusts-to-new-role-at-womens-world-cup-while-still-savoring-final-days-in-spotlight/ | 2023-07-30T09:48:07 | 1 | https://www.wfla.com/sports/ap-sports/ap-megan-rapinoe-adjusts-to-new-role-at-womens-world-cup-while-still-savoring-final-days-in-spotlight/ |
AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — Sophie Roman Haug’s hat trick kick-started Norway’s dormant offense and sparked a 6-0 blowout win over the Philippines on Sunday that moved the Norwegians into to the knockout stage of the Women’s World Cup.
The Philippines’ debut run in the tournament came to an end as Norway scored early and often, netting three goals in the first 31 minutes.
Norway’s spot in the round of 16 was secured when Switzerland and New Zealand simultaneously played to a 0-0 draw and the Norwegians. Norway and New Zealand were tied in Group A but Norway advanced on goal differential. New Zealand became the first host country to be eliminated in the group stage in tournament history.
Before the game, Norway had not scored in three consecutive Women’s World Cup matches dating to the quarterfinals of the 2019 tournament.
But Roman Haug one-timed a ball into the net in the sixth minute, and scored again 11 minutes later. Caroline Graham Hansen added a long-distance shot in the 31st minute.
Roman Haug completed the hat trick in injury time.
In the second half, an Alicia Barker own goal in the 48th minute and Guro Reiten’s penalty kick in the 53rd minute extended Norway’s lead to 5-0. Filipina defender Sofia Harrison received a red card in the 67th minute for using excessive force, and the Philippines played the rest of the match a player down.
Eden Park was turned into a makeshift home match for the Philippines, as the Filipina fans screamed in unison any time the Philippines touched the ball, even as the deficit grew.
The Philippines were fresh off of a historic 1-0 win over co-host New Zealand that marked the first Women’s World Cup win for the debutantes.
KEY MOMENTS
Roman Haug got the Norwegians off to a hot start. The first of her two goals was a left-footed volley from inside the six-yard box in the sixth minute. Eleven minutes later, Roman Haug scored a header delivered by a Vilde Boe Risa cross. Roman Haug’s header flew over the reach of Philippines goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel.
Graham Hansen scored on a long-distance strike that curled into the bottom left corner in the 31st minute to give Norway its third goal of the half.
From that point on, Norway was in control.
WHY IT MATTERS
The win advances Norway to the knockout stage after the Norwegians found themselves in last place in Group A heading into the Philippines match.
The Norwegians had yet to score in 2023 before their six-goal eruption.
WHAT’S NEXT
Norway will play either Japan or Spain in the round of 16 next Saturday, depending on the results of a game between those Group C teams on Monday.
The inaugural tournament run ends for the Philippines, who needed at least a draw to have a chance of moving on.
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Zach Allen is a student in the John Curley Center for Sports Journalism at Penn State.
—-
AP Women’s World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-womens-world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.wfla.com/sports/ap-sports/ap-norway-moves-into-the-knockout-round-at-womens-world-cup-with-6-0-rout-over-the-philippines/ | 2023-07-30T09:48:16 | 1 | https://www.wfla.com/sports/ap-sports/ap-norway-moves-into-the-knockout-round-at-womens-world-cup-with-6-0-rout-over-the-philippines/ |
The Texas Rangers agreed to acquire three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer in a blockbuster trade with the New York Mets on Saturday night, an all-in move for the surprise leaders in the AL West, a person with knowledge of the deal said.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal hasn’t been announced.
The Rangers will be adding the 39-year-old Scherzer with another former Mets pitcher with Cy Young credentials, two-time winner Jacob deGrom, sidelined by Tommy John elbow surgery, possibly all the way through the end of next season.
According to multiple reports, the deal nets New York one of the top Texas prospects in infielder Luisangel Acuña, the younger brother of Atlanta star Ronald Acuña Jr.
As part of the deal, Scherzer agreed to opt in on the final year of his contract in 2024 at $43 million, according to reports that also said the Mets were paying about $35 million of the remaining $58 million on the right-hander’s contract.
The Mets, one of baseball’s biggest disappointments, unloaded Scherzer two days after sending closer David Robertson to Miami for two minor leaguers.
New York began the season with the highest payroll in baseball at $353 million but started the day 17 games behind Atlanta in the NL East and 6 1/2 games back in the wild-card race.
The next question is what the Mets will do with Justin Verlander, another three-time Cy Young winner signed through next season. There should be plenty of suitors for the 40-year-old right-hander.
Texas has emerged from six consecutive losing seasons to lead the AL West all but one day in three-time World Series champion Bruce Bochy’s first season as manager.
The Rangers made the first notable move of this trading season by getting once-dominant closer Aroldis Chapman from Kansas City in June. Chapman has stayed in a setup role with Will Smith handling most of the closing duties.
Now Texas has bolstered the rotation knowing deGrom might be out until Scherzer’s contract expires at the end of next season.
The trade for Scherzer came on the same day the Rangers said they were again bumping back the next start for All-Star right-hander Nathan Eovaldi. Bochy said Eovaldi had a sore elbow, but the club doesn’t think it’s serious.
The Rangers added deGrom in the offseason on a $185 million, five-year contract, knowing there was risk in signing the oft-injured right-hander.
He lasted just six starts — all Texas wins — before elbow issues sidelined deGrom for a month. It took multiple MRIs to determine the extent of the damage to his elbow, and the Tommy John procedure in June was the second of his career. The other was in rookie ball with the Mets in 2010.
“I think we need to improve as a starting rotation,” Bochy said before the Rangers’ game at San Diego on Saturday night, as reports of the trade were circulating. “I think that’s fair to say.”
Scherzer (9-4) was leading the Mets in victories but had his highest ERA (4.01) since 2011 with Detroit. The eight-time All-Star started Friday at home against Washington, allowing one run in seven innings in a 5-1 New York victory.
With 210 career victories, Scherzer is third among active pitchers behind Verlander and Kansas City’s Zack Greinke.
___
AP Sports Writer Bernie Wilson in San Diego contributed to this report.
___
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.wfla.com/sports/ap-sports/ap-rangers-get-scherzer-from-mets-in-all-in-blockbuster-from-surprise-al-west-leaders/ | 2023-07-30T09:48:24 | 0 | https://www.wfla.com/sports/ap-sports/ap-rangers-get-scherzer-from-mets-in-all-in-blockbuster-from-surprise-al-west-leaders/ |
SYDNEY (AP) — Some of the biggest names in soccer have yet to show up at the Women’s World Cup.
That’s literally been the case of Australian star Sam Kerr, who missed the first two games with a calf injury.
Kerr has recovered in time to play for Australia in a crucial final Group B game against Canada on Monday. The Matildas need to beat the Canadians to ensure they advance to the knockout round, and the Chelsea striker’s return to the lineup brings needed energy to the team.
“Mentally, it’s massive. It brings so much to our team and obviously also a lot to the opposition knowing that we have Sam available for this game,” Australia defender Ellie Carpenter said.
Kerr’s injury on the eve of Australia’s opening game against Ireland set the tone for a tournament that hasn’t been kind to some of its biggest stars. She was the face of co-host Australia’s preparations for the tournament, which is also being staged in New Zealand.
She dominated the covers of magazines across newsstands, while the autobiography she released late last year chronicled her rise to become arguably the best player in the women’s game right now. Kerr’s popularity transcends women’s soccer and she is considered a national icon.
So the disappointment was palpable when news broke about an hour before the opening match that Kerr was going to be sidelined at least two games in this tournament.
Kerr’s absence was felt in the 3-2 loss to Nigeria in Australia’s second game, a loss that put the Matildas in danger of elimination. It is not known what her role will be against Canada, but Australia needs Kerr to deliver in the final game of group play.
“I’m definitely going to be available, but how we decide to use that is not to be given to the opposition,” said Kerr.
The World Cup is supposed to be a showcase for the finest talent and biggest names, but injuries have always robbed the tournament of some its star players.
Norway forward Ada Hegerberg has had her playing time curtailed. Often referred to as “the Lionel Messi of women’s soccer,” Hederberg was part of a Norway’s 1-0 upset loss to New Zealand in the opening game of the World Cup.
It got worse for the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner when she suffered a groin injury in the warm-up ahead of Norway’s game against Switzerland, and she’s been ruled out of the final Group A game against the Philippines.
Keira Walsh of England suffered a knee injury against Denmark that will sidenline her for the Lionesses’ final Group D game against China. Described as irreplaceable, it is not known how much she will be able to play.
Even for some stars who have seen plenty of playing time, it has been difficult to make an impact.
American icon Alex Morgan has underwhelmed so far at her fourth World Cup, where she is hoping to help the United States to an unprecedented third consecutive title.
Morgan, the co-leading scorer at the last World Cup, has yet to score at this year’s event and missed a penalty in the 3-0 win against Vietnam. U.S. coach Vlatko Andonovski said Morgan was adapting to playing in a forward line with Sophia Smith and Trinity Rodman.
“I think it’s not hard to realize that Alex’s role is slightly different than the Alex that we’re used to maybe in the past,” Andonovski said. “She does set up the other two forwards a lot more. It’s not that she’s not capable of scoring goals or getting behind crosses, but we can also see her playing balls to Trinity and Soph, but also getting crosses for them as well.”
Morgan, at 34, is now one of the older players at the tournament.
Christine Sinclair of Canada is also searching for first goal of the tournament. Sinclair is highest scorer in international soccer — men or women — with 190 goals.
Like Morgan, she also missed a penalty, in a 0-0 draw with Nigeria that could still prove costly. She was benched for Canada’s second game against Ireland before coming in as a substitute at halftime as the gold medalist from the Tokyo Olympics logged a come-from-behind 2-1 win.
At 40 years old, Sinclair is having to accept a more limited role for Canada.
Brazil great Marta, at 37, has also been used sparingly in her sixth World Cup.
Her teammate, Debinha, who is also an iconic figure to Brazil fans, has been one of the standout players for her country so far. But she wasn’t able to stop a 2-1 loss to France on Saturday despite scoring in that match.
The gap appears to be closing in the women’s game, with underdogs proving more of a test for the more established nations. That’s one reason some of the big name stars have yet to impress in tournament.
One of the few standouts who has not disappointed so far has been Alexandra Popp, who scored twice in Germany’s 6-0 rout of Morocco.
Major tournaments are traditionally a mix of rising talents coming to the surface, while established stars have the chance to confirm their status among the greats.
Linda Caicedo of Colombia, Lauren James of England and Melchie Dumornay of Haiti have proven their worth as some of the brightest prospects in the game. But as the second round of games nears its completion, it feels like the tournament is still waiting for many of its big hitters to make an impact.
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James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson
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More AP Women’s World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-womens-world-cup | https://www.wfla.com/sports/ap-sports/ap-some-of-soccers-biggest-stars-are-struggling-to-make-an-impact-at-the-womens-world-cup/ | 2023-07-30T09:48:32 | 1 | https://www.wfla.com/sports/ap-sports/ap-some-of-soccers-biggest-stars-are-struggling-to-make-an-impact-at-the-womens-world-cup/ |
Astros vs. Rays: Betting Trends, Odds, Records Against the Run Line, Home/Road Splits
Alex Bregman and the Houston Astros square off against the Tampa Bay Rays and starter Zack Littell on Sunday at 2:10 PM ET at Minute Maid Park.
The favored Astros have -110 moneyline odds to win against the underdog Rays, who are listed at -110. The matchup's total has been listed at 9 runs.
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Astros vs. Rays Odds & Info
- Date: Sunday, July 30, 2023
- Time: 2:10 PM ET
- TV: SportsNet SW
- Location: Houston, Texas
- Venue: Minute Maid Park
- Live Stream: Watch on Fubo!
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Astros Recent Betting Performance
- The Astros have played as the favorite in eight of their past 10 games and have gone 6-2 in those contests.
- In their last 10 games with a total, the Astros and their opponents have combined to hit the over four times.
- In their last game with a spread, the Astros failed to cover.
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Astros Betting Records & Stats
- The Astros have won 40 of the 68 games they were favored on the moneyline this season (58.8%).
- In games it has played as moneyline favorites with odds of -110 or shorter, Houston has gone 43-33 (56.6%).
- The Astros have a 52.4% chance to win this contest based on the moneyline's implied probability.
- Houston has played in 105 games with an over/under set, and have combined with its opponents to go over the total 51 times (51-53-1).
- The Astros have covered 50% of their games this season, going 8-8-0 against the spread.
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Astros Splits
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© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.ktre.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/astros-vs-rays-mlb-betting-trends-stats/ | 2023-07-30T09:48:55 | 1 | https://www.ktre.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/astros-vs-rays-mlb-betting-trends-stats/ |
NEW YORK (AP) — Six straight days of 12-hour driving. Single digit paychecks. The complaints come from workers in vastly different industries: UPS delivery drivers and Hollywood actors and writers.
But they point to an underlying factor driving a surge of labor unrest: The cost to workers whose jobs have changed drastically as companies scramble to meet customer expectations for speed and convenience in industries transformed by technology.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated those changes, pushing retailers to shift online and intensifying the streaming competition among entertainment companies. Now, from the picket lines, workers are trying to give consumers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to produce a show that can be binged any time or get dog food delivered to their doorstep with a phone swipe.
Overworked and underpaid employees is an enduring complaint across industries — from delivery drivers to Starbucks baristas and airline pilots — where surges in consumer demand have collided with persistent labor shortages. Workers are pushing back against forced overtime, punishing schedules or company reliance on lower-paid, part-time or contract forces.
At issue for Hollywood screenwriters and actors staging their first simultaneous strikes in 40 years is the way streaming has upended entertainment economics, slashing pay and forcing showrunners to produce content faster with smaller teams.
“This seems to happen to many places when the tech companies come in. Who are we crushing? It doesn’t matter,” said Danielle Sanchez-Witzel, a screenwriter and showrunner on the negotiating team for the Writers Guild of America, whose members have been on strike since May. Earlier this month, the Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists joined the writers’ union on the picket line.
Actors and writers have long relied on residuals, or long-term payments, for reruns and other airings of films and televisions shows. But reruns aren’t a thing on streaming services, where series and films simply land and stay with no easy way, such as box office returns or ratings, to determine their popularity.
Consequently, whatever residuals streaming companies do pay often amount to a pittance, and screenwriters have been sharing tales of receiving single digit checks.
Adam Shapiro, an actor known for the Netflix hit “Never Have I Ever,” said many actors were initially content to accept lower pay for the plethora of roles that streaming suddenly offered. But the need for a more sustainable compensation model gained urgency when it became clear streaming is not a sideshow, but rather the future of the business, he said.
“Over the past 10 years, we realized: ‘Oh, that’s now how Hollywood works. Everything is streaming,’” Shapiro said during a recent union event.
Shapiro, who has been acting for 25 years, said he agreed to a contract offering 20% of his normal rate for “Never Have I Ever” because it seemed like “a great opportunity, and it’s going to be all over the world. And it was. It really was. Unfortunately, we’re all starting to realize that if we keep doing this we’re not going to be able to pay our bills.”
Then there’s the rising use of “mini rooms,” in which a handful of writers are hired to work only during pre-production, sometimes for a series that may take a year to be greenlit, or never get picked up at all.
Sanchez-Witzel, co-creator of the recently released Netflix series “Survival of the Thickest,” said television shows traditionally hire robust writing teams for the duration of production. But Netflix refused to allow her to keep her team of five writers past pre-production, forcing round-the-clock work on rewrites with just one other writer.
“It’s not sustainable and I’ll never do that again,” she said.
Sanchez-Witzel said she was struck by the similarities between her experience and those of UPS drivers, some of whom joined the WGA for protests as they threatened their own potentially crippling strike. UPS and the Teamsters last week reached a tentative contract staving off the strike.
Jeffrey Palmerino, a full-time UPS driver near Albany, New York, said forced overtime emerged as a top issue during the pandemic as drivers coped with a crush of orders on par with the holiday season. Drivers never knew what time they would get home or if they could count on two days off each week, while 14-hour days in trucks without air conditioning became the norm.
“It was basically like Christmas on steroids for two straight years. A lot of us were forced to work six days a week, and that is not any way to live your life,” said Palmerino, a Teamsters shop steward.
Along with pay raises and air conditioning, the Teamsters won concessions that Palmerino hopes will ease overwork. UPS agreed to end forced overtime on days off and eliminate a lower-paid category of drivers who work shifts that include weekends, converting them to full-time drivers. Union members have yet to ratify the deal.
The Teamsters and labor activists hailed the tentative deal as a game-changer that would pressure other companies facing labor unrest to raise their standards. But similar outcomes are far from certain in industries lacking the sheer economic indispensability of UPS or the clout of its 340,000-member union.
Efforts to organize at Starbucks and Amazon stalled as both companies aggressively fought against unionization.
Still, labor protests will likely gain momentum following the UPS contract, said Patricia Campos-Medina, executive director of the Worker Institute at the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, which released a report this year that found the number of labor strikes rose 52% in 2022.
“The whole idea that consumer convenience is above everything broke down during the pandemic. We started to think, ‘I’m at home ordering, but there is actually a worker who has to go the grocery store, who has to cook this for me so that I can be comfortable,’” Campos-Medina said.
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Associated Press video journalist Leslie Ambriz contributed from Los Angeles. | https://www.qcnews.com/entertainment/ap-consumer-demand-for-speed-and-convenience-drives-labor-unrest-among-workers-in-hollywood-and-at-ups/ | 2023-07-30T09:48:55 | 0 | https://www.qcnews.com/entertainment/ap-consumer-demand-for-speed-and-convenience-drives-labor-unrest-among-workers-in-hollywood-and-at-ups/ |
Rangers vs. Padres: Betting Trends, Odds, Records Against the Run Line, Home/Road Splits
Cody Bradford takes the mound for the Texas Rangers on Sunday at PETCO Park against Juan Soto and the San Diego Padres. First pitch is at 4:10 PM ET.
The Rangers are listed as +150 moneyline underdogs in this matchup with the Padres (-185). The total for the contest has been listed at 9 runs.
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Rangers vs. Padres Odds & Info
- Date: Sunday, July 30, 2023
- Time: 4:10 PM ET
- TV: SDPA
- Location: San Diego, California
- Venue: PETCO Park
- Live Stream: Watch on Fubo!
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Rangers Recent Betting Performance
- In six games as the underdog over the last 10 matchups, the Rangers have posted a mark of 2-4.
- In their last 10 games with an over/under, the Rangers and their opponents have combined to eclipse the total five times.
- Bookmakers have yet to post a spread in any of the Rangers' past 10 games.
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Rangers Betting Records & Stats
- The Rangers have been chosen as underdogs in 34 games this year and have walked away with the win 17 times (50%) in those games.
- Texas has entered three games this season as the underdog by +150 or more and is 2-1 in those contests.
- The moneyline set for this matchup implies the Rangers have a 40% chance of walking away with the win.
- So far this season, Texas and its opponents have hit the over in 53 of its 104 games with a total.
- The Rangers have an against the spread mark of 8-2-0 in 10 games with a line this season.
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Rangers Splits
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© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.ktre.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/rangers-vs-padres-mlb-betting-trends-stats/ | 2023-07-30T09:49:01 | 0 | https://www.ktre.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/rangers-vs-padres-mlb-betting-trends-stats/ |
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Shawn Steik and his wife were forced from a long-term motel room onto the streets of Anchorage after their rent shot up to $800 a month. Now they live in a tent encampment by a train depot, and as an Alaska winter looms they are growing desperate and fearful of what lies ahead.
A proposal last week by Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson to buy one-way plane tickets out of Alaska’s biggest city for its homeless residents gave Steik a much-needed glimmer of hope. He would move to the relative warmth of Seattle.
“I heard it’s probably warmer than this place,” said Steik, who is Aleut.
But the mayor’s unfunded idea also came under immediate attack as a Band-Aid solution glossing over the tremendous, and still unaddressed, crisis facing Anchorage as a swelling homeless population struggles to survive in a unique and extreme environment. Frigid temperatures stalk the homeless in the winter and bears infiltrate homeless encampments in the summer.
A record eight people died of exposure while living outside last winter and this year promises to be worse after the city closed an arena that housed 500 people during the winter months. Bickering between the city’s liberal assembly and its conservative mayor about how to address the crisis, and a lack of state funding, have further stymied efforts to find a solution.
With winter fast approaching in Alaska, it’s “past time for state and local leaders to address the underlying causes of homelessness — airplane tickets are a distraction, not a solution,” the American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska said in a statement to The Associated Press.
About 43% of Anchorage’s more than 3,000 unsheltered residents are Alaska Natives, and Bronson’s proposal also drew harsh criticism from those who called it culturally insensitive.
“The reality is there is no place to send these people because this is their land. Any policy that we make has to pay credence to that simple fact. This is Dena’ina land, this is Native land,” said Christopher Constant, chair of the Anchorage Assembly. “And so we cannot be supporting policies that would take people and displace them from their home, even if their home is not what you or I would call home.”
Bronson’s airfare proposal caps a turbulent few years as Anchorage, like many cities in the U.S. West, struggles to deal with a burgeoning homeless population.
In May, the city shut down the 500-bed homeless shelter in the city’s arena so it could once more be used for concerts and hockey games after neighbors complained about open drug use, trespassing, violence and litter. A plan to build a large shelter and navigation center fell through when Bronson approved a contract without approval from the Anchorage Assembly.
That leaves a gaping hole in the city’s ability to house the thousands of homeless people who have to contend with temperatures well below zero for days at a time and unrelenting winds blasting off Cook Inlet. At the end of June, Anchorage was estimated to have a little more than 3,150 homeless people, according to the Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness. Last week, there were only 614 beds at shelters citywide, with no vacancies.
New tent cities have sprung up across Anchorage this summer: on a slope facing the city’s historic railroad depot, on a busy road near the Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson and near soup kitchens and shelters downtown.
Assembly members are slated to consider a winter stop-gap option in August falling far short of the need: a large, warmed, tent-like structure for 150 people.
Summer brings its own challenges: hungry bears last year roamed a city-owned campground where homeless people were resettled after the arena closed. Wildlife officials killed four bears after they broke into tents.
Bronson said he prefers to spend a few hundred dollars per person for a plane ticket rather than spending about $100 daily to shelter and feed them. He said he doesn’t care where they want to go; his job is to “make sure they don’t die on Anchorage streets.”
It’s not clear if his proposal will move forward. There is not yet a plan or a funding source.
Dr. Ted Mala, an Inupiaq who in 1990 became the first Alaska Native to serve as the state’s health commissioner, said Anchorage should be working with social workers and law enforcement to discover people’s individual reasons for homelessness and connect them with resources.
Buying the unsheltered a ticket to another city is a political game that’s been around for years. A number of U.S. cities struggling with homelessness, including San Francisco, Seattle and Portland, Oregon, have also offered bus or plane tickets to homeless residents.
“People are not pawns, they’re human beings,” Mala said.
The mayor’s proposal, while focused on warmer cities, also would fund tickets to other Alaska locations for those who want them.
Clarita Clark became homeless after her medical team wanted her to move from Point Hope to Anchorage for cancer treatment because Anchorage is warmer. The medical facility wouldn’t allow her husband to stay with her, so they pitched a tent in a sprawling camp to stay together.
Having recently found the body of a dead teenager who overdosed in a portable toilet, Clark yearns to return to the Chukchi Sea coastal village of Point Hope, where her three grandchildren live.
“I got a family that loves me,” she said, adding she would use the ticket and seek treatment closer to home.
Danny Parish also is leaving Alaska, but for another reason: He’s fed up.
Parish is selling his home of 29 years because it sits directly across the street from Sullivan Arena. Bad acts by some homeless people — including harassment, throwing vodka bottles in his yard, poisoning his dog and using his driveway as a toilet — made his life “a holy hell,” he said.
Parish is convinced the arena will be used again this winter since there isn’t another plan.
He, too, hopes to move to the contiguous U.S. — Oregon, for starters — but not before asking Anchorage leaders for his own plane ticket out.
“If they’re going to give them to everybody else,” Parish said, “then they need to give me one.” | https://www.qcnews.com/health-care/ap-anchorage-homeless-face-cold-and-bears-a-plan-to-offer-one-way-airfare-out-reveals-a-bigger-crisis/ | 2023-07-30T09:49:02 | 1 | https://www.qcnews.com/health-care/ap-anchorage-homeless-face-cold-and-bears-a-plan-to-offer-one-way-airfare-out-reveals-a-bigger-crisis/ |
NIAMEY, Niger (AP) — Days after after mutinous soldiers ousted Niger’s democratically elected president, uncertainty is mounting about the country’s future and some are calling out the junta’s reasons for seizing control.
The mutineers said they overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum, who was elected two years ago in Niger’s first peaceful, democratic transfer of power since independence from France, because he wasn’t able to secure the nation from growing jihadi violence. But some analysts and Nigeriens say that’s just a pretext for a takeover that is more about internal power struggles than securing the nation.
“Everybody is wondering why this coup? That’s because no one was expecting it. We couldn’t expect a coup in Niger because there’s no social, political or security situation that would justify that the military take the power,” Prof. Amad Hassane Boubacar, who teaches at the University of Niamey, told The Associated Press.
He said Bazoum wanted to replace the head of the presidential guard, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, who also goes by Omar and is now in charge of the country. Tchiani was loyal to Bazoum’s predecessor and that sparked the problems, Boubacar said. The AP cannot independently verify his assessment.
While Niger’s security situation is dire, it’s not as bad as neighboring Burkina Faso or Mali where all three countries have been battling an Islamic insurgency linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group. Last year Niger was the only one of the three to see a decline in violence, according to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project.
Niger is seen as the last reliable partner for the West in efforts to battle the jihadists in Africa’s Sahel region, where Russia and Western countries have vied for influence in the fight against extremism. France has 1,500 soldiers in the country who conduct joint operations with the Nigeriens, and the United States and other European countries have helped train the nation’s troops.
Conflict experts say out of all the countries, Niger has the most at stake, given the millions of dollars of military assistance the international community has poured in. On Saturday, U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said the continued security and economic arrangements that Niger has with the U.S. hinged on the release of Bazoum — who remains under house arrest — and “the immediate restoration of the democratic order in Niger.”
France on Saturday suspended all development aid and other financial aid for Niger, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. “France demands an immediate return to constitutional order under President Mohamed Bazoum, who was elected by the Nigeriens,” it said.
Regional countries are trying to stem the fallout from the coup and reverse course.
The African Union has issued a 15-day ultimatum to the junta in Niger to reinstall the country’s democratically elected government. On Sunday, the West African regional bloc, known as ECOWAS, is holding an emergency summit in Abuja, Nigeria.
However, in a televised address Saturday, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Toumba, one of the soldiers who ousted Bazoum, accused the meeting of making a “plan of aggression” against Niger and said it would defend itself.
Niger experts say it’s too soon to know how things will play out.
“Tensions with the military are still ongoing. There could be another coup after this one, or a stronger intervention from ECOWAS, potentially military force, even if it is difficult to foresee how specifically that may happen and what form that may take,” said Tatiana Smirnova, a researcher at the Centre FrancoPaix in conflict resolution and peace missions.
“Many actors are also trying to negotiate, but the outcome is unclear,” she said.
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Associated Press reporter Angela Charlton in Paris contributed | https://www.qcnews.com/news/ap-top-headlines/ap-as-regional-and-global-powers-decry-nigers-coup-the-countrys-future-remains-uncertain/ | 2023-07-30T09:49:08 | 1 | https://www.qcnews.com/news/ap-top-headlines/ap-as-regional-and-global-powers-decry-nigers-coup-the-countrys-future-remains-uncertain/ |
Spain vs. Japan: Live Stream, TV Channel & Game Info - July 31
Published: Jul. 30, 2023 at 2:45 AM CDT|Updated: 2 hours ago
Spain will meet Japan in Wellington, New Zealand, in the last round of group-stage games at the 2023 Women's World Cup, on July 31 at 3:00 AM ET.
Want to watch this matchup? You can find it on FOX US.
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How to Watch Spain vs. Japan
- Game Day: Monday, July 31, 2023
- Game Time: 3:00 AM ET
- TV Channel: FOX US
- Location: Wellington, New Zealand
- Venue: Westpac Stadium
Sign up for a Fubo free trial now to watch the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup and more live sports!
Spain Group Stage Schedule
Spain's Recent Performance
- Spain played Zambia in its last game and was victorious by a final score of 5-0. The victorious Spain side took 16 shots, outshooting by 12.
- Spain were led by Jennifer Hermoso and Alba Redondo, who scored two goals each, in that match against .
- Hermoso's statline through two Women's World Cup appearances includes two goals and one assist for Spain.
- Redondo has tallied two goals for Spain in Women's World Cup so far.
- During Women's World Cup play, Eva Navarro has picked up two assists (but no goals).
Get your 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup gear at Fanatics!
Spain's 2023 Women's World Cup Roster
- Misa Rodriguez #1
- Ona Batlle #2
- Teresa Abilleira Duenas #3
- Irene Paredes #4
- Ivana Andres #5
- Aitana Bonmati #6
- Irene Guerrero #7
- Mariona #8
- Esther Gonzalez #9
- Jennifer Hermoso #10
- Alexia Putellas #11
- Oihane Hernandez #12
- Enith Salon #13
- Laia Codina #14
- Eva Navarro #15
- Maria Perez #16
- Alba Redondo #17
- Salma Paralluelo #18
- Olga Carmona #19
- Rocio Galvez #20
- Claudia Zornoza Sanchez #21
- Athenea Del Castillo #22
- Cata Coll #23
Japan Group Stage Schedule
Japan's Recent Performance
- In its last outing on July 26, Japan claimed a 2-0 win against Costa Rica. Japan outshot Costa Rica 23 to six.
- For Japan, Aoba Fujino and Hikaru Naomoto both scored a goal.
- Mina Tanaka has one goal and three assists so far for Japan in Women's World Cup (two matches).
- In two Women's World Cup matches, Jun Endo has one goal and one assist.
- Hinata Miyazawa has recorded two goals for Japan so far in Women's World Cup.
Japan's 2023 Women's World Cup Roster
- Ayaka Yamashita #1
- Risa Shimizu #2
- Moeka Minami #3
- Saki Kumagai #4
- Shiori Miyake #5
- Hina Sugita #6
- Hinata Miyazawa #7
- Hikaru Naomoto #8
- Riko Ueki #9
- Fuka Nagano #10
- Mina Tanaka #11
- Hana Takahashi #12
- Jun Endo #13
- Yui Hasegawa #14
- Aoba Fujino #15
- Honoka Hayashi #16
- Kiko Seike #17
- Momoko Tanaka #18
- Miyabi Moriya #19
- Maika Hamano #20
- Chika Hirao #21
- Remina Chiba #22
- Rion Ishikawa #23
© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.ktre.com/sports/betting/2023/07/31/2023-womens-world-cup-spain-japan-live-stream-tv/ | 2023-07-30T09:49:08 | 1 | https://www.ktre.com/sports/betting/2023/07/31/2023-womens-world-cup-spain-japan-live-stream-tv/ |
MOSCOW (AP) — At least nine people — including three children — have died after high winds tore through central Russia, emergency services and a local official reported Sunday.
Eight of the dead were part of a group of tourists camping close to Lake Yalchik in the Mari-El region when the storm hit Saturday, Russia’s emergencies ministry said.
The strong winds caused a large number of trees to fall in the area, including where the group’s tents had been pitched on a stretch of wild beach, regional leader Yuri Zaitsev wrote on social media. He said that three children were among the dead.
Across the wider Volga Federal District, 76 people were injured in the storm, with thousands of households losing power, emergency services said. | https://www.qcnews.com/news/world-news/ap-9-die-including-3-children-as-strong-winds-hit-tourist-camp-in-central-russia-officials-say/ | 2023-07-30T09:49:14 | 0 | https://www.qcnews.com/news/world-news/ap-9-die-including-3-children-as-strong-winds-hit-tourist-camp-in-central-russia-officials-say/ |
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — African leaders are leaving two days of meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin with little to show for their requests to resume a deal that kept grain flowing from Ukraine and to find a path to end the war there.
Putin in a press conference late Saturday following the Russia-Africa summit said Russia’s termination of the grain deal earlier this month caused a rise in grain prices that benefits Russian companies. He added that Moscow would share some of those revenues with the “poorest nations.”
That commitment, with no details, follows Putin’s promise to start shipping 25,000 to 50,000 tons of grain for free to each of six African nations in the next three to four months — an amount dwarfed by the 725,000 tons shipped by the U.N. World Food Program to several hungry countries, African and otherwise, under the grain deal. Russia plans to send the free grain to Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, Somalia, Eritrea and Central African Republic.
Fewer than 20 of Africa’s 54 heads of state or government attended the Russia summit, while 43 attended the previous gathering in 2019, reflecting concerns over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine even as Moscow seeks more allies on the African continent of 1.3 billion people. Putin praised Africa as a rising center of power in the world, while the Kremlin blamed “outrageous” Western pressure for discouraging some African countries from showing up.
The presidents of Egypt and South Africa were among the most outspoken on the need to resume the grain deal.
“We would like the Black Sea initiative to be implemented and that the Black Sea should be open,” South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said. “We are not here to plead for donations for the African continent.”
Putin also said Russia would analyze African leaders’ peace proposal for Ukraine, whose details have not been publicly shared. But the Russian leader asked: “Why do you ask us to pause fire? We can’t pause fire while we’re being attacked.”
The next significant step in peace efforts instead appears to be a Ukrainian-organized peace summit hosted by Saudi Arabia in August. Russia is not invited.
Africa’s nations make up the largest voting bloc at the United Nations and have been more divided than any other region on General Assembly resolutions criticizing Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Delegations at the summit in St. Petersburg roamed exhibits of weapons, a reminder of Russia’s role as the top arms supplier to the African continent.
Putin in his remarks on Saturday also downplayed his absence from the BRICS economic summit in South Africa next month amid a controversy over an arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court. His presence there, Putin said, is not “more important than my presence here, in Russia.” | https://www.qcnews.com/news/world-news/ap-african-leaders-leave-russia-summit-without-grain-deal-or-a-path-to-end-the-war-in-ukraine/ | 2023-07-30T09:49:20 | 0 | https://www.qcnews.com/news/world-news/ap-african-leaders-leave-russia-summit-without-grain-deal-or-a-path-to-end-the-war-in-ukraine/ |
BEIJING (AP) — The French finance minister said Sunday he pressed Chinese leaders to open their markets wider to foreign companies and lobbied for investment in France’s electric car industry, as the European Union’s second-largest economy followed Washington in reviving post-COVID economic talks amid tension over Beijing’s surging trade surpluses.
Bruno Le Maire also defended Paris’s controls on foreign access to technology after authorities said two Chinese citizens are under investigation for what news reports say is possible smuggling of French-made processor chips with military uses to China and Russia.
Le Maire met Saturday with Vice Premier He Lifeng, Beijing’s top envoy on economic issues. He followed Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who visited Beijing on July 9-10 as part of U.S. efforts to revive frosty relations with China.
Chinese officials gave Le Maire and Yellen a warm welcome as part of efforts to reverse an economic slump by reviving foreign investor interest. But Beijing has given no indication of possible changes in technology and other policies that its trading partners say violate Chinese market-opening commitments.
Officials of the 27-nation European Union are trying to narrow a trade deficit with China that swelled to 396 billion euros ($432 billion) last year. Le Maire cited cosmetics, aerospace and agriculture as possible areas for more French exports.
“There is a need to improve access to the Chinese market. I think that it was at the core of our discussions,” Le Maire said in an interview at the French Embassy. “We want to have a stronger economic relationship between Europe and China, between France and China, which means to get access for all European goods.”
Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s government has looked to Europe as an alternative market and source of technology since Washington tightened controls on access to U.S. processor chips and other high-tech goods and hiked tariffs on imports from China in a feud over its industry development ambitions.
Le Maire and Chinese officials pledged to cooperate on climate change, financing for developing countries and nuclear power. They announced plans to set up a group to settle a dispute over access to China’s market for cosmetics, a major French export.
Le Maire also lobbied for investment from China’s fast-growing electric car industry. He was due to fly to the southern city of Shenzhen to meet Wang Chuanfu, founder of BYD Auto, one of the world’s biggest electric vehicle producers. BYD Auto and other Chinese brands are starting to sell in developed markets including Europe and Japan. Chinese battery supplier CATL has set up a factory in Germany to supply automaker BMW.
“We want China to make investments in France in electric vehicles,” Le Maire said. “In the climate transition, there is a place for Chinese investment in France, which allows us to reinforce our economic relations and also speed up action against global warming.”
The talks were overshadowed by Russia’s war against Ukraine and complaints China might be helping Moscow evade Western sanctions, but Le Maire said he didn’t discuss the war with Chinese officials. However, he said it was in Beijing’s interest to end the 17-month-old war. President Emmanuel Macron’s security adviser, Emmanuel Bonne, said this month China was delivering “military equipment” to Russia but gave no details.
“I want to make very clear that we want this war to go to an end as soon as possible,” Le Maire said. “Indeed, (it is) in the interest of China, it is in the interests of the global growth to have peace as soon as possible.”
Le Maire also defended French controls on technology exports and foreign investment in high-tech industry. French authorities are investigating two Chinese citizens associated with chip producer Ommic who the newspaper Le Parisien said face possible charges of exporting chips to a Chinese armaments maker using forged documents.
French counter-espionage officials believe a Chinese investor who bought control of Ommic in 2018 was trying to transfer chip manufacturing technology to China, according to the newspaper. The ruling Communist Party is trying to develop its own chip industry, but Washington has blocked access to advanced manufacturing tools and persuaded allies Japan and the Netherlands to impose their own restrictions.
Chinese authorities complain their companies are unfairly targeted by restrictions on access to foreign technology. They have warned curbs on access to semiconductors will disrupt smartphone and other industries.
“Everybody can understand that France wants to protect its key technologies,” Le Maire said. “We don’t want any foreign country to get access to those French sovereign technologies.” | https://www.qcnews.com/news/world-news/ap-frances-le-maire-presses-china-on-market-access-and-lobbies-for-electric-car-investment/ | 2023-07-30T09:49:28 | 1 | https://www.qcnews.com/news/world-news/ap-frances-le-maire-presses-china-on-market-access-and-lobbies-for-electric-car-investment/ |
SANTA MARIA DE JESUS, Guatemala (AP) — Presidential candidate Bernardo Arévalo stood before a few hundred residents of this small Indigenous community on the slopes of the Agua Volcano and told them they could be the seeds of a brighter, more corruption-free spring in Guatemala.
The metaphor fits neatly with his political party, the Seed Movement, and allows the 64-year-old academic and former diplomat to riff on themes of renewal and growth.
But it also alludes to Guatemala’s “democratic spring,” considered a more inclusive period in the country’s history during the presidency in the 1940s and early 1950s of his late father, Juan José Arévalo.
Bernardo Arévalo won just 11% of the vote in the presidential election’s first round June 25, but it was enough to give him the surprise second slot in the Aug. 20 runoff ballot. He will face Sandra Torres, a conservative and former first lady who was the leading vote-getter in the first round and is making her third bid for the presidency.
Arévalo’s recent speech in Santa Maria de Jesus was similar to those he has given in Guatemala’s capital, but the imagery could be especially important in rural Indigenous communities as he seeks to rapidly expand his largely urban, youthful base before the runoff.
He won in Guatemala City and other important cities, including Sacatepequez and Quetzaltenango. It remains to be seen whether he can convince people in rural communities that he can address their daily problems.
The delayed certification of the first round results shortened the already small window that Arévalo has to reintroduce himself to much of the country as his opponents rush to paint their own negative picture.
“Do you feel what is happening?” Arévalo told the crowd in Santa Maria de Jesus. “The new spring is arriving, that’s what you feel, and you all are the seeds of that new spring.”
“A new spring that is going to bring us well-being, the water we lack, the education they owe us, the health that they have denied us thanks to those corrupt contracts that serve few,” Arévalo said, standing in front of an old, damaged Roman Catholic church, in a wide-brimmed hat and untucked shirt against the tropical heat.
Among those listening was Juana Orón, a 67-year-old homemaker of the Kaqchikel people. She is one of the older voters who remember hearing about Arévalo’s father, one of only two leftist presidents in Guatemala’s democratic era.
The elder Arévalo, who governed from 1945 to 1951, is credited with establishing key social programs that remain in place today, including Guatemala’s labor code and social security. Guatemala’s democratic spring was cut short in 1954 by the CIA-backed overthrow of his successor, President Jacobo Arbenz.
Under Juan José Arévalo, the state advocated for rights for Indigenous peoples and others beyond the country’s small elite.
“I remember I was little and (my parents) said he had done good things,” said Orón whose first language as a child was Kaqchikel. If his father was good, Arévalo could be a good president, too, she said.
Opponents have tried to frame Arévalo’s candidacy as a step toward some of the region’s more notorious leftist regimes, such as Cuba and Nicaragua. They warn that the progressive candidate will bring expropriations, abortion and same-sex marriage to the conservative country.
Arévalo has been the election’s surprise.
In the days before the June 25 vote, he was polling below 3% and trailing at least seven of the other 21 candidates. But his anti-corruption message resonated in the country where gains against corruption have been erased and the justice system reoriented to pursue the prosecutors and judges who formerly led that fight.
In the month since that initial result, the Attorney General’s Office announced an investigation into his party and had a judge suspend its legal status until the Constitutional Court stepped in to block that move.
In Santa Maria de Jesus, people wanted to compare Arévalo in person to what they were hearing about him. Some handed him flowers, posed for photos or reached out to touch him as he made his way through the throng.
Arévalo pushed back against attempts to frame him as a left-wing radical — he has said private property rights are not up for discussion — and pounded the issue of corruption.
“Let us work, let us get ahead on our own effort, let’s get rid of the corrupt once and for all,” he said.
For Francisco Jiménez, a political scientist at Rafael Landivar University, Arévalo will need concrete proposals to make inroads with the base of Torres, who has spent two decades assembling it.
“He will have to make governing proposals with a social agenda, where the people see that he is going to have an impact on their lives and communities,” Jiménez said. “The other part is continuing to present himself as the different model. That has been his success, someone totally different from the other candidates.”
Evangelical churches in Guatemala have painted Arévalo as an existential threat to the family.
Gladys Sunun, a 35-year-old Kaqchikel vendor from an evangelical family, said she came to hear Arévalo for herself. She said she had heard that Arévalo would convert Guatemala into another Cuba or Nicaragua, but left feeling that might not be true, though she wants to investigate more.
“He came to tell us not to worry,” she said. “It sounds real, but we don’t know.”
Her sister July Sunun said she wanted to hear more about Arévalo’s positions on gender ideology. “As a mother I’m afraid, because we’ve grown up with a Christian background. I don’t want to marry my daughter with another woman,” she said.
July Sunun acknowledged that Arévalo said he would respect the identities and decisions of the people, “but what he hasn’t said is that he won’t allow (same-sex marriage) to happen here.” | https://www.qcnews.com/news/world-news/ap-guatemala-presidential-candidate-rushes-to-expand-base-beyond-urban-youth/ | 2023-07-30T09:49:34 | 1 | https://www.qcnews.com/news/world-news/ap-guatemala-presidential-candidate-rushes-to-expand-base-beyond-urban-youth/ |
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Saudi Arabia will host a Ukrainian-organized peace summit in early August seeking to find a way to start negotiations over Russia’s war on the country, an official said Saturday night. The kingdom and Kyiv did not immediately acknowledge the planned talks.
The summit will be held in the Red Sea port city of Jeddah, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity as no authorization had been given to publicly discuss the summit.
Those taking part in the summit will include Ukraine, as well as Brazil, India, South Africa and several other countries, the official said. A high-level official from U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration also is expected to attend, the official said. Planning for the event is being overseen by Kyiv and Russia is not invited, the official said.
Details regarding the summit, however, remain in flux and the official did not offer dates for the talks. The Wall Street Journal, which first reported on the summit, said the talks would take place Aug. 5 and 6 with some 30 countries attending, citing “diplomats involved in the discussion.”
Saudi officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press, nor did Ukraine’s Embassy in Riyadh. News of the summit comes after U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan visited the kingdom on Thursday.
The official who spoke to the AP said the summit would be the next step after talks that took place in Copenhagen in June.
Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the talks come as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in May attended an Arab League summit in Jeddah to press those nations to back Kyiv. Arab nations largely have remained neutral since Russia launched the war on Ukraine in February 2022, in part over their military and economic ties to Moscow.
Saudi Arabia also has maintained a close relationship with Russia as part of the OPEC+ group. The organization’s oil production cuts, even as Moscow’s war on Ukraine boosted energy prices, have angered Biden and American lawmakers.
But hosting such talks also help raise the profile of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has sought to reach a détente with Iran and push for a peace in the kingdom’s yearslong war in Yemen. However, ties also remain strained between Riyadh and the West over the 2018 killing and dismemberment of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul, which U.S. intelligence agencies assess that Prince Mohammed ordered.
___
Madhani reported from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. | https://www.qcnews.com/news/world-news/ap-official-tells-ap-that-saudi-arabia-will-host-ukrainian-organized-peace-summit-in-august/ | 2023-07-30T09:49:41 | 0 | https://www.qcnews.com/news/world-news/ap-official-tells-ap-that-saudi-arabia-will-host-ukrainian-organized-peace-summit-in-august/ |
Russian authorities say three Ukrainian drones attacked Moscow in the early hours on Sunday, injuring one person and prompting a temporary closure for traffic of one of four airports around the Russian capital.
It was the fourth such attempt at a strike on the capital region this month and the third this week, fueling concerns about Moscow’s vulnerability to attacks as Russia’s war in Ukraine drags into its 18th month.
The Russian Defense Ministry referred to the incident as an “attempted terrorist attack by the Kyiv regime” and said three drones targeted the city. One was shot down in the surrounding Moscow region by air defense systems and two others were jammed. Those two crashed into the Moscow City business district in the capital.
Photos from the site of the crash showed the facade of a skyscraper damaged on one floor. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said the attack “insignificantly damaged” the outsides of two buildings in the Moscow City district. A security guard was injured, Russia’s state news agency Tass reported, citing emergency officials.
No flights went into or out of the Vnukovo airport on the southern outskirts of the city for about an hour, according to Tass, and the air space over Moscow and the outlying regions was temporarily closed for any aircraft. Those restrictions have since been lifted.
Moscow authorities have also closed a street for traffic near the site of the crash in the Moscow City area.
There was no immediate comment from Ukrainian officials, who rarely if ever take responsibility for attacks on Russian soil.
Russia’s Defense Ministry reported shooting down a Ukrainian drone outside Moscow on Friday. Two more drones struck the Russian capital on Monday, one of them falling in the center of the city near the Defense Ministry’s headquarters along the Moscow River about 3 kilometers (2 miles) from the Kremlin. The other drone hit an office building in southern Moscow, gutting several upper floors.
In another attack on July 4, the Russian military said four drones were downed by air defenses on the outskirts of Moscow and a fifth was jammed by electronic warfare means and forced down. | https://www.qcnews.com/news/world-news/ap-overnight-drone-attack-on-moscow-injures-1-prompts-temporary-airport-closure/ | 2023-07-30T09:49:48 | 0 | https://www.qcnews.com/news/world-news/ap-overnight-drone-attack-on-moscow-injures-1-prompts-temporary-airport-closure/ |
PAVLIVKA, Ukraine (AP) — The summer winds carried the smell of burned grain across the southern Ukrainian steppe and away from the shards of three Russian cruise missiles that struck the unassuming metal hangars.
The agricultural company Ivushka applied for accreditation to export grain this year, but the strike in mid-July destroyed a large portion of the stock, days after Russia abandoned the grain deal that would have allowed the shipments across the Black Sea without fear of attack.
Men shirtless and barefoot, with blackened soles from ash, swept unburnt grain into piles and awaited the loader, whose driver deftly steered around twisted metal shrapnel, bits of missile and craters despite his shattered windshield.
They hoped to beat the next rain to rescue what was left of the crop. According to the Odesa Regional Prosecutor’s Office, Russia struck the facility July 21 with three Kalibr- and Onyx-class cruise missiles.
“We don’t have a clue why they did it,” explained Olha Romanova, the head of Ivushka. Romanova, who worked in the debris alongside the others, wore a red headscarf and an exhausted expression and was too frazzled to even estimate her losses.
She cannot comprehend why the Russians targeted Ivushka, as there are no nearby military facilities and the frontlines are far from the village in the Odesa region.
“They spent so much money on us,” she said, puzzled. The missiles that ruined the silos are worth millions of dollars — far more than the crop they destroyed.
But Ivushka wasn’t the only target in Odesa. The main port also was struck, leaving Black Sea shipping companies that relied upon the grain deal to keep them safe and food supplies flowing to the world at a standstill.
The Black Sea handled about 95% of Ukrainian grain exports before Russia’s invasion and the U.N.-brokered initiative allowed Ukraine to ship much of what farmers harvested in 2021 and 2022, said Joseph Glauber, senior research fellow at the International Food Policy Research Institute.
Ukraine, a major supplier of corn, wheat, barley and vegetable oil, shipped 32.9 million metric tons (36.2 million U.S. tons) of grain under the nearly yearlong deal designed to ease a global food crisis. It has been able to export an additional 2 million to 2.5 million metric tons (2.2 to 2.7 million U.S. tons) monthly by the Danube River, road and rail through Europe.
Those are now the only routes to ship grain, but have stirred divisions among nearby European countries and generated higher costs to be absorbed by Ukrainian farmers, said Glauber, former chief economist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Russian missiles strikes against the Danube port last Monday also raised questions about how much longer that route will remain viable.
That’s a disincentive to keep planting fields already threatened by missiles and strewn with explosive mines. Corn and wheat production in agriculture-dependent Ukraine is down nearly 40% this year from prewar levels, analysts say.
From the first of July last year until June 30 this year, Ukraine exported 68 million tons of grain, according to data from Mykola Horbachov, the president of the Ukrainian Grain Association. Ukrainian farmers shipped 11.2 million tons via railways, 5.5 million tons by road transport and around 18 million tons through Danube ports. Additionally, nearly half of the total exported grain, 33 million tons, was delivered through seaports under the Black Sea Grain Initiative.
Ihor Osmachko, the general director of Agroprosperis Group, was unsurprised by Russia’s withdrawal from the deal leading to its collapse. His company had never considered it a reliable or permanent solution during wartime.
He said Russians frequently stymied the deal, even while it was functioning, by delaying ship inspections until the cargos were sent back, leading to $30 million in losses for his company alone. Now, they are once again forced to pay to reroute 100,000 tons of grain trapped in ports that are no longer safe, Osmachko said.
“We have been preparing for this whole time,” Osmachko said. “We haven’t stopped. We are moving forward.”
Osmachko estimated around 80% to 90% of the approximately 3.2 million tons of grain Agroprosperis exported to China, Europe and African countries during the past year went through the grain corridor.
“The most significant problem today is the cost of logistics,” explained Mykola Horbachov, president of the Ukrainian Grain Association. Before the war, farmers paid approximately $20 to $25 per ton to transport grain to the Odesa ports. Now, logistics costs have tripled as they are forced to pay more than $100 to transport a single ton via alternative routes through the Danube port to Constanta, Romania.
“If we were to go on the Danube with the grain corridor closed, practically all our production would be unprofitable,” Osmachko said.
The Danube ports can’t handle the same volume as seaports. The most Agroprosperis has sent through this route is 75,000 tons per month, compared with a monthly average of 250,000 tons through Black Sea ports.
The Ukrainian harvest this year is the lowest in a decade, according to a July report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Horbachov said shipping costs to export around the world and uncertainty about the length of the war will last could quickly make new planting unprofitable for Ukrainian farmers.
Ukraine currently produces three times more grain than it consumes, while global prices will inevitably rise if the country’s exports decrease.
“I think you’re looking at a diminished Ukraine for at least the next couple of years and maybe longer,” said Glauber, the former U.S. agricultural official. “That’s something the rest of the world just needs to make up.”
The war from all sides poses risks for Agroprosperis.
In the Sumy region on the Russian border, farmers harvest their crops wearing body armor. Sometimes they must stop their combines in the middle of the wheat fields to pick up shrapnel from Russian projectiles.
“It can get tough at times,” Osmachko acknowledged. “But there are responsibilities — some have duties on the front. Some must grow food and ensure the country’s and world’s security.”
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Volodymyr Yurchuk in Lviv, Ukraine, and Courtney Bonnell in London contributed.
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Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine | https://www.qcnews.com/news/world-news/ap-russian-missile-attacks-leave-few-options-for-ukrainian-farmers-looking-to-export-grain/ | 2023-07-30T09:49:55 | 1 | https://www.qcnews.com/news/world-news/ap-russian-missile-attacks-leave-few-options-for-ukrainian-farmers-looking-to-export-grain/ |
LAS VEGAS (AP) — The fight itself didn’t match the hype, but Terence Crawford’s performance exceeded it.
He knocked down Errol Spence Jr. three times Saturday night before finally ending the fight at 2:32 of the ninth round on a technical knockout to cement himself as one of the greatest welterweights in history.
The fight, the most-anticipated boxing match in several years, made Crawford the first undisputed champion in the 147-pound division in the four-belt era that began in 2004.
Crawford (40-0, 31 knockouts) already owned the WBO belt, and took the WBC, WBA and IBF titles from Spence (28-1). Crawford also ran his KO streak to 11 matches, the second-longest active stretch.
Crawford, 35, has won titles at super lightweight and lightweight in addition to welterweight, capturing the latter after moving up in 2018. The Omaha, Nebraska, fighter became the first male boxer to become the undisputed champion in two divisions in the four-belt era.
“I only dreamed of being a world champion,” Crawford said. “I’m an over-achiever. Nobody believed in me when I was coming up, but I made everybody a believer. I want to thank Spence and his team because without him none of this would have been possible.”
A big fight night on the Strip still brings out the stars, with recording artist Andre 3000 of Outkast, NBA star Damian Lillard and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones at T-Mobile Arena. They were among the celebrities that also included former boxing champions such as Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao.
Eminem introduced Crawford and his song “Lose Yourself” played as he walked into the ring before a sellout crowd of 19,990 at T-Mobile Arena.
Spence was the aggressor early on, but Crawford sent him to the floor with a right hand with 20 seconds left in the second round. Then Crawford went after Spence, but time ran out before he could finish him off.
Crawford, a minus-154 favorite, according to FanDuel Sportsbook, then took control of the fight, landing several major blows, often on counters. But Crawford also picked his spots to go after Spence, his punching power taking a heavy toll.
“He was just better tonight,” Spence said. “I make no excuses. He was throwing a harder jab. He was timing with his jab, and he had his timing down on point.”
In the seventh round, Crawford knocked down Spence twice — with a short right at 1:02 and with another right with just a second left.
The fight was essentially over at that point, though Crawford backed off in the eighth round. He came roaring back in the ninth to end it for sure.
Crawford didn’t waste the chance to gloat afterward, directly responding to his critics.
“They said I wasn’t good enough and I couldn’t beat these welterweights,” Crawford said. “I just kept my head to the sky and kept praying to God that I would get the opportunity to show the world how great Terence Crawford is. Tonight, I believe I showed how great I am.”
Spence, however, said he would be up for a rematch, but wants to move up to the 154-pound division.
“We’ve got to do it again,” Spence said. “I would be a lot better.”
Crawford said he would have no problem moving up a weight class.
“I’m in the hurt business,” Crawford said. “Forty-seven is kind of hard for me, too. I was already talking about moving up in weight and challenging (champion Jermell) Charlo.”
The 33-year-old Spence, who lives in DeSoto, Texas, won the IBF title in 2017, claimed the WBC championship in 2019 and took the WBA championship last year.
In the co-main event, Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz (25-2-1) of Mexico beat Chicago resident Giovanni Cabrera (21-1) by split decision in a WBC and WBA lightweight match. Judges Benoit Roussel (114-113) and Don Trella (115-112) scored the fight in favor of Cruz, and Glenn Feldman gave Cabrera the fight by a 114-113 score. Cruz had a point deducted because of a head butt.
Also, Alexandro Santiago (28-3-5) of Mexico won the vacant WBC bantamweight title with a 115-113, 116-112, 116-12 decision over Nonito Donaire (42-8), who lives in Las Vegas.
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AP boxing: https://apnews.com/hub/boxing and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.qcnews.com/sports/ap-crawford-unifies-welterweight-division-with-9th-round-tko-in-dominant-performance-over-spence/ | 2023-07-30T09:50:01 | 0 | https://www.qcnews.com/sports/ap-crawford-unifies-welterweight-division-with-9th-round-tko-in-dominant-performance-over-spence/ |
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Justin Gaethje knocked out Dustin Poirier with a head kick one minute into the second round to win the main event lightweight bout at UFC 291 on Saturday night.
The third-ranked Gaethje (26-4) celebrated his victory by climbing to the top of the Octagon fence and doing a backflip off it. His perfectly timed headshot helped him avenge a loss to Poirier in 2018 when he suffered a fourth-round technical knockout via strikes.
“This chance at redemption was amazing,” Gaethje said. “It drove me to work harder to be ready.”
It was Gaethje’s 20th win by knockout or TKO and his seventh victory in his last nine fights. He also scored his first knockout win since UFC 249 in 2020.
“I was surprised by myself and how good I fought,” Gaethje said.
Second-ranked Poirier (29-8) entered the rematch between the two former interim lightweight champions as a minus-152 favorite according to FanDuel. He matched Gaethje blow for blow in the first round – earning a 10-9 advantage on two of three scorecards – before being quickly dispatched in the second.
The decisive high kick from one former champ caught the other by surprise because it wasn’t a move that he expected to see from Gaethje.
“I thought I had four more rounds,” Poirier said. “I didn’t know I had two more minutes.”
With the victory, Gaethje earned a BMF belt – the second UFC fighter to be awarded that belt.
Beating Poirier opens the door for Gaethje to have a potential title bout against the winner of Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira, who are set to square off at UFC 294 in October.
Gaethje’s BMF win over Poirier headlined five main card bouts.
Alex Pereira defeated Jan Blachowicz by split decision in a light heavyweight bout billed as the co-main event for his eighth win in his last nine fights.
Pereira (8-2), ranked second as a middleweight, made his debut in the light heavyweight division at UFC 291 after losing the middleweight title belt via knockout to Israel Adesanya at UFC 287 in April. Blachowicz (29-10-1) did not make the transition in weight class a smooth one for the former champion.
He weathered early takedowns in the first two rounds and rallied in the third round.
Derrick Lewis earned a record 14th knockout win over Marcos Rogerio de Lima just 33 seconds into the first round of the heavyweight bout. The No.10-ranked Lewis (27-11) scored an immediate takedown with a flying knee and pummeled 15th-ranked Rogerio de Lima (21-10-1) with repeated punches to score the early finish. He celebrated snapping a three-fight slide by stripping off his shorts and dancing around the Octagon.
“The win means a lot to me,” Lewis said. “I had a lot of pressure on me coming into this fight and I just wanted to prove to everyone I’m still one of the best fighters in the world.”
Bobby Green beat Tony Ferguson by submission via choke with six seconds left in the third round of the lightweight bout. Green (30-14-1) dominated the final two rounds to earn his second career submission, scoring takedowns in both rounds while raining repeated blows that left his opponent battered. He denied Ferguson (26-9) a shot at earning his first UFC victory since 2019, sending the 39-year-old fighter home with his sixth straight loss.
Kevin Holland made quick work of Michael Chiesa to win the welterweight bout. Holland (25-9) beat the 12th-ranked Chiesa — fighting for the first time following a two-year hiatus — by submission at 2:39 in the first round. He used his length and striking abilities to trap Chiesa (18-7) in a D’arce choke, forcing a quick tap out.
Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith, Jazz coach Will Hardy, and former Jazz stars Deron Williams and Karl Malone were among those in attendance at the second UFC pay-per-view event in 11 months in the Beehive State.
UFC reported a live gate of $6.5 million, breaking the previous venue record set at UFC 278 in August 2022. A sellout crowd of 18,467 was in attendance.
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AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.qcnews.com/sports/ap-gaethje-knocks-out-poirier-in-second-round-to-win-ufc-291-lightweight-bout/ | 2023-07-30T09:50:07 | 0 | https://www.qcnews.com/sports/ap-gaethje-knocks-out-poirier-in-second-round-to-win-ufc-291-lightweight-bout/ |
FUKUOKA, Japan (AP) — The American swim team has had a so-so meet at the world championships in Japan. Meanwhile, Australia and China have been pouring it on.
The American gold-medal count at the worlds is the lowest in at least two decades, although the overall medal count of gold, silver, and bronze, is similar to most years.
“Obviously, we’d like to win more gold medals and I think we will,” American coach Bob Bowman said going into Sunday’s final day.
The slight predicament for Bowman is that two of the swimmers he coaches at Arizona State University, Leon Marchand of France and Hungary’s Hubert Kos, have won four gold medals. Marchand has three, and he’s sure to be a star in next year’s Paris Olympics, and Kos has one.
That’s the same gold-medal total for the entire American team through seven of eight days — four gold. The average for the Americans over the last nine championships has been about 15 golds.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, two of the first three questions Bowman fielded were about Marchand and Kos, from French and Hungarian news outlets.
“If you look at swimming, every coach on the U.S. team is coaching a foreign swimmer, an international swimmer. There’s always that dynamic,” said Bowman, who has legendary status for helping Michael Phelps win 23 Olympic gold medals.”
Bowman was cautious about taking credit for Kos, who came to Arizona State late last year. He went from being a good individual medley swimmer to a world champion a few days ago in the 200-meter backstroke.
“I think it’s just the Bob Bowman effect,” said Kos, son of an American father and Hungarian mother. ”That’s as simple as it is.”
He said Bowman had a “magic” touch.“
Bowman played down his role.
“He (Kos) had an excellent coach at home for 10 years before me,” Bowman said. “He deserved the credit for this. I just helped a little bit at the end.”
Bowman compared Marchand to Phelps. But can he produce and endure the pressure, particularly with the Olympics in his home country.
“It remains to be seen what he can do next year. It’s going to be a lot of expectations,” Bowman said. “But I feel like he’s done a very good rehearsal this year and last year. They’ve been good preparations for what will happen next year and we’ll try to carry that over to Paris.”
Swimming is an individual sport, separate from team sports like soccer. It would be unthinkable for the coach of Real Madrid to be also coaching Barcelona players on the side. But it’s normal in swimming, and Bowman said he was “ethically” comfortable with it.
“I mean, the bottom line is I get paid to coach these guys at ASU,” he said. “I’m representing my country for the love of my country and happy to do that. I don’t think there’s an ethical question. It’s not a zero-sum. I’m not taking away from the U.S. guys.”
He said he was interested in coaching the Americans at next year’s Olympics, but suggested any decision was still pending.
“I don’t think we know yet,” he said. “I have to go through this week, get home, think about what the scenarios look (like) and then we’ll decide. I always want to do. But we’ll see how it goes.”
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AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.qcnews.com/sports/ap-legendary-coach-bob-bowman-keeps-turning-out-winning-swimmers-and-not-just-americans/ | 2023-07-30T09:50:13 | 0 | https://www.qcnews.com/sports/ap-legendary-coach-bob-bowman-keeps-turning-out-winning-swimmers-and-not-just-americans/ |
AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — Megan Rapinoe is adjusting to her new role at the Women’s World Cup, even if it means she’s not on the field as much as she’d like to be.
The outspoken 38-year-old known for her eclectic hair colors and the iconic victory pose she struck at the 2019 World Cup is the oldest player on the team. She already announced that her fourth World Cup would be her last.
“Ultimately, we’re at the World Cup. This is where everybody wants to be, whether you’re playing 90 minutes, whether you’re a game changer, whatever,” she said Sunday. “I think it’s a lot similar to what I thought it would be — bringing all the experience that I can, all the experience that I have, and ultimately being ready whenever my number is called up.”
Rapinoe has played limited minutes so far, coming in as a substitute in the 3-0 victory over Vietnam in the tournament opener, which was her 200th career appearance for the team.
She was available but didn’t play in the disappointing 1-1 draw with the Netherlands on Thursday in Wellington. U.S. coach Vlatko Andonovski made just one substitution in the match, bringing in midfielder Rose Lavelle after the first half.
“I think all of us on the bench, it’s like we think we should be on the field as much as the players on the field believe that they should be on the field,” Rapinoe said. “Every player on the field that starts the game thinks that they should play 90 minutes, and every player who doesn’t, who is a sub, thinks that they should be on at some point.”
The United States has won the last two World Cups, but the players find themselves in a more precarious position as they chase an unprecedented third consecutive title. The Americans need at least a draw going into the final group match against Portugal on Tuesday at Eden Park in Auckland.
The Americans top Group E, even on points with the Netherlands, but hold the edge because of goal difference. Portugal, which beat Vietnam, could send the United States home early with a win over the Americans.
“We’re unsatisfied with the way we played, but we know there are areas that we can be better and I think there’s some really simple fixes we can do to put ourselves in a better position to have more joy on the ball, especially in the final third,” Rapinoe said. “I think everybody’s looking at this like `Let’s go.’”
At the 2019 World Cup in France, Rapinoe scored six goals over the course of the tournament, including a penalty in a 2-0 victory over the Netherlands in the final. She also finished with three assists and claimed both the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball for the best overall player.
Rapinoe, who is engaged to former WNBA star Sue Bird, has been a leader on and off the field.
She made headlines during the 2019 tournament when she said she wouldn’t visit the White House if the United States won. Her decision was based on her disdain for then-President Donald Trump, and the team did not go to the White House after winning its second World Cup.
And in the midst of a dispute with U.S. Soccer over equal pay with the men’s national team, Rapinoe helped the women hold firm on their position.
“I just think back to 2019 in particular. We didn’t really talk about it a lot as a group but we were like, `Well, we have to win. This is kind of like a must-win World Cup for us.’ And I think it did give us confidence,” she said. “It pressured us, but I think we also knew that we could handle it and it was almost a mandatory upping of our level to be able to match everything that we were saying off the field. I think in so many ways we were betting on ourselves.”
Rapinoe has won two Women’s World Cup titles and an Olympic gold medal with the United States. She also took home the Ballon d’Or and the Best FIFA Women’s Player awards — the game’s top individual honors — for her play in 2019.
As a fierce advocate for social justice issues, including gender equity and LGBTQ rights, she was awarded the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, by President Joe Biden last year.
The team also won a new contract that pays the players the same as their male counterparts.
“I’ve always tried to use whatever platform we have, and this platform was built long before I got here. We just continue to add to to it, to grow the game, to make the world a better place, to use our voices, to advocate for more,” she said.
At this World Cup, she’s passing that legacy on to younger generation. Fourteen of the U.S. players are playing in their first World Cup. In 2019, Carli Lloyd was in a similar role of a player who was also something of a coach who led by example.
Rapinoe is doing that now.
“Still every day in training I’m like, `I’m gonna try to bust your ass,’ and that makes them better, that makes me better,” she said. “That makes the whole team better. So I think it’s been really rewarding. And I think ultimately, and I think that this gets lost, but I get to play in another World Cup.”
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AP Women’s World Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-womens-world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.qcnews.com/sports/ap-megan-rapinoe-adjusts-to-new-role-at-womens-world-cup-while-still-savoring-final-days-in-spotlight/ | 2023-07-30T09:50:19 | 0 | https://www.qcnews.com/sports/ap-megan-rapinoe-adjusts-to-new-role-at-womens-world-cup-while-still-savoring-final-days-in-spotlight/ |
DUNEDIN, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand outshot Switzerland and even moved goalkeeper Victoria Esson into an attack position several times, but failed to break a 0-0 tie Sunday in the Women’s World Cup and became the first host nation to be eliminated in group play in tournament history.
The Football Ferns are co-hosting the World Cup with Australia, which must win Monday against Canada to avoid its own early elimination.
Switzerland advanced to the round of 16. The Swiss also played to a scoreless draw against Norway, but won the group with the tie against New Zealand, coupled with the Norwegians’ simultaneous 6-0 rout of the Philippines.
New Zealand controlled the pace for long stretches of the match and had its chances to score, outshooting Switzerland 12-3. Jacqui Hand knocked a shot off the right post in the 24th minute.
All of Forsyth Barr Stadiums 25,947 seats were filled — the only one of Dunedin’s six tournament matches to sell out. The raucous crowd stomped and cheered all night, to no avail.
The tournament began July 20 with New Zealand upsetting Norway 1-0, but the Ferns failed to score from the 48th minute of that match through two more games. They lost their previous match 1-0 against the Philippines.
KEY MOMENTS
Esson moved into an offensive position several times in the last minutes of the match. She managed a header off a corner kick, but it was off-frame.
WHY IT MATTERS
Switzerland becomes one of two teams from Group A to advance to the round of 16. It’s only the team’s second time in the knockout round — the first was in the Swiss’ only previous Women’s World Cup in 2015.
The New Zealanders’ failure to score puts an end to their Women’s World Cup run.
WHAT’S NEXT
Switzerland will play either Spain or Japan from Group C, pending a match between those teams on Monday to decide the top two places in that group.
New Zealand is done for the Women’s World Cup.
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Ellen McIntyre is a student in the John Curley Center for Sports Journalism at Penn State.
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AP Women’s World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-womens-world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.qcnews.com/sports/ap-new-zealand-out-of-womens-world-cup-following-0-0-draw-with-switzerland-as-swiss-advance/ | 2023-07-30T09:50:26 | 0 | https://www.qcnews.com/sports/ap-new-zealand-out-of-womens-world-cup-following-0-0-draw-with-switzerland-as-swiss-advance/ |
AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — Sophie Roman Haug’s hat trick kick-started Norway’s dormant offense and sparked a 6-0 blowout win over the Philippines on Sunday that moved the Norwegians into to the knockout stage of the Women’s World Cup.
The Philippines’ debut run in the tournament came to an end as Norway scored early and often, netting three goals in the first 31 minutes.
Norway’s spot in the round of 16 was secured when Switzerland and New Zealand simultaneously played to a 0-0 draw and the Norwegians. Norway and New Zealand were tied in Group A but Norway advanced on goal differential. New Zealand became the first host country to be eliminated in the group stage in tournament history.
Before the game, Norway had not scored in three consecutive Women’s World Cup matches dating to the quarterfinals of the 2019 tournament.
But Roman Haug one-timed a ball into the net in the sixth minute, and scored again 11 minutes later. Caroline Graham Hansen added a long-distance shot in the 31st minute.
Roman Haug completed the hat trick in injury time.
In the second half, an Alicia Barker own goal in the 48th minute and Guro Reiten’s penalty kick in the 53rd minute extended Norway’s lead to 5-0. Filipina defender Sofia Harrison received a red card in the 67th minute for using excessive force, and the Philippines played the rest of the match a player down.
Eden Park was turned into a makeshift home match for the Philippines, as the Filipina fans screamed in unison any time the Philippines touched the ball, even as the deficit grew.
The Philippines were fresh off of a historic 1-0 win over co-host New Zealand that marked the first Women’s World Cup win for the debutantes.
KEY MOMENTS
Roman Haug got the Norwegians off to a hot start. The first of her two goals was a left-footed volley from inside the six-yard box in the sixth minute. Eleven minutes later, Roman Haug scored a header delivered by a Vilde Boe Risa cross. Roman Haug’s header flew over the reach of Philippines goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel.
Graham Hansen scored on a long-distance strike that curled into the bottom left corner in the 31st minute to give Norway its third goal of the half.
From that point on, Norway was in control.
WHY IT MATTERS
The win advances Norway to the knockout stage after the Norwegians found themselves in last place in Group A heading into the Philippines match.
The Norwegians had yet to score in 2023 before their six-goal eruption.
WHAT’S NEXT
Norway will play either Japan or Spain in the round of 16 next Saturday, depending on the results of a game between those Group C teams on Monday.
The inaugural tournament run ends for the Philippines, who needed at least a draw to have a chance of moving on.
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Zach Allen is a student in the John Curley Center for Sports Journalism at Penn State.
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AP Women’s World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-womens-world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.qcnews.com/sports/ap-norway-moves-into-the-knockout-round-at-womens-world-cup-with-6-0-rout-over-the-philippines/ | 2023-07-30T09:50:32 | 0 | https://www.qcnews.com/sports/ap-norway-moves-into-the-knockout-round-at-womens-world-cup-with-6-0-rout-over-the-philippines/ |
The Texas Rangers agreed to acquire three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer in a blockbuster trade with the New York Mets on Saturday night, an all-in move for the surprise leaders in the AL West, a person with knowledge of the deal said.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal hasn’t been announced.
The Rangers will be adding the 39-year-old Scherzer with another former Mets pitcher with Cy Young credentials, two-time winner Jacob deGrom, sidelined by Tommy John elbow surgery, possibly all the way through the end of next season.
According to multiple reports, the deal nets New York one of the top Texas prospects in infielder Luisangel Acuña, the younger brother of Atlanta star Ronald Acuña Jr.
As part of the deal, Scherzer agreed to opt in on the final year of his contract in 2024 at $43 million, according to reports that also said the Mets were paying about $35 million of the remaining $58 million on the right-hander’s contract.
The Mets, one of baseball’s biggest disappointments, unloaded Scherzer two days after sending closer David Robertson to Miami for two minor leaguers.
New York began the season with the highest payroll in baseball at $353 million but started the day 17 games behind Atlanta in the NL East and 6 1/2 games back in the wild-card race.
The next question is what the Mets will do with Justin Verlander, another three-time Cy Young winner signed through next season. There should be plenty of suitors for the 40-year-old right-hander.
Texas has emerged from six consecutive losing seasons to lead the AL West all but one day in three-time World Series champion Bruce Bochy’s first season as manager.
The Rangers made the first notable move of this trading season by getting once-dominant closer Aroldis Chapman from Kansas City in June. Chapman has stayed in a setup role with Will Smith handling most of the closing duties.
Now Texas has bolstered the rotation knowing deGrom might be out until Scherzer’s contract expires at the end of next season.
The trade for Scherzer came on the same day the Rangers said they were again bumping back the next start for All-Star right-hander Nathan Eovaldi. Bochy said Eovaldi had a sore elbow, but the club doesn’t think it’s serious.
The Rangers added deGrom in the offseason on a $185 million, five-year contract, knowing there was risk in signing the oft-injured right-hander.
He lasted just six starts — all Texas wins — before elbow issues sidelined deGrom for a month. It took multiple MRIs to determine the extent of the damage to his elbow, and the Tommy John procedure in June was the second of his career. The other was in rookie ball with the Mets in 2010.
“I think we need to improve as a starting rotation,” Bochy said before the Rangers’ game at San Diego on Saturday night, as reports of the trade were circulating. “I think that’s fair to say.”
Scherzer (9-4) was leading the Mets in victories but had his highest ERA (4.01) since 2011 with Detroit. The eight-time All-Star started Friday at home against Washington, allowing one run in seven innings in a 5-1 New York victory.
With 210 career victories, Scherzer is third among active pitchers behind Verlander and Kansas City’s Zack Greinke.
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AP Sports Writer Bernie Wilson in San Diego contributed to this report.
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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.qcnews.com/sports/ap-rangers-get-scherzer-from-mets-in-all-in-blockbuster-from-surprise-al-west-leaders/ | 2023-07-30T09:50:38 | 1 | https://www.qcnews.com/sports/ap-rangers-get-scherzer-from-mets-in-all-in-blockbuster-from-surprise-al-west-leaders/ |
SYDNEY (AP) — Some of the biggest names in soccer have yet to show up at the Women’s World Cup.
That’s literally been the case of Australian star Sam Kerr, who missed the first two games with a calf injury.
Kerr has recovered in time to play for Australia in a crucial final Group B game against Canada on Monday. The Matildas need to beat the Canadians to ensure they advance to the knockout round, and the Chelsea striker’s return to the lineup brings needed energy to the team.
“Mentally, it’s massive. It brings so much to our team and obviously also a lot to the opposition knowing that we have Sam available for this game,” Australia defender Ellie Carpenter said.
Kerr’s injury on the eve of Australia’s opening game against Ireland set the tone for a tournament that hasn’t been kind to some of its biggest stars. She was the face of co-host Australia’s preparations for the tournament, which is also being staged in New Zealand.
She dominated the covers of magazines across newsstands, while the autobiography she released late last year chronicled her rise to become arguably the best player in the women’s game right now. Kerr’s popularity transcends women’s soccer and she is considered a national icon.
So the disappointment was palpable when news broke about an hour before the opening match that Kerr was going to be sidelined at least two games in this tournament.
Kerr’s absence was felt in the 3-2 loss to Nigeria in Australia’s second game, a loss that put the Matildas in danger of elimination. It is not known what her role will be against Canada, but Australia needs Kerr to deliver in the final game of group play.
“I’m definitely going to be available, but how we decide to use that is not to be given to the opposition,” said Kerr.
The World Cup is supposed to be a showcase for the finest talent and biggest names, but injuries have always robbed the tournament of some its star players.
Norway forward Ada Hegerberg has had her playing time curtailed. Often referred to as “the Lionel Messi of women’s soccer,” Hederberg was part of a Norway’s 1-0 upset loss to New Zealand in the opening game of the World Cup.
It got worse for the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner when she suffered a groin injury in the warm-up ahead of Norway’s game against Switzerland, and she’s been ruled out of the final Group A game against the Philippines.
Keira Walsh of England suffered a knee injury against Denmark that will sidenline her for the Lionesses’ final Group D game against China. Described as irreplaceable, it is not known how much she will be able to play.
Even for some stars who have seen plenty of playing time, it has been difficult to make an impact.
American icon Alex Morgan has underwhelmed so far at her fourth World Cup, where she is hoping to help the United States to an unprecedented third consecutive title.
Morgan, the co-leading scorer at the last World Cup, has yet to score at this year’s event and missed a penalty in the 3-0 win against Vietnam. U.S. coach Vlatko Andonovski said Morgan was adapting to playing in a forward line with Sophia Smith and Trinity Rodman.
“I think it’s not hard to realize that Alex’s role is slightly different than the Alex that we’re used to maybe in the past,” Andonovski said. “She does set up the other two forwards a lot more. It’s not that she’s not capable of scoring goals or getting behind crosses, but we can also see her playing balls to Trinity and Soph, but also getting crosses for them as well.”
Morgan, at 34, is now one of the older players at the tournament.
Christine Sinclair of Canada is also searching for first goal of the tournament. Sinclair is highest scorer in international soccer — men or women — with 190 goals.
Like Morgan, she also missed a penalty, in a 0-0 draw with Nigeria that could still prove costly. She was benched for Canada’s second game against Ireland before coming in as a substitute at halftime as the gold medalist from the Tokyo Olympics logged a come-from-behind 2-1 win.
At 40 years old, Sinclair is having to accept a more limited role for Canada.
Brazil great Marta, at 37, has also been used sparingly in her sixth World Cup.
Her teammate, Debinha, who is also an iconic figure to Brazil fans, has been one of the standout players for her country so far. But she wasn’t able to stop a 2-1 loss to France on Saturday despite scoring in that match.
The gap appears to be closing in the women’s game, with underdogs proving more of a test for the more established nations. That’s one reason some of the big name stars have yet to impress in tournament.
One of the few standouts who has not disappointed so far has been Alexandra Popp, who scored twice in Germany’s 6-0 rout of Morocco.
Major tournaments are traditionally a mix of rising talents coming to the surface, while established stars have the chance to confirm their status among the greats.
Linda Caicedo of Colombia, Lauren James of England and Melchie Dumornay of Haiti have proven their worth as some of the brightest prospects in the game. But as the second round of games nears its completion, it feels like the tournament is still waiting for many of its big hitters to make an impact.
___
James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson
___
More AP Women’s World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-womens-world-cup | https://www.qcnews.com/sports/ap-some-of-soccers-biggest-stars-are-struggling-to-make-an-impact-at-the-womens-world-cup/ | 2023-07-30T09:50:44 | 0 | https://www.qcnews.com/sports/ap-some-of-soccers-biggest-stars-are-struggling-to-make-an-impact-at-the-womens-world-cup/ |
Broncos Odds to Make Playoffs and Win Super Bowl
At +5000 as of December 31, the Denver Broncos aren't among the favorites to win the Super Bowl this season.
Watch the Broncos this season on Fubo!
Broncos Super Bowl Odds
- Odds to Win the AFC West: +500
- Odds to Win the Super Bowl: +5000
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Denver Betting Insights
- Denver compiled a 6-9-0 ATS record last year.
- Last season, six Broncos games went over the point total.
- On offense, Denver ranked 21st in the with 325.1 yards per game last season. Meanwhile, it ranked seventh in total defense (320 yards allowed per contest).
- The Broncos were 4-4 at home last year, but they won only one game away from home.
- Denver picked up three wins as the favorite in eight games last season, and was victorious twice (in seven opportunities) as an underdog.
- The Broncos were 3-9 in the AFC, including 1-5 in the AFC West.
Broncos Impact Players
- Russell Wilson had 16 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions in 15 games last year, completing 60.5% of his throws for 3,524 yards (234.9 per game).
- Wilson also rushed for 277 yards and three TDs.
- Jerry Jeudy had 67 catches for 972 yards (64.8 per game) and six touchdowns in 15 games.
- On the ground with the Bengals a season ago, Samaje Perine scored two touchdowns a season ago and picked up 394 yards (24.6 per game).
- Courtland Sutton had 64 catches for 829 yards (55.3 per game) and two touchdowns in 15 games.
- Josey Jewell registered two interceptions to go with 128 tackles, 7.0 TFL, 2.5 sacks, and four passes defended in 13 games last year.
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2023-24 Broncos NFL Schedule
Odds are current as of July 30 at 5:23 AM ET. Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER.
© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.kmvt.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/broncos-nfl-playoffs-super-bowl-odds/ | 2023-07-30T09:51:26 | 0 | https://www.kmvt.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/broncos-nfl-playoffs-super-bowl-odds/ |
CHENGDU, China, July 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- At the beginning of the grand opening ceremony of the 31st World University Games in Chengdu on Friday night, Jihao Youguo, a girl hailing from the mountainous Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Southwest China's Sichuan Province, led representatives of the 56 ethnic groups of China to sing "Beautiful National Flag" and "Ode to the Motherland."
Youguo firstly became known to the public in February 2018 when Chinese President Xi Jinping visited her family, a poverty-stricken household in Sanhe village, while on an inspection tour to learn about the progress of poverty eradication in the village.
To welcome Xi's visit at the family's dilapidated abode, the then 10-year-old Youguo sang the same song "Beautiful National Flag" and won the applause from Xi.
One year later, all the 29 Sanhe households, including Youguo's family, were relocated to a newly built tile-roofed and brick-walled building which includes a series of apartments measuring about 100 square meters each, thanks to the local poverty eradication program. Youguo said in 2019 that she wished President Xi would come back and visit her new spacious house.
Youguo's father told the media that they opened a grocery store in one extra room of their new house. The store spared the villagers' 30-minute trip to the township for grocery shopping. The store itself brought the family an income of 3,000 yuan ($419) a month, roughly covering the monthly expenses of their three kids attending a boarding school in Liangshan. Youguo's father also keeps some livestock and 30 beehives, making a total income of about 60,000 yuan a year.
Wang Liyuan, an organizer for the opening ceremony of the Chengdu Games, told media that they contacted the Liangshan education authorities and invited Youguo and five other children in the region to sing at the event. "The children are always smiling and enthusiastic, giving a true feeling of sincerity."
Dream of becoming music teacher
With the help of a private education service provider, Youguo, her sister and brother were enrolled into the Liangshan Xichang Tianli School in 2020. Thanks to a dedicated charity fund, they were able to attend the school tuition-free.
Zhang Tao, Youguo's lead teacher, told the Global Times that Youguo has developed good habits living in the school and has made great academic progress since her enrollment.
"She is humble, friendly and gets along well with her classmates. Her English has improved a lot since coming to the school. Her favorite subjects are standard Chinese, English and music," said Zhang.
Youguo is athletic and loves to take part in extra-curricular activities including singing, basketball and running. She is also the champion shot-putter of the school, Zhang said.
"Once during a talk after school, she told me that she dreamed of becoming a music teacher in the future," Zhang told the Global Times. "It's a great way to realize her potential. I encourage her to pursue her dream and give back to the community."
Regarding her progress at school, Youguo said that she has become more confident and open-minded. "I used to be nervous when singing on stage. But I've learned a lot from my classmates and I've grown confident," she said.
Part of big story
The experience of Youguo's family is part of the story of the country's historic achievement in poverty eradication.
Liangshan is home to the largest ethnic Yi community in China and is about 2,000 kilometers from Beijing. When President Xi visited Sanhe village in February 2018, it was one of the most destitute villages in Liangshan. Deep in the Daliang Mountains, local people lived in dark mud huts, suffering from limited transportation and low crop yields caused by the harsh natural conditions. Most villagers grew corn and potatoes for a living.
Given the difficulty of building roads in the mountainous area, the local government opted to relocate the villagers out of the mountain. By September 2020, 353,200 people from 74,400 households in Liangshan had been relocated and started their new lives in their new homes.
Local villagers also came up with innovative ways to improve their living. In Zhaojue county, where Sanhe village is located, locals developed plantations of strawberries. After a year of development, the plantation covered an area of 1,800 mu (120 hectares). Thanks to this new business, in a five-month period in 2019, more than 20,000 local workers were employed, each earning 9,000 yuan on average. From then on, some 165 modern plantations have mushroomed in Liangshan.
After years of national and local efforts, Liangshan witnessed the eradication of poverty, with more than 1.05 million people lifted out of absolute poverty and 11 counties and 2,072 villages removed from the list of impoverished areas.
Sanhe village has established a unique development model that combines breeding, plantation and rural tourism to increase the villagers' income. Currently, the villager's net income per capita has reached over 18,000 yuan, which is more than 10 times higher than the amount before the anti-poverty campaign, Sichuan Daily reported.
In February 2021, China announced victory in its fight against poverty, eradicating absolute poverty in the country.
View original content:
SOURCE Global Times | https://www.wsaz.com/prnewswire/2023/07/30/global-times-impoverished-mountain-village-global-center-stage/ | 2023-07-30T09:51:26 | 0 | https://www.wsaz.com/prnewswire/2023/07/30/global-times-impoverished-mountain-village-global-center-stage/ |
BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — Following two narrow losses that ended its chances of advancing to the knockout stage on debut at the Women’s World Cup, Ireland remains motivated to play for more than just a result against Nigeria on Monday night.
“We still have something to fight for,” midfielder Lily Agg said. “That’s our pride, that’s our passion and that’s who we are as Irish players. We’re going to leave it all out there on Monday and, hopefully, do Ireland proud.”
Ireland is yet to pick up a competition point despite pushing two Top 10 teams to the limit. In front of almost 76,000 people in the tournament opener, a second-half penalty was the difference in Ireland’s 1-0 loss to co-host Australia. Ireland struck first in its next match against Canada, but two unanswered goals from the Olympic champions left the Irish empty-handed once again.
“We can compete with the best, and I think we’ve proven that,” Agg said. “We’ve got so much talent, and it’s now just about making that next step as a team and fighting to win.”
The Irish squad is well aware of what’s at stake for the other three teams in Group B.
Nigeria, which opened with a 0-0 draw against Canada and then upset Australia 3-2, will advance to the knockout stage with a win or draw. A win for the Irish, however, would put the Super Falcons at risk of failing to make it out of the group stage and provide a potential opening for Australia and Canada.
“This game has a big impact on the follow up of the tournament for each group, so we feel the responsibility for that,” Ireland coach Vera Pauw said. “We have a huge responsibility to ourselves and FIFA to bring our best performance.”
Pauw’s squad made history by qualifying for its first ever Women’s World Cup when it edged Scotland 1-0 in a playoff last October. Just being a participant was never the only goal for the team.
“We want to show the world that while this may be our first tournament it won’t be our last,” defender Megan Connolly said. “We owe it to ourselves to put in a good performance and show the world that we deserve to be here and compete with the best teams.”
Ireland’s debut appearance also marks the nation’s first World Cup since its men’s team reached the round of 16 in 2002. The extended hiatus intensified the support the team received from Irish supporters in all parts of the world.
“The players have been taken back by the amount of Irish support,” Connolly said. “We want to keep doing them proud and show them what we’re made of. We want to come out of this tournament giving them something to really cheer about.”
___
Taft Gantt is a student at the University of Georgia’s Carmical Sports Media Institute.
___
AP Women’s World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-womens-world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/soccer/ireland-still-playing-with-something-to-prove-in-the-last-game-of-its-womens-world-cup-debut/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_all | 2023-07-30T09:51:32 | 0 | https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/soccer/ireland-still-playing-with-something-to-prove-in-the-last-game-of-its-womens-world-cup-debut/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_all |
Seattle Storm vs. Indiana Fever: Betting Trends, Record ATS, Home/Road Splits
Aliyah Boston and the Indiana Fever (6-18) face Jewell Loyd and the Seattle Storm (5-19) at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana on Sunday, July 30 at 4:00 PM ET.
In its last outing, Indiana took a loss by a final score of 81-68 versus Los Angeles. The Fever were led by Erica Wheeler's 17 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and two steals and Kristy Wallace's 13 points and two steals. With a final score of 83-74, Seattle defeated Chicago the last time out. Gabby Williams led the team (17 PTS, 50.0 FG%).
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Fever vs. Storm Game Time and Info
- Who's the favorite?: Fever (-160 to win)
- Who's the underdog?: Storm (+135 to win)
- What's the spread?: Fever (-3.5)
- What's the over/under?: 164.5
- When: Sunday, July 30, 2023 at 4:00 PM ET
- Where: Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana
- TV: ESPN3, FOX13+, and Prime Video
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Storm Season Stats
- Offensively the Storm are the ninth-ranked squad in the league (78.5 points per game). Defensively they are second-worst (85.7 points conceded per game).
- In 2023, Seattle is seventh in the WNBA in rebounds (34.2 per game) and worst in rebounds conceded (36.6).
- The Storm are worst in the WNBA in assists (17.6 per game) in 2023.
- In 2023, Seattle is ninth in the league in turnovers committed (14.1 per game) and fourth in turnovers forced (13.8).
- Beyond the arc, the Storm are third-best in the league in 3-pointers made per game (8.8). They are sixth in 3-point percentage at 34.6%.
- In 2023 Seattle is third-worst in the league in 3-pointers conceded (8.1 per game) and worst in defensive 3-point percentage (37.0%).
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Storm Home/Away Splits
- At home the Storm are not as good offensively, putting up 75.0 points per game, compared to 82.5 on the road. But they are better defensively, conceding 83.2 points per game at home, compared to 88.6 away.
- This season Seattle is grabbing fewer rebounds at home (33.2 per game) than away (35.3). And it is giving up more at home (38.3) than away (34.5).
- This season the Storm are collecting fewer assists at home (16.1 per game) than away (19.4).
- This season Seattle is committing more turnovers at home (14.2 per game) than on the road (13.9). But it is also forcing more at home (15.4) than on the road (12.0).
- At home the Storm sink 7.7 treys per game, 2.4 less than on the road (10.1). They shoot 33.0% from beyond the arc at home, 3.3% lower than away (36.3%).
- Seattle allows fewer 3-pointers per game at home (7.8) than on the road (8.5), and it concedes a lower 3-point percentage at home (37.0%) than on the road (37.1%).
Storm Moneyline and ATS Records
- This season, the Storm have won four out of the 20 games, or 20%, in which they've been the underdog.
- The Fever are 4-15 this season when entering a game as the underdog by +135 or more on the moneyline.
- Seattle's record against the spread is 12-11-0.
- As a 3.5-point underdog or greater, Seattle is 11-8 against the spread.
- The moneyline for this contest implies a 42.6% chance of a victory for the Storm.
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© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.kmvt.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/seattle-storm-vs-indiana-fever-wnba-betting-trends-stats/ | 2023-07-30T09:51:32 | 0 | https://www.kmvt.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/seattle-storm-vs-indiana-fever-wnba-betting-trends-stats/ |
Slackline World Champion Jaan Roose pushes the limits: "Per metre walked, this line was my toughest ever"
DOHA, Qatar, July 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Globally renowned Red Bull athlete Jaan Roose has completed the world's longest LED-lit, single-building slackline to cross one of Qatar's newest and most iconic architectural landmarks.
The Estonian national and three-time Slackline World Champion defied the odds by achieving the walk, titled "Sparkline," at the first attempt, walking the distance between the scimitar-shaped, Iconic Towers that are owned by Katara Hospitality and that are home to Raffles and Fairmont Doha in Lusail City.
Covering a distance of over 150 meters, the Sparkline walk is not only the longest on a single building, but also Jaan's second-highest walk to date at an elevation of more than 185 meters on a line just 2.5cm wide.
Speaking on the new world record set, Roose commented:
"When I first saw the Iconic Towers, I knew this was a building that I had to walk. Anything worth achieving comes with its fair share of challenges, and I'm proud to complete this one. Per metre walked, this line was my toughest ever. As an athlete, I'm always looking to push myself further and defy the odds. In this case the heat and wind conditions added a different element that I needed to react to and manage spontaneously while I was on the slackline. The warm LED lights and their extra weight also changed how the line interacted with me and my bodyweight. It's like skateboarding on a big heavy tree trunk rather than a light board."
"The Iconic Towers are an incredible place to be completing this feat and mark a very special visit for my first time in Qatar," Roose added.
The Raffles Doha and Fairmont Doha are two luxury hotels that face each other in beautifully imposing structures shaped like scimitar swords. The towers are some of the latest to be added to Lusail City's expanding list of architectural marvels and create a distinct silhouette against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea. Featuring the world's tallest chandelier, the Fairmont Doha is a masterclass in design, while the suite-only Raffles Doha showcases a spell-binding entrance, a personal butler service and fine-dining delights by world-renowned chef, Enrico Crippa.
Managing Director of Raffles and Fairmont Doha, Christian Hirt, expressed his excitement about the event being hosted at the Iconic Towers, saying "Raffles and Fairmont Doha have always celebrated the extraordinary, and this event embodies that spirit. The project serves to underline our commitment to showcasing high-calibre talents that defy the impossible. As this daring athlete 'Sparklines' across our towers, we hope it captivates the world and inspires others to push their boundaries."
Katara Hospitality's leadership commented: "We are proud of this activation, working alongside Qatar Tourism and Red Bull, as it exemplifies Katara Hospitality's commitment to utilizing the Iconic Towers as a powerful asset to promote tourism and enhance the destination's appeal. Through this event, we aim to showcase the extraordinary capabilities of the Iconic Towers and position them as a symbol of Qatar's excellence in hospitality and entertainment."
Commenting on the project with Jaan Roose, Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism, Berthold Trenkel, said: "Qatar has built a sporting legacy for itself and is now a true hub for international sporting events. We're delighted to support the exhilarating slackline walk event and champion renowned athletes. By fostering a culture of athleticism, we strive to create opportunities for athletes to showcase their skills and reach new heights in their athletic careers. In addition to its world-class sporting facilities, Qatar is home to a fresh and diverse suite of incredible hotels that make Qatar a global destination of choice for all travellers."
The Sparkline walk took place as part of an action-packed calendar of global events in Qatar. With several key sporting events expected to take place in 2023, including Qatar MotoGP, AFC Asian Cup, Qatar Formula 1 Grand Prix, and Geneva International Motor Show, visitors can expect extraordinary sporting experiences in Qatar all year round.
To know more about Jaan Roose, visit www.redbull.com
For imagery and video, please download via this link.
For media-related inquiries, please contact Qatar Tourism's Press Office on:
+974 3392 4466 | pressoffice@visitqatar.qa
For athlete-related media inquiries, please contact Red Bull Qatar:
About Qatar Tourism
Qatar Tourism's mission is to establish Qatar as a place where cultural authenticity meets modernity, and where people of the world come together to experience unique offerings in culture, sports, business and family entertainment, rooted in Service Excellence. Qatar Tourism will regulate and develop the tourism industry, encouraging investment from the private sector. It will set the national strategy for the tourism sector, reviewing it periodically and overseeing its implementation, with the aim of diversifying tourism offerings in the country and increasing visitor spend. Through our network of international offices in priority markets, and cutting-edge digital platforms, Qatar Tourism is expanding Qatar's presence globally and enhancing the tourism sector.
Web: www.visitqatar.qa
About Raffles
Founded in Singapore in 1887, Raffles Hotels & Resorts is where heritage meets modern hotelcraft. Raffles hotels, resorts, and residences are places where ideas are born, history is made and stories and legends are created. At landmark addresses around the world, Raffles' well-travelled guests and residents enjoy experiences that are culturally enriching, intellectually stimulating and always respectful of local communities, heritage and the environment. From one generation to the next, visitors arrive as guests, leave as friends, and return as family. Raffles can be found in key international locations including Singapore, Paris, Istanbul, Dubai, Doha, Maldives, Udaipur, Phnom Penh, and Bali; with flagship openings upcoming in London, Boston and Macau. Progressively shaping the future of luxury hospitality as part of Accor, Raffles benefits from a world-class infrastructure and is a participating brand in the Group's lifestyle loyalty and guest recognition programme, ALL - Accor Live Limitless.
raffles.com | all.accor.com | group.accor.com
About Fairmont
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is where the intimate equally coexists with the infinite – an unrivalled portfolio of more than 90 extraordinary hotels where grand moments of life, heartfelt pleasures and personal milestones are celebrated and remembered long after any visit. Since 1907, Fairmont has created magnificent, meaningful and unforgettable hotels, rich with character and deeply connected to the history, culture and community of its destinations – places such as The Plaza in New York City, The Savoy in London, Fairmont San Francisco, Fairmont Banff Springs in Canada, Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai, and Fairmont The Palm in Dubai. Famous for its engaging service, awe-inspiring public spaces, locally inspired cuisine, and iconic bars and lounges, Fairmont also takes great pride in its pioneering approach to hospitality and leadership in sustainability and responsible tourism practices. Fairmont is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,400 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL - Accor Live Limitless – a lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.
fairmont.com | all.accor.com | group.accor.com
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Raffles Doha and Fairmont Doha | https://www.wsaz.com/prnewswire/2023/07/30/record-set-qatar-worlds-longest-led-slackline-walk/ | 2023-07-30T09:51:33 | 1 | https://www.wsaz.com/prnewswire/2023/07/30/record-set-qatar-worlds-longest-led-slackline-walk/ |
How to Watch the WNBA on Sunday: TV Channel, Game Times and Odds
Today's WNBA slate has lots in store. Among those six games is the Minnesota Lynx taking on the Connecticut Sun.
Catch live WNBA games, plus tons of other sports and shows, with a free trial to Fubo!
Today's WNBA Games
The Connecticut Sun take on the Minnesota Lynx
The Lynx look to pull off an away win at the Sun on Sunday at 1:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: CBS Sports Network
- Stream Live: Fubo (regional restrictions may apply)
- Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Records and Stats
- CON Record: 18-6
- MIN Record: 12-13
- CON Stats: 84.0 PPG (fifth in WNBA), 78.6 Opp. PPG (first)
- MIN Stats: 80.2 PPG (eighth in WNBA), 85.4 Opp. PPG (10th)
Players to Watch
- CON Key Player: Alyssa Thomas (14.5 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 8.0 APG)
- MIN Key Player: Kayla McBride (12.6 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.8 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -11.5
- CON Odds to Win: -818
- MIN Odds to Win: +525
- Total: 159.5 points
The Atlanta Dream host the Washington Mystics
The Mystics travel to face the Dream on Sunday at 3:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: Bally Sports
- Stream Live: Fubo (regional restrictions may apply)
- Game Time: 3:00 PM ET
Records and Stats
- ATL Record: 13-11
- WAS Record: 12-12
- ATL Stats: 85.0 PPG (fourth in WNBA), 85.1 Opp. PPG (ninth)
- WAS Stats: 81.1 PPG (seventh in WNBA), 80.3 Opp. PPG (third)
Players to Watch
- ATL Key Player: Rhyne Howard (18.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3.4 APG)
- WAS Key Player: Brittney Sykes (14.1 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 3.6 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -6.5
- ATL Odds to Win: -250
- WAS Odds to Win: +197
- Total: 164.5 points
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The Los Angeles Sparks take on the New York Liberty
The Liberty hit the road the Sparks on Sunday at 4:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
Records and Stats
- LAS Record: 9-15
- NYL Record: 18-6
- LAS Stats: 78.5 PPG (ninth in WNBA), 81.7 Opp. PPG (fourth)
- NYL Stats: 88.7 PPG (second in WNBA), 82.7 Opp. PPG (seventh)
Players to Watch
- LAS Key Player: Nneka Ogwumike (20.3 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 2.7 APG)
- NYL Key Player: Breanna Stewart (23.1 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 3.7 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -9
- NYL Odds to Win: -503
- LAS Odds to Win: +373
- Total: 167 points
The Indiana Fever face the Seattle Storm
The Storm hope to pick up a road win at the Fever on Sunday at 4:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
Records and Stats
- IND Record: 6-18
- SEA Record: 5-19
- IND Stats: 81.4 PPG (sixth in WNBA), 85.7 Opp. PPG (11th)
- SEA Stats: 78.5 PPG (ninth in WNBA), 85.7 Opp. PPG (11th)
Players to Watch
- IND Key Player: Aliyah Boston (14.4 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 2.2 APG)
- SEA Key Player: Jewell Loyd (24.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3.5 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -3.5
- IND Odds to Win: -161
- SEA Odds to Win: +133
- Total: 164.5 points
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The Chicago Sky host the Phoenix Mercury
The Mercury go on the road to face the Sky on Sunday at 4:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: ESPN3 and AZFamily
- Game Time: 4:00 PM ET
Records and Stats
- CHI Record: 9-15
- PHO Record: 6-17
- CHI Stats: 78.1 PPG (11th in WNBA), 82.5 Opp. PPG (sixth)
- PHO Stats: 75.8 PPG (12th in WNBA), 83.5 Opp. PPG (eighth)
Players to Watch
- CHI Key Player: Courtney Williams (9.2 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 6.0 APG)
- PHO Key Player: Brittney Griner (18.2 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.0 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -7
- CHI Odds to Win: -285
- PHO Odds to Win: +228
- Total: 156 points
The Las Vegas Aces take on the Dallas Wings
The Wings hit the road the Aces on Sunday at 6:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: CBS Sports Network
- Stream Live: Fubo (regional restrictions may apply)
- Game Time: 6:00 PM ET
Records and Stats
- LVA Record: 22-2
- DAL Record: 14-10
- LVA Stats: 94.1 PPG (first in WNBA), 78.7 Opp. PPG (second)
- DAL Stats: 86.0 PPG (third in WNBA), 81.7 Opp. PPG (fourth)
Players to Watch
- LVA Key Player: A'ja Wilson (20.8 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 2.0 APG)
- DAL Key Player: Satou Sabally (17.6 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 4.0 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -10
- LVA Odds to Win: -653
- DAL Odds to Win: +462
- Total: 173.5 points
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© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.kmvt.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/wnba-odds-how-to-watch/ | 2023-07-30T09:51:39 | 1 | https://www.kmvt.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/wnba-odds-how-to-watch/ |
Bengals Odds to Make Playoffs and Win Super Bowl
As of December 31, the Cincinnati Bengals' odds of winning the Super Bowl (+900) make them fourth-best in the NFL.
Watch the Bengals this season on Fubo!
Bengals Super Bowl Odds
- Odds to Win the AFC North: +150
- Odds to Win the Super Bowl: +900
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Cincinnati Betting Insights
- Cincinnati covered 12 times in 16 matchups with a spread last season.
- Last season, the combined scoring went over the point total six times in Bengals games.
- Cincinnati averaged 360.5 yards per game on offense last year (eighth in ), and it allowed 335.7 yards per game (16th) on the defensive side of the ball.
- The Bengals put up a 6-1 record at home and were 6-3 away last season.
- When underdogs, Cincinnati had only one victory (1-1) versus its 11-2 record when favored.
- The Bengals were 3-3 in the AFC North and 8-3 in the AFC overall.
Bengals Impact Players
- Joe Burrow passed for 4,475 yards (279.7 per game), completing 68.3% of his throws, with 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 16 games last year.
- In addition, Burrow rushed for 257 yards and five TDs.
- On the ground, Joe Mixon scored seven touchdowns and picked up 814 yards (58.1 per game).
- In the passing game, Mixon scored two touchdowns, with 60 catches for 441 yards.
- In the passing game a season ago, Ja'Marr Chase scored nine TDs, hauling in 87 balls for 1,046 yards (87.2 per game).
- Tee Higgins had 74 receptions for 1,029 yards (64.3 per game) and seven touchdowns in 16 games.
- In 15 games last year, Logan Wilson amassed 2.5 sacks to go with 3.0 TFL, 123 tackles, and one interception.
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2023-24 Bengals NFL Schedule
Odds are current as of July 30 at 5:24 AM ET. Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER.
© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.wsaz.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/bengals-nfl-playoffs-super-bowl-odds/ | 2023-07-30T09:51:39 | 0 | https://www.wsaz.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/bengals-nfl-playoffs-super-bowl-odds/ |
Browns Odds to Make Playoffs and Win Super Bowl
As of now the Cleveland Browns are 14th in the league in terms of odds to win the Super Bowl, listed at +3500.
Watch the Browns this season on Fubo!
Browns Super Bowl Odds
- Odds to Win the AFC North: +400
- Odds to Win the Super Bowl: +3500
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Cleveland Betting Insights
- Cleveland compiled a 7-9-0 record against the spread last season.
- Browns games hit the over eight out of 17 times last season.
- Cleveland ranked 14th in total offense (349.1 yards per game) and 14th in total defense (331.5 yards allowed per game) last season.
- The Browns went 4-4 at home last year and 3-6 away from home.
- When favorites, Cleveland went 3-4. As underdogs, the Browns went 3-6.
- The Browns were 3-3 in the AFC North and 4-8 in the AFC as a whole.
Browns Impact Players
- In 17 games last year, Nick Chubb rushed for 1,525 yards (89.7 per game) and 12 touchdowns.
- Chubb also had 27 receptions for 239 yards and one TD.
- Amari Cooper had 78 receptions for 1,160 yards (68.2 per game) and nine touchdowns in 17 games.
- In 17 games a season ago, Donovan Peoples-Jones had 61 catches for 839 yards (49.4 per game) and three touchdowns.
- Deshaun Watson passed for 1,102 yards (183.7 per game), completing 58.2% of his passes, with seven touchdowns and five interceptions in six games.
- Myles Garrett had 60 tackles, 18.0 TFL, 16 sacks, and four passes defended last year.
Bet on Browns to win the Super Bowl and plenty more with BetMGM. Head to BetMGM using our link and enter the bonus code "GNPLAY" for special offers!
2023-24 Browns NFL Schedule
Odds are current as of July 30 at 5:29 AM ET. Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER.
© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.wsaz.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/browns-nfl-playoffs-super-bowl-odds/ | 2023-07-30T09:51:45 | 1 | https://www.wsaz.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/browns-nfl-playoffs-super-bowl-odds/ |
How to Watch the WNBA on Sunday: TV Channel, Game Times and Odds
Today's WNBA slate has lots in store. Among those six games is the Minnesota Lynx taking on the Connecticut Sun.
Catch live WNBA games, plus tons of other sports and shows, with a free trial to Fubo!
Today's WNBA Games
The Connecticut Sun take on the Minnesota Lynx
The Lynx look to pull off an away win at the Sun on Sunday at 1:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: CBS Sports Network
- Stream Live: Fubo (regional restrictions may apply)
- Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Records and Stats
- CON Record: 18-6
- MIN Record: 12-13
- CON Stats: 84.0 PPG (fifth in WNBA), 78.6 Opp. PPG (first)
- MIN Stats: 80.2 PPG (eighth in WNBA), 85.4 Opp. PPG (10th)
Players to Watch
- CON Key Player: Alyssa Thomas (14.5 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 8.0 APG)
- MIN Key Player: Kayla McBride (12.6 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.8 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -11.5
- CON Odds to Win: -818
- MIN Odds to Win: +525
- Total: 159.5 points
The Atlanta Dream host the Washington Mystics
The Mystics travel to face the Dream on Sunday at 3:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: Bally Sports
- Stream Live: Fubo (regional restrictions may apply)
- Game Time: 3:00 PM ET
Records and Stats
- ATL Record: 13-11
- WAS Record: 12-12
- ATL Stats: 85.0 PPG (fourth in WNBA), 85.1 Opp. PPG (ninth)
- WAS Stats: 81.1 PPG (seventh in WNBA), 80.3 Opp. PPG (third)
Players to Watch
- ATL Key Player: Rhyne Howard (18.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3.4 APG)
- WAS Key Player: Brittney Sykes (14.1 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 3.6 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -6.5
- ATL Odds to Win: -250
- WAS Odds to Win: +197
- Total: 164.5 points
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The Los Angeles Sparks take on the New York Liberty
The Liberty hit the road the Sparks on Sunday at 4:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
Records and Stats
- LAS Record: 9-15
- NYL Record: 18-6
- LAS Stats: 78.5 PPG (ninth in WNBA), 81.7 Opp. PPG (fourth)
- NYL Stats: 88.7 PPG (second in WNBA), 82.7 Opp. PPG (seventh)
Players to Watch
- LAS Key Player: Nneka Ogwumike (20.3 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 2.7 APG)
- NYL Key Player: Breanna Stewart (23.1 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 3.7 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -9
- NYL Odds to Win: -503
- LAS Odds to Win: +373
- Total: 167 points
The Indiana Fever face the Seattle Storm
The Storm hope to pick up a road win at the Fever on Sunday at 4:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
Records and Stats
- IND Record: 6-18
- SEA Record: 5-19
- IND Stats: 81.4 PPG (sixth in WNBA), 85.7 Opp. PPG (11th)
- SEA Stats: 78.5 PPG (ninth in WNBA), 85.7 Opp. PPG (11th)
Players to Watch
- IND Key Player: Aliyah Boston (14.4 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 2.2 APG)
- SEA Key Player: Jewell Loyd (24.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3.5 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -3.5
- IND Odds to Win: -161
- SEA Odds to Win: +133
- Total: 164.5 points
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The Chicago Sky host the Phoenix Mercury
The Mercury go on the road to face the Sky on Sunday at 4:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: ESPN3 and AZFamily
- Game Time: 4:00 PM ET
Records and Stats
- CHI Record: 9-15
- PHO Record: 6-17
- CHI Stats: 78.1 PPG (11th in WNBA), 82.5 Opp. PPG (sixth)
- PHO Stats: 75.8 PPG (12th in WNBA), 83.5 Opp. PPG (eighth)
Players to Watch
- CHI Key Player: Courtney Williams (9.2 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 6.0 APG)
- PHO Key Player: Brittney Griner (18.2 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.0 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -7
- CHI Odds to Win: -285
- PHO Odds to Win: +228
- Total: 156 points
The Las Vegas Aces take on the Dallas Wings
The Wings hit the road the Aces on Sunday at 6:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: CBS Sports Network
- Stream Live: Fubo (regional restrictions may apply)
- Game Time: 6:00 PM ET
Records and Stats
- LVA Record: 22-2
- DAL Record: 14-10
- LVA Stats: 94.1 PPG (first in WNBA), 78.7 Opp. PPG (second)
- DAL Stats: 86.0 PPG (third in WNBA), 81.7 Opp. PPG (fourth)
Players to Watch
- LVA Key Player: A'ja Wilson (20.8 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 2.0 APG)
- DAL Key Player: Satou Sabally (17.6 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 4.0 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -10
- LVA Odds to Win: -653
- DAL Odds to Win: +462
- Total: 173.5 points
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© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.wsaz.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/wnba-odds-how-to-watch/ | 2023-07-30T09:51:52 | 0 | https://www.wsaz.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/wnba-odds-how-to-watch/ |
CHENGDU, China, July 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- At the beginning of the grand opening ceremony of the 31st World University Games in Chengdu on Friday night, Jihao Youguo, a girl hailing from the mountainous Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Southwest China's Sichuan Province, led representatives of the 56 ethnic groups of China to sing "Beautiful National Flag" and "Ode to the Motherland."
Youguo firstly became known to the public in February 2018 when Chinese President Xi Jinping visited her family, a poverty-stricken household in Sanhe village, while on an inspection tour to learn about the progress of poverty eradication in the village.
To welcome Xi's visit at the family's dilapidated abode, the then 10-year-old Youguo sang the same song "Beautiful National Flag" and won the applause from Xi.
One year later, all the 29 Sanhe households, including Youguo's family, were relocated to a newly built tile-roofed and brick-walled building which includes a series of apartments measuring about 100 square meters each, thanks to the local poverty eradication program. Youguo said in 2019 that she wished President Xi would come back and visit her new spacious house.
Youguo's father told the media that they opened a grocery store in one extra room of their new house. The store spared the villagers' 30-minute trip to the township for grocery shopping. The store itself brought the family an income of 3,000 yuan ($419) a month, roughly covering the monthly expenses of their three kids attending a boarding school in Liangshan. Youguo's father also keeps some livestock and 30 beehives, making a total income of about 60,000 yuan a year.
Wang Liyuan, an organizer for the opening ceremony of the Chengdu Games, told media that they contacted the Liangshan education authorities and invited Youguo and five other children in the region to sing at the event. "The children are always smiling and enthusiastic, giving a true feeling of sincerity."
Dream of becoming music teacher
With the help of a private education service provider, Youguo, her sister and brother were enrolled into the Liangshan Xichang Tianli School in 2020. Thanks to a dedicated charity fund, they were able to attend the school tuition-free.
Zhang Tao, Youguo's lead teacher, told the Global Times that Youguo has developed good habits living in the school and has made great academic progress since her enrollment.
"She is humble, friendly and gets along well with her classmates. Her English has improved a lot since coming to the school. Her favorite subjects are standard Chinese, English and music," said Zhang.
Youguo is athletic and loves to take part in extra-curricular activities including singing, basketball and running. She is also the champion shot-putter of the school, Zhang said.
"Once during a talk after school, she told me that she dreamed of becoming a music teacher in the future," Zhang told the Global Times. "It's a great way to realize her potential. I encourage her to pursue her dream and give back to the community."
Regarding her progress at school, Youguo said that she has become more confident and open-minded. "I used to be nervous when singing on stage. But I've learned a lot from my classmates and I've grown confident," she said.
Part of big story
The experience of Youguo's family is part of the story of the country's historic achievement in poverty eradication.
Liangshan is home to the largest ethnic Yi community in China and is about 2,000 kilometers from Beijing. When President Xi visited Sanhe village in February 2018, it was one of the most destitute villages in Liangshan. Deep in the Daliang Mountains, local people lived in dark mud huts, suffering from limited transportation and low crop yields caused by the harsh natural conditions. Most villagers grew corn and potatoes for a living.
Given the difficulty of building roads in the mountainous area, the local government opted to relocate the villagers out of the mountain. By September 2020, 353,200 people from 74,400 households in Liangshan had been relocated and started their new lives in their new homes.
Local villagers also came up with innovative ways to improve their living. In Zhaojue county, where Sanhe village is located, locals developed plantations of strawberries. After a year of development, the plantation covered an area of 1,800 mu (120 hectares). Thanks to this new business, in a five-month period in 2019, more than 20,000 local workers were employed, each earning 9,000 yuan on average. From then on, some 165 modern plantations have mushroomed in Liangshan.
After years of national and local efforts, Liangshan witnessed the eradication of poverty, with more than 1.05 million people lifted out of absolute poverty and 11 counties and 2,072 villages removed from the list of impoverished areas.
Sanhe village has established a unique development model that combines breeding, plantation and rural tourism to increase the villagers' income. Currently, the villager's net income per capita has reached over 18,000 yuan, which is more than 10 times higher than the amount before the anti-poverty campaign, Sichuan Daily reported.
In February 2021, China announced victory in its fight against poverty, eradicating absolute poverty in the country.
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SOURCE Global Times | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2023/07/30/global-times-impoverished-mountain-village-global-center-stage/ | 2023-07-30T09:53:35 | 1 | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2023/07/30/global-times-impoverished-mountain-village-global-center-stage/ |
Slackline World Champion Jaan Roose pushes the limits: "Per metre walked, this line was my toughest ever"
DOHA, Qatar, July 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Globally renowned Red Bull athlete Jaan Roose has completed the world's longest LED-lit, single-building slackline to cross one of Qatar's newest and most iconic architectural landmarks.
The Estonian national and three-time Slackline World Champion defied the odds by achieving the walk, titled "Sparkline," at the first attempt, walking the distance between the scimitar-shaped, Iconic Towers that are owned by Katara Hospitality and that are home to Raffles and Fairmont Doha in Lusail City.
Covering a distance of over 150 meters, the Sparkline walk is not only the longest on a single building, but also Jaan's second-highest walk to date at an elevation of more than 185 meters on a line just 2.5cm wide.
Speaking on the new world record set, Roose commented:
"When I first saw the Iconic Towers, I knew this was a building that I had to walk. Anything worth achieving comes with its fair share of challenges, and I'm proud to complete this one. Per metre walked, this line was my toughest ever. As an athlete, I'm always looking to push myself further and defy the odds. In this case the heat and wind conditions added a different element that I needed to react to and manage spontaneously while I was on the slackline. The warm LED lights and their extra weight also changed how the line interacted with me and my bodyweight. It's like skateboarding on a big heavy tree trunk rather than a light board."
"The Iconic Towers are an incredible place to be completing this feat and mark a very special visit for my first time in Qatar," Roose added.
The Raffles Doha and Fairmont Doha are two luxury hotels that face each other in beautifully imposing structures shaped like scimitar swords. The towers are some of the latest to be added to Lusail City's expanding list of architectural marvels and create a distinct silhouette against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea. Featuring the world's tallest chandelier, the Fairmont Doha is a masterclass in design, while the suite-only Raffles Doha showcases a spell-binding entrance, a personal butler service and fine-dining delights by world-renowned chef, Enrico Crippa.
Managing Director of Raffles and Fairmont Doha, Christian Hirt, expressed his excitement about the event being hosted at the Iconic Towers, saying "Raffles and Fairmont Doha have always celebrated the extraordinary, and this event embodies that spirit. The project serves to underline our commitment to showcasing high-calibre talents that defy the impossible. As this daring athlete 'Sparklines' across our towers, we hope it captivates the world and inspires others to push their boundaries."
Katara Hospitality's leadership commented: "We are proud of this activation, working alongside Qatar Tourism and Red Bull, as it exemplifies Katara Hospitality's commitment to utilizing the Iconic Towers as a powerful asset to promote tourism and enhance the destination's appeal. Through this event, we aim to showcase the extraordinary capabilities of the Iconic Towers and position them as a symbol of Qatar's excellence in hospitality and entertainment."
Commenting on the project with Jaan Roose, Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism, Berthold Trenkel, said: "Qatar has built a sporting legacy for itself and is now a true hub for international sporting events. We're delighted to support the exhilarating slackline walk event and champion renowned athletes. By fostering a culture of athleticism, we strive to create opportunities for athletes to showcase their skills and reach new heights in their athletic careers. In addition to its world-class sporting facilities, Qatar is home to a fresh and diverse suite of incredible hotels that make Qatar a global destination of choice for all travellers."
The Sparkline walk took place as part of an action-packed calendar of global events in Qatar. With several key sporting events expected to take place in 2023, including Qatar MotoGP, AFC Asian Cup, Qatar Formula 1 Grand Prix, and Geneva International Motor Show, visitors can expect extraordinary sporting experiences in Qatar all year round.
To know more about Jaan Roose, visit www.redbull.com
For imagery and video, please download via this link.
For media-related inquiries, please contact Qatar Tourism's Press Office on:
+974 3392 4466 | pressoffice@visitqatar.qa
For athlete-related media inquiries, please contact Red Bull Qatar:
About Qatar Tourism
Qatar Tourism's mission is to establish Qatar as a place where cultural authenticity meets modernity, and where people of the world come together to experience unique offerings in culture, sports, business and family entertainment, rooted in Service Excellence. Qatar Tourism will regulate and develop the tourism industry, encouraging investment from the private sector. It will set the national strategy for the tourism sector, reviewing it periodically and overseeing its implementation, with the aim of diversifying tourism offerings in the country and increasing visitor spend. Through our network of international offices in priority markets, and cutting-edge digital platforms, Qatar Tourism is expanding Qatar's presence globally and enhancing the tourism sector.
Web: www.visitqatar.qa
About Raffles
Founded in Singapore in 1887, Raffles Hotels & Resorts is where heritage meets modern hotelcraft. Raffles hotels, resorts, and residences are places where ideas are born, history is made and stories and legends are created. At landmark addresses around the world, Raffles' well-travelled guests and residents enjoy experiences that are culturally enriching, intellectually stimulating and always respectful of local communities, heritage and the environment. From one generation to the next, visitors arrive as guests, leave as friends, and return as family. Raffles can be found in key international locations including Singapore, Paris, Istanbul, Dubai, Doha, Maldives, Udaipur, Phnom Penh, and Bali; with flagship openings upcoming in London, Boston and Macau. Progressively shaping the future of luxury hospitality as part of Accor, Raffles benefits from a world-class infrastructure and is a participating brand in the Group's lifestyle loyalty and guest recognition programme, ALL - Accor Live Limitless.
raffles.com | all.accor.com | group.accor.com
About Fairmont
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is where the intimate equally coexists with the infinite – an unrivalled portfolio of more than 90 extraordinary hotels where grand moments of life, heartfelt pleasures and personal milestones are celebrated and remembered long after any visit. Since 1907, Fairmont has created magnificent, meaningful and unforgettable hotels, rich with character and deeply connected to the history, culture and community of its destinations – places such as The Plaza in New York City, The Savoy in London, Fairmont San Francisco, Fairmont Banff Springs in Canada, Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai, and Fairmont The Palm in Dubai. Famous for its engaging service, awe-inspiring public spaces, locally inspired cuisine, and iconic bars and lounges, Fairmont also takes great pride in its pioneering approach to hospitality and leadership in sustainability and responsible tourism practices. Fairmont is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,400 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL - Accor Live Limitless – a lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.
fairmont.com | all.accor.com | group.accor.com
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SOURCE Raffles Doha and Fairmont Doha | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2023/07/30/record-set-qatar-worlds-longest-led-slackline-walk/ | 2023-07-30T09:53:42 | 1 | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2023/07/30/record-set-qatar-worlds-longest-led-slackline-walk/ |
Cardinals Odds to Make Playoffs and Win Super Bowl
The Arizona Cardinals are +20000 to win the Super Bowl, the poorest odds in the entire NFL as of December 31.
Watch the Cardinals this season on Fubo!
Cardinals Super Bowl Odds
- Odds to Win the NFC West: +2500
- Odds to Win the Super Bowl: +20000
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Arizona Betting Insights
- Arizona covered eight times in 17 chances against the spread last season.
- A total of 10 Cardinals games last season hit the over.
- From an offensive standpoint, Arizona ranked 22nd in the with 323.5 yards per game last season. Meanwhile, it ranked 21st in total defense (348.9 yards allowed per contest).
- The Cardinals won just one game at home last season, but three away from home.
- When favored last season Arizona recorded just one victory (1-2), while posting a 3-11 record as the underdog.
- The Cardinals were 3-9 in the NFC, including 1-5 in the NFC West.
Cardinals Impact Players
- James Conner ran for 782 yards (60.2 per game) and seven touchdowns in 13 games last year.
- In the passing game, Conner scored one touchdown, with 46 receptions for 300 yards.
- Marquise Brown had 67 catches for 709 yards (59.1 per game) and three touchdowns in 12 games.
- Greg Dortch had 52 receptions for 467 yards (29.2 per game) and two touchdowns in 16 games a season ago.
- Rondale Moore had 41 receptions for 414 yards (51.8 per game) and one touchdown in eight games.
- Isaiah Simmons had two interceptions to go with 99 tackles, 5.0 TFL, four sacks, and seven passes defended last year.
Bet on Cardinals to win the Super Bowl and plenty more with BetMGM. Head to BetMGM using our link and enter the bonus code "GNPLAY" for special offers!
2023-24 Cardinals NFL Schedule
Odds are current as of July 30 at 5:23 AM ET. Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER.
© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.kold.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/cardinals-nfl-playoffs-super-bowl-odds/ | 2023-07-30T09:53:49 | 1 | https://www.kold.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/cardinals-nfl-playoffs-super-bowl-odds/ |
Diamondbacks vs. Mariners: Betting Trends, Odds, Records Against the Run Line, Home/Road Splits
The Arizona Diamondbacks and Corbin Carroll take the field at Chase Field against Cal Raleigh and the Seattle Mariners on Sunday.
The Mariners are the favorite in this one, at -120, while the underdog Diamondbacks have +100 odds to play spoiler. The over/under for the game has been set at 8.5 runs.
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Diamondbacks vs. Mariners Odds & Info
- Date: Sunday, July 30, 2023
- Time: 4:10 PM ET
- TV: ARID
- Location: Phoenix, Arizona
- Venue: Chase Field
- Live Stream: Watch on Fubo!
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Diamondbacks Recent Betting Performance
- In five games as the underdog over the last 10 matchups, the Diamondbacks have a record of 2-3.
- In their last 10 games with an over/under, the Diamondbacks and their opponents have combined to eclipse the total four times.
- Bookmakers have not posted a runline in any of the Diamondbacks' past 10 contests.
Explore More About This Game
Diamondbacks Betting Records & Stats
- The Diamondbacks have been victorious in 26, or 48.1%, of the 54 contests they have been chosen as underdogs in this season.
- Arizona has a record of 18-25, a 41.9% win rate, when it's set as an underdog of +100 or more by sportsbooks this season.
- The moneyline set for this matchup implies the Diamondbacks have a 50% chance of walking away with the win.
- Arizona's games have gone over the total in 47 of its 105 chances.
- The Diamondbacks are 6-4-0 against the spread in their 10 games that had a posted line this season.
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Diamondbacks Splits
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© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.kold.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/diamondbacks-vs-mariners-mlb-betting-trends-stats/ | 2023-07-30T09:53:55 | 0 | https://www.kold.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/diamondbacks-vs-mariners-mlb-betting-trends-stats/ |
Phoenix Mercury vs. Chicago Sky: Betting Trends, Record ATS, Home/Road Splits
The Chicago Sky (9-15) and Brittney Griner's Phoenix Mercury (6-17) play at Wintrust Arena on Sunday, July 30, starting at 4:00 PM ET.
Chicago suffered defeat by a final score of 83-74 in its last game against Seattle. Leading the way on offense for the Sky was Kahleah Copper, who wound up with 12 points and eight rebounds. Dana Evans posted 12 points. Phoenix enters this matchup having lost to Atlanta in their last game 78-65. They were led by Megan Gustafson (19 PTS, 8 REB, 3 BLK, 53.8 FG%) and Griner (16 PTS, 7 REB, 36.8 FG%).
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Sky vs. Mercury Game Time and Info
- Who's the favorite?: Sky (-275 to win)
- Who's the underdog?: Mercury (+230 to win)
- What's the spread?: Sky (-7.5)
- What's the over/under?: 156.5
- When: Sunday, July 30, 2023 at 4:00 PM ET
- Where: Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois
- TV: ESPN3 and AZFamily
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Mercury Season Stats
- The Mercury are the worst team in the WNBA in points scored (75.8 per game) and eighth in points conceded (83.5).
- In 2023, Phoenix is worst in the league in rebounds (30.7 per game) and fifth in rebounds conceded (34.6).
- With 19.3 assists per game, the Mercury are sixth in the WNBA.
- Phoenix is the worst team in the league in turnovers per game (15.9) and second-worst in turnovers forced (12.4).
- The Mercury are eighth in the league in 3-pointers made (6.7 per game) and ninth in 3-point percentage (32.2%).
- Phoenix is seventh in the WNBA in 3-pointers conceded (7.5 per game) and eighth in 3-point percentage defensively (34.3%).
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Mercury Home/Away Splits
- The Mercury put up 77.5 points per game at home, 3.2 more than away (74.3). Defensively they give up 78.5 per game, 9.7 fewer points than on the road (88.2).
- At home Phoenix averages 31.7 rebounds per game, 1.9 more than on the road (29.8). It gives up 32.9 rebounds per game at home, 3.2 fewer than on the road (36.1).
- At home the Mercury are collecting 20.1 assists per game, 1.5 more than away (18.6).
- Phoenix commits more turnovers per game at home (16.5) than away (15.3), and forces fewer turnoovers at home (12.0) than away (12.8).
- At home the Mercury drain 7.0 treys per game, 0.5 more than away (6.5). They shoot 33.9% from beyond the arc at home, 3.3% higher than on the road (30.6%).
- At home, Phoenix concedes 6.6 treys per game, 1.7 fewer than on the road (8.3). It allows 33.3% shooting from beyond the arc at home, 1.7% lower than away (35.0%).
Mercury Moneyline and ATS Records
- This season, the Mercury have won four out of the 17 games, or 23.5%, in which they've been the underdog.
- The Mercury have a record of 1-6 in games where oddsmakers have them as underdogs of at least +230 on the moneyline.
- Against the spread, Phoenix is 7-15-0 this season.
- As a 7.5-point underdog or more, Phoenix has two wins ATS (2-5).
- The moneyline for this contest implies a 30.3% chance of a victory for the Mercury.
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© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.kold.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/phoenix-mercury-vs-chicago-sky-wnba-betting-trends-stats/ | 2023-07-30T09:54:02 | 1 | https://www.kold.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/phoenix-mercury-vs-chicago-sky-wnba-betting-trends-stats/ |
How to Watch the WNBA on Sunday: TV Channel, Game Times and Odds
Today's WNBA slate has lots in store. Among those six games is the Minnesota Lynx taking on the Connecticut Sun.
Catch live WNBA games, plus tons of other sports and shows, with a free trial to Fubo!
Today's WNBA Games
The Connecticut Sun take on the Minnesota Lynx
The Lynx look to pull off an away win at the Sun on Sunday at 1:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: CBS Sports Network
- Stream Live: Fubo (regional restrictions may apply)
- Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Records and Stats
- CON Record: 18-6
- MIN Record: 12-13
- CON Stats: 84.0 PPG (fifth in WNBA), 78.6 Opp. PPG (first)
- MIN Stats: 80.2 PPG (eighth in WNBA), 85.4 Opp. PPG (10th)
Players to Watch
- CON Key Player: Alyssa Thomas (14.5 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 8.0 APG)
- MIN Key Player: Kayla McBride (12.6 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.8 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -11.5
- CON Odds to Win: -818
- MIN Odds to Win: +525
- Total: 159.5 points
The Atlanta Dream host the Washington Mystics
The Mystics travel to face the Dream on Sunday at 3:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: Bally Sports
- Stream Live: Fubo (regional restrictions may apply)
- Game Time: 3:00 PM ET
Records and Stats
- ATL Record: 13-11
- WAS Record: 12-12
- ATL Stats: 85.0 PPG (fourth in WNBA), 85.1 Opp. PPG (ninth)
- WAS Stats: 81.1 PPG (seventh in WNBA), 80.3 Opp. PPG (third)
Players to Watch
- ATL Key Player: Rhyne Howard (18.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3.4 APG)
- WAS Key Player: Brittney Sykes (14.1 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 3.6 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -6.5
- ATL Odds to Win: -250
- WAS Odds to Win: +197
- Total: 164.5 points
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The Los Angeles Sparks take on the New York Liberty
The Liberty hit the road the Sparks on Sunday at 4:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
Records and Stats
- LAS Record: 9-15
- NYL Record: 18-6
- LAS Stats: 78.5 PPG (ninth in WNBA), 81.7 Opp. PPG (fourth)
- NYL Stats: 88.7 PPG (second in WNBA), 82.7 Opp. PPG (seventh)
Players to Watch
- LAS Key Player: Nneka Ogwumike (20.3 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 2.7 APG)
- NYL Key Player: Breanna Stewart (23.1 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 3.7 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -9
- NYL Odds to Win: -503
- LAS Odds to Win: +373
- Total: 167 points
The Indiana Fever face the Seattle Storm
The Storm hope to pick up a road win at the Fever on Sunday at 4:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
Records and Stats
- IND Record: 6-18
- SEA Record: 5-19
- IND Stats: 81.4 PPG (sixth in WNBA), 85.7 Opp. PPG (11th)
- SEA Stats: 78.5 PPG (ninth in WNBA), 85.7 Opp. PPG (11th)
Players to Watch
- IND Key Player: Aliyah Boston (14.4 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 2.2 APG)
- SEA Key Player: Jewell Loyd (24.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3.5 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -3.5
- IND Odds to Win: -161
- SEA Odds to Win: +133
- Total: 164.5 points
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The Chicago Sky host the Phoenix Mercury
The Mercury go on the road to face the Sky on Sunday at 4:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: ESPN3 and AZFamily
- Game Time: 4:00 PM ET
Records and Stats
- CHI Record: 9-15
- PHO Record: 6-17
- CHI Stats: 78.1 PPG (11th in WNBA), 82.5 Opp. PPG (sixth)
- PHO Stats: 75.8 PPG (12th in WNBA), 83.5 Opp. PPG (eighth)
Players to Watch
- CHI Key Player: Courtney Williams (9.2 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 6.0 APG)
- PHO Key Player: Brittney Griner (18.2 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.0 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -7
- CHI Odds to Win: -285
- PHO Odds to Win: +228
- Total: 156 points
The Las Vegas Aces take on the Dallas Wings
The Wings hit the road the Aces on Sunday at 6:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: CBS Sports Network
- Stream Live: Fubo (regional restrictions may apply)
- Game Time: 6:00 PM ET
Records and Stats
- LVA Record: 22-2
- DAL Record: 14-10
- LVA Stats: 94.1 PPG (first in WNBA), 78.7 Opp. PPG (second)
- DAL Stats: 86.0 PPG (third in WNBA), 81.7 Opp. PPG (fourth)
Players to Watch
- LVA Key Player: A'ja Wilson (20.8 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 2.0 APG)
- DAL Key Player: Satou Sabally (17.6 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 4.0 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -10
- LVA Odds to Win: -653
- DAL Odds to Win: +462
- Total: 173.5 points
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© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.kold.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/wnba-odds-how-to-watch/ | 2023-07-30T09:54:08 | 0 | https://www.kold.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/wnba-odds-how-to-watch/ |
In Philly’s Pollinator Network, the birds and the bees have our backs, too
The pollinator project which plants flowers, bushes, fruit and trees to attract native pollinator species of bees, butterflies is in the Kingsessing section of Southwest Philly.
Shawn Coleman Jr. and his dad, Shawn Sr., true city folks, went camping for the first time in early July. They woke to all kinds of birdsong, the buzzing of insects and bees flitting on flowers they’d never seen up close before.
The experience was magical. But what made it even more so was this wildlife encounter was not in the countryside, but in a small park not far from where they live in Southwest Philadelphia.
“Most of the time you see the bees and bugs and stuff, to be honest, you think, ‘Oh, swipe it away.’” said Shawn Jr., 16. “But it was just the experience of being able to see the bugs out in the open where you were able to see the bugs go around and see how the plants are so beautiful.
“We’re in the city,” he said, “but experiencing the city is different from experiencing it outside in the wild.”
Shawn Jr., a dual-enrolled student at Boys’ Latin and Community College of Philadelphia, and Shawn Sr., 56, an accountant with Mainline Health, are two of the newest allies in the Philadelphia Pollinator Network.
The pollinator project is a jointly funded $1 million effort by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Audubon Mid-Atlantic, the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, Thomas Jefferson University, and the National Wildlife Federation, with collaboration from many community organizations.
By the end of the project’s funding next summer , organizers estimate they will have completed about 50 sites, introducing native plants — flowers, bes, fruit, and trees — to attract native pollinator species of bees, butterflies, insects, and birds. Those sites range from urban gardens in former vacant lots to small beds and plantings around neighborhoods.
The pollinator project sites are mostly located in Southwest and West Philly where the sponsoring groups already have community partners to be continuing caretakers of the gardens, the organizers said.
The pollinators do best with a network of gardens near each other.
“They don’t like to travel long distances,” said Aneca Atkinson, director of Audubon Mid-Atlantic’s Delaware River Watershed Program. ”They want to rest often, and when they do, they want to be able to eat and rest comfortably.”
Pollinators are important to the life of plants and to our food supply, but species like many of our native bees are at risk and in decline.
As much as these creatures can use our help, supporters of the pollinator project say they can and do help humans in ways we might not expect.
“Even beyond the ecological services they provide for the many plants we rely on, there’s an intrinsic value in just that connection with nature and kids being on their own block and seeing fascinating creatures,” said Robin Irizarry, manager of the watershed program. “I think it’s opening up avenues for people to have that spark, that wonder.”
The largest concentration of pollinator project activity is in the Kingsessing section of Southwest Philly. In addition to smaller sites around the neighborhood, It has enriched two existing community-created parks that once were vacant lots – the Cecil Street Community Garden and the Glenda Ann Christopher Memorial Park.
Both parks are just blocks from the July 2 and 3 mass shootings that left five people dead.
Victoria Miles-Chambliss, 68, is one of the community leaders in the eight-year effort to establish the Cecil Street garden. That’s included fighting the city and anyone who stood in the way of the oasis they wanted to create. They also partnered with groups willing to help, including the pollinator project.
Like many in Kingsessing, Miles-Chambliss was touched personally by the July shootings. She knew victim Joseph Wamah Jr., 31, well – “such a great young man.” And she is friends with a relative of Octavia Brown, 33, who was driving when bullets injured one of her 2-year-old twins.
In the horrified days that followed, many people in the neighborhood stayed to themselves.
But on the Saturday night just five days after the massacre, a group of young men assembled in the Cecil Street garden, amid the strawberries, echinacea, and flowering bushes planted by the pollinator project. They set up a barbecue, played some music, and shared their food with neighbors.
“They wanted to give back,” Miles-Chambliss said. “They came in to use the garden as a place of getting together so they could talk and understand life is precious.”
Pollinators and parks may not be able to cure a city’s ills, but supporters of programs like this believe they can be a balm.
“We know that green spaces are not the solution for gun violence,” said Carmelita Rosner, John Heinz community engagement specialist, “but they provide a place for communities to come together to celebrate or grieve, or both those things at different times. And we know that green space promotes mental health. It can make a difference.”
The birds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators bring an added sense of life and marvel to those spaces.
That’s part of what Greg Thompson, community activist and local ward leader, was hoping for when he decided to go ahead with a planned urban camping adventure for his Brother to Brother mentoring program on the weekend after the mass shooting.
“I wanted to give young people cultural, educational and environmental things to do with their minds and open them up to new worlds,” Thompson said.
The event was held in Glenda Ann Christopher Memorial Park, a community garden Thompson was involved in creating and a pollinator project site that bears portraits of neighbors who have died, including through violence. Once trash-strewn, it’s become a neighborhood sanctuary.
The camping adventure was a weekend of joy for the nearly 50 men and boys. Besides the cookouts and swimming in the park’s pool, Audubon staff took them on a night nature walk. They watched a hawk soar, felt an owl’s feathers, and found their way by moonlight, serenaded by nature’s night chorus.
“In your mind, it’s like, ‘this is so incredible, I’m seeing something I’ve never seen before,’” Shawn Coleman Jr. said.
Shawn Sr. knew about the shootings earlier that week but decided that violence wouldn’t keep him and his son from the camping trip at the Kingsessing park. He thought it was important “to bring something positive to the young people, instead of running away from it.” | https://www.inquirer.com/life/philadelphia-pollinator-network-bees-birds-flowers-20230730.html | 2023-07-30T09:54:11 | 1 | https://www.inquirer.com/life/philadelphia-pollinator-network-bees-birds-flowers-20230730.html |
MOSCOW — At least nine people — including three children — have died after high winds tore through central Russia, emergency services and a local official reported Sunday.
Eight of the dead were part of a group of tourists camping close to Lake Yalchik in the Mari-El region when the storm hit Saturday, Russia’s emergencies ministry said.
The strong winds caused a large number of trees to fall in the area, including where the group’s tents had been pitched on a stretch of wild beach, regional leader Yuri Zaitsev wrote on social media. He said that three children were among the dead.
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Across the wider Volga Federal District, 76 people were injured in the storm, with thousands of households losing power, emergency services said. | https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/07/30/lifestyle/9-die-including-3-children-strong-winds-hit-tourist-camp-central-russia-officials-say/ | 2023-07-30T09:54:11 | 1 | https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/07/30/lifestyle/9-die-including-3-children-strong-winds-hit-tourist-camp-central-russia-officials-say/ |
Philadelphia’s for-profit eviction system is a dangerous travesty | Editorial
A no-bid financial scheme that rewards unregulated private contractors based on the number of evictions they execute is a recipe for abuse.
Three separate shooting incidents by private security contractors attempting to evict residents in Philadelphia was cause enough for alarm. But a lawsuit by a woman shot in the head by one of the contractors underscores the city’s absurd for-profit eviction system, which is largely farmed out to one attorney who operates with little oversight, regulation, or accountability.
The shootings prompted state lawmakers from Philadelphia to rightly propose ending the use of private firms to enforce evictions as landlord-tenant officers, a system that has been marred by heavy-handed tactics, including sudden lockouts, as detailed in a 2020 Inquirer editorial.
The rest of Pennsylvania uses elected constables to oversee evictions, but Philadelphia privatized its system in the 1970s after a series of corruption scandals capped by an officer selling the possessions of evicted families. But over time, any reforms were lost in a system shaped by cronyism.
» READ MORE: Philadelphia's eviction process blindsides renters | Editorial
In 1986, then-Municipal Court Judge Alan K. Silberstein appointed attorney Robert H. Messerman as the landlord-tenant officer. In 2006, Messerman hired Silberstein’s daughter, Marisa Shuter. After Messerman retired, Shuter was appointed landlord-tenant officer in 2017.
Shuter employs a handful of retired cops, suburban constables, and private security guards to carry out evictions. These deputy landlord-tenant officers are licensed to carry a gun but are not sworn law enforcement personnel and can’t make arrests.
Before the pandemic, nearly 20,000 evictions a year were filed in Philadelphia, resulting in more than 5,000 lockouts, while Shuter’s firm was paid more than $1 million a year for its work.
The city’s Municipal Court does not put the eviction business out for competitive bid. In fact, Shuter doesn’t even have a contract. In lieu of a document that could provide some regulation and oversight, Silberstein’s daughter has something better: the kind of family and political ties that have long pervaded the city courts.
Silberstein, who died in February, was a longtime ally of Philadelphia Democratic Party boss Bob Brady. Shuter’s mother, Dveral Silberstein, a schoolteacher, served on the city’s long troubled Board of Revision of Taxes for 15 years before her husband took her place in 2007.
Shuter’s husband, David C. Shuter, was elected to the Municipal Court in 2006 and presides over some evictions, an arrangement ethics lawyers say is a conflict of interest.
The landlord-tenant officer’s deputies receive court-issued badges but are independent contractors who use their own guns and vehicles. Law enforcement accreditation is not required, and any regular training is unclear.
Lamont Daniels, the deputy landlord-tenant officer who shot Angel Davis in the head during an eviction confrontation in March, operated a business that provided armed security guards to nightclubs. In 2021, Daniels received his own eviction notice for unpaid rent in a case that was closed less than five months before the shooting.
In June, a second shooting involving a tenant’s dog during an eviction in North Philadelphia fortunately resulted in no injuries. Earlier this month, a deputy landlord-tenant officer shot a 33-year-old woman in the leg during an eviction altercation in Kensington.
After the third shooting in four months, the city’s court system agreed with Marisa Shuter to suspend all evictions until the security contractors received training in the use of force and de-escalation procedures.
But more training is not going to end the conflict of interest between Judge David Shuter and his wife or alter the no-bid financial scheme that rewards unregulated private contractors based on the number of evictions they execute. Nor will it bring any accountability to what has long been an opaque, vigilante-like system.
» READ MORE: Evictions don’t have to go ‘back to normal’ after the CDC moratorium expires | Editorial
Earlier calls by former City Councilmember Helen Gym to investigate the private eviction operation went nowhere, as did calls to abolish the arrangement. The recent shootings have spurred Council to renew efforts to examine the use of private contractors by the landlord-tenant officer. It remains to be seen if the latest effort will just be more Council grandstanding.
In a perfect world, the private eviction system would be eliminated, and the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office would take over the duties. (In fact, the Sheriff’s Office handles some evictions, but at roughly three times the cost.)
But the bigger problem is the Sheriff’s Office has a long history of corruption and incompetence. There is little confidence current Sheriff Rochelle Bilal is up to the job. The best solution is for the deputy landlord-tenant officers to be eliminated and the eviction duties folded into a reformed Sheriff’s Office that reports to the mayor.
Until then, Philadelphians who are at risk of losing their home to an eviction may also be at risk of losing their lives. | https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/shootings-evictions-landlord-tenant-officers-renters-shuter-20230730.html | 2023-07-30T09:54:17 | 0 | https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/shootings-evictions-landlord-tenant-officers-renters-shuter-20230730.html |
NAIROBI, Kenya — African leaders are leaving two days of meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin with little to show for their requests to resume a deal that kept grain flowing from Ukraine and to find a path to end the war there.
Putin in a press conference late Saturday following the Russia-Africa summit said Russia’s termination of the grain deal earlier this month caused a rise in grain prices that benefits Russian companies. He added that Moscow would share some of those revenues with the “poorest nations.”
That commitment, with no details, follows Putin’s promise to start shipping 25,000 to 50,000 tons of grain for free to each of six African nations in the next three to four months — an amount dwarfed by the 725,000 tons shipped by the U.N. World Food Program to several hungry countries, African and otherwise, under the grain deal. Russia plans to send the free grain to Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, Somalia, Eritrea and Central African Republic.
Fewer than 20 of Africa’s 54 heads of state or government attended the Russia summit, while 43 attended the previous gathering in 2019, reflecting concerns over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine even as Moscow seeks more allies on the African continent of 1.3 billion people. Putin praised Africa as a rising center of power in the world, while the Kremlin blamed “outrageous” Western pressure for discouraging some African countries from showing up.
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The presidents of Egypt and South Africa were among the most outspoken on the need to resume the grain deal.
“We would like the Black Sea initiative to be implemented and that the Black Sea should be open,” South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said. “We are not here to plead for donations for the African continent.”
Putin also said Russia would analyze African leaders’ peace proposal for Ukraine, whose details have not been publicly shared. But the Russian leader asked: “Why do you ask us to pause fire? We can’t pause fire while we’re being attacked.”
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The next significant step in peace efforts instead appears to be a Ukrainian-organized peace summit hosted by Saudi Arabia in August. Russia is not invited.
Africa’s nations make up the largest voting bloc at the United Nations and have been more divided than any other region on General Assembly resolutions criticizing Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Delegations at the summit in St. Petersburg roamed exhibits of weapons, a reminder of Russia’s role as the top arms supplier to the African continent.
Putin in his remarks on Saturday also downplayed his absence from the BRICS economic summit in South Africa next month amid a controversy over an arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court. His presence there, Putin said, is not “more important than my presence here, in Russia.” | https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/07/30/world/african-leaders-leave-russia-summit-without-grain-deal-or-path-end-war-ukraine/ | 2023-07-30T09:54:17 | 0 | https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/07/30/world/african-leaders-leave-russia-summit-without-grain-deal-or-path-end-war-ukraine/ |
Doug Mastriano sure seems to be campaigning for something, and Republicans are worried
Doug Mastriano, the Republican defeated last year by Gov. Josh Shapiro, is still out on the campaign trail and clearly stoking his base. But to what end?
QUARKERTOWN — It was a sweltering Sunday in July with one storm having just passed and plenty of dark clouds looming on the horizon.
Still, more than 70 people shelled out $10 and hauled beach chairs to a wet concrete slab in front of a covered stage in a public park for the event’s big draw: State Sen. Doug Mastriano.
The crowd — predominantly white and older than 50 — looked as if it had been recruited from the 2022 campaign trail, when Mastriano, a Franklin County Republican, waged his losing battle for governor.
And Mastriano’s 25-minute speech, delivered as usual in tandem with his wife, Rebbie, echoed the themes of that race.
Unsubstantiated suggestions of voter fraud. Complaints about precautions taken during the pandemic. “Indoctrination” in public schools. And, as always, most fervently, his disappointment in fellow Republicans for not supporting his campaign.
It rang as both a retrospective grievance tour and a future call to action.
Mastriano decried the Republican “establishment” while his wife told the crowd they had helped lay a foundation for a movement.
“It was not the result we wanted,” Mastriano told the crowd of the 2022 election. “But it’s the beginning of a movement here that has the power to change the course and trajectory of Pennsylvania. Is Pennsylvania worth saving?”
Mastriano is clearly stoking his base. But to what end?
The Inquirer spoke to a dozen Republicans — elected officials, consultants, and activists — for this article. None of them could say for sure what Mastriano is trying to accomplish.
Earlier this year, he had teased the possibility of another statewide bid, this time for the U.S. Senate in 2024, right up until the day in May when he declared he would not run.
That answered one question but prompted many more.
Typical for Mastriano, he is not keen to share his plans and did not respond to requests for comment.
Why another run for governor looks likely
The most likely scenario: Mastriano is in the very early days of another run for governor in 2026, which raises the prospect of a rematch with Gov. Josh Shapiro, who soundly defeated him last year.
Sam Faddis, a retired CIA officer and president of the Pennsylvania Patriot Coalition, said he has not spoken to Mastriano about the future but suspects he is laying the foundation for a 2026 rematch.
He said Mastriano’s supporters are drawn to him in part due to his personality but also because of their affinity for his issues and antipathy for government and politicians.
“There are a lot people who are really angry and feel disenfranchised, and that’s not going away,” Faddis said. “I think there are a lot of people across the political spectrum who wish that was not true, including the GOP establishment.”
» READ MORE: Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget breakdown over school vouchers was a rare misstep
Another option — a primary challenge to U.S. Rep. John Joyce, a Blair County Republican and staunch conservative — seems doubtful. They endorsed each other last year, and Mastriano told Politico in March that he considers Joyce a friend and would not challenge him.
A spokesperson for Joyce’s campaign said the congressman intends to run for a fourth term in 2024. The campaign would not comment about Mastriano’s political future.
Many Pennsylvania Republicans dread the notion of another bid for governor. Mastriano’s presence at the top of the ticket was widely blamed for a disappointing showing in 2022, including Mehmet Oz’s loss to Sen. John Fetterman and the surprising flip of the state House to Democrats.
“The only person in Pennsylvania who wants Doug Mastriano to run for governor in 2026 is Josh Shapiro,” said Chris Pack, a Republican national strategist who has worked in Pennsylvania and on congressional efforts.
GOP in the dark
Pennsylvania’s Republican establishment is unclear on what comes next for Mastriano.
“If you’re looking for deep insight, quite frankly I don’t have it,” said David Feidt, chairman of the Dauphin County Republican Party and co-chair of the party’s 24-county Central Caucus, which includes Mastriano’s district.
And the state party is mum. Lawrence Tabas, a Philadelphia lawyer who chairs the state’s Republican Party, did not respond for requests for comment.
Mastriano and his wife announced in Quakertown that they will hold a “freedom conference” in Harrisburg on Oct. 21 aimed at educating people new to politics.
Matt Beynon, who worked for another competitor in last year’s primary, said some candidates have trouble seeing their limitations.
“I think it’s pretty clear he doesn’t see the state Senate as his end point, though I think voters have provided him with his glass ceiling,” Beynon said.
Other strategists surmise that Mastriano may just be replenishing his campaign bank account.
Josh Novotney, a GOP lobbyist from Philadelphia who has worked on statewide campaigns, noted that Mastriano was criticized last year for not being “a prolific fundraiser.”
“He’s got to do these events with the base all around the state,” Novotney said. “He has the time now to meet with donors and build up relationships. If he’s in Quakertown meeting with grassroots people three years out, that’s how you win.”
When Mastriano spoke July 16 at the Pennsylvania Patriot Coalition event in Quakertown, his volunteers ran one of the dozen tents for vendors. They offered a variety of “merch” — T-shirts and hats for $20, bags and glasses for $30, a signed photograph for $50. It was all emblazoned with the “Walk as free people” motto from his gubernatorial campaign.
Discontent in Mastriano’s district
Mastriano, a retired U.S. Army colonel, handily won a 2019 special election for the Senate’s 33rd District, which covers all of Franklin and Adams Counties, and then won a full four-year term in 2020.
His next election, if he seeks a second full term, would be next year.
It should be an easy lift if he doesn’t face a primary challenger. Republicans make up 71% of the registered voters in Franklin County and 66% in Adams County.
But not everyone is satisfied with his work as a legislator.
Charlotte Shaffer, chair of the Adams County Republican Party, said Mastriano has been “virtually missing in action” since last year, not showing up for party gatherings for candidates or elected officials.
Mastriano held an event at a public park in May in Adams County — he called it “Connecting with the 33rd District” on Facebook — but did not share the invitation with anyone from the local party.
“I believe five people showed up,” Shaffer said.
She said she doesn’t know what Mastriano’s political aspirations are.
“There’s a communication gap,” Shaffer said. “Actually, there is no communication coming from him as a senator and his campaign.”
Shaffer calls that “really disappointing” because her local party knocked on thousands of doors last year, pushing him for governor.
“We did a whole lot,” Shaffer said. “We put everything we had behind the Republican candidates.”
Mastriano remains active on Facebook
Mastriano may not show up in Adams County much, but he is still posting every day on social media.
He still makes regular appearances on radio shows and podcasts where deferential hosts offer support for his long list of grievances. He unspooled that list again on July 24 on the John Frederick Radio Network, posting video of that to his Facebook page.
» READ MORE: How Doug Mastriano deployed Facebook Live to build his far-right base
Mastriano mischaracterized unverified claims by Republicans in Washington about corruption when President Joe Biden was vice president as “smoking gun” evidence.
“When are folks going to be held accountable?” Mastriano asked. “When is Joe Biden going to be impeached? We need action in D.C.”
He lamented hearing complaints about government and politicians from people who did not vote for him. Two out of five registered voters in Pennsylvania did not cast a ballot last November.
“We had the majority across the state, the support, because we personified the values of the people of Pennsylvania,” Mastriano said. “But the people of Pennsylvania, not enough of us get out and do the least we can do for our country and vote.”
And, again, he complained about that the Republican Party did not rally around him with donations, endorsements, and other support after last year’s bruising primary.
“That’s our party,” Mastriano said. “Republicans in Pennsylvania, I’ve found, are fantastic at tearing each other down. We are the best at beating up each other.” | https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/doug-mastriano-pennsylvania-governor-josh-shaipro-campaign-trail-20230730.html | 2023-07-30T09:54:23 | 0 | https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/doug-mastriano-pennsylvania-governor-josh-shaipro-campaign-trail-20230730.html |
BANGKOK — A large explosion at a fireworks warehouse in southern Thailand on Saturday killed at least ten people and wounded dozens, officials said.
The Narathiwat province's Public Relations Department also said that at least 118 people were hurt, and that residents of more than 200 households were affected. It said that officials believe there are still a number of people trapped under the debris waiting to be rescued.
Videos posted on social media from the site show a huge plume of smoke over the area and many damaged structures, cars and motorbikes, as well as streets covered with debris. Many of the houses and other buildings have collapsed roofs and walls.
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The local public relations agency reported that the explosion caused damages in a radius of about 500 meters (1,640 feet). About 100 residences in the area were damaged, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.
Sanan Pongaksorn, the provincial governor, told public broadcaster Thai PBS that the blast was likely ignited by construction work that was taking place in the warehouse, with sparks from metal welding causing the fireworks stored inside to catch fire and explode. | https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/07/30/world/large-explosion-fireworks-warehouse-thailand-kills-least-10-people-wounds-dozens/ | 2023-07-30T09:54:23 | 0 | https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/07/30/world/large-explosion-fireworks-warehouse-thailand-kills-least-10-people-wounds-dozens/ |
A grassroots effort has a Camden neighborhoods blooming with pride
With its assortment of solid, well-kept homes and others under renovation, the 2700 block of Arthur Avenue is contrary to stereotypes about Camden, NJ. New planters are adding to the appeal.
A beautification effort was born when civic leader Ruth Perez met an artist named Estefany Rodriquez at East Camden Cultural Day in 2022.
“Miss Ruth said to me, ‘I would love to bring you in for what I have a vision to do,’” said Rodriguez.
The result is 14 brightly painted, flower-filled planters along the 2700 block of Arthur Avenue in the city’s Cramer Hill section.
This project was built with a grant from the St. Joseph’s Carpenter Society, a nonprofit that renovates houses and works to strengthen communities in East Camden and Cramer Hill.
“It’s basically about instilling pride in our neighborhoods and building them up little by little,” said project manager Felix Moulier, who lives in East Camden. “Every project is another seed planted.”
Launched by the Carpenter Society in 2021, the Better Block program annually awards three grants of up to $4,000 each through a competitive application process open to qualified local organizations or individual proposals. Projects must be site-specific and applicants must submit petitions signed by at least 20 residents of an affected block.
In addition to the Arthur Avenue planters, grant recipients so far have included improvements along the block of 35th Street between Federal and Mickle Streets in East Camden, as well as a pop-up park on a vacant lot near Davis School in Cramer Hill.
On Thursday, a committee convened by the Carpenter Society selected three grant recipients for 2023. They included the 1200 block of North 21st Street and the community garden at the Veterans Memorial Family School, both in Cramer Hill.
Students at Vets helped paint the planter boxes for Arthur Avenue, teacher and garden club advisor Denise Kaeferle said.
“It was wonderful for our students, including students with special needs, to participate,” she said. “They were making a mark on their neighborhood for everyone to see and be proud of.”
Kaeferle also said Vets “will be jumping in right away” and using the grant to expand the community garden in conjunction with a Camden public schools’ nutrition program.
“We’ll teach kids how to care for plants that beautify, and plants that have nutritional value,” she said.
With her niece, Marlyn Valentin, and Rodriguez translating from Spanish, civic leader Perez said she sought to make her block not only more attractive, but inspirational.
Thus the upbeat words such as ”enjoy” and phrases like ”we are family” painted on the planters in English and in Spanish.
“It’s a quiet, clean block with friendly people, and I want to make it beautiful for everyone, including the kids from the day care at the corner who walk up and down the street at 10 every morning,” said Perez, an event planner.
Said Perez’s son Ronald Estevez: “Before my mother does anything [involving] the block, she talks to every neighbor. If people signed the petition, they got a planter. And now some of the ones who didn’t get a planter are sad.”
The 2700 block of Arthur Avenue also has been beautified by 10 young Eastern redbud and Yoshino cherry trees provided by the nonprofit New Jersey Tree Foundation — a separate effort but one that also involved Perez.
Projects such as tree-planting, or planters, help to “create community and a feeling of ownership in a neighborhood,” said foundation program director Crystal Wessel. “People see they can take action to make their block better.”
Perez was asked whether a planter can make a genuine difference in a city such as Camden, where many people face enormous challenges.
“If someone is just walking down the street carrying a heavy load,” she said, “seeing these planters and reading these words can change their day.” | https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/gardening/st-joseph-carpenter-society-arthur-avenue-flowers-20230730.html | 2023-07-30T09:54:29 | 0 | https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/gardening/st-joseph-carpenter-society-arthur-avenue-flowers-20230730.html |
Before the Union, the Kixx were Philly’s soccer team, and U.S. manager Vlatko Andonovski played for them
The turf was shoddy, but the soccer was serious, and the Kixx, who won two league titles, made the Spectrum a tough place to play. And Andonovski spent his last season with the team.
The artificial turf looked nice: a bright green surface stretched across the floor of the Spectrum, the iconic arena where the guys from Philadelphia flocked as kids to watch those great Flyers and Sixers teams. But the color was about the only thing appealing about the fake grass the Philadelphia Kixx — a professional indoor soccer team — played on in South Philly.
Other arenas were covered by one piece of turf, while the Kixx played on a field that was pieced together in about five or six sections, none of them seeming to lie flat. It bunched up, had dead spots, and someone said the owners bought it secondhand from another team.
The field was terrible, but it was where so many local stars — the Kixx were always led by players who came from Philly high schools and colleges — were given the chance to become pros in their hometown. The turf was just right.
“We kind of had our own home-field advantage,” said Steve Wacker, who grew up in Holmesburg and played at North Catholic and Temple.
And for a few months, the Philly guys shared that advantage with Vlatko Andonovski, who joined the Kixx in December 2005 for the final season of his playing career and is now coaching the U.S. women’s national team in the World Cup. Next month, the guy who played on that bumpy carpet could leave Australia as a world champion.
“I tell my kids when he’s on TV, ‘I played with him,’” Wacker said. “And they’re like ‘Yeah, right.’”
» READ MORE: It’s been nearly 15 years since North Catholic closed. Someone forgot to tell the Norphans.
Philly’s soccer neighborhoods
Soccer was a niche sport in the 1970s and 1980s in most parts of the region, but it was king in Northeast Philly neighborhoods like Holmesburg, Frankford, Kensington, Juniata Park, and Port Richmond. The sport was brought there decades earlier by European factory workers, played by kids at city playgrounds, and mastered at neighborhood high schools.
“Depending on where you grew up in Philly depended on what sport you gravitated to. I don’t think kids in South Philly played soccer,” said Don D’Ambra, who grew up in Frankford and played for the Kixx in each of their 14 seasons. “Once you started to play, the level was so high. It was something we did every day on the playground. That’s where the love of the game came from. You look at Brazil and these other countries and kids are playing on the streets all day long. That’s what we did.”
Philadelphia had professional teams — the Spartans, Atoms, and Fury all passed through — but the city went more than a decade without pro soccer before the Kixx arrived in 1995. Guys like D’Ambra, who played at North Catholic and St. Joseph’s before turning pro, could stay home.
“Philadelphia is a big soccer town,” D’Ambra said. “Look at the Union and see how many local Philly guys are doing well. The talent has always been there. I feel fortunate. I know a lot of great players who I learned from when I was young and they never had that opportunity to play in their town.”
» READ MORE: Born to soccer, two friends from Northeast Philly aim for the 2026 World Cup
Andonovski was 28 when he arrived in Philly, acquired in a midseason trade with the expansion California Cougars. The Macedonia-born defender had played six seasons in the Major Indoor Soccer League, which then was top-flight competition, as Major League Soccer was still finding its footing. Andonovski was an All-Star, considered to be one of the league’s top defenders.
“He was a guy who we saw as a piece of the puzzle and could come in and fill a big need of it,” said D’Ambra, then acting as a player-coach. “He was very smart. A team guy. We treated him like a leader right away. I knew he had good knowledge of the game. He was a veteran, a guy who had been around.”
Added Chris Fehrle: “For indoor soccer, you had to be a good player, but you had to understand the game. I think there were a lot of good outdoor players who didn’t understand how to play indoors. You either picked it up or didn’t. He was a really good technical player. Confident on the ball, really good with his feet, and competitive as hell.”
The piece of the puzzle joined a roster that had five players from Northeast Philly, four of whom played soccer at North Catholic. D’Ambra, Wacker, Pat Morris, and Tim O’Neill came from North, while Fehrle grew up in the Northeast and attended Holy Ghost Prep in Bensalem. David Castellanos grew up in Hunting Park and attended Christopher Dock.
They all grew up soccer-obsessed kids — “We grew up playing outside on the concrete, all the time, non-stop,” Wacker said — in the city’s pocket of soccer-obsessed neighborhoods. Andonovski fit right in with the Philly guys.
“Everyone always says, ‘What’s the best thing you ever got out of soccer?,’” Morris said. “For me, growing up in Kensington and Port Richmond, you don’t meet too many different people. I go to college and play with all foreign guys. I play in the pros with the Kixx, and we have countless foreign guys. Just being able to learn about their dynamic and their culture and their religion. For me, that was the coolest thing.
» READ MORE: Kensington’s Walter Bahr upset England, then took down North Catholic
The Union before the Union
The turf was shoddy, but the soccer was serious, and the Kixx, who won two league titles, made the Spectrum a tough place to play. They packed the building on Saturday nights, as the city’s lone pro-soccer team had affordable tickets and a roster of players people could relate to.
“We were kind of the soccer team in town before the Union was around,” Wacker said. “We would get six to 10,000 at our games. It was a great atmosphere.”
They had a kangaroo mascot and a dance team and played with a red-and-white ball that looked like it came from the old ABA while trying to score goals that could be worth up to three points. The players loved it. They made decent money, could live in apartments paid for by the team, received extra tickets as part of their contracts, and felt the history of the old building as soon as they walked into the Spectrum.
“Just from being from Philly, to be in the old Sixers locker room and the old Flyers locker room where they won all those championships, I think guys who aren’t from Philly thought, ‘Ah, it’s just an old building,’” D’Ambra said. “But me, I thought it was great because I’m a sports guy and a Philly guy. For me, I felt special.”
The Kixx practiced in Aston as D’Ambra found a way to coach the team while also making sure he did what he needed to do to play that week. He was the face of the team since it launched and even had his own bobblehead. So why was Andonovski, the new guy from Macedonia, waving him off the practice field?
“Donnie is looking around. He doesn’t know what’s going on,” said Wacker as D’Ambra was supposed to be on the field for all the team’s set pieces. “Then he realizes that Vlatko just wants to go on there for the set piece. Donnie’s mad. He’s throwing the water bottle on the bench and we’re all cracking up. Vlatko just called the head coach off the field.”
And now that guy is running practices for one of the world’s top teams.
Soccer lifers
The Kixx failed to reach the playoffs with Andonovski, but the Macedonian helped recruit players who played a key role the next season, when the Kixx won it all. They knocked off the Detroit Ignition and celebrated with confetti pouring down from the ceiling.
Three years later, the team ceased operations. MLS was growing, the Union had arrived, and the indoor game was pushed into semi-pro territory. By then, Andonovski was starting to find his way as a coach in women’s professional soccer, as he retired from playing after his season with the Kixx.
D’Ambra became the head coach at St. Joe’s, where Wacker and Morris served as his longtime assistants. They had a picture on their office wall from that night in Detroit, a snapshot of when they were Philly’s pro team.
“I look at it like chapters in life,” D’Ambra said. “I’m on to the outdoor, college chapter of my life, but looking back, there were so many great players and great people. That’s the one thing in Philly, a lot of people liked our team because we had a lot of good guys.”
Morris is now the head coach at Penn State Abington, Castellanos is the head coach at Chestnut Hill College, Wacker is a director at the Ukrainian Nationals Soccer Club, and Fehrle is a director at FC Bucks.
“I say I lucked out,” Morris said. “I never really had a job, right? It’s something that I love to do.”
» READ MORE: Vlatko Andonovski liked how the U.S. played vs. the Netherlands, but not many other people did
So many Kixx players still live in the area, keep in touch, and often get together to trade stories. They reunited on Zoom during the pandemic, and Andonovski, who recently had been hired to coach the U.S. women’s team, jumped on.
D’Ambra sent him a picture of the two squaring off at the Spectrum and joked about how much of a pest Andonovski was before he teamed up with the Philly guys. They all found a way to make soccer their livelihoods, using the passion they had as kids on the street to fuel their careers. And the playing surface is just a little better these days.
“It’s just amazing to say I played with someone who is coaching the women’s national team in the World Cup,” Fehrle said.
Your subscription powers our newsroom and journalism like this. Support our work by visiting inquirer.com/supportsports and receive unlimited access to Inquirer.com, The Inquirer App, and e-Edition at a special price: $1 for three months. | https://www.inquirer.com/soccer/us-womens-world-cup-coach-philly-kixx-indoor-soccer-20230730.html | 2023-07-30T09:54:35 | 0 | https://www.inquirer.com/soccer/us-womens-world-cup-coach-philly-kixx-indoor-soccer-20230730.html |
Andi Sullivan knows the USWNT needs to run up the score vs. Portugal in their World Cup group stage finale
"We’re going to need to play fast and score a lot of goals,” Sullivan said, as the U.S. needs to not just win but keep a goal difference tiebreaker over the Netherlands.
AUCKLAND, New Zealand — There’s nothing unusual about U.S. women’s soccer team manager Vlatko Andonovski’s desire to win games through controlling them.
It’s a logical way of seeing the world, and there’s plenty of proof that it works. Soccer is a game of space and vision as much it is about running, shooting, and tackling.
But if you focus too much on controlling a game and don’t succeed at it, you might end up in a situation that you can’t control. And right now, Andonovski is in a big one.
» READ MORE: Vlatko Andonovski liked how the U.S. played vs. the Netherlands, but not many other people did
Because the Americans tied the Netherlands instead of beating them, they could get overtaken in the standings if they only win Tuesday’s group stage finale against Portugal (3 a.m. ET, Fox29, Telemundo 62, Peacock) by controlling it. The 2019 World Cup’s finalists are tied on points atop the Group E standings with four each, with the U.S. leading on a goal differential tiebreaker, 3-1.
The Dutch are set to face last-place, already-eliminated Vietnam at the same hour (FS1, Universo, Peacock). Vietnam has given up five goals through two games, and if it gives up enough this time, that could overturn the goal differential margin.
So the Americans have a major incentive to floor it against a Portugal team that beat Vietnam, 2-0, and is very much still alive in its first women’s World Cup. The group winner gets the second-place team from Group G, while the second-place finisher gets that group’s winner — likely old rival Sweden, which demolished Italy, 5-0, on Saturday.
There’s some irony in saying the U.S. needs to hit the gas pedal. For many years, the biggest criticism leveled at the Americans was that they played the game too fast, instead of the more thoughtful style used by the rest of the world’s rising powers. Can this squad now pick up the pace and run up the score?
» READ MORE: Lindsey Horan’s header saves a 1-1 tie for the U.S. vs. the Netherlands at the World Cup
Yes, you read that last sentence right. Four years after a certain caucus of TV viewers ripped the U.S. for running up the score in a World Cup game, any of those same viewers who want the Americans to win will be rooting for them to do exactly that.
“I think the conversation began right after the [Netherlands] game, when we debriefed as a team — that we’re going to need to play fast and score a lot of goals,” U.S. midfielder Andi Sullivan said. “We also just want that for ourselves, regardless of the game, the situation. Because we know our first two performances have been solid, but we know we have more to give, especially in putting goals up.”
Raising the tempo isn’t just about the attacking side of the ball. It’s about the defensive side too, and how much the U.S. dials up the high press that has run opponents over for decades. It was there at times against the Netherlands, but it too often wasn’t, and Sullivan knew it wasn’t clicking.
“We weren’t in sync,” Sullivan said. “That happens, and we were able to adjust it and respond. Hopefully, we can do that earlier in the future. … Of course, sometimes when you adjust, it’s going to take a second to get on the same page, and we have full confidence in each other that no matter what we do, we will figure it out and we will execute.”
» READ MORE: Sophia Smith’s family revels in watching the USWNT’s World Cup breakout star
The conversations about figuring out have been quite forthright.
“We’re very direct when something’s not going the way that we want it to go,” she said. “You have to be direct, and clear, and honest, and loud. People asking questions, figuring things out — hey, this is working; hey, this isn’t working — so it’s honestly just constantly reviewing, communicating, and encouraging.”
That is not something to take for granted, even in a U.S. program that has long been led by big personalities with no fear of speaking their minds.
“We know where we want to go, and we know that we don’t have a lot of time to do it, a lot of time to get together,” Sullivan said. “And we know that there’s a really high standard, and it’s not something that we just randomly turn on — it’s something we practice every single day, and that we have for years. So it’s not something that’s new for us.”
» READ MORE: All of our 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup coverage in one place, from how to watch to who to watch
Your subscription powers our newsroom and journalism like this. Support our work by visiting inquirer.com/tannenwald and receive unlimited access to Inquirer.com, The Inquirer App, and e-Edition at a special price: $1 for three months. | https://www.inquirer.com/soccer/uswnt-portugal-world-cup-andi-sullivan-20230730.html | 2023-07-30T09:54:41 | 1 | https://www.inquirer.com/soccer/uswnt-portugal-world-cup-andi-sullivan-20230730.html |
CHENGDU, China, July 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- At the beginning of the grand opening ceremony of the 31st World University Games in Chengdu on Friday night, Jihao Youguo, a girl hailing from the mountainous Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Southwest China's Sichuan Province, led representatives of the 56 ethnic groups of China to sing "Beautiful National Flag" and "Ode to the Motherland."
Youguo firstly became known to the public in February 2018 when Chinese President Xi Jinping visited her family, a poverty-stricken household in Sanhe village, while on an inspection tour to learn about the progress of poverty eradication in the village.
To welcome Xi's visit at the family's dilapidated abode, the then 10-year-old Youguo sang the same song "Beautiful National Flag" and won the applause from Xi.
One year later, all the 29 Sanhe households, including Youguo's family, were relocated to a newly built tile-roofed and brick-walled building which includes a series of apartments measuring about 100 square meters each, thanks to the local poverty eradication program. Youguo said in 2019 that she wished President Xi would come back and visit her new spacious house.
Youguo's father told the media that they opened a grocery store in one extra room of their new house. The store spared the villagers' 30-minute trip to the township for grocery shopping. The store itself brought the family an income of 3,000 yuan ($419) a month, roughly covering the monthly expenses of their three kids attending a boarding school in Liangshan. Youguo's father also keeps some livestock and 30 beehives, making a total income of about 60,000 yuan a year.
Wang Liyuan, an organizer for the opening ceremony of the Chengdu Games, told media that they contacted the Liangshan education authorities and invited Youguo and five other children in the region to sing at the event. "The children are always smiling and enthusiastic, giving a true feeling of sincerity."
Dream of becoming music teacher
With the help of a private education service provider, Youguo, her sister and brother were enrolled into the Liangshan Xichang Tianli School in 2020. Thanks to a dedicated charity fund, they were able to attend the school tuition-free.
Zhang Tao, Youguo's lead teacher, told the Global Times that Youguo has developed good habits living in the school and has made great academic progress since her enrollment.
"She is humble, friendly and gets along well with her classmates. Her English has improved a lot since coming to the school. Her favorite subjects are standard Chinese, English and music," said Zhang.
Youguo is athletic and loves to take part in extra-curricular activities including singing, basketball and running. She is also the champion shot-putter of the school, Zhang said.
"Once during a talk after school, she told me that she dreamed of becoming a music teacher in the future," Zhang told the Global Times. "It's a great way to realize her potential. I encourage her to pursue her dream and give back to the community."
Regarding her progress at school, Youguo said that she has become more confident and open-minded. "I used to be nervous when singing on stage. But I've learned a lot from my classmates and I've grown confident," she said.
Part of big story
The experience of Youguo's family is part of the story of the country's historic achievement in poverty eradication.
Liangshan is home to the largest ethnic Yi community in China and is about 2,000 kilometers from Beijing. When President Xi visited Sanhe village in February 2018, it was one of the most destitute villages in Liangshan. Deep in the Daliang Mountains, local people lived in dark mud huts, suffering from limited transportation and low crop yields caused by the harsh natural conditions. Most villagers grew corn and potatoes for a living.
Given the difficulty of building roads in the mountainous area, the local government opted to relocate the villagers out of the mountain. By September 2020, 353,200 people from 74,400 households in Liangshan had been relocated and started their new lives in their new homes.
Local villagers also came up with innovative ways to improve their living. In Zhaojue county, where Sanhe village is located, locals developed plantations of strawberries. After a year of development, the plantation covered an area of 1,800 mu (120 hectares). Thanks to this new business, in a five-month period in 2019, more than 20,000 local workers were employed, each earning 9,000 yuan on average. From then on, some 165 modern plantations have mushroomed in Liangshan.
After years of national and local efforts, Liangshan witnessed the eradication of poverty, with more than 1.05 million people lifted out of absolute poverty and 11 counties and 2,072 villages removed from the list of impoverished areas.
Sanhe village has established a unique development model that combines breeding, plantation and rural tourism to increase the villagers' income. Currently, the villager's net income per capita has reached over 18,000 yuan, which is more than 10 times higher than the amount before the anti-poverty campaign, Sichuan Daily reported.
In February 2021, China announced victory in its fight against poverty, eradicating absolute poverty in the country.
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SOURCE Global Times | https://www.wbrc.com/prnewswire/2023/07/30/global-times-impoverished-mountain-village-global-center-stage/ | 2023-07-30T09:55:04 | 0 | https://www.wbrc.com/prnewswire/2023/07/30/global-times-impoverished-mountain-village-global-center-stage/ |
Slackline World Champion Jaan Roose pushes the limits: "Per metre walked, this line was my toughest ever"
DOHA, Qatar, July 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Globally renowned Red Bull athlete Jaan Roose has completed the world's longest LED-lit, single-building slackline to cross one of Qatar's newest and most iconic architectural landmarks.
The Estonian national and three-time Slackline World Champion defied the odds by achieving the walk, titled "Sparkline," at the first attempt, walking the distance between the scimitar-shaped, Iconic Towers that are owned by Katara Hospitality and that are home to Raffles and Fairmont Doha in Lusail City.
Covering a distance of over 150 meters, the Sparkline walk is not only the longest on a single building, but also Jaan's second-highest walk to date at an elevation of more than 185 meters on a line just 2.5cm wide.
Speaking on the new world record set, Roose commented:
"When I first saw the Iconic Towers, I knew this was a building that I had to walk. Anything worth achieving comes with its fair share of challenges, and I'm proud to complete this one. Per metre walked, this line was my toughest ever. As an athlete, I'm always looking to push myself further and defy the odds. In this case the heat and wind conditions added a different element that I needed to react to and manage spontaneously while I was on the slackline. The warm LED lights and their extra weight also changed how the line interacted with me and my bodyweight. It's like skateboarding on a big heavy tree trunk rather than a light board."
"The Iconic Towers are an incredible place to be completing this feat and mark a very special visit for my first time in Qatar," Roose added.
The Raffles Doha and Fairmont Doha are two luxury hotels that face each other in beautifully imposing structures shaped like scimitar swords. The towers are some of the latest to be added to Lusail City's expanding list of architectural marvels and create a distinct silhouette against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea. Featuring the world's tallest chandelier, the Fairmont Doha is a masterclass in design, while the suite-only Raffles Doha showcases a spell-binding entrance, a personal butler service and fine-dining delights by world-renowned chef, Enrico Crippa.
Managing Director of Raffles and Fairmont Doha, Christian Hirt, expressed his excitement about the event being hosted at the Iconic Towers, saying "Raffles and Fairmont Doha have always celebrated the extraordinary, and this event embodies that spirit. The project serves to underline our commitment to showcasing high-calibre talents that defy the impossible. As this daring athlete 'Sparklines' across our towers, we hope it captivates the world and inspires others to push their boundaries."
Katara Hospitality's leadership commented: "We are proud of this activation, working alongside Qatar Tourism and Red Bull, as it exemplifies Katara Hospitality's commitment to utilizing the Iconic Towers as a powerful asset to promote tourism and enhance the destination's appeal. Through this event, we aim to showcase the extraordinary capabilities of the Iconic Towers and position them as a symbol of Qatar's excellence in hospitality and entertainment."
Commenting on the project with Jaan Roose, Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism, Berthold Trenkel, said: "Qatar has built a sporting legacy for itself and is now a true hub for international sporting events. We're delighted to support the exhilarating slackline walk event and champion renowned athletes. By fostering a culture of athleticism, we strive to create opportunities for athletes to showcase their skills and reach new heights in their athletic careers. In addition to its world-class sporting facilities, Qatar is home to a fresh and diverse suite of incredible hotels that make Qatar a global destination of choice for all travellers."
The Sparkline walk took place as part of an action-packed calendar of global events in Qatar. With several key sporting events expected to take place in 2023, including Qatar MotoGP, AFC Asian Cup, Qatar Formula 1 Grand Prix, and Geneva International Motor Show, visitors can expect extraordinary sporting experiences in Qatar all year round.
To know more about Jaan Roose, visit www.redbull.com
For imagery and video, please download via this link.
For media-related inquiries, please contact Qatar Tourism's Press Office on:
+974 3392 4466 | pressoffice@visitqatar.qa
For athlete-related media inquiries, please contact Red Bull Qatar:
About Qatar Tourism
Qatar Tourism's mission is to establish Qatar as a place where cultural authenticity meets modernity, and where people of the world come together to experience unique offerings in culture, sports, business and family entertainment, rooted in Service Excellence. Qatar Tourism will regulate and develop the tourism industry, encouraging investment from the private sector. It will set the national strategy for the tourism sector, reviewing it periodically and overseeing its implementation, with the aim of diversifying tourism offerings in the country and increasing visitor spend. Through our network of international offices in priority markets, and cutting-edge digital platforms, Qatar Tourism is expanding Qatar's presence globally and enhancing the tourism sector.
Web: www.visitqatar.qa
About Raffles
Founded in Singapore in 1887, Raffles Hotels & Resorts is where heritage meets modern hotelcraft. Raffles hotels, resorts, and residences are places where ideas are born, history is made and stories and legends are created. At landmark addresses around the world, Raffles' well-travelled guests and residents enjoy experiences that are culturally enriching, intellectually stimulating and always respectful of local communities, heritage and the environment. From one generation to the next, visitors arrive as guests, leave as friends, and return as family. Raffles can be found in key international locations including Singapore, Paris, Istanbul, Dubai, Doha, Maldives, Udaipur, Phnom Penh, and Bali; with flagship openings upcoming in London, Boston and Macau. Progressively shaping the future of luxury hospitality as part of Accor, Raffles benefits from a world-class infrastructure and is a participating brand in the Group's lifestyle loyalty and guest recognition programme, ALL - Accor Live Limitless.
raffles.com | all.accor.com | group.accor.com
About Fairmont
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is where the intimate equally coexists with the infinite – an unrivalled portfolio of more than 90 extraordinary hotels where grand moments of life, heartfelt pleasures and personal milestones are celebrated and remembered long after any visit. Since 1907, Fairmont has created magnificent, meaningful and unforgettable hotels, rich with character and deeply connected to the history, culture and community of its destinations – places such as The Plaza in New York City, The Savoy in London, Fairmont San Francisco, Fairmont Banff Springs in Canada, Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai, and Fairmont The Palm in Dubai. Famous for its engaging service, awe-inspiring public spaces, locally inspired cuisine, and iconic bars and lounges, Fairmont also takes great pride in its pioneering approach to hospitality and leadership in sustainability and responsible tourism practices. Fairmont is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,400 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL - Accor Live Limitless – a lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.
fairmont.com | all.accor.com | group.accor.com
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SOURCE Raffles Doha and Fairmont Doha | https://www.wbrc.com/prnewswire/2023/07/30/record-set-qatar-worlds-longest-led-slackline-walk/ | 2023-07-30T09:55:10 | 0 | https://www.wbrc.com/prnewswire/2023/07/30/record-set-qatar-worlds-longest-led-slackline-walk/ |
Jeremy Rhoden: The beauty of Purple Coneflower
Echinacea purpurea, or Purple Coneflower, is a popular favorite across the nation. This plant produces large flowers with, as the name implies, a cone that sits as the flower head. Many pollinators love the Purple Coneflower, and you’re inclined to find such insects just sitting on the cone, much like a mattress, resting. These plants are considered a perennial that will bloom year after year starting in spring and going through the end of summer.
Though these plants are hardy and considered drought-tolerant, they still have favorable conditions. In Florida, it is best to plant Purple Coneflower in part-sun or shade, and in well-drained soils. Though they prefer well-drained soils, they also have been found to successfully grow in occasionally wet soils.
Purple Coneflower can get up to 3 feet tall and form 3-foot-wide clumps. They can easily be propagated by root cuttings or separating their clumps.
The large, showy flower will bring much attention to any landscape, and it makes a wonderful perennial border. The shade of purple varies from deep purple, light purple, pink and even white in native varieties. Several improved varieties — such as “Mac ’n’ Cheese,” “Hot Papaya” and “Raspberry Truffle” — have brighter flowers and withstand wetter soils, but do not attract as many pollinators as the natives.
The most common pest that affects Purple Coneflower is sweet potato whitefly, but the majority of the time the plant can withstand the pest pressure without having to be treated, one of the many reasons it's considered Florida-friendly.
Purple Coneflower is commonly used today in many pharmaceutical products and historically was used by Native Americans for toothaches, headaches, sore throats and for calming horses. The roots of this plant have been used for skin diseases, snakebites, and treating rabies and other ailments.
For more information on the Purple Coneflower, visit edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FP192.
August to-do list
Annuals/bedding plants: We are entering into the hottest months of the year, so it’s best to refrain from planting anything but heat-tolerant plants, such as coleus and vinca.
Vegetables: Starting in mid-August, you can begin planting fall crops, such as carrots, tomatoes and beans. If you’re wanting to wait a bit longer before starting your vegetables, consider solarizing your garden bed to rid the soil of harmful nematodes and weed seeds.
Palms: If your palm fronds appear to be yellowing, they may be deficient in magnesium or potassium. Check your local garden center to find an appropriate fertilizer for your palm.
Fertilizer bans: Depending on your location, fertilizer bans may be in effect this time of year. Check with your local municipalities to see if such an ordinance exists in your area.
Annuals/perennials/bedding plants: Deadhead spent flowers, cutback and fertilize these flowering plants to extend their blooming into late fall.
Upcoming events at UF/IFAS Extension, Marion County: 8 a.m.-noon Oct. 7, Master Gardener Fall Plant Sale, specializing in natives and Florida-friendly plant options. All proceeds benefit the Marion County Master Gardener Program educational outreach efforts to Marion County residents.
— Jeremy Rhoden is the Urban and Residential Horticulture Extension Agent and Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator at the UF/IFAS Extension Marion County. For more information, contact the office at 671-8400. The Extension Service is located at 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala, FL 34470. | https://www.gainesville.com/story/lifestyle/2023/07/30/gville-gardening-july-30/70456509007/ | 2023-07-30T09:55:21 | 1 | https://www.gainesville.com/story/lifestyle/2023/07/30/gville-gardening-july-30/70456509007/ |
Hundreds again attend the annual Stop the Violence Back to School Rally in Gainesville
Thousands of free backpacks filled with school supplies were given to children and families who attended this year's Stop the Violence Back to School Rally.
Held Saturday morning in the gymnasium at Santa Fe College at 3000 NW 83rd St., those attending not only received the backpacks and valuable school and community resource information, but were also encouraged to do their part to curtail the escalating gun violence problem in Gainesville and Alachua County.
The theme of the rally was "#Ceasefire," and the guest speaker was Hollywood actor Harry J. Lennix Jr. III,
a native of Chicago, who encouraged the public to focus more on peace than gun violence. Lennix is best known for his roles in “The Five Heartbeats,” “The Blacklist,” “DC’s Man of Steel,” “Batman vs. Superman,” “Justice League” and many other big screen and television productions and series.
Besides the inspirational keynote speech delivered by Lennix, local dignitaries, elected officials and others spoke to the hundreds in attendance about having a safe and academically successful school year. The first day of the public school year in Alachua County will begin on Aug. 10.
"Be prepared to excel," Antwannique Edwards, Ph.D., chief of Equity, Inclusion and Community Engagement for the School Board of Alachua County, said to the students and families attending the rally.
She also emphasized the importance of school attendance and addressing bullying and other detrimental behaviors through the proper channels.
Those in attendance were urged to have a safe and successful school year by Alachua County Commissioner Ken Cornell.
"Gun violence is a local and national problem," Cornell said. "We support what is going on in the community to eradicate the rising gun violence problem. If you see something or here something about guns, say something."
The event has grown tremendously since it began in 1999, and continues to be organized by People Against Violence Enterprises Inc., a nonprofit organization founded by the Rev. Karl Anderson of Upper Room Ministries and superintendent of the Greater Gainesville Church of God in Christ. Anderson says he began organizing the rally 24 years ago in response to a wave of school shootings across the nation, notably the 1999 massacre at Columbine High School in Colorado.
Anderson again served as the emcee of the rally, and early during the event encouraged those in attendance to repeat after him as he shouted "Cease fire."
Community agencies, organizations and school board resources were on hand to provide information about the services they offer, including the Manhood Youth Development Foundation, a mentoring program sponsored by the Beta Pi chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. that serves boys in grades 1-12.
The program will be enhancing its gun violence prevention program this school year, and educate and inform its students more about nonviolent conflict resolution measures, said Charlie Jackson, the program's president and spokesman.
Gun violence is the number one crisis facing young people today and if the entire community doesn't get involved to address it, "it will only continue to be more than law enforcement can handle," Jackson said.
Gun bill:People Against Violence Enterprises Inc. of G'ville hosts virtual town hall to discuss gun bill
Shakeshia Rowe, who has two sons who attend Caring and Sharing Learning School in southeast Gainesville, attended the rally with her boys, Ky'el Rowe, a sixith-grader, and Jayce Neal, a second-grader. She said she enjoyed the rally because of its messages aimed at stopping violence in the community and encouraging students to do well in school and behave themselves.
The 5,000 backpacks filled with school supplies given away at the end of the rally were provided by Meridian Behavioral Healthcare of Alachua County, who was represented by Richard Anderson, Meridian's senior vice president and chief clinical officer.
Richard Anderson encouraged students and families to have a safe and successful school year, and to utilize the services provided by Meridian if they are needed.
"Please call 352-374-5600 and press 1 or 2 if you are in a crisis," he said. | https://www.gainesville.com/story/news/guardian/2023/07/29/actor-harry-j-lennix-iii-spoke-at-back-to-school-rally-in-gainesville/70478928007/ | 2023-07-30T09:55:27 | 0 | https://www.gainesville.com/story/news/guardian/2023/07/29/actor-harry-j-lennix-iii-spoke-at-back-to-school-rally-in-gainesville/70478928007/ |
Want a sneak peak of the 2023 Florida football team? Here's how to catch a Gators practice
Florida football fans can get a sneak peek of the start of season two under head coach Billy Napier at an open practice to be held next Saturday, Aug. 5 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. inside The Swamp.
Admission is free. Gates will open at 2 p.m. and fans can enter through Gate 1 and 6. Gate 18 will serve as the only exit point at the end of practice.
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium’s gameday prohibited items and clear bag policy will be in effect for the open practice. Fans can become familiar with the list of prohibited items by clicking here.
Carrying the load:Will Florida football running backs maintain success in 2023? We break it down
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Select concessions stands will be open, as snacks and drinks will be available for purchase. Additionally, the Gators Sportshop will be open near Gate 9.
Restrooms will be open throughout the main concourse of the stadium.'
The Gators open fall camp on Sunday and will hold their first practice on Monday to prepare for their season opener on Aug. 31 at Utah.
Florida Victorious NIL event to follow
Following the practice, Florida Victorious, UF's exclusive NIL arm, will hold an autograph session for its members.
The session will begin at 4:30 p.m. and last 45 minutes. Florida Victorious members will be granted field access for themselves and one guest of age 12 or under via the north end zone near Gate 7. Fans will find offense players on the west side of the field, and defense players and special teams on the east side. Members are permitted to bring one item of memorabilia to be signed. | https://www.gainesville.com/story/sports/college/football/2023/07/30/florida-gators-to-hold-open-practice-at-the-swamp/70483107007/ | 2023-07-30T09:55:33 | 0 | https://www.gainesville.com/story/sports/college/football/2023/07/30/florida-gators-to-hold-open-practice-at-the-swamp/70483107007/ |
Chicago Sky vs. Phoenix Mercury: Betting Trends, Record ATS, Home/Road Splits
Marina Mabrey and the Phoenix Mercury will battle when the Chicago Sky (9-15) meet the Mercury (6-17) at Wintrust Arena on Sunday, July 30 at 4:00 PM ET.
Chicago lost to Seattle 83-74 in its last game. Kahleah Copper led the way with 17 points, eight rebounds and four steals, followed by Dana Evans with 12 points. Phoenix lost to Atlanta 78-65 in their last game. Megan Gustafson (19 PTS, 8 REB, 3 BLK, 53.8 FG%) ended the game as Phoenix's top scorer.
Check out the latest odds on this matchup and place your bets with BetMGM Sportsbook. New to BetMGM? Use our link and promo code GNPLAY for a bonus offer for first-time players!
Sky vs. Mercury Game Time and Info
- Who's the favorite?: Sky (-275 to win)
- Who's the underdog?: Mercury (+230 to win)
- What's the spread?: Sky (-7.5)
- What's the over/under?: 156.5
- When: Sunday, July 30, 2023 at 4:00 PM ET
- Where: Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois
- TV: ESPN3 and AZFamily
Watch the WNBA live, along with tons of other live sports and TV, with a free trial to Fubo.
Sky Season Stats
- The Sky have struggled to put up points this season, ranking second-worst in the league with 78.1 points per game. They've played better defensively, ranking sixth by giving up 82.5 points per contest.
- Chicago is ninth in the WNBA with 33.8 boards per game this season. Meanwhile, it ranks eighth with 35.1 rebounds allowed per game.
- So far this season, the Sky rank fourth in the league in assists, putting up 19.8 per game.
- Chicago is averaging 13.9 turnovers per game (eighth-ranked in WNBA) this season, while forcing 13 turnovers per contest (eighth-ranked).
- The Sky are sinking 7.3 treys per game (fourth-ranked in WNBA) this year, while owning a 35% three-point percentage (fifth-ranked).
- In terms of defending three-pointers, things are clicking for Chicago, who is allowing 6.1 three-pointers per game (best in WNBA) and a 32.4% shooting percentage from three-point land (third-best).
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Sky Home/Away Splits
- The Sky have been significantly better offensively at home, where they average 80.6 points per game, compared to on the road, where they score 75.2 per game. Defensively, they are worse when playing at home, where they allow 84.3 points per game, versus on the road, where they let their opponents to average 80.5 per game.
- Chicago rebounds worse at home than on the road (31.9 RPG at home, 35.9 on the road), but it holds its opponents to fewer boards in home games than road games (34.9 at home, 35.3 on the road). On average, the Sky collect more assists at home than they do on the road (20.6 at home, 18.8 on the road).
- In the 2023 WNBA campaign, Chicago is turning the ball over less often in home games (13 per game) than away (14.9), and is alse forcing fewer turnovers at home (11.9 per game) compared to on the road (14.3).
- This year, the Sky are averaging 7.9 made three-pointers per game at home and 6.6 on the road (while shooting 38.3% from distance in home games compared to 31.2% on the road).
- This year, Chicago averages 6.5 three-pointers conceded per game at home and 5.5 on the road (while allowing 33.7% shooting from distance in home games compared to 30.7% on the road).
Sky Moneyline and ATS Records
- The Sky have won four of the nine games they were favored on the moneyline this season (44.4%).
- The Sky have yet to play a game with moneyline odds of -275 or shorter.
- Chicago is 11-12-0 against the spread this year.
- The Sky have a 73.3% chance to win this contest based on the moneyline's implied probability.
Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER.
© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.weau.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/chicago-sky-vs-phoenix-mercury-wnba-betting-trends-stats/ | 2023-07-30T09:55:57 | 1 | https://www.weau.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/chicago-sky-vs-phoenix-mercury-wnba-betting-trends-stats/ |
A fundraising brochure produced on behalf of the Minnesota Catholic Youth Partnership details why the organization needs $16 million to purchase and create a new camp on the 600-acre Wilder Forest property in northern Washington County.
It lists a dozen activities that will be available to campers, including zip-lining, rope challenge courses and a vertical climbing wall. The second phase of the group’s fundraising push, amount to be determined, calls for the construction of a “majestic lodge that will house a new and improved cafeteria, chapel and coffee shop, and additional housing for campers and staff.”
The problem with the 12-page brochure, according to members of the Square Lake Conservancy, a group dedicated to the preservation of the natural resources at Square Lake and Wilder Forest, is that none of the proposed buildings or activities have been approved yet. “I was horrified when I saw it,” said former Minnesota Sen. Jane Krentz, DFL-May Township. “They are fundraising like it’s a done deal, but nothing has been approved yet.”
Krentz and others formed the Conservancy group earlier this year to raise awareness and build support for protecting the area; Krentz lives on Square Lake in May Township.
The “preemptive fundraising” being done by the Youth Partnership for the development of a “mega-camp” on the Wilder site “before the sale of the land has even been finalized is misleading at best,” Krentz said.
“To be raising money in our community and beyond on these misguided and factually incorrect assumptions is clearly wrong, and must be stopped,” Krentz wrote in a letter to township officials earlier this month. “This is the wrong plan for this pristine location. It flies in the face of the key May Township comprehensive plan provision – the conservancy district – which was established for the purpose of providing for the preservation, protection and management of environmentally sensitive lands.”
The creation of the township’s conservancy zoning district, which includes the Wilder Forest land, was done long before the Youth Partnership decided to buy the land, she said.
“In light of this blatant fundraising blitz based on developing a camp that clearly doesn’t fit the use of the land as protected by the conservancy zone, I would appreciate hearing how the board was planning to respond to the plans described in the fundraising flier,” Krentz wrote.
In a response posted on the township’s website on Tuesday, township officials said they could not comment on the Youth Partnership’s fundraising communications. The township, they wrote, will “seek to enforce its ordinances and policies in any manner that is permissible … as with any property in the township.”
No formal applications or requests related to a camp facility or any other new use at the Wilder Forest property have yet been presented to the township, said Town Board Chairman John Pazlar.
Some version of a camp is allowed on the property under the conditional-use permit issued to Wilder in 1991, he said.
“Is there a permit in place? Yes,” Pazlar said. “Does that permit have language in it that references a camp? Yes. But what we really need to find out is … specifically what they plan to do, here’s the type of camp that they propose to operate, and then we go back to whatever permit is in place and say, ‘Yeah, it seems to fit, or it doesn’t,’ but we’re at a loss right now just because … they’re still in the process of fully building out their future plans.”
‘The quiet voice of God’
The Minnesota Catholic Youth Partnership, based in Medina, plans to open an overnight summer camp and winter retreat center on the Wilder Forest site by next summer, hosting up to 200 middle-school campers a week during the summer. The Youth Partnership would own and run the camp, but Ohio-based Damascus Catholic Mission Campus would lead adventure activities, songs and small groups.
Fundraising efforts have put the partnership at a “comfortable spot right now, but we still have more to raise,” said Tim Healy, the partnership’s president.
The goal of the camp is to help young people “eliminate the noise of the outside world, including social media,” Healy said. “We want to help them hear the quiet voice of God in a place exactly like Wilder … where they can see God in his creation. We’re trying to help kids through a very difficult time. When you look at the mental-health crisis right now, these kids are facing unprecedented challenges. … We’re trying to be a positive influence on these kids.”
MCYP officials are working with the township on plans for the property, and Healy said they hope to reach a resolution soon. “We believe we have a valid (conditional-use permit) that allows us to run a camp on the property, and we plan on working with the township on a pathway forward,” he said.
Township residents who have raised concerns about proposed camp activities should know that campers will occupy just 12 percent of the total acreage of the land 90 percent of the time, he said.
“The activities that we are going to do are going to be normal camp activities that are done in the hundreds of camps that are in Minnesota and Wisconsin,” he said. “We’re not proposing anything different. It’s just normal camp fun. Are kids going to have fun? Yeah, I hope so. We want to have a fun camp.”
The Youth Partnership is in the process of bidding out a new septic system for the property, he said. “We will have the best septic in the township – it will be the newest and the latest and the greatest,” he said.
Concerns about impact
Statements like that concern Jim Seidl, co-director of the Square Lake Conservancy. “Based upon the pending purchaser’s public statements, their plan is to impact the Wilder Forest lands, waters and habitat with a major development project, constituting in a short period of time, the largest single construction project in May Township history,” Seidl said.
He and other members of the Square Lake Conservancy are hoping that the camp will be built at a different location.
Proactively preserving the “pristine beauty and ecological wonders of the 600-acre Wilder Forest and the unique 203-acre Square Lake in perpetuity is a once-in-a-lifetime choice,” Seidl said. “We support education and ecology in conservation districts – not recreation, which can easily be sited elsewhere. We support bees, birds and bears – not buses.”
Former Town Board Chairman Bill Voedisch has been a vocal critic of the camp’s plan. “These lands are not only pristine, they are pre-settlement,” he said. “They have not been touched. It’s like it was when Morgan May founded the township in 1893.”
The Youth Partnership camp would be the “biggest construction project this township has ever seen – bigger than any subdivision – with the busiest concentration of people the township has ever seen. These are 24-hour people. These are people who are going to have three meals a day; several trips to the bathroom for whatever and oh, by the way, a shower a day. Can you imagine the septic waste that this is going to produce? I can’t even comprehend it.”
The township is “rural by design,” Voedisch said. “That is why, to this very day, you can’t buy a gallon of gas, a quart of milk or a hamburger in May Township. We’re non-retail, we’re non-commercial, we’re non-industrial. That has been in town code for as long as I’ve lived out there, and this (plan) would turn it totally on its ear.”
The Wilder Forest land is home to 77 species of greatest conservation need – from turtles to dragonflies to plants, said Greg Seitz, founder, editor and publisher of St. Croix 360. “It is a priceless piece of land,” he said. “The lakes are unique and priceless and precious because they are extremely healthy and clean in an area where not many lakes are, and that’s because there is no development around them.”
The property also has a diverse number of habitat types, including lakes, wetlands, upland forests, hardwood forests, grasslands and prairie, he said.
Seitz, a resident of May Township, said he hopes officials from the Wilder Foundation, which has owned the land since 1958, will put conservancy easements on the land before they sell it.
“They have held onto it because of a stated interest and goal to make sure it is protected, and they wanted to make sure to sell it to a conservation-minded buyer,” Seitz said. “I don’t know if their potential buyer is truly conservation-minded or not, but I don’t think it really matters unless you have legal, permanent protections on it. They could sell it to anybody, and that person can turn around and do what they want within the zoning. If Wilder is really committed to protecting the land, they should put some legal protections in place before it changes hands.”
Officials with the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation said Wednesday that Wilder does not have plans to place conservation easements on the property prior to the sale. There is a valid purchase agreement in place for the property, but the closing date is yet to be determined, said Michelle Morehouse, vice president of advancement for the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation.
Pazlar, the town board chairman, said the township’s hands are tied until a plan is presented to the board.
“What they are proposing in the fundraising, that’s the least important thing,” Pazlar said. “What is most important, to any town board or city, is what are you actually applying to do? Until we have something concrete in front of us that says, ‘This is what we propose to start doing, and this is the activity that we want to do,’ I think that’s where the township’s focus should be – not on fundraising or theoretical or hypotheticals.” | https://www.twincities.com/2023/07/30/wilder-forest-catholic-youth-camp-fundraising-concerns/ | 2023-07-30T09:56:03 | 0 | https://www.twincities.com/2023/07/30/wilder-forest-catholic-youth-camp-fundraising-concerns/ |
Packers Odds to Make Playoffs and Win Super Bowl
Currently the Green Bay Packers are 19th in the league in terms of odds to win the Super Bowl, listed at +6600.
Watch the Packers this season on Fubo!
Packers Super Bowl Odds
- Odds to Win the NFC North: +400
- Odds to Win the Super Bowl: +6600
Looking to place a futures bet on the Packers to win the Super Bowl this season? Head to BetMGM using our link and enter the bonus code "GNPLAY" for special offers!
Green Bay Betting Insights
- Green Bay compiled an 8-9-0 record against the spread last season.
- Last season, the combined scoring went over the point total eight times in Packers games.
- Offensively, Green Bay ranked 17th in the with 337.9 yards per game last season. Meanwhile, it ranked 17th in total defense (336.5 yards allowed per contest).
- The Packers picked up five wins at home last season and three away.
- As favorites, Green Bay went 5-6. When underdogs, the Packers were 3-3.
- The Packers were 6-6 in the NFC, including 3-3 in the NFC North.
Packers Impact Players
- On the ground, Aaron Jones had two touchdowns and 1,121 yards (65.9 per game) last year.
- Jones also had 59 receptions for 395 yards and five TDs.
- On the ground, A.J. Dillon scored seven touchdowns and picked up 770 yards (45.3 per game).
- Dillon also had 28 catches for 206 yards and zero TDs.
- In 14 games a season ago, Christian Watson had 41 receptions for 611 yards (43.6 per game) and seven touchdowns.
- In the passing game, Romeo Doubs scored three TDs, catching 42 balls for 425 yards (32.7 per game).
- Quay Walker registered 119 tackles, 5.0 TFL, 1.5 sacks, and seven passes defended in 17 games last year.
Bet on Packers to win the Super Bowl and plenty more with BetMGM. Head to BetMGM using our link and enter the bonus code "GNPLAY" for special offers!
2023-24 Packers NFL Schedule
Odds are current as of July 30 at 5:23 AM ET. Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER.
© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.weau.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/packers-nfl-playoffs-super-bowl-odds/ | 2023-07-30T09:56:03 | 0 | https://www.weau.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/packers-nfl-playoffs-super-bowl-odds/ |
How to Watch the WNBA on Sunday: TV Channel, Game Times and Odds
Today's WNBA slate has lots in store. Among those six games is the Minnesota Lynx taking on the Connecticut Sun.
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Today's WNBA Games
The Connecticut Sun take on the Minnesota Lynx
The Lynx look to pull off an away win at the Sun on Sunday at 1:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: CBS Sports Network
- Stream Live: Fubo (regional restrictions may apply)
- Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Records and Stats
- CON Record: 18-6
- MIN Record: 12-13
- CON Stats: 84.0 PPG (fifth in WNBA), 78.6 Opp. PPG (first)
- MIN Stats: 80.2 PPG (eighth in WNBA), 85.4 Opp. PPG (10th)
Players to Watch
- CON Key Player: Alyssa Thomas (14.5 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 8.0 APG)
- MIN Key Player: Kayla McBride (12.6 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.8 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -11.5
- CON Odds to Win: -818
- MIN Odds to Win: +525
- Total: 159.5 points
The Atlanta Dream host the Washington Mystics
The Mystics travel to face the Dream on Sunday at 3:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: Bally Sports
- Stream Live: Fubo (regional restrictions may apply)
- Game Time: 3:00 PM ET
Records and Stats
- ATL Record: 13-11
- WAS Record: 12-12
- ATL Stats: 85.0 PPG (fourth in WNBA), 85.1 Opp. PPG (ninth)
- WAS Stats: 81.1 PPG (seventh in WNBA), 80.3 Opp. PPG (third)
Players to Watch
- ATL Key Player: Rhyne Howard (18.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3.4 APG)
- WAS Key Player: Brittney Sykes (14.1 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 3.6 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -6.5
- ATL Odds to Win: -250
- WAS Odds to Win: +197
- Total: 164.5 points
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The Los Angeles Sparks take on the New York Liberty
The Liberty hit the road the Sparks on Sunday at 4:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
Records and Stats
- LAS Record: 9-15
- NYL Record: 18-6
- LAS Stats: 78.5 PPG (ninth in WNBA), 81.7 Opp. PPG (fourth)
- NYL Stats: 88.7 PPG (second in WNBA), 82.7 Opp. PPG (seventh)
Players to Watch
- LAS Key Player: Nneka Ogwumike (20.3 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 2.7 APG)
- NYL Key Player: Breanna Stewart (23.1 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 3.7 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -9
- NYL Odds to Win: -503
- LAS Odds to Win: +373
- Total: 167 points
The Indiana Fever face the Seattle Storm
The Storm hope to pick up a road win at the Fever on Sunday at 4:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
Records and Stats
- IND Record: 6-18
- SEA Record: 5-19
- IND Stats: 81.4 PPG (sixth in WNBA), 85.7 Opp. PPG (11th)
- SEA Stats: 78.5 PPG (ninth in WNBA), 85.7 Opp. PPG (11th)
Players to Watch
- IND Key Player: Aliyah Boston (14.4 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 2.2 APG)
- SEA Key Player: Jewell Loyd (24.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3.5 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -3.5
- IND Odds to Win: -161
- SEA Odds to Win: +133
- Total: 164.5 points
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The Chicago Sky host the Phoenix Mercury
The Mercury go on the road to face the Sky on Sunday at 4:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: ESPN3 and AZFamily
- Game Time: 4:00 PM ET
Records and Stats
- CHI Record: 9-15
- PHO Record: 6-17
- CHI Stats: 78.1 PPG (11th in WNBA), 82.5 Opp. PPG (sixth)
- PHO Stats: 75.8 PPG (12th in WNBA), 83.5 Opp. PPG (eighth)
Players to Watch
- CHI Key Player: Courtney Williams (9.2 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 6.0 APG)
- PHO Key Player: Brittney Griner (18.2 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.0 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -7
- CHI Odds to Win: -285
- PHO Odds to Win: +228
- Total: 156 points
The Las Vegas Aces take on the Dallas Wings
The Wings hit the road the Aces on Sunday at 6:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: CBS Sports Network
- Stream Live: Fubo (regional restrictions may apply)
- Game Time: 6:00 PM ET
Records and Stats
- LVA Record: 22-2
- DAL Record: 14-10
- LVA Stats: 94.1 PPG (first in WNBA), 78.7 Opp. PPG (second)
- DAL Stats: 86.0 PPG (third in WNBA), 81.7 Opp. PPG (fourth)
Players to Watch
- LVA Key Player: A'ja Wilson (20.8 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 2.0 APG)
- DAL Key Player: Satou Sabally (17.6 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 4.0 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -10
- LVA Odds to Win: -653
- DAL Odds to Win: +462
- Total: 173.5 points
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© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.weau.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/wnba-odds-how-to-watch/ | 2023-07-30T09:56:10 | 0 | https://www.weau.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/wnba-odds-how-to-watch/ |
9 die, including 3 children, as strong winds hit tourist camp in central Russia, officials say
MOSCOW (AP) — Russia’s emergencies ministry says at least nine people have died, including three children, after high winds tore through central Russia. The report Sunday came in the wake of the weekend storm. Eight of those killed were part of a group of tourists camping close to Lake Yalchik in the Mari-El region when the storm hit, Russia’s emergencies ministry said. Regional leader Yuri Zaitsev wrote on social media that strong winds felled trees in the area, including where the group’s tents had been pitched on a stretch of wild beach. | https://kion546.com/ap-colorado/2023/07/30/9-die-including-3-children-as-strong-winds-hit-tourist-camp-in-central-russia-officials-say/ | 2023-07-30T09:58:46 | 1 | https://kion546.com/ap-colorado/2023/07/30/9-die-including-3-children-as-strong-winds-hit-tourist-camp-in-central-russia-officials-say/ |
As regional and global powers decry Niger’s coup, the country’s future remains uncertain
By SAM MEDNICK
Associated Press
NIAMEY, Niger (AP) — Days after after mutinous soldiers ousted Niger’s democratically elected president, uncertainty is mounting about the country’s future and some are calling out the junta’s reasons for seizing control.
The mutineers said they overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum, who was elected two years ago in Niger’s first peaceful, democratic transfer of power since independence from France, because he wasn’t able to secure the nation from growing jihadi violence. But some analysts and Nigeriens say that’s just a pretext for a takeover that is more about internal power struggles than securing the nation.
“Everybody is wondering why this coup? That’s because no one was expecting it. We couldn’t expect a coup in Niger because there’s no social, political or security situation that would justify that the military take the power,” Prof. Amad Hassane Boubacar, who teaches at the University of Niamey, told The Associated Press.
He said Bazoum wanted to replace the head of the presidential guard, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, who also goes by Omar and is now in charge of the country. Tchiani was loyal to Bazoum’s predecessor and that sparked the problems, Boubacar said. The AP cannot independently verify his assessment.
While Niger’s security situation is dire, it’s not as bad as neighboring Burkina Faso or Mali where all three countries have been battling an Islamic insurgency linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group. Last year Niger was the only one of the three to see a decline in violence, according to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project.
Niger is seen as the last reliable partner for the West in efforts to battle the jihadists in Africa’s Sahel region, where Russia and Western countries have vied for influence in the fight against extremism. France has 1,500 soldiers in the country who conduct joint operations with the Nigeriens, and the United States and other European countries have helped train the nation’s troops.
Conflict experts say out of all the countries, Niger has the most at stake, given the millions of dollars of military assistance the international community has poured in. On Saturday, U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said the continued security and economic arrangements that Niger has with the U.S. hinged on the release of Bazoum — who remains under house arrest — and “the immediate restoration of the democratic order in Niger.”
France on Saturday suspended all development aid and other financial aid for Niger, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. “France demands an immediate return to constitutional order under President Mohamed Bazoum, who was elected by the Nigeriens,” it said.
Regional countries are trying to stem the fallout from the coup and reverse course.
The African Union has issued a 15-day ultimatum to the junta in Niger to reinstall the country’s democratically elected government. On Sunday, the West African regional bloc, known as ECOWAS, is holding an emergency summit in Abuja, Nigeria.
However, in a televised address Saturday, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Toumba, one of the soldiers who ousted Bazoum, accused the meeting of making a “plan of aggression” against Niger and said it would defend itself.
Niger experts say it’s too soon to know how things will play out.
“Tensions with the military are still ongoing. There could be another coup after this one, or a stronger intervention from ECOWAS, potentially military force, even if it is difficult to foresee how specifically that may happen and what form that may take,” said Tatiana Smirnova, a researcher at the Centre FrancoPaix in conflict resolution and peace missions.
“Many actors are also trying to negotiate, but the outcome is unclear,” she said.
___
Associated Press reporter Angela Charlton in Paris contributed | https://kion546.com/ap-colorado/2023/07/30/as-regional-and-global-powers-decry-nigers-coup-the-countrys-future-remains-uncertain/ | 2023-07-30T09:58:52 | 1 | https://kion546.com/ap-colorado/2023/07/30/as-regional-and-global-powers-decry-nigers-coup-the-countrys-future-remains-uncertain/ |
MUNCIE, Ind. — A large police investigation is currently underway in Muncie, at the time of this writing.
Social media posts, along with a report from our newsgathering partners at WISH-TV, say some sort of disturbance happened at South Hackley Street and East Willard Street around 1 o’clock Sunday morning.
Video on social media shows there was a large block party at that intersection, with several more posts indicating a shooting took place. That has not been confirmed by police sources, although numerous police cars and SWAT team units are in the area.
This story will be updated as more information is made available. If you have any information, please contact the Muncie Police Department. | https://wibc.com/155687/large-police-investigation-in-muncie/ | 2023-07-30T09:58:56 | 1 | https://wibc.com/155687/large-police-investigation-in-muncie/ |
Pig cooling pads and weather forecasts for cows are high-tech ways to make meat in a warming world
By MELINA WALLING
Associated Press
CHICAGO (AP) — More than a third of the heat-trapping gases cooking the planet come from growing and raising farm animals, but millions of cattle, pigs and other animals get to stay cool in the United States and other parts of the developed world.
Many American farmers have apps to forecast animal comfort in the heat. There are computer-controlled “ cooling pads ” for sows. Dairy farmers lower barns’ temperatures with misters, air conditioning and giant fans. Special pedometers, the cow version of a Fitbit, measure vital signs that give clues to animals’ health.
More intense summer heat resulting from emissions-driven climate change means animal heat stress that can result in billions of dollars in lost revenue for farmers and ranchers if not properly managed. But technology often insulates livestock in richer countries — another way global warming exacerbates the gap between wealthy and poor nations.
The U.S. is the world’s largest producer and consumer of beef by volume. People have been drinking less milk in the U.S. but eating more cheese, and government programs still support dairies across the country. About 20% of all global greenhouse gas emissions come from animal-based food products, said Atul Jain, a professor in the department of atmospheric sciences at The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign who studies the interactions between climate and human activities like agriculture.
Livestock producers in other parts of the world can’t adopt measures to beat the heat as easily as farmers in the U.S. A 2022 study in the Lancet Planetary Health found that cattle heat stress losses will be far greater in most tropical regions than in temperate regions, due to higher climate impacts and the relatively higher price of measures to adapt to climate change.
Many experts advocate for people in countries like the U.S., where diets are heavy with animal products, to eat less meat and dairy. But big, industrial farms in developed countries are relatively efficient, so to meet global demand with fewer animals, less-developed countries will also need to access the kind of technology that can make them more productive in the face of extreme heat.
“Those innovations bring me a lot of hope,” said Mario Herrero, a professor of food systems and global change at Cornell University who coauthored the Lancet Planetary Health study. “It’s a matter of how do we deploy them.”
This winter, the McAllister family of New Vienna, Iowa, installed new fans above the beds where their cows lie, and they’re happy with the updates. Their cows are already showing signs of improved welfare, like chewing more cud, and there’s more heat ahead this summer.
“We’re going to do what’s best by our cows no matter what is or isn’t going on with climate change,” said Megan McAllister, a sixth-generation dairy farmer. Her husband’s family has been farming for five generations.
September feels like another August these days, McAllister said.
“We want to make the right investments to better our cows, better our businesses that are our dairies, and make sure we’re here for the long haul and that we are thinking about sustainability,” she said.
Making that investment, of course, has a price: more fans for cooling means higher energy bills. That’s something Dr. Michelle Schack, a dairy veterinarian based in Arizona, has noticed as well. She said that the farmers she works with are well-prepared for the blistering heat the state has seen this year, because as research on animal health has improved, they’ve invested in infrastructure.
But it costs a lot.
“Fans and misters, let’s not forget, are hugely expensive, not only to install but the amount of electricity they take is insane,” Schack said.
That could be partly addressed with cheaper solar power integrated into agricultural projects. But regardless, “it’s going to be a challenge, a financial challenge” for more farms to adopt heat mitigation strategies, said Gerald Nelson, a professor emeritus at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a coauthor on the Lancet Planetary Health study.
Nelson described how different, heat-tolerant animal species or even something as simple as shade structures and extra water supplies can make a big difference when adapting to heat.
Information can help too. A team of USDA and university scientists recently launched a new app called HotHog that uses local weather data to help farmers anticipate conditions that might be uncomfortable for their pigs. And Chip Redmond, a meteorologist at Kansas State University, helped develop a seven-day animal comfort forecast tool for beef farmers that takes into account temperature as well as factors like humidity and wind.
As part of his work with Kansas State, Redmond gives presentations to producers and the general public, and he said that climate change has come up in conversations.
Both he and Jackie Boerman, an associate professor in the department of animal sciences at Purdue University, said that they recognize that farmers have to deal with the effects of climate change every day.
“We want to cool cows, but we also have to recognize that we want to also be environmentally sustainable,” Boerman said. Those two ideas are, she said, “sometimes a little bit at odds with each other.”
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Follow Melina Walling on Twitter @MelinaWalling.
___
Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives support from several private foundations. See more about AP’s climate initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content. | https://kion546.com/ap-colorado/2023/07/30/pig-cooling-pads-and-weather-forecasts-for-cows-are-high-tech-ways-to-make-meat-in-a-warming-world/ | 2023-07-30T09:58:58 | 0 | https://kion546.com/ap-colorado/2023/07/30/pig-cooling-pads-and-weather-forecasts-for-cows-are-high-tech-ways-to-make-meat-in-a-warming-world/ |
Social media: What the platforms are for and how they work
By Clare Duffy, Sarah-Grace Mankarious and Tiffany Baker, CNN
(CNN) — For years, it felt like the social media landscape didn’t change much.
New apps came, new apps went, and the last one to really make a dent in the market was TikTok back in 2020.
But in the nine months since billionaire Elon Musk bought Twitter, there has been a flurry of activity — multiple copycat apps have been released as users seek an alternative as the bird app changes under new leadership. The latest rival, Threads, was launched by Facebook-parent Meta and got a stunning start earlier this month.
CNN broke down some of the biggest and buzziest social media platforms — how they work, who they’re for and who runs them.
Facebook … when you’re looking for community (or used furniture)
With more than 2 billion daily users around the world, it’s tricky to describe the stereotypical Facebook user. Some come for Facebook Marketplace, which lets users buy and sell everything from vintage furniture to used cars. Many others come looking for community — whether that’s photo updates from their great aunt’s bridge night, or online groups dedicated to new parents or people navigating health challenges. But some of those communities have created serious issues, including groups that have spread vaccine misinformation or those that used the platform to help organize the January 6, 2021, US Capitol attack.
Instagram … when you’re looking to feel envious
What started as a photo-sharing app for friends has morphed into a place where the goal is apparently to try to make yourself look hotter, more fun and more well-traveled than everyone else. Whether you’re looking at “lifestyle” tips from influencers, sponsored fashion or home décor content or photos from your high school crush’s summer Italy trip — it’s all there. That culture can make the platform fun and inspirational, but it’s also raised concerns about the app’s impact on users’ mental health, especially for young girls.
Pinterest … when you’re looking for inspiration
Pinterest lets users easily search for and organize visual-heavy inspiration on a wide range of creative topics. Planting a garden? Planning a wedding? Renovating an old home by hand? This is the platform for you. Pinterest has also been rolling out features to let users shop directly from their feeds.
TikTok … when you’re looking for entertainment
TikTok is no longer just an app for dancing teens, but many people still scroll (and scroll, and scroll) the shortform video app when they’re looking to be entertained. The platform serves up zippy videos on everything from news and book recommendations to comedy and “get ready with me” style makeup tutorials, and sometimes content about conspiracy theories or solving crime.
Snapchat … when you’re looking to chat with friends
Snapchat is generally known as the platform young people use to exchange quick, real-time photos or messages with their friends or family. The photos and chats disappear by default, so the app feels more ephemeral than other platforms designed to help users cultivate an online persona (although some parents and lawmakers have raised concerns about the safety for young people of an app where content disappears). Snapchat is also known for popularizing face-altering filters.
YouTube… when you’re looking for something to watch
The original video-based social network, YouTube has over the years brought the internet hits like “Charlie Bit My Finger,” “Keyboard Cat” and “David After Dentist” and launched countless influencers’ careers. YouTube has in recent years worked to crack down on various forms of misinformation, although it recently rolled back a policy that had prohibited election denialism content. The platform is now trying to take on TikTok with its “YouTube Shorts” short video feature.
Nextdoor … when you’re looking for info about your neighborhood
If you want to gossip about the neighbor who refuses to cut their lawn, advertise a garage sale, seek help finding a lost dog or ask for tips on where to send your kids for summer camp, Nextdoor will be helpful. The platform lets users connect with other people in their immediate geographic area — but please, be nice.
Discord … when you’re looking to play the same game with your friends
This free text, voice and video chat service is known for its popularity with teens and video gamers. The platform, which feels sort of like an evolution from early AOL chat rooms, now hosts community forums for everything from union organizers and hiking groups to meme enthusiasts and people interested in the metaverse. But Discord has also received attention for its dark side, including issues like racist memes, sexually explicit content and, recently, being the site of a major leak of US classified documents.
Twitch … when you’re looking to watch someone else play your favorite games
Imagine YouTube, but where every video on the front page is a live feed of somebody playing a video game. Countless streamers compete for your loyalty on camera as they crack jokes, respond to their viewers’ text chats and try to pull off the most exciting plays. The platform, which has been known to host a politician or two, also promotes video streams devoted to music, art, sports, and cooking.
LinkedIn … when you’re looking to network
Long gone are the days when LinkedIn was merely a place to publicly post your resume and update it only once every few years when looking for a new job. Now, the platform is a place for users to post career updates, share news and, for some, to pontificate on their thoughts about remote working, how to raise venture capital or how to choose the right candidate to hire. Beware of the occasional CEO tearfully discussing their company’s layoffs.
Truth Social … when you’re looking for right-wing political commentary
This alternative, Twitter copycat platform backed by Donald Trump launched last year as a way for the former president to reach his fans after being suspended from mainstream platforms in the wake of the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol. The platform remains largely populated by Trump and his associates, as well as other far-right political and media figures. The app also features a range of spammy advertisers, hawking things like a “free guide” for “US Dollar Doomsday” or “purple liquid” that “burns body fat like crazy.”
Reddit … when you’re looking to learn about niche subjects
Billing itself as the “front page of the internet,” Reddit is one of the few remaining social platforms that still feels like a giant watercooler discussion. The platform offers up a veritable smorgasbord of topics users can either flit between casually — a cute chinchilla video here, a literary discussion there — or follow down a deep rabbit hole. Its communities are self-managed, relying on volunteer users to make forum-specific rules and to moderate content. Lately, however, Reddit has alienated some of its users with some unpopular business decisions.
Twitter (aka X) … when you’re looking for what’s going on (for now)
For years, Twitter was a central hub for real-time news. It was a place for ordinary people to read and engage in conversation with celebrities, business leaders and other newsmakers. But the platform has been upended since billionaire Elon Musk bought it last October. He has made a series of controversial changes and policy decisions — such as cuts to staff and restoring accounts of previously banned users, including some neo-Nazis — that have left many users and advertisers seeking alternative platforms. Most recently, Musk did away with Twitter’s iconic bird logo and replaced it with “X” branding.
Threads … when you’re looking for musings from your favorite influencers, celebs and journalists
The latest Twitter competitor, Threads, was launched by Facebook and Instagram parent company Meta. The platform looks a lot like Twitter, with a feed of largely text-based posts — in addition to photos and videos — where people can have real-time conversations. The app attracted a stunning 100 million signups within a week of its launch, although usage has slowed somewhat since. But unlike Twitter, Threads says it doesn’t plan to lean heavily into news content and an influx of Instagram influencers has given it a tamer vibe.
Bluesky Social … when you’re looking for an alternative to Twitter
This Twitter copycat app, backed by Twitter co-founder and former CEO Jack Dorsey, calls itself a site for “microblogging.” It looks nearly identical to Twitter, albeit without key features like hashtags and direct messages. But the app runs on a decentralized network, providing users with more control over how the service is run, data is stored and content is moderated. The app is invite-only, so its audience and feed remain limited, but it gained early traction from public figures looking to spend less time on Twitter, including Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez and model Chrissy Teigen.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2023 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved. | https://kion546.com/money/cnn-business-consumer/2023/07/30/social-media-what-the-platforms-are-for-and-how-they-work/ | 2023-07-30T09:59:04 | 1 | https://kion546.com/money/cnn-business-consumer/2023/07/30/social-media-what-the-platforms-are-for-and-how-they-work/ |
Call to arms: Thousands of Revolutionary War stories are waiting to be told. A new project asks the public to help uncover them
By Carly Breland and Melissa Gray, CNN
(CNN) — The National Park Service and US National Archives and Records Administration are calling on Americans to help reveal the untold stories of the United States’ first veterans to commemorate the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence.
The Revolutionary War Pension Files Transcription Project aims to transcribe approximately 2.3 million original documents that correspond with more than 83,000 individual soldiers. The information spans 150 years, from wartime records to 20th century inquiries made by veterans’ descendants.
The goal of the project is to unearth personal stories from the battlefield and home front, using information included in federal pension applications from Revolutionary War veterans and their widows, according to the National Park Service. And they need the public’s help to do it.
“We’re asking the public in the next three years, as we lead up to the 250th anniversary of the United States, to help us transcribe the pension files to be able to unlock these stories of our first veterans,” Suzanne Isaacs, community manager for the National Archives Catalog, said.
While the Continental Army issued signed discharge papers, veterans who served in the militia had to give oral testimonies and provide witnesses to corroborate their stories. As a result, thousands of court records have yet to be digitally transcribed in the National Archives Catalog.
These verbal attestations were an opportunity for veterans to tell their stories in vivid detail. When pension acts were put in place in the early 19th century, many veterans were elderly and illiterate, so they gave detailed accounts in hopes of recording their life stories.
However, relying on oral testimonies also allowed for embellished tales that were difficult to disprove.
For example, William Shoemaker testified that he spent 18 months as a prisoner of war to receive pension pay. Historian Todd Braisted discovered, more than two centuries later, that Shoemaker joined a loyalist unit and was captive for only two months.
When requirements for pension pay loosened in the 1830s, widows who were married before the conclusion of the war became eligible to apply. To receive funds, widows had to give oral testimonies about their husbands’ service and provide proof of their marriage.
That means the National Archive files also include documents such as marriage licenses, wartime letters and soldiers’ diaries.
Judith Lines applied for widow’s pension in 1837 using one of the rarest kinds of documents – a correspondence from her husband written during his service under Gen. George Washington. John Lines’ 1781 note is the only known preserved letter penned by a Black Continental soldier.
With the help of volunteer archivists, these rare, firsthand stories from the Revolutionary War will be accessible to the public and archived in the national library. Volunteers can register for a free account with the National Archives Catalog. No prior experience is required, and there are instructions and video tutorials.
“This project is a way to help make accessible the records of our first veterans, the veterans of the Revolutionary War,” Isaacs said.
The veterans and their families might never have imagined that their accounts of the war and its effects on their lives could be so readily available to the nation. The documents included in this project offer a personal perspective that, before now, was largely unknown.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2023 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved. | https://kion546.com/news/national-world/cnn-national/2023/07/30/call-to-arms-thousands-of-revolutionary-war-stories-are-waiting-to-be-told-a-new-project-asks-the-public-to-help-uncover-them/ | 2023-07-30T09:59:10 | 1 | https://kion546.com/news/national-world/cnn-national/2023/07/30/call-to-arms-thousands-of-revolutionary-war-stories-are-waiting-to-be-told-a-new-project-asks-the-public-to-help-uncover-them/ |
Moscow targeted again as Kyiv steps up drone attacks inside Russia
By Josh Pennington, Mariya Knight, Zahra Ullah and Heather Chen, CNN
(CNN) — Russia says Ukraine targeted Moscow with drones on Sunday, the latest in a series of attacks that have brought the Ukraine war to Russia’s capital.
The Russian Defense Ministry said three drones were intercepted but a business and shopping development in the west of the capital was hit. The fifth and sixth floor of a 50-story building were damaged, and no casualties were reported, state news agency TASS reported.
Videos showed debris as well as emergency services at the scene.
A spokesman for Ukraine’s Air Force said the latest drone attacks on Moscow were aimed at impacting Russians who, since the Kremlin invaded Ukraine in February 2022, felt the war was distant.
“There’s always something flying in Russia, as well as in Moscow. Now the war is affecting those who were not concerned,” the spokesman, Yurii Ihnat, said on Ukrainian television.
“No matter how the Russian authorities would like to turn a blind eye on this by saying they have intercepted everything … something does hit.”
Ukraine’s military has increasingly been deploying unmanned aerial vehicles for more than just reconnaissance.
Ukrainian Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, whose Digital Transformation Ministry oversees the country’s “Army of Drones” procurement plan, had said there would be more drone strikes to come as Kyiv ramps up a summer counteroffensive aimed at pushing Russian troops out of Ukrainian territory.
Moscow was targeted earlier this week. Ukraine claimed responsibility for a strike on Monday that hit two non-residential buildings, including one near the Ministry of Defense headquarter. Russia called that incident a “terrorist attack,” although the Kremlin’s military actions in Ukraine have regularly caused civilian casualties.
A Russian missile attack in the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy late on Saturday killed one civilian and injured another five, while a rocket strike on Zaporizhzhia left another two people dead.
Both areas had been subject to lengthy bombardments over the weekend. Ukrainian authorities in Sumy said there had been 25 instances of shelling in a single day, while a military leader in Zaporizhzhia said Russian forces had carried out 77 attacks on 20 settlements across the Zaporizhzhia, hitting 31 residential buildings and other pieces of infrastructure.
Though the strikes in Moscow did not reportedly cause any injuries or fatalities, they have unsettled residents of the Russian capital.
One witness to Sunday’s attack explained how the incident upended some planned down time.
“My friends and I rented an apartment to come here and unwind, and at some point, we heard an explosion – it was like a wave, everyone jumped,” she told Reuters. “There was a lot of smoke, and you couldn’t see anything. From above, you could see fire.”
Ukrainian drones also targeted the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula on Sunday.
Russia’s Defense Ministry said it intercepted 25 unmanned aerial vehicles over the territory, which Moscow illegally annexed from Ukraine in 2014, shooting down 16 of them with air defense systems.
The other nine crashed into the Black Sea after their signals were jammed by electronic warfare equipment, according to the ministry. There do not appear to have been any casualties, but CNN has not been able to verify claims made by Russia’s Defense Ministry.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2023 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved. | https://kion546.com/news/national-world/cnn-world/2023/07/30/three-drones-intercepted-following-attack-in-moscow-russian-forces-say/ | 2023-07-30T09:59:16 | 1 | https://kion546.com/news/national-world/cnn-world/2023/07/30/three-drones-intercepted-following-attack-in-moscow-russian-forces-say/ |
Monterey Bay F.C. falls to Phoenix Rising in return to Cardinale Stadium
SEASIDE, Calif. (KION) - In its return to Cardinale Stadium, Monterey Bay F.C. (7-9-6, 27 points) fell 2-0 to Phoenix Rising F.C. (7-6-8, 29 points) as the Union's winless streak grows to six matches.
To start, Monterey Bay F.C. made several strong advances on offense but was unable to finish. Forward Alex Dixon said it was a tough night for the offense.
“I feel we were knocking on the door the whole first half," Dixon said. "Their keeper made a couple good saves. In the second half, we had the penalty and a couple more good chances, but it’s just not falling right now.”
For Phoenix Rising, Manuel Arteaga and Daniel Trejo each netted a first-half goal to create a daunting two-point lead.
Dixon earned a penalty kick early in the second half. Looking to narrow the deficit, Sam Gleadle stepped in to take the attempt but was blocked by Phoenix Rising goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo.
From there, the Union continued to push for their first goal of the match but were unsuccessful. Head Coach Frank Yallop said the team seems to be lacking confidence on the pitch.
"We’re not sure of ourselves, which I’m not happy about," Yallop said. "It’s a difficult one to try and change because players have to get confidence in themselves. It was not a good night for us.”
With the loss, Monterey Bay F.C. falls to 7-9-6 overall. With their sights set on a playoff berth, the Crisp and Kelp are looking to turn things around in a big way against one of the league's best.
“We have 12 games left, so we are still in a good spot," Dixon said. "You win three or four games and you are right back to third or fourth place, whatever it’s going to be. So we just have to take it one game at a time and get back to work on Monday and have a good showing against Sacramento on Saturday.”
Monterey Bay F.C. will host Sacramento Republic F.C. on August 5. | https://kion546.com/sports/2023/07/29/monterey-bay-f-c-prepares-for-rematch-with-phoenix-rising/ | 2023-07-30T09:59:22 | 1 | https://kion546.com/sports/2023/07/29/monterey-bay-f-c-prepares-for-rematch-with-phoenix-rising/ |
THE HAGUE – High winds blowing across the North Sea are delaying efforts to tow a burning cargo ship loaded with thousands of new cars to safety off the Dutch coast, the government said Sunday.
The Fremantle Highway was unlikely to be moved Sunday because of the southwesterly wind, according to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management.
“The wind will continue to blow from the southwest for the next few days. The towing of the Fremantle Highway to the new temporary location may therefore still take several days to start,” the ministry said in an update Saturday night.
“The smoke from the fire and the wind direction mean that during the towing operation of the ship smoke is blowing over the tugboat,” it added.
Salvage crews on Saturday attached a second towing cable to the ship, which is transporting 3,783 new vehicles, including 498 electric vehicles, from the German port of Bremerhaven to Singapore. The salvage teams ultimately want to tow the stricken ship to a port but it is not yet clear where or when that will happen.
The ship has been burning since Tuesday. Firefighters decided not to douse the flames with water for fear of making the nearly 200-meters (219-yard) ship unstable as it floats close to North Sea shipping lanes and a world-renowned migratory bird habitat.
One crew member died and others were injured after the fire broke out. The crew was evacuated in the early hours of Wednesday.
The cause of the fire has not been determined. | https://www.wsls.com/business/2023/07/30/high-winds-stall-efforts-to-tow-a-burning-cargo-ship-packed-with-cars-off-northern-dutch-coast/ | 2023-07-30T09:59:25 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/business/2023/07/30/high-winds-stall-efforts-to-tow-a-burning-cargo-ship-packed-with-cars-off-northern-dutch-coast/ |
Slackline World Champion Jaan Roose pushes the limits: "Per metre walked, this line was my toughest ever"
DOHA, Qatar, July 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Globally renowned Red Bull athlete Jaan Roose has completed the world's longest LED-lit, single-building slackline to cross one of Qatar's newest and most iconic architectural landmarks.
The Estonian national and three-time Slackline World Champion defied the odds by achieving the walk, titled "Sparkline," at the first attempt, walking the distance between the scimitar-shaped, Iconic Towers that are owned by Katara Hospitality and that are home to Raffles and Fairmont Doha in Lusail City.
Covering a distance of over 150 meters, the Sparkline walk is not only the longest on a single building, but also Jaan's second-highest walk to date at an elevation of more than 185 meters on a line just 2.5cm wide.
Speaking on the new world record set, Roose commented:
"When I first saw the Iconic Towers, I knew this was a building that I had to walk. Anything worth achieving comes with its fair share of challenges, and I'm proud to complete this one. Per metre walked, this line was my toughest ever. As an athlete, I'm always looking to push myself further and defy the odds. In this case the heat and wind conditions added a different element that I needed to react to and manage spontaneously while I was on the slackline. The warm LED lights and their extra weight also changed how the line interacted with me and my bodyweight. It's like skateboarding on a big heavy tree trunk rather than a light board."
"The Iconic Towers are an incredible place to be completing this feat and mark a very special visit for my first time in Qatar," Roose added.
The Raffles Doha and Fairmont Doha are two luxury hotels that face each other in beautifully imposing structures shaped like scimitar swords. The towers are some of the latest to be added to Lusail City's expanding list of architectural marvels and create a distinct silhouette against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea. Featuring the world's tallest chandelier, the Fairmont Doha is a masterclass in design, while the suite-only Raffles Doha showcases a spell-binding entrance, a personal butler service and fine-dining delights by world-renowned chef, Enrico Crippa.
Managing Director of Raffles and Fairmont Doha, Christian Hirt, expressed his excitement about the event being hosted at the Iconic Towers, saying "Raffles and Fairmont Doha have always celebrated the extraordinary, and this event embodies that spirit. The project serves to underline our commitment to showcasing high-calibre talents that defy the impossible. As this daring athlete 'Sparklines' across our towers, we hope it captivates the world and inspires others to push their boundaries."
Katara Hospitality's leadership commented: "We are proud of this activation, working alongside Qatar Tourism and Red Bull, as it exemplifies Katara Hospitality's commitment to utilizing the Iconic Towers as a powerful asset to promote tourism and enhance the destination's appeal. Through this event, we aim to showcase the extraordinary capabilities of the Iconic Towers and position them as a symbol of Qatar's excellence in hospitality and entertainment."
Commenting on the project with Jaan Roose, Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism, Berthold Trenkel, said: "Qatar has built a sporting legacy for itself and is now a true hub for international sporting events. We're delighted to support the exhilarating slackline walk event and champion renowned athletes. By fostering a culture of athleticism, we strive to create opportunities for athletes to showcase their skills and reach new heights in their athletic careers. In addition to its world-class sporting facilities, Qatar is home to a fresh and diverse suite of incredible hotels that make Qatar a global destination of choice for all travellers."
The Sparkline walk took place as part of an action-packed calendar of global events in Qatar. With several key sporting events expected to take place in 2023, including Qatar MotoGP, AFC Asian Cup, Qatar Formula 1 Grand Prix, and Geneva International Motor Show, visitors can expect extraordinary sporting experiences in Qatar all year round.
To know more about Jaan Roose, visit www.redbull.com
For imagery and video, please download via this link.
For media-related inquiries, please contact Qatar Tourism's Press Office on:
+974 3392 4466 | pressoffice@visitqatar.qa
For athlete-related media inquiries, please contact Red Bull Qatar:
About Qatar Tourism
Qatar Tourism's mission is to establish Qatar as a place where cultural authenticity meets modernity, and where people of the world come together to experience unique offerings in culture, sports, business and family entertainment, rooted in Service Excellence. Qatar Tourism will regulate and develop the tourism industry, encouraging investment from the private sector. It will set the national strategy for the tourism sector, reviewing it periodically and overseeing its implementation, with the aim of diversifying tourism offerings in the country and increasing visitor spend. Through our network of international offices in priority markets, and cutting-edge digital platforms, Qatar Tourism is expanding Qatar's presence globally and enhancing the tourism sector.
Web: www.visitqatar.qa
About Raffles
Founded in Singapore in 1887, Raffles Hotels & Resorts is where heritage meets modern hotelcraft. Raffles hotels, resorts, and residences are places where ideas are born, history is made and stories and legends are created. At landmark addresses around the world, Raffles' well-travelled guests and residents enjoy experiences that are culturally enriching, intellectually stimulating and always respectful of local communities, heritage and the environment. From one generation to the next, visitors arrive as guests, leave as friends, and return as family. Raffles can be found in key international locations including Singapore, Paris, Istanbul, Dubai, Doha, Maldives, Udaipur, Phnom Penh, and Bali; with flagship openings upcoming in London, Boston and Macau. Progressively shaping the future of luxury hospitality as part of Accor, Raffles benefits from a world-class infrastructure and is a participating brand in the Group's lifestyle loyalty and guest recognition programme, ALL - Accor Live Limitless.
raffles.com | all.accor.com | group.accor.com
About Fairmont
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is where the intimate equally coexists with the infinite – an unrivalled portfolio of more than 90 extraordinary hotels where grand moments of life, heartfelt pleasures and personal milestones are celebrated and remembered long after any visit. Since 1907, Fairmont has created magnificent, meaningful and unforgettable hotels, rich with character and deeply connected to the history, culture and community of its destinations – places such as The Plaza in New York City, The Savoy in London, Fairmont San Francisco, Fairmont Banff Springs in Canada, Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai, and Fairmont The Palm in Dubai. Famous for its engaging service, awe-inspiring public spaces, locally inspired cuisine, and iconic bars and lounges, Fairmont also takes great pride in its pioneering approach to hospitality and leadership in sustainability and responsible tourism practices. Fairmont is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,400 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL - Accor Live Limitless – a lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.
fairmont.com | all.accor.com | group.accor.com
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SOURCE Raffles Doha and Fairmont Doha | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2023/07/30/record-set-qatar-worlds-longest-led-slackline-walk/ | 2023-07-30T09:59:25 | 1 | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2023/07/30/record-set-qatar-worlds-longest-led-slackline-walk/ |
Severe weather conditions are enough to give anyone a headache, but temperature fluctuations are even more problematic for migraine sufferers.
Dr. Rashmi B. Halker Singh, a Mayo Clinic neurologist, says the weather can trigger some migraine patients.
For some people, migraines are debilitating. The intense, throbbing head pain is often so severe that it feels like the head will explode.
"When people have migraine, they typically do have pain, typically moderate or severe pain, but they have other symptoms that go along with that," says Dr. Rashmi Halker Singh.
What triggers migraines?
A migraine is a neurologic disease that affects people differently. Some migraine sufferers experience sensitivity to light, sound and smells.
"It can impact their quality of life. It can impact their day. They typically have attacks which can be unpredictable," Dr. Halker Singh explains.
People are also reading…
Extreme weather can affect various changes in the brain and cause a migraine.
"Many people say that barometric pressure changes and changes in the weather, but some people say it's the heat that triggers them," says Dr. Halker Singh.
It's crucial for migraine sufferers to stick to a routine and get plenty of exercise and rest. Also, it's important to stay hydrated during the summer.
"We really need to be careful about maintaining as much hydration as we can. And I think sometimes we don't even realize we're dehydrated. It just happens," says the neurologist. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/life-entertainment/nation-world/wellness/migraines-summer-hydrated-manage-headache-temperatures/article_f54ef89a-2d83-11ee-af78-8b7dc91fcc35.html | 2023-07-30T09:59:25 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/life-entertainment/nation-world/wellness/migraines-summer-hydrated-manage-headache-temperatures/article_f54ef89a-2d83-11ee-af78-8b7dc91fcc35.html |
Buccaneers Odds to Make Playoffs and Win Super Bowl
At +15000, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have the third-longest odds of winning the Super Bowl as of December 31.
Watch the Buccaneers this season on Fubo!
Buccaneers Super Bowl Odds
- Odds to Win the NFC South: +750
- Odds to Win the Super Bowl: +15000
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Tampa Bay Betting Insights
- Tampa Bay compiled a 4-12-1 ATS record last year.
- The Buccaneers and their opponents combined to hit the over six out of 17 times last season.
- Tampa Bay averaged 346.7 yards per game offensively last season (15th in ), and it allowed 324.3 yards per game (ninth) on the other side of the ball.
- The Buccaneers had a 5-4 record at home and were 3-5 away last year.
- When the underdog, Tampa Bay lost every game (0-3). But as the favorite put together a 8-6 record.
- The Buccaneers were 4-2 in the NFC South and 8-4 in the NFC overall.
Buccaneers Impact Players
- In 15 games last year, Mike Evans had 77 receptions for 1,124 yards (74.9 per game) and six touchdowns.
- Baker Mayfield threw for 2,163 yards (180.3 per game), completing 60.0% of his passes, with 10 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 12 games.
- On the ground, Mayfield scored one touchdown and accumulated 89 yards.
- Chris Godwin had 104 receptions for 1,023 yards (68.2 per game) and three touchdowns in 15 games a season ago.
- In 17 games, Rachaad White rushed for 481 yards (28.3 per game) and one TD.
- As a playmaker on defense, Devin White posted 124 tackles, 8.0 TFL, and 5.5 sacks in 17 games last year.
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2023-24 Buccaneers NFL Schedule
Odds are current as of July 30 at 5:29 AM ET. Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER.
© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/buccaneers-nfl-playoffs-super-bowl-odds/ | 2023-07-30T09:59:26 | 0 | https://www.mysuncoast.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/buccaneers-nfl-playoffs-super-bowl-odds/ |
VINELAND — Police are investigating a stabbing in the city that left one dead and another in critical condition, Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae announced Saturday.
At about 1:46 a.m. Friday, Vineland police responded to a residence in the 600 block of Ridgewood Avenue for a report of a stabbing. They found the victims, Sharon Taylor, 60, and James Taylor, 51, suffering from apparent stab wounds, police said.
Sharon Taylor was pronounced dead at the scene, and James Taylor was airlifted to Cooper University Hospital in Camden where he was listed in critical condition, police said. Police are investigating the case as a homicide.
The investigation is ongoing, and police are asking anyone with information to contact Vineland Detective Christopher Fixler at 856-691-4111 or Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office Det. Paul Panchesine at 856-332-6233. Anonymous tips can also be sent to CCPO.TIPS. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-courts/cumberland-investigating-fatal-stabbing-in-vineland/article_c04d7de2-2e3c-11ee-b3ea-e77742713561.html | 2023-07-30T09:59:26 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-courts/cumberland-investigating-fatal-stabbing-in-vineland/article_c04d7de2-2e3c-11ee-b3ea-e77742713561.html |
NIAMEY – Days after after mutinous soldiers ousted Niger's democratically elected president, uncertainty is mounting about the country's future and some are calling out the junta's reasons for seizing control.
The mutineers said they overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum, who was elected two years ago in Niger’s first peaceful, democratic transfer of power since independence from France, because he wasn't able to secure the nation from growing jihadi violence. But some analysts and Nigeriens say that's just a pretext for a takeover that is more about internal power struggles than securing the nation.
“Everybody is wondering why this coup? That’s because no one was expecting it. We couldn’t expect a coup in Niger because there’s no social, political or security situation that would justify that the military take the power,” Prof. Amad Hassane Boubacar, who teaches at the University of Niamey, told The Associated Press.
He said Bazoum wanted to replace the head of the presidential guard, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, who also goes by Omar and is now in charge of the country. Tchiani was loyal to Bazoum's predecessor and that sparked the problems, Boubacar said. The AP cannot independently verify his assessment.
While Niger's security situation is dire, it's not as bad as neighboring Burkina Faso or Mali where all three countries have been battling an Islamic insurgency linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group. Last year Niger was the only one of the three to see a decline in violence, according to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project.
Niger is seen as the last reliable partner for the West in efforts to battle the jihadists in Africa’s Sahel region, where Russia and Western countries have vied for influence in the fight against extremism. France has 1,500 soldiers in the country who conduct joint operations with the Nigeriens, and the United States and other European countries have helped train the nation’s troops.
Conflict experts say out of all the countries, Niger has the most at stake, given the millions of dollars of military assistance the international community has poured in. On Saturday, U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said the continued security and economic arrangements that Niger has with the U.S. hinged on the release of Bazoum — who remains under house arrest — and “the immediate restoration of the democratic order in Niger.”
France on Saturday suspended all development aid and other financial aid for Niger, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. “France demands an immediate return to constitutional order under President Mohamed Bazoum, who was elected by the Nigeriens,” it said.
Regional countries are trying to stem the fallout from the coup and reverse course.
The African Union has issued a 15-day ultimatum to the junta in Niger to reinstall the country’s democratically elected government. On Sunday, the West African regional bloc, known as ECOWAS, is holding an emergency summit in Abuja, Nigeria.
However, in a televised address Saturday, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Toumba, one of the soldiers who ousted Bazoum, accused the meeting of making a “plan of aggression” against Niger and said it would defend itself.
Niger experts say it's too soon to know how things will play out.
“Tensions with the military are still ongoing. There could be another coup after this one, or a stronger intervention from ECOWAS, potentially military force, even if it is difficult to foresee how specifically that may happen and what form that may take,” said Tatiana Smirnova, a researcher at the Centre FrancoPaix in conflict resolution and peace missions.
“Many actors are also trying to negotiate, but the outcome is unclear,” she said.
___
Associated Press reporter Angela Charlton in Paris contributed | https://www.wsls.com/news/world/2023/07/30/as-regional-and-global-powers-decry-nigers-coup-the-countrys-future-remains-uncertain/ | 2023-07-30T09:59:26 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/world/2023/07/30/as-regional-and-global-powers-decry-nigers-coup-the-countrys-future-remains-uncertain/ |
Rays vs. Astros: Betting Trends, Odds, Records Against the Run Line, Home/Road Splits
The Tampa Bay Rays and Brandon Lowe square off against Alex Bregman and the Houston Astros on Sunday, in the final game of a three-game series at Minute Maid Park.
The Rays are -110 moneyline underdogs in this matchup against the favorite Astros (-110). The contest's total is listed at 9 runs.
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Rays vs. Astros Odds & Info
- Date: Sunday, July 30, 2023
- Time: 2:10 PM ET
- TV: SportsNet SW
- Location: Houston, Texas
- Venue: Minute Maid Park
- Live Stream: Watch on Fubo!
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Rays Recent Betting Performance
- The Rays have been underdogs three times over their past 10 games and lost every one of those contests.
- When it comes to the over/under, the Rays and their opponents are 3-7-0 in their previous 10 games.
- Oddsmakers have yet to post a spread in any of the Rays' past 10 games.
Read More About This Game
Rays Betting Records & Stats
- The Rays have won in four, or 25%, of the 16 contests they have been named as odds-on underdogs this year.
- Tampa Bay has a record of 4-12 in games where oddsmakers have it as underdogs of at least -110 on the moneyline.
- The moneyline set for this matchup implies the Rays have a 52.4% chance of walking away with the win.
- Tampa Bay and its opponents have hit the over in 56 of its 107 games with a total this season.
- The Rays are 10-7-0 against the spread in their 17 games with a line set by sportsbooks this season.
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Rays Splits
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© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/rays-vs-astros-mlb-betting-trends-stats/ | 2023-07-30T09:59:27 | 1 | https://www.mysuncoast.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/rays-vs-astros-mlb-betting-trends-stats/ |
DUNEDIN – New Zealand outshot Switzerland and even moved goalkeeper Victoria Esson into an attack position several times, but failed to break a 0-0 tie Sunday in the Women’s World Cup and became the first host nation to be eliminated in group play in tournament history.
The Football Ferns are co-hosting the World Cup with Australia, which must win Monday against Canada to avoid its own early elimination.
Switzerland advanced to the round of 16. The Swiss also played to a scoreless draw against Norway, but won the group with the tie against New Zealand, coupled with the Norwegians' simultaneous 6-0 rout of the Philippines.
New Zealand controlled the pace for long stretches of the match and had its chances to score, outshooting Switzerland 12-3. Jacqui Hand knocked a shot off the right post in the 24th minute.
All of Forsyth Barr Stadiums 25,947 seats were filled — the only one of Dunedin’s six tournament matches to sell out. The raucous crowd stomped and cheered all night, to no avail.
The tournament began July 20 with New Zealand upsetting Norway 1-0, but the Ferns failed to score from the 48th minute of that match through two more games. They lost their previous match 1-0 against the Philippines.
KEY MOMENTS
Esson moved into an offensive position several times in the last minutes of the match. She managed a header off a corner kick, but it was off-frame.
WHY IT MATTERS
Switzerland becomes one of two teams from Group A to advance to the round of 16. It’s only the team’s second time in the knockout round — the first was in the Swiss' only previous Women’s World Cup in 2015.
The New Zealanders’ failure to score puts an end to their Women’s World Cup run.
WHAT’S NEXT
Switzerland will play either Spain or Japan from Group C, pending a match between those teams on Monday to decide the top two places in that group.
New Zealand is done for the Women's World Cup.
__
Ellen McIntyre is a student in the John Curley Center for Sports Journalism at Penn State.
—-
AP Women’s World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-womens-world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.wsls.com/sports/2023/07/30/new-zealand-out-of-womens-world-cup-following-0-0-draw-with-switzerland-as-swiss-advance/ | 2023-07-30T09:59:27 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/sports/2023/07/30/new-zealand-out-of-womens-world-cup-following-0-0-draw-with-switzerland-as-swiss-advance/ |
New Zealand becomes first host nation to be knocked out of Women’s World Cup group stage
By Ben Church, CNN
(CNN) — New Zealand picked up an unwanted record by becoming the first host nation knocked out of the Women’s World Cup group stages, after its 0-0 draw against Switzerland on Sunday.
With Norway thrashing the Philippines 6-0 in the other Group A game, the Football Ferns needed to beat its Swiss opponents to secure a place in the last 16 but was unable to find a breakthrough.
In front of an excited crowd at the Dunedin Stadium, New Zealand struggled to get to grips with a cagey match and failed to create many chances on goal.
The results on Sunday mean Switzerland go through as the group winners, with Norway progressing as the runner-up ahead of New Zealand on goal difference.
The tournament had started so well for the cohost when it shocked Norway 1-0 in the opening game, securing its first ever World Cup win.
But all the excitement that was generated from that famous victory slowly faded over the remaining group matches.
The Football Ferns were stunned 1-0 by the Philippines in their next fixture and then struggled to stamp their authority over Switzerland when the pressure was on.
New Zealand only managed two shots of target during Sunday’s match despite throwing everything at its opponents in the closing stages.
In search of the winner, New Zealand goalkeeper Victoria Esson joined the attack whenever her team had a corner or freekick in the final minutes – she even managed to get her head to a cross but couldn’t direct it towards goal.
After the defeat, New Zealand’s players huddled on the pitch and captain Ali Riley gave a speech to her tearful teammates.
Norway celebrate
New Zealand’s misery meant jubilation for a Norwegian team that recovered from defeat in its opening game to qualify for the knockout rounds.
The 6-0 win against the Philippines was a welcome return to form, finally showing the team’s potential to go deep into the tournament.
Norway’s Sophie Román Haug scored the second hattrick of the tournament, with Caroline Graham Hansen, Guro Reiten and an Alicia Barker own-goal completing the rout.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2023 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved. | https://kion546.com/sports/cnn-sports/2023/07/30/new-zealand-becomes-first-host-nation-to-ever-be-knocked-out-of-womens-world-cup-group-stage/ | 2023-07-30T09:59:29 | 1 | https://kion546.com/sports/cnn-sports/2023/07/30/new-zealand-becomes-first-host-nation-to-ever-be-knocked-out-of-womens-world-cup-group-stage/ |
AUCKLAND – Sophie Roman Haug’s hat trick kick-started Norway’s dormant offense and sparked a 6-0 blowout win over the Philippines on Sunday that moved the Norwegians into to the knockout stage of the Women’s World Cup.
The Philippines’ debut run in the tournament came to an end as Norway scored early and often, netting three goals in the first 31 minutes.
Norway’s spot in the round of 16 was secured when Switzerland and New Zealand simultaneously played to a 0-0 draw and the Norwegians. Norway and New Zealand were tied in Group A but Norway advanced on goal differential. New Zealand became the first host country to be eliminated in the group stage in tournament history.
Before the game, Norway had not scored in three consecutive Women’s World Cup matches dating to the quarterfinals of the 2019 tournament.
But Roman Haug one-timed a ball into the net in the sixth minute, and scored again 11 minutes later. Caroline Graham Hansen added a long-distance shot in the 31st minute.
Roman Haug completed the hat trick in injury time.
In the second half, an Alicia Barker own goal in the 48th minute and Guro Reiten’s penalty kick in the 53rd minute extended Norway’s lead to 5-0. Filipina defender Sofia Harrison received a red card in the 67th minute for using excessive force, and the Philippines played the rest of the match a player down.
Eden Park was turned into a makeshift home match for the Philippines, as the Filipina fans screamed in unison any time the Philippines touched the ball, even as the deficit grew.
The Philippines were fresh off of a historic 1-0 win over co-host New Zealand that marked the first Women’s World Cup win for the debutantes.
KEY MOMENTS
Roman Haug got the Norwegians off to a hot start. The first of her two goals was a left-footed volley from inside the six-yard box in the sixth minute. Eleven minutes later, Roman Haug scored a header delivered by a Vilde Boe Risa cross. Roman Haug’s header flew over the reach of Philippines goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel.
Graham Hansen scored on a long-distance strike that curled into the bottom left corner in the 31st minute to give Norway its third goal of the half.
From that point on, Norway was in control.
WHY IT MATTERS
The win advances Norway to the knockout stage after the Norwegians found themselves in last place in Group A heading into the Philippines match.
The Norwegians had yet to score in 2023 before their six-goal eruption.
WHAT’S NEXT
Norway will play either Japan or Spain in the round of 16 next Saturday, depending on the results of a game between those Group C teams on Monday.
The inaugural tournament run ends for the Philippines, who needed at least a draw to have a chance of moving on.
__
Zach Allen is a student in the John Curley Center for Sports Journalism at Penn State.
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AP Women’s World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-womens-world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.wsls.com/sports/2023/07/30/norway-moves-into-the-knockout-round-at-womens-world-cup-with-6-0-rout-over-the-philippines/ | 2023-07-30T09:59:33 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/sports/2023/07/30/norway-moves-into-the-knockout-round-at-womens-world-cup-with-6-0-rout-over-the-philippines/ |
How to Watch the WNBA on Sunday: TV Channel, Game Times and Odds
Today's WNBA slate has lots in store. Among those six games is the Minnesota Lynx taking on the Connecticut Sun.
Catch live WNBA games, plus tons of other sports and shows, with a free trial to Fubo!
Today's WNBA Games
The Connecticut Sun take on the Minnesota Lynx
The Lynx look to pull off an away win at the Sun on Sunday at 1:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: CBS Sports Network
- Stream Live: Fubo (regional restrictions may apply)
- Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Records and Stats
- CON Record: 18-6
- MIN Record: 12-13
- CON Stats: 84.0 PPG (fifth in WNBA), 78.6 Opp. PPG (first)
- MIN Stats: 80.2 PPG (eighth in WNBA), 85.4 Opp. PPG (10th)
Players to Watch
- CON Key Player: Alyssa Thomas (14.5 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 8.0 APG)
- MIN Key Player: Kayla McBride (12.6 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.8 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -11.5
- CON Odds to Win: -818
- MIN Odds to Win: +525
- Total: 159.5 points
The Atlanta Dream host the Washington Mystics
The Mystics travel to face the Dream on Sunday at 3:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: Bally Sports
- Stream Live: Fubo (regional restrictions may apply)
- Game Time: 3:00 PM ET
Records and Stats
- ATL Record: 13-11
- WAS Record: 12-12
- ATL Stats: 85.0 PPG (fourth in WNBA), 85.1 Opp. PPG (ninth)
- WAS Stats: 81.1 PPG (seventh in WNBA), 80.3 Opp. PPG (third)
Players to Watch
- ATL Key Player: Rhyne Howard (18.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3.4 APG)
- WAS Key Player: Brittney Sykes (14.1 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 3.6 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -6.5
- ATL Odds to Win: -250
- WAS Odds to Win: +197
- Total: 164.5 points
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The Los Angeles Sparks take on the New York Liberty
The Liberty hit the road the Sparks on Sunday at 4:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
Records and Stats
- LAS Record: 9-15
- NYL Record: 18-6
- LAS Stats: 78.5 PPG (ninth in WNBA), 81.7 Opp. PPG (fourth)
- NYL Stats: 88.7 PPG (second in WNBA), 82.7 Opp. PPG (seventh)
Players to Watch
- LAS Key Player: Nneka Ogwumike (20.3 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 2.7 APG)
- NYL Key Player: Breanna Stewart (23.1 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 3.7 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -9
- NYL Odds to Win: -503
- LAS Odds to Win: +373
- Total: 167 points
The Indiana Fever face the Seattle Storm
The Storm hope to pick up a road win at the Fever on Sunday at 4:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
Records and Stats
- IND Record: 6-18
- SEA Record: 5-19
- IND Stats: 81.4 PPG (sixth in WNBA), 85.7 Opp. PPG (11th)
- SEA Stats: 78.5 PPG (ninth in WNBA), 85.7 Opp. PPG (11th)
Players to Watch
- IND Key Player: Aliyah Boston (14.4 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 2.2 APG)
- SEA Key Player: Jewell Loyd (24.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3.5 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -3.5
- IND Odds to Win: -161
- SEA Odds to Win: +133
- Total: 164.5 points
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The Chicago Sky host the Phoenix Mercury
The Mercury go on the road to face the Sky on Sunday at 4:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: ESPN3 and AZFamily
- Game Time: 4:00 PM ET
Records and Stats
- CHI Record: 9-15
- PHO Record: 6-17
- CHI Stats: 78.1 PPG (11th in WNBA), 82.5 Opp. PPG (sixth)
- PHO Stats: 75.8 PPG (12th in WNBA), 83.5 Opp. PPG (eighth)
Players to Watch
- CHI Key Player: Courtney Williams (9.2 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 6.0 APG)
- PHO Key Player: Brittney Griner (18.2 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.0 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -7
- CHI Odds to Win: -285
- PHO Odds to Win: +228
- Total: 156 points
The Las Vegas Aces take on the Dallas Wings
The Wings hit the road the Aces on Sunday at 6:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: CBS Sports Network
- Stream Live: Fubo (regional restrictions may apply)
- Game Time: 6:00 PM ET
Records and Stats
- LVA Record: 22-2
- DAL Record: 14-10
- LVA Stats: 94.1 PPG (first in WNBA), 78.7 Opp. PPG (second)
- DAL Stats: 86.0 PPG (third in WNBA), 81.7 Opp. PPG (fourth)
Players to Watch
- LVA Key Player: A'ja Wilson (20.8 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 2.0 APG)
- DAL Key Player: Satou Sabally (17.6 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 4.0 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -10
- LVA Odds to Win: -653
- DAL Odds to Win: +462
- Total: 173.5 points
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© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/wnba-odds-how-to-watch/ | 2023-07-30T09:59:33 | 0 | https://www.mysuncoast.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/wnba-odds-how-to-watch/ |
Chiefs Odds to Make Playoffs and Win Super Bowl
The Kansas City Chiefs at the moment have the best odds in the entire league to win the Super Bowl at +600.
Watch the Chiefs this season on Fubo!
Chiefs Super Bowl Odds
- Odds to Win the AFC West: -165
- Odds to Win the Super Bowl: +600
Looking to place a futures bet on the Chiefs to win the Super Bowl this season? Head to BetMGM using our link and enter the bonus code "GNPLAY" for special offers!
Kansas City Betting Insights
- Kansas City covered seven times in 17 matchups with a spread last season.
- A total of eight Chiefs games last season went over the point total.
- Kansas City owned the 11th-ranked defense last year (328.2 yards allowed per game), and it was better on offense, ranking best with 413.6 yards per game.
- At home last year, the Chiefs were 7-1. On the road, they were 7-2.
- When underdogs, Kansas City had only one victory (1-1) versus its 13-2 record as the favored team.
Chiefs Impact Players
- In 17 games last year, Patrick Mahomes II passed for 5,250 yards (308.8 per game), with 41 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, and a completion percentage of 67.1%.
- In addition, Mahomes rushed for 358 yards and four TDs.
- Travis Kelce had 110 receptions for 1,338 yards (78.7 per game) and 12 touchdowns in 17 games.
- Jerick McKinnon rushed for 291 yards (17.1 per game) and one touchdown in 17 games a season ago.
- On the ground, Isiah Pacheco scored five touchdowns and accumulated 830 yards (48.8 per game).
- Nick Bolton collected two interceptions to go with 180 tackles, 9.0 TFL, two sacks, and three passes defended in 17 games last year.
Bet on Chiefs to win the Super Bowl and plenty more with BetMGM. Head to BetMGM using our link and enter the bonus code "GNPLAY" for special offers!
2023-24 Chiefs NFL Schedule
Odds are current as of July 30 at 5:29 AM ET. Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER.
© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/chiefs-nfl-playoffs-super-bowl-odds/ | 2023-07-30T10:00:18 | 1 | https://www.wibw.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/chiefs-nfl-playoffs-super-bowl-odds/ |
How to Watch the WNBA on Sunday: TV Channel, Game Times and Odds
Today's WNBA slate has lots in store. Among those six games is the Minnesota Lynx taking on the Connecticut Sun.
Catch live WNBA games, plus tons of other sports and shows, with a free trial to Fubo!
Today's WNBA Games
The Connecticut Sun take on the Minnesota Lynx
The Lynx look to pull off an away win at the Sun on Sunday at 1:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: CBS Sports Network
- Stream Live: Fubo (regional restrictions may apply)
- Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Records and Stats
- CON Record: 18-6
- MIN Record: 12-13
- CON Stats: 84.0 PPG (fifth in WNBA), 78.6 Opp. PPG (first)
- MIN Stats: 80.2 PPG (eighth in WNBA), 85.4 Opp. PPG (10th)
Players to Watch
- CON Key Player: Alyssa Thomas (14.5 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 8.0 APG)
- MIN Key Player: Kayla McBride (12.6 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.8 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -11.5
- CON Odds to Win: -818
- MIN Odds to Win: +525
- Total: 159.5 points
The Atlanta Dream host the Washington Mystics
The Mystics travel to face the Dream on Sunday at 3:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: Bally Sports
- Stream Live: Fubo (regional restrictions may apply)
- Game Time: 3:00 PM ET
Records and Stats
- ATL Record: 13-11
- WAS Record: 12-12
- ATL Stats: 85.0 PPG (fourth in WNBA), 85.1 Opp. PPG (ninth)
- WAS Stats: 81.1 PPG (seventh in WNBA), 80.3 Opp. PPG (third)
Players to Watch
- ATL Key Player: Rhyne Howard (18.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3.4 APG)
- WAS Key Player: Brittney Sykes (14.1 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 3.6 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -6.5
- ATL Odds to Win: -250
- WAS Odds to Win: +197
- Total: 164.5 points
Watch live WNBA games on all your devices! Sign up now for a free trial to Fubo.
The Los Angeles Sparks take on the New York Liberty
The Liberty hit the road the Sparks on Sunday at 4:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
Records and Stats
- LAS Record: 9-15
- NYL Record: 18-6
- LAS Stats: 78.5 PPG (ninth in WNBA), 81.7 Opp. PPG (fourth)
- NYL Stats: 88.7 PPG (second in WNBA), 82.7 Opp. PPG (seventh)
Players to Watch
- LAS Key Player: Nneka Ogwumike (20.3 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 2.7 APG)
- NYL Key Player: Breanna Stewart (23.1 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 3.7 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -9
- NYL Odds to Win: -503
- LAS Odds to Win: +373
- Total: 167 points
The Indiana Fever face the Seattle Storm
The Storm hope to pick up a road win at the Fever on Sunday at 4:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
Records and Stats
- IND Record: 6-18
- SEA Record: 5-19
- IND Stats: 81.4 PPG (sixth in WNBA), 85.7 Opp. PPG (11th)
- SEA Stats: 78.5 PPG (ninth in WNBA), 85.7 Opp. PPG (11th)
Players to Watch
- IND Key Player: Aliyah Boston (14.4 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 2.2 APG)
- SEA Key Player: Jewell Loyd (24.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3.5 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -3.5
- IND Odds to Win: -161
- SEA Odds to Win: +133
- Total: 164.5 points
Buy gear from your favorite teams and players NOW at Fanatics!
The Chicago Sky host the Phoenix Mercury
The Mercury go on the road to face the Sky on Sunday at 4:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: ESPN3 and AZFamily
- Game Time: 4:00 PM ET
Records and Stats
- CHI Record: 9-15
- PHO Record: 6-17
- CHI Stats: 78.1 PPG (11th in WNBA), 82.5 Opp. PPG (sixth)
- PHO Stats: 75.8 PPG (12th in WNBA), 83.5 Opp. PPG (eighth)
Players to Watch
- CHI Key Player: Courtney Williams (9.2 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 6.0 APG)
- PHO Key Player: Brittney Griner (18.2 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.0 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -7
- CHI Odds to Win: -285
- PHO Odds to Win: +228
- Total: 156 points
The Las Vegas Aces take on the Dallas Wings
The Wings hit the road the Aces on Sunday at 6:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: CBS Sports Network
- Stream Live: Fubo (regional restrictions may apply)
- Game Time: 6:00 PM ET
Records and Stats
- LVA Record: 22-2
- DAL Record: 14-10
- LVA Stats: 94.1 PPG (first in WNBA), 78.7 Opp. PPG (second)
- DAL Stats: 86.0 PPG (third in WNBA), 81.7 Opp. PPG (fourth)
Players to Watch
- LVA Key Player: A'ja Wilson (20.8 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 2.0 APG)
- DAL Key Player: Satou Sabally (17.6 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 4.0 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -10
- LVA Odds to Win: -653
- DAL Odds to Win: +462
- Total: 173.5 points
See links for offer details, offers not available in all states and areas. Must be 21+ to gamble. Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER.
© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/wnba-odds-how-to-watch/ | 2023-07-30T10:00:25 | 1 | https://www.wibw.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/wnba-odds-how-to-watch/ |
Scientists have discovered a worm that managed to stretch its short life expectancy — by tens of thousands of years.
A tiny roundworm was revived after it was frozen in Siberian permafrost 46,000 years ago, when Neanderthals still walked the Earth.
The worm, a previously unknown species of nematode, survived after entering a dormant state known as cryptobiosis, during which the animal doesn't eat and lacks a metabolism. The finding was detailed in a recent study published in the journal PLOS Genetics.
The most stunning part of the discovery was the length of time the worm had endured cryptobiosis, said Philipp Schiffer, one of the study's authors and a group leader at the Institute of Zoology at the University of Cologne in Germany.
Nematodes are among the planet's most ubiquitous life forms. Scientists had known that some could survive long periods of suspended animation in subzero environments. One Antarctic species spent over 25 years in frozen moss before resuscitation, the previous longest record of cryptobiosis recorded for a nematode.
"Nobody had thought that this process could be for millennia, for 40,000 years — or even longer," Schiffer said. "It's just amazing that life can start again after such a long time, in the stage between life and death."
Scientists used radiocarbon dating to determine that the soil from the permafrost sample was 46,000 years old.
Some nematodes are also known to survive parched climates, like in Chile's Atacama Desert, the driest nonpolar desert on Earth. One species was revived after spending nearly 40 years desiccated in a dry herbarium.
"Everything seems to be possible for these animals and that's what makes them so fascinating," the scientist said.
Schiffer says his worm lab in Cologne was able to analyze and identify the novel worm, which researchers named Panagrolaimus kolymaensis, using genome sequencing.
The nematode was found about 130 feet deep within the permafrost inside a burrow once home to Arctic gophers. After the chunk of frozen sediment was taken to the lab to thaw, the resurrected nematode crawled out and started making babies. The nematode, a female-only species, reproduces asexually, after about eight to 12 days.
The original worm, found five years ago, has died. Scientists are using its descendants to continue their research on the species, which will primarily involve investigating the genetic machinery behind these organisms to learn how these worms evolve to adapt in extreme environments.
That work could reveal how other animals might harbor the genetic superpowers to adapt to extreme environments today, as climate change drives more frequent heat waves and uninhabitable environments, Schiffer says.
"You might learn a lot about how and what's happening right now on Earth, and maybe even inform protection of endangered species," he said.
One challenge in researching the DNA sequences of this particular species, he adds, is how quickly the nematode evolves during its short life. The lifespan of Panagrolaimus kolymaensis is just one to two months.
Unless, of course, it happens to get frozen in time.
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.wdiy.org/npr-news/2023-07-30/a-worm-that-survived-46-000-years-in-permafrost-wows-scientists | 2023-07-30T10:02:08 | 1 | https://www.wdiy.org/npr-news/2023-07-30/a-worm-that-survived-46-000-years-in-permafrost-wows-scientists |
NAIROBI, Kenya — African leaders are leaving two days of meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin with little to show for their requests to resume a deal that kept grain flowing from Ukraine and to find a path to end the war there.
Putin in a press conference late Saturday following the Russia-Africa summit said Russia's termination of the grain deal earlier this month caused a rise in grain prices that benefits Russian companies. He added that Moscow would share some of those revenues with the "poorest nations."
That commitment, with no details, follows Putin's promise to start shipping 25,000 to 50,000 tons of grain for free to each of six African nations in the next three to four months — an amount dwarfed by the 725,000 tons shipped by the U.N. World Food Program to several hungry countries, African and otherwise, under the grain deal. Russia plans to send the free grain to Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, Somalia, Eritrea and Central African Republic.
Fewer than 20 of Africa's 54 heads of state or government attended the Russia summit, while 43 attended the previous gathering in 2019, reflecting concerns over Russia's invasion of Ukraine even as Moscow seeks more allies on the African continent of 1.3 billion people. Putin praised Africa as a rising center of power in the world, while the Kremlin blamed "outrageous" Western pressure for discouraging some African countries from showing up.
The presidents of Egypt and South Africa were among the most outspoken on the need to resume the grain deal.
"We would like the Black Sea initiative to be implemented and that the Black Sea should be open," South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said. "We are not here to plead for donations for the African continent."
Putin also said Russia would analyze African leaders' peace proposal for Ukraine, whose details have not been publicly shared. But the Russian leader asked: "Why do you ask us to pause fire? We can't pause fire while we're being attacked."
The next significant step in peace efforts instead appears to be a Ukrainian-organized peace summit hosted by Saudi Arabia in August. Russia is not invited.
Africa's nations make up the largest voting bloc at the United Nations and have been more divided than any other region on General Assembly resolutions criticizing Russia's actions in Ukraine. Delegations at the summit in St. Petersburg roamed exhibits of weapons, a reminder of Russia's role as the top arms supplier to the African continent.
Putin in his remarks on Saturday also downplayed his absence from the BRICS economic summit in South Africa next month amid a controversy over an arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court. His presence there, Putin said, is not "more important than my presence here, in Russia."
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.wdiy.org/npr-news/2023-07-30/african-leaders-leave-russia-summit-without-grain-deal-or-path-to-peace-in-ukraine | 2023-07-30T10:02:14 | 1 | https://www.wdiy.org/npr-news/2023-07-30/african-leaders-leave-russia-summit-without-grain-deal-or-path-to-peace-in-ukraine |
Seventy years ago, the Korean War ended with a cease-fire, not a victory or a peace deal, and veterans marked the occasion Thursday at the Korean War Memorial in Washington, D.C., with some even joining activists pushing for a formal end to the war.
But as most Korean War vets are well into their 90s, they still struggle with America's perceptions of what has been called "the Forgotten War."
"We don't call it the Forgotten War, we call it the forgotten victory," said retired U.S. Marine Col. Warren Wiedhahn. "We saved South Korea from becoming a communist country."
Wiedhahn said it might not have been clear at the time, but it sure is now. South Korea is democratic and among the world's leading economies, while the North is an impoverished, brutal dictatorship. Wiedhahn just wishes the United Nations force, led by the U.S., had held on to more of the Korean peninsula before the cease-fire. At a certain point they had driven North Korean forces all the way to the Chinese border before being pushed south again.
"Now don't get me wrong. The [cease-fire] was welcomed because that meant that the Marines and soldiers were not getting killed anymore. But to me, to us who had fought in the beginning, it was kind of an anti-climactic," he said.
At 94, Wiedhahn is president of the Chosin Few, a group of vets who fought at Chosin Reservior, a freezing 17-day battle with the Chinese army.
Membership is now being gradually passed on to the next generation.
"I actually had no idea my dad was involved with the Chosin Reservoir. He didn't say one word about it," said Nancy Weigle, whose father, Gerald, was a Navy corpsman who died in 2018. Like many Korea vets he didn't talk about it much for the first few decades, Weigle said.
"The World War II vets had obviously been celebrated. There was a clear victory. And when these guys came back, nobody even knew what Korea was," she said. That came later, as Korean products and culture spread across the globe. Her dad was one of many Korean War vets who were invited by South Korea to visit Seoul.
Weigle is now a legacy member of the Chosin Few, carrying on their stories.
Robert Grier, 90, served in Korea just a few years after the U.S. military desegregated, a memory that stood out for him even as he finds it harder to recall many other details of his service.
"Black soldiers didn't get promoted very much back then. It was always in the lower ranks," he said.
Grier eventually made captain. He has just one memory of the armistice in 1953.
"We were not happy," he said. "[We] didn't like to lose things. We thought that we lost that."
Korea was the first of many wars after World War II with, at best, ambiguous endings that most Americans didn't see as success. That includes Afghanistan and Iraq.
"I sympathize with the Korean War vets," said Welton Chang, who served two tours in Iraq.
"Their experience was much more intense, and certainly the casualties were higher," he adds.
Before Iraq, Chang also deployed to Korea for a year, during which North Korea detonated its first nuclear weapon and tested intercontinental ballistic missiles. His time there showed him the value of what Americans and others did for South Korea.
"Older Koreans are still very thankful for U.S. involvement and were often the ones who would come up to us on the street or hiking a mountain somewhere and shake our hands and say 'thank you,' " Chang said.
"It was always super awkward because you kind of have to remind them that, like, I wasn't even born when any of this stuff happened," he said. "But they saw it as this long, unbroken line of U.S. commitment in Asia."
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.wdiy.org/npr-news/2023-07-30/as-living-memories-of-the-korean-war-fade-its-consequences-become-clearer | 2023-07-30T10:02:20 | 0 | https://www.wdiy.org/npr-news/2023-07-30/as-living-memories-of-the-korean-war-fade-its-consequences-become-clearer |
As the hour creeps past three in the afternoon, New Orleans' streets are devoid of tourists and locals alike. The heat index is over 105 degrees.
At the city's ambulance depot, the concrete parking lot seems to magnify the sweltering heat, circulating the air like a convection oven.
New Orleans Emergency Medical Services has been busy this summer, responding to heat-related emergency calls and rushing patients to nearby hospitals.
Capt. Janick Lewis and Lt. Titus Carriere demonstrate how they can load a stretcher into an ambulance using an automated loading system.
Lewis wipes sweat from his brow as the loading arm whirs and hums, raising the stretcher into the ambulance — "unit" in official terminology.
But the mechanical assistance isn't the best thing about the new vehicle. "The nicest thing about being assigned a brand new unit, is it's a brand-new air conditioning system," Lewis says.
The new AC is much more than just a luxury for the hard-working crews. These days they need the extra cooling power to help save lives.
"The number one thing you do take care of somebody is get them out of the heat, get them somewhere cool," Lewis says. "So the number one thing we spend our time worrying about in the summertime is keeping the truck cool."
Like much of the country, New Orleans has been embroiled in an almost relentless heat wave for weeks. As a result, more people are falling ill with heat-related conditions than ever before. Just last week, EMS responded to 29 heat-related calls — more than triple compared to the same period last year.
As the city's emergency medical systems deal with the influx of patients, scientists say these dangerous heat levels — and the increasing stress they put on human bodies and medical systems — may be the new norm.
At the same time, New Orleans EMS has struggled with funding and staffing challenges. It's currently operating with only 60% of its needed staff. The city's chief of EMS has called for increased funding for higher wages to attract more workers.
Lewis says they're making do with the resources they have, and prioritizing one-time expenses like new ambulances to help them meet the challenges they're facing.
"We're going to provide the care everybody needs, regardless of how hot it gets," Lewis says. "We'd love to have all the help in the world, but we're getting the job done with what we have right now."
Health dangers above 100℉
When a human being is exposed to high levels of heat for too long, it starts to raise the core body temperature. Once that exceeds 100 degrees, hyperthermia can develop. That can prompt an escalating cascade of health problems if it isn't quickly addressed.
The first stage is heat exhaustion, Lt. Carriere explains: "That means you're hot, you may have an elevated temp, but you also have what's called diaphoresis, which means your body is sweating, is still trying to compensate and cool yourself off." You'll also likely have other symptoms like weakness, dizziness, and headache.
Carriere says that if you can quickly get out of the heat and into some AC, generally you'll recover from heat exhaustion on your own. But if you don't, your core temperature will continue to rise.
Near 104° the dangers escalate
If internal body temperature approaches 104 degrees, you could succumb to the next stage — heat stroke.
"Once you move to heat stroke, your body stops compensating," Carriere says. "You stop sweating. You're hot. You're dry, and your organs are basically like frying themselves from the inside out."
When you stop sweating, it becomes even harder for your body to cool itself down. During heat stroke, you may also experience other severe symptoms like an altered state of mind, confusion, and a rapid, erratic pulse. You may even lose consciousness.
Heat illness can develop after unrelieved exposure to incessant heat, but high humidity compounds the problem by making it harder for the body to cool itself by sweating.
Working outdoors, dehydration, alcohol or drug use, and sunburn all increase the risk. The very old, children under 4, and those who are obese or have certain medical conditions are particularly vulnerable.
Without medical intervention, heat stroke can be deadly. EMS starts treatment immediately after they arrive on the scene.
"We'll get them on a gurney, get them into the unit, start removing their clothing and put ice packs wherever applicable to try to cool them down," says Carriere.
Saving lives in the ER with ice, fluids, and medical support
Once you're loaded into the ambulance, they'll race you to a nearby hospital, Carriere says. At University Medical Center (UMC), the city's largest hospital, doctors and nurses will continue efforts to quickly lower body temperature, and replace fluids by IV if necessary..
"When the patient ends up at the hospital, we're going to continue that cooling process," Elder says. "We're going to put them in an ice water bath," says Dr. Jeffrey Elder, the Medical Director for Emergency Management at UMC. "We may use some misting fans and some cold fluids to get their body temperature down to a reasonable temperature while we're supporting all the other bodily functions."
Getting your core temperature down as quickly as possible is the highest priority, Elder explains, and is what will ultimately save your life. One way they can speed that along is by burying you in ice. In other parts of the country, doctors actually place patients inside body bags pre-packed with pounds of ice. Body bags are useful in these cases because they're waterproof and are designed to closely fit the human form.
They don't use body bags at UMC's emergency room, but during the summer, staffers do keep bags of ice ready to go at all times.
"On the stretcher, we'll use some of the sheets as kind of a barrier," Elder says. "And while they're on the stretcher, we'll just put the ice on them right then and there."
Hospital staff will continue to work to cool you down until your temperature gets back below 100. That's when you're considered to be in the medical safe zone.
Elder admits that while it always gets hot in New Orleans during the summer, his emergency room has been treating more heat-related illness in 2023 than ever before. A few patients have died from the heat.
Like many other hospital systems, UMC is struggling with staffing challenges since the pandemic. But UMC has prioritized staffing of the emergency department in order to handle things like an influx of patients from heat-related illness, Elder says.
Burden on health infrastructure heats up
Across the country, meteorological events like heat waves and heat domes will become more frequent and intense in the future, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"Extreme summer heat is increasing in the United States," says Claudia Brown, a health scientist with the CDC's Climate and Health Program. "And climate projections are indicating that extreme heat events will be more frequent and intense in the coming decades."
Health infrastructure will be challenged to keep up in order to treat patients suffering from extreme heat exposure. In New Orleans, both first responders and doctors say they expect to see more patients with heat-related illness. July is merely the halfway point of a Louisiana summer.
"We haven't even gotten to the hottest part yet, which is typically August to September," says EMS Lt. Titus Carriere. "So I'm expecting it to get pretty bad."
Copyright 2023 Gulf States Newsroom. To see more, visit . | https://www.wdiy.org/npr-news/2023-07-30/in-broiling-cities-like-new-orleans-the-health-system-faces-off-against-heat-stroke | 2023-07-30T10:02:26 | 1 | https://www.wdiy.org/npr-news/2023-07-30/in-broiling-cities-like-new-orleans-the-health-system-faces-off-against-heat-stroke |
PHOENIX — A historic heat wave that has gripped the U.S. Southwest throughout July, blasting residents and baking surfaces like brick, is beginning to abate with the late arrival of monsoon rains.
Forecasters expect that by Monday, people in metro Phoenix will begin to see high temperatures fall under 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.3 degrees Celsius) for the first time in a month.
But not on Saturday. The high temperature in the desert city with more than 1.6 million residents climbed past 110 F for the 30th straight day, the National Weather Service said. The previous record stretch of 110 F or above was for 18 days in 1974.
There are increased chances on Sunday of cooling monsoon thunderstorms. Though wet weather can also bring damaging winds, blowing dust and the chance of flash flooding, the weather service warned. Sudden rains running off hard-baked surfaces can quickly fill normally dry washes.
Already this week, the overnight low at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport fell under 90 F (32.2 C) for the first time in 16 days, finally giving residents some respite from the stifling heat once the sun goes down.
Temperatures also were expected to ease in Las Vegas, Albuquerque and even in Death Valley, California, where the weather service said the expected high of 122 F (50 C) on Saturday is forecast to lower to 113 F (45 C) by Tuesday — along with a slight chance of rain.
Also in California, triple-digit heat was expected in parts of the San Joaquin Valley from Saturday through Monday, according to the National Weather Service in Hanford, California.
Gusty, late-afternoon winds were expected Saturday and Sunday in Santa Barbara County, posing an elevated risk of fire weather, the weather service in Los Angeles said. Hot, dry weather was also expected across nearby valleys, lower mountains and desert areas.
In Riverside County, more than 1,300 people were ordered to evacuate their homes and another 1,400 were facing evacuation warnings as crews battled a wildfire that charred 3.2 square miles (8.3 square kilometers) in the community of Aguanga, about 60 miles (96 kilometers) northeast of San Diego, authorities said Saturday. One firefighter was reported to have been injured in the so-called Bonny Fire, which authorities said was about 5% contained.
The heat is impacting animals, as well. Police in the city of Burbank, California, found a bear cooling off in a Jacuzzi behind a home on Friday. Police released a video of the animal in a neighborhood about 10 miles (16 kilometers) north of Los Angeles near the Verdugo Mountains and warned residents to lock up food and garbage.
A downward trend in Southwest heat started Wednesday night, when Phoenix saw its first major monsoon storm since the traditional June 15 start of the thunderstorm season. While more than half of the greater Phoenix area saw no rainfall from that storm, some eastern suburbs were pummeled by high winds, swirling dust and localized downfalls of up to 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) of precipitation.
Storms gradually increasing in strength are expected over the weekend.
Scientists calculate that July will prove to be the hottest globally on record and perhaps the warmest human civilization has seen. The extreme heat is now hitting the eastern part of the U.S, as soaring temperatures moved from the Midwest into the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, where some places are seeing their warmest days so far this year.
The new heat records being set this summer are just some of the extreme weather being seen around the U.S. this month, such as flash floods in Pennsylvania and parts of the Northeast.
"Anyone can be at risk outside in this record heat," the fire department in Goodyear, a Phoenix suburb, warned residents on social media while offering ideas to stay safe.
For many people such as older adults, those with health issues and those without access to air conditioning, the heat can be dangerous or even deadly.
Maricopa County, the most populous in Arizona and home to Phoenix, reported this week that its public health department had confirmed 25 heat-associated deaths this year as of July 21, with 249 more under investigation.
Results from toxicological tests that can takes weeks or months after an autopsy is conducted could eventually result in many deaths listed as under investigation as heat associated being changed to confirmed.
Maricopa County confirmed 425 heat-associated deaths last year, and more than half of them occurred in July.
Elsewhere in Arizona next week, the agricultural desert community of Yuma is expecting highs ranging from 104 to 112 (40 C to 44.4 C) and Tucson is looking at highs ranging from 99 to 111 (37.2 C to 43.9 C).
The highs in Las Vegas are forecast to slip as low as 94 (34.4 C) next Tuesday after a long spell of highs above 110 (43.3 C). Death Valley, which hit 128 (53.3 C) in mid-July, will cool as well, though only to a still blistering hot 116 (46.7 C).
In New Mexico, the highs in Albuquerque next week are expected to be in the mid to high 90s (around 35 C), with party cloudy skies.
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.wdiy.org/npr-news/npr-news/2023-07-30/the-historic-heatwave-that-has-hit-the-u-s-southwest-is-set-to-cool-a-little | 2023-07-30T10:02:32 | 0 | https://www.wdiy.org/npr-news/npr-news/2023-07-30/the-historic-heatwave-that-has-hit-the-u-s-southwest-is-set-to-cool-a-little |
Browns Odds to Make Playoffs and Win Super Bowl
As of now the Cleveland Browns are 14th in the league in terms of odds to win the Super Bowl, listed at +3500.
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Browns Super Bowl Odds
- Odds to Win the AFC North: +400
- Odds to Win the Super Bowl: +3500
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Cleveland Betting Insights
- Cleveland compiled a 7-9-0 record against the spread last season.
- Browns games hit the over eight out of 17 times last season.
- Cleveland ranked 14th in total offense (349.1 yards per game) and 14th in total defense (331.5 yards allowed per game) last season.
- The Browns went 4-4 at home last year and 3-6 away from home.
- When favorites, Cleveland went 3-4. As underdogs, the Browns went 3-6.
- The Browns were 3-3 in the AFC North and 4-8 in the AFC as a whole.
Browns Impact Players
- In 17 games last year, Nick Chubb rushed for 1,525 yards (89.7 per game) and 12 touchdowns.
- Chubb also had 27 receptions for 239 yards and one TD.
- Amari Cooper had 78 receptions for 1,160 yards (68.2 per game) and nine touchdowns in 17 games.
- In 17 games a season ago, Donovan Peoples-Jones had 61 catches for 839 yards (49.4 per game) and three touchdowns.
- Deshaun Watson passed for 1,102 yards (183.7 per game), completing 58.2% of his passes, with seven touchdowns and five interceptions in six games.
- Myles Garrett had 60 tackles, 18.0 TFL, 16 sacks, and four passes defended last year.
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2023-24 Browns NFL Schedule
Odds are current as of July 30 at 5:29 AM ET. Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER.
© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.cleveland19.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/browns-nfl-playoffs-super-bowl-odds/ | 2023-07-30T10:02:36 | 1 | https://www.cleveland19.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/browns-nfl-playoffs-super-bowl-odds/ |
Indiana Fever vs. Seattle Storm: Betting Trends, Record ATS, Home/Road Splits
Sunday's WNBA schedule includes Aliyah Boston's Indiana Fever (6-18) playing at home against Jewell Loyd and the Seattle Storm (5-19) at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The opening tip is at 4:00 PM ET.
Indiana suffered defeat by a final score of 81-68 in its last game against Los Angeles. Leading the way on offense for the Fever was Erica Wheeler, who wound up with 13 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Kristy Wallace posted 13 points and two steals. With Gabby Williams (17 PTS, 50 FG%) contriburing the best performance on the team, Seattle won 83-74 against Chicago. Ezi Magbegor also added 17 points, nine rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks to the effort.
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Fever vs. Storm Game Time and Info
- Who's the favorite?: Fever (-160 to win)
- Who's the underdog?: Storm (+135 to win)
- What's the spread?: Fever (-3.5)
- What's the over/under?: 164.5
- When: Sunday, July 30, 2023 at 4:00 PM ET
- Where: Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana
- TV: ESPN3, FOX13+, and Prime Video
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Fever Season Stats
- The Fever's offense, which ranks sixth in the league with 81.4 points per game, has performed better than their second-worst defense (85.7 points allowed per game).
- Indiana ranks second-best in the WNBA by allowing only 32.7 rebounds per game. It ranks fifth in the league by pulling down 34.8 boards per contest.
- In terms of assists, the Fever are averaging just 18.5 assists per contest (second-worst in league).
- Indiana, who is seventh in the league with 13.6 turnovers per game, is forcing 12.5 turnovers per contest, which is third-worst in the WNBA.
- The Fever have found it difficult to rack up three-pointers, ranking second-worst in the league with 6.4 treys per game. They rank seventh with a 32.5% shooting percentage from beyond the arc this year.
- It's been rough sledding for Indiana in terms of three-pointers allowed, as it is giving up 8.2 threes per game (second-worst in WNBA) and is allowing a 36.3% three-point percentage to opposing teams (second-worst).
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Fever Home/Away Splits
- The Fever have scored at a higher rate at home than on the road in the 2023 season (81.8 at home versus 81.3 on the road), though they have allowed fewer points in home games than in road games (83.3 opponent points per home game versus 86.9 on the road).
- At home, Indiana averages 3.1 more rebounds per game than on the road (36.9 at home, 33.8 on the road), while it allows its opponents to pull down 2.7 more boards in home games than in road games (34.5 at home, 31.8 on the road). On average, the Fever have more assists at home than they do on the road (18.6 at home, 18.4 on the road).
- The 2023 WNBA season has seen Indiana commit more turnovers at home (14.1 per game) than on the road (13.4). It's also forced more turnovers at home (13 per game) than on the road (12.3).
- In 2023 the Fever are averaging 5.4 made three-pointers at home and 6.9 away, while shooting 28.5% from distance at home compared to 34.4% away.
- Indiana concedes 1.700000000000001 fewer three-pointers when playing at home (7.1 per game) than on the road (8.8). It also allows a lower three-point shooting percentage at home (31.8% in home games compared to 38.5% on the road).
Fever Moneyline and ATS Records
- The Fever have been favored on the moneyline four total times this season. They've gone 1-3 in those games.
- The Fever have not played a game this season with moneyline odds of -160 or shorter.
- Indiana has 13 wins in 23 games against the spread this year.
- Indiana has no wins ATS (0-1) as a 3.5-point favorite or greater this year.
- The Fever have an implied moneyline win probability of 61.5% in this game.
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© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.cleveland19.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/indiana-fever-vs-seattle-storm-wnba-betting-trends-stats/ | 2023-07-30T10:02:37 | 0 | https://www.cleveland19.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/indiana-fever-vs-seattle-storm-wnba-betting-trends-stats/ |
How to Watch the WNBA on Sunday: TV Channel, Game Times and Odds
Today's WNBA slate has lots in store. Among those six games is the Minnesota Lynx taking on the Connecticut Sun.
Catch live WNBA games, plus tons of other sports and shows, with a free trial to Fubo!
Today's WNBA Games
The Connecticut Sun take on the Minnesota Lynx
The Lynx look to pull off an away win at the Sun on Sunday at 1:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: CBS Sports Network
- Stream Live: Fubo (regional restrictions may apply)
- Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Records and Stats
- CON Record: 18-6
- MIN Record: 12-13
- CON Stats: 84.0 PPG (fifth in WNBA), 78.6 Opp. PPG (first)
- MIN Stats: 80.2 PPG (eighth in WNBA), 85.4 Opp. PPG (10th)
Players to Watch
- CON Key Player: Alyssa Thomas (14.5 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 8.0 APG)
- MIN Key Player: Kayla McBride (12.6 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.8 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -11.5
- CON Odds to Win: -818
- MIN Odds to Win: +525
- Total: 159.5 points
The Atlanta Dream host the Washington Mystics
The Mystics travel to face the Dream on Sunday at 3:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: Bally Sports
- Stream Live: Fubo (regional restrictions may apply)
- Game Time: 3:00 PM ET
Records and Stats
- ATL Record: 13-11
- WAS Record: 12-12
- ATL Stats: 85.0 PPG (fourth in WNBA), 85.1 Opp. PPG (ninth)
- WAS Stats: 81.1 PPG (seventh in WNBA), 80.3 Opp. PPG (third)
Players to Watch
- ATL Key Player: Rhyne Howard (18.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3.4 APG)
- WAS Key Player: Brittney Sykes (14.1 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 3.6 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -6.5
- ATL Odds to Win: -250
- WAS Odds to Win: +197
- Total: 164.5 points
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The Los Angeles Sparks take on the New York Liberty
The Liberty hit the road the Sparks on Sunday at 4:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
Records and Stats
- LAS Record: 9-15
- NYL Record: 18-6
- LAS Stats: 78.5 PPG (ninth in WNBA), 81.7 Opp. PPG (fourth)
- NYL Stats: 88.7 PPG (second in WNBA), 82.7 Opp. PPG (seventh)
Players to Watch
- LAS Key Player: Nneka Ogwumike (20.3 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 2.7 APG)
- NYL Key Player: Breanna Stewart (23.1 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 3.7 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -9
- NYL Odds to Win: -503
- LAS Odds to Win: +373
- Total: 167 points
The Indiana Fever face the Seattle Storm
The Storm hope to pick up a road win at the Fever on Sunday at 4:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
Records and Stats
- IND Record: 6-18
- SEA Record: 5-19
- IND Stats: 81.4 PPG (sixth in WNBA), 85.7 Opp. PPG (11th)
- SEA Stats: 78.5 PPG (ninth in WNBA), 85.7 Opp. PPG (11th)
Players to Watch
- IND Key Player: Aliyah Boston (14.4 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 2.2 APG)
- SEA Key Player: Jewell Loyd (24.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3.5 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -3.5
- IND Odds to Win: -161
- SEA Odds to Win: +133
- Total: 164.5 points
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The Chicago Sky host the Phoenix Mercury
The Mercury go on the road to face the Sky on Sunday at 4:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: ESPN3 and AZFamily
- Game Time: 4:00 PM ET
Records and Stats
- CHI Record: 9-15
- PHO Record: 6-17
- CHI Stats: 78.1 PPG (11th in WNBA), 82.5 Opp. PPG (sixth)
- PHO Stats: 75.8 PPG (12th in WNBA), 83.5 Opp. PPG (eighth)
Players to Watch
- CHI Key Player: Courtney Williams (9.2 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 6.0 APG)
- PHO Key Player: Brittney Griner (18.2 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.0 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -7
- CHI Odds to Win: -285
- PHO Odds to Win: +228
- Total: 156 points
The Las Vegas Aces take on the Dallas Wings
The Wings hit the road the Aces on Sunday at 6:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: CBS Sports Network
- Stream Live: Fubo (regional restrictions may apply)
- Game Time: 6:00 PM ET
Records and Stats
- LVA Record: 22-2
- DAL Record: 14-10
- LVA Stats: 94.1 PPG (first in WNBA), 78.7 Opp. PPG (second)
- DAL Stats: 86.0 PPG (third in WNBA), 81.7 Opp. PPG (fourth)
Players to Watch
- LVA Key Player: A'ja Wilson (20.8 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 2.0 APG)
- DAL Key Player: Satou Sabally (17.6 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 4.0 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -10
- LVA Odds to Win: -653
- DAL Odds to Win: +462
- Total: 173.5 points
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Dolphins Odds to Make Playoffs and Win Super Bowl
The Miami Dolphins have +2000 odds to win the Super Bowl, eighth-ranked in the league as of December 31.
Watch the Dolphins this season on Fubo!
Dolphins Super Bowl Odds
- Odds to Win the AFC East: +275
- Odds to Win the Super Bowl: +2000
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Miami Betting Insights
- Miami compiled a 9-8-0 ATS record last year.
- Last season, eight Dolphins games hit the over.
- Miami put up 364.5 yards per game on offense last season (sixth in ), and it ranked 18th defensively with 337.8 yards allowed per game.
- The Dolphins had six wins at home last year and three away.
- Miami got seven wins as the favorite in 10 games last season, and won twice (in seven opportunities) as an underdog.
- The Dolphins were 7-5 in the AFC, including 3-3 in the AFC East.
Dolphins Impact Players
- Tua Tagovailoa threw for 3,548 yards (272.9 per game), completing 64.8% of his passes, with 25 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 13 games last year.
- In the passing game, Tyreek Hill scored seven TDs, catching 119 balls for 1,710 yards (100.6 per game).
- Jaylen Waddle had 75 receptions for 1,356 yards (79.8 per game) and eight touchdowns in 17 games a season ago.
- In 16 games, Raheem Mostert rushed for 891 yards (55.7 per game) and three TDs.
- As a tone-setter on defense, Jalen Ramsey collected 88 tackles, 4.0 TFL, two sacks, and four interceptions in 17 games with the Rams last year.
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2023-24 Dolphins NFL Schedule
Odds are current as of July 30 at 5:25 AM ET. Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER.
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How to Watch the WNBA on Sunday: TV Channel, Game Times and Odds
Today's WNBA slate has lots in store. Among those six games is the Minnesota Lynx taking on the Connecticut Sun.
Catch live WNBA games, plus tons of other sports and shows, with a free trial to Fubo!
Today's WNBA Games
The Connecticut Sun take on the Minnesota Lynx
The Lynx look to pull off an away win at the Sun on Sunday at 1:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: CBS Sports Network
- Stream Live: Fubo (regional restrictions may apply)
- Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Records and Stats
- CON Record: 18-6
- MIN Record: 12-13
- CON Stats: 84.0 PPG (fifth in WNBA), 78.6 Opp. PPG (first)
- MIN Stats: 80.2 PPG (eighth in WNBA), 85.4 Opp. PPG (10th)
Players to Watch
- CON Key Player: Alyssa Thomas (14.5 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 8.0 APG)
- MIN Key Player: Kayla McBride (12.6 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.8 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -11.5
- CON Odds to Win: -818
- MIN Odds to Win: +525
- Total: 159.5 points
The Atlanta Dream host the Washington Mystics
The Mystics travel to face the Dream on Sunday at 3:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: Bally Sports
- Stream Live: Fubo (regional restrictions may apply)
- Game Time: 3:00 PM ET
Records and Stats
- ATL Record: 13-11
- WAS Record: 12-12
- ATL Stats: 85.0 PPG (fourth in WNBA), 85.1 Opp. PPG (ninth)
- WAS Stats: 81.1 PPG (seventh in WNBA), 80.3 Opp. PPG (third)
Players to Watch
- ATL Key Player: Rhyne Howard (18.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3.4 APG)
- WAS Key Player: Brittney Sykes (14.1 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 3.6 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -6.5
- ATL Odds to Win: -250
- WAS Odds to Win: +197
- Total: 164.5 points
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The Los Angeles Sparks take on the New York Liberty
The Liberty hit the road the Sparks on Sunday at 4:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
Records and Stats
- LAS Record: 9-15
- NYL Record: 18-6
- LAS Stats: 78.5 PPG (ninth in WNBA), 81.7 Opp. PPG (fourth)
- NYL Stats: 88.7 PPG (second in WNBA), 82.7 Opp. PPG (seventh)
Players to Watch
- LAS Key Player: Nneka Ogwumike (20.3 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 2.7 APG)
- NYL Key Player: Breanna Stewart (23.1 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 3.7 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -9
- NYL Odds to Win: -503
- LAS Odds to Win: +373
- Total: 167 points
The Indiana Fever face the Seattle Storm
The Storm hope to pick up a road win at the Fever on Sunday at 4:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
Records and Stats
- IND Record: 6-18
- SEA Record: 5-19
- IND Stats: 81.4 PPG (sixth in WNBA), 85.7 Opp. PPG (11th)
- SEA Stats: 78.5 PPG (ninth in WNBA), 85.7 Opp. PPG (11th)
Players to Watch
- IND Key Player: Aliyah Boston (14.4 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 2.2 APG)
- SEA Key Player: Jewell Loyd (24.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3.5 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -3.5
- IND Odds to Win: -161
- SEA Odds to Win: +133
- Total: 164.5 points
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The Chicago Sky host the Phoenix Mercury
The Mercury go on the road to face the Sky on Sunday at 4:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: ESPN3 and AZFamily
- Game Time: 4:00 PM ET
Records and Stats
- CHI Record: 9-15
- PHO Record: 6-17
- CHI Stats: 78.1 PPG (11th in WNBA), 82.5 Opp. PPG (sixth)
- PHO Stats: 75.8 PPG (12th in WNBA), 83.5 Opp. PPG (eighth)
Players to Watch
- CHI Key Player: Courtney Williams (9.2 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 6.0 APG)
- PHO Key Player: Brittney Griner (18.2 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.0 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -7
- CHI Odds to Win: -285
- PHO Odds to Win: +228
- Total: 156 points
The Las Vegas Aces take on the Dallas Wings
The Wings hit the road the Aces on Sunday at 6:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: CBS Sports Network
- Stream Live: Fubo (regional restrictions may apply)
- Game Time: 6:00 PM ET
Records and Stats
- LVA Record: 22-2
- DAL Record: 14-10
- LVA Stats: 94.1 PPG (first in WNBA), 78.7 Opp. PPG (second)
- DAL Stats: 86.0 PPG (third in WNBA), 81.7 Opp. PPG (fourth)
Players to Watch
- LVA Key Player: A'ja Wilson (20.8 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 2.0 APG)
- DAL Key Player: Satou Sabally (17.6 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 4.0 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -10
- LVA Odds to Win: -653
- DAL Odds to Win: +462
- Total: 173.5 points
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© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.wflx.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/wnba-odds-how-to-watch/ | 2023-07-30T10:03:43 | 1 | https://www.wflx.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/wnba-odds-how-to-watch/ |
The Battle for 76 Place: One Year Later, Where Things Stand With the Sixers’ Controversial Arena Project
The debate over the Sixers’ potential move from the Sports Complex to Center City has become a standoff involving Philly’s most powerful interests. Will any of them be happy with the outcome?
“Holy shit, this is what I’m building.”
David Adelman and I are walking around outside TD Garden before the May 9th Sixers-Celtics playoff game. The Garden was built around the same time as the Sixers’ current home, the Wells Fargo Center, but feels a world away from the South Philly sports complex.
In downtown Boston, vehicle traffic continues as if nothing out of the ordinary — much less a playoff game — is happening. Underground, a sea of green-clad Celts fans flows into the arena directly from the North Station T stop. The arena is set back from the street, elevated and lit up, while the street level houses a food hall, a live-music club, a fan shop, a bar with a Topgolf simulator, and a subterranean grocery store. It’s a whole thing.
This is what Adelman, a co-owner of the 76ers, imagines when he envisions the arena he’s proposed at Market East. The $1.3 billion 76 Place would, if a lot of things go his and the Sixers’ way, open in 2031, when the team’s lease at Wells Fargo expires.
It would sit atop SEPTA’s Jefferson Station, which brings in subway, Regional Rail and PATCO lines. (It’s reachable directly from 220 stops in all.) It would replace one-third of the struggling Fashion District mall with what Adelman describes as a vibrant entertainment hub. Fans would go directly from the station tunnel to the court. And those fans would stick around for dinner and drinks afterwards.
“Your night shouldn’t just be from the time you scan your ticket to the time you leave,” Adelman says, explaining his vision of a street-level complex similar to the Hub on Causeway that flanks TD Garden. Even on non-game nights, he projects, those businesses will bring activity. Contrast this vision, the platonic ideal of a downtown sports arena project, with his description of that present-day strip of Market East: a “vastness of darkness.”
In Adelman’s view, the arena isn’t just a solution to the question of “Where will my basketball team play?” It’s a salve for a sense of uneasy emptiness that has taken over certain parts of town since the pandemic drained office buildings.
“The antidote to crime is feet on the street,” he says. A recent Brookings Institution report noted that “Center City is remarkably safe compared to the rest of the city as a whole” and that across four major cities, including Philadelphia, the amount of crime in their downtowns compared to that elsewhere was almost negligible. But it’s hard to deny that Market East can seem desolate after the sun sets. Building a shiny new arena in place of a “dying mall,” Adelman says, is a win-win. The Sixers say the arena project will use no public funds from the city and stands to increase jobs, revenue and public safety. Macerich Co., the retail developer that took majority ownership of the Fashion District after paying down $100 million of PREIT’s debt at the end of 2020, is on board with the project, too, and is already calling Fashion District the 76ers’ “future home” in its online leasing information.
But the arena is far from a fait accompli. From the moment the project was formally proposed last July, opposition from the neighboring Chinatown community has been fierce. A large protest in June showed growing resistance to the project on the grounds that it would further threaten a community that’s been hemmed in by one big development project after another. And comments-section griping from fans about parking continues apace.
Meanwhile, Cherelle Parker, who won the Democratic mayoral primary, did so with the support of the city’s powerful Building and Construction Trades unions. Those unions very much want to see the arena built, because it means several years of high-paying jobs.
Each day brings a new reason why the arena will or won’t work and a new voice for or against it: There won’t be enough parking. There aren’t enough events to fill two arenas. We need the jobs. We need something better than the status quo there. Local opinion pages have become an open forum on where the Sixers should or shouldn’t play their home games.
While the 76ers have floated other ideas for arenas in the past, as recently as a 2020 proposal to build one on Penn’s Landing, 76 Place has captured the city’s imagination and raised its ire like none before. One year after it was proposed, the question of where the Sixers will play in 2031 is somehow murkier than ever.
The Sixers aren’t shy about why they want to build an arena. They’d like to control their own destiny, which starts with not being tenants of the Flyers, who are owned by Comcast Spectacor, which owns the Wells Fargo Center. Team management cites two major grievances with the current home. Number one: The player facilities, including locker rooms and training and medical resources, are insufficient compared to those being built at competitors’ shiny, state-of-the-art arenas. And two: priority in scheduling.
“Right now, the Flyers get the first schedule, the concerts get the second schedule, we get third schedule,” Adelman claims. “We haven’t been home for a Christmas in 11 years.” That perceived scheduling imbalance, he argues, gives the Sixers a competitive disadvantage, since star players don’t have as much rest time built in for back-to-back games. Factors on the margin like this can add up and lead to fewer wins and fewer championships. (Actually, the 76ers played at home on Christmas Day as recently as 2019, and Comcast Spectacor says it’s holding December 25th in both 2024 and 2025 open for the Sixers. It also counters that schedules are set by the NBA and the NHL, not the buildings housing the teams.) Dan Hilferty, the longtime president and CEO of Independence Blue Cross who in February was announced as chairman and CEO of Comcast Spectacor, which owns the Wells Fargo Center and the Flyers, says the question about scheduling is a bit more nuanced than that: “The truth of the matter is: There is a balanced back-and-forth scheduling process that we each go through every year.”
As for those player facilities? The 76ers just put $10 million of their own money into their locker rooms at Wells Fargo but claim there simply isn’t enough space or resources to do what’s required. “We have to go back to [the team’s training complex in] Camden for proper medical treatment,” says Adelman. Hilferty pushes back a bit here, too, claiming that Comcast Spectacor offered to pay half the Sixers’ renovation costs.
To the Sixers, at least part of the opposition to the arena stems from a sort of close-mindedness from the public. After all, they say, 18 of the top 20 U.S. markets have downtown arenas, a trend that has picked up in the past decade with venues like the Chase Center in San Francisco and Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. As for the eternal question of “But where will I park?,” the Sixers hope the new location being served by all those transit lines will encourage more fans to use public transportation — another win-win, this time for the environment. They plan to sweeten the deal with free train passes for season-ticket holders. And for those who continue to drive, the Sixers are planning to sell pre-paid parking passes to 29 surrounding lots that they’ll integrate with the game-ticket app. Dedicated rideshare pickup is also built into the design of 76 Place.
Proximity to the Convention Center has potential, too. Adelman is in talks with its management to team up for larger events, which would fill some of the nights when the Sixers aren’t playing and make Philly more desirable for larger conventions without the hassle of crosstown travel — as was required for the 2016 DNC, which took place at both the Wells Fargo Center and the Convention Center.
Comcast Spectacor sees things quite a bit differently. A rep there estimates that more than 80 percent of its guests drive to games (and park in one of the complex’s 22,000 spots) and more than 75 percent live outside the city. Habits aren’t so easily changed. The Boston metro area, management explains, has historically been more dependent on public transit than has Philadelphia, making TD Garden, in their view, a disingenuous analogy.
And then there’s the matter of events, which, some suggest, there simply aren’t enough of to support two arenas. Between the Sixers, the Flyers and concerts, WFC has a pretty full schedule and, at least according to its reps, has to turn away very few concert requests because of scheduling conflicts.
And luring any of those concerts from Wells Fargo could be a challenge for a downtown arena. Wells Fargo has a huge loading dock and lots of bus and truck parking, and it’s literally right off the highway. When Bruce Springsteen’s tour was recently delayed due to a band member’s illness, a rep tells me, the trucks had room to park in the Sports Complex lot for days to wait it out.
The venue’s decades-long relationships with companies like Live Nation and AEG aren’t a negligible hurdle, either. Veteran concert promoter Larry Magid — he’s been in the biz for more than six decades, having co-founded the Electric Factory and served as chairman for Live Nation Philadelphia — remains skeptical. “The question I ask is, ‘How many dates do you come up with to make an arena successful, and who are the players?’ A company like Comcast, who’s been so great for Philadelphia and so well-funded … personally, I’d never bet against a company like that.”
The Wells Fargo Center currently hosts about 220 events a year, the core of which are Flyers and 76ers home games. (It also hosts Wings lacrosse, Villanova basketball, concerts, and family shows like Disney on Ice.) To reach even the 150 event nights the 76ers cite in their projections, “You’ll have to take away a lot of events from the competing arena,” Magid says — and he doesn’t foresee Comcast Spectacor backing down.
Also among the doubters: Sam Katz, the erstwhile mayoral candidate who spent a big chunk of his career financing major projects, including numerous stadia and arenas. He doesn’t think the demand to support two major indoor arenas exists. In an October 2022 op-ed for the Inquirer, he characterized the Sixers’ claim that they can fill those nights as “a pipe dream, totally disconnected from both experience and reality.” (Since writing that op-ed, Katz has, as of June, joined an internal planning group convened by Hilferty to rethink the future of the South Philly sports complex of which the Wells Fargo Center is a part.) He says that growing demand for larger stadium shows (think Taylor Swift at the Linc) and smaller, intimate shows (think Elvis Costello at the Met) makes midsize arena shows a shrinking market.
Meanwhile, the Wells Fargo Center is in the final stages of a $400 million renovation begun in 2016. (A rep for Comcast Spectacor describes it as a “transformation,” noting that “everything but the steel and concrete” is being redone, including wiring and plumbing, and that there are plenty of fancy fan-facing upgrades.) This summer’s project? The very facilities at issue between the Sixers and their landlords. Comcast Spectacor projects the locker rooms will be done by fall, in time for the 2023-’24 NBA season’s October start. It’s also adding and expanding new medical and training facilities.
For its part, Comcast Spectacor would love for the Sixers to not only stay, but to buy into the Wells Fargo Center and have part ownership.
“We would want nothing more than to build a partnership,” Hilferty says. “We would welcome an opportunity to create a 50-50 ownership [with the Sixers].” He explains that Comcast Spectacor would continue to manage the Wells Fargo Center, but the partnership would lay a foundation for the next chapter, too. They may have extended the Wells Fargo Center’s lifespan with the renovations, “but at the end of the lifespan, let’s build the next world-class arena, and let’s focus on looking at development opportunities right here on our existing property.”
The big vision is one of a more vibrant stadium district: collaboration between the four major teams who call it home to welcome more restaurants, housing, a hotel, and entertainment venues — they’ve even thought about building a stadium-district music venue to capture some of that smaller-show market. Hilferty sees this future as brighter if the Sixers remain part of it.
And if you tilt your head just right, there’s a way of looking at this whole arena proposal as posturing by the Sixers to gain leverage in such a deal. It wouldn’t be the first time a team has threatened to move to win a more favorable bargaining position.
None of these concerns matter if 76 Place isn’t approved by the city. And politicians seem to be viewing the project as an opportunity perched over a perilous third rail.
With Cherelle Parker’s primary win in May, we now have a presumptive mayor who has spoken positively of the arena project and who received a lot of backing from the building trades. When 76 Place was announced in July 2022, Parker tweeted that she was “excited by the opportunities.” And while she took a more measured stance on the campaign trail, stressing the importance of neighborhood input, she criticized “reflexive opposition” to a project that has the potential to create thousands of jobs. Specifically, it could mean nearly 10,000 union construction jobs, according to the leader of the Philadelphia Building Trades, Ryan Boyer, whose endorsement of Parker has been characterized as decisive in the crowded primary race. In a March op-ed supporting 76 Place in the Philadelphia Tribune, Boyer declared, “The economic benefits are truly limitless.”
But while a mayor certainly has a great deal of influence, it won’t technically be up to her.
The plans for 76 Place take up the 1000 block of Market Street now occupied by part of the Fashion District mall. That property is currently zoned CMX-5, meaning it’s approved for mixed-use development in Center City. An arena is considered “special use,” which under Philly’s zoning laws requires a variance from City Council. The arena would also extend north, requiring the “striking,” or removal, of Filbert Street between 10th and 11th from the city grid to connect the facility to the former Greyhound station, which is also part of the plan. That means even more legislation.
Enter City Councilmember Mark Squilla. He represents the 1st District, which includes Chinatown and Market East, so he has what’s called “councilmanic prerogative” to bring the land-use legislation before the Council.
If it does pass out of committee, it will go to a public hearing — sure to be contentious — and then finally to a full Council vote. This fall, there will only be 15 Councilmembers, since Helen Gym and David Oh resigned to run for mayor and have yet to be replaced. But the legislation still requires nine affirmative votes — essentially a super-majority, which may be difficult to achieve given the controversy.
“There are a few Councilpeople who have come out and told us they will not support the arena,” says Debbie Wei, co-founder of Asian Americans United, which has previously organized against Chinatown development. Wei says she thinks Squilla “doesn’t want to be the bad guy. He doesn’t want to carry the weight of this.”
Squilla is noncommittal when talking to me about the arena, especially after a bill he introduced in December about unrelated parking-garage refinancing included a provision that would have made it easier to axe the stretch of Filbert Street included in the 76 Place plans. The language appeared mysteriously, and Squilla claimed to have no knowledge of the last-minute addition. He said at the time that it was added by an attorney at Klehr Harrison who Squilla believed was submitting the Kenney administration’s final version, but the Kenney administration said it didn’t direct the attorney — who is in fact working with the Sixers development team — to add the language. In addition to raising the question of how, exactly, our legislation gets written, the flap sowed further mistrust among Chinatown community members who already felt blindsided and left out of the process.
Since then, Mayor Kenney has commissioned the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation to conduct impact studies, including on the community, financials, parking and traffic. Squilla tells me he’s waiting to see the results of those studies — and that he plans to make them available to the public for 30 days before he decides whether to bring legislation at all. “We know there’s still going to be opposition even after the studies are done,” he says, “but at least we’re going through and getting the information necessary to share with the stakeholders so they can then make an educated decision.”
Meanwhile, the Sixers’ legal team has been working on proposed language for the ordinance. It would be a “collaborative effort” between the city’s law department and 76 Devcorp, Squilla explains. And while the Sixers were originally hoping for approvals by June, it’s now looking like this legislative process will begin in the fall, “at the earliest,” he says.
Chinatown sees 76 Place as just the latest threat to its tenuous existence. While economic and political issues may ultimately decide the outcome, the conflict with Chinatown seems to take up the most oxygen.
The Sixers’ best play on this front appears to be winning favor through a community benefits agreement — a contract negotiated with the surrounding neighborhood. The Sixers have promised such an agreement, and politicians say they won’t consider the project without one. Team management has said it plans to invest $50 million in public safety, affordable housing and small businesses in the neighborhood. The CBA would be legally binding for 30 years.
Chinatown remains unconvinced by the Sixers’ overtures. The Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation came out against the arena in March. The project started off on shaky ground, with Chinatown advocacy groups like Asian Americans United claiming they had no notice of the plan prior to the July 2022 announcement. “At this point, it’s impossible for us to trust them,” says Wei. Since then, Adelman and the Sixers have met with the group, but Wei says members didn’t feel their questions were answered. This summer, the Sixers met with other neighborhood groups like the Washington Square West Civic Association, and they have reengaged with Chinatown.
And while the city is conducting its own impact study, the results are unlikely to assuage arena opponents in Chinatown, who felt parameters laid out in the study’s request for proposal lacked specifics and had an impossibly quick turnaround. Wei says Asian Americans United submitted its own draft RFP to the city, but in the final version, much of the community-focused language had been taken out. (Since then, it has been announced that the Sixers would fund these impact studies. The news was met with skepticism from neighborhood groups opposed to the arena, citing concerns that the Sixers’ financing will create undue influence. The city has explained that they asked 76 Devcorp to foot the bill because it didn’t seem right to use public funds to do so, but that the study would remain entirely independent.)
While the proposed arena site isn’t in Chinatown proper, its proximity means the neighborhood will bear a heavy burden. The projected six years of construction would make access to Chinatown difficult. “I know my coffee shop couldn’t survive six years of bulldozers, cranes, wrecking balls, and traffic blocking customers, workers and deliveries,” Will Gross, an organizer with Restaurant Industry and Small Businesses for Chinatown’s Existence (RICE), declared at a massive anti-arena protest in June.
There are concerns that small businesses and residents would be priced out of the neighborhood they’ve spent decades preserving. “When the small businesses close, the things that are sustaining families close,” says Wei.
Adelman pushes back on that idea. “The Phillies ballpark [the downtown venue proposed in 2000] would have displaced people; it would have been eminent domain,” he says. “The Convention Center displaced people and businesses. The Vine Street Expressway did that. This isn’t that — we’re not going to displace one business or one resident.”
Responds Wei: “We’re not stupid.” She sees this as a clear “land grab” by experienced developers.
Back in Boston, before the 7:30 p.m. playoff game, I walked around near the arena and wandered into Halftime Pizza a block away from TD Garden. Matthew Pasquale, along with his brother, runs the business opened by their grandfather 45 years ago. I asked him how the area had changed since the arena came in. “We love the crowds, the fans. They keep us going and we keep them going,” he told me. The crowds can get rowdy, he admitted, mentioning a fight that once broke out in the restaurant, but overall, he’s grateful to be situated near the arena: “When a game lets out, it’s like a rush of people in here. … Businesses will not be disappointed with the foot traffic it brings in.”
But according to Wei, not all foot traffic is created equal. She recalls a similar — to her, unfulfilled — promise that the Convention Center would be great for business. “You might get an occasional person, but they don’t give you the business that regulars give you,” she says. “And if the regulars can’t come in, they stop coming.”
Of course, season-ticket holders have more potential to become “regulars” than folks in town for a one-off business conference, but the point stands: A development like this may promise customers, but they’re likely to be a different kind of customer.
Deep down, the question of economic benefits may be beside the point. And the overwhelming cast of stakeholders makes it very likely that at least one group will be disappointed with the eventual outcome. To opponents of the arena, this is a battle for the soul of their neighborhood, one that has been home to an immigrant population that settled there 150 years ago, when it was an undesirable location, and built a community. Not for nothing, they point out, in the then-desolate space that might have housed a Phillies stadium now live the Asian Arts Initiative, the Folk Arts-Cultural Treasures Charter School, and the Crane building — created since by the community, for the community. The parties may never see eye-to-eye — because they were never playing the same game.
Published as “Clash of the Titans” in the August 2023 issue of Philadelphia magazine. | https://www.phillymag.com/news/2023/07/29/sixers-arena-market-east/ | 2023-07-30T10:03:46 | 1 | https://www.phillymag.com/news/2023/07/29/sixers-arena-market-east/ |
Panthers cornerback CJ Henderson hasn’t lived up to expectations as the ninth overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft.
Henderson had played just 10 games for the Jaguars when they traded him to the Panthers in the middle of his second season. Henderson has been a little more productive in Carolina, but still hasn’t become the type of player a Top 10 pick is supposed to be. So it was no surprise when the Panthers didn’t pick up his fifth-year option this offseason.
That means Henderson is now heading into the fourth and final season of his rookie contract and can hit free agency in 2024, and he believes that makes this a big year for him.
“Just prove to myself I can stay consistent and work at the things I need to work on,” he said, via USA Today. “It’s contract year, it’s big for me. They declined the fifth, but it’s not the end of the world. Keep working and moving forward.”
Henderson said “there’s an edge to me” as he prepares for a prove-it year in 2023. The Panthers would love to see Henderson motivated to live up to his raw talent. | https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/cj-henderson-panthers-declining-my-fifth-year-option-makes-this-a-big-year-for-me | 2023-07-30T10:04:03 | 1 | https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/cj-henderson-panthers-declining-my-fifth-year-option-makes-this-a-big-year-for-me |
Slackline World Champion Jaan Roose pushes the limits: "Per metre walked, this line was my toughest ever"
DOHA, Qatar, July 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Globally renowned Red Bull athlete Jaan Roose has completed the world's longest LED-lit, single-building slackline to cross one of Qatar's newest and most iconic architectural landmarks.
The Estonian national and three-time Slackline World Champion defied the odds by achieving the walk, titled "Sparkline," at the first attempt, walking the distance between the scimitar-shaped, Iconic Towers that are owned by Katara Hospitality and that are home to Raffles and Fairmont Doha in Lusail City.
Covering a distance of over 150 meters, the Sparkline walk is not only the longest on a single building, but also Jaan's second-highest walk to date at an elevation of more than 185 meters on a line just 2.5cm wide.
Speaking on the new world record set, Roose commented:
"When I first saw the Iconic Towers, I knew this was a building that I had to walk. Anything worth achieving comes with its fair share of challenges, and I'm proud to complete this one. Per metre walked, this line was my toughest ever. As an athlete, I'm always looking to push myself further and defy the odds. In this case the heat and wind conditions added a different element that I needed to react to and manage spontaneously while I was on the slackline. The warm LED lights and their extra weight also changed how the line interacted with me and my bodyweight. It's like skateboarding on a big heavy tree trunk rather than a light board."
"The Iconic Towers are an incredible place to be completing this feat and mark a very special visit for my first time in Qatar," Roose added.
The Raffles Doha and Fairmont Doha are two luxury hotels that face each other in beautifully imposing structures shaped like scimitar swords. The towers are some of the latest to be added to Lusail City's expanding list of architectural marvels and create a distinct silhouette against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea. Featuring the world's tallest chandelier, the Fairmont Doha is a masterclass in design, while the suite-only Raffles Doha showcases a spell-binding entrance, a personal butler service and fine-dining delights by world-renowned chef, Enrico Crippa.
Managing Director of Raffles and Fairmont Doha, Christian Hirt, expressed his excitement about the event being hosted at the Iconic Towers, saying "Raffles and Fairmont Doha have always celebrated the extraordinary, and this event embodies that spirit. The project serves to underline our commitment to showcasing high-calibre talents that defy the impossible. As this daring athlete 'Sparklines' across our towers, we hope it captivates the world and inspires others to push their boundaries."
Katara Hospitality's leadership commented: "We are proud of this activation, working alongside Qatar Tourism and Red Bull, as it exemplifies Katara Hospitality's commitment to utilizing the Iconic Towers as a powerful asset to promote tourism and enhance the destination's appeal. Through this event, we aim to showcase the extraordinary capabilities of the Iconic Towers and position them as a symbol of Qatar's excellence in hospitality and entertainment."
Commenting on the project with Jaan Roose, Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism, Berthold Trenkel, said: "Qatar has built a sporting legacy for itself and is now a true hub for international sporting events. We're delighted to support the exhilarating slackline walk event and champion renowned athletes. By fostering a culture of athleticism, we strive to create opportunities for athletes to showcase their skills and reach new heights in their athletic careers. In addition to its world-class sporting facilities, Qatar is home to a fresh and diverse suite of incredible hotels that make Qatar a global destination of choice for all travellers."
The Sparkline walk took place as part of an action-packed calendar of global events in Qatar. With several key sporting events expected to take place in 2023, including Qatar MotoGP, AFC Asian Cup, Qatar Formula 1 Grand Prix, and Geneva International Motor Show, visitors can expect extraordinary sporting experiences in Qatar all year round.
To know more about Jaan Roose, visit www.redbull.com
For imagery and video, please download via this link.
For media-related inquiries, please contact Qatar Tourism's Press Office on:
+974 3392 4466 | pressoffice@visitqatar.qa
For athlete-related media inquiries, please contact Red Bull Qatar:
About Qatar Tourism
Qatar Tourism's mission is to establish Qatar as a place where cultural authenticity meets modernity, and where people of the world come together to experience unique offerings in culture, sports, business and family entertainment, rooted in Service Excellence. Qatar Tourism will regulate and develop the tourism industry, encouraging investment from the private sector. It will set the national strategy for the tourism sector, reviewing it periodically and overseeing its implementation, with the aim of diversifying tourism offerings in the country and increasing visitor spend. Through our network of international offices in priority markets, and cutting-edge digital platforms, Qatar Tourism is expanding Qatar's presence globally and enhancing the tourism sector.
Web: www.visitqatar.qa
About Raffles
Founded in Singapore in 1887, Raffles Hotels & Resorts is where heritage meets modern hotelcraft. Raffles hotels, resorts, and residences are places where ideas are born, history is made and stories and legends are created. At landmark addresses around the world, Raffles' well-travelled guests and residents enjoy experiences that are culturally enriching, intellectually stimulating and always respectful of local communities, heritage and the environment. From one generation to the next, visitors arrive as guests, leave as friends, and return as family. Raffles can be found in key international locations including Singapore, Paris, Istanbul, Dubai, Doha, Maldives, Udaipur, Phnom Penh, and Bali; with flagship openings upcoming in London, Boston and Macau. Progressively shaping the future of luxury hospitality as part of Accor, Raffles benefits from a world-class infrastructure and is a participating brand in the Group's lifestyle loyalty and guest recognition programme, ALL - Accor Live Limitless.
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About Fairmont
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is where the intimate equally coexists with the infinite – an unrivalled portfolio of more than 90 extraordinary hotels where grand moments of life, heartfelt pleasures and personal milestones are celebrated and remembered long after any visit. Since 1907, Fairmont has created magnificent, meaningful and unforgettable hotels, rich with character and deeply connected to the history, culture and community of its destinations – places such as The Plaza in New York City, The Savoy in London, Fairmont San Francisco, Fairmont Banff Springs in Canada, Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai, and Fairmont The Palm in Dubai. Famous for its engaging service, awe-inspiring public spaces, locally inspired cuisine, and iconic bars and lounges, Fairmont also takes great pride in its pioneering approach to hospitality and leadership in sustainability and responsible tourism practices. Fairmont is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,400 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL - Accor Live Limitless – a lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.
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Cowboys Odds to Make Playoffs and Win Super Bowl
As of December 31 the Dallas Cowboys' odds of winning the Super Bowl, +1600, rank them sixth in the NFL.
Watch the Cowboys this season on Fubo!
Cowboys Super Bowl Odds
- Odds to Win the NFC East: +170
- Odds to Win the Super Bowl: +1600
Looking to place a futures bet on the Cowboys to win the Super Bowl this season? Head to BetMGM using our link and enter the bonus code "GNPLAY" for special offers!
Dallas Betting Insights
- Dallas compiled a 9-7-0 record against the spread last season.
- Last season, nine Cowboys games went over the point total.
- Dallas ranked 11th in total offense (354.9 yards per game) and 12th in total defense (330.2 yards allowed per game) last year.
- At home last year, the Cowboys were 8-1. Away, they were 4-4.
- Dallas posted eight wins as the favorite (in 11 games) and three wins as an underdog (five games).
- The Cowboys were 4-2 in the NFC East and 8-4 in the NFC overall.
Cowboys Impact Players
- Tony Pollard ran for 1,007 yards (62.9 per game) and nine touchdowns in 16 games last year.
- In addition, Pollard had 39 catches for 371 yards and three touchdowns.
- In 12 games, Dak Prescott passed for 2,860 yards (238.3 per game), with 23 touchdowns and 15 interceptions, and a completion percentage of 66.2%.
- On the ground, Prescott scored one touchdown and picked up 182 yards.
- In 17 games a season ago, CeeDee Lamb had 107 catches for 1,359 yards (79.9 per game) and nine touchdowns.
- In 13 games played for the Texans, Brandin Cooks had 57 receptions for 699 yards (53.8 per game) and three touchdowns.
- Micah Parsons had 65 tackles, 14.0 TFL, 13.5 sacks, and three passes defended last year.
Bet on Cowboys to win the Super Bowl and plenty more with BetMGM. Head to BetMGM using our link and enter the bonus code "GNPLAY" for special offers!
2023-24 Cowboys NFL Schedule
Odds are current as of July 30 at 5:28 AM ET. Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER.
© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.ktre.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/cowboys-nfl-playoffs-super-bowl-odds/ | 2023-07-30T10:06:26 | 1 | https://www.ktre.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/cowboys-nfl-playoffs-super-bowl-odds/ |
How to Watch the WNBA on Sunday: TV Channel, Game Times and Odds
Today's WNBA slate has lots in store. Among those six games is the Minnesota Lynx taking on the Connecticut Sun.
Catch live WNBA games, plus tons of other sports and shows, with a free trial to Fubo!
Today's WNBA Games
The Connecticut Sun take on the Minnesota Lynx
The Lynx look to pull off an away win at the Sun on Sunday at 1:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: CBS Sports Network
- Stream Live: Fubo (regional restrictions may apply)
- Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Records and Stats
- CON Record: 18-6
- MIN Record: 12-13
- CON Stats: 84.0 PPG (fifth in WNBA), 78.6 Opp. PPG (first)
- MIN Stats: 80.2 PPG (eighth in WNBA), 85.4 Opp. PPG (10th)
Players to Watch
- CON Key Player: Alyssa Thomas (14.5 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 8.0 APG)
- MIN Key Player: Kayla McBride (12.6 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.8 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -11.5
- CON Odds to Win: -818
- MIN Odds to Win: +525
- Total: 159.5 points
The Atlanta Dream host the Washington Mystics
The Mystics travel to face the Dream on Sunday at 3:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: Bally Sports
- Stream Live: Fubo (regional restrictions may apply)
- Game Time: 3:00 PM ET
Records and Stats
- ATL Record: 13-11
- WAS Record: 12-12
- ATL Stats: 85.0 PPG (fourth in WNBA), 85.1 Opp. PPG (ninth)
- WAS Stats: 81.1 PPG (seventh in WNBA), 80.3 Opp. PPG (third)
Players to Watch
- ATL Key Player: Rhyne Howard (18.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3.4 APG)
- WAS Key Player: Brittney Sykes (14.1 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 3.6 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -6.5
- ATL Odds to Win: -250
- WAS Odds to Win: +197
- Total: 164.5 points
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The Los Angeles Sparks take on the New York Liberty
The Liberty hit the road the Sparks on Sunday at 4:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
Records and Stats
- LAS Record: 9-15
- NYL Record: 18-6
- LAS Stats: 78.5 PPG (ninth in WNBA), 81.7 Opp. PPG (fourth)
- NYL Stats: 88.7 PPG (second in WNBA), 82.7 Opp. PPG (seventh)
Players to Watch
- LAS Key Player: Nneka Ogwumike (20.3 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 2.7 APG)
- NYL Key Player: Breanna Stewart (23.1 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 3.7 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -9
- NYL Odds to Win: -503
- LAS Odds to Win: +373
- Total: 167 points
The Indiana Fever face the Seattle Storm
The Storm hope to pick up a road win at the Fever on Sunday at 4:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
Records and Stats
- IND Record: 6-18
- SEA Record: 5-19
- IND Stats: 81.4 PPG (sixth in WNBA), 85.7 Opp. PPG (11th)
- SEA Stats: 78.5 PPG (ninth in WNBA), 85.7 Opp. PPG (11th)
Players to Watch
- IND Key Player: Aliyah Boston (14.4 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 2.2 APG)
- SEA Key Player: Jewell Loyd (24.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3.5 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -3.5
- IND Odds to Win: -161
- SEA Odds to Win: +133
- Total: 164.5 points
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The Chicago Sky host the Phoenix Mercury
The Mercury go on the road to face the Sky on Sunday at 4:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: ESPN3 and AZFamily
- Game Time: 4:00 PM ET
Records and Stats
- CHI Record: 9-15
- PHO Record: 6-17
- CHI Stats: 78.1 PPG (11th in WNBA), 82.5 Opp. PPG (sixth)
- PHO Stats: 75.8 PPG (12th in WNBA), 83.5 Opp. PPG (eighth)
Players to Watch
- CHI Key Player: Courtney Williams (9.2 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 6.0 APG)
- PHO Key Player: Brittney Griner (18.2 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.0 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -7
- CHI Odds to Win: -285
- PHO Odds to Win: +228
- Total: 156 points
The Las Vegas Aces take on the Dallas Wings
The Wings hit the road the Aces on Sunday at 6:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: CBS Sports Network
- Stream Live: Fubo (regional restrictions may apply)
- Game Time: 6:00 PM ET
Records and Stats
- LVA Record: 22-2
- DAL Record: 14-10
- LVA Stats: 94.1 PPG (first in WNBA), 78.7 Opp. PPG (second)
- DAL Stats: 86.0 PPG (third in WNBA), 81.7 Opp. PPG (fourth)
Players to Watch
- LVA Key Player: A'ja Wilson (20.8 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 2.0 APG)
- DAL Key Player: Satou Sabally (17.6 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 4.0 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: -10
- LVA Odds to Win: -653
- DAL Odds to Win: +462
- Total: 173.5 points
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