Caitlin Clark injury update: Fever star ruled out of showdown vs. Aces

Caitlin Clark injury update: Fever star ruled out of showdown vs. Aces

TheIndiana Fever, the newly minted2025 Commissioner's Cup Champions, return home to Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Thursday, July 3 to face off against the Las Vegas Aces withoutCaitlin Clark. Clark will sit out her fourth consecutivegameThursday due to a left groin injury, which also kept her out of theFever's 74-59 winover theMinnesota Lynxin the2025 Commissioner's Cup finalon July 1. She's set to miss her ninth game of the season after a quad injury sidelined her five games last month. The Fever have gone 4-4 without Clark in the lineup, but eagerly await her return to the court. "(I'm) doing everything I can to put myself in a position to play the next game every single time,"Clark saidon June 29. "That's always my goal—to be available for the next game. Doing everything I can with the medical staff to be able to get my body right and be able to do that." Despite being listed as "day-to-day," Clark was ruled out of Thursday's matchup one day before the game.Fever head coach Stephanie White saidJuly 2 that the team was taking a cautious approach with Clark and putting "her long-term health and wellness at the forefront." "I think it's five games before All-Star break," White continued, "so let's just ease her mind even though she's antsy, and let's do this the right way and make sure we're ready to go and 100% when she comes back." Here's everything you need to know about the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year's playing status: 2025 WNBA COMMISSIONER'S CUP:Highlights, recap as Fever beat Lynx OPINION:Conspiracy theory about Clark, jealous players much ado about nothing No. Clark was ruled out for Thursday's matchup against the Aces, the second meeting between the two teams this season. The Fever lost the first matchup 89-81 in Las Vegas on June 22. Clark had 19 points, 10 assists and three rebounds in the loss. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 3. It can be streamed on Prime Video. Head coachStephanie White saidshe first learned of Clark's groin injury on June 25 following the Fever's 94-86 win over the Seattle Storm on June 24, where Clark finished with six points (3-of-13 FG, 0-of-6), nine assists, three steals and two rebounds in 31 minutes of play. Clark previously suffered a quad injury during theFever's 90-88 loss to the New York Libertyon May 24. Clark returned to the Fever's lineup on June 14 in theFever's 102-88 win over the Libertyafter missing five games, which officially ended her longest stretch of missed due to injury in her collegiate or WNBA career. She dropped 32 points, nine assists and eight rebounds in her first game back. "No one said this season was going to be perfect for us. There's going to be ups and downs," Clark said on June 29. "From injuries or coaches not being here for a couple of games. Everybody has been through a little bit of adversity here. So I think just giving our group credit for being able to stick together and know that whatever we have in our locker room is really all we need to go out there and win. I'm just proud of our group." Clark ranks second in the WNBA in assists per game to start the 2025 season. Here's a look at the 2024 Rookie of the Year's full stats (per game): Games played: 9 Minutes: 33.3 Points: 18.2 Rebounds: 5.0 Assists: 8.9 Steals: 1.6 Blocks: 0.7 Turnovers: 5 FG%: 39.0 3P%: 29.5 The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast.Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Caitlin Clark injury update: Will Fever star play vs. Aces today?

byMario Satorik

in

July 03, 2025

Caitlin Clark injury update: Fever star ruled out of showdown vs. Aces

Caitlin Clark injury update: Fever star ruled out of showdown vs. Aces TheIndiana Fever, the newly minted2025 Commissioner's Cup Champio...

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NFL contract updates: Latest news on Micah Parsons, Lamar Jackson, T.J. Watt extensions

NFL contract updates: Latest news on Micah Parsons, Lamar Jackson, T.J. Watt extensions

NFL teamshave doled outhundreds of millions of dollars in free agencyduring the 2025 offseason, but they may not be done spending yet. Several prominentNFLstars are still negotiating contract extensions. This includes a handful of players who are set to becomefree agents in 2026, young talents nearing the end of their rookie contracts and MVP-level performers who are being paid at a below-market rate. Not all of these players will ink long-term extensions, and some could eventually be traded if they reach an impasse with their teams. Nonetheless, NFL fans will be closely watching players likeMicah Parsons,Lamar JacksonandT.J. Wattas they look to lock in lucrative – and perhaps record-breaking – contracts ahead of the 2025 season. Here's what to know about negotiations between the teams and players seeking extensions. Parsons reported to Dallas Cowboys minicampin June despite not having a new contract in place. At the time, he expressed he was "pretty hopeful" the two parties would agree to a contract extension ahead of the 2025 NFL season. "I understand that it's up to [Jerry Jones]," Parsons told reporters in June. "He gives the green light on everything, so hopefully something is done by next month." Despite Parsons' optimism, his representation hadn't yet had any contract extension talks with Jones at the time of his comments, perUSA TODAY's Tyler Dragon. Still, neither side was concerned with the pace of negotiations. Parsons even acknowledged he could potentially benefit from waiting until players like T.J. Watt or Trey Hendrickson eventually sign their big-money deals. "It's going to cost them more,"Parsons told Clarence Hill of All City DLLSof theCowboyswaiting to sign his extension. COWBOYS NEWS:Dallas cheerleaders are getting a 400% pay raise Baltimore Ravensgeneral manager Eric DeCosta acknowledged ina June appearance on the "BMore Baseball Podcast"the team wasexploring a contract extension with Jackson. "We've had some conversations before the draft, after the draft, in person last week," DeCosta said. "I think we're in the introductory sort of stage of looking at what an extension might look like." DeCosta cautioned the Ravens had "a lot of business" to conduct with several players at the time of the interview. Jackson is under contract through the 2027 NFL season, so Baltimore has spent the 2025 offseason inking extensions with players under shorter-term contracts, including running backDerrick Henryand receiverRashod Bateman. Still, the Ravens would likely prefer to extend Jackson before the 2026 NFL offseason, as his cap hit will rise to $74.5 million, perOver the Cap. And the Ravens appear to have every expectation they will eventually sign Jackson to another record-breaking extension. "The value is the top. When Lamar gets paid, he's going to be the highest paid player in football, just like he was last time,"John Harbaugh told reporters in May. "I think every contract he signs probably until he decides to hang up his cleats, he's going to be that guy." Watt did not participate in Steelers minicampwhile seeking a new contract. The 30-year-old is currently set to play the 2025 season on the final year of a four-year, $112.01 million contract extension he signed during the 2021 offseason. At the time,Watt's contractmade him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history. Now, he ranks seventh among edge rushers in average annual value (AAV), and well behindMyles Garrett's $40 million AAV price tag. Watt's decision to skip minicamp hasprompted trade rumorsabout the pass rusher. ESPN reported "multiple teams" reached out to theSteelersabout the veteran pass rusher after the team tradedMinkah Fitzpatrickto the Miami Dolphins as part ofthe Jalen Ramsey trade. However, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the Steelers "are adamant they want Watt to finish his career in Pittsburgh," while NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports they "have no interest" in trading the perennial All-Pro. Hendrickson and theBengalsappeared to be heading toward a split earlier in the offseason. The 30-year-old received permission from the Bengalsto seek a trade– marking the second consecutive year he hadrequested a tradeaway from the team – and criticized the team for consistently failing to communicate with himabout a potential contract extension. However, Hendrickson and the Bengalsresumed contract talksin mid-June, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. The report came just over a month after Hendrickson released a statement sayingthere had been "no communication"between the two parties following the conclusion of the 2025 NFL Draft on April 26. "The offers prior to the draft did not reflect the vision we shared and were promised last offseason if I continued to play at a high level," the statement read. "Coaches are aware of these past conversations. Rather than using collaboration to get us to a point to bring me home to the team, THEY are no longer communicating. I have been eagerly awaiting a resolution of this situation, but that's hard to do when there is no discussion and an evident lack of interest in reaching mutual goals." It's worth noting the Bengals alsoremain embroiled in a contract disputewith rookie edge rusherShemar Stewart. It isn't clear whether Cincinnati's inability to reach a deal with its first-round pick has impacted its approach to negotiations with Hendrickson. SHEMAR STEWART:Explaining rookie's contract dispute with Bengals TheNew York Jetshadopened contract extensiondiscussions with both Gardner andGarrett Wilsonas of June, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. How have those talks gone? Gardner described his dealings with the Jets as"productive"in a July 2 appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show." "We have our goals, in terms of numbers and stuff like that, and the Jets are aware of that," Gardner said. "And I'm aware of the rest of my peers, like [Jaycee Horn], [Derek Stingley Jr.], even [Patrick Surtain II] got paid, obviously before me, but those are all guys that are well-deserving of the money that they got. It's definitely something that my team and the Jets are talking about." Gardner did not provide a timetable for reaching an extension. He is under contract with the Jets through the 2026 NFL season, as New York exercised his $20.2 million fifth-year option in April. As mentioned, the Jets didn't just open negotiations with Gardner; they also did with Wilson. He told reporters at OTAs there had been "a few discussions, here and there" about an extension. "I'm hopeful I'm a Jet for life and that we get this thing rolling and that all of our best days are ahead of us,"he said at the time. The comments were a departure from his tone at the end of New York's disappointing 2024 season, when he was asked point-blank whether he wanted to stay with the Jets long-term. "I don't know, man,"Wilson told reporters in December. "I just do whatever, go about my day, be where my feet at and if they do [offer an extension], that would be a blessing. That would be awesome. I love the Jets. At the end of the day, they were the ones that believed in me. I can't be worrying about all that. Just going to finish these three games the right way." McLaurin held outfrom Washington Commanders minicamp as he seeks a new contract. It stemmed from the receiver being "frustrated with the lack of progress on a long-term deal," perFox Sports' Jordan Schultz. McLaurin, 29, is entering the final season of a three-year, $68.4 million deal in 2025 and is hoping to cash in after posting a fifth-consecutive 1,000-yard season and a career-high 13 touchdowns in his first season working withJayden Daniels. Will that happen soon? Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer intimated extension talks were"not in a great place"in late June. However, he acknowledged "there's plenty of time to get something done" before the season. TERRY MCLAURIN:Projecting WR's contract as he holds out from Commanders Cook is hoping to get a new contract with the Buffalo Bills and is reportedly seeking a deal paying him $15 million in AAV. The two sides were far apart in their hopes for his next contract, asBills general manager Brandon Beane expressed in March, and haven't yet bridged the gap. Despite this, Cook decided to attend Buffalo's mandatory minicamp and participated in all three sessions. "I like my money," Cook said when explaining his decision to participate, perESPN. Cook expects to be in attendance at training camp as well. The bigger question is whether he will participate fully in workouts or "hold in" to gain leverage in contract negotiations. "I don't know, man," Cook said. "We will see when camp comes." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:NFL contract updates: Latest on Micah Parsons, Lamar Jackson, more

byMario Satorik

in

July 03, 2025

NFL contract updates: Latest news on Micah Parsons, Lamar Jackson, T.J. Watt extensions

NFL contract updates: Latest news on Micah Parsons, Lamar Jackson, T.J. Watt extensions NFL teamshave doled outhundreds of millions of dolla...

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Many Americans want a third party. But where would it fit?

Many Americans want a third party. But where would it fit?

A version of this story appeared in CNN's What Matters newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for freehere. Americans are entrenched into their partisan corners, but the party lines keep moving in weird new ways. Republicans who grew up in the Grand Old Party might not recognize a party overtaken by the Make America Great Again movement. Democrats who cheered when President Bill Clinton declared the era of big government to be over might wonder how it is that a democratic socialist is their party'scandidate for mayor of New York City. Others have followed Democratic expat and scion of Camelot Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with his Make America Healthy Again mantra, to vote for Trump. For a variety of structural reasons, two options is what most Americans get, even though poll after poll suggests few are happy with either party. Against that backdrop, it's interesting to considerElon Musk's pledgeto form an "America Party," an alternative to Republicans and Democrats, if President Donald Trump's megabill becomes law. "Our country needs an alternative to the Democrat-Republican uniparty so that the people actually have a VOICE," hewrote on his social media platform. Musk's primary concern is that the megabill adds to the national debt, he said – and not, as Trump alleges, that he's sore about the end of tax credits to encourage Americans to buy electric vehicles. The third-party pledge follows Musk's musings last month that the US needs a party "that actually represents the 80% in the middle." It's an interesting thought experiment to consider what the political middle might look like to a space and computer nerd and technocrat like Musk. He cares deeply about climate change and wants desperately for humans to be interplanetary and to live on Mars, but he opposes the megabill for all its government spending. He has strong thoughts about encouragingmore American women to have babies, but thinks the addition of people to the country through illegal immigration is an existential threat to the US. The same thought experiment crossed my mind last month when Karine Jean-Pierre, who was White House press secretary under former President Joe Biden, announced in the run-up to the publication of her memoir that she's leaving the Democratic Party. "We need to be clear-eyed and questioning, rather than blindly loyal and obedient as we may have been in the past,"she said in a statement to CNN. But it doesn't seem like Jean-Pierre's version of independence will be in the same galaxy as Musk's. One of the more interesting political campaigns of the coming months is likely to be the New York City mayor's race, in which the upstart Democrat (and democratic socialist) Zohran Mamdani will take on Eric Adams, the sitting mayor who is also a Democrat but is running as an independent. Also on the ballot as a "Fight and Deliver" independent will be former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, another Democrat, although it's not clear if he'll seriously campaign between now and November. That's a lot of different versions of Democrats New Yorkers will be able to sort through. There are, of course, existing third parties in the US. The Green and Libertarian parties appear on most ballots for president, which means they have dedicated followings across the country, but they lack the power to get anyone elected to either the House or Senate. Former Rep. Ron Paul of Texas mounted presidential campaigns as both a Libertarian and a Republican, but he got the most traction as a libertarian-minded Republican. His son, Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, is one of the few Republicans now willing to cross Trump and oppose the megabill. Paul, like Musk, is worried about the national debt. A senator closer to the middle, Alaska's Lisa Murkowski, did vote for the bill, but only after securing carveouts that will help her state – but could aggravate every other American. Murkowski is that rare moderate who can survive without party backing. She won a write-in reelection campaign – thetriple lindyof politics – after losing the Republican primary in 2010. That was before her party veered even more toward Trump, but Murkowski recently told CNN's Audie Cornish there are more quiet centrist Americans than people realize. She's representing them, she said, even if Washington is a dangerous place to be a moderate. "You're roadkill in the middle," Murkowski toldCornish for her "The Assignment" podcast. Another Republican who opposed the megabill is Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina. He said cuts to Medicaid would cost too many North Carolinians their health insurance. But prioritizing the people you represent rather than the national party is anathema in today's political environment. "In Washington over the last few years, it's become increasingly evident that leaders who are willing to embrace bipartisanship, compromise, and demonstrate independent thinking are becoming an endangered species," Tillis said in a statement Sunday. Fearing a primary and Trump's wrath, or maybe just tired of defending the shrinking middle ground in the Senate, Tillis also announced he would not seek reelection next year, which immediately made his North Carolina seat Democrats' top pickup priority. Democrats must hope that a moderate like former Gov. Roy Cooper will jump in the race and defy Democrats' national branding. Perhaps Cooper would play the same kind of role as former Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia. Manchin voted with Democrats most of the time, but his tendency to buck the party leadership made him a thorn in the side of progressives. Coincidentally, when Manchin left office, Democrats lost their majority in the Senate. On his way out the door, Manchin said it wastime for a third-partyalternative, but he opted not to run for president. Kennedy did run for president after leaving the Democratic Party and his ultimate support for Trump likely brought in some new support for the president, who is now letting Kennedyrethink US vaccine policyto the consternation of the scientific community. Kennedy is also trying to take on the food industry. Help from Kennedy's independents probably helped Trump win, but maybe not as much as thenearly $300 millionMusk is known to have spent, mostly on Trump's behalf. Musk's political ventures may have now turned off Tesla's natural climate-concerned consumer base as well as the MAGA faithful. Regardless of the wealth he could spend, what middle would his America party fit into? For more CNN news and newsletters create an account atCNN.com

byMario Satorik

in

July 03, 2025

Many Americans want a third party. But where would it fit?

Many Americans want a third party. But where would it fit? A version of this story appeared in CNN's What Matters newsletter. To get it ...

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North Carolina governor vetoes anti-DEI and transgender rights bills, calling them 'mean-spirited'

North Carolina governor vetoes anti-DEI and transgender rights bills, calling them 'mean-spirited'

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Democratic Gov. Josh Stein vetoed on Thursday threeanti-DEI billsand another measure that in part would targettransgender rights. His actions set up more showdowns with Republican lawmakers who pitch the legislation as doing away with structured racial bias in government and public education, protecting women and empowering parents. Stein criticized the Republican-controlled legislature for focusing on these measures while they've yet to enact a budget for the fiscal year that started this week. Instead, Stein said in a news release, it "wants to distract us by stoking culture wars that further divide us. These mean-spirited bills would marginalize vulnerable people and also undermine the quality of public services and public education." The measures cutting or eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in state and local governments, K-12 public schools and the university system have been a major priority for GOP lawmakers. They argue the programs targeted have overemphasized identity to the detriment of merit and societal unity. The other vetoed bill initially ran as a bipartisan measure curbing sexual exploitation of women and minors by implementing age verification and consent requirements for people who appear on pornography websites. But the final measure was loaded up with several contentious provisions. One would prevent state-funded gender transition procedures or gender-affirming hormone therapy for prisoners. It also affirms the recognition of two sexes and requires the state to officially attach a transgender person's new birth certificate to their old one if they change their sex assigned at birth. The bills align withPresident Donald Trump's agenda todismantle DEI practicesandpress against transgender rights.The legislation is now back at the General Assembly, which could return from a recess later this month to attempt veto overrides and advance other legislation. Republicans are one House seat short of a veto-proof majority. No Democrats voted for the final three anti-DEI measures. However, one House Democrat did vote for the other vetoed bill. By vetoing that measure, House Speaker Destin Hall said in a release, Stein "has sided with radical activists over the overwhelming majority of North Carolinians who believe in parental rights, biological reality, and protecting women and children." The bill also would order local school districts to adopt policies so parents can ask that their child be excused from activities or readings that would "impose a substantial burden on the student's religious beliefs." Stein said in a veto message that he strongly supported the sexual exploitation provisions in the bill, but the final measure went too far. "My faith teaches me that we are all children of God, no matter our differences, and that it is wrong to target vulnerable people, as this bill does," he added. As for the anti-DEI measures, one bill would ban training, staff positions and hiring decisions that incorporate DEI in state agencies. The legislation also would outlaw those agencies or local governments from using state funds for DEI programs. Workers who violate the law could face civil penalties and litigation. The two other bills would bar "divisive concepts" and "discriminatory practices" across public education statewide. A Stein veto message said the bill addressing state and local governments in part "is riddled with vague definitions yet imposes extreme penalties for unknowable violations." As for the education measures, Stein wrote, "we should not whitewash history" and "should ensure our students learn from diverse perspectives and form their own opinions." Stein has now vetoed 11 measures since taking office in January — all of them in the past two weeks. Of the eight bills he signed Friday, one will block certain abuse and neglect charges for parents or caregivers raising transgender children "consistent with the juvenile's biological sex." The bill also says that adoption agencies can't be permitted to deny someone from adopting a child because of their unwillingness to allow the child to transition. Bill sponsors said the restrictions were needed to allow parents and guardians to raise children in line with their family values. But opponents said the measure would harm transgender children and intrude in family matters already governed by other laws. Nine House Democrats voted for the final bill. Stein's office didn't immediately respond Friday to a request for comment.

byMario Satorik

in

July 03, 2025

North Carolina governor vetoes anti-DEI and transgender rights bills, calling them 'mean-spirited'

North Carolina governor vetoes anti-DEI and transgender rights bills, calling them 'mean-spirited' RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Caroli...

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Lewis Hamilton warns against rushing an 'F1' movie sequel after box-office success

Lewis Hamilton warns against rushing an 'F1' movie sequel after box-office success

SILVERSTONE, England (AP) — Lewis Hamilton says he just wants to enjoy the "F1" movie's success as he warned Thursday that rushing a sequel would be "the worst thing we probably could do." The seven-timeFormula 1champion was an executive producer onthe film, which stars Brad Pitt as a hard-bitten racer making a late-career comeback. Itbecame Apple's biggest box-office hityet when it debuted with $55.6 million in North American theaters and $144 million globally over the weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday. "We literally just finished it, so I think the last thing we want right now is a sequel," Hamilton said Thursday ahead of the British Grand Prix. "It's been four years in the making. It was a lot of work, particularly for (director Joseph Kosinski). It's time away from your family, it's time away from your kids, and also you need this to just simmer for a while, you know. Like, let's enjoy it. "I think the worst thing we probably could do is to rush into doing a sequel," the Ferrari driver added. "Most sequels are way worse, and so we don't need to rush it. I think if we do do a sequel, I would say let's really, really take our time in getting it even better." Hamilton said he was bringing F1 race-track procedures to the movie business by asking for a "debrief" on the project, in the same way a team analyzes a race before heading to the next one. "Let's review what we did, what we could have done better," he said. "I don't know if they ever do that in the movie business, but it's something obviously I've learned from here." ___ AP auto racing:https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing

byMario Satorik

in

July 03, 2025

Lewis Hamilton warns against rushing an 'F1' movie sequel after box-office success

Lewis Hamilton warns against rushing an 'F1' movie sequel after box-office success SILVERSTONE, England (AP) — Lewis Hamilton says h...

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Joey Chestnut reveals tips on becoming GOAT at Nathan's contest

Joey Chestnut reveals tips on becoming GOAT at Nathan's contest

Joey Chestnut is set to return to the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest Friday, July 4 after a one-year ban due to a contractual dispute. What remains indisputable is his standing at an event that officially started in 1972. He is the GOAT. Over the past two decades, Chestnut has won the contest 16 times, 10 more than any other eater has won the men's competition in the history of the event. He also holds record for most hot dogs and buns consumed during the 10-minute contest with 72, 10 more than any other competitor has eaten. During an interview with USA TODAY Sports, Chestnut, 41, shared details about how he became the Greatest Of All Time after eating 32 hot dogs and buns in 2005 in his debut at the Nathan's contest. Chestnut said his inner drive remains high two decades later. "I want to push myself,'' he said. "There's room for growth. I've seen that there's little things I can do to get better at everything. I enjoy pushing myself at setting up these crazy contests at home." Despite winning 16 Mustard belts, awarded to Nathan's champion ever year, Chestnut said some things never change as the contest approaches. "I still get nervous,'' he said. "I mean, I definitely still care.'' On the day of the contest, Chestnut uses an electric stimulation machine on his abdomen. "To get everything working, get everything loose,'' he said. "I'm working really hard to get everything relaxed.'' For competitive eaters, the standard training involves drinking excessive amounts of water to stretch their stomachs and increase their capacity for hot dogs and buns and to simulate the hot dog contest. Chestnut, however, has elevated training and preparation to another level. Although he said he would not reveal all of his secrets, his novel techniques include neck raises with a 16-pound bag attached to a leather strap that hangs from a mouthguard, according to Chestnut. "When I'm raising up (his neck), I have to keep my jaw clenched the entire time,'' he said. "And when I'm raising up, I'm almost imagining I'm swallowing. So I'm thrusting my tongue against the leather strap the mouthpiece is glued to. "That's good for the jaws and my neck a little bit.'' Then there are the burping exercises, Chestnut explained. "If I'm outside, I can practice swallowing and then burp, getting all those muscles and my esophagus working together,'' he said. "It also helps my stomach because there's layers of muscle around your stomach and those muscles have to get used to stretching, and you can't stretch it all the time with food or even water.'' He also said he takes Primatene, an over-the-counter drug used for mild intermittent asthma. "I noticed early on right away, it helped me breathe through my nose while I'm eating,'' he said. "But it also helped (get) amped up. That's one of my little tricks.'' Few details escape Chestnut, such as the water he uses for dunking the hot dog buns. "I like my water about 116 degrees," he said. "Hot water, it helps digestion, helps muscles relax, helps fat stay liquid. The muscles stretching, the hot water really helps that.'' At home, Chestnut said, he practices with the water temperature as low as 111 degrees and as high as 121 degrees because it's challenging to get the water to exactly 116 degrees on the day of the contest. He also said he practices getting the water to the right temperature quickly because at Nathan's there is limited time between the introductions and start of the contest. "Everybody brings their own water, and I'll have a two-gallon bag within another bag that keeps it pretty close to (116 degrees). It will come out just a little bit hot and I'll just have a cup of cold water and just pour a little bit of water. "And (during training) I practice mixing it to the temperature I like really quickly.'' Generally speaking, Chestnut said, he's a mild-mannered guy. But he's learned to channel his anger when he's competing at Nathan's. "I kind of kept it hidden how competitive I was with it. I mean, it seemed really almost crazy to be that competitive for eating contest. ... "I like having this perfect mix of anger and I'm amped up. But then I can also breathe calm. It sounds really weird, but I can be angry and calm at the same time.'' The anger flared during the 2022 contest, when hebriefly put a protester in a chokeholdafter the man came onto the stage and bumped Chestnut. "I look at video and I look really, really angry,'' Chestnut said. "I felt embarrassed.'' Quickly, Chestnut resumed eating. He won the contest by a margin of 15 hot dogs and buns. Less sheepish about his intensity, Chestnut said this year he'll draw on lingering anger about being banned last year. "I'm going to let loose,'' said the GOAT. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Joey Chestnut reveals how he became the GOAT at Nathan's

byMario Satorik

in

July 03, 2025

Joey Chestnut reveals tips on becoming GOAT at Nathan's contest

Joey Chestnut reveals tips on becoming GOAT at Nathan's contest Joey Chestnut is set to return to the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contes...

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Trump visits Iowa to kick off America's 250th anniversary, reassure farmers on trade

Trump visits Iowa to kick off America's 250th anniversary, reassure farmers on trade

By Nandita Bose WASHINGTON (Reuters) -President Donald Trump travels to Iowa on Thursday to kick off celebrations marking America's 250th anniversary next year and to tout recent trade and legislative actions to heartland voters who helped propel his return to the White House. Trump will deliver a campaign-style speech at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, a familiar stop for presidential candidates in the early primary state. Trump won Iowa's 2024 Republican caucuses by a historically large margin and carried the state by 13 percentage points in the general election. His latest visit comes ahead of a Friday deadline he set for Congress to pass his sweeping tax and spending legislation, a cornerstone of his second-term domestic agenda that touches everything from immigration to energy policy. In remarks mixing patriotism and policy, Trump will aim to reassure Iowa's voters that his administration is defending their interests and delivering tangible results, according to a person with knowledge of the speech. Trump's trade policies have whipsawed agricultural communities in Iowa, creating economic uncertainty and testing loyalties. Iowa farmers have been hit hard, especially with China's retaliatory tariffs slashing soybean exports and prices. In a Truth Social post on Tuesday announcing his trip, Trump called Iowa "one of my favorite places in the world." "I'll also tell you some of the GREAT things I've already done on Trade, especially as it relates to Farmers. You are going to be very happy with what I say," Trump said. At recent Republican town halls in Iowa, tensions flared as farmers and constituents pressed congressional leaders, including Republican Senator Chuck Grassley, to push back against Trump's retaliatory tariffs. Some Republicans also worry that deep cuts to the Medicaid health program in their sweeping tax bill will hurt the party's prospects in the 2026 midterm elections. Trump has made several memorable trips to the Iowa State Fairgrounds. In 2015, the reality TV star and presidential candidate gave children rides on his personal helicopter as he aimed to overshadow Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. In 2023, Trump's private jet buzzed low over the crowds in another flashy power move, stealing the spotlight from primary rival Ron DeSantis as he campaigned on the ground below. (Reporting by Nandita Bose in Washington; Editing by Colleen Jenkins and Cynthia Osterman)

byMario Satorik

in

July 03, 2025

Trump visits Iowa to kick off America's 250th anniversary, reassure farmers on trade

Trump visits Iowa to kick off America's 250th anniversary, reassure farmers on trade By Nandita Bose WASHINGTON (Reuters) -President Do...

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