WNBA All-Star Game betting preview: Team Coop's guards could give them the edge over Team Spoon

You probably didn't know it, but the WNBA has been off for a few days now because of the All-Star Game that takes place tonight. I know that you missed it, but now we have some women's basketball back, so don't be too upset! Jokes aside, I've enjoyed this season despite the same narratives being pushed.

Betting on the sport has proved very profitable and rewarding to this point as well. This is an exhibition, but I do think we have an edge here.

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The teams are basically divided by fan voting, player, and coaches. I don't think it is really important to get into how the players got here, but you should know who is on what team. For Team Coop, they have Paige Bueckers as their main attraction. If you're not familiar with Bueckers' game, you should be. She is elite in many ways. A great scorer, a solid playmaker, and even good on defense.

What I like most about this team is that they have a lot of talented guards. If they want to get out and run, they shouldn't have any trouble.

Kahleah Copper is one of the most elite finishers in the game. Marina Mabrey is a lethal outside shooter. Sonia Citron is one of the better young players and a talented scorer. Kelsey Mitchell is one of my favorite players in the league and a versatile scorer. That doesn't mention Breanna Stewart, who is still one of the best players in the league, and Angel Reese, who will play with energy and effort no matter if this is an exhibition or if it actually meant something. Their team is very good.

You're certainly familiar with their Captain, Caitlin Clark. Clark was going to be an All-Star based on popularity, but her performance on the court shows she deserves to be here. Expect that she doesn't do quite a bit in this game, though. She is likely going to pass and facilitate much more than look to score.

I could see her shooting from deep, but I don't think that she is going to just jack up shots like they do in the men's version of this game.

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The rest of the team is rounded out mostly by forwards/centers — Aliyah Boston is really good and familiar with Clark, being that they are on the same team. A'ja Wilson is the best player in the WNBA, but I don't think she is going to try all that hard in this game.

Jonquel Jones, Nneka Ogwumike, and Kiki Iriafen will round out that group. They should be able to get a bucket just about whenever they want, but they are better closer to the basket than farther away. Oliva Miles is one person who stands out to me as someone who might pour in buckets for Team Spoon.

The scores from the past few years are interesting. Last year, the total went to 282. The year prior, it was just 226. In 2023, they were at 270, and in 2022 they scored just 246. Tonight's total is 277.5. I think that is too high. The women can score, don't get me wrong, but I think the chances of them just pouring in points is more likely for Team Coop than for Team Spoon. The game is also in the United Center, which is notorious for being tougher to shoot in for many players.

Not only will I back the under, but I'll also take Team Cooper. If either team is likely to run the floor and play in a game with little defense, I think the guards will be more energetic and ready to go. They are getting +3.5 points, and I think some of that is because Clark is on the team, and some maybe because of Wilson. I'll still take the points with Cooper.

For more sports betting information and plays, follow David on X/Twitter: @futureprez2024

source https://www.foxnews.com/outkick-sports/wnba-all-star-game-betting-preview-team-coop-guards-could-give-them-edge-team-spoon

Another top Seattle mayoral aide exits as Katie Wilson administration faces continued staff turnover

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson's press secretary is leaving City Hall after less than seven months on the job, marking the latest high-profile departure from an administration that has already faced significant staffing turnover during its first year.

Local outlet PubliCola reported Wednesday that Sage Wilson made the call after "deciding he’d be more effective as an advocate for progressive causes outside the mayor’s office than inside it."

"Wilson, who previously worked in media relations for the labor advocacy group Working Washington and the progressive policy group Civic Ventures, doesn’t have a job lined up yet; his last day will be in early August," the report continued.

On his LinkedIn page, Wilson identifies himself as Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson’s deputy communications director.

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Sage Wilson's departure is the latest in a series of staffing changes inside Mayor Katie Wilson's office. PubliCola previously reported that the mayor's communications director, Seferiana Day, resigned in June after the mayor requested her resignation following several weeks of negative publicity.

According to the outlet, City Hall later brought in political consultant Crystal Nicole Fincher as a temporary communications advisor and Seattle Department of Transportation spokeswoman Dawn Schellenberg to assist with media relations.

On Thursday, the Everett Post reprinted a story from The Center Square that quoted Schellenberg as saying that the turnover is to be expected.

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"It is common for new administrations to have some turnover and restructuring during the early phase as staff settle into their roles and address the priorities voters elected them to do," Schellenberg said.

Before taking office, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson urged Seattle residents to boycott Starbucks in support of a baristas' union protest at one of the company's local stores. She later softened her stance after Starbucks announced it would establish a regional headquarters in Nashville and relocate some Seattle-based jobs there.

"I had the pleasure of visiting the Pike Place Market Starbucks a little while ago, and I ordered – I think it was a blueberry muffin latte that was like a staff creation," Wilson said during a June interview with FOX 13 Seattle co-anchor Hana Kim, who had asked Wilson if she still supports a boycott of Starbucks.

"I guess I broke my boycott," Wilson added. "And yeah, but I, you know, I don’t know. What do you want me to say about that?"

In a May Wall Street Journal opinion piece, former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz criticized Wilson's "socialist rhetoric," arguing it reflected an anti-business climate contributing to companies leaving Seattle.

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"Seattle’s mayor, Katie Wilson, has chosen to cast business as a foil rather than a partner," Schultz wrote in the op-ed. "Her socialist rhetoric vilifies employers, even while she continues to rely on them for revenue. She has encouraged residents who disagree with her policies to leave."

News of Sage Wilson’s departure quickly prompted criticism from political opponents on social media, many of whom pointed to the administration's earlier staff changes as evidence of broader instability. Others wished the departing spokesman well and speculated about the demands of the job.

Fox News Digital reached out to Sage Wilson for comment.

source https://www.foxnews.com/media/another-top-seattle-mayoral-aide-exits-katie-wilson-administration-faces-continued-staff-turnover

NHL's top American-born scorer Patrick Kane signs deal to return to Chicago Blackhawks

Considering it will no doubt be hanging in the United Center rafters at some point, I think most people assumed that the last time a Chicago Blackhawks No. 88 sweater would hit the ice was in Patrick Kane's final game before getting traded to the New York Rangers in 2023.

Wrong.

On Thursday, the Blackhawks announced that Kane, who won three Stanley Cups in Chicago and is the top American-born scorer in NHL history, is returning to the team on a two-year, $16 million deal.

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It's a great deal for Kane. According to Puckpedia, his previous contracts with Detroit were all one-year deals, the biggest being worth $4 million. His new AAV is double that.

Of course, Chicago, being a younger team, has the cap flexibility to overpay a little bit, but there's a good chance this will be worth every cent.

For starters, Kane had a solid year last year, posting 57 points (16G, 41A) in 67 games. Is it on par with the production at the pinnacle of his career? No, but for a Blackhawks team that needs scoring, it's a huge help, especially when it comes to setting up scoring opportunities.

He'll also be key for the Connor Bedard-less Blackhawks early in the season because if they want a chance of sneaking into the postseason, they'll have to rack up some points while No. 98 is sidelined.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGE

The Blackhawks could be a tough team to play at home, especially early in the year. Imagine how electric the United Center will be for Kane's return. Chicago fans haven't had much to cheer about over the last few years, so maybe that excitement will be something the team can feed off of.

At 37 years old, there's a good chance this is Kane's final NHL contract.

And, if it is, what better way to wrap things up than by returning to the team he helped put back on the map in the 2010s.

Maybe he can do it again in the 2020s.

source https://www.foxnews.com/outkick-sports/nhl-top-american-born-scorer-patrick-kane-signs-deal-return-chicago-blackhawks

Pat McAfee announces debut album 'The Diary of a Polarizing Figure' with Aug 14 release date

Pat McAfee announced significant details Wednesday about his upcoming album.

McAfee has become arguably the biggest power player on ESPN and in sports media on YouTube due to his absurd success with "The Pat McAfee Show."

The former Indianapolis Colts punter has had the smoothest pivot from professional athletics to media that we've ever seen.

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Now, he's entering the music industry.

McAfee hopped on Instagram on Wednesday morning to reveal details of his upcoming album, "The Diary of a Polarizing Figure."

Nailed the name at a minimum.

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"For as long as I can remember my mere existence has made people hate my guts.. literally since elementary school. Teachers, administrators, other parents, you name it.. I didn’t understand it as a child but throughout my life I’ve come to realize that this is just how it’s gonna be," the former NFL star wrote.

He continued, "I’ve been writing songs about it all for 20yrs. It’s time to let them aht.. There’s A LOT of headlines & narratives about me.. if I was to die, I’d like my kids to know exactly who and what their dad is. The Diary Of A Polarizing Figure. With incredible assistance from @ernest and many other INSANELY talented musicians in Nashville, my words have come to life. I’m very proud of what we’ve put together."

McAfee also revealed the album will be released Aug. 14.

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You can check out the full post below, and let me know your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.

McAfee's growing presence and platform is proof that authenticity pays dividends in a fashion nothing else does.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

The man went from punting for the Colts to being one of the most powerful figures in the media and did it a shockingly short period time.

Now, he's putting himself out there again with an entire album. If you're going to swing, you might as well swing for the fences and that's what McAfee is doing.

It will be fascinating to see what comes on Aug. 14 with McAfee albums. The one guarantee is it will generate plenty of attention. That's a guarantee you can take to the bank.

Let me know your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.

source https://www.foxnews.com/outkick-sports/pat-mcafee-announces-debut-album-diary-polarizing-figure-august-14-release-date

40 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale deals actually worth buying

Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale is here, with discounts up to 56% off. We've rounded up the best deals actually worth the money, from Clinique skin care and Dyson hair dryers to Samsonite luggage and Le Creuset cookware. These discounts won't last, so shop now before the sale ends Aug. 9.

Best value: La Mer skin care minis set: $98 (53% off)
Best upgrade: Delsey Paris carry-on and tote bag set: $274.99 (35% off)
Rarely on sale: Dyson Airwrap: $519.99 (20% off)
Biggest discount: Patchology under-eye patches, 30-pack: $35 (56% off)
Editor favorite: Le Creuset Signature 3.5-Quart Dutch Oven: $209.99 (42% off)

Find markdowns on footwear from Sperry, Hunter, New Balance, HOKA and more.

OluKai flip-flops: $49.99 (38% off)
Ugg slippers: $69.99 (36% off)
Sperry boat shoes: $129.99 (33% off)
Hunter rain boots: $99.99 (31% off)
New Balance 327 sneakers: $79.99 (23% off)

Original price: $180

Built for the trail, these On running shoes pair responsive cushioning with a grippy outsole to help you stay comfortable on uneven terrain. The low heel-to-toe drop encourages a more natural stride, and right now they're marked down by $60.

Original price: $199

Rothy's classic bit loafer pairs a polished silhouette with the brand's signature soft, flexible knit fabric. A grippy gum outsole provides reliable traction in wet weather, and the machine-washable design makes it easy to freshen up between wears.

Original price: $140

This lightweight HOKA running shoe pairs responsive cushioning with a rocker-shaped design to help keep you moving comfortably mile after mile. The breathable upper promotes airflow during warm-weather runs, while the removable cushioned insole adds another layer of comfort. 

READ MORE: Our favorite Skechers sneakers are down to just $38 on Amazon

Stock up on discounted skin care, makeup and hair care from Clinique, La Mer and Dyson.

Bobbi Brown eyeshadow stick set: $54 (47% off)
Ralph Lauren Polo cologne gift set: $130 (45% off)
Jack Black body wash bundle: $49 (36% off)

Original price: $208

Try La Mer's best-selling skin care without committing to full-size products with this Most Loved Minis set. It includes the Essence Foaming Cleanser, Treatment Lotion, Crème de La Mer Moisturizing Cream and Rejuvenating Night Cream for a complete routine, all for less than $100, making it the best value item on this list.

Original price: $649.99

Rarely on sale, the Dyson Airwrap i.d. is a multistyler and hair dryer that creates everything from sleek blowouts to retro waves. It includes six attachments: a conical barrel, long barrel, volumizing brush, fast dryer, soft smoothing brush and flyaway smoother.

Original price: $49

Clinique's Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ delivers lightweight, all-day hydration without feeling greasy. This jumbo-size bottle offers long-lasting value, making it a smart time to stock up while it's on sale.

READ MORE: Under-$60 basics to add to your summer wardrobe from Lands' End, Quince and more

Save on carry-ons, luggage sets and more from Samsonite, Béis and Delsey Paris.

Tumi 30-inch spinner: $694.99 (34% off)
Bric's expandable luggage 2-piece set: $268.99 (33% off)
Samsonite weekender and carry-on set: $200.99 (33% off)

Original price: $419.98

If you're looking to upgrade your luggage, this Delsey Chatelet carry-on is our top pick. It pairs a sleek Paris-inspired design with a durable polycarbonate shell, plus premium features like a TSA-approved lock, USB charging port, odor-control lining and included packing accessories that make every trip easier.

Original price: $499.98

Samsonite packs premium travel features into this durable luggage set. Lightweight polypropylene shells, built-in compression panels, TSA-approved locks and an integrated AirTag holder keep every trip organized from check-in to baggage claim.

Original price: $268

Spot your luggage in seconds thanks to this suitcase's standout cobalt blue finish. The durable shell, smooth 360-degree spinner wheels and organized interior with compression straps make this just as practical as it is eye-catching.

READ MORE: 21 small Amazon buys that make everyday tasks easier, from just $4

Upgrade your kitchen with markdowns on premium items from Le Creuset, Wüsthof and Our Place.

Twine Acacia wood charcuterie board: $83.99 (33% off)
Spiegelau wine glasses, set of 2: $69.99 (33% off)
Porto Brasil 16-piece dinnerware set: $217.99 (33% off)
Wüsthof 2-piece knife set: $179.99 (28% off)
Made In CeramiClad nonstick frying pan set: $229.99 (25% off)

Original price: $360

Our editor's pick, Le Creuset's Signature 3.5-Quart Sauteuse Oven is a versatile piece you'll reach for year-round. Its enameled cast-iron construction delivers even heat for everything from braises to pasta, while the wide base and sloped sides make stirring and serving easy.

Original price: $119.99 

Prep, mix and store ingredients with this nine-piece Viking mixing bowl set. The nesting stainless steel bowls save cabinet space, while the included lids make it easy to refrigerate leftovers or prep meals ahead of time.

Original price: $325

Cook everything from weeknight dinners to baked treats with the Our Place Large Wonder Oven Pro. This versatile countertop appliance air fries, roasts, bakes and more, while its spacious interior fits larger meals without taking up the space of a full-size oven.

READ MORE: 15 kitchen tools you'll wonder how you ever cooked without

Refresh your home with blankets, sheets and towels from Cozy Earth, Boll & Branch and Barefoot Dreams.

Cozy Earth Bubble Cuddle blanket: $136.99 (40% off)
Boll & Branch organic cotton percale sheet set: $264.99 (33% off)
Matouk embroidered percale sheet set: $321.99 (33% off) 

Original price: $279

Upgrade your bedding with Parachute's brushed cotton sheet set. The soft, brushed cotton feels cozy from the first night, while the breathable fabric provides year-round comfort.

Original price: $165

Wrap up in comfort with the Barefoot Dreams CozyChic throw blanket. The signature plush knit feels exceptionally soft and adds a cozy layer to your bed, sofa or favorite reading chair.

Original price: $125

Refresh your bathroom with this four-piece set of Nordstrom bath towels. Made from soft organic cotton, they're highly absorbent, plush and durable enough for everyday use.

READ MORE: Upgrade your sleepwear with these Amazon pajama deals, up to 58% off

Get a head start on holiday shopping with gifts from Jo Malone, Yves Saint Laurent and more.

L’Occitane hand cream gift set: $42 (38% off) 
Yves Saint Laurent makeup gift set: $60 (34% off)
Jo Malone London candle gift set: $110 (33% off)

Original price: $80

Refresh tired-looking eyes with this 30-pack of Patchology under-eye patches. At 56% off, it's one of the best beauty values in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

Original price: $249

Soothe tired feet with this shiatsu foot massager featuring heat, multiple massage modes and an easy-to-use LCD display. It's a relaxing way to unwind after long days on your feet.

For more deals, visit www.foxnews.com/deals 

Original price: $130

Fill your home with fresh, long-lasting fragrance with this reed diffuser duo. The bright grapefruit and bamboo scents add an inviting touch to any room without the need for flames or plugs.

source https://www.foxnews.com/deals/best-nordstrom-anniversary-sale-deals

Leftist streamer sparks online firestorm over speech to College Dems in Mao-style suit: 'They're communists'

Far-left political influencer Hasan Piker sparked heated backlash over the weekend after addressing a group of college students wearing an outfit resembling the wardrobe of former communist dictator Mao Zedong.

"No more to Trumpism, but no more to the Democrats who compromise, who conciliate, and who betray us," Piker said to applause at the 2026 College Democrats of America summer convention in a clip that was widely shared on social media, including by the account DSA Watch, which called the appearance a "Hitler style speech" and was viewed over a million times.

Piker continued, "No more to the fascist reactionaries, but no more to the Democrats who will collaborate and cooperate with the fascists, who will fund ICE, who will fund Israel, who will help poison the planet, who will stiff workers and help bosses."

The appearance, and specifically the Mao-style suit, generated instant outrage on social media.

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"Hasan Piker dressed as Mao, brainwashing your kids at college," former Los Angeles mayoral candidate and reality TV star Spencer Pratt posted on X. "They’re communists. This was always communism. "

Pratt added, "Mao killed more people than Hitler. If Hasan Piker had dressed like a Nazi, we'd have an appropriate outrage. But because commies have infiltrated all our institutions & lied about how evil they are, we don't get the National Socialists were no worse than all other socialists. "

"We can all agree that dressing up as Mao while preaching this faculty lounge cosplay communism is a little on the nose, right? " GOP strategist Matt Whitlock posted on X.

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Atlantic Council senior fellow Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib responded on X saying, "The transformation of Hasan Piker is nearing completion: dressed up as Chairman Mao whom he called ‘one of the great leaders of this world who changed the entire universe,’ he & his followers are attempting a cultural takeover of the Democratic Party, which is letting them in."

"Serious issues aside, it remains funny to me the amount of costumery required to be a Leftist in good standing," CNN political commentator Scott Jennings posted on X.

Piker, who has previously expressed admiration for Mao Zedong, the Chinese Communist revolutionary whose policies historians estimate contributed to the deaths of tens of millions of people, responded to the DSA Watch post on X saying, "no more to fascist trumpism and no more to the democrats who collaborate w fascists by funding ice and israel is a hitler style speech to you? "

Fox News Digital reached out to Piker’s team for comment.

Piker, backed by roughly 10 million followers across various internet platforms, has endorsed several far-left candidates across the country, including campaigning with Democrat Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan, as the Democratic Party grapples with a socialist wave of candidates that have won elections across the country.

Various campaigns and candidates have faced criticism for associating with Piker, a streamer who has made a variety of inflammatory comments including that the United States "deserved" 9/11.

"I never would and never will criticize Mao Zedong," Piker said earlier this year in a clip that is currently recirculating on social media. "One of the great leaders of this world."

A College Democrats of America Executive Board member at a college in New York told Fox News Digital that the group "platforming someone like Hasan Piker is antithetical to the party that common sense democrats are trying to present to the American people before November’s midterms."

The board member added, "We have a golden opportunity to stand up to Trump’s corrupt and authoritarian brand of politics, fight against the MAGA affordability crisis, and restore congressional checks on an executive branch that has far overreached its role in our government. Platforming malignant outside actors, such as Piker, who actively work to cloud our policy platform will only harm our broad electability amongst average voters."

Fox News Digital reached out to College Democrats of America for comment.

source https://www.foxnews.com/politics/leftist-streamer-sparks-online-firestorm-speech-college-dems-mao-style-suit-communists

More than 100 Haitian immigrants with violent offense and sex crime convictions deported: DHS

FIRST ON FOX: More than 100 illegal immigrants from Haiti with convictions for violent offenses and child sex crimes in the United States were deported to their native country last week, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said Monday.

A July 16 deportation flight that landed in Haiti included passengers with a range of criminal histories, including convictions for child molestation, domestic violence, and armed carjacking, DHS said.

"Last week, ICE deported pedophiles, carjackers, drug traffickers, and perpetrators of fraud to Haiti," said DHS Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. "Criminal illegal aliens have NO place in American communities. Our message to illegal aliens is clear: LEAVE NOW. If you don’t, we will find you and deport you."

ICE ARRESTS 15 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WITH CONVICTIONS INCLUDING HOMICIDE, RAPE AND CHILD SEX CRIMES OVER WEEKEND

Among those deported was Styv Charles, who had a conviction for the molestation of a minor. Timothe Matel was previously convicted of committing lewd or lascivious acts with a minor.

Marc James Guerrier Pinard had an armed carjacking conviction, and Markendy Henry has convictions for selling narcotics, carrying a concealed weapon, selling marijuana, selling heroin, and drug trafficking.

Another passenger on the flight, Fito Almanor, has convictions for domestic violence and false imprisonment.

SUPREME COURT'S LATEST IMMIGRATION RULING WILL CAUSE AMERICANS TO 'DIE AND SUFFER' ATTORNEY WARNS

Last month, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Haitians with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) cannot turn to federal courts to postpone the revocation of their legal status while challenging the Trump administration's policies.

In June 2025, the Trump administration ended TPS for roughly 520,000 Haitians residing in the U.S.

At the time, the administration said the move restores "integrity in our immigration system and ensures that Temporary Protected Status is actually temporary."

Congress created TPS in 1990 with the intention of allowing residents of countries that faced natural disasters, war, or other unsafe, extraordinary conditions to find refuge in the U.S.

The program can be extended in increments of 18 months.

Fox News Digital's Preston Mizell contributed to this report.

source https://www.foxnews.com/us/more-than-100-haitian-immigrants-violent-offense-sex-crime-convictions-deported-dhs