Smash burgers are a great option for a Labor Day feast but before you put the burger patties together try this tasty tip which requires no extra effort.
Food Republic – Restaurants, Reviews, Recipes, Cooking Tips
Author: alaskaadmin
While some 2026 McDonald’s menu releases missed the mark, many have become fan favorites. Here are the best new items to hit the chain’s menu so far this year.
Mashed – Fast Food, Celebrity Chefs, Grocery, Reviews
Sailors in the 17th century needed their food supplies to last months. Luckily, they could prepare this stew with durable ingredients and leftovers.
Mashed – Fast Food, Celebrity Chefs, Grocery, Reviews
The University of Alaska Southeast campus in Juneau is seen on May 7, 2026. (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)
The University of Alaska Board of Regents unanimously approved a cut in the tuition rate for out-of-state students to create a standard tuition rate for all resident and nonresident students across campuses and degree types, beginning in fall 2027.
The board preliminarily approved the change at a special meeting on Tuesday. A final vote is expected in November.
University officials said the goal is to simplify students’ billing and attract more students to the University of Alaska.
“It really moves steps forward in our goal to student recruitment and retention, and it creates a lot of certainty and clarity for students coming into the system and especially for out-of-state students,” said the new University of Alaska President Matt Cooper — in just his second day on the job — at a special online board meeting on Tuesday.
Currently, out-of-state tuition is double to quadruple the amount of resident tuition, depending on degree type. For example, an undergraduate credit costs $251 for resident students, whereas it costs $875 per credit for nonresident students in the University of Alaska Anchorage system. The change would create a standard tuition rate for all students, including international students, subject to applicable special tuition rates and surcharge rates.
Cooper noted that the university estimates 75% of UA graduates stay and work in Alaska, so it hopes attracting more students will provide long-term benefits for the state.
Luke Fulp, chief financial officer for the university, said 85% of students already receive some kind of tuition waiver and the change will streamline the billing process and improve students’ experience. He told the board the projected change represents a roughly $1.4 million loss in tuition, or 1.2% of net tuition income, that they hope will be covered by future boosts in enrollment.
The University of Alaska Southeast has already implemented the change through a pilot program called Alaska Unlocked beginning this year, offering in-state tuition to all undergraduate students. The initiative would expand that to graduate programs as well.
Officials with the University of Alaska Anchorage and University of Alaska Fairbanks told the board they welcome the initiative and estimate the change in tuition will draw more students.
Fulp said the initiative also makes the University of Alaska more competitive.
“The landscape for higher education is changing,” he said. “We have changes in college-going rates. We have market shifts, and systems and universities across the country are looking at being more competitive and offering more affordable tuition proposals to students.”
GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Los Angeles Rams are the offseason Super Bowl champs because of their blockbuster moves through the draft and free agency, and the actual defending Super Bowl champions, the Seattle Seahawks, also play in their division. So, should the lowly Arizona Cardinals even show up to play this year in the best division in football, the NFC West? I posed that question to receiver Michael Wilson, one of the last players to leave the field after running routes with starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett, coaxing raised eyebrows and a smirk. “The Cardinals have always not gotten a lot of respect,” Wilson told me. “Since I’ve been here, we’ve never been a team that people thought were going to win a bunch of games. But it is what it is. “Truthfully, we really don’t care because in Week 1 we’ve got to play the Chargers. The following week we play Seattle and the next week we have to play San Francisco. So, none of that matters. It’s just all optics and fluff to us.” Yes, the Cardinals have the longest odds to reach the Super Bowl and are led by their fourth different head coach in a decade. Former Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur is now leading the show, and he showed the same energy as Wilson as he high-fived players and bounced around the field. Arizona lost nine straight games to finish the 2025 season, losing by an average of 16 points a game and resulting in the firing of defensive-minded head coach Jonathan Gannon after three seasons. Still, there’s a belief here among core returning players that they have enough talent to hold their own this season. NFL observers will get their first look at the Cardinals as they take on the Carolina Panthers in the Hall of Fame Game. LaFleur will sit most of his starters, including No. 3 overall pick Jeremiyah Love. “The Super Bowl is not tomorrow,” Brissett told me when asked about his team’s low expectations nationally. “Everybody’s 0-0 right now. We’ve had a long offseason getting ready for the preseason and training camp. The teams that look forward that far ahead, that’s where you think about how far you’re getting from the end goal. I think for us, our mindset is just getting better each day. You stack up days, keep putting one foot in front of the other and the end goal kind of comes to you, rather than you having to go run to it.” The reason for that optimism in the desert is the offense, which returns most of the starters from a group that finished seventh in passing offense last season. Brissett, 33, will be playing with core players for a second season in a row for the first time in his 11-year NFL career, which means the Cardinals do not have to reestablish chemistry and rapport among their playmakers. However, Brissett is behind in learning the offense after a contract impasse that kept him out of offseason work and lasted until the start of training camp. Brissett, who represents himself, eventually agreed to a reworked deal that provided him a deserved pay bump to $15 million in base salary that could be worth up to $21 million if incentives are met as the team’s starting quarterback. Brissett has plenty of playmakers at his disposal, including one of the best tight ends in the league (Trey McBride), a player looking to make a jump in (2024 No. 4 overall pick Marvin Harrison Jr.) and versatile wide receiver Kendrick Bourne. The Cardinals also have one of the deeper running back rooms in the league, led by the explosive Love, free-agent pickup Tyler Allgeier and bruising veteran runner James Conner. Allgeier and Love split reps with the first group during training camp as Conner works himself back from a season-ending leg injury. But perhaps the best example of the Cardinals’ potential is Wilson. The Stanford product had just eight catches for 52 yards and a score through the first five games of last season. Wilson turned it on after that, though. He finished the year with his first 1,000-yard season, totaling 78 receptions for 1,006 yards and seven touchdowns. Wilson earned an expanded role in the offense when fellow receiver Harrison suffered appendicitis that required surgery and a foot issue that forced him to miss a handful of games in the second half of the season. “After last season, it was like ‘Holy sh–,” Wilson told me. “I think over an eight-game stretch I was second in every receiver stat to Puka Nacua. And in my book, Puka Nacua was the best receiver in the NFL last year. And so now I know that’s the standard and I’m capable of being a top 10 receiver in the NFL. “I’ve always had such a high standard for myself. In high school, within my community and region, I was always one of the best receivers. In college, within my team, I was always one of the best. When I went to the Senior Bowl, I was always one of the best. So, I feel like regardless of the room I’m in or the situation, I feel like on a long enough timescale I’ll find a way to rise to the top.” Wilson has earned the role as the team’s No. 1 receiver and will be used in a similar manner to Robert Woods and Nacua in a Sean McVay-style offense brought over by LaFleur. Tasked with helping to implement the offense will be new offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. A former head coach himself who served as an offensive coordinator for Mike LaFleur’s older brother, Matt LaFleur, in Green Bay, Hackett will be upstairs in the booth and not call plays. And Hackett will help take some of the offensive game-planning responsibilities off LaFleur’s plate. He offers a wealth of experience in the West Coast offense. One of the originators of the innovative offense developed by Bill Walsh is Hackett’s father, Paul Hackett, who was at practice during my time at Arizona’s training camp. “He’s the original O.G.,” Hackett told me about his father. “He’s been around some of the best, so he knows what it looks like and what you have to do to be great in this league. So, it’s fun to have him come in and talk about why things were originally started. He was there when some of our protections were invented the very first time. To have a guy like that is just unbelievable, and the players he’s coached.” Hackett said expectations are high for Love, who will not play in Thursday’s Hall of Fame game but has looked good running the football during training camp. “It’s a lot like the stuff he’s done in the past,” Hackett told me when I asked about Love’s transition to a new offense. “We’re a combination of outside zone, downhill runs and all kinds of stuff. He’s got to learn the system and get comfortable with it. Learn the intricacies, the footwork and where his eyes are. As a rookie, it takes them some time, but he’s got some amazing talent and he works hard, so it’s going to be fun to watch him grow.” Hackett told me he’s also been pleased with the growth and development of rookie third-round draft pick Carson Beck, who will start at quarterback for the Cardinals against the Carolina Panthers in Canton. Hackett said the Cardinals were attracted to Beck’s 43 college starts and the adversity he faced in leading Miami to the National title game after transferring from Georgia. “That’s unbelievable experience,” Hackett told me. “Because when you get to this league, if you have one bad game it’s a fascinating experience (laughs). I think just to see how he operated in that way. He’s very talented; he’s also very smart. “And those are some of the things that we’re very excited about him. But just being out here, it’s been great to see when he makes a mistake, he doesn’t get in the tank. He appreciates it, and he doesn’t make that same mistake twice. I really like that about him.” But in my conversations with Arizona players about the upcoming season, they emphasized that the Cardinals are not waving the white flag and playing for draft position to potentially select a franchise quarterback in 2027. The Cardinals believe they can challenge the rest of the NFC West — even if the rest of the league has serious doubts. “I remember when we were in Jacksonville, and we were supposed to be the worst team ever,” Hackett told me. “We came out, won the division and went to the AFC Championship Game and almost went to the Super Bowl. So, the season is so fluid. The season changes so much. What we look like this moment might look different in Week 10. “Of course, people are going to have their predictions and say what they’re going to say. And they’re going to think about us how they think about us. But in the end, we just go out and do our job.”Latest Sports News from FOX Sports
From September 4-6, country music fans will trade stadiums for sandy shores as they head to Cabo San Lucas for Country Splash, the first-ever multi-day country music festival held directly on the beach in Cabo. The inaugural event will feature performances from Riley Green, Jon Pardi, Tucker Wetmore, Diplo, and an exciting lineup of rising country artists, all set against one of Mexico’s most breathtaking backdrops.
With attendance capped at just 5,000 guests, Country Splash promises a more intimate festival experience, giving fans the chance to enjoy incredible live music, beachside activities, and unforgettable moments in paradise. And if you haven’t booked your trip yet, there’s still time to secure your spot for the ultimate Labor Day weekend getaway.
Of course, packing for a beach vacation and music festival all in one can feel like a challenge. That’s where we come in. Whether you’re looking for stylish daytime outfits, beach-ready concert looks, must-have accessories, or the travel essentials you won’t want to leave behind, we’ve rounded up everything you need to pack for an unforgettable weekend at Country Splash.
Daytime Looks
Cabo is known for its sunshine, so when packing for Country Splash, you’ll want outfits that are stylish, comfortable, and able to keep you cool. Think lightweight fabrics, breathable pieces, and looks that can easily take you from one adventure to the next.
These are some of our favorite daytime outfit ideas for everything on your itinerary at Country Splash, from grabbing a morning coffee, morning wellness activities, relaxing by the pool, and dancing along to poolside sets, to exploring all that Cabo has to offer.
Sequin Poncho from Pacsun: Shop HERE.
Frayed Jean Shorts from Cavender’s. Shop HERE.
Colorful loungewear from Pink Lily: Shop HERE and HERE.
Active set from Abercrombie & Fitch. Shop HERE and HERE.
Maxi Dress from Hollister. Shop HERE.
Crochet Coverup from Abercrombie & Fitch. Shop HERE.
Black Sarong from Cupshe. Shop HERE.
Cover Up Mini Dress from Cupshe. Shop HERE.
One Piece Swimsuit From Pacsun. Shop HERE.
Red Bandana Bikini from Pink Lily. Shop HERE and HERE.
Inner Circle Geo Bikini Set. Shop HERE.
JJD Muy Caliente One-Piece Swimsuit. Shop HERE.
Concert Fits
After a full day of pool parties, beach adventures, and soaking up the sunshine, you’ll have time to refresh before the music takes over. Country Splash’s nighttime concerts, the first-ever multi-day country music festival held directly on the beaches of Cabo, call for looks that blend festival fashion with beachside comfort. Think lightweight fabrics, easy-to-wear pieces, and footwear that can handle the sand.
Off the Shoulder Mini Dress from Hollister. Shop HERE.
Convertible Maxi Skirt and Midi Dress from Hollister. Shop HERE.
Denim Mini Dress from Cavender’s. Shop HERE.
Red Gingham Dress from Cavender’s. Shop HERE.
Cowl Neck Top from Pacsun. Shop HERE.
Denim Mini Skirt from Cavender’s. Shop HERE.
Denim Trucker Jacket from Abercrombie & Fitch. Shop HERE.
Shoes
When it comes to footwear for Country Splash, versatility is key. A pair of cowboy boots is a must for bringing that country festival style to your beachside concert looks (yes, boots and sand can go together!). You’ll also want easy slip-on sandals for pool days and resort lounging, plus a pair of sandals that can handle getting wet for beach adventures. Don’t forget a comfortable pair of sneakers for travel days and any activities where you’ll be on your feet.
Frye & Co Boots from DSW. Shop HERE.
Sam Edelman James Cowboy Boot from DSW. Shop HERE.
Steve Madden Dakoda Sandal from DSW. Shop HERE.
Crocs Getaway Strappy Sandal from DSW. Shop HERE.
Steve Madden Bermuda Sandal. Shop HERE.
TOMS Diana Espadrille Wedge Sandal from DSW. Shop HERE.
adidas Grand Court 3.0 Sneaker from DSW. Shop HERE.
Must-Have Accessories
The right accessories can take your Country Splash look to the next level while also making your weekend a little easier. Whether you’re adding the finishing touch with a trendy cowboy hat and layered jewelry or packing practical essentials like a portable fan and phone charger, these picks are equal parts stylish and functional. We even included a few Cabo must-haves, like affordable sunglasses you won’t stress over if they disappear after a day on the beach and a customizable tote to carry everything you need from the pool to the main stage.
Custom Tote from Bauble Bar. Shop HERE.
Straw Hat From Cavender’s. Shop HERE.
Shell Necklace from Pacsun. Shop HERE.
Kitsch Clam Shell Hair Clips. Shop HERE.
Colorful Initial Necklace from Baublebar. Shop HERE.
Sojos Sunglasses. Shop HERE.
Waterproof Necklace and Bracelet Set from Baublebar. Shop HERE and HERE.
Small shoulder bag. Shop HERE.
Don’t Leave Home Without These
Beyond planning your outfits, there are a few essentials you’ll want to have on hand to make the most of your Country Splash getaway. Be sure to pack your passport, cash (small bills are great for tipping), daily medications, Liquid I.V. or other electrolyte packets, lip balm, anti-chafe stick, sunscreen, aloe or after-sun care, extra hair ties, dry shampoo, hand sanitizer, hat, and makeup setting spray to help beat the Cabo heat.
For even more convenience, consider bringing a portable fan, a portable phone charger, and a waterproof phone case to keep your devices protected while you’re enjoying the beach, pool, and live music.
The post What to Pack for Country Splash: The Ultimate Cabo Festival Packing Guide appeared first on Country Now.
Country Now
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As you’ve likely heard by now, Perez Hilton was hospitalized on Tuesday night following what appeared to be a mental health crisis at his home.
Hilton seemingly engaged in self-harm with a knife during a TikTok livestream, a situation that had many commenters expressing concern for his three children
Police reported that the kids were not in the home at the time, but we learned today that they fled the house just moments before their father began to harm himself.
That news comes courtesy of a statement from Hilton’s family that was posted to his website moments ago:
“Just minutes before the public livestream incident, Perez’s children, niece, and sister were inside the home,” the family wrote, adding:
“When it became clear that Perez was experiencing a severe mental health crisis and harming himself, they immediately fled to protect the children from witnessing any further trauma.
“Our highest priority right now is helping the children begin to heal from what they experienced. An important part of that process is allowing them to safely return home and begin rebuilding a sense of security and normalcy.”
Perez’s loved ones concluded with a plea for privacy, writing:
“For the children’s safety, privacy, and well-being, we respectfully ask members of the media, paparazzi, content creators, and the public to leave the area surrounding the family’s home and not return.
“Please allow his children the privacy and space they need during this unimaginably difficult time.”
While we’re sure everyone wants what’s best for Perez’s three kids — ages 13, 12, and 9 — many have pointed out that his family’s plea for privacy is somewhat ironic.
After all, Hilton made a name for himself as one of the most ruthless tabloid journalists in the game, often violating the privacy of celebrities in shocking fashion.
One such celebrity was model Ireland Baldwin, who shared her feelings toward Hilton in a scathing Instagram Story:
“Perez Hilton has [publicly] humiliated my family for years,” Ireland wrote (via Entertainment Weekly). “[He has] sexualized me from a young age, commented on my weight and body (as a child), made unforgivable comments about people in my family, drew j!zz [sic] coming out of my mom’s and friend’s mouths, and has always been a despicable human being.”
She continued, “But his children deserve better and a healthy father and I am so sad for all of them. I hope he gets the help he needs and heals.”
While it’s still unclear what may have caused the incident, insiders have indicated that Hilton has been struggling financially since relocating to Miami from Las Vegas earlier this year.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
Perez Hilton’s Children Fled His Home Ahead of Self-Harm Incident was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.
The Hollywood Gossip
This list isn’t about released date, sales figures or pop culture influence. It’s about who was having a baby at the same time Brooks was making the record. Continue reading…Country Music News – Taste of Country
This list isn’t about released date, sales figures or pop culture influence. It’s about who was having a baby at the same time Brooks was making the record. Continue reading…The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
Layne Riggs hasn’t been shy talking about his hopes for an eventual NASCAR Cup Series ride. It likely won’t happen full-time in 2027, but he hopes that, if he keeps winning truck races, a team will look at him and say he’s ready for Cup. That could very well be his current team, Front Row Motorsports. But like most young drivers, time is of the essence. And that’s because a young driver must strike when they’re hot but also make sure they remain positioned for success no matter the level. “All I can do is impress the right people and from everybody I talk to, all I can do is just keep doing what I’m doing — getting poles and winning races and trying to impress everybody,” Riggs said after winning the pole at North Wilkesboro last month. “That’s all I’ve got to worry about, in a nutshell. If I just keep doing what I’m doing right here, hopefully the right opportunity will come to me.” So which drivers will be the ones who have the best chance to make it in Cup and be a regular Chase contender at NASCAR’s top level? Here is my mid-season prospect list. It is based on performance and it also factors in drivers’ ability to obtain and keep funding. Some parameters: no driver who has had a season in Cup — or is about to have a full season in Cup — is on this list. For example, Corey Heim, who earned two Cup victories this season, dropped off of eligibility on my list with his two Cup victories. Also, all drivers must be younger than 28 to be included. Meza has six TransAm TA2 victories this year and sits second in the point standings. He was the top rookie in the Mazda MX-5 Cup last year. Retzlaff sits ninth in the O’Reilly Series standings as he has shown to be consistently top 10 in driving for Viking Motorsports. He is expected to be back there next year and if he continues to run well, it wouldn’t be a surprise for him to get a look from one of the top teams in that series or a Cup team. Caruth is 14th in the O’Reilly Series points as a rookie, where he has run the majority of races at JR Motorsports. Having online racing as his roots, Caruth looks like he needs a little more time to get comfortable as he moves from series to series. Assuming he gets another season at JRM next year, that is one where he will need to start challenging for wins. Eckes is fourth in the truck standings and has had the best results from the Chevrolet truck stable. For the most part, he’s doing the most with what he has, but he really could use some wins. Mayer has had a disappointing season when it comes to results, as he sits 10th in the O’Reilly Series standings. Where he races next year is yet to be announced, although he will most likely remain in the O’Reilly Series. He needs more consistency to get a good look from a Cup team. Lewis has shown promise in his six truck starts and if he runs the full season next year as expected, that will be pivotal in his quest for a Cup seat in the upcoming years. Lewis also has a CARS Tour late model stock win this year. Avedisian has three top 10s in her four ARCA starts this year as she continues the transition from sprint cars. One of the Toyota Racing Development drivers, she will continue to get opportunities as she is showing a lot of promise. Buice has finished in the top five (including one second-place finish) in all four of her ARCA Series starts this year. She is part of the Chevrolet program and is proving she’s deserving of more opportunities. Brown has finished in the top three — including one win — in all six of his ARCA starts this year. A Richard Childress Racing development driver, he very well could end up in an O’Reilly Series car for RCR next year. He makes his series debut with Jordan Anderson Racing this weekend at Iowa. Ruggiero has shown steady progression this year, as he sits fifth in the truck standings while also having won four ARCA wins this season. McKee has an ARCA win and a runner-up among his five starts in the series, as well as three ARCA East triumphs this season. He sits second in the standings. A Spire Motorsports driver, he will make select truck starts later this year. Harvick has two top fives in three CARS Tour pro late model starts and sits second in the CARS Tour West standings. He won two CARS Tour West pro late model races this year. For such a young driver, his race craft is impressive, which shouldn’t shock anyone considering he has his father (former Cup champion Kevin Harvick) to guide him. Gray has one victory in the O’Reilly Series but is battling to make the Chase field. He’s already signed to race for JGR in the series again next year, and as long as he shows improvement, he will likely have a ride and an eventual move to Cup is quite possible. Smith is third in the truck standings with two victories this year. He is expected to make his return to the O’Reilly Series next year at Richard Childress Racing. If he can perform well there, he could have a Cup ride in a few years. Kvapil, who earned his first O’Reilly win at Indianapolis, sits second in the series standings. His path forward to Cup still seems a little unclear, as JR Motorsports has had to piece together sponsorship for him (and even have him run a handful of races for another team) just to get him a full season. Honeycutt sits a spot behind Riggs in the truck standings, where he earned his first career victory earlier this year. He will likely get another year of trucks at Tricon. Here’s a question: As long as he wins races, is a year of O’Reilly in his future or will he jump straight to Cup? If he sticks with Toyota, Legacy Motor Club would be the most likely option in 2028. Day is fifth in the O’Reilly Series standings. He has two wins as he continues the transition from full-time sprint cars to stock cars. He is doing almost everything Hendrick Motorsports could ask of him. A little inconsistency should be expected considering his lack of stock-car experience. He should have eyes on a Cup ride in 2028, but whether that is at Hendrick or another Chevy team (Spire?) is still to be determined. Layne Riggs has five victories in the trucks this year and has all but clinched the regular-season title. His path to Cup is most likely through Front Row. But as mentioned earlier, it appears that 2028 will be the first full season and not 2027. Love, the defending O’Reilly Series champion, is third in the series standings. He’s still looking for his first win this year, but he already knows what he’s doing next year; he’ll replace Josh Berry in the Wood Brothers No. 21 Cup car. Crews is battling for a Chase spot in the O’Reilly Series, despite missing four races this year. He still seeks his first win in the series but has been impressive. He appears to be a candidate for the No. 11 Cup car in 2028, although that will likely be contingent on his performance over the final portion of this season and the start of 2027. Even if he isn’t in the JGR Cup car in 2028, as long as he does perform, there should be a path for him to Cup. 25 Others To Watch: Thomas Annunziata, Luke Baldwin, Austin Beers, Jake Bollman, Gavan Boschele, Cole Denton, Parker Eatmon, Luke Fenhaus, Jake Finch, Jake Garcia, Conner Jones, Isaac Kitzmiller, Caden Kvapil, Treyten Lapcevich, Ben Maier, George Phillips, Max Reaves, Tyler Reif, Taylor Reimer, Isabella Robusto, Nick Sanchez, William Sawalich, Lavar Scott, Sammy Smith and Mason Walters.Latest Sports News from FOX Sports