Dallas, Texas is know as an expensive city, but as a local, these are the 5 spots that I frequent for an affordable, yet satisfying meal.
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The NFL cares more about who wins the College Football Playoff national championship than most fans do. Just look at the past five years of first-round NFL Draft selections. Since 1968, only eight programs have seen five of their players selected in the first round of the same NFL Draft, and three of those classes represented have all come in the 2020s. This year, Ohio State could make history with top-10 NFL Draft picks — and without a quarterback in the mix. Looking back at past draft classes across all rounds, LSU (2019) had five players from that championship-winning group selected in the 2020 NFL Draft. Alabama (2020) had six players selected in the 2021 NFL Draft after it won the national title, and Georgia (2021) had five players drafted in 2022 after it won it all. Of that trio, only Georgia’s 2021 draft class didn’t feature a quarterback selected in the first round. LSU’s Joe Burrow (2020) and Alabama’s Mac Jones (2021) were each top-15 picks. Digging just a little deeper into elite draft classes from a singular program, only the 2020 Alabama squad had three of its players selected inside the first 10 picks of the draft this decade. That’s tied with seven other programs for the most selections in the first 10 picks of any draft. There’s one program that stands apart, though, not unlike the NFL’s 1972 Miami Dolphins, with an NFL Draft record that many believed might never be duplicated: 1967 Michigan State. That year, four players off the 1966 Michigan State national championship team were top-10 NFL Draft picks. Heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, Ohio State could become the first program in modern history to duplicate the Spartans’ feat with four potential top-10 picks. And the Buckeyes could do it not only without a quarterback but also with just one offensive player selected: wide receiver Carnell Tate, safety Caleb Downs and linebackers Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese. These now-former Ohio State players were part of a team that didn’t so much as sniff playing in the national title game last season and have not won a Big Ten title in their careers. Yet, the Buckeyes have developed four stars who could all hear their names called before the dinner served on the West Coast has a chance to get cold. Given what NFL Draft analysts and NFL player personnel department members have intimated about Ohio State, the best team in the sport — perhaps the team that should’ve defeated Indiana in the Big Ten title game and on the way to a national championship — should’ve done more. “That’s right,” an NFL area scout for a team with a top-10 pick told me. “Just take the Reese kid, for example. I’m a college football fan. I know about the Downs kid. I know about [the] Styles kid and [the] Tate kid, but their best player is [Reese], a guy who couldn’t even get onto the field until 2024. They’re loaded. “It’s Ohio State. They’re always loaded, but I would call last year a letdown based on what the league thinks of their class.” After dropping the Big Ten championship matchup in December to eventual national champion Indiana, the Buckeyes lost to Miami (Fla.) in the CFP quarterfinals. A quarterback in this class would elevate it to a different level, just as it would’ve for Georgia in 2022. However, unlike the Bulldogs, the Buckeyes have a signal-caller in Julian Sayin that many believe will be a first-round selection in 2027. That was not the case with former Georgia passer Stetson Bennett, who never projected as a first-round talent and was ultimately selected in the fourth round. [SOUND SMART: 5 Observations Ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft] And unlike Georgia head coach Kirby Smart, Ohio State’s Ryan Day has a knack for developing quarterbacks into first-round NFL Draft selections. He did it with Dwayne Haskins, Justin Fields and again with C.J. Stroud — and that’s just since he joined the Buckeyes in 2017. That part is well-known. What Day and his staff have done at other positions, particularly wide receiver, is about to become just as prominent a fact. Consider not just that Ohio State wideouts have become prized commodities in the NFL but also that such a development has been recent and consistent. Between 2008 and 2021, the Buckeyes didn’t develop a single first-round selection at wide receiver, despite players like Michael Thomas (a second-round pick) and Terry McLaurin (a third-round selection) turning out to be All-Pro-caliber wideouts in the NFL. Since 2022, however, no program has a better claim to “WRU” than the Buckeyes. In fact, Ohio State has had a wide receiver selected in the first round of the NFL Draft every single year since then. No other program has seen more than three consecutive years of wideouts selected from its program, and there are only two on the list: Tennessee (1982-1984) and Alabama (2020-2022). I’m only counting years, not players. If I counted players, the Buckeyes have had five wide receivers selected in the first round of the NFL Draft in the past four years. If Tate is drafted in the first round on Thursday, that would make him the sixth Ohio State receiver selected in the first round in five consecutive years. Then there’s still the man who has been tagged as the presumptive No. 1 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft since the day he arrived in Columbus, Ohio: wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Smith, who presumably will join Sayin in the 2027 draft, could lead yet another rather remarkable Ohio State draft class next year while furthering what has become a burgeoning Buckeyes tradition of seeing a wide receiver selected in the first round. There are more on deck, too. [NFL DRAFT: Ranking the top-12 quarterbacks in 2026 class] The performance 6-foot-5, true freshman Chris Henry, Jr. put in just last Saturday during Ohio State’s spring game feels like a harbinger of what’s to come. Junior receiver Brandon Inniss earned the spot across the field from Smith that once belonged to former first-round pick Emeka Egbuka and Tate. If Inniss plays as well as his predecessors, he could join Smith in the first round of next year’s draft. This is also proof that Ohio State’s recruiting strategy is working in this college football era filled with volatile transfer portal activity and undisclosed millions changing hands from businesses, universities and donors to players — dare I say “student-athletes.” The Buckeyes’ brass understands its fans demand excellence, and the NFL is more than happy to take advantage of Ohio State’s appetite to develop and be the best football program in America.Latest Sports News from FOX Sports
Texas Roadhouse has a more boisterous atmosphere than other chains, and had things gone according to the original plan, the restaurant would be even livelier.
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The Osmonds’ Alan Osmond Dead at 76
In a touching tribute post, Donny described his late brother Alan as “our leader in every sense of the word.” Continue reading…Country Music News – Taste of Country
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The Osmonds’ Alan Osmond Dead at 76
In a touching tribute post, Donny described his late brother Alan as “our leader in every sense of the word.” Continue reading…The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
The Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority, whose headquarters are pictured here, is leading state efforts to develop oil leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and to build roads to mining deposit in the Mat-Su and Northwest Alaska. (Photo by Nathaniel Herz/Northern Journal)
The state agency leading some of Alaska’s most polarizing development projects has approved a new communications budget, saying it needs to do a better job telling its own story amid attacks from critics.
The state-owned Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority is run by a former chief of staff to Gov. Mike Dunleavy and is charged with promoting economic growth and expanding natural resource extraction and exports.
It is leading work to develop state-owned oil leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and also hopes to build two controversial new roads to access mining prospects in Northwest Alaska and outside of Anchorage.
Those projects have drawn sharp opposition from conservation organizations and other critics, including lawsuits, critical op-eds and campaigns that have labeled the agency “Bad AIDEA” and caricatured its leaders.
At a meeting in Ketchikan this month, board members, with no public discussion, authorized AIDEA’s staff to spend up to $700,000 a year on a new communications budget — formalizing a plan that the agency says was previously budgeted inconsistently through spending on individual projects.
The new communications plan, the agency said in its formal resolution authorizing the spending, will “ensure proper public engagement, transparency, and stewardship of the authority’s mission.” The money could go toward trade shows and conferences, responding to media inquiries and “other communications-related needs,” according to the resolution.
The agency’s executive director, Randy Ruaro, referred questions about the plan to Dave Stieren, an AIDEA employee who ran an advertising agency and hosted a conservative talk radio show before joining the Dunleavy administration.
Stieren said he could not provide exact figures on AIDEA’s past communications spending, but he acknowledged that the new plan should allow the agency to meaningfully boost its public profile.
The $700,000 a year, he added, is a limit, and the agency will set a final budget through a request for proposals process.
“Mothership AIDEA has done, frankly, little to nothing on a consistent basis to tell our story,” Stieren said in an email — particularly when it comes to its loan programs that have helped finance tourism and hospitality businesses, like the Alaska Club fitness chain and Anchorage’s Bear Tooth pizza restaurant and theater.
“We’re far more than roads,” Stieren said. “But since we’ve really not promoted or showcased our efforts in traditional finance areas, I understand the narrative or lack thereof that folks may have.”
Stieren has also personally defended AIDEA on social media, including over the weekend — when he posted a conservative news website’s positive story about an agency-owned shipyard and said that “when commie libs attack AIDEA, they attack projects like this.”
AIDEA’s board chair, Bill Kendig, declined to answer questions about approval of the new communications budget when reached by phone.
At the Ketchikan meeting, one AIDEA critic, Melis Coady, credited the agency with formalizing communications spending as a “step toward accountability.” But she said that the plan doesn’t “deliver the transparency it describes” because it gives Ruaro, the executive director, authority to approve communications spending, and only requires that he report it to the board if asked.
“The authorization is broad, the dollar amount is undefined, and expenditures are approved solely by the executive director,” said Coady, who leads a conservation group called the Susitna River Coalition.
Ruaro, in an email, said AIDEA will issue reports on communications to board members “whether requested or not.”
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When you buy uncooked bratwurst, you only have a narrow window of time to use the sausage safely unless you plan on storing it in the freezer.
Mashed – Fast Food, Celebrity Chefs, Grocery, Reviews
Half the ‘American Idol’ couples listed here are still together. In fact, three are married! Continue reading…Country Music News – Taste of Country
Half the ‘American Idol’ couples listed here are still together. In fact, three are married! Continue reading…The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
With the 2026 NFL Draft now just hours away, it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty. After weeks of testing, film-watching and interviews, the scouts are making their final evaluations. So it’s time for me to do the same. The New York Giants’ recent acquisition of the No. 10 pick shifts the landscape. Ohio State’s quartet of top prospects remains in the top 10, as predicted in my most recent mock. Only now, they’re going to different teams. Let’s take a look at where everyone lands, from Fernando Mendoza to the choice of the Super Bowl champs at No. 32. 1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana The Heisman Trophy winner steps into the perfect system for his talents as a high-IQ playmaker. Mendoza’s pinpoint passing skills and underrated mobility mesh well with the play-action-heavy scheme new Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak prefers to run. 2. New York Jets: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech Defensive-minded head coach Aaron Glenn could build his scheme around Bailey’s destructive talents as a pass rusher. As a speed rusher with an explosive first step and a challenging signature move (dip-and-rip), the Texas Tech standout could create more turnover chances with his consistent harassment off the edge. 3. Arizona Cardinals: Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State The versatile defender would add some sizzle to the Cardinals’ defense as a hybrid playmaker with disruptive potential. 4. Tennessee Titans: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame Putting an All-Pro-caliber running back behind Cam Ward will not only help the franchise quarterback take his game to another level, but it will also allow the Titans to control the game with a diversified offensive approach. Love is a special playmaker with the potential to have a Christian McCaffrey-like impact on the offense. 5. New York Giants: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State The oft-injured playmaker is a worthwhile gamble due to his spectacular receiving skills and route-running ability. If healthy, Tyson is an unstoppable force on the perimeter who will force defensive coordinators to change how they defend the Giants’ passing game. 6. Cleveland Browns: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State The acrobatic pass-catcher is a dynamic route-runner and playmaker who flashes “take over the game” potential as a WR1. 7. Washington Commanders: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State Adding a sideline-to-sideline playmaker would help the Commanders eliminate some of the explosive plays generated by their opponents. Styles’ speed, quickness and burst not only show up on running plays, but it makes him a disruptive force on blitzes and in coverage. 8. New Orleans Saints: Rueben Bain, EDGE, Miami The high-motor defender is the perfect replacement for Cam Jordan on the edge. Bain’s heavy hands and violent approach would complement the rugged approach utilized by Chase Young on the opposite side. 9. Kansas City Chiefs: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon The ultra-athletic pass-catcher would upgrade the Chiefs’ passing game as a mismatch creator. Sadiq’s speed, quickness and athleticism would force opponents to direct double coverage his way, leading to more one-on-one matchups for Travis Kelce and others on the perimeter. 10. New York Giants: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State The high-IQ safety is the traffic cop every elite defense needs in the middle of the field. Downs’ instincts, awareness and diagnostic skills led to countless big plays by him and his teammates at Ohio State. 11. Miami Dolphins: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU The talented cover corner gives new head coach Jeff Hafley a versatile technician to feature in his “vision-and-break” scheme. Delane’s instincts, awareness and diagnostic skills make him an ideal fit for a defense that wants to utilize more zone-based concepts. 12. Dallas Cowboys: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon The ball-hawking center fielder will eliminate some of the big plays that tormented the Dallas secondary a season ago. Moreover, Thieneman’s range and ball skills will help the Cowboys produce more takeaways in 2026. 13. Los Angeles Rams: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah Adding a versatile frontline blocker will give Sean McVay the flexibility to reshuffle his offensive line to feature the best front five on game day. Fano’s physicality and toughness will add a dimension to the Rams’ offensive line. 14. Baltimore Ravens: Vega Ioane, OG, Penn State Adding a big-bodied bully to the frontline should help the Ravens get back to the rugged offensive approach that has helped them crush opponents for years. Ioane plays with the violence, physicality and nastiness that the Ravens demand from their offensive line. 15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami Todd Bowles needs a disruptive edge defender to elevate the Buccaneers’ defense in 2026. Mesidor is a plug-and-play prospect with the talent, tools and potential to become a double-digit sack producer in an aggressive scheme. 16. New York Jets: Makai Lemon, WR, USC Adding a dynamic slot receiver to the lineup should alleviate some of the pressure on WR1 Garrett Wilson to carry the passing game. Lemon is a spectacular route-runner with outstanding hands and ball skills. 17. Detroit Lions: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia After moving on from left tackle Taylor Decker, the Lions take a talented developmental prospect to feature at the marquee position of the frontline. Although Freeling will need some time to grow into his role as a blind side protector, the Georgia standout has all the tools to play at an elite level early in his career. 18. Minnesota Vikings: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee If healthy, McCoy is an elite cover corner with the tools to develop into a Pro Bowl-caliber defender on the island. As a featured playmaker in defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ aggressive scheme, the ball-hawking cover corner will force quarterbacks into more tight-window throws. 19. Carolina Panthers: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo As a rangy center fielder with outstanding ball skills and awareness, EMW will add some much-needed playmaking ability to a unit that needs to generate more turnovers in 2026. 20. Dallas Cowboys: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson The versatile cover corner is a pro-ready defender with the tools to flourish in a “see ball, get ball” system that prioritizes tackling and takeaways. 21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Chase Bisontis, OG, Texas A&M Adding a sturdy interior blocker will not endear general manager Omar Khan to the fan base, but the move could stabilize the Steelers’ offensive line for the next five years. The talented technician plays well within the phone booth, exhibiting the nastiness and toughness the Steelers covet in their offensive linemen. 22. Los Angeles Chargers: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson With Khalil Mack’s time nearing an end, the Chargers need a power rusher to fill the role. Parker’s strength, power and burst should make him an effective complementary pass rusher opposite an emerging star. 23. Philadelphia Eagles: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama The super-sized edge blocker could crack the lineup immediately as a guard before bouncing out to right tackle when Lane Johnson retires. 24. Cleveland Browns: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah As a natural left tackle with flawless footwork in pass protection, the Utah standout gives the Browns a blind side protector for the next decade. Lomu must improve as a run blocker, but his outstanding agility, balance and body control should enable him to effectively shadowbox elite pass rushers on the edge. 25. Chicago Bears: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn The ultra-aggressive edge defender specializes in stopping the run, but possesses the tools to develop into an effective pass rusher off the edge. 26. Buffalo Bills: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M The dynamic pass rusher brings the juice off the edge, providing new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard a high-energy pass rusher to build around. 27. San Francisco 49ers: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington Adding the big-bodied pass-catcher to the room provides the 49ers with a succession plan after Mike Evans’ eventual departure. With Boston serving as an apprentice to a perennial Pro Bowler, the 49ers’ passing game should be in good hands with their future WR1. 28. Houston Texans: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State The run-stuffing defensive tackle will occupy multiple blockers at the point of attack to create more big-play opportunities for Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. 29. Kansas City Chiefs: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee The loss of Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watkins forces the Chiefs to address the cornerback position with a top pick. Hood is the instinctive cover corner who typically thrives in Kansas City’s ultra-aggressive scheme. 30. Miami Dolphins: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M The pass-catching phenom is the dynamic playmaker new QB1 Malik Willis needs on the perimeter. Despite his struggles with drops, Concepcion terrorizes opponents between the hashes as a catch-and-run specialist who routinely registers his touches on crossers and square-in routes. 31. New England Patriots: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State The big-bodied edge blocker is a work in progress, but the Patriots can redshirt him for a season behind Morgan Moses before he takes over for the veteran at right tackle. 32. Seattle Seahawks: Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF The defending champs add a high-motor pass rusher to a rotation of edge defenders with complementary skills. Lawrence’s fanatical effort and relentless approach fit the Seahawks’ throwback culture.Latest Sports News from FOX Sports