Daily News 19

Author: DN19 Newsroom

  • Jonathan Kuminga Agrees to 2-Year, $12.4 Million Deal With Timberwolves

    Jonathan Kuminga Agrees to 2-Year, $12.4 Million Deal With Timberwolves

    Jonathan Kuminga Agrees to Two-Year, $12.4 Million Deal With Timberwolves

    Free-agent wing Jonathan Kuminga has agreed to a two-year, $12.4 million contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves, his agent, Aaron Turner, told ESPN’s Shams Charania on Wednesday. The deal includes a player option for the second season.

    Minnesota plans for Kuminga to compete for the vacant starting power forward role alongside Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert on an established Western Conference contender.

    To finalize the transaction, the Timberwolves will explore trade scenarios involving reserve wing Josh Green. If they cannot find a trade destination for Green, the team could waive and stretch him before Saturday’s deadline, league sources told Charania.

    Kuminga chose Minnesota over offers from the Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls and Portland Trail Blazers. He bypassed a similar starting opportunity with the Lakers, who were prepared to offer more than $12 million annually over three years in a sign-and-trade scenario.

    Instead, Kuminga selected a shorter-term, prove-it contract with the Timberwolves. The structure gives him greater control over his future and could allow him to return to free agency next summer, league sources told Charania.

    Timberwolves Made Strong Recruiting Push for Kuminga

    Over the past month, Minnesota consistently pursued Kuminga, pairing its best remaining financial tool, the taxpayer midlevel exception, with a significant opportunity on the court. Edwards played a vocal role in the team’s recruiting effort.

    Team president Tim Connelly traveled to Miami earlier this month for a four-hour meeting with Kuminga. The sixth-year wing also had productive conversations with coach Chris Finch, league sources said.

    The agreement concludes Kuminga’s second consecutive prolonged free-agency process. Last summer, lengthy negotiations with the Golden State Warriors in restricted free agency continued into October training camp.

    The Warriors initially presented a three-year, $75 million framework with a team option for the third season. They eventually re-signed Kuminga to a two-year, $46.8 million contract with a team option for the second season, with Kuminga choosing the two-year structure.

    Kuminga Moves on After Stops With Warriors and Hawks

    Kuminga’s difficult relationship with the Warriors, who selected him No. 7 overall, ended in February when Golden State traded him to the Atlanta Hawks for Kristaps Porzingis.

    Kuminga contributed to Atlanta’s push to the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference. He averaged 13.7 points in 26 minutes off the bench during the Hawks’ six-game first-round series loss to the New York Knicks.

    Atlanta declined Kuminga’s $24.3 million team option in late June, making him an unrestricted free agent.

    The Lakers pursued Kuminga most aggressively during the early weeks of free agency. General manager Rob Pelinka held multiple discussions with Hawks general manager Onsi Saleh about sign-and-trade possibilities, but the Lakers, Hawks and Kuminga could not reach an agreement acceptable to all three sides.

    That opened the door for Minnesota to acquire Kuminga on a short-term contract. The Timberwolves are adding a 23-year-old wing with 334 career games played, including 40 playoff appearances.

    Kuminga’s most notable stretch came against his new team. As a member of the Warriors during the 2025 playoffs, he averaged 20.3 points on 54.3% shooting in a second-round series loss to Minnesota.

    Source: www.espn.com

  • Carabao Cup Third-Round Draw: Liverpool vs Tottenham Head…

    The Carabao Cup third-round draw was confirmed on Wednesday, 26 August 2026, setting up a headline clash between Liverpool and Tottenham at Anfield. The draw also handed Everton a home tie against Wolves and sent Newcastle on a trip to Millwall, while Premier League champions Arsenal will travel to Ipswich Town. Manchester United face Brighton, the side that eliminated them from last season's FA Cup at Old Trafford. Read also: Liverpool Near Barcola Deal, Alvarez Saga Twists, Chelsea….

    Other notable pairings include Coventry City hosting Aston Villa in a Midlands derby, holders Manchester City welcoming Norwich City, and Brentford making the short trip to Reading. Bournemouth will host Lincoln City, while Crystal Palace face Middlesbrough at home. West Ham United await the winner of Fulham versus AFC Wimbledon, and Chelsea's opponent will be decided after their second-round match against Luton Town on Thursday night, with the winner potentially hosting Leeds United.

    “Everton host Wolves and Newcastle face a tricky visit to Millwall, while Sunderland host Hull in another all-Premier League tie.”

    — The Independent

    The remaining lower-league ties feature Sheffield United at Fleetwood Town, Leyton Orient at home to Bradford City, and Peterborough United versus Barnsley. Sunderland will host Hull City in an all-Premier League tie. The two outstanding second-round matches — Chelsea versus Luton Town and Fulham versus AFC Wimbledon — are set for Thursday night, with the winners joining the third-round lineup.

    All third-round fixtures are scheduled across the weeks beginning 7 September and 14 September. The five Premier League clubs involved in this season's Champions League will play their ties in the second week to accommodate European commitments, and the eight teams in the Champions League and Europa League were kept apart in the draw.

    “The third-round fixtures will be held across the weeks commencing 7 September and 14 September.”

    — The Independent

  • Liverpool Near Barcola Deal, Alvarez Saga Twists, Chelsea…

    The final week of the summer transfer window is shaping up as one of the most dramatic in recent memory, with several Premier League giants racing to close high‑profile deals before the deadline. Read also: Roger Federer Returns to New York for US Open Exhibition.

    Liverpool appear to have made a decisive breakthrough in their pursuit of Paris Saint‑Germain winger Bradley Barcola. According to The Times, PSG are prepared to lower their asking price for the France international to £115m after previously demanding £145m, and the clubs have held more positive talks. Read also: WNBA Playoff Race Heats Up: Fire Face Must-Win Against Wings as Bueckers Shines.

    “The Times report that PSG are prepared to lower their asking price for the France international to £115m after previously demanding £145m.”

    — The Independent

    The Reds have also enquired about the availability of Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr as they look to add wide attacking threat, after seeing two bids for Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh knocked back.

    Meanwhile, the future of Argentine forward Julian Alvarez remains a tangled subplot. Atletico Madrid have insisted there is “zero per cent chance” they sell Alvarez to Barcelona this summer and claim they are “the only victims” in the protracted saga. The 26‑year‑old has made clear he would like to join Barcelona, but Arsenal continue to monitor the situation and may move for a late deal. The Independent understands Atletico would like Alvarez’s future resolved by Friday.

    ““zero per cent chance””

    — Atletico Madrid statement via The Independent

    Manchester City have already completed two major moves, sealing a €100m deal for Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi and selling Savio to Tottenham for £85m. They are also interested in Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo and could yet reignite a move for Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, potentially making him the biggest transfer of the summer.

    Chelsea are also in talks to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and could turn back to Bournemouth’s Alex Scott if they sell Fernandez.

  • How the ‘Fix Mojang Bedrock’ Spam Comment Has Flooded ‘Minecraft’ Content for Months

    How the ‘Fix Mojang Bedrock’ Spam Comment Has Flooded ‘Minecraft’ Content for Months

    The phrase “Fix Mojang Bedrock” (also seen as “Fix Bedrock Mojang”) has become a widely recognized copypasta and spam comment within the gaming community. Players utilize this viral message to demand that Mojang, the developer behind the massively popular sandbox game Minecraft, address ongoing performance issues, glitches, and bugs plaguing the Bedrock edition of the game.

    The Origin of the Minecraft Bedrock Spam Trend

    The spam campaign first began circulating in November 2025. During this period, Minecraft Bedrock edition players faced several disruptive technical issues. Among the most notable problems was a frustrating bug in the PC version that allowed the player’s mouse cursor to drift off the game screen. Additionally, a severe memory leak bug was reported, which caused entire computer systems to crash during gameplay.

    How “Fix Mojang Bedrock” Became a Persistent Meme

    Although developers reportedly deployed fixes to address these specific technical issues, the community’s outcry did not subside. Instead, the phrases transitioned into a long-lasting internet meme. The comments continued to flood social media and community forums for months after the initial bugs were resolved.

    Industry observers and community members attribute the relentless spread of this spam comment to automated bots. These bots have targeted Mojang’s official channels and various Minecraft-related content creators, continuously posting the copypasta to keep the movement visible online.

  • Mortgage Rate Predictions Through 2030: Economic Factors at Play

    Mortgage Rate Predictions Through 2030: Economic Factors at Play

    Mortgage rates have remained elevated in recent years, but where could they go over the next five years? And should homebuyers or homeowners wait for a significant decline before purchasing or refinancing?

    Mortgage rates are influenced by several economic factors, including 10-year U.S. Treasury yields, inflation, Federal Reserve policy and demand for mortgage-backed securities. These indicators can offer clues about the future direction of mortgage rates.

    Mortgage rates typically follow the government bond market

    One of the most useful indicators for forecasting mortgage rates is the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note. Mortgage rates and 10-year Treasury yields generally move in the same direction, although mortgage rates are typically higher because lenders account for additional risks.

    The difference between the Treasury yield and the mortgage rate is known as the spread. That spread must be considered when estimating future 30-year fixed mortgage rates.

    To develop a five-year forecast, economists’ projections can be combined with data compiled using artificial intelligence.

    Economists’ five-year forecast for Treasury yields

    Michael Wolf, a global economist at Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Ltd., outlined the firm’s expectations for Treasury yields over the next five years in a December update from the Deloitte Global Economics Research Center.

    “We assume the Fed leaves rates unchanged until December 2026. The average federal funds rate reaches its neutral 3.125% in the middle of 2027,” he wrote. Wolf said the 10-year Treasury yield will ease gradually through the second quarter of 2027, “to settle at 3.9% from the third quarter of 2027 through the end of 2030.”

    Other forecasts point to somewhat higher long-term yields. Goldman Sachs analysts, for example, expect the 10-year Treasury yield to rise over the long term to 4.5% by 2035.

    The Congressional Budget Office projects that the 10-year Treasury yield will reach 4.1% by the end of 2026, then rise gradually to about 4.3% by 2030.

    Anthropic’s Claude artificial intelligence system compiled these projections into a consensus forecast used for the mortgage rate estimates below.

    Read more: Why mortgage rates increased after the Federal Reserve rate cut

    Estimating the mortgage rate spread

    The 10-year Treasury yield and the 30-year fixed mortgage rate are separated by a spread. In recent years, that difference has generally been on either side of 2.5 percentage points. That is considerably higher than the spread between 2010 and 2020, when it was below two percentage points and often near 1.5 percentage points.

    Using a 2-percentage-point spread, the relationship can be illustrated as follows:

    • 10-year Treasury rate = 4%
    • Spread = 2 percentage points
    • Mortgage rate = 6%

    As a recent example, the 10-year Treasury yield was 4.09% and the 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.00% on March 5. The spread was 6.00 – 4.09 = 1.91 percentage points.

    The spread was below two percentage points, which is one reason mortgage rates had declined.

    Claude AI suggested using a variable spread that gradually narrows:

    “The spread between 30-year fixed mortgage rates and the 10-year Treasury is driven by prepayment risk, credit risk, and supply/demand for mortgage-backed securities (MBS). The Federal Reserve’s quantitative tightening (QT) program widened spreads after 2022 as private markets absorbed more MBS. Spreads have begun normalizing in late 2025 and are expected to continue tightening.”

    Five-year mortgage rate forecast

    Using the Treasury yield projections and Claude’s suggested base-case spread between the bond market and 30-year fixed mortgage rates, a five-year mortgage rate forecast can be developed.

    Five-Year Mortgage Rate Forecast

    Read more: See today’s best mortgage rates.

    Bull and bear cases for mortgage rates

    The base case assumes gradual spread normalization, easing inflation and modest Federal Reserve policy changes. Claude AI also prepared more optimistic “bull” and pessimistic “bear” scenarios.

    Bull case: A soft economic landing

    “The Fed successfully guides inflation back to 2% without a hard recession. Gradual FOMC rate cuts through 2027 pull the 10-year yield to 3.3% as the term premium compresses. The MBS spread normalizes toward its long-run average of 170 bps as QT ends and private MBS demand recovers. Result: a 30-year fixed rate near 5.00% by 2030.”

    Bear case: Persistent inflation and fiscal pressure

    “Inflation remains sticky above 2.5% and mounting U.S. fiscal deficits push the term premium higher, keeping the 10-year yield near 4.4 to 4.6%. The spread widens to 240 bps as market volatility and MBS supply weigh on secondary markets. Mortgage rates climb toward 7.00% by 2027 before easing slightly to 6.60% by 2030.”

    How accurate are five-year mortgage rate forecasts?

    These are long-range estimates based on historical patterns and broad economic expectations. The projections could change substantially if any of the following occurs:

    • 10-year Treasury yields significantly outperform or underperform the forecast. Yields could fall sharply during a severe economic setback, such as a recession, or rise because of mounting government deficits. Geopolitical unrest and other unexpected events could also cause major volatility.
    • The spread between Treasury yields and mortgage rates narrows or widens dramatically.
    • Federal Reserve monetary policy changes substantially.

    Mortgage rate predictions for the next five years: FAQs

    Will mortgage interest rates ever return to 3%?

    No current forecast predicts a 3% mortgage rate within the next five years. However, it would have been difficult to anticipate the exceptionally low home loan rates that followed the Great Recession and the global pandemic. Events of that magnitude are difficult to forecast, but they can push mortgage rates sharply lower.

    What will mortgage rates be in 2027?

    The analysis above predicts that mortgage rates will be near 6% in 2027.

    Will mortgage rates drop in the next five years?

    Based on the estimates above, mortgage rates are not expected to fall significantly over the next five years. A recession or another unexpected economic disruption, such as war, a financial collapse or another pandemic, could alter that outlook.

    Is it better to fix a mortgage rate for two or five years?

    Borrowers considering an adjustable-rate mortgage with an initial fixed-rate period should first consider how long they expect to remain in the home. They can then evaluate the long-term mortgage rate outlook. In many cases, the best option is the initial fixed-rate term that best fits the borrower’s current budget.

    Read more: 8 strategies for getting the lowest mortgage rate possible

  • Man Posed as 49ers Player to Defraud Women, Authorities Say – NBC Bay Area

    Man Posed as 49ers Player to Defraud Women, Authorities Say – NBC Bay Area

    Man Accused of Posing as San Francisco 49ers Player in $1.3 Million Investment Fraud Scheme

    A man allegedly pretended to be a San Francisco 49ers player and a wealthy real estate investor to defraud women across several states, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

    Beginning in February 2022, Daejon Labrayae Love, 35, and Taylor Jamie Chan, 18, allegedly created fictitious investment opportunities to defraud women in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and California, court documents state.

    Authorities said both men were arrested after Chan flew from California on Monday to meet Love in Boise, Idaho. They were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud.

    Dating Apps Used to Target Victims

    According to authorities, Love met most of the women through dating apps. He allegedly used social media to portray a lavish lifestyle, falsely claiming to be a 49ers player or a wealthy real estate investor.

    The attorney’s office said Love convinced the victims that they were in genuine romantic relationships with him. He also allegedly presented himself as a sophisticated investor and claimed Chan was his “investment adviser,” who helped him build a fortune worth tens of millions of dollars.

    Love told the women he wanted to build wealth and a future with them, authorities said. Officials added that he promoted nonexistent investment vehicles and claimed they would generate substantial returns for both himself and the victims.

    Court documents state that Love used phone applications to create fictitious bank and investment accounts, along with false balances, to show the victims and make the scheme appear legitimate.

    Fictitious Investment Gains Allegedly Shown in Video Calls

    Authorities said Love and Chan exchanged electronic communications in which Chan posed as Love’s investment adviser and sent messages encouraging Love to invest in new opportunities. Love allegedly forwarded screenshots of those messages to victims to persuade them to send money to one or both men.

    The attorney’s office said the pair held video calls with victims to display falsified investment gains and encourage them to hand over additional money. If victims lacked funds, Love sometimes instructed them to take out loans, authorities said. When victims had no more money to invest or began asking too many questions, Love allegedly blocked them, ended communication and kept the money.

    Financial records indicate that the pair received approximately $1.3 million from victim investors, according to authorities. Officials have identified 26 victims, but the FBI believes there may be additional victims.

    Anyone with information about Love or Chan is encouraged to submit a tip through the FBI tip website or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.

  • The Download Button Instagram Never Quite Gave Users

    The Download Button Instagram Never Quite Gave Users

    Somewhere between the moment a reel loads and the moment it disappears from a feed, a small industry has grown up around one unglamorous problem: people want to keep the video.

    The Rise of Video Preservation Tools

    Social media platforms design content to be ephemeral. Reels, shorts, and stories vanish from feeds algorithmically or expire after 24 hours. This impermanence clashes with user behavior. Viewers find tutorials, recipes, entertainment, or moments they want to reference later. The platform-native “save” feature often buries content in a private tab, dependent on the app and an internet connection.

    Filling the Platform Gap

    A cottage industry of third-party tools, browser extensions, and websites has emerged to bridge this gap. These services extract the video file from the platform’s stream, allowing users to download and store clips locally. The demand spans casual users archiving recipes to creators backing up their own work and researchers documenting digital culture.

    Platform Resistance and Legal Gray Areas

    Platforms generally oppose this extraction. Terms of service typically prohibit downloading content without explicit permission, citing copyright protection and creator control. They deploy technical measures like encryption and obfuscated streams to block downloaders. This creates a cat-and-mouse dynamic: download tools update to bypass restrictions, platforms patch the vulnerabilities, and the cycle repeats.

    User Intent Drives Persistence

    Despite platform opposition and legal ambiguity, the demand persists. The core driver remains simple: users value agency over the media they consume. Until platforms offer robust, portable, offline-first archiving features natively, the external ecosystem built around “keeping the video” will continue to evolve.

  • Tim Curry: The Heartbreaking Story Behind the Life-Changing Event That Left Him in a Wheelchair

    Tim Curry: The Heartbreaking Story Behind the Life-Changing Event That Left Him in a Wheelchair

    The entertainment world is mourning the loss of legendary actor Tim Curry, who passed away at the age of 80 on Wednesday, 26 August. Famed for his unforgettable performances in iconic films such as The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, Curry’s career spanned an incredible six decades. His passing follows more than a decade of severe health struggles resulting from a life-altering event from which he never fully recovered.

    Tim Curry’s Health Journey and the 2012 Stroke

    In 2012, the beloved British actor suffered a major stroke that dramatically impacted his mobility, leaving him wheelchair-bound. Despite intensive physical and speech therapy, Curry faced ongoing challenges, particularly with short-term memory and mobility issues in his left arm and leg. Last year, the actor confirmed that he remained unable to walk, though he continued to make rare television appearances from his wheelchair.

    Despite his physical limitations, Curry successfully transitioned to voice acting to continue his creative passions. Fans heard his iconic voice in various animated projects, including his role as Chancellor Palpatine and Darth Sidious in the acclaimed animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

    Curry spoke openly about the sudden onset of his stroke, noting that he did not immediately realize what was happening. While receiving a massage, the therapist recognized signs of medical distress and immediately called emergency services.

    Reflections on Recovery and Mortality

    In a deeply personal CBS interview broadcast last year, the veteran actor shared his thoughts on his health battles and his perspective on facing the end of life.

    “I don’t fear death,” Curry admitted. “I try to avoid it. I think we all do, but I suspect that in the end, I will welcome it.”

    He added, “I think it may be very comforting to go bye-bye, and I want to earn it.”

    Reflecting on the terrifying experience of the stroke itself and the subsequent recovery process, he expressed how difficult it was to lose his voice. “I was scared. I had to learn how to speak again. That was very weird.”

    Describing the moments leading up to his hospitalization, he recalled: “I hated not being able to speak. I was having a massage at the time and I didn’t even actually notice anything, but the guy who was doing the massage said, ‘I’m worried about you, I want to call an ambulance.’”

    Curry initially dismissed the gravity of the situation, remembering, “And he did, and I said, ‘That’s so silly.’”

    Throughout his recovery, maintaining a positive outlook was crucial. Back in 2015, when the celebrated Broadway and screen star was honored with a lifetime achievement award by the Actors Fund, he spoke to Los Angeles magazine ahead of the event.

    “I’m doing well and I’m looking forward to it,” Curry told the publication. He expressed his admiration for the charity, adding, “I’ve done a few benefits for the Actors Fund and I think it’s a marvellous organisation. I hope not to have to use it.”

    When asked about navigating his recovery, he emphasized that having a sense of humor was ‘absolutely vital’. “It’s not tough to maintain,” he explained. “It is just part of my DNA.”

    The Legacy of a Six-Decade Career

    Tim Curry leaves behind an extraordinary body of work that has captivated audiences across generations. Beyond his defining role as the mad scientist Dr. Frank-N-Furter, his diverse filmography includes notable roles in classics such as Annie, Clue, Legend, Addams Family Reunion, and Charlie’s Angels.

    His rise to fame began in the early 1970s when he landed his first full-time role in the original London stage production of the musical Hair. It was during this time that he met Richard O’Brien, who went on to write the iconic role of Dr Frank-N-Furter specifically for him in The Rocky Horror Show. Curry’s brilliant performance helped shape the character on the London stage before he brought the character to global screens in the legendary 1975 film adaptation, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, securing his place in cinematic history.

  • Miley Cyrus Pays Emotional Tribute to Godmother Dolly Parton

    Miley Cyrus Pays Emotional Tribute to Godmother Dolly Parton

    The global music community is mourning the loss of country music icon Dolly Parton, who has passed away at the age of 80. Following the announcement, her goddaughter, pop superstar Miley Cyrus, shared a deeply moving tribute to the legendary singer, celebrating their private bond and Parton’s enduring legacy.

    The news of the country music star’s passing was shared in a video on her official Instagram account by her nephew, Bryan Seaver. Parton’s publicist confirmed that she passed away following a brief battle with cancer.

    Miley Cyrus Honors Her Godmother

    Taking to Instagram to express her grief, Miley Cyrus shared her feelings about the profound loss, emphasizing the personal connection they shared behind the scenes. In her emotional post, Cyrus wrote:

    “The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share. Our most sacred moments were private and they’ll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & between our hearts.”

    Cyrus continued, reflecting on her godmother’s strength and how she would want her to channel her grief into creativity:

    “What I KNOW is Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then continue on and be strong. I have an angel by my side. I always have. One of our last conversations was about music and metamorphosis.”

    “I will always love her and want to make her proud. My heart breaks for the world, her family and friends who will miss her deeply. We’re in this loss together and we will see her in all of the most beautiful things.”

    The bond between the two artists spanned decades. In 2012, Cyrus performed a widely acclaimed cover of Parton’s signature hit “Jolene” during her Backyard Sessions. Nearly a decade later, in 2021, Cyrus wrote the honorary tribute for Parton when she was named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People. At 28 years old, Cyrus shared her admiration for the icon, writing:

    “Have you ever met anyone who doesn’t love Dolly Parton? I never have. Dolly is not only my idol because of her incomparable career – she’s also my role model because of her steadfast morals and values. At her core, she is the definition of a humanitarian.”

    The Passing of a Global Icon

    Dolly Parton, whose stellar career earned her 11 Grammy Awards and immortalized classics like “9 To 5,” “I Will Always Love You,” and “Jolene,” spent her final moments surrounded by family. Her publicist, Marcel Pariseau, confirmed that she passed away at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.

    In an official statement, Pariseau honored Parton’s immense contributions to both music and global philanthropy:

    “Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched. Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand.“Whether it be the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library or funding research that helped create a lifesaving vaccine used around the world, Dolly’s unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact.”

    Inside Dolly Parton’s 58-Year Marriage to Carl Dean

    While Parton lived her life in the international spotlight, she maintained a highly private personal life, especially regarding her 58-year marriage to Carl Dean, who passed away in 2025.

    The couple first crossed paths in Nashville in 1964, immediately after Parton relocated to the city to pursue her musical dreams. Recalling their initial meeting during a 1984 interview with Interview Magazine, Parton shared:

    “I graduated on a Friday night, went to Nashville on a Saturday morning with dirty clothes and I went to a Laundromat looking for anything but love.”

    “I had just left two boyfriends back home and I wasn’t looking to get involved because I had gone to Nashville to really get started in the business. I met him at the Why Washy and he’s been wishy washy ever since.”

    Dean was similarly struck by their first encounter, later admitting:

    “My first thought was ‘I’m gonna marry that girl’. My second thought was, ‘Lord she’s good lookin’.”

    Despite warnings from Parton’s record label, who feared that marriage might derail her rising career, the couple tied the knot after two years of dating. Dean, who ran an asphalt-paving and road-building business, remained an unwavering source of support. Parton previously told the New York Times that her husband never tried to make me give it up.

    Their enduring relationship served as the creative spark for several of Parton’s most famous tracks. The classic song “Jolene” was inspired by a flirtatious bank teller who caught Dean’s attention, while romantic ballads such as “From Here to the Moon and Back,” “Forever Love,” and “Say You’ll Be Mine” were written directly about their relationship.

    Though he made a rare appearance on the cover of her album My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy, Dean famously avoided the public eye. Parton fiercely respected his boundary, never expecting him to accompany her to industry events or concerts. She once shared that he loves to hear the things I do while she loves to hear the things he does.

    Their unique dynamic kept their partnership strong for nearly six decades, lasting until Dean passed away in 2025 at the age of 82. At the time of his passing, Parton paid tribute to their long life together, stating:

    “Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years,”

  • Minnesota United FC vs. Orlando City SC: What to Know Before the August 29, 2026 Match

    Minnesota United FC vs. Orlando City SC: What to Know Before the August 29, 2026 Match

    Minnesota United returns to Allianz Field on Saturday night after ending its winless run with a Matchday 22 victory in San Jose. The Loons host Eastern Conference opponent Orlando City, which has turned its season around since the break following the signing of Antoine Griezmann and several major upsets.

    With both teams aiming to build winning streaks, three important points are at stake in this cross-conference matchup. Here is everything fans need to know for matchday at Allianz Field, including the MNUFC Unified intrasquad match, pregame events, giveaways, food, merchandise and in-game honors.

    MNUFC Unified Intrasquad Match

    MNUFC Unified will play an intrasquad match before Minnesota United faces Orlando City on Saturday. Gates open at 2:00 p.m., with kickoff scheduled for 3:00 p.m. The match will consist of two 25-minute halves.

    Fans attending the Unified match must re-enter the stadium for the first-team match later that evening. The Unified Squad includes players with and without intellectual disabilities and has represented the club since 2017 through a league partnership with Special Olympics, supported by presenting sponsor Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota. Free tickets are available through the club.

    Fans attending the Unified match can park for free in Lot C, but vehicles must be moved by 5 p.m. if they plan to stay for the first-team match. Fans can also pay to park in the Spruce Tree or Herberger’s lots and leave their vehicles there through the end of the Minnesota United match.

    Pregame Events at Allianz Field

    The Sun Country Pre-Party begins at 5:00 p.m. on the Great Lawn. The event will feature food, giveaways and entertainment, including a live performance by the six-piece cover band Unicorn.

    Supporters can also join the Wonderwall March to the Match. Meet at The Calling loon sculpture one hour before kickoff, then march to the Bell Bank SW Entrance and into the stadium. Sections 21–23 in the Supporters Section will be reserved for Wonderwall participants.

    Arrive Early and Review the Bag Policy

    Fans are encouraged to arrive at least 30 minutes before kickoff and review Allianz Field’s bag policy before heading to the stadium. Lines outside the venue may appear long but should move quickly when guests arrive with approved bags and digital tickets ready.

    Free MNUFC Trucker Hat

    The first 10,000 fans through the gates will receive a limited-edition MNUFC trucker hat, courtesy of Bell Bank. Supporters voted on the design earlier in the season, giving fans a chance to represent the Black and Blue in style.

    MNUFC x UNRL Nightfall Drop

    MNUFC and UNRL will release one final Nightfall merchandise collection. Inspired by the shift in energy under the stadium lights, the design reflects the mystery, focus and intensity of soccer after dark.

    The Nightfall collection will be available exclusively at the Black and Blue Team Store in Section 27. Quantities are limited, so fans should arrive early.

    Club and Country Scarf Redemption

    Purchasers of the Club and Country Ticket Pack can claim their exclusive scarf at Ticket Central on the concourse outside Section 17. Scarves must be collected before the start of the second half.

    Food and Drinks at Allianz Field

    Fans can use the interactive menu map to find food throughout the stadium. Premium-ticket holders can also access exclusive menus for the Field Club, Upper 90 Club and Stadium Club.

    In the spirit of the State Fair, Tonja Kjaer of Curds & Cakes will return to Allianz Field with fresh corn dogs in Section 30.

    Specialty Cocktail of the Match

    Fans 21 and older can order the Strawberry Basil 75, made with Wheatley vodka, prosecco, strawberry syrup and lemon juice. The specialty cocktail will be available at the Grand Casino Brew Hall and in premium spaces.

    Additional fair-inspired food options include Hot Honey Cheese Curds and Loaded Philly Cheesesteak Fries at the Fry Club in Section 24, Pickle on a Stick at the Hungry Loon in Sections 10, 13, 22 and 34, and Papa Pete’s Mini Donuts in Section 29.

    In-Game Honors

    Maria Ordiera will be honored as the Allina Scoreboard Keeper of the Game, while Matt Mosvick will receive recognition as the SeatGeek Fan of the Game. Bogey will be honored as the NutriSource SuperStar.

    MNUFC will also recognize Special Olympics Minnesota coaches Mark Peterson and Josh Fisher as the Target L’Étoile du Nord. Sean Mullan of the U.S. Navy will be honored as the Xcel Energy Eye of the Loon, and Finley’s ambassador Brian will deliver the game ball.

    Community and Sustainability Initiatives

    Collection bins for pop tabs are available throughout Allianz Field beside the trash bins. Fans can also bring tabs from home and place them in bins outside the stadium. Donations support Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Upper Midwest.

    Fans can help reduce matchday waste by sorting items into the BizRecycling and WM organics, recycling and trash receptacles.

    As part of a stadium-wide water sustainability effort with Ecolab, MNUFC provides six water bottle refill stations around the concourse at Sections 9, 15, 21, 25, 30 and 36. Fans may bring empty, clear plastic bottles to use at the stations. The stations are not sensor activated, so press the button to refill.

    Source: www.mnufc.com