Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 377

Going local: A new streaming service peeks into news in 2024 election swing states

By DAVID BAUDER

NEW YORK (AP) — Fans of politics have another way to keep track of what’s happening in the most competitive states in the country through a new service that collects and streams local newscasts.

Swing State Election News, which began operation Monday, lets streamers choose from among 37 local television stations in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. They are primarily local affiliates of CBS, NBC, ABC and Fox.

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff during the Democratic National Convention Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Those are the states that pollsters have concluded will most likely decide the presidential contest between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. The service will allow people to test the maxim of “all politics is local” by closely following how the campaigns are being waged there.

“Nobody knows local politics better than the journalists in the local communities,” said Jack Perry, CEO of Zeam Media.

Viewers can choose between live and archived programming

Swing State Election News is an outgrowth of Zeam, a free streaming service affiliated with Gray Television that began last winter. Zeam caters to people who have given up cable or satellite television subscriptions by offering hundreds of local market broadcasts. The bulk of its users follow their local markets but a significant number check in on other areas where they may have had ties in the past, the service said.

Zeam doesn’t reveal how many people use the service.

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Swing State Election News allows users to choose between live programming or archived newscasts. A quick click Monday on a tab, for instance, calls up the morning newscast on WMGT-TV in Macon, Georgia.

As the campaign goes on, Perry said the newscasts will offer a window into rallies and other events held in those states, along with details in local House and Senate races that may impact control of those chambers.

It contrasts with national newscasts, Perry said, because “at the local level, you’re going to get a different feel. It’s the people actually living in these communities.”

You won’t see local political commercials, though

One important indicator of how the campaigns are going will be missing, however. A local newscast in the swing states this fall is expected to be filled with commercials for the presidential candidates, which can illustrate some of the campaign strategies and issues they feel are resonating.

Swing State Election News sells its own advertising, however, and will not show what is being seen in the local advertising breaks, Perry said.

In another effort aimed at boosting election news for swing states, The Associated Press said last month it is offering its campaign coverage to a series of small, independent news organizations that can’t otherwise afford it.

David Bauder writes about media for the AP. Follow him at http://twitter.com/dbauder.

Deadly bacteria is a growing threat to beach vacations across the US

Alexander Battle Abdelal | (TNS) Bloomberg News

Beating the heat in the U.S. is a little harder this summer than it used to be: E. coli and cyanobacteria are causing widespread beach closures at lakes and rivers. It’s a problem exacerbated by climate change-fueled warmer waters and more prolific downpours, which are creating perfect conditions for bacteria to flourish.

Bacteria tend to grow in warm conditions and between 1985 and 2009, lakes and ponds warmed at a rate of roughly 0.6F (0.3C) per decade. That shift is increasing the risk of blooms in historically cold places. The bacteria can cause a host of symptoms, including blisters, rashes, diarrhea, muscle weakness and liver damage, to name a few. Outbreaks can also tax ecosystems.

All that comes at a price: In the U.S. alone, preventing and treating harmful cyanobacterial blooms cost more than $1 billion between 2010 and 2020, and the figure is likely to rise due to global warming.

Heavy rain often provides the “fuel and supplies” for bacterial spikes, according to Kaitlin Reinl, a limnologist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Stormwater drives bacterial growth by washing phosphorus and nitrogen into lakes and rivers, where heat waves can drive bacteria and algae growth.

“Basically, temperature speeds up everything,” says Hans-Peter Grossart, professor of aquatic microbial ecology and biodiversity at Potsdam University. “The carbon dioxide equilibrium in the water has been changed because we have higher atmospheric CO2 concentrations now. The greenhouse (effect) increases nutrient concentration (e.g. phosphorus and nitrogen presence in the water) and CO2 concentration.”

One of the most common bacterial threats to water quality is diarrheagenic E. coli, which thrives in warmer conditions: Each 1C increase in monthly average temperature raises its incidence by 8%.

Cyanobacteria — dubbed blue-green algae — also blooms in the high heat. When the algae decomposes, it releases harmful toxins that cause respiratory and gastrointestinal issues as well as skin and eye irritation. More extreme impacts include seizures and liver damage, and the algae can even kill pets and wildlife, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In historically hot climates like Florida, precipitation is the largest factor driving cyanobacterial blooms. But rising temperatures are impacting waterways in cooler climates that typically aren’t associated with cyanobacterial blooms. Massachusetts reached a season record with 55 beach closures as of Aug. 16, 87% of them due to bacterial spikes, according to the state’s Interactive Beach Water Quality Dashboard. Vermont’s cyanobacteria tracker currently lists more than 40 active alerts.

Even Lake Tahoe, famous for its pristine waters, showed signs warning of toxic algal blooms earlier this summer. While those concerns were a false alarm, the risk of a real outbreak hangs over the lake. Algal blooms have become a growing issue in recent years, and dangerous toxins were detected in a pond on Lake Tahoe’s Nevada shores, though it wasn’t connected to the lake.

“The 1.4 degree rise in annual water temperature is having an impact on parts of the lake that we thought would never be a problem,” says Jeff Cowen, a public information officer at the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.

That’s also threatening Tahoe’s $5.1 billion in yearly tourism revenue, which makes up 60% of the area’s economy, according to Cowen. While Tahoe can blunt any would-be summer issues with its prolific winter skiing season, many lakeside economies depend on visitors flocking there to take a dip on hot days.

Adam Gufarotti, community support manager for the city of Lake Elsinore, says harmful algae blooms are a major concern. As the largest freshwater lake in Southern California, Elsinore draws visitors from around the region. But in 2022, the lake shut down for six months due to a dangerous bacterial bloom. The city lost $300,000 in lake use fees alone. Gufarotti noted that the toll was even higher for local retailers dependent on tourism revenue.

To avert a repeat, Lake Elsinore in February kickstarted a $2 million investment to pilot what’s known as nanobubble technology, from Moleaer Inc. By injecting the lake with pure oxygen, Moleaer’s nanobubble barges increase lake levels of the element and limit the release of phosphorus that allows bacteria to thrive. The lake purchased two more barges in June.

But technological solutions for large bodies of water remain few and far between. Gufarotti says he is constantly being pitched on new water-quality solutions, but many can’t handle a lake of Elsinore’s size. “A lot of the time, the largest body of water they’ve cleaned up is one acre or 50 acres. Lake Elsinore is 3,000 acres,” he says. The cost of using these technologies at that scale can be prohibitively high, with some startups asking for tens of millions of dollars.

Ultimately, the best strategies for reducing the risk of harmful bacterial blooms are reducing nitrogen and phosphorus pollution to cut off the fuel algae need, and lowering emissions. Failing to do so could leave tourism-dependent communities up a creek.

“The lake’s beauty, scenic quality, blueness and clarity are what attract people in the first place,” Tahoe’s Cowen says. “But it goes beyond that: Here, the economy is the environment and the environment is the economy.”

___

©2024 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Are you ready to unleash travel adventures with your dog?

Lisa Wells | Associated Press

Bringing your dog along on your travel adventures can be a blast, but how do you make sure the trip is fun and stress-free for you both? Taking advantage of these dog-friendly options and travel tips can help you plan a getaway for you and your four-legged friend.

Traveling with pets has become increasingly popular in recent years. In response, the travel industry has expanded their offerings for vacationers who bring their dogs along. Pet-friendly stays, activities and transportation are making it easier and more fun to travel with dogs.

For many pet owners, their dog is their best friend. Having them along as a companion can provide welcome company. Among 34 to 54 year olds, the number of people who prefer to bring their pets on vacation has increased to 40% per data from Allianz. Bringing your dog on vacation also eliminates the need to find pet care while you are out of town.

Although many places will welcome your dog, trying to go somewhere that dogs are not allowed can interrupt your trip or add extra stress. Before you book hotels and pack your bags, choose the right itinerary to ensure a great trip for you and your pup.

Best pet-friendly destinations for your next trip

Many cities are dog-friendly for both residents and visitors. By choosing one of these cities to visit, you’ll have a better chance of finding accommodations and activities for your dog. Fortunately, many of these cities are also exciting travel destinations.

Key West, Florida

For a pup-friendly beach escape, head to Key West in Florida. Beaches in South Florida offer beautiful stretches of sand and sparkling water. You and your dog can relax in the sun, splash in the waves and explore the city. Head to the Key West Dog Beach for off-leash fun. Dogs are also welcome on Lazy Dog Kayak Eco-Tours.

Sacramento, California

Forbes chose Sacramento as the most dog-friendly city in the U.S. based on available accommodations and activities. Sacramento is highly walkable and has dozens of dog parks, restaurants with dog-friendly patios and accommodations that take pets. Nature trails and the nearby Sierra Nevada Mountains provide plenty of hiking. For relaxing, Sacramento is known as the Farm to Fork Capital and has a burgeoning wine culture.

Edisto Island, South Carolina

Edisto Island is a South Carolina barrier island less than an hour away from Charleston. It is a quiet beach destination for a laid-back, pet-friendly escape. Edisto Beach welcomes dogs to the four-and-a-half-mile shoreline and Edisto Beach State Park has trails for hiking. You can also bring your dog along on a nature tour by Botany Bay Ecotours.

Navigating hotels, restaurants and attractions with your dog

It’s beneficial to map out the experience for you and your dog before you depart. Start by picking a dog-friendly hotel. Hotel brands at all price points have rooms that accommodate dogs. Some even provide extras, like dog treats or water bowls, on check in.

When booking, LaDell Carter, founder of Royal Expression Travels, notes, “Some hotels might advertise as pet-friendly but impose restrictions such as weight limits or prohibitions against leaving pets unattended in rooms. To avoid any unwelcome surprises, it’s crucial to verify these details beforehand.”

Pet-friendly restaurants and activities

Restaurants with outdoor seating will often accept well-behaved dogs. In Hilton Head Island, for instance, Skull Creek Boathouse offers shade, fans and water bowls for dogs on their patios, letting you and your dog enjoy brunch in Hilton Head together.

When planning what to do on vacation, focus on outdoor activities as those are most likely to be dog-friendly. Hikes, lakes, local parks, beaches and national seashores are ideal places to hang out with your dog. Individual businesses may also permit dogs. Check out city tourism sites, online forums and local business websites for more ideas.

Planning transportation with a dog

While there are many dog-friendly vacation destinations, getting your dog there can be a challenge. Consider how you want to travel and what your dog is comfortable with when planning your trip. You’ll also want to check what requirements your transport method and destination have for dogs. Vaccination records, health certificates and microchips are often required, especially for international travel. Also, keep in mind that new rules for entering the U.S. will start in August 2024.

Plane travel with a dog

In their survey, Forbes found that about 33% of dog owners travel by plane with their pup. To meet demand, airlines are providing more options for dogs that fly. Several major airlines permit small pets to travel in the cabin as long as they are in a carrier that will fit under the seat in front of you. According to NerdWallet, Alaskan Airlines, Frontier, Delta, Southwest, United and others permit pets for an extra fee. On major carriers that permit larger dogs, the dog must be kenneled and travel in cargo.

Some boutique airlines like BARK Air are offering another option. Aboard smaller planes, dogs get to sit wherever they like and move about the cabin. These airlines prioritize a relaxing flight for dogs. Dave Stangle, VP of Brand Marketing at BARK notes, “All furry passengers have access to various aids such as calming treats, noise-canceling earmuffs and calming jackets to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable flight.” Dog-first airlines may offer complimentary options like meals for the pups and the humans.

Bringing the dogs on road trips

If your destination is within driving distance, road trips can be a great way to travel with pets. Most dogs like car rides, and the familiar environment is often less stressful for both of you. Traveling by car also makes it easy to stop for stretch and potty breaks.

Whenever you are driving with your dog along as a passenger, make sure your pup is secured and won’t cause a distraction. Travel crates are a good way to secure your dog both in the car and at your destination. Dog seat belts and backseat hammocks can also keep you and your dog safe and comfortable while road tripping. If your dog isn’t often in the car, do a few practice rides before setting off on your trip.

Plan your next adventure with your dog

As more cities, hotels and airlines add pet-friendly accommodations, it has never been easier to travel with your furry friends. Join the trend of traveling with your dog and enjoy vacation in an entirely new way.

Lisa Wells is a travel, food and lifestyle writer and photographer who has traveled across 37 countries. As the founder of Coastal Wandering, she shares her love for laid-back beach living with stories, recipes and tips for a relaxed coastal lifestyle.

Quiz: Will you be voting for ‘The Bear’ at this year’s Emmys?

Glenn Whipp | (TNS) Los Angeles Times

“The Bear” won 10 Emmys for its first season, including comedy series, writing and directing along with honors for actors Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri and Ebon Moss-Bachrach.

This year, for its second season, the show earned 23 nominations, breaking the record of most Emmy nods for a comedy series. That haul makes it the overwhelming favorite to sweep through the ceremony again, even if there are still grumblings about whether “The Bear” belongs in the comedy categories.

Will you be voting for it? Take the following quiz to see whether you fancy yourself a member of the brigade.

You watched the second season of “The Bear”:

I still haven’t gotten around to it. I’ve been meaning to! (0)

In one sitting (10)

In the fetal position (8)

Season of “The Bear” you think you’re voting for this year:

Season 2 (10)

Season 3 (0)

It doesn’t matter. I locked myself inside a mental walk-in after watching every episode of this extraordinary series. (10)

Have you ever worked at a restaurant?

I waited tables during college. The tips got me through school! (6)

I worked in a kitchen and still have PTSD flashbacks weekly. (10)

Does being a food critic count? (0)

When you hear “Michelin star,” you think:

What time is our reservation? (10)

Who cares? Beyond my budget. (2)

Overpriced tires (0)

Favorite fine-dining experience:

High-end sushi bar with a 20-course menu (10)

That little bistro around the corner, the one with the amazing tartine escargot and duck leg confit (8)

Chalupa Supreme! (0)

Hands! Behind! Yes, chef!

Kitchen lingo (10)

What the hell are you talking about? (0)

Wait … were you eavesdropping outside my door last night? (8)

Favorite classic television comedy:

“Cheers” (3)

“Friends” (5)

“The Sopranos” (10)

When I watch TV, I like to:

Curl up under a blanket (4)

Eat a bowl of my favorite ice cream (4)

Scream into my pillow (10)

Favorite television cousin:

Richie! (10)

Greg (5)

Itt (2)

Christmas song that sums up your feelings on the season :

“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” (4)

“O Come, All Ye Faithful” (2)

“I Won’t Be Home for Christmas” (10)

Favorite “Bear” episode:

“Forks” (10)

“Fishes” (8)

The one where Yogi and Boo Boo find a magical lamp, gangsters hide in Snagglepuss’ cave and Yakky sings (0)

Hospitality means:

Providing your guests with a sense of belonging and feeling seen (10)

Ritz crackers and Vienna sausages (0)

Item of clothing “The Bear” has inspired you to purchase:

A colorful scarf, like the ones Sydney wears (9)

Carmy’s heavyweight white tee (7)

Calvin Klein underwear (10)

Vice of choice:

Nicotine gum (8)

San Marzano tomatoes (8)

Panic attacks (2)

Last book you read:

“Escoffier: The Complete Guide to the Art of Modern Cookery” (8)

“Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly,” Anthony Bourdain (7)

“Man’s Search for Meaning,” Viktor E. Frankl (10)

Favorite activity in the kitchen:

Affixing green painter’s tape to jars while wearing my Birkenstock Tokios (10)

Cooking something yummy for my fam (5)

Drinking beer in my underwear next to the open refrigerator door (2)When you hear Taylor Swift’s “Love Story,” you:

Begin scream-singing, “Romeo, take me somewhere we can be alone / I’ll be waiting, all there’s left to do is run” (2)

Fondly remember Cousin Richie’s singalong (10)

Still can’t believe she won album of the year for freakin’ “Midnights” (0)

Italian beef:

I’ll have two, please! (10)

Is that like beef but made from pasta? (2)

Pass. I’m vegan. (0)

Favorite chef:

Thomas Keller (8)

Matty Matheson (10)

The Swedish Chef (he taught me how to make pöpcørn!) (4)

Number of times you paused “Fishes,” the chaotic Christmas episode:

None. I watched it straight through and then watched it again! (10)

Three (5)

Um … It’s still on pause in my queue. (0)

Scoring

130 and above: Let it rip.

70-129: (Probably), chef!

Below 70: You will not be voting for “The Bear.” And you probably put ketchup on your hot dogs.

_________

©2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Hollywood is slowly getting back to work, but the days of peak TV aren’t coming back

Wendy Lee, Stephen Battaglio and Thomas Suh Lauder | Los Angeles Times (TNS)

LOS ANGELES — Ever since the actors’ strike ended last year, Hollywood’s workforce has been asking one question: When will the entertainment industry’s production economy start its long-awaited comeback?

A full nine months after the debilitating “hot labor summer” and fall concluded, a picture is starting to emerge of an industry in a state of modest recovery. New data indicate that, after a long period of significantly reduced activity, some companies are commissioning more shows again, but the comeback remains incredibly slow.

Many entertainment executives and workers at various levels have become resigned to the idea that the film and TV business has become permanently smaller — and the heights of dealmaking in 2021 and 2022, the so-called peak TV era, will never return.

“We’ve been in a stage of reset,” said Alice Thorpe of London-based Ampere Analysis, a market research firm focused on media and entertainment.

Recovery for the streaming sector has been led by Netflix and Amazon, which are responsible for a large share of the programming launched since the end of the writers’ and actors’ strikes. In the first half of 2024, Netflix commissioned 149 programs in North America, the most since the first half of 2022, according to Ampere data.

Traditional broadcast television, cable and streaming commissions in the U.S. and Canada by major entertainment companies increased 39% to 1,013 programs in the first half of 2024, compared to the second half of 2023, Ampere said. The data, which factor in green-lights from Warner Bros. Discovery, Netflix, Amazon, Disney, Apple, Paramount and Comcast, did not include theatrical movies.

But that number was still down 9.9% compared with the first half of 2023, according to Ampere data. Even more striking is the decline from the first half of 2022, when those companies green-lighted 1,515 programs in the U.S. and Canada.

Back then, the streaming TV universe seemed limitless. Hollywood studios pumped out new shows, streamers paid big money for top talent and promotional discounts for subscribers were plentiful. That golden era’s demise began in 2022, when streaming leader Netflix reported subscriber losses, and continued as studios pared back expenses. They canceled shows and movies, raised subscription fees and laid off workers.

While Netflix has been declared the winner of the streaming wars by Wall Street and remains one of the few profitable companies in that space, it’s unclear when the cuts will end at others such as debt-saddled Warner Bros. Discovery and soon-to-be-sold Paramount, which is in the process of cutting 2,000 jobs.

Hollywood insiders had been hopeful that business would bounce back after last year’s strikes, but many workers are still struggling to find jobs. Now, “survive ’til ’25” is the mantra for many. Others have moved out of town or switched careers.

The worry that more strikes were looming held back studio activity, some say.

As the unions representing crew members negotiated their contracts with studios earlier this year, several shows set up production in London rather than risk interruption due to a work stoppage, said Robert Halmi Jr., chief executive of Great Points Studio, whose company has sound stages in New York, Atlanta and in the United Kingdom.

Now that the Hollywood Teamsters and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees have reached deals with the studios, Halmi believes a turnaround is ahead.

“We finally for the first time have no [U.S.] strikes on the horizon,” Halmi said. “All the barriers are out of the way now.”

His company is opening a new 1 million-square-foot facility in Yonkers, N.Y., and it is already completely booked through next year. “Shows are looking for space now,” Halmi said.

Much of the renewed activity is happening outside the U.S.

Netflix and Amazon are green-lighting programs in North America. However, roughly 60% of their commissions in the first half of this year were on other continents, as they sought to expand their audiences by creating local-language content in hubs like India, Spain and Germany, according to Ampere.

The film business for years has had to contend with the flight of U.S. productions to locations that are cheaper and offer generous government incentives. Making a show abroad for the small screen also can be significantly cheaper than producing it in the U.S. It can cost $8 million to $10 million an episode for a drama series shot in the U.S., whereas the same show in Europe with tax credits can be made for as low as $4 million an episode, according to estimates from industry experts.

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Netflix, Paramount, Warner Bros. Discovery and Amazon declined to comment on the Ampere report. Apple and the Walt Disney Co. did not respond to a request for comment.

Streamers are looking for safe bets: programs with big-name talent and existing intellectual property, such as popular books. In January, Amazon green-lighted a biblical series called “House of David.” Netflix commissioned a horror show called “Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen” from the producers of “ Stranger Things.”

NBCUniversal said the company’s content mix has remained consistent across its platforms and will continue to be so. The company declined to comment on the Ampere data.

“The floodgates did not open, but it’s been slowly and surely getting better,” said Roy Ashton, partner and agent in the TV literary department at Beverly Hills talent agency Gersh. “It’s just that the bar is just higher than it’s ever been.”

Amazon has green-lighted 49 U.S. productions so far this year, roughly the same as in 2023, according to a person familiar with Amazon’s business who was not authorized to comment publicly. More than 30% of Amazon Originals series are shot in the U.S., the person said.

London-based production company Fremantle and its divisions had several shows in different countries green-lighted by Amazon and Netflix this year. Those include a couple of not-yet-announced U.S. unscripted programs for Netflix and a second season renewal of its popular German-language romantic drama “Maxton Hall — the World Between Us,” which launched in May and was Amazon Prime Video’s most-viewed international original title in its first week.

“There’s activity everywhere,” said Jennifer Mullin, chief executive of Fremantle. “The great thing about what we do is, the world needs great content.”

But some industry insiders are concerned about the future of U.S. production as entertainment companies look to cut expenses. Last week, Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount wrote down the value of their cable networks by a combined $15 billion, a recognition of the damage done by cord-cutting and the shift to streaming.

Analysts worry that streamers will reduce content spending on series and movies as they invest more into live sports programming. As more subscription streamers offer ad-supported versions of their services, they are seeking major sporting events as a way to draw audiences and advertisers.

Talent is facing pressure as studios offer less money when negotiating deals with creators, some agents said. During peak TV, streamers were offering massive amounts of money to executive producers to help come up with content to fill their libraries.

“It’s the worst market that’s ever existed,” said Dan Erlij, United Talent Agency partner and co-head of its television literary department. “The correction has been dramatic, profound. … The deals are being remade at fractions of deals that have existed for those people in the past.”

Even people behind big hits have had trouble getting traction with new material. Aaron Korsh, whose years-old USA Network legal drama “Suits” became a surprise sensation on Netflix last year, said it’s been a tough market. Last month, a pitch of his got rejected.

“In the past six months, it was really bad,” Korsh said. “I think it’s getting a little better now, and the hope from everyone is that it will get better next year.”

Korsh said the pilot for his upcoming NBC show “Suits: L.A.” — a spin-off from the basic cable original — was mainly shot in Vancouver, Canada, and he was planning to shoot the season there. However, at the last minute, the project received a tax credit to shoot in Los Angeles, so filming will begin here later this year.

“It was fantastic news for everyone and for the L.A. economy,” Korsh said.

©2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Turning table scraps into gourmet meals: Learn the art of zero-waste cooking from a professional chef

Jennifer Allen | Associated Press

Carrot tops, potato peels and bones quickly go from your cutting board to the trash bin, but no more. These are just a few ingredients at the center of the zero-waste movement, promising to make meals delicious and sustainable.

As food waste continues to contribute to environmental issues, chefs and home cooks alike are looking for creative ways to repurpose every part of their meals. Some fine dining restaurants, like Rhodora Wine Bar in New York and Lionfish in San Diego, boast a zero-waste kitchen while guaranteeing an exceptional and unforgettable meal.

Are you ready to turn your meal scraps into gourmet meals? Read on to learn the best zero-waste cooking tips from a professional chef.

What you’ll love about zero-waste cooking

Zero-waste cooking offers myriad benefits. By adopting this approach, you can maximize the value of your groceries, push yourself to experiment with new recipes and contribute towards more sustainable living.

First, zero-waste cooking positively contributes to reducing food waste. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, approximately one-third of food produced globally is wasted. This further contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and represents a loss of resources used in food production​. By seeking to maximize your ingredients, you can support sustainability from your home.

Another primary advantage of zero-waste cooking is the financial benefits. By utilizing every part of your ingredients, you can make the most of your groceries, reducing the need to buy additional food. Using stale bread, for example, to make croutons ensures that nothing goes to waste and eliminates the need to pay expensive grocery store prices for this household staple.

By stretching your budget, zero-waste cooking can also help you appreciate the full potential of your ingredients. When you experiment with using parts of ingredients that are often discarded, like stems, peels and cores, you may discover unique tastes and culinary possibilities you would not have considered. This can lead to more interesting meals that enhance your cooking experience and push your palate.

Moreover, as you engage with zero-waste cooking, you are actively participating in reducing the environmental impact of your food consumption and moving towards sustainable living. This effort can help you to feel more connected to your food and the environment, fostering a sense of mindfulness and eco-social responsibility.

Chef Jenn Allen’s tips for zero-waste cooking

Mastering zero-waste cooking involves adopting a few key techniques that help you make the most of your ingredients while reducing waste. Dive into these simple yet effective methods to turn your kitchen into a waste-free zone.

Stockpile your scraps

More likely than not, after cooking one meal, you won’t have enough scraps to do anything substantial with. This is why accumulating vegetable peels, ends and other trimmings in a dedicated container in your freezer is essential to a zero-waste kitchen. This method ensures that you always have base ingredients for your soups and stocks and extends the shelf life of items that would normally go to waste.

Use a compost bin for non-edible waste

While zero-waste cooking attempts to eliminate as much waste as possible, some amount is inevitable. Food scraps like coffee grounds or eggshells cannot be repurposed, nor are they edible. Set up a compost bin to ensure that your wasted food scraps have a sustainable place to go, thereby contributing to reducing the load on landfills. If you have a small balcony garden or a backyard, your compost can be used as a fertilizer for your plants.

Get creative with your leftovers

Being creative and adaptable is the cornerstone of zero-waste cooking. Chef Jenn Allen suggests using leftover vegetables in soups or sauces, while leftover grains can be repurposed into salads or stir-fries. If you have an abundance of one ingredient, consider how you might use it sparingly across several dishes. Grilled meats or fish, for example, can be used in burritos, omelets and casseroles within a week without feeling like your meals are repetitive.

Plan meals around what you have

Before heading to the grocery store, ensure you take stock of what you already have. Zero-waste kitchens thrive on careful and intentional consumption. This practice will help you avoid unnecessary purchases and encourage you to buy ingredients with a purpose, making the most of what you have. Additionally, batch-cooking meals that are portioned out for the week or frozen for later use reduces the likelihood of spoilage and helps to make cooking more efficient.

Learn proper storage techniques

Proper storage is the key to extending the life of your fresh foods and reducing waste from spoilage. For example, leafy greens are best stored in a container with a damp paper towel, while herbs should be kept in a glass of water covered in a plastic bag in the fridge. Airtight containers maintain leftovers and labeling them with dates can help track their freshness. Learning more about the best ways to store different foods can help you make the most of your groceries.

Adjust seasonings as you go

Cooking with scraps and leftovers can be a bit of an adjustment initially. Often, scraps may not have the same intensity of flavor as you’re used to, so you may need to compensate with additional spices, herbs and seasonings. Taste your food as you go without being afraid to experiment with flavor adjustments to suit your preferences. Practice makes perfect, and this method ensures that your dishes are as delicious as they are sustainable.

Turning common table scraps into gourmet meals

Zero-waste cooking is founded on creative ways to use typically discarded parts of your ingredients. Some common kitchen scraps are usually thrown away. However, by utilizing every part of your ingredients, you can create dishes that are both delicious and environmentally friendly.

Vegetable peels and ends

Vegetable peels and ends are often discarded, but they are packed with nutrients and flavor that can be used to make a delicious vegetable broth for soups, stews and sauces. To make your broth, gather peels from staple vegetables like carrots, onions and celery. Boil them in a large pot with water, salt and pepper, simmer for an hour then strain out your vegetable scraps. Not only is this homemade broth cheaper, but it also tastes fresher than store-bought alternatives.

You can also replicate this method to make a delicious vegetable peel soup. Add more spices to suit your preferences while simmering, and instead of straining out the vegetable scraps, use an immersion blender to incorporate them at the end of the cooking process. Another great use for vegetable peels is to make roasted peel chips. Toss the peels in olive oil, sprinkle with salt and any other desired seasonings and roast in the oven until crispy for a healthy snack.

Fruit scraps

Fruit scraps are versatile ingredients that can enhance various recipes and drinks. Instead of throwing out peels and rinds, consider using them to make infused waters and teas. Allowing apple peels, berry tops or citrus rinds to infuse into your water for a couple of hours in the refrigerator imparts a subtle and refreshing fruit flavor. These scraps can also be steeped in your tea to add a nuanced fruitiness to classic flavors.

Another great use for fruit scraps is to create homemade vinegar. Leftover parts of the apple or even pineapple skins can be left to ferment in a clean jar with water and sugar for a couple of weeks to make a tangy vinegar. This vinegar can be used in salad dressings, marinades or even as a natural cleaning agent. By repurposing fruit scraps, you can discover new flavors that may have otherwise been thrown away.

Stale bread

Nothing is quite worse than having to throw away half a loaf of bread because it has gotten stale, however, you can give stale bread a new life by repurposing it. One classic use is croutons which are easily made by cutting the bread into cubes, tossing it with olive oil, garlic powder and other herbs of your choice and then baking in the oven until golden and crispy.

Another delicious option is a panzanella salad, which eliminates the effort of even making croutons. This Italian dish combines chunks of stale bread with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions and basil, dressed in olive oil and vinegar. For a sweet option, try out a bread pudding. This dessert transforms stale bread into a custardy treat by soaking the bread in a mixture of milk, eggs, sugar and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and clove.

Bones and meat scraps

Similar to the use of vegetable peels, bones and meat scraps can also be used to make rich and flavorful stocks and broths. Simmer meat bones with aromatics like onion, garlic and fresh herbs of your choice to extract the nutrients and flavors from the bone. The high collagen content in bone broth is great for joint health and adds rich flavor to any soups, stews and sauces, or can even be enjoyed on its own.

For a delicious gourmet meal, use the bone broth to prepare risotto. Start by heating the broth in a large pot while you sauté shallots and lightly toast Arborio rice in a saucepan. Ladle in the bone broth and allow each portion of broth to be absorbed by the rice before adding the next. Finish your risotto with a generous amount of butter and parmesan cheese to create a creamy and lush dish steeped in subtle and aromatic bone broth flavors.

Get your zero-waste kitchen going

Zero-waste cooking offers many benefits for the environment and your family. Though the initial adoption of this practice may seem daunting, breaking it down into baby steps with the tips in this article can help make this transition easy.

Jennifer Allen is a retired professional chef and long-time writer. Her writing appears in dozens of publications, and she has two cookbooks, “Keto Soup Cookbook” and “Keto Diabetic Cookbook and Meal Plan.” These days, she’s busy in the kitchen, developing recipes for various publications and traveling. You can find all her best recipes at Cook What You Love.

Kurtenbach: Brandon Aiyuk’s 49ers future is sealed. Blame the Cowboys

Brandon Aiyuk had a good run as a San Francisco 49er.

But that run is coming to an end at the end of the season.

You can blame the Dallas Cowboys for that.

The Niners’ rivals, in a late-August bit of desperation, signed their hold-out All-Pro wide receiver, CeeDee Lamb, to a market-busting four-year, $136 million deal on Monday. The contract reportedly has $100 million in guarantees.

It’s an absurd deal for a receiver who takes the majority of his snaps from the slot, but what’s new? The entire offseason has been a string of absurd deals for wide receivers — even those who don’t actually line up wide.

Lamb’s new contract is obviously good news for Aiyuk, who does, in fact, line up on the outside of formations. The rate for Aiyuk’s services on a new contract jumped significantly on Monday.

So unless the Niners wide receiver has a change of heart and is interested in taking a significant discount to stay in the Bay, he’ll certainly command a nine-figure contract, with guarantees not far behind that mark.

But he won’t be receiving that deal from the 49ers.

San Francisco simply cannot afford to keep up with the inflation of the wide receiver market.

Not when they’re paying Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, George Kittle, Christian McCaffrey, Javon Hargrave, and soon Trent Williams top-of-the-market rates.

Not when their quarterback is poised to command a new contract that will pay him upwards of $60 million a season in a few months.

Because the 49ers have spent the last few seasons without an expensive quarterback, the salary cap hasn’t been an issue.

But it’s an issue now. Just ask Arik Armstead, who now plays for the Jaguars, or Kyle Juszczyk, who took a pay cut to stay with the team.

The Niners are already $38 million over the 2025 salary cap, and that’s before Aiyuk’s open-market price increased by roughly 40 percent in the past few months.

Simply put, the 49ers cannot afford to continue to spend at the rate they’ve spent the last four years and Aiyuk, with the absurd explosion in the wide receiver market, is going to be the next player out the door. He’s an outstanding player, yes, but he’s also a luxury the Niners can no longer afford.

The Lamb contract puts the Niners and Aiyuk back at something close to square one in negations. The last six months have been a giant waste of time.

The Niners’ offers — already (accurately) deemed too low by Aiyuk and his representatives — aren’t even competitive now. Even if Aiyuk were willing to meet the Niners halfway on a new deal, it’s still too far for the 49ers to travel.

So here’s what I think happens next: Aiyuk plays on his fifth-year option in 2024.

Then, whether he has an All-Pro season or something a bit less impressive, the 49ers will place a non-exclusive franchise tag on Aiyuk at the end of the campaign.

That tag will allow Aiyuk to hit the open market as a free agent, but the Niners will have the ability to match whichever offer Aiyuk signs.

They won’t match.

But the rules state that if the Niners pass on matching that Aiyuk contract, they will be compensated with two first-round picks by the team that signs the receiver. As evidenced by the last six months, no one is actually going to give up two first-round picks for Aiyuk. (He’s no Trey Lance, after all.)

But the tag will grease the skids for a reasonable trade.

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Whatever the Niners can get today for Aiyuk — reportedly a Day 2 and Day 3 pick from the Steelers — will still be on the table from someone come February and March.

Play him, tag him, and trade him.

It’s the only option that’s reasonably remaining for the Niners.

And while that was probably true on Friday, as well, it’s undeniable on Monday, thanks to the Cowboys.

Horoscopes Aug. 26, 2024: Keke Palmer, don’t hold back

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Keke Palmer, 31; Macaulay Culkin, 44; Chris Pine, 44; Melissa McCarthy, 54.

Happy Birthday: Stay focused on what you want to achieve this year, and refuse to let outside influences overrule your plans. Keep your emotions in check and your to-do list close by. How you handle expenses and deal with situations that require you to depend on others will determine how much you achieve. Don’t hold back; voice your opinion and offer incentives to coax others to see things your way. Your numbers are 3, 11, 16, 25, 32, 40, 46.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Take a panoramic view of what you are dealing with and adjust your coordinates accordingly. It’s up to you to look out for yourself, your position and your reputation. Leave nothing to chance or someone else’s discretion. Pay attention to detail, conversations and protocol. 4 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Address bureaucratic issues before they escalate. Check bank accounts and automatic payments, and consider who can access your personal information or secrets. Tighten up security and take care of matters personally. The changes you make will put your mind at ease and boost your confidence. 3 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Don’t take on so much that you limit what you can achieve. Strive to use your skills resourcefully, and you’ll get the highest return and the most unexpected offers. Steer clear of temptation or those prompting you to slack, indulge or overspend. Use your intelligence, gauge your prospects and move forward. 3 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Don’t be fooled by someone who isn’t transparent. Ask questions, take liberties and consider every angle before you let anyone interfere in your personal or professional life. A physical change to your setup at home or work will give you leverage to get more done. 3 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Money and emotions won’t mix well today. Refuse to let anyone pressure you into paying for their mistakes or desires. Offer guidance to others, but when putting your money behind someone, let that someone be you. Invest in your own skills, experience and prospects that encourage your success. 4 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Keep your eyes wide open and be ready to counter anything that isn’t working for you. Too much choice or taking on more than you can handle will leave you vulnerable. Put your energy into self-improvement, not trying to turn someone else into the type of person they are not. 2 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Read, exercise your mind, add to your skills and venture down a path that excites you. Expanding your vision and knowledge looks encouraging, but don’t let someone take control when you can wheel and deal for yourself. Step up and take charge, and opportunities will follow. 5 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Putting trust in others will cause disappointment. Know what you want, and turn your ideas and plans into something tangible. Take better care of your health, and schedule your day according to your energy level and responsibilities. Be flexible, but don’t waste time on scammers. 3 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): People who play games or use unorthodox methods to grab attention or talk you into something you can’t afford will draw your attention. Rethink your relationships and assess any situation that warrants trust issues. Use intelligence, research and action to outmaneuver anyone trying to exploit you. 3 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Assemble and implement your plan. Don’t rely on anyone to take care of essential issues for you. Change that begins and ends with you will pay off and encourage longevity and prospects far beyond your dreams. Someone will mislead you if you give them the chance. 3 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Stick close to home, pay attention to detail and don’t give in to someone trying to take advantage of you. Rely on your intuition regarding money, health or signing up for something you’ve never done before. Invest in yourself and in the things you enjoy doing most. 5 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Get your facts and figures straight before you agree to partner with someone or make unnecessary changes at home. A premature move will result in regret. Be forthright, discuss your concerns and take the time you require to look for a cost-efficient way to get what you want. 2 stars

Birthday Baby: You are aggressive, opportunistic and ambitious. You are thorough and unique.

1 star: Avoid conflicts; work behind the scenes. 2 stars: You can accomplish, but don’t rely on others. 3 stars: Focus and you’ll reach your goals. 4 stars: Aim high; start new projects. 5 stars: Nothing can stop you; go for gold.

Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.

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49ers’ Shanahan mum on how injuries impact defensive line options

SANTA CLARA — Defensive ends Leonard Floyd and Yetur Gross-Matos are not expected to open their initial seasons with the 49ers on the Injured Reserve list, despite knee injuries in Friday night’s preseason finale in Las Vegas.

While Floyd is considered day-to-day, Gross-Matos is more week-to-week without mention of an IR stint, coach Kyle Shanahan said Sunday on a media conference call.

The 49ers lack experienced defensive ends behind stalwart Nick Bosa, and Shanahan refused to reveal which reinforcements might make Tuesday’s initial 53-man roster reveal.

“You’ll see when we decide on the 53. It sounds like a question the other 31 teams are getting you to ask me,” Shanahan said, half-jokingly. “Sorry, man, but it’s too hard to ask about specifics right now.”

Options on the roster include Robert Beal Jr., Alex Barrett, Jonathan Garvin and Sam Okuayinonu. Gross-Matos and Beal have been the immediate backups to Bosa and Floyd all camp. Gross-Matos and Floyd got hurt in a three-snap, first-quarter span during Friday’s 24-24, preseason-closing tie with the Raiders.

HEALTH UPDATES

Up-and-coming linebacker Dee Winters sustained an ankle injury while playing 23 defensive snaps and 10 more on special teams Friday night. The 49ers were awaiting results from his MRI exam to determine how long he might be out of action.

Safety George Odum was scratched from Friday’s lineup after rolling his ankle in warmups and hobbling on the opening kickoff, Shanahan said. Hence, rookie Malik Mustapha started in place of Odum, who figures to be in the opening-game lineup if Talanoa Hufanga remains on the Physically Unable To Perform list the first month of the regular season.

Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall will return to practice Monday. He’s been out since Aug. 6, when he aggravated a shoulder that’s been partially dislocated three times since his junior year in college, as Shanahan revealed.

ROSTER DECISIONS

The ongoing contract stalemates with Brandon Aiyuk and Trent Williams could impact how the 49ers construct their initial 53-man roster. Aiyuk traveled with the 49ers to Las Vegas as the 49ers wanted all players on their roster there. Williams remains on the Reserve/Did Not Report list, so he will not count toward that 53-man limit unless he arrives upon a contract resolution before Tuesday.

Shanahan said of where the 49ers are struggling with roster decisions: “It’s just connecting all the positions. You have the unknowns with BA and Trent right now, and we have a lot of good competition at a number of positions, whether we go light or heavy at certain players. I definitely don’t want to get into specifics, because that is what all 32 teams are doing right now — watching everyone’s rosters, listening to everything and figuring out which guy they can get.”

QUARTERBACK ROTATION

Shanahan said the 49ers have not decided nor informed Brock Purdy’s backups which ones will make the initial roster, “so we’re still working through that.”

Josh Dobbs got more action and produced more than Brandon Allen, last season’s No. 3 option behind Purdy and Sam Darnold. Dobbs, in 81 snaps, was 34-of-51 (66.7%) for 351 yards with one touchdown, one interception, one sack and two rushing touchdowns. Allen, in 55 snaps, was 19-of-30 (63.3%) for 194 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions and three sacks. Undrafted rookie Tanner Mordecai played 29 snaps over the past two games (6-of-10, 103 yards).

Purdy took 35 preseason snaps, spanning three-series cameos in last Sunday’s win over New Orleans and Friday’s tie at Las Vegas. He attempted just 18 passes, with 11 completions for 107 yards with no touchdowns, one interception and two sacks.

RAVE REVIEWS FOR GUERENDO

Rookie Isaac Guerendo opened eyes with a 93-yard kick return in his debut, but he also impressed in his 28 offensive snaps. He had 11 carries for 32 yards, and he caught both passes targeted to him for three yards. Shanahan pointed out how Guerendo has yet to practice in pads; he strained his hamstring in the first practice of camp, and neither practice last week required pads.

“To go that long without pads on, I really liked how he ran; he tried to break tackles, never eased up on contact, tried to run through it, hit the holes hell, and had a real good first game,” Shanahan said.

LOGAN THOMAS 2.0

Cut early in camp after a hamstring injury, tight end Logan Thomas re-signed last week after declining overtures from other other teams, Shanahan said. Roster demands at other positions prompted the 49ers to initially release Thomas, and they told him at the time they hoped for a potential reunion. Thomas did not play in Friday’s game but is apparently in the mix as a George Kittle backup, along with Eric Saubert, Brayden Willis, Jake Tonges, Cam Latu and Mason Pline.

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PUNI EMBEDDED AT GUARD 

Dominick Puni, a third-round draft pick, has nailed down the starting spot at right guard, a spot he never played in college. Even though he played left tackle last year at Kansas, the 49ers didn’t give him any reps there in camp, largely because injuries to Spencer Burford (hand) and Jon Feliciano (knee) thrust Puni into the first-string role on Day 3. “We probably would have (tried Puni at tackle) if he didn’t have a starting guard competition within the first couple of days,” Shanahan said. “We didn’t draft him to put him there (at left tackle) but knew he had the skill set to put him out there if we had to do so.”

Fellow rookies Jarrett Kingston and Drake Nugent were praised by Shanahan for playing their best preseason game Friday night.

In double-dose of bad news, SF Giants lose Robbie Ray and series to Mariners

When the Giants traded away Alex Cobb and Farhan Zaidi declared their starting rotation the best in baseball, they were betting the five-man group as assembled could carry them the eight weeks from the trade deadline to the last day of the regular season and, they hoped, into October.

It was a risky wager, with a pair of rookies and another coming off major surgery, and the chances of it paying off took another blow when Robbie Ray winced and grabbed at his left hamstring on his 62nd pitch Sunday afternoon at T-Mobile Park.

Later diagnosed with hamstring tightness, Ray was removed from the game after a brief consultation on the mound with manager Bob Melvin and trainer Dave Groeschner. In a double-dose of unfortunate developments, the Giants dropped the rubber match of their series against the Seattle Mariners, 4-3, to send them back to .500 (66-66).

“Hopefully we caught it when it’s mild,” Melvin told reporters afterward. “But those things don’t typically take a couple days.”

The 32-year-old left-hander should undergo tests in the coming days to determine the injury’s severity and what kind of loss the Giants can expect in their rotation. Still, the immediate implications meant they couldn’t capitalize on a loss from the team they’re attempting to chase down in the National League wild-card standings.

Robbie Ray #23 of the San Francisco Giants throws a pitch during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on Aug. 25, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)

Before his exit, on the first batter of the fourth inning, Ray had overcome more difficulties finding the strike zone to allow the Giants to build a 2-1 lead. He issued three walks and hit a batter but allowed only one run, after the first of four Mariners stolen bases put Dylan Moore in position to be singled home by Cal Raleigh in the first inning, cutting the Giants’ lead to 2-1.

Relieving Ray, Sean Hjelle allowed Seattle to flip the score, bringing home a leadoff single to even it at 2 in the fourth before getting two more out of a bases-loaded, no-out opportunity in the fifth to make it 4-2. He hit two batters and allowed four hits in 2⅔ innings of work.

The Giants got a pair of home runs from Heliot Ramos and Grant McCray. Still, they didn’t take an at-bat with a runner in scoring position until Mariners starter Bryan Woo, an Alameda High alum, left the game after seven two-run innings.

The second homer of McCray’s young career sailed inside the right-field foul pole to begin the seventh, cutting the deficit to 4-3, and Seattle reliever Collin Snyder issued a pair of walks to give the Giants two on with the potential tying run in scoring position.

However, first-base umpire Erich Bacchus said Ramos went around on a high fastball, and Michael Conforto grounded out to end the inning.

San Francisco Giants’ Heliot Ramos follows through on a two-run home run as Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh looks on during the first inning of a baseball game, Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Ramos opened the scoring in the top of the first and gave the Giants a 2-0 lead with his second home run of the series and his 20th of the season, becoming the first Giants outfielder 25 years or younger to reach that mark since Chili Davis in 1981.

After Tyler Fitzgerald used his speed to force a poor throw from third baseman Josh Rojas to lead off the game, Ramos unloaded on a letter-high fastball from Woo for a majestic two-run shot over the visitors’ bullpen.

Barely two innings later, Hjelle was racing to warm up on the same real estate as Ray returned to the third-base dugout.

The Giants’ bullpen wasn’t in great shape entering Sunday after Blake Snell lasted only three innings in Saturday’s 4-3 win.

Closer Ryan Walker was unavailable after being used the previous two nights, and their ordinary long man, Spencer Bivens, had already been used in the same role behind Snell the previous night. Additionally, Jordan Hicks reported some discomfort in his arm while warming up Friday night and displayed diminished velocity during his inning Saturday.

San Francisco Giants shortstop Tyler Fitzgerald, top, throws after tagging out Seattle Mariners’ Dylan Moore, bottom, at second base but cannot get the out against designated hitter Julio Rodríguez at first base, allowing Josh Rojas to score, during the fifth inning of a baseball game, Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Ray was making his first start against the Mariners since they traded him to San Francisco for Mitch Haniger and Anthony DeSclafani this past winter. In seven starts for the Giants since returning from Tommy John surgery, Ray has been dominant at times but erratic at others.

In his return to Seattle, Ray issued at least three walks for the fourth time this season while failing to make it out of the fifth inning for the third time. Two starts ago, he walked five and didn’t make it out of the first inning but followed that up with his longest start since surgery, limiting the White Sox to one run on three hits over 6⅔ innings while striking out nine without walking a batter.

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Should he require a stint on the injured list, the Giants don’t possess anything close to the known quantity of Cobb — who made two starts in Cleveland and was placed on the IL — but have some options at Triple-A Sacramento, including Landen Roupp, Mason Black and Trevor McDonald, who are all already on the 40-man roster.

Since Ray debuted at Dodger Stadium on July 24, the Giants’ rotation had posted a 3.21 ERA — the lowest in the National League and the fourth-best in the majors — and the team had gone 18-11, the third-best record in the majors.

However, they are no closer to a playoff position, a month further behind, and now potentially without a key member of their heralded starting rotation. They were presented a rare opportunity to gain ground Sunday when Atlanta dropped its series finale to the Nationals. Still, they couldn’t capitalize and will fly to Milwaukee five games back of the final wild card with 30 left to play.