Lauren Betts' career night for Mystics, capped by Sonia Citron's buzzer beater, proves haters wrong originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.There was a post circulating on social media recently that suggested Lauren Betts would be out of the WNBA within two years.Betts, the Washington Mystics' rookie center out of UCLA, is too cognizant of her mental health to spend time reading silly takes like that. But on Friday night, she played like someone who had seen it.The 6-foot-7 Betts had a career night off the bench, dropping 18 points for the Mystics.She was 8-for-9 from the floor, along with 2-for-2 at the foul line. Betts added four rebounds, an assist and two steals.Clearly, there are going to be games where the interior presence of Betts is more crucial, and there are going to be games where everything gets spaced out a bit more and maybe she plays a bit less.There's no questioning her overall talent, though, and with Kiki Iriafen missing in action due to a right ankle injury, Betts showed her upside.At her best, she simply gets position inside and scores. There are few that can stop that.Her special outing also came in an 86-85 win over the Toronto Tempo, with the Mystics needing every one of those points.The night was capped by Sonia Citron's buzzer beater. The young star Citron only shot 6-for-16, but she made the final shot when it counted.The Mystics have an intriguing mix of young talent, and even if Betts doesn't become a star, Washington could still be a solid team for years to come.If Betts has more nights where she shoots 8-for-9, though, look out -- a Mystics team with its young perimeter talent coupled with Betts, Iriafen and Shakira Austin inside? That could be tough to handle.

Former ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Masaaki Noiri is officially ready to kick-start his march back to the divisional throne on home soil.The Japanese superstar is slated to return at ONE SAMURAI 2 on Saturday, August 8, where he’ll compete in the prestigious ONE SAMURAI Featherweight Kickboxing Tournament.Emanating live from Tokyo’s Ebara Wave Arena Ota, the eight-man bracket offers the ultimate prize: a guaranteed shot at the undisputed king, Superbon.View this post on InstagramTo take his first step toward redemption, the Team Vasileus representative must navigate a high-stakes rematch in the quarterfinals.At ONE SAMURAI 2, he’ll stand across the ring from Chinese standout “Spirit Dragon” Liu Mengyang – the man who handed him a tough decision loss at ONE Friday Fights 92 in December 2024.That defeat put him on a two-bout skid, marking a difficult start to life in ONE Championship for Noiri. But he retooled his game to launch a spectacular resurgence.View this post on InstagramFirst, the Tokyo resident finished Iraqi striker Shakir Al-Tekreeti at ONE 170 in January 2025, and then he authored a jaw-dropping third-round knockout of the division’s Muay Thai king, Tawanchai PK Saenchai, at ONE 172 two months later to capture the interim kickboxing belt.Though he subsequently dropped a competitive unanimous decision to Superbon in their highly anticipated ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Title unification bout at ONE 173 last November, Noiri immediately went back to the laboratory to correct his errors.The 33-year-old reflected:“I wasn’t fully securing enough points round by round. I am also reflecting on the fact that I wasn’t able to completely break him down, and I want to apply these lessons to my next fight.”View this post on InstagramFor a technician of Noiri’s caliber, a minor setback is simply an opportunity to adjust and come back even stronger.The Tokyo-based knockout artist didn’t see a need to overhaul his entire training program, understanding that his foundational skills and development at Team Vasileus remain world-class.Noiri continued:“Nothing in particular has changed. I resumed my training right away, and I have just been training as usual.”View this post on InstagramThat unshakeable work ethic is heavily fueled by national pride.Following the recent retirement of ONE Interim Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Takeru “Natural Born Krusher” Segawa, Noiri feels a deep professional calling to carry the torch for Japanese kickboxing on the global stage.Noiri revealed how he has been inspired by his compatriot. And with a massive weight of responsibility on his back, the featherweight star is on a strict mission to eliminate any inconsistencies from his promotional record and establish an uninterrupted era of success.The Japanese dynamo said:“I was simply moved by [Takeru’s performance]. With Takeru [now retired], I feel that I must become the fighter to shoulder the responsibility [of leading the sport] in his place.“Since I started competing in ONE, it’s been a string of alternating wins and losses. But I am not going to lose anymore, so please expect great things from me.”View this post on InstagramThe Path To Redemption Runs Through Liu MengyangEntering the grueling eight-man tournament against Liu Mengyang at ONE SAMURAI 2 represents an ideal path back to the gold for Masaaki Noiri.After falling just short of becoming the undisputed ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion last November, the proud veteran views this high-profile tournament as the perfect clean slate to rewrite his story in the world’s largest martial arts organization.The Japanese superstar said:“It is a great opportunity for me. Because I fell short of expectations last time, I believe this is an opportunity to redeem myself.”View this post on InstagramStanding in his way is Liu, who has become more and more dangerous with every single outing. Since their initial meeting, the 23-year-old phenom has disrupted the weight class.After overwhelming future ONE Interim Featherweight Muay Thai World Title challenger Shadow Mavinn at ONE Friday Fights 126 in September 2025, he stopped Tawanchai with leg kicks in 52 seconds at ONE Friday Fights 137 three months later. He capped his three-bout winning streak by surgically outclassing Gabriel Pereira at The Inner Circle 15 last month.Noiri respects his opponent’s rapid evolution, but he believes he has spotted a critical psychological flaw in “Spirit Dragon” that he can systematically exploit in their Tokyo rematch this August.The Japanese contender said:“He has experienced a defeat once, and he has continued to grow since that fight. I think he is a good fighter. But he tends to get too emotional when he fights.”View this post on InstagramSource

One fan tragically paid the price as Knicks celebration allegedly turned violent after Game 4 win vs. Spurs originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The San Antonio Spurs were unable to protect their early advantage in Game 4 of the NBA Finals and now find themselves trailing 3-1 in the series. As disappointing as the defeat was, the aftermath of the game brought even more troubling developments. Reports surfaced that several eggs were allegedly thrown toward Victor Wembanyama and members of the Spurs organization outside Madison Square Garden.With the Knicks moving within one victory of securing their first NBA championship in 53 years, excitement across New York City reached extraordinary levels. However, the celebrations appeared to spiral beyond control in some areas. Amid the chaos, a 17-year-old teenager became the victim of a violent incident. According to ABC, the teenager was beaten into a coma near Madison Square Garden following Game 4 of the NBA Finals.“A 17-year-old boy was beaten into a coma near Madison Square Garden following Game 4 of the NBA Finals, New York City police said Friday while releasing a photo of a suspect sought in connection with the assault. The incident occurred Wednesday night around 11:45 p.m., according to the New York Police Department, amid rowdy celebrations following the New York Knicks' win,” the report read.In response to the incident, police released an image of a suspect believed to be connected to the attack and continued efforts to identify everyone involved. The altercation reportedly stemmed from a verbal disagreement involving the Knicks. Investigators reviewed video footage that allegedly captured an individual provoking the crowd by shouting, “Spurs in 7,” during the celebrations.Meanwhile, the Spurs now find themselves on the brink of elimination. Wembanyama and his teammates are just one loss away from watching their championship aspirations disappear. As a result, Game 5 is expected to carry enormous intensity, both on the court and around the atmosphere surrounding the series.More NBA news:Mavericks fans know exactly what Spurs fans are feeling about De'Aaron Fox right nowVictor Wembanyama under ‘aura farming’ fire after Spurs’ Game 4 meltdown in NBA FinalsVictor Wembanyama finds himself at center of ugly postgame sceneMitch Johnson’s blunt Victor Wembanyama take proves why Knicks had no answer in Game 3NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal shares savage honesty about Victor Wembanyama-Jalen Brunson incident that Knicks fans won't like

The Philadelphia Eagles have long been known for more than what they accomplish on the football field. Throughout the years, the organization has built a culture that encourages players to invest in the communities they represent, and many have embraced that responsibility wholeheartedly. Jordan Mailata is among the best current examples. While many football fans know him as one of the NFL's premier left tackles, he has become equally passionate about making an impact away from football. Through the Mailata Family Foundation, he has dedicated himself to helping young people discover their talents, explore opportunities, and access resources that can shape their futures.Recently, that mission was on full display.Jordan Mailata gives back to the communityMailata hosted a community event through his foundation, and he wasn't alone. Several of his Eagles teammates attended to support both the cause and the man behind it.The gathering served as another reminder of the close bonds that often develop inside the Eagles' locker room. Players spend countless hours together throughout the year, but many also choose to support one another's charitable efforts when the opportunity arises."Its rare to have someone that can be a mauler on the football field and then come out here and sing like an angel."Saquon Barkley and the #Eagles supporting the Mailata Family Foundation. pic.twitter.com/6RQfjFGTsT— Ashlyn Sullivan (@ashlynrsullivan) June 12, 2026For Mailata, the event represented something larger than a single afternoon. It was another step in his ongoing effort to create pathways for young people who may be searching for direction or wondering how to turn their talents into opportunities.What makes Mailata's work especially meaningful is how closely it mirrors his own story. When the Eagles selected him in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft, he was one of the most unique prospects the league had ever seen. He had never played organized American football and arrived in Philadelphia with an enormous amount to learn.The transition wasn't easy. Mailata has often spoken about the support he received from teammates, coaches, and members of the organization during those early days. There was a time when he needed help with even the smallest details of the game, including learning how to properly secure his equipment.Rather than forgetting those moments after finding success, Mailata has chosen to remember them. Today, he is one of the league's most respected players and a cornerstone of the Eagles' offense. More importantly, he continues to use his platform to help others navigate their own journeys. In many ways, the mission of the Mailata Family Foundation reflects the lessons that helped shape his career: sometimes all a person needs is encouragement, guidance, and someone willing to believe in them before they fully believe in themselves.This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Jordan Mailata gives back through his Mailata Family Foundation

Motorsport photo1997 Formula 1 champion Jacques Villeneuve believes George Russell's "smoother" driving style gives him an upper hand over his Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. As the grid prepares for the seventh round of the 2026 season, the intra-team dynamic at Mercedes continues to be under scrutiny from fans and the media. While Russell was a clear favourite heading into the season, Antonelli has surprised many with five consecutive wins in China, Japan, Miami, Canada and Monaco. Speaking to Sky Sports F1 after the third and final practice session in Barcelona, Villeneuve provided a technical breakdown to explain why the Spanish venue plays to Russell's strengths."He will be happy but I think he knew coming here that this track would suit his driving style a little bit better than his team-mate," the former F1 driver said."So he's taking advantage of it and pushing. But the track is slippery, and if you don't have the perfect set-up, you can't drive around it. It's very difficult and you need to be precise."He added: "Antonelli's driving style suits stop-and-go tracks."He goes very deep into the corner, turns in early, pivots early the car and gets on the gas, the electric part of the engine pulls him out and he runs a super-soft rear end. That normally means a lot of understeer and that doesn't work on this track.George Russell, Mercedes, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, MercedesGeorge Russell, Mercedes, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes"This track is very understeery but, at the same time, the rear snaps. Russell has a smoother driving style and it works here."So far this weekend, Russell topped the timesheets in the first and third practice sessions, while he put in the second-fastest time in the second practice session.Prior to the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, Antonelli leads the drivers' championship by 66 points over seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton in second. Russell slipped to third in the standings after the Monaco Grand Prix and now sits two points behind his former team-mate.The Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix will take place at 3pm local time (2pm UK time) on Sunday 14 June.To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.

Fiorentina revive interest in Spurs’ Dragusin and Atletico’s Ruggeri as Paratici eyes double raidFiorentina are reviving their pursuit of two players with Serie A pedigree currently playing abroad, with sporting director Fabio Paratici targeting both Radu Dragusin and Matteo Ruggeri as he looks to strengthen the defence this summer.According to Gazzetta, both players are of interest to the Viola as they look to recover from an overall disappointing 25/26 campaign.Dragusin, a Tottenham centre-back with a background in Serie A, was already a target during the January window when Fiorentina attempted to prise him away from Spurs.ENFIELD, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 25: Radu Dragusin of Tottenham Hotspur looks on during a Tottenham Hotspur training session ahead of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match against Paris Saint-Germain at Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre on November 25, 2025 in Enfield, England. (Photo by James Fearn/Getty Images)Ruggeri’s Atletico Madrid price tag matches Dragusin valuation as Fiorentina weigh double moveThe relationship between the two clubs remains strong given Paratici’s years working in north London before returning to Italy in February, and that connection could prove valuable in any renewed negotiation.Tottenham’s valuation of around €20 million, however, remains the primary obstacle to a deal being struck.Ruggeri, a left-back with a long history at Atalanta now playing for Atletico Madrid in Spain, is valued at a similar figure of around €20 million.Both deals would represent significant outlays for Fiorentina, particularly if pursued simultaneously, but Paratici’s familiarity with both players’ clubs and his existing relationships could prove decisive as the Viola look to overhaul multiple defensive positions ahead of the new season.

Brock Purdy may shock the NFL in 2026 after his league-best clutch year originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Brock Purdy never reached the heights of his finest individual campaign in 2025, sitting out close to half of San Francisco's schedule, yet the quarterback still delivered elite production in the moments that carried the most weight.Data from Sumer Sports shows that no signal-caller in the league generated more expected points added per play on third and fourth down last season than Purdy, provided the sample included a minimum of 100 such snaps.His figure of 0.58 left everyone behind by a wide margin. Green Bay's Jordan Love trailed in second place at 0.42, while New England's Drake Maye, who finished as the MVP runner-up, ranked third with 0.33.Purdy sat 0.16 ahead of Love and more than doubled the 0.15 logged by Patrick Mahomes, who landed sixth. Josh Allen, a quarterback frequently named among the sport's finest, came in fifth at 0.20, and Jalen Hurts occupied ninth with 0.14.Across the year, Purdy connected on 69.4% of his throws, attempting only 284 passes for 2,167 yards along with 20 scores and 10 picks. A telling detail behind those clutch numbers: of his 197 completions, 130 moved the chains for first downs.Late-down snaps rank among football's tightest pressure points, since converting them keeps drives alive, drains the clock, and forces defenses to stay disciplined. Producing positive value there more reliably than any peer reflects both Purdy's reads and how sharp Kyle Shanahan's system becomes once the margin for error shrinks.Why a revamped 49ers receiving corps fuels Purdy's MVP pushForecasting a Most Valuable Player winner this far out carries obvious risk, given that nobody can foresee injuries or how fresh personnel and staff will gel before camp opens.Even so, NFL.com's Dan Parr ran through his leading dark horse contenders for the award, leaving out the ten favorites by DraftKings odds recorded on June 9 because those names would hardly qualify as surprises.Parr slotted Purdy at the top of that group, reasoning that the quarterback keeps running the same scheme he has known his whole career and now benefits from San Francisco's offseason shopping. The franchise reshaped his supporting cast in a big way.Landing future Hall of Famer Mike Evans headlined the spree, but the team also added Christian Kirk, who has cleared 1,000 receiving yards before, and spent a second-round selection (No. 33 overall) on De'Zhaun Stribling. With that kind of firepower around him, books like Sportaza now carry Purdy among their MVP options, and Shanahan's arsenal grows almost unfair if 2024 first-rounder Ricky Pearsall pops too.Purdy still works behind a strong line and shares the backfield with Christian McCaffrey, arguably his most dangerous weapon. George Kittle's recovery from an Achilles tear bears watching, though Jake Tonges filled in capably last year.Purdy has flirted with the honor already, placing fourth in 2023 voting after posting 4,280 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions during his first full season as a starter. Two injury-marred years followed, and 2026 shapes up as the season in which everything around him could finally align.More NFL News:Why Seahawks did not reward Sam Darnold with a pay raise for Super Bowl winJets’ RB signing keeps them competitive, not eliteJohn Harbaugh offers update on Giants' pursuit of Odell Beckham Jr.49ers lose key recovery edge to Rams in Week 2 schedule twist Shanahan won't forget

The FSU softball program has dipped into the transfer portal this offseason, and they made quite a splash. Nicole Edmiaston, the ASUN Player of the Year, committed to the Seminoles on Friday after a sensational season at Stetson.The first baseman is coming off a career year and adds some needed power to FSU's lineup. She hit 23 home runs last season and finished with a .900 slugging percentage to go with a .453 batting average and 70 RBI. It was a massive move for head coach Lonni Alameda, who can now slide Hayley Griggs to the left side of the infield, where the Seminoles have to replace Isa Torres and Jaysoni Beachum. While players are still entering the portal and the rankings could change, Edmiaston is one of the top players overall. She is in an 11-way tie to be Softball America's 13th-best player in the portal with a 92.00 overall grade. She is also in a two-way tie as the 3rd-best corner infielder.Edmiaston will have one season of eligibility at FSU after spending the first two years at Florida SouthWestern State, a Junior College in Fort Myers, Florida. She broke Stetson's season record for home runs, RBI, and total bases (153).She has some experience against her new teammates, playing them twice in the Tallahassee Regional. She went 2-8 with a home run, two runs scored, a walk, and a strikeout.Follow us @FSUWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida State news, notes, and opinions.This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: FSU Softball: Nicole Edmiaston ranked as No. 3 CI in transfer portal

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 08: Jannik Sinner of Italy celebrates with the winners trophy after defeating Taylor Fritz of the United States to win the Men's Singles Final on Day Fourteen of the 2024 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 08, 2024 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)Getty ImagesWorld No. 1 Jannik Sinner, the 2024 U.S. Open champion, is among the tennis stars considering boycotting the U.S. Open Mixed Doubles event amid the sport’s prize money dispute, according to a report from The Times. There has been no reporting that Sinner and other tennis stars would boycott the singles draws at the Open, where the winners will take home $5 million each. Total prize money at the Open is $90 million.The 16-team Mixed Doubles event will be played Aug. 24-25 in Arthur Ashe Stadium and Louis Armstrong Stadium - during the week before the singles draws begin Aug. 30. Last year’s Mixed Doubles winners, Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, took home $1 million in prize money.Top stars Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe, Naomi Osaka, Madison Keys and Aryna Sabalenka were among those to compete in last year’s event. Sinner was initially slated to play with Emma Raducanu, but bowed out after retiring in the Cincinnati final.Amid pressure from players, Wimbledon on Thursday announced 20% increases in total prize money and for the singles champions, who will earn $4.8 million each at the grass-court Grand Slam next month.The total prize money including player per diems will be $85.8 million, described as “by far” the biggest annual increase in the tournament’s history.“I would hope the players would welcome it. It’s a significant amount of money,” All England Club chair Deborah Jevans said at a press conference.“We’ve demonstrated that we’ve looked at every round, including qualifying. My hope is that the players do recognize what a significant increase that this is.”Players have long been calling for a greater share of revenues from the four Grand Slams and recently began taking steps toward collective action.For this year’s Wimbledon, players advocated for total prize money of $95 million, Jevans said, citing her recent talks in Paris with Larry Scott, the former WTA CEO who has been advising the players.The AP contributed reporting.This article was originally published on Forbes.com

There’s never been a better time to be a middle-aged woman.

Dance floors are flooded with selfies and poseurs. But in one city, it’s still a place to feel free.

MADRID, SPAIN - JUNE 13: Hernanes of FC Internazionale Legends and Pepe of Real Madrid after the Corazon Classic Match between Real Madrid Leyendas and Inter Legends at Santiago Bernabeu stadium on June 13, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Antonino Lagana - Inter/Inter via Getty Images) | Inter via Getty Images The Santiago Bernabéu once again hosted the annual Corazón Classic Match, as Real Madrid Legends defeated Inter Legends 2-1 in a charity event benefiting the Real Madrid Foundation. Under this year’s theme, “A Match with the Soul of Childhood,” the proceeds will support more than 1,400 Foundation projects across over 100 countries.A crowd filled with families enjoyed a nostalgic morning featuring 44 former players from both clubs. Real Madrid favorites Pepe, Míchel Salgado, José Amavisca, Claude Makelele, and Christian Karembeu received some of the loudest ovations of the day, while former Madrid players Esteban Cambiasso and Borja Valero were warmly welcomed by the Bernabéu faithful despite representing Inter.Pepe was one of the standout performers. The Portuguese defender looked remarkably sharp throughout the match, breaking up attacks early and nearly scoring with a header shortly after halftime. His influence grew even further after moving into midfield in the second half, where his leadership and intensity helped drive Madrid’s comeback. He eventually equalized in the 69th minute with a powerful header before leaving the pitch to a standing ovation late in the match.Pepe's goal today against Inter legends 🥹pic.twitter.com/apgBItkdkP— Managing Madrid (@managingmadrid) June 13, 2026Inter took the lead shortly before halftime through Hernanes, who converted on the rebound after Koke Contreras had initially saved his penalty. Contreras was one of Madrid’s best performers in the opening half, producing several impressive saves to keep his side in the contest.The momentum shifted after the break as Real Madrid’s veterans controlled possession and created more dangerous opportunities. Pepe’s equalizer sparked the turnaround, and seven minutes later Javier Barral headed home the winner to complete the comeback and secure a 2-1 victory.The result marked a return to winning ways for the Real Madrid Legends after a defeat to Porto in 2024 and a draw against Borussia Dortmund in 2025, while also avenging the club’s previous Corazón Classic stalemate against Inter in 2014.

Christos Tzolis: Man United must act now to sign deadly winger If Manchester United were ever keen on Club Brugge’s Christos Tzolis, they had better act now.United have a desire to sign a left winger this summer, and as they look to address that transfer need, few options are more compelling than Tzolis.The Greek international has been absolutely fantastic for the Belgian heavyweights; 22 goals and 29 assists in 52 games speak for themselves. His lethal combination of blistering pace, elite dribbling, and prolific goal-scoring has earned him the nickname “the next Eden Hazard“.The thought of signing the next Hazard alone should be enough to motivate any ambitious club into enthusiastic pursuit.While Old Trafford faithful were hoping that the club would be the great Man United, it has now emerged that is not the case.Arsenal pressing hard for Christos TzolisUnited do hold an interest, but as per David Ornstein, it is Arsenal who are currently doing their utmost to get a deal done.The Premier League’s most trusted transfer source, via The Athletic, reports:“Arsenal are exploring a deal to sign winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge. Sources believe a deal for the 24-year-old could be possible for around €40million (£34.5m, $46.3m).”Worth a transfer hijackSurely United cannot simply stand by and watch the Gunners beat them to the signature of a winger as deadly as Tzolis and at such a bargain fee.Furthermore, Tzolis himself has already indicated that United could persuade him to sign should they make a move.With Arsenal now pressing hard, it is time for United to act if they truly are as ambitious as they are made out to be. The quoted fee is hardly exorbitant, making a transfer hijack well worth considering.A successful hijack could see United finally land a natural left winger, ultimately replacing the departed Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho and filling the void left by Alejandro Garnacho.Featured image Alex Bierens de Haan via Getty Imagesonline pollsThe Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty ImagesSean Marks is focused on taking the best player available in the 2024 NBA DraftWhat stands out most about Brooklyn’s approach to the draft isn’t who they’re looking at, but that Sean Marks doesn’t seem too concerned about filling a specific position.As reported by Eric Slater, Marks has made it clear that Brooklyn’s priority is to select the best player available, not necessarily someone who fills an immediate need. That’s notable because the Nets have already committed a lot of resources to young guards, yet they still seem open to adding another one if he projects as their top talent on the board. For a team without a clear focal point, that strategy makes plenty of sense.Brooklyn has been linked with multiple guard prospects near No. 6, including Darius Acuff and Mikel Brown Jr.. Other recent reports have also mentioned Nate Ament and Karim Lopez, giving the Nets several potential paths to consider.The range is exactly what matters here. If Brooklyn thinks Acuff has the highest ceiling, they can’t pass just because there are already young guards on the roster. Rebuilding teams run into issues when they prioritise fit over talent too early in the process, and Brooklyn simply isn’t at that point yet.Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty ImagesWhere the Sabonis conversation helped clear things upThe talk about Domantas Sabonis during the interview wasn’t just a throwaway topic – it actually highlighted an important distinction between making short-term improvements and committing to long-term change. Adding Sabonis would give Brooklyn an immediate boost, bringing structure to the offence, supporting Michael Porter Jr., and offering a steady veteran presence. Still, Slater made it clear that any move for him shouldn’t come at the cost of valuable future draft picks.That stance makes sense. Most recent reports have linked Sabonis more with other teams than with Brooklyn, so any connection between him and the Nets remains speculative at this stage. Even if those links grow stronger, Brooklyn should be careful not to mistake a solid addition for a true game-changer when shaping their plans.Brooklyn have kept themselves in a position to remain one of the more flexible teams. The Nets are expected to have one of the bigger cap-space numbers this offseason, giving Marks options whether that means taking on contracts, making trades or just waiting. But even with all that room to operate, what really matters is how it’s used.Eventually, asset collecting has to turn into roster building. Draft picks need to become players, cap space has to be used as leverage and young prospects must find their place in a real hierarchy. Brooklyn is starting to reach that point now.The No. 6 pick is really about star powerThis is why pick number six feels so important for Brooklyn. They are in greater need of a swing that can reshape their direction than just a clean fit on paper. The players most commonly mentioned—ranging from guards with creative upside to versatile wings—all reflect different attempts at finding that foundational talent.Some might see Brooklyn’s broad approach as uncertainty, but it’s more about staying open until the right player makes it obvious what path they should commit to next. They have pieces in place; now they’re looking for the one worth building everything around.If the Nets select another guard, it would not necessarily mean they are overlooking the current roster. It might simply reflect where they believe the team actually stands. Fit only becomes a priority once there is a clear foundation in place, and Brooklyn is still searching for that.That is why Mark’s best-player-available strategy makes sense, despite how unconventional it might sound for a team that just loaded up on guards a year earlier. The real question facing Brooklyn is not about positional overlap, but whether one of these prospects can emerge as the player who changes everything else.Read more:Kyrie Irving to Houston Rockets? The explosive truth behind the endless rumoursAtlanta Hawks pull the plug on the rebuild with latest picksThe Nets’ next move with Michael Porter Jr. could make or break Brooklyn’s future

The lone PGA Tour stop north of the border is halfway home to crowning a champion. Now, it's on to Moving Day at the 2026 RBC Canadian Open.Might we see a golfer making his debut as a PGA Tour pro win? Ben James will feel some real weekend pressure for the first time playing in the final group on Saturday.The 36-hole cut came in at 2 under and there are now 75 golfers left to play the final two rounds. A total of 10 Canadians made the cut, the most in this event since 1970.Here's the complete rundown of how the Saturday tee sheet stacks up.RBC Canadian Open 2026 third-round tee timesAll times listed are ET:7:15 a.m.: Calen Sanderson7:20 a.m.: Matthieu Pavon, Joey Savoie7:30 a.m.: Denny McCarthy, Lanto Griffin7:40 a.m.: Tony Finau, Joe Highsmith7:50 a.m.: Jeremy Paul, Sam Ryder8 a.m.: Neal Shipley, Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen8:10 a.m.: Kristoffer Reitan, Ben Kohles8:25 a.m.: Vince Whaley, Nick Taylor8:35 a.m.: Kensei Hirata, A.J. Ewart8:45 a.m.: Adam Svensson, Beau Hossler8:55 a.m.: Jacob Bridgeman, Taylor Moore9:05 a.m.: Takumi Kanaya, Viktor Hovland9:15 a.m.: Paul Peterson, Ben Silverman9:25 a.m.: Keita Nakajima, Justin Matthews9:40 a.m.: Adam Hadwin, Michael Thorbjornsen9:50 a.m.: David Skinns, Christiaan Bezuidenhout10 a.m.: Billy Horschel, Ricky Castillo10:10 a.m.: Dylan Wu, Davis Thompson10:20 a.m.: Wyndham Clark, Tom Kim10:30 a.m.: Luke Clanton, Erik van Rooyen10:45 a.m.: Matt Fitzpatrick, Sudarshan Yellamaraju10:55 a.m.: Alejandro Tosti, Collin Morikawa11:05 a.m.: Kevin Yu, Chandler Blanchet11:15 a.m.: Max Homa, Alex Fitzpatrick11:25 a.m.: William Mouw, Chandler Phillips11:35 a.m.: Kevin Roy, Max McGreevy11:50 a.m.: Doug Ghim, Patrick Fishburn12:00 p.m.: Johnny Keefer, Austin Eckroat12:10 p.m.: Robert MacIntyre, Shane Lowry12:20 p.m.: Sahith Theegala, Taylor Pendrith12:30 p.m.: Harry Hall, Matthew Anderson12:40 p.m. : Emiliano Grillo, Aldrich Potgieter12:55 p.m.: Brice Garnett, Jimmy Stanger1:05 p.m.: Tommy Fleetwood, Bud Cauley1:15 p.m.: Ryan Fox, Brooks Koepka1:25 p.m.: Jesper Svensson, Keith Mitchell1:35 p.m.: Jackson Suber, Haotong Li1:45 p.m.: Ben James, Sam BurnsRBC Canadian Open 2026 where to watchPGA Tour Live on ESPN+: 7:45 a.m. ET - 6 p.m. ETGolf Channel: 1 p.m. ET - 3 p.m. ETCBS/Paramount+: 3 p.m. ET - 6 p.m. ETPGA Tour on SiriusXM radio: 1 p.m. ET - 6 p.m. ETThe RBC Canadian Open is the second-oldest non-major on the PGA Tour schedule.This article originally appeared on Golfweek: RBC Canadian Open 2026 third-round tee times, where to watch on CBS

May 8, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Brock Stewart (41) pitches during the eighth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images Brock Stewart started a minor league rehab assignment on Friday night in the California League. The Dodgers right-hander struck out a pair in one inning of work for Ontario in Lake Elsinore. He allowed a run on a pair of doubles, though the latter was a bloop shot to shallow left field. Stewart threw 18 pitches, and induced three swinging strikes.Stewart missed the first 36 games this season after recovering from last September’s shoulder surgery. He pitched in his first two games back on the active roster before suffering a bone spur in his left foot on May 8. Stewart last Saturday at Dodger Stadium faced hitters, and the plan then was for him to throw to hitters once more before going out on a rehab assignment.“It’s not an arm thing, it’s a foot thing,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said on June 6. “We’ve just got to make sure he can recover from the foot thing, covering first base, PFPs, because that’s what set him back last time.”Player of the dayJack Suwinski homered twice for Oklahoma City, part of a three-hit game in which the outfielder drove in four runs.Second Jack Attack of the night☄️ pic.twitter.com/oRbrzLZAKP— Oklahoma City Comets (@OKC_comets) June 13, 2026Suwinski has four home runs in four games so far in this interleague series, and during his six-game hitting streak has four three-hit games, hitting a robust .625/.643/1.292 during the streak.Triple-A Oklahoma CityThe Dodgers weren’t the only team allowing a big inning to a White Sox squad on Friday. Oklahoma City gave up innings of five and four runs in a road loss to the Charlotte Knights (White Sox).Taylor Young hit a two-run shot in the fifth inning that tied the score, his first Triple-A home run after getting promoted this week.Charlotte took the lead for good with a five-run seventh inning off Ronan Kopp and Nick Frasso, which each allowing a home run during the frame.Earlier in the game, a rehabbing Tommy Edman made this nice diving catch in center field as he gets closer to likely activation next week. Another Tommy Edman defensive highlight for your viewing pleasure😁 pic.twitter.com/deTrwMKR7Q— Oklahoma City Comets (@OKC_comets) June 13, 2026Double-A TulsaThe Drillers were walloped by double digits by the Wichita Wind Surge (Twins).Mike Sirota walked in the sixth inning, extending his on-base streak to 51 games. Josue De Paula singled twice in the loss, accounting for 40 percent of Tulsa’s hits.High-A Great LakesThe Loons split a doubleheader with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (Brewers), both games decided by a 5-3 score.Christian Zazueta struck out five in 3 2/3 innings in the winning nightcap, allowing one run.Wisconsin climbed Jac(k)ob’s ladder in the first game, scoring two runs off starter Jakob Wright in the fourth inning and two more off Jacob Frost in the fifth, during a 3-1 Loons lead into a Great Lakes loss.Right fielder Samuel Muñoz had a two-run single and walk in the first game. Cameron Decker hit a two-run home run in the second game.Matt Lanzendorfer walked a pair to but the tying runs on base in the ninth inning of the nightcap, but struck out his final two batters to finish off the save.Class-A OntarioOnce down 5-0, the Tower Buzzers rallied to beat the Lake Elsinore Storm (Padres).Mairo Martinus tripled and doubled, and drove in the go-ahead run in the ninth with a groundout. Easton Shelton hit a two-run home run, his team-leading 19th.On the aforementioned bloop double in the fourth inning, left fielder AJ Soldra and shortstop Joendry Vargas collided in the outfield, and both were down for several minutes. Multiple trainers from both teams tended to the players, and Soldra had to be carted off the field. Vargas remained in the game.TransactionsTriple-A: With Chuckie Robinson called up to the Dodgers, Oklahoma City got fellow spring non-roster invitee Griffin Lockwood-Powell to help share catching duties after two and a half seasons in Tulsa.Double-A: Dodgers signed catcher Hayden Gilliland three days after he was released by the Toronto Blue Jays, and assigned him to Tulsa. The 24-year-old hit .228/.374/.380 with three home runs and five doubles in 28 games for High-A Vancouver this eason.Friday scoresCharlotte 12, Oklahoma City 7Wichita 14, Tulsa 0Wisconsin 5, Great Lakes 3 (Game 1) Great Lakes 5, Wisconsin 3 (Game 2) Ontario 9, Lake Elsinore 8Saturday schedule3:05 p.m. PT: Oklahoma City (Cole Irvin) at Charlotte (Hagen Smith)4:40 p.m.: Great Lakes (Brooks Auger) at Wisconsin (Jayden Dubanewicz)5 p.m.: Tulsa (Roque Gutierrez) vs. Wichita (Preston Johnson)6:45 p.m.: Ontario (TBA) at Lake Elsinore (Tyler Schmitt)

President Donald Trump was accused of trying to orally rape a 13- to 14-year-old girl who then bit his genitals, according to an unproven allegation contained among the 3.5 million pages of investigatory files connected to deceased child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, released today by the Department of Justice (DOJ). The accusation, which allegedly occurred 35 years ago, was made secondhand by a friend of the accuser and then relayed from an unknown contact to the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force in New York. The accusation was never proven to be true, but it’s still one of several shocking allegations made against Trump in the DOJ’s latest file release. Related Trump watched as girl’s newborn was murdered & dumped in lake, Epstein document says Another allegation said that Trump held “calendar girls” parties at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, where Epstein would bring in children, and he and Trump would use their fingers to test their vaginal tightness. The accuser also said Elon Musk, Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka Trump, and Eric Trump were present at these alleged parties — but yet again, this claim was never proven to be true. The DOJ has previously said that its newly released files contain “untrue and sensationalist claims” against Trump. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said federal investigators cannot investigate many of the allegations made to the FBI about Trump and Epstein because many of the allegations were anonymous and relied on second-hand information, and thus, “not something that can be really investigated.”

United States' Folarin Balogun (20) and Paraguay' Gustavo Gomez (15) vie for the ball during the FIFA World Cup Group D soccer match at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., Friday, June 12, 2026. —Ringo Chiu—Associated PressWhen Folarin Balogun decided in 2023 to switch allegiances from England, where he grew up competing for youth teams on the international level, to the United States, it was for this very reason: a chance to stand out for the home team at the most-watched sporting event on the planet. After scoring a pair of goals—a one-timer off a beautiful Christian Pulisic pass, and a stunning 62 mph left-footed fastball from eight feet out, drilled into the top corner of the net—in the first half of Team USA’s rousing 4-1 win over Paraguay in its World Cup opener on Friday night, the 24-year-old striker was the toast of the 70,492 charged fans in Los Angeles Stadium, as well as millions of Americans who combusted in their homes and at watch parties in Minneapolis;Columbus, Ohio; and elsewhere across the country. Read more: 'I Plan on Scoring Goals.' How Christian Pulisic Is Facing the World Cup PressureBalogun’s second goal put the U.S. up 3-0 before the break. “It was a real statement,” says Balogun. “It’s a dream. It’s a dreamy night.” Forgive American soccer nuts for dreaming pretty big themselves. The U.S. men have never before scored four goals in a World Cup game. Before Balogun’s brace on Friday, the last American man to score more than one goal in a World Cup game was Bert Patenaude, who had a hat trick, against Paraguay, in 1930 (the Americans reached their only World Cup semifinal that year). And Paraguay is no pushover.La Albirroja beat both Argentina and Brazil in World Cup qualifying. George Lucas, Tom Cruise, Hilary Duff, David Beckham, Katy Perry, and Jamie Foxx were among the celebrities in the stands Friday. Since the last U.S. World Cup, in 1994, soccer has grown into a mainstream spectator sport: This was the largest crowd to watch the U.S. men’s team play since ‘94. Why shouldn't the sport’s ascendance spark a memorable moment? America’s 250th birthday, the USMNT clicking: It’s shaping up to be a fun summer. “When we walked out and heard the national anthem, seeing the crowd and people singing along, I got goosebumps,” says American midfielder Weston McKennie. “The accumulation of all the work that your team puts in, and all the guys, all the paths that they took to be here in this moment together, I think that was the turning point for us.” The team looked inspired, and cohesive, from the start. The opening salvo, a Paraguay own-goal that resulted from the fancy attacking footwork of the team’s two brightest international lights, Pulisic, of AC Milan, and McKennie, of Juventus, happened within the first seven minutes of the game. American players came out with flair, an approach they need to continue in their second game against Australia in Seattle on June 19. Pulisic split a double team. Malik Tillman tried a back-heel pass, because why not? Former U.S. standout Alexi Lalas, often a tough critic of the men’s team, on Fox Sports called the first 45 minutes plus stoppage time “the greatest half of group play from a men’s team at a World Cup in history.” “There's a lot of people here that maybe have never come out to support us,” says McKennie. “But hopefully today, with this performance, they can connect with us. We want to be relatable. They can see the joy that we have when we play.”The game wasn’t all roses. Before the World Cup, Pulisic grew frustrated with all the talk about his goal-scoring slump, for both club and country. “Such bad questions,” Pulisic told TIME in an April interview about this drought. “I'm not concerned about it, man.” Pulisic did score a goal in a World Cup tune-up game against Senegal in late May, but more importantly, on Friday night, showed how he can shape a game with his playmaking. Pulisic came out blazing, but got kicked in the calf and sat out the second half. “When he finished the first half, he could not walk,” U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino said afterward. “We’re hopeful the next game he’ll be available.”That potential setback shouldn’t overshadow the team’s accomplishment, or its promise. Defender Chris Richards, the reigning U.S. Soccer men’s player of the year, returned to action from a May ankle injury: All he did was complete all 83 of his passes, the most passes with 100% accuracy by any player in a World Cup match since 1966, according to ESPN Insights. Remember Gio Reyna, whose alleged lack of effort nearly got him sent home by former coach Gregg Berhalter at the last World Cup, and led to a stunning public feud between the Reyna and Berhalter families? Reyna, a reserve on Friday, chipped a shot into the net right before the final whistle, making his case for a super sub role. “He deserves it,” says Pulisic, of Reyna’s goal. “We see stuff from him like that every day." Reyna announced after the game that he and his wife were expecting their first child. Meanwhile, Balogun’s effort has fans praising birthright citizenship. His mother, seven months pregnant with him, was deemed unfit to fly back to London from a family visit in New York City. So she gave birth in Brooklyn before the family returned to England. After one night’s work in Southern California, he’s already tied for fifth for most career World Cup goals in USMNT history. “Why not us?” says Balogun.

Outsports writer Ken Schultz at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. (Photo courtesy of Ken Schultz).June is Pride Month, which means there are many LGBTQIA+ events to attend across the country. Sports leagues are also joining the celebration, most notably Major League Baseball. 29 of the 30 MLB franchises are hosting Pride Nights.At Pride events, teams often offer special ticket packages and exclusive swag, such as jerseys and caps. Sometimes proceeds from ticket sales are donated to charity. Every MLB team participates, except the Texas Rangers.Ken Schultz is a lifelong baseball fan who has written for Baseball Prospectus and now contributes to Outsports. We caught up with Schultz to discuss Pride Month and its importance in sports.Note: This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity. Could you tell us about your passion for baseball and your work with Outsports?Ken Schultz: “It’s always been my favorite, and for the past three years, they’ve given me a weekly baseball column. That’s the area I focus on most. I grew up in the north suburbs of Chicago, in Vernon Hills, about 35 miles north. My dad, a third-generation Cubs fan, passed it on to me at a very young age.“My first memories of baseball are of going to a game in 1984, when I was five years old, seeing Ryne Sandberg hit a home run and Rick Sutcliffe pitch a shutout for the team that won the division and made the playoffs for the first time in 39 years. So, it was a very auspicious beginning to a lifetime of Cub fandom that led to a whole lot more mental scarring and pain, but it ended up being worth it in 2016.”How would you describeOutsports?“It’s an advocacy site for our community in the sports world. What we’re best known for and proudest of is telling the coming-out stories of athletes, whether they’re gay, bisexual, lesbian, or transgender. It’s both standing up for our community in the sports world and telling the stories, kind of oral histories of athletes. How and what they went through in their own coming-out processes, and how they were accepted. What was the response to their coming out among their teammates, coaches, and families? It’s a way to hopefully make it easier for queer athletes to see these stories and decide to take the leap and come out themselves.”29 MLB teams get gay for Pride Night. One stubbornly refuses.https://t.co/wm1bKVNAdu — Outsports (@outsports) June 6, 2026How have things changed for the LGBTQIA+ community in sports?“I would say 10 years ago, the vast majority of teams celebrating Pride and hosting a night to welcome LGBTQ fans to the ballpark would not have existed unless you were in, say, Los Angeles with the Dodgers or the Cubs. So the idea that now 29 out of 30 major league baseball teams, as well as I think 20-ish NBA teams, have a night dedicated to our community, saying not just, ‘Hey, we’ve got a special jersey for you,’ but making the night a message of, ‘Hey, you are welcome here. We appreciate having you as our fan base.’ That, in and of itself, is remarkable progress, especially for someone who grew up a closeted gay kid in Chicago, where, for the vast majority of my life, I would say, other than fan efforts, most teams in my own city would not have acknowledged my existence.”Why does this matter?“Another massive reason why Pride Night is important is that getting to go to, for example, Wrigley Field and being surrounded by thousands of people who are just like you, and having that night where the gay community allows itself to embrace sports is also special. And for one night, it feels transformative. It’s like the historical distance between the sports world and the gay community gets lessened. Even if it’s just for a night, it feels like there is this potential for more crossover in the future.”So, this acceptance is significant? “Oh, definitely, yes. And I would say, commercially as well, approaching it from the perspective of how the LGBTQ community, especially the gay community, views sports, especially from the perspective of a gay man. For the most part, many gay men keep sports at a distance because of various traumas and scars we’ve accumulated over the decades, starting as early as gym class and grade school, where sports are often used as a cudgel against our community to portray us as weak or somehow less manly than people who excel at them.”Talkin’ Gaysball: With his appearance at Atlanta’s Pride social, Strider adds his name to the roster of LGBTQ fans’ favorite players.https://t.co/iakmP2rpn9 — Outsports (@outsports) June 9, 2026Which teams do the best job during Pride Month?“The Dodgers are historically the team that throws the biggest Pride Night, with the largest turnouts, and by serving a large LGBTQ community in LA. They have one of the oldest Pride Nights and often do something a little extra on their night to make it special, whether it’s inviting a gay athlete like Tom Daley to throw out the first pitch, as they did a couple of years ago, or, this year, unveiling a display in center field to honor Glenn Burke and Billy Bean, the first two known out gay men in baseball, both of whom played for the Dodgers. The Cubs make a special annual outreach to the community. They have one of the biggest Pride Nights. The Baltimore Orioles and the Washington Nationals throw fantastic ones.”How cool was it that Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider showed up at a Pride event? “Anytime you have an active player on a major league roster who is willing to show up at a Pride event and show that he is actively on the side of our community and welcoming to us, it is a special thing. Unfortunately, that is still rare among baseball players. We do have a handful over the past few years who we know are allies. Liam Hendriks, for example, formerly of the White Sox and Red Sox, would, in negotiating contracts and free agency, be up front and say, ‘Do you have a Pride Night? Because if you don’t, I’m not signing with you.’”The Texas Rangers still refuse to host a Pride Night. What questions would you ask them and Rob Manfred?“I would ask, why do you want to be seen as the lone antagonist in this narrative, and what do you get out of that status? Is it arrogance that makes you feel you can do this and that the impact on your gay and LGBTQ community and on Dallas-Fort Worth specifically doesn’t matter to you?“When it comes to Rob Manfred, honestly, I would ask him a whole lot of questions about how he’s approaching the lockout first. In terms of how he handles Texas, what do they need to do to make you willing to step out and criticize anyone in ownership? How badly do they need to continue fumbling the ball before you call them out on it?”Last night the Los Angeles Dodgers had their pride night as every player was wearing pride hats.Blake Treinen was not wearing a pride hat when he entered the ballgame. pic.twitter.com/JMeEKBMJPu — js9innings (@js9inningsmedia) June 6, 2026What’s your reaction to the Rangers hosting a Faith and Family event instead?“That’s expected, especially in a market like Dallas-Fort Worth. A fair number of teams hold Faith and Family Nights throughout the game. I know that a couple of years ago, when the Dodgers had the controversy with The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Clayton Kershaw used a request for Faith and Family Night as a weapon against Dodgers Pride, which was certainly not appreciated by the community. So, I’m not surprised the Rangers would emphasize a Faith and Family Night and ignore Pride. But I certainly would like to see a point in the future where, I mean, ¿Por qué no los dos? Why not both?”How do you respond to players who refuse to participate in Pride Night?“You’re certainly free to exercise that right. Just know that, in the context of history, you are going to be the villain of this era when it comes to how we examine how teams and players approach LGBTQ fans, the LGBTQ community, and Pride in general.“The comp I used in the column about Blake Treinen was calling him the Ben Chapman of Pride, and obviously, it’s not a perfect comparison. Ben Chapman, the Phillies manager who famously led racist taunts against Jackie Robinson, is remembered; if he’s remembered in baseball history, it’s specifically for that. Blake Treinen, if you are going to be remembered by baseball history, it’s not going to be for your postseason performance, I’ll tell you that much.”The post Outsports’ Ken Schultz explains why Pride Nights still matter appeared first on Awful Announcing.

Mourinho and Florentino Perez have a clear strategy for highly-rated midfield gem amid PSG and Arsenal interestAccording to a recent report from Defensa Central, it has come to light that Real Madrid have no intention of selling Arda Guler this summer, regardless of how much money is offered for the Turkish midfielder.The report claims that Jose Mourinho and Florentino Perez have already held discussions about Guler’s future and reached a clear agreement. It was established during the discussion that the 21-year-old is considered untouchable within the club’s long-term project, with Real Madrid prepared to reject offers worth up to €100 million.The decision comes amid growing interest from across Europe, with clubs monitoring Guler’s situation after his impressive performances over the past year.Real Madrid refuse to entertain offersAfter showing flashes of his immense talent last season, where he played 51 matches across all competitions, the Turkish international has started attracting serious attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.Mourinho has complete faith in Guler. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)It is said that both Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal are among the teams keeping a close eye on his situation and would be willing to invest heavily if Real Madrid ever opened the door to negotiations.Some reports have even suggested that potential offers could approach the €100 million mark. However, Real Madrid’s position appears firm.The club view him as one of the most gifted young players in world football and believe his value to the project goes far beyond any transfer fee that could arrive this summer.As a result, Perez and the sporting leadership have no interest in listening to proposals, regardless of the figures involved.Mourinho sees Guler as a central figureReal Madrid will not sell Arda Guler. (Photo by JORGE GUERRERO/AFP via Getty Images)One of the biggest talking points following Mourinho’s arrival was how the Portuguese manager would use Guler.The midfielder thrived during the latter stages of last season when given greater responsibility, but there was uncertainty about whether he would enjoy the same importance under a new coach.However, Mourinho has quickly removed those doubts. In fact, as reported before, the new manager sees Guler as a player capable of becoming one of the creative leaders of the team and has already outlined a specific role for him.Hence, Real Madrid are prepared to reject any offer that would come for the young sensation this summer.

France vs Senegal Prediction: World Cup 2026 Preview & Best BetsFrance and Senegal have unfinished business at the World Cup, and their Group I opener at MetLife Stadium carries echoes of one of the greatest upsets in tournament history…France vs Senegal kicks off at 20:00 BST on Tuesday 16 June 2026 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. It is Matchday 6 of the group stage, with both sides making their Group I bow. Coverage is live on ITV and BBC in the UK. POPULARBest World Cup 2026 Welcome Bonus 10 EXCEPTIONAL BetfredBetfredBet and Get New Bettor Bonus of £50 in Free Bets BET NOWWhat’s at StakeGroup I contains France, Iraq, Norway, and Senegal, and the table is blank ahead of this opening round. Three points here would give either side a commanding advantage in the race for the knockout stage, while a defeat, particularly for Senegal against the group’s heaviest favourites, would heap immediate pressure on their remaining fixtures. For France, anything less than a win would be seen as a stumble, given the weight of expectation riding on a squad assembled to go all the way to the final.VerdictFrance are overwhelming favourites and the class of their squad makes it difficult to look beyond a home win, with the best available price of 1/2 representing the market’s confidence in Les Bleus. Back France to win and over 2.5 goals at 1/1, a combination that reflects both their firepower through qualifying and the attacking intent Senegal will need if they are to repeat history.France vs Senegal Match PreviewThere is a compelling subplot to this France vs Senegal prediction: the last time these two sides met in a World Cup, Senegal pulled off one of the tournament’s most celebrated shocks. That was 2002, and the world has changed considerably since. France arrive in New Jersey as the current bookmakers’ favourite to lift the trophy, priced at 9/2 for the tournament outright, with Kylian Mbappe leading a squad bursting with Champions League pedigree.Didier Deschamps has shaped this France side into a machine calibrated for tournament football, pragmatic without the ball and lethal on the break. The 4-3-3 framework offers cover at the back through William Saliba and Ibrahima Konaté, while the forward line carries genuine match-winning quality across multiple positions. France scored 16 goals in qualifying and conceded just four, a platform that speaks to both their attacking depth and their defensive discipline.Senegal, meanwhile, arrive with a point to prove and a squad that has matured through consecutive World Cup appearances. Under J. Koto, they qualified from CAF with an identical 5W 1D 0L record to France, though against softer opposition, and their best result remains the 2002 quarter-final. Sadio Mane at 34 is no longer the explosive talent who burst onto the global stage, but he remains decisive in the biggest moments, and Nicolas Jackson adds genuine Premier League-quality pace through the middle. Senegal’s challenge is to stay organised, absorb France’s pressure and make something happen on the counter.Team FormFrance– Northern Ireland (H): Won 3-1 (Friendly) – Ivory Coast (H): Lost 1-2 (Friendly) – Colombia (N): Won 3-1 (Friendly) – Brazil (N): Won 2-1 (Friendly) – Azerbaijan (A): Won 3-1 (World Cup Qualifying)France’s last-five record is encouraging in context. The defeats came against Ivory Coast in a pre-tournament friendly, which amounted to little more than a dress rehearsal, while wins over Brazil and Colombia in March demonstrated that Deschamps’ side can handle high-quality opposition. The 3-1 qualifying victory away at Azerbaijan in November confirmed their group superiority, and the 3-1 win over Northern Ireland last week was a confident final warm-up.Senegal– Saudi Arabia (N): Drew 0-0 (Friendly) – United States (A): Lost 2-3 (Friendly) – Gambia (H): Won 3-1 (Friendly) – Peru (N): Won 2-0 (Friendly) – Morocco (A): Lost 0-3 (African Cup of Nations)Senegal’s recent form shows a team still finding its rhythm. The 3-2 defeat to United States in a pre-tournament friendly was a wake-up call, and the 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia as their final warm-up was not the confidence-boosting performance the squad needed. Their last competitive action, a 0-3 loss to Morocco in the African Cup of Nations, was a disruptive end to that campaign. Senegal have real quality but will need to find sharper form quickly to trouble a France side operating at a higher level.France vs Senegal Head to HeadThe France vs Senegal head-to-head record is brief but historically significant. The two sides have met just twice in recorded international competition, and Senegal have won both. Most famously, Senegal defeated France 1-0 in the 2002 World Cup group stage in Seoul, a result that remains one of the great tournament shocks. The earlier meeting, played in April 1963 in the African Friendship Games, also ended in Senegal’s favour, 2-0.With only two meetings on record, there is limited statistical evidence to draw on, but the narrative weight of 2002 cannot be dismissed. Senegal will point to that precedent; France will be determined not to repeat it. The France vs Senegal betting odds reflect the current gap in squad depth, but history at least tells us this fixture is not as straightforward as the market suggests.Team NewsFranceFrance’s squad is announced and there are no significant absences to report ahead of this opener. Kylian Mbappe is fit and leads the attack, with Mike Maignan set to start in goal after establishing himself as first choice following Hugo Lloris’ international retirement. William Saliba and Ibrahima Konaté are expected to form the central defensive partnership, both in excellent form after strong Premier League seasons for Arsenal and Liverpool respectively.N’Golo Kante, at 35, brings experience from deep, while Aurelien Tchouameni adds physicality and range in the middle of the park. One interesting subplot in the France camp is the role of younger options like Desire Doue, who scored his first international goals against Colombia in March, and Rayan Cherki of Manchester City, both of whom could contribute from the bench if not in the starting XI. Adrien Rabiot adds further experience from a midfield unit with options at every level.SenegalSenegal’s squad is also confirmed. Edouard Mendy starts in goal, with Kalidou Koulibaly captaining the side from central defence. At 34, Koulibaly remains the defensive leader despite questions about the physical load on several of Senegal’s senior players. Idrissa Gueye, also 36, will be relied upon for his ball-winning work rate in the middle of the pitch, though his age inevitably raises questions about whether he can sustain the required intensity through a tournament.Sadio Mane leads the front line, and his partnership with Nicolas Jackson offers a blend of experience and Premier League finishing power. Pape Matar Sarr of Tottenham Hotspur and Lamine Camara of Monaco provide energy and quality in the midfield engine room. One concern surrounds the off-field disruption following the AFCON 2025 final incident, which resulted in disciplinary action from CAF and created uncertainty around the squad’s cohesion heading into the tournament.Predicted LineupsFrance (4-3-3): Maignan; Kounde, Konaté, Saliba, T. Hernandez; Tchouameni, Kante, Rabiot; Dembele (c), Mbappe, Barcola.Senegal (4-3-3): E. Mendy; El Hadji M. Diouf, Koulibaly (c), Niakhate, Jakobs; P.M. Sarr, Gueye, Camara; I. Sarr, Jackson, Mane.Predicted XIs – squads to be confirmed closer to kick-off.Key Tactical MatchupThe contest between Kylian Mbappe and Kalidou Koulibaly will define much of the texture of this game. Mbappe, with 56 international goals in 98 caps, represents the single most dangerous attacking threat at this tournament, and his movement inside from the left channel is notoriously difficult to contain. Koulibaly, who brings more than 100 caps into the fixture, is Senegal’s most experienced defensive presence and a genuine aerial and physical force. If Koulibaly can limit Mbappe’s direct runs and force France to circulate possession wide rather than centrally, Senegal have a chance to stay in the match. The moment Mbappe gets in behind, the tie is almost certainly over.Best Bets POPULARBest World Cup 2026 Welcome Bonus 10 EXCEPTIONAL BetfredBetfredBet and Get New Bettor Bonus of £50 in Free Bets BET NOW 9.9 EXCEPTIONAL HighbetHighbetBet £10 and Get a £20 Free bet BET NOW 9.8 EXCEPTIONAL ParimatchParimatchSports Welcome Offer Bet and Get for a £20 Free Bet BET NOWMain Pick: France to WinFrance to win @ 1/2. The quality gap between these sides is reflected in the odds, and France’s qualifying record of 16 goals in six unbeaten games demonstrates consistent attacking output. Senegal have lost their last competitive match and failed to score in their final warm-up against Saudi Arabia. Backing the favourites here is grounded in hard evidence, not sentiment.Goals Market: Over 2.5 GoalsOver 2.5 goals @ 1/1. France scored in every qualifying match and averaged well over two goals per game through that campaign. Senegal conceded three against the United States in their most recent pre-tournament friendly and will need to attack at some point if they fall behind. The value in over 2.5 at evens reflects a fixture where France’s firepower can open things up quickly.Scorer Market: Kylian Mbappe Anytime ScorerKylian Mbappe to score anytime. Mbappe has been France’s most consistent scorer in recent years and carries the burden of leading the attack in what could be a landmark World Cup for him personally. Against a Senegal defensive unit dealing with off-field uncertainty and ageing legs in key positions, his pace and directness should create opportunities. He is the standout option in the scorer markets for this fixture.France vs Senegal Bet Builder: France Win and Over 2.5 GoalsCombining a France win with over 2.5 goals in a France vs Senegal bet builder or accumulator offers a meaningful return while anchoring the selection on the most logical reading of the game. France’s attacking depth across Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola and Marcus Thuram gives them multiple routes to goal, and Senegal’s recent defensive record in warm-ups suggests they are vulnerable to high-quality forward lines.Odds Across OperatorsHere is a summary of the best available prices for the France vs Senegal betting odds ahead of kick-off at MetLife Stadium.Prices are the best available from leading operators at time of writing and are subject to change. Always check for the latest France vs Senegal odds before placing your bet.How to Watch and How to BetHow to WatchFrance vs Senegal is live on BBC and ITV in the United Kingdom, with streaming available via BBC iPlayer and ITVX. Kick-off is at 20:00 BST on Tuesday 16 June 2026 at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey. For viewers in other markets, the match is available on TF1 and beIN Sports in France, RTE and Virgin Media in Ireland, and Fox and Telemundo in the United States.How to BetIf you want to get your France vs Senegal picks on before kick-off, here is how to do it safely and efficiently at any leading operator.Create or log in to your account with a licensed and regulated betting operator.Navigate to the football or soccer section and search for France vs Senegal or World Cup 2026.Review the full range of markets, including match result, goals, both teams to score, and correct score.Select your preferred outcome and check the price matches the best available odds listed above.Enter your stake and review your potential return before confirming.If using a bet builder or accumulator, add each selection individually and check the combined odds before submission.Consider setting a deposit or stake limit if you are placing multiple bets across the tournament.Confirm your bet and keep a record of your selections so you can review your performance as the group stage unfolds.Responsible GamblingBetting should always be enjoyable and within your means. If you feel that gambling is becoming a problem, free and confidential support is available at any time. Visit BeGambleAware.org or contact the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133. Set limits before you bet, never chase losses, and take breaks when you need them. [morestories category=8]

Austria vs Jordan Prediction: World Cup 2026 Preview & Best BetsAustria vs Jordan | World Cup 2026 Group J | Matchday 6Date: Tuesday, 16 June 2026Kick-off: 21:00 local (UTC-7) | 05:00 BST (17 June)Venue: Levi’s Stadium, San Francisco Bay Area (Santa Clara), USATV/Streaming (UK): ITV / BBCBetfred5.0Welcome BonusBet and Get New Bettor Bonus of £50 in Free Bets BET NOWWhat’s at StakeAustria and Jordan meet in Group J of the 2026 World Cup, where both sides face the same daunting arithmetic: Argentina are expected to dominate the section, which means points between the remaining three teams may decide who, if anyone, accompanies the holders into the last 32. For Austria, a first World Cup appearance since 1998, defeat here could prove fatal to knockout ambitions. For Jordan, making their historic debut on the global stage, any positive result would represent a landmark moment for a nation still celebrating the very fact of being here.VerdictAustria are strong favourites to collect three points in their opening Group J fixture, and the 1/3 available on a home win reflects the gulf between two sides at very different levels of European and international football. The Austria win at 1/3 is a short price, but the more compelling angle is the goals market, with a tactically outmatched Jordan side likely to be put under sustained pressure by Austria’s high-tempo pressing game.Austria vs Jordan Match PreviewAustria arrive at the 2026 World Cup carrying genuine momentum and a sense of long-overdue arrival. This is the country’s first World Cup in 28 years, and coach S. Helm has inherited a squad shaped by years of Bundesliga-heavy development and successive European Championship knockout rounds. They qualified automatically from UEFA qualification, dropping only two points across their entire qualifying campaign and conceding just four goals in eight matches. The expectation is that Austria will be organised, intense, and ruthless against a side they are heavily favoured to beat.Jordan’s achievement in reaching this tournament cannot be overstated. They qualified from the AFC via the playoff route and arrive as genuine debutants, with no World Cup history to draw on and no established benchmark at this level. Coach J. Sellami has built a side that punches well above its weight through defensive organisation, collective discipline, and devastating counter-attacks. But this is a different challenge entirely from the AFC qualifying environment, and Austria’s quality across the pitch will test everything Jordan have built.The game is likely to be shaped by Austria’s pressing intensity against Jordan’s deep defensive structure. If Jordan can stay compact and absorb early pressure, there is a route to a competitive scoreline. But Austria’s quality in midfield and their ability to create overloads through high full-backs make that a difficult task over 90 minutes. The more probable scenario is Austria controlling possession, finding gaps gradually, and converting one or more of the opportunities they create.Team FormAustria – Last 5 Results – Tunisia (H): Won 1-0 (Friendly) – South Korea (H): Won 1-0 (Friendly) – Ghana (H): Won 5-1 (Friendly) – Bosnia And Herzegovina (H): Drew 1-1 (World Cup Qualifying) – Cyprus (A): Won 2-0 (World Cup Qualifying) Austria’s last five outings present a picture of steady confidence ahead of the tournament. The 5-1 win over Ghana stands out for its attacking intensity, and back-to-back clean sheets against South Korea and Tunisia suggest the defensive unit is well-drilled. The draw against Bosnia And Herzegovina was competitive rather than alarming, coming against a side that pushed them throughout qualifying.Jordan – Last 5 Results – Colombia (N): Lost 0-2 (Friendly) – Switzerland (A): Lost 1-4 (Friendly) – Nigeria (N): Drew 2-2 (Friendly) – Costa Rica (N): Drew 2-2 (Friendly) – Morocco (N): Lost 2-3 (Arab Cup) Jordan’s pre-tournament form makes for sobering reading. Three defeats in five, including a 4-1 loss to Switzerland and a 2-0 reverse against Colombia, raise genuine doubts about how they will cope against a side of Austria’s organisation. The draws against Nigeria and Costa Rica showed Jordan can compete in open games, but those are not the conditions S. Helm’s side will be looking to impose on Matchday 6.Austria vs Jordan Head to HeadAustria and Jordan have never previously met in a competitive or recorded international fixture, making this a genuine first encounter with no historical head-to-head data to reference. Both sides go into this World Cup 2026 meeting with no precedent between them, adding another layer of intrigue to what is already a historically significant match for Jordan.Team NewsFor Austria, the significant absentee concern centres on Marko Arnautovic, the 37-year-old record scorer with 133 caps and 47 international goals. Now at Red Star Belgrade, Arnautovic is in the final chapter of his international career and while he is expected to feature in some capacity across the tournament, his fitness and sharpness over 90 minutes will be managed carefully. David Alaba, the experienced Real Madrid centre-back with 113 caps, remains the defensive cornerstone and a key organiser at set pieces, though his minutes will also be monitored given the condensed schedule. Marcel Sabitzer and Konrad Laimer are expected to be fully available and central to Austria’s midfield engine.Jordan carry a significant blow into this tournament. Yazan Al-Naimat, their most prolific forward during the qualifying campaign, suffered a serious knee injury and is absent. Coach Sellami acknowledged publicly that Al-Naimat “cannot be replaced,” and the burden of leading the attack falls largely on Ali Olwan and Musa Al-Taamari. Al-Taamari, the Rennes winger and the only Jordan player competing in a major European league, will be their most dangerous outlet on the counter-attack and is likely to carry extra creative responsibility in Al-Naimat’s absence.Jordan’s squad is built predominantly around domestic-league players, with seven members of the travelling party drawn from Al-Hussein alone. The lack of top-flight European experience across the group is not a weakness in itself, given how well this collective has functioned together, but it does mean Austria’s squad depth and individual quality represent a considerable step up from most opponents Jordan have faced. Fitness across both squads is understood to be broadly good going into Matchday 6.Predicted LineupsPredicted XI (4-2-3-1): Pentz; Posch, Danso, Lienhart, Mwene; Laimer, Seiwald; Wimmer, Sabitzer, Schmid; Arnautovic (c)Predicted XI (3-4-3 / 5-4-1): Abulaila; Nasib, Haddad (c), Al-Arab; Al-Rosan, Al-Rawabdeh, Sadeh, Abu Hashish; Al-Taamari, Olwan, Abu ZrayqPredicted XIs based on available squad and tactical information. Starting lineups to be officially confirmed closer to kick-off.Key Tactical MatchupThe critical battle in this fixture is Austria’s high-press system against Jordan’s counter-attacking structure. Austria’s midfield, anchored by Konrad Laimer and Nicolas Seiwald, is built to win the ball high up the pitch and generate short transition moments. Jordan’s response will be to sit deep in a compact 5-4-1 shape and look for Musa Al-Taamari to carry the ball forward on the break. Austria’s qualifying record of 22 goals scored and just four conceded in eight matches demonstrates how effectively they can sustain pressure and convert it into chances. If Jordan can force Laimer and Seiwald into covering defensive runs by threatening in behind, they have a route into the contest. That window, however, is narrow.Best BetsBetfred5.0Welcome BonusBet and Get New Bettor Bonus of £50 in Free Bets BET NOWHighbet 4.9Welcome BonusBet £10 and Get a £20 Free Bet BET NOWParimatch4.8Welcome BonusSports Welcome Offer Bet and Get for a £20 Free Bet BET NOWMain Pick: Austria to Win @ 1/3 Austria enter this fixture as heavy favourites and the case for backing them is straightforward. They qualified automatically from UEFA competition with a +18 goal difference across eight matches, have won five of their last six outings, and face a Jordan side that has lost three of their last five, including conceding four goals to Switzerland. The price is short, but the risk is low.Goals: Over 2.5 Goals @ 11/10 Austria’s qualifying campaign produced 22 goals in eight matches, and their pre-tournament friendlies included a 5-1 win over Ghana. Jordan have shown a willingness to score on the counter, netting twice in draws against Nigeria and Costa Rica, but they also conceded four to Switzerland and three to Morocco. A match total in excess of three goals looks well-supported by both sides’ recent evidence.Scorer: Musa Al-Taamari to Score Anytime With Yazan Al-Naimat absent, Al-Taamari carries Jordan’s most significant individual threat. The Rennes winger has the technical quality to create opportunities from counter-attacks and set-piece situations, and as Jordan’s standout player in a European league, he represents the best route to a goal if Sellami’s side are to make any impression on this match.Austria vs Jordan Bet Builder: Austria Win and Over 2.5 Goals Combining Austria to win with over 2.5 goals in the match reflects both the likely outcome and the scoring pattern suggested by Austria’s qualifying form and Jordan’s defensive vulnerabilities. This Austria vs Jordan bet builder angle offers a stronger return than a straight match result bet while remaining well-grounded in the evidence available.Odds Across OperatorsThe Austria vs Jordan betting odds below reflect the best available prices across leading operators at time of writing. Austria’s 1/3 makes them one of the clearer favourites in the group stage, with the draw at 5/1 and Jordan at 19/2 reflecting the significant gap in squad quality and tournament experience.Austria Win – 1/3Draw – 5/1Jordan Win – 19/2Over 2.5 Goals – 11/10Under 2.5 Goals – 5/6 Best available prices from leading operators. Odds subject to change. Prices correct at time of publication.How to Watch and How to BetHow to Watch Austria vs JordanAustria vs Jordan kicks off at 05:00 BST on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, with the match being played at Levi’s Stadium in the San Francisco Bay Area. UK viewers can watch the match live on ITV or BBC, with streaming available via the respective platforms. The fixture is part of the World Cup 2026 group stage schedule, with coverage expected to begin ahead of the 05:00 BST kick-off.How to Bet on Austria vs JordanTo place a bet on Austria vs Jordan, follow these steps to get the best available price on your preferred market.Compare the Austria vs Jordan odds across leading operators to identify the best price for your chosen selection.Log in to your account or register if you are a new customer.Navigate to the World Cup 2026 section within the sportsbook.Locate Group J and find the Austria vs Jordan fixture.Select your market, whether match result, goals, or a bet builder combining multiple outcomes.Enter your stake and review the potential returns before confirming.Consider splitting your stake across two markets if you are combining the Austria win with goals or a scorer.Set deposit and stake limits in your account settings to stay in control of your betting activity.Responsible GamblingBetting should always be an enjoyable and controlled activity. Set a budget before placing any bets and never wager more than you can afford to lose. If you feel your gambling is becoming a problem, free and confidential support is available. In the UK, contact BeGambleAware on 0808 8020 133 or visit Gamblers Anonymous. Use the responsible gambling tools available on your operator’s platform, including deposit limits, cooling-off periods, and self-exclusion options.

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New York Jets tight end Jeremy Ruckert (89) rushes for yards during the second quarter of an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars defeated the Jets 48-20. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union] | Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Through the spring and summer, we will be counting down the Jets roster player by player. We continue the series by discussing Jeremy Ruckert.Name: Jeremy RuckertNumber: 91Year With Jets: 2ndProjected Role: Number three tight endHis 2025: After the departure of Tyler Conklin, Ruckert had every opportunity to establish himself as the starting tight end for the Jets. He ended up providing little production, however, registering just 23 catches for 179 yards. It’s probably tempting to blame Ruckert’s struggles on the Jets’ dismal quarterback situation. You would be well-advised to ignore that temptation. Eight receivers on the roster with the same quarterback play recorded more receiving yards. Among them were Adonai Mitchell and John Metchie, who were acquired halfway through the season. Rookie tight end Mason Taylor more than doubled Ruckert’s yardage. At some point you are who you are as a player. After four years we can safely say that Ruckert isn’t much of a receiving option in the NFL. That would be one thing if Ruckert could block consistently. Unfortunately, despite throwing the occasional dominant blocking rep on film, he also frequently misses his assignments.For these reasons it was as surprise to see the Jets reward Ruckert with a contract extension before the end of the season. That seemed like a sign he was part of the team’s future plans. The selection of Kenyon Sadiq in the first round has perhaps changed that.2026 will be a success if: Ruckert flashes enough to convince the Jets coaching staff to give him playing time. What can I say? I’m grasping at straws here. With the selection of Sadiq, Ruckert has become a wealthy number three tight end. Sadiq and Taylor will be on the field when the Jets go double tight end. Even though we have started to see some offensive trends in the NFL of teams going with bigger personnel groupings, we just aren’t likely to see many three tight end sets outside of short yardage and goal line situations. Ruckert’s best bet might be to work on his fullback blocking skills and try to win that role from Andrew Beck. Odds of making the roster: Lock (>99%)

Where does new Auburn head football coach Alex Golesh rank among the top coaches in college football for the 2026 season?In a recent article, The Sporting News' Bill Bender ranked all 138 FBS coaches, and the new Auburn coach finished in the top half of the list. After being ranked No. 92 last year as Golesh entered his third season at South Florida, he landed at No. 50 in the latest rankings. Ahead of Golesh are 13 other SEC head coaches. Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti tops the ranking at No. 1, and Kirby Smart is the top SEC coach at No. 2.Auburn is hopeful that Golesh will be ranked higher on any coach's list after this upcoming season. Golesh proved his ability to build a program at South Florida after arriving in Tampa for the 2023 season. Prior to that arrival, the Bulls had only won four games in three seasons. During his tenure at South Florida, he won a total of 23 games, and now he looks to do the same at Auburn.The Tigers have not had a winning season since the final season with Gus Malzahn as the head coach, with a 6-4 record. Bryan Harsin only lasted one season and eight games before being fired. Hope was temporarily restored when Hugh Freeze was hired. While he did a good job of recruiting and adding talented players, Auburn could not find success on the field. In three years under Freeze, Auburn won only 15 games with many losses in close games.Golesh is tasked with changing the culture of Auburn football and getting them back to the winning ways fans were once used to. He has done well, saying all the right things to make the Auburn faithful hopeful. There is recent momentum for the 2027 recruiting class with a No. 12 ranking according to 247Sports.Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Phillip on Twitter @PJordanSportsThis article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Auburn football: Alex Golesh is No. 50 in The Sporting News' rankings

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 12: Spencer Strider #99 of the Atlanta Braves pitches during the game between the Atlanta Braves and the New York Mets at Citi Field on Friday, June 12, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by Michael Mooney/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images Well, the sad writing was brightly stenciled onto the proverbial wall last night, and there goes Spencer Strider to the Injured List, again:The #Braves today recalled RHP Anthony Molina to Atlanta and placed RHP Spencer Strider on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation. Additionally, C Drake Baldwin begins a rehabilitation assignment tonight with Triple-A Gwinnett.— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) June 13, 2026Strider departs, perhaps temporarily, with a 127 ERA-, 131 FIP-, and 103 xFIP-. Despite the hope that he’d build on an extended but uneven stretch in the rotation after returning from a series of injury woes last year, his 2026 was similarly uneven, with him seemingly alternating between “really good” and “ah, nuts” on a start-to-start basis. In aggregate, the bad was worse than the good, and while a Strider without HR/FB issues would be a useful rotation piece (his aggregate 102 xFIP- last year, and 103 this year), it’s not clear whether he can avoid HR/FB issues given what’s transpired when he’s pitched. In any case, there’s now a bigger hurdle ahead of him, as his velocity precipitously declined amid mechanics-related command issues over the course of yesterday’s start, and now we’re in wait-and-see mode.Anthony Molina has been a prime yo-yo candidate for the Braves this year. This will be his third time pulled up to the big league club, though he’s only made one appearance for the Braves. His performance as a swingman for Gwinnett has been pretty blah — an FIP and xFIP in the mid-4.00s — but he’s not really here to get outs while preventing runs, as the focus on any appearance he makes will be the former with little attention paid to the latter.Stay tuned for… more bad news, but maybe the Braves will snap their skid later today in New York.

Five-star defensive lineman Marcus Fakatou is down to three schools, per Rivals’ Hayes Fawcett. Fakatou’s top three schools include the Texas Longhorns, Ohio State Buckeyes and Georgia Bulldogs, as Fakatou has remained closely tied to Georgia throughout his recruitment. Standing at 6-foot-6, 275 pounds, Fakatou is a massive defensive lineman who has flashed his potential on numerous occasions at Sierra Canyon High School in Chatsworth, California. The rising star would have an opportunity to quickly make a name for himself on Georgia’s defensive line next season, as Fakatou would arguably be the Dawgs’ top commitment from the 2027 class. Fakatou took an official visit to Georgia on May 31, and the talented big man appears to be closing in on a final decision soon. Fakatou is regarded as one of the top players from his recruiting class. He is ranked as the No. 2 defensive lineman and the No. 24 overall player from the class of 2027, per the 247Sports Composite Rankings. Fakatou is listed as the No. 3 overall player out of California, and the rising star could be a massive addition for the Bulldogs very soon. Fakatou has an elite combination of size and athleticism. He has posted a 4.73 time in the 40-yard dash and also plays tight end for his high school.Georgia has been named as a top landing spot for some of the most talented players from the 2027 class. Five-star wide receiver Eric McFarland added UGA to his top three schools, while four-star quarterback Colton Nussmeier has committed to Georgia recently.Follow UGA Wire on Instagram, Facebook, X or Threads for more Georgia football coverage!This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: 5-star DL Marcus Fakatou names his top-3 schools

Henry Crocombe has taken 104 first-class wickets at an average of 36.32 [Getty Images]Uncapped Sussex pace bowler Henry Crocombe has been called into England's squad for the second Test against New Zealand as cover for Ollie Robinson.Robinson, who took seven wickets on a brilliant return to Test cricket in the first-Test win at Lord's, experienced knee soreness after a training session on Saturday and will have a "precautionary" scan on Sunday.The second match of the three-Test series starts on Wednesday at Trent Bridge.Crocombe, 24, has taken 21 wickets at an average of 28.61 in seven County Championship matches for Sussex this season and claimed 4-65 for England Lions against South Africa A last month.England are without seamer Gus Atkinson and captain and all-rounder Ben Stokes for the Test, which begins on Wednesday, after they were involved in an incident in a nightclub.Crocombe has never been included in an England squad but has been namechecked by England coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key in recent weeks.Josh Tongue, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker and Matt Fisher are the other seamers in the squad.Who is Henry Crocombe?Crocombe made his first-class debut for Sussex aged 19 [Getty Images]Crocombe's selection may raise eyebrows, given other recent picks such as Essex's Sam Cook and Durham's Matthew Potts have been overlooked, but it should not be a big surprise.When England named their Test squad at the start of the summer, Key said Crocombe had "really kicked on" this season.A product of Sussex's academy, Crocombe was first picked by England Lions in 2024 before struggles with injury.It was when he began this season with his first five-wicket haul - and nine in the match against Leicestershire - that he began to seriously catch the eye.Stokes returns to Durham training after England omissionNew Zealand call up Young after Williamson retirement

Sioux Falls Jefferson's Ayleah Johnson was voted by readers as the Argus Leader's Athlete of the Week from June 1 to 6.Johnson won the Athlete of the Week with 45.73% of the vote.Johnson had a breakout weekend in her final tournament as a Cavalier. The senior was 5-for-9 at the dish with two doubles, a home run, an RBI, three runs scored and a stolen base for the back-to-back Class AA state champs.This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Ayleah Johnson voted Argus Leader Athlete of the Week

Jun. 13—***If all goes well with tickets and I am able to convince my wife to get on a plane in December, I hope to attend the 2026 Heisman Trophy ceremony ... for the first time.I don't really have a bucket list, but if I did being at the Heisman ceremony would be high on it.With all that in mind, I am fully invested in the award first handed out to Chicago's Jay Berwanger in 1935. The Heisman has been hoisted by 29 representatives of the current 18 Big Ten schools. Yes, adding Southern California did a lot for the Big Ten's Heisman haul.Last year, it was Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who hit the trifecta: perfect season, won the Heisman and first pick in the NFL draft,Who follows him?Over the next couple of weeks, I will count down the candidates. First, my Top 10 in inverse order. Then a handful of wildcards that way include a defensive player or two.One guy who won't appear on the list: Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby. Though I support him being on the field if the courts allow it, I can't imagine the Heisman voters putting his name on their ballots.So, here goes:Why is he on the list?Not because of what he did against Illinois in Duke's blowout loss at Durham. In that game, he did not live up to expectations.But he found a new home in the portal with the Hurricanes, where he will find dynamic teammates and a coach willing to let him show his talents.Mensah has help in Miami, staring with do-everything Malachi Toney. You will see him on this list later. Coach Mario Cristobal also welcomes the return of the running back Mark Fletcher and the addition of receiver Cooper Barkate, who caught more than 1,000 yards worth of passes at Duke.The Georgia transfer just missed leading the team to the title. Mensah, who is more gifted, has a chance to take the next step.

Jun. 13—CHAMPAIGN — The best of the Class of 2027 had the most highly-regarded collective boys' basketball talent in the state since Ayo Dosunmu, Talen Horton-Tucker and Francis Okoro topped the rankings in 2018.It was noticeable early. All four of Warren Township's Jaxson Davis, Bolingbrook's Davion Thompson, Kenwood's Devin Cleveland and Whitney Young's Howard Williams drew notice as freshmen. Quinton Kitt's true rise at East Peoria came a year later to make it as good a top five from the state in a decade.In what's become a trend among the top talent in Illinois, none of them will finish their high school careers in the state.Williams was the first to leave, transferring to Oak Hill Academy (Va.) for the 2024-25 season. Then it was Thompson and Cleveland landing at noted prep schools Link Academy (Mo.) and La Lumiere (Ind.), respectively, for their junior years, and Kitt announcing this spring he wouldn't return to the Raiders.Davis was next.The two-time News-Gazette All-State Player of the Year and Illinois recruiting target announced Friday he would leave Warren Township and play his senior season at newly-formed Monarch Academy in Kansas City, Kan., in Nike's EYBL Scholastic League. Kitt will join him next season at Monarch Academy, too, after announcing his decision shortly after Davis did Friday."It is with great excitement, yet mixed emotions, that I announce my commitment to spend my senior year at Monarch Academy," Davis shared on social media. "My goal has always been to challenge myself, continue growing and become the best player I can be. And after careful consideration, I believe the opportunity to compete on the EYBL Scholastic circuit will provide the highest level of competition and best prepare me for the transition from high school basketball to the high-major collegiate level."Davis was one of two in-state standouts to announce their departure from the state for the 2026-27 season on Friday. Class of 2028 guard Amarion Smith-Holley, who was also a News-Gazette All-State First-Team selection this past season for Peoria Richwoods and holds an Illinois offer, will play next season at Link Academy.Thompson, who also had an Illini offer but committed to Arkansas on Wednesday, Cleveland, Davis, Williams and Kitt are the top-five ranked Class of 2027 prospects from Illinois. Their departure creates a hole among the rising senior class in the state particularly when you consider Davis' three impressive seasons at Warren.The 6-foot-1 guard averaged 19.5 points, 5.3 assists, 3.6 rebounds and 3.5 steals as a freshman and earned his first Division I scholarship offers in the process. Illinois was first, offering Davis in December of his freshman season after he earned MVP honors at the Proviso West Holiday Tournament.The next two seasons featured more of the same. Davis kept producing, and Warren kept winning. The Blue Devils were the Class 4A state runners-up during the 2024-25 season with Davis averaging 19.6 points, six assists, 4.3 rebounds and 2.9 steals en route to his first News-Gazette All-State Player of the Year selection.Warren won 30 games this past season as Davis led the way with 23.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 3.5 steals per game to repeat as The News-Gazette's All-State Player of the Year."Before beginning this next chapter, I want to sincerely thank my Warren Blue Devil family — my coaches, teammates, athletic department, administration, faculty, students and everyone who has supported me over the past three years," Davis wrote. "The experiences, relationships and development I gained at Warren have played a major role in shaping me both as a player and as a person."Davis' next step will be a move to Kansas City. The four-star guard with double-digit high-major offers, including Michigan and Kentucky in addition to Illinois, was one of the first players to join the Monarch Academy roster.Davis has experience on Nike's EYBL circuit playing three springs and summers with Meanstreets alongside Thompson and Kitt. The Chicago-based 17U squad went 4-6 during the EYBL's three spring sessions, with Davis averaging 14.2 points on 42/39/68 shooting to go with 5.2 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game."Jaxson came to me and said it was time for him to leave Warren," Davis' dad, Brian, told the Chicago Sun-Times. "He told me he had to get better. He wants to be college-ready — not just ready for college but ready to play in college — and he didn't feel like he could do that playing another year of high school basketball. He felt staying for another year would prevent him from getting better."

Jun. 13—➜ for nearly 90 young football players at the Unity youth football camp on Thursday at Hicks Field in Tolono.➜ after he signed with the Illini this week.➜ ) during the 2025-26 school year.points compiled in the decathlon by Illinois freshman when the 10-event competition concluded late Thursday night at the NCAA Outdoor Championships at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore. That left Pelkmans third in the event as he established a new program record and became the first Illini to earn All-American honors in the decathlon.➜ . Illinois women's track and field athletes JaiCieonna Gero-Holt and Meagan Humphries in the heptathlon and Katharina Graman in the triple jump vie for NCAA titles on Saturday in Eugene, Ore.➜ . If bad weather holds off, Illinois Field in Champaign will host the 1A state title game at 1 p.m. Saturday and the 2A state title game at 7 p.m. on Saturday. The 1A third-place game is set for 10 a.m. and the 2A third-place game is scheduled for 4 p.m.➜ . A Prospect League doubleheader is on tap Saturday evening at Danville Stadium.➜ Alysa Liu, Michael Phelps and Sabastian Sawe.➜ "Heartstopper."➜ people commenting on what other people are eating or about their body.

Jun. 13—Lincoln Williams signing with Illinois on Monday proves there could still be some summer surprises on the roster building front in the Big Ten. But in the wake of the NBA draft withdrawal deadline and most of the major transfer portal moves already made, it's safe to make some assumptions about how all 18 teams might stack up for the 2026-27 season.Here's how I see the league roughly five months out from its start:1. IllinoisGeneral manager Neel Ganta said retention could be the Illini's "cheat code." He was right. Bringing back five key rotation players from a Final Four team is the kind of retention that's put Illinois in the conversation as a top five team nationally. The addition of Providence transfer Stefan Vaaks and five-star freshman guard Quentin Coleman only raises the Illini's floor and ceiling.2. Michigan StateThe likely Big Ten preseason player of the year calls East Lansing, Mich., home. Jeremy Fears Jr. had a flirtation with the 2026 NBA Draft, but his return keeps a playmaking All-American in the Spartans' backcourt. Michigan State will go as Fears go, but he's got an experienced supporting cast led by super-athlete Coen Carr and just enough shooting on the wing.3. MichiganShould the reigning Big Ten and national champions be higher? Maybe. They will be if Dusty May can continue to work his big man magic. The Wolverines coach has shown a knack for taking good frontcourt transfers and making them great. That's the hope for both Moustapha Thiam (UCF/Cincinnati) and J.P. Estrella (Tennessee) in their first season in Ann Arbor, Mich.4. USCRanking the Trojans this high won't be common practice. That's fair given their pedestrian 18-14 record and 12th-place finish in the Big Ten last season. But this is Eric Musselman's most talented USC roster. A healthy Rodney Rice can anchor the backcourt with potential sophomore star Alijah Arenas, and a top 30 freshman loaded frontcourt oozes potential.5. Ohio StateThe Buckeyes haven't finished in the top five of the Big Ten since the 2021-22 season. They've operated in the muddled middle of the league the past two seasons, but pairing a breakout star candidate in John Mobley Jr. and sophomore forward Amare Bynum with five-star freshman Anthony Thompson and some intriguing portal additions could put Ohio State back in contention.6. PurdueConsider this the Matt Painter effect. As in, it's not an unfair assumption to think freshman guard Luke Ertel might wind up being Braden Smith-esque and one of the multiple 7-footers on the roster will step into a fairly prominent frontcourt void. It's simply what happens in West Lafayette, Ind., every season. Painter's only "bad" team in the last decade went 16-15 in 2019-20.7. NebraskaThe Cornhuskers' transfer portal efforts weren't all that flashy — and didn't necessarily need to be with Pryce Sandfort and Braden Frager returning — but they did fit. Trevan Leonhardt (Utah State) might just be a bigger Sam Hoiberg, and Sam Orme (Belmont) gives Nebraska the type of floor-stretching big man Fred Hoiberg has utilized on last year's Sweet 16 team.8. IndianaAnother season, another wholesale rebuild for Darian DeVries. The difference? The second-year coach apparently didn't like how his mid-major only transfers approach worked in his debut season. Indiana went power conference heavy on its next group of newcomers. There's clearly some talent on the way to Bloomington, Ind., but will they win enough for the Hoosiers faithful?9. MarylandWill Pharrel Payne get a medical redshirt and second season in College Park, Md.? Can D.J. Wagner finally live up to his five-star past? If the answer to both questions is yes, the Terrapins should climb out of the Big Ten basement after also adding five-star, top 10 freshman Baba Oladotun and transfers Tomislav Buljan (New Mexico) and Bishop Boswell (Tennessee).10. UCLAReturning starters Trent Perry, Eric Dailey Jr. and Xavier Booker will all have to carry a bigger load this season. That is unless transfer guard Jaylen Petty (Texas Tech) thrives outside of the shadow cast in Lubbock, Texas, by Christian Anderson and Sergej Macura (Mississippi State) and Filip Jovic (Auburn) give coach Mick Cronin the vodka-swilling toughness he desires.11. OregonThe Ducks' success might be tied to a pair of reclamation projects. Jasper Johnson (Kentucky) was a five-star prospect coming out of high school. Jerry Easter II (USC) was ranked in the top 50. Neither had the type of success last year to match those rankings. Should they live up to their recruiting pedigree, Oregon has a chance to rebound from last year's disastrous campaign.12. WisconsinLosing John Blackwell to the transfer portal was a serious blow for the Badgers that bringing back Nolan Winter and Austin Rapp in the frontcourt won't equalize. The transfer portal brought a pair of shooters in Eian Elmer (Miami U.) and Trey Autry (George Washington), but 22-year-old Australian Owen Foxwell, after five seasons in the NBL, could slide in as a go-to option at point guard.13. IowaBen McCollum won without Bennett Stirtz at Division II Northwest Missouri State, but the second-year Iowa coach's D-I success at Drake and then with the Hawkeyes was firmly rooted in Stirtz operating as his point guard. McCollum will have to show off his coaching chops this season to keep what is kind of a star-less Iowa team out of the bottom of the Big Ten.14. MinnesotaKyan Evans turning into the Gophers' star would provide perfect symmetry to last season. Former mid-major standout who transferred to North Carolina and saw a diminished role with the Tar Heels. Cade Tyson made it happen in 2025-26 (even if the wins didn't follow), and Evans could easily be next after reuniting with former Colorado State coach Niko Medved in the Twin Cities.15. WashingtonWatching Hannes Steinbach be selected in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft later this month will be a reminder the Huskies wasted their lone season with the German big man and what was, on paper, a more talented team than they built this offseason. Injuries didn't help Washington in 2025-26, but two seasons with Danny Sprinkle at the helm haven't lived up to expectations.16. NorthwesternZero of last season's top four scorers will be back in 2026-27, with Nick Martinelli off to the NBA (the two-time Big Ten scoring leader projects as a second-round pick) and Jayden Reid, Arrinten Page and Tre Singleton all departing as transfers. That makes the Wildcats' best player ... Bellarmine transfer Jack Karasinski? Chris Collins will have his work cut out for him in Evanston.17. RutgersSteve Pikiell couldn't say no to pairing Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper together in 2024-25. That the Scarlet Knights couldn't put a competent supporting cast around those five-star prospects was the issue and zapped any momentum the program had built. This season projects to be similar to the last, with Tariq Francis scoring a lot of points and Rutgers not winning a lot of games.18. Penn StateThe team Mike Rhoades brought with him from VCU to Happy Valley had mostly turned over by last season, and the dip from 16 wins to 12 was the result. Expectations haven't risen much ahead of year three from Rhoades with the Nittany Lions. Their best two players transferred, leaving a gaping hole in the backcourt that wasn't really filled commensurately this offseason.

Residents swim and play in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz while cargo ships and commercial vessels lie anchored in the distance off Bandar Abbas, Iran, Wednesday, June 10, 2026.(Razieh Poudat/ISNA via AP)2026-06-13T12:13:12Z ISLAMABAD (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to discuss plans to demine the Strait of Hormuz with allies during next week’s Group of Seven summit in France, a senior U.S. administration official said Saturday, as mediators said an agreement to end the war was close.Britain and France, who are both members of the G7, have expressed interest in assisting with demining the critical waterway once the conflict is paused.The official, who briefed reporters on the condition of anonymity on ground rules set by the White House, said Trump also plans to meet on the sideline of the summit with the leaders of Egypt, Qatar and United Arab Emirates to discuss efforts to wind down the Iran war. The summit begins Monday.Separately, Iran’s state-run television announced Saturday that funeral ceremonies for former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will take place in July. Pakistan says a deal to end the war is imminentPakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said a deal aimed at ending the war was closer than “ever before” and expected to be finalized within 24 hours. Pakistan was preparing for the electronic signing of the agreement, to be followed immediately by technical-level talks next week.In a post on X, Sharif said: “We would like to thank United States of America and Islamic Republic of Iran for their ongoing commitment during the negotiations, and we extend our sincere appreciation to our brothers in the region for their support.”The White House did not respond to a request for comment, and Iran signaled caution. “Although it will not happen tomorrow, the possibility that it could take place in the coming days cannot be ruled out,” foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said in a statement carried by state TV. Read More Baghaei added that the Islamabad memorandum under discussion was focused on ending the war and “at this stage, it has been decided that there will be no discussion of the nuclear issue.” Iran’s nuclear program and highly enriched uranium have long been at the center of tensions with the U.S. and Israel and an international source of concern. Sign up for Morning Wire: Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day. Email address Sign up By checking this box, you agree to AP's Terms of Use and acknowledge that AP may collect and use your data pursuant to our Privacy Policy. Three regional officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the negotiations, said Friday they expected a signing ceremony in the coming days after officials in Washington and Tehran approve the agreement.The apparent breakthrough came after Iran exchanged fire with the U.S. and Israel earlier in the week, threatening to rupture a fragile ceasefire and push the Middle East back into full-scale war.Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on X Friday that an agreement “has never been closer.” U.S. President Donald Trump, who has asserted multiple times in recent weeks the countries were on the cusp of a deal, shared Araghchi’s post on social media.Trump on Thursday claimed significant progress in negotiations, hours after he threatened to seize Iran’s oil industry.The war has rattled the Middle East. Iran’s grip on the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for attacks virtually shut down oil and natural gas shipments from the Persian Gulf, and the U.S. has blockaded Iranian ports. The ceasefire has been in place since April 7. Khamenei to be buried at the holiest of Shiite shrinesFuneral ceremonies for former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will be in July, the country’s state-run television said Saturday, as mediators said an agreement to end the war was close.The funeral, burial and farewell events for Khamenei will take place between July 4 and 9 during Muharram, a traditional period of mourning in the Shiite Muslim calendar.Khamenei was killed in the opening attack of the war that Israel and the United States launched against Iran in late February. He is succeeded by his son, Mojtaba, who is seen as even less compromising.The funeral ceremonies for Khamenei are expected to begin in Tehran, and the procession will move to Qom, a stronghold of many senior Shiite clerics, and then to Mashhad, his birthplace. He’ll be buried there at the Imam Reza Shrine, considered the holiest place among Shiite devotees.Funerals for Khamenei’s daughter and son-in-law, also killed in the February strike, will be on the same day. Khamenei remolded the Islamic Republic after taking the reins following the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989. Khomeini was the fiery, charismatic ideologue who led the overthrow of the shah and installed rule by Shiite Muslim clerics.Khamenei ruled far longer than Khomeini. He greatly expanded the Shiite clerical class and built the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard into the most important body underpinning his rule. The Guard became a military and business behemoth, the country’s most elite force and head of its ballistic missile arsenal.___Magdy reported from Cairo and Madhani from Washington. Associated Press writers Michelle L. Price in Washington and Russ Bynum in Savannah, Georgia, contributed. SAMY MAGDY Magdy is a Middle East reporter for The Associated Press, based in Cairo. He focuses on conflict, migration and human rights abuses. twitter facebook mailto AAMER MADHANI Madhani is a White House reporter for the Associated Press whose reporting focuses on U.S. foreign policy. Contact him securely on Signal at aamermadhani.39 twitter mailto

Gwynne Shotwell, President and COO of SpaceX, right, celebrates with colleagues during a bell ringing ceremony for the IPO of SpaceX at the Nasdaq MarketSite in New York, Friday, June 12, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)2026-06-13T12:01:41Z NEW YORK (AP) — While you might want to ignore all the hubbub around SpaceX, Elon Musk and IPOs, your 401(k) likely can’t.SpaceX is now worth $2.1 trillion after its stock launched 19.2% higher in its debut on Wall Street. Whether or not you believe it deserves to be worth more than Exxon Mobil, Bank of America and Coca-Cola combined, the collective market does. And if SpaceX maintains that big a value, it will join some high-profile stock indexes.Many of these indexes don’t care about how realistic a company’s growth plans are or who its CEO is. They’re simply trying to show how slices of the market, or the whole thing, are performing. And if SpaceX is big enough to meet the qualifications to join those indexes, whether it’s in a few weeks or a year, it will gain entry.That matters for investors and their 401(k) accounts because they’re depending more than ever on funds that simply mimic these indexes. It’s a lower-cost way to invest, allowing savers to keep more of their investments. Partly because of that, such index funds have usually proven to be better performers than funds that try to pick and choose individual stocks. Just one in five actively managed U.S. stock funds survived and beat their average index peer over the last decade, at 21%, according to Morningstar’s data through 2025. Such disparities in performance meant investors had more money invested in U.S. index funds than actively managed ones beginning in 2024, and the gap has only grown since then.Here’s a look at what’s going on: What indexes areThey’re things the investment industry has created to answer the question: What is the market doing? It’s otherwise tough to answer quickly when the U.S. market has thousands of stocks moving in different directions at any moment.The S&P 500 is perhaps the most famous and influential index. It tracks 500 of the biggest U.S. stocks, and trillions of dollars in investments are either directly mimicking it or at least benchmarking themselves against it.The Dow Jones Industrial Average is well known because it’s been around since the 19th century, but it tracks only 30 big stocks so Wall Street pays it little attention. Read More Companies want to be in indexesBecause index funds are the way so many investors put money into the stock market, companies want to be part of indexes. Stocks can see a big jump in their prices after S&P Dow Jones Indices, Nasdaq, FTSE Russell or other companies announce they’ll be joining their indexes.The investment industry has created funds, including both traditional mutual funds and exchange-traded funds, to track almost every kind of index. More than 1,000 index funds were available at the end of last year, according to the Investment Company Institute. Of them, 185 tracked the S&P 500. SpaceX could soon be in indexesNasdaq changed its rules to allow some huge companies to join its Nasdaq 100 index after just 15 trading days. That’s a break from the past, where it would wait until each December to add new members in an annual reconstitution to make sure it includes the 100 largest non-financial companies on the Nasdaq. Some popular funds track the Nasdaq 100 index, including the QQQ exchange-traded fund from Invesco that has roughly $477 billion in total investments. That means QQQ holders could soon own shares of SpaceX, without doing anything on their own. Sign up for Morning Wire: Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day. Email address Sign up By checking this box, you agree to AP's Terms of Use and acknowledge that AP may collect and use your data pursuant to our Privacy Policy. Other AI giants could as wellAnthropic and OpenAI are two other huge AI-related companies looking to sell their own stocks soon on a U.S. exchange for the first time. Their IPOs could potentially make each worth close to $1 trillion.It used to be that companies would have an IPO long before they got that big. But SpaceX, Anthropic and OpenAI swelled to tremendous sizes thanks to dollars from private investors, including pension funds, companies and rich investors, away from the public market. That’s forcing the reconsideration for the investment industry about how quickly to add companies to indexes that they say track the biggest companies. Not every index is making changes to fast-track big IPOs The company behind the S&P 500 is not making changes to allow SpaceX and other “mega” IPOs faster entry into the index. For it, a stock needs to trade on an eligible exchange for at least 12 months before it can join the index. Not only that, S&P Dow Jones Indices also requires companies to have made a profit in its most recent quarter and over the sum of its last four quarters. SpaceX lost $4.9 billion last year and another $4.3 billion through the first three months of 2026. It acknowledges that it “may not achieve profitability in the future.” Over the long term, a stock’s price tends to track with how much profit the company is making. Not everyone is happy about SpaceX’s IPO entry to indexes Officials from pension funds for firefighters, teachers and other workers in California and New York sent a letter to SpaceX last month decrying its corporate governance, including how much power Musk will hold over the company through his ownership of a special class of stock with more voting power.They said they could become owners of SpaceX stock because they hold index funds.If Musk is able to control so much of the voting power on the board of directors, it would make him tremendously powerful atop SpaceX, “essentially making him unfireable without his own consent,” the CEO of California Public Employees’ Retirement System, the New York state comptroller and the New York City comptroller wrote in their letter. If an investor doesn’t like certain companies in the indexIndex funds track indexes. And if a stock is in an index, the index fund will buy it, even if investors may not like it. Tesla has remained in the S&P 500 even though critics called it overvalued for years, for example, and Musk’s electric-vehicle company has grown to become one of Wall Street’s 10 biggest companies. Some indexes say they will not include companies that have poor corporate governance standards or other narrowed criteria, but investors need to look for them. The S&P 500 ESG index famously kicked Tesla out in 2022, for example.

A car lies amidst debris following an Israeli airstrike in the southern port city of Tyre, Friday, June 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)2026-06-13T11:07:58Z BEIRUT (AP) — The Lebanese army on Saturday withdrew its troops from a base in a southern Lebanese village after Israeli troops advanced in an area nearby, a military official said.Israel’s military appears to be trying to make as many gains as possible in case a U.S.-Iran agreement is reached to end the war in the region, which is likely to include Lebanon.The departure from the army barracks in Kfar Tebnit came as the Israeli military issued an evacuation warning for about 20 locations, including the southern city of Nabatiyeh and nearby villages.Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported airstrikes on Saturday on different villages near Nabatiyeh, including one that killed two people in Deir al-Zahrani. It added that Nabatiyeh was subjected to artillery shelling on Saturday.A senior Lebanese military official told The Associated Press that the Lebanese army moved its forces from the Kfar Tebnit barracks following an incursion by Israeli forces into the area. The official, who did not elaborate, spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations. Israeli troops were likely trying to capture the strategic Ali Taher hill on the edge of Kfar Tebnit that overlooks large parts of Nabatiyeh and some of the roads that link the city with nearby villages. Israeli troops held the Ali Taher hill for 18 years until they withdrew from Lebanon in May 2000. Read More Hezbollah said in statements that its fighters carried out several attacks on Saturday including a morning one that targeted Israeli troops on the edge of Kfar Tibnit with two drones. Hezbollah has been using fiber-optic drones since the start of the latest war inflicting casualties among Israeli troops. In late May, Israeli troops captured a nearby strategic mountain topped with the Crusader-built Beaufort Castle in the deepest incursion into the country since 2000.The Lebanese army said that later Saturday an Israeli drone targeted a soldier who was traveling near a hospital in Nabatiyeh, but missed. Later, however, another drone struck the soldier as he traveled on the road linking Nabatiyeh with the nearby village of Kfar Rumman, seriously wounding him. The push on the edge of Kfar Tebnit came a day after Pakistan’s prime minister said that the United States and Iran have agreed to wording of an agreement aimed at ending their war in the Middle East and that mediators are working with both sides to finalize a deal. Sign up for Morning Wire: Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day. Email address Sign up By checking this box, you agree to AP's Terms of Use and acknowledge that AP may collect and use your data pursuant to our Privacy Policy. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Iranian state TV on Friday that both sides were working toward signing an initial agreement declaring an end to the war “on all fronts, including Lebanon.”Senior Hezbollah official Hussein Haj Hassan told Al Jazeera TV that they have been informed by Iranian officials that Lebanon will be part of a future ceasefire deal between the U.S. and Iran.Iran is Hezbollah’s main backer, supplying the group with different types of weapons over the past four decades as well as billions of dollars.Attacks by Israel and Hezbollah have continued despite a ceasefire that went into effect on April 17 and was renewed several times but remains a ceasefire in name only. Israel continues to occupy large swaths of southern Lebanon while battling Hezbollah fighters, causing civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. Hezbollah, which is not part of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, has launched frequent rocket and drone attacks.The latest Israel-Hezbollah war began on March 2, when Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel two days after the U.S. and Israel began their attacks on Iran. More than 3,700 people have been killed in Lebanon in the latest fighting, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. Also, 30 Israeli soldiers and a defense contractor have been killed in or near southern Lebanon, and two civilians have been killed in northern Israel, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office. 获取更多RSS：https://feedx.net https://feedx.site

Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., the vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, speaks to reporters about FISA, the law that allows the U.S. to gather intelligence abroad, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, June 11, 2026. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)2026-06-13T11:39:50Z WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Democrats’ decision to let a key surveillance authority lapse comes as they are increasingly emboldened in their legislative fights against President Donald Trump, blocking even traditionally bipartisan bills as they push back against his policies and personnel. The posture is an escalation from a year ago, when Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer was widely criticized within his party for a spring vote with Republicans to keep the government open. Since then, Democrats have forced government shutdowns, slowed Trump’s nominations and now blocked the bipartisan intelligence law as they seek leverage in a Republican-led Congress.The risky strategy has consequences when government programs go dark, and Democrats have little to show for it so far in terms of policy victories. Republicans say it is a grave threat to national security to let the surveillance law, which aims to prevent terrorist attacks, expire just as millions of people are entering the United States for World Cup games and as celebrations for the nation’s 250th anniversary get underway. But the hardball approach has helped unite Democrats inside and outside of the Capitol as they say they have no other choice — and that the blame should fall on Trump for how he is governing. “I don’t deny that this is dangerous,” Virginia Sen. Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said Thursday about Democrats allowing the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act to expire starting Saturday. “But this didn’t have to happen.” Read More Democrats’ growing confidence also comes at a time when Republicans are often sparring with Trump, who has made clear he has little interest in compromise with lawmakers in either party. Democrats are blocking renewal of the law, known as FISA, in protest of Trump’s appointment of federal housing regulator and loyalist Bill Pulte to temporarily lead the nation’s intelligence agencies. The choice also rankled Republicans, who said Pulte lacks the required experience for the job. Lawmakers in both parties urged Trump all week to pull the appointment, and on Thursday he nominated a permanent replacement for the job just after lawmakers left Washington for the weekend. But the Senate confirmation process will take time, and Trump has not budged on Pulte’s appointment as an interim director. With no change, Democrats “are going to use every tool we have to fight back,” said Schumer, D-N.Y.The standoff over FISA has won Senate Democrats some respect with base voters revolted a year ago. Schumer and the caucus have “shifted to more of a fight posture,” says Joel Payne, a Democratic strategist who served as an aide to former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev. Republicans say blocking FISA is a dangerous strategySenate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said Democrats have been playing “fast and loose” with national security for the past year. He pointed to the 43-day government shutdown last fall and a monthslong delay in funding for Trump’s immigration enforcement operations. “How did we get to the point where one party has completely abdicated any responsibility for our nation’s security?” Thune asked. Democrats argue that Pulte, with little national security background, is a greater threat. They note that as a federal housing regulator, he has pushed for investigations of high-profile political figures whom Trump considers political foes. “It’s not a close call,” Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn. “We cannot extend these capabilities if the president is making clear that he’s going to use them not to protect the nation, but to protect himself politically.” Democrats fight for more leverage Strategist Payne says he believes Democrats have gained a bit of leverage since the shutdown in the fall.Democrats did not get the extension in health care subsidies they demanded because a small group of moderate Democrats voted with Republicans to end the impasse. They did not achieve the changes to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol that they sought when they delayed passage of funding for those agencies for months. But the White House did agree to negotiate, even if those talks ultimately failed. Democrats also have grown more unified. While moderates ended the fall shutdown, the party stayed together in blocking the immigration funding and the surveillance authority.“They’ve showed Republicans they are not going to fold,” Payne said. Still, it may not be enough for some in the party base or to win Democrats a majority in November’s midterm elections.Andrew O’Neill, national advocacy director for the Democratic resistance group Indivisible, said he was concerned to see some Democrats praise Jay Clayton, Trump’s permanent pick for the intelligence job. Republicans are rushing to confirm Clayton, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York and a former Securities and Exchange Commission chairman, before Tulsi Gabbard leaves the job and Pulte takes over as interim director on June 19. It is unclear, so far, if Democrats will support Clayton or allow Republicans to speed up the process and confirm him quickly. O’Neill said he is glad Democrats blocked FISA over Pulte’s appointment, but activists are wary. “It’s a mixed bag,” O’Neill said of the past year. “The frustration is it took so long.” Republicans navigate Democrats and Trump Caught in the middle are Senate Republicans, who had to spend months to fund border enforcement agencies and are now navigating the dispute over FISA, even after lawmakers reached a bipartisan compromise. Republicans are also trying to work with Trump, who derailed the intelligence legislation when he announced Pulte’s appointment as senators were on the verge of passing that deal.Trump has weakened Republicans’ position — and his own support in the Senate — by backing primary challenges to incumbent senators. Republican Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana both lost in primaries to Trump-backed opponents last month and have joined Democrats in criticizing Pulte. Senate Democrats say hope their strategy gives them enough leverage to win more Republican allies. Being in the minority is “a difficult dynamic for us,” said Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt. “But I’m seeing the Republicans start to move a little bit.”

Models stand next to a latest EV car from Chinese automaker BYD showcased at the Auto China 2026, in Beijing, April 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Andy Wong, File)2026-06-13T12:01:16Z BEIJING (AP) — China said Saturday it firmly opposed the U.S. adding several prominent Chinese businesses to its list of military companies, and that the move ignored the consensus reached during U.S. President Donald Trump’s summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping last month.The Pentagon on Monday added several non-state-owned Chinese companies, including electric vehicle maker BYD, tech giants Alibaba and Baidu to its list that seeks to identify Chinese companies it deems to have ties to the Chinese military, preventing them from landing U.S. defense contracts.By adding these firms to the list, “the U.S. side has ignored the consensus reached during the meeting between the heads of state of the two countries in Beijing,” a Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesperson said Saturday in a statement.The U.S. has “disregarded the overall interests of bilateral economic and trade relations, continuously generalized the concept of national security, and abused state power to unjustifiably suppress Chinese enterprises,” the spokesperson added. BYD, Alibaba and Baidu said earlier there’s no basis to include them in the list.Trump in mid-May visited Beijing in a much-anticipated summit with Xi. The two leaders agreed to boost economic ties between the countries, including China’s purchase of more U.S. agricultural products and Boeing jets, and the setting up separate boards of trade and investment.

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Raducanu fell over in the second set [Getty Images]Emma Raducanu overcame an injury scare to reach the Queen's semi-finals but Katie Boulter's title bid ended with a straight-sets loss to Donna Vekic.British number one Raducanu had to go off court for medical treatment in the second set of her quarter-final but came through to beat Kamilla Rakhimova 6-3 7-5.Boulter won two matches on Friday, including a superb victory over world number two Elena Rybakina in her quarter-final.But the 29-year-old, perhaps feeling the effects of her efforts from the previous day, struggled from the start of her semi-final and fell to a disappointing 6-1 7-5 defeat.Raducanu, 23, will return later on Saturday to face American teenager Iva Jovic for a place in Sunday's final.She has yet to lose a set in the tournament but now faces the prospect of having to win two matches in a day to continue her excellent run this week."It was really tricky, she played some incredible tennis and got a lot of balls back," Raducanu told BBC TV. "It was an up-and-down match and I'm really grateful for the support I had in some tough moments."It was tough to take the fall, I was in a good spot in the match and I found it tough to regroup, but I am proud how I did that with the help of you guys here."Watch live coverage of Queen's Club semi-finalsRaducanu achieved her first win against a top-20 opponent in over a year by beating Romanian world number 18 Sorana Cirstea on Friday, but was unable to start her quarter-final last night.Having dropped her serve in the third game against Rakhimova, Raducanu took control of the match after play was interrupted in bizarre circumstances.Attempting to serve out at 40-0, Raducanu was forced to delay her serve several times because of the noise of military aircraft taking part in the King's Trooping the Colour flypast in central London.Once the Red Arrows had flown over the west London club, Raducanu wrapped up the service game and powered through the rest of the first set.After slipping on the grass while changing direction in the fifth game of the second set, Raducanu went off for treatment.Returning to Andy Murray Arena with her left thigh strapped up, Raducanu lost her serve as she struggled to regain the momentum she had before her fall.With Raducanu's coaching team loudly encouraging her, the 2021 US Open champion had to dig deep as her opponent sought to take advantage.The Briton regained her form to break Rakhimova's serve and lead 5-4, but could not seal victory on her serve.However, she broke the Russian-born Uzbek again and finally clinched her place in the semi-finals with her third match point.Live scores, results and order of playGet tennis news sent straight to your phone

Atlanta Braves announce Spencer Strider decision before Mets game originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Atlanta Braves are holding their breath with the recent development of starter Spencer Strider. In Friday's loss to the New York Mets, Strider had to be removed from the game with 'right arm soreness', as Strider described feeling pain in his elbow and shoulder. Very notably, Strider's velocity dropped a few notches before leaving with a trainer. On Saturday morning, the team announced that Strider will be heading to the 15-day IL: "The #Braves today recalled RHP Anthony Molina to Atlanta and placed RHP Spencer Strider on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation. Additionally, C Drake Baldwin begins a rehabilitation assignment tonight with Triple-A Gwinnett."Spencer Strider Lands on Shelf with Elbow InflammationThis is not good news for Spencer Strider, who has already undergone a UCL reconstruction surgery in his MLB career back in 2024. After a lengthy rehab back, Strider pitched to the tune of a 4.45 ERA in 2025 over 125+ innings. He dealt with an oblique problem to start the season, but eventually made his 2026 season debut in MayIt's still unclear the severity of the injury, but all the signs point to a potential Tommy John Surgery. The imaging from his testing should come back by the end of this weekend, and the Braves will get the final decision on Spencer Strider's fate. But for now, the team, Spencer Strider, and Braves fans will hold their breath and hope it's just a 15-day IL stint, and not another TJS for Atlanta's 27-year-old starter. CBSSports also wrote (on 6/13): "Strider was forced to make an early exit from his start Friday due to arm soreness, and although he's now been confirmed to be dealing with an elbow injury, it remains unknown whether his inflammation is the result of a structural issue. He'll sit out for at least a couple of weeks, and a more accurate return timeline should come out once the team determines the severity of his injury. In the meantime, Anthony Molina will come up from Triple-A Gwinnett to give Atlanta some extra bullpen depth until a fifth starter is needed."More MLB news: Phillies announce Adolis Garcia news before Brewers seriesBraves face major concern as Spencer Strider exits start with shoulder and elbow sorenessBraves get great news on Drake Baldwin amid Triple-A rehab assignment

Real Madrid hero open to joining Jose Mourinho staff – “I’m always available”Earlier this week, Real Madrid confirmed the return of Jose Mourinho as manager, 13 years after his first spell at the Bernabeu. The Portuguese had an agreement in place for a number of weeks prior to the announcement, but the presidential election held up the process – although it did serve to build excitement.One person linked with Real Madrid that has expressed his delight at Mourinho’s return is Pepe. The former defender spoke on his compatriot to the media, as per Marca.“The most important thing is that the club is united. It was an important moment to have that union between the club, the fans and the players. Mourinho is a fundamental piece for everyone to be on the same page and help Real Madrid to return. I’m sure he’s going to win titles again.”Pepe addresses possible Real Madrid return with MourinhoImage via Sebastian Widmann/Getty ImagesEarlier in the week, it was reported that Pepe was being considered to join Mourinho’s Real Madrid coaching staff. The former defender denied this, although he admitted that he would welcome his own return to the Bernabeu.“It has all been speculation. I woke up one morning and wondered what was going on here, I hadn’t heard anything. When we talk about Real Madrid, I am always very pleasant. You never know. If someone needs me, like today, to play and help people, I’m always available for Real Madrid.”Pepe: I hope Konate does better than me at Real MadridPepe was also asked for his opinion on Real Madrid’s moves for Ibrahima Konate and Bernardo Silva.“I like it, I like it. I hope he’s better than me, it would be a sign that things are going well here in Real Madrid and that titles are won. That’s what I want. (Silva) has a lot of quality, yes. It’s true that he’s free. I don’t know if it’s a possibility, but the president knows what’s best for the squad.”

Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty ImagesDraymond Green believes Victor Wembanyama has been given unusual room by the NBA during a physical and controversial playoff run.The San Antonio Spurs trail the New York Knicks 3-1 in the NBA Finals, and the last thing they can afford is losing Wembanyama for even one game.Green, who knows better than most how postseason discipline can shape a series, thinks the league has shown restraint.Draymond Green says Wembanyama has been shown grace“Listen, I’m not one that wants to see series decided by suspensions. That’s not good for anyone. It leaves a lot of questions, a lot of what-ifs. I don’t enjoy that. I will say, he’s been shown a lot of grace. He probably should be suspended at some point, or should have been already, but he’s been shown a lot of grace. But I agree with the grace. We want to see Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs vs. the Knicks. Not the Spurs sans Victor Wembanyama against the Knicks.”Green is not calling for Wembanyama to be removed from the series, but he believes the conversation around his actions is becoming unavoidable.Wembanyama playoff incidents keep stacking upThe list of incidents began against Minnesota, where Wembanyama was ejected for a Flagrant 2 after elbowing Naz Reid above the shoulders. The NBA chose not to add a suspension.In the Finals, the scrutiny has continued. The league declined to upgrade Wembanyama’s shove on Jalen Brunson in Game 3, despite admitting a foul was missed.Then in Game 4, Wembanyama was assessed a Flagrant 1 for elbowing Karl-Anthony Towns in the chin. That moved him to three flagrant points in the postseason, just one away from an automatic one-game suspension.Photo by Al Bello/Getty ImagesEvery collision now feels more significant. Wembanyama is the Spurs’ best player, their defensive anchor and their main hope of turning the series around.Spurs cannot survive without WembanyamaSan Antonio already need three straight wins, starting with Game 5, and a Wembanyama suspension would all but hand the Knicks the title.There is also a commercial reality. The Finals are a better product with Wembanyama on court, especially with the Knicks just one win away from their first title since 1973.But if the French center keeps testing the limits, the NBA may eventually have no choice but to act.Read more:Is this the moment the Nets’ rebuild started to fall apart? Their draft says yesKyrie Irving to Houston Rockets? The explosive truth behind the endless rumoursMagic Johnson wants Knicks to stay away from Giannis Antetokounmpo even if they blow 3-1 Finals lead

Ahead of a crucial Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks, the San Antonio Spurs, who are trailing 3-1, have made an addition to the injury report.According to ESPN’s Tim McMahon, Spurs backup center Luke Kornet has been added to the injury report with an unspecified illness and is questionable for the contest.Other than Kornet, it’s status quo for both teams, who have enjoyed a healthy NBA Finals going into Game 5.Kornet, who is in his first season with the Spurs, played 21 minutes per contest during the regular season and averaged 6.5 points, 3.4 rebounds and one block per.MORE: Spurs preventing Knicks fans from buying Game 5 ticketsThe veteran hasn’t played as much in the playoffs, though, with Luke Kornet averaging 13 minutes per game.In the NBA Finals, Kornet has seen even less playing time with 7.8 minutes per, and he has only taken a single shot over four contests. If the Spurs do need to turn to another big man off the bench should Kornet be ruled out, Kelly Olynyk or Mason Plumlee could get the nod.Spurs looking to make NBA historySan Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) practices before a gmae during the 2026 NBA playoffs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectThe deck is stacked against the San Antonio Spurs, and in more ways than one.Not only does San Antonio have to overcome a 3-1 deficit, but the team also has to make NBA history to do so.That’s because no team in NBA Finals history has ever come back from a 2-0 deficit after losing the first two games of the series at home.MORE: De’Aaron Fox responds to criticism of Game 4 performanceOf course, the Spurs dug themselves into a hole initially by losing the first two games of the series in San Antonio, and then their historic collapse in Game 4 put them down 3-1.At this point, it’s hard to have any confidence in the Spurs after what we’ve seen out of them in this series and the New York Knicks capturing their first NBA title since 1973 seems inevitable.NBA Finals scheduleGame 1: Knicks 105, Spurs 95Game 2: Knicks 105, Spurs 104Game 3: Spurs 115, Knicks 111Game 4: Knicks 107, Spurs 106Game 5: New York vs. San Antonio | Saturday, June 13 (8:30 ET, ABC)Game 6: San Antonio vs. New York | Tuesday, June 16 (8:30 ET, ABC)*Game 7: New York vs. San Antonio | Friday, June 19 (8:30 ET, ABC)*Knicks lead series 3-1 (*If necessary)

National HIV medical associations and providers are challenging the Trump administration’s new federal funding guidelines that target transgender identity assisted by the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program. The new regulations bar organizations that access the decades-old program, including several of the plaintiffs, from acknowledging transgender identity and providing gender-affirming care to patients. Related Trump removed LGBTQ+ questions from hundreds of federal surveys The new guidelines were issued in March. A statement from Lambda Legal that refers to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), a bureau of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), explains that “Defendants have adopted a policy that HRSA funding recipients may not acknowledge, affirm, or respect the identities of transgender people, and may not use federal funding in a way that promotes so-called ‘gender ideology,’ including through the provision of gender-affirming medical care.” Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today “This is just one piece of the Trump administration’s broad campaign to erase the identities of transgender people and limit their ability to participate in public life, including by limiting access to the medical care some transgender people need to live authentically as themselves,” Lamba Legal added. The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program was established by Congress in 1990 with the Ryan White CARE Act, named for the young AIDS activist who suffered from hemophilia. He died at 18 after an HIV-related infection. Congress designed the program to support medically necessary HIV-related care based on clinical judgment and patient need, Lambda said. The program is the federal government’s primary safety-net program for people living with HIV, including more than half a million low-income individuals served nationwide since the program’s inception. A model of “flexible, locally driven, comprehensive care for people living with HIV” has made the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program one of the most successful public health initiatives in U.S. history, with viral suppression rates of more than 90% in the program’s beneficiaries, according to the most recent data. “In one sweeping move, the Trump administration is attempting to rewrite a public health program in a way that excludes patients who depend on it,” said Jose Abrigo, Senior Attorney and HIV Project Director at Lambda Legal. “The Ryan White Program is a success precisely because of the way it has been structured. It has for three decades been a safe haven for people living with HIV grounded in clinical judgment and comprehensive patient needs. These restrictions interfere with that framework and place transgender patients at risk of losing access to care.” The lawsuit alleges that HHS and HRSA violated the Administrative Procedure Act by exceeding their statutory authority and imposing funding conditions that conflict with the program’s Congressional statute. The complaint also challenges the restrictions as “arbitrary” and “capricious,” with no “reasoned explanation” beyond the president’s so-called “gender ideology” executive order, which, like all similar executive orders, lacks the force of law. “The Challenged Conditions would require HIV care providers to refuse to acknowledge, affirm, or respect the identities of their transgender patients and would forbid these providers from using Ryan White funding to provide transgender patients with gender-affirming hormone therapy — even though the Ryan White Statute explicitly contemplates such care as an outpatient service provided as part of a patient’s primary care,” the lawsuit states. “These actions, in turn, risk exacerbating the HIV epidemic by making it less likely that transgender patients will engage with HIV care, reducing adherence to HIV treatment regimens, and increasing the likelihood of HIV transmission in the broader community,” the lawsuit continues. “Defendants’ actions are not just unconscionable; they are unlawful,” the lawsuit adds. “They flaunt the text, purpose, and structure of the Ryan White statute as well as statutory and constitutional guarantees against discrimination.” Subscribe to the LGBTQ Nation newsletter and be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

A handgun frame that has been printed on a 3D printer is held for a photograph at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), National Services Center, March 2, 2023, in Martinsburg, W.Va. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)2026-06-13T11:33:27Z A first-of-its-kind law in New York could force 3D printers sold for homes and business to come equipped with technology blocking them from making guns. The new requirement, also under consideration in California, attempts to thwart the latest technique for producing untraceable “ghost guns” that have turned up in crimes. But there are questions about whether the technology can work and concerns about its affect on personal privacy and constitutional rights.About one-third of U.S. states already have taken steps to ban or regulate build-it-yourself firearms that lack serial numbers and evade the background checks required to purchase guns from federally licensed dealers. What makes the new effort unique is that it targets the equipment used to produce the firearms, not the people who make them. The blocking technology being pushed in two of the nation’s most populous states has the potential to set industry standards for 3D printers. It also could serve as a model for other Democratic-led states wanting to add to their gun regulations, which often already ban certain semiautomatic weapons and allow firearms to be temporarily confiscated from people deemed to pose a threat to themselves or others. More privately made guns are being used in crimes Three-dimensional printers have become increasingly common over the past couple of decades. Since 2012, the number of 3D printers worldwide has grown from an estimated 30,000 to over 3 million while the industry’s value has multiplied from around $2 billion to $26 billion annually, said Bill Decker, executive chairman of the Association of 3D Printing. Though high-end printers cost thousands of dollars, some 3D printers now can be bought for as little as several hundred dollars. Read More The devices can make toys, prosthetic limbs and even airplane parts. They also can make firearms — or the pieces necessary to assemble them — using digital designs available online. Homemade guns that lack serial numbers often are called “ghost guns,” because they are hard for law enforcement officers to trace. Firearms made with 3D printers are increasingly being used in crimes, according to a U.S. Department of Justice report released last year. The number of privately made guns recovered in crimes and submitted to federal authorities rose from about 1,600 in 2017 to nearly 27,500 in 2023, though the report didn’t specify how many came from 3D printers. In a high-profile New York case, police say a 3D-printed gun likely was used to kill UnitedHealthcare’s CEO in 2024. Sign up for Morning Wire: Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day. Email address Sign up By checking this box, you agree to AP's Terms of Use and acknowledge that AP may collect and use your data pursuant to our Privacy Policy. How 3D printers could refuse to make gun partsA New York law signed last month and a bill in the California Legislature both would direct panels of experts to come up with standards for firearm blueprint detection algorithms. The technology would analyze every design submitted for 3D printing, compare it to a digital library of firearm parts, and reject those that are similar. Though the study process would start now, the mandate that 3D printers come equipped with firearm blocking technology wouldn’t begin until 2029 — or later, in New York’s case, if the study group determines it’s not yet feasible.The concept is a bit like a smartphone app that identifies trees or flowers from an uploaded photo, said Solomon Diamond, an associate engineering professor at Dartmouth College who was among several experts at a recent online seminar about the legislation. For 3D printers, one possible method could use a geometric analysis of shapes, dimensions and other structural features to reject print projects that closely resemble firearm parts. “Geometric search is mature, it’s deployed, it is ready to be applied to this problem,” said Julian Chultarsky, a technical account manager at Physna, a Columbus, Ohio-based company that develops such technology. Could 3D printers block both too little and too much?The Association of 3D Printing supports the legislation in New York and California, but “it’s not going to work,” Decker said. “It’s more of a political statement than anything else.”Criminals still will come up with ways to make guns from 3D printers, either by altering their designs or taking their printing projects elsewhere, Decker said. The more aggressive the technology becomes, the more likely that it also blocks unintended items, said Rory Mir, director of open access and technology community engagement at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a nonprofit digital rights group. Some harmless pipes might look like gun parts, or an S-shaped wall hanger might resemble an auto sear trigger used to modify a semiautomatic weapon into a machine gun. “These sort of censorship algorithms don’t work, and they wind up capturing and blocking a lot of lawful speech,” Mir said. If print instructions are submitted for a cloud-based artificial intelligence search, it also risks the privacy of people’s artistic and proprietary creations, Mir said. Does the right to bear arms extend to making them?Gun safety advocates say 3D printers have created a new pathway for people who cannot legally purchase firearms — like children or convicted felons — to nonetheless obtain them. Eleven states already generally prohibit 3D-printed guns, and six additional states require them to receive serial numbers, according to Everytown for Gun Safety. Blocking the actual 3D printing of firearms could make it harder for people to ignore such laws. “3D printing really is the new frontier of the fight against ghost guns,” said Samuel Levy, director of policy advocacy at Everytown for Gun Safety. The National Rifle Association might partly agree with that assertion, though it disagrees with the policy. “Despite desperate fear-mongering campaigns, homemade firearms are nothing new — they are a proud, time-honored American tradition dating back to the founding of our Republic,” John Commerford, executive director of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, said in a statement. He added that “these measures only restrict responsible Americans — who do follow the law — from participating in constitutionally protected activities.” DAVID A. LIEB Lieb covers issues and trends in state governments across the U.S. He’s reported about government and politics for The Associated Press for 30 years. twitter mailto

People sit on stairs at Coogee beach following a shark attack in Sydney, Saturday, June 13, 2026. (Nadir Kinani/AAP Image via AP)2026-06-13T05:16:27Z MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — A 3.5-meter (11-foot) shark critically injured a woman off a popular Sydney beach on Saturday, and she managed to grab onto a lifeguard’s paddleboard before they made it to shore.The 35-year-old suffered serious leg and arm injuries in the attack at 11:15 a.m. off Coogee Beach, a police statement said.“I saw the shark come out of the water and just the size of it shocked me,” lifeguard Charlie Verco told Sydney’s The Sunday Telegraph newspaper. He was in the area on his 5.5-meter (18-foot) paddleboard and was the first rescuer to the scene.“I kept paddling towards her and the shark took her underwater and I was going, ‘What do I do now?’ A couple of seconds later, she popped up again,” Verco said.He said the woman was too weak to climb onto the board, but he managed to grab her by an arm and they headed toward the beach. Other bystanders reached the pair and helped them back to shore. An off-duty hospital doctor Ian Ferguson was spending the morning at the beach with his young family when he said he heard screaming and saw a “big cloud of blood in the water.” Ferguson and others applied tourniquets to her wounds after she reached the beach. She had a 30-centimeter (12-inch) wide bite on her thigh, the flesh had been removed and bone was exposed, Ferguson told the newspaper. She had a similar wound to her arm, he said.The victim was taken to a rugby field near the beach, from where she was flown by helicopter to a hospital. Police described her condition as critical. Read More The woman, who was not identified, was swimming with two friends 30 meters (100 feet) from the beach when she was attacked, ambulance official Michael Corlis said.She was attacked by a 3.5-meter (11-foot) white shark, lifeguard Tony Waller said.Three spearfishing divers have been killed by sharks off the Australian coast since May 16, bringing the total of fatalities in the nation this year to four. In January, a 12-year-old boy died in a hospital days after he was mauled by a bull shark in Sydney Harbor. Australia has averaged between two and three fatal shark attacks a year since 2000, according to the Australian Shark Incident Database, a partnership of the Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Flinders University and the New South Wales state government.Last year, Australia recorded five fatal shark attacks. Attacks in Australia have become more common over the decades as the population has grown and activities such as surfing and scuba diving have gained in popularity. ROD MCGUIRK McGuirk covers Australian and South Pacific news for The Associated Press. He is based in Melbourne. mailto

Elon Musk attends the finals for the NCAA wrestling championship, March 22, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)2026-06-13T12:00:09Z NEW YORK (AP) — Elon Musk, the world’s richest man and now first-ever trillionaire, controls a lot of different businesses.Electric vehicles. Brain implants. Underground tunnels. A social media platform once called Twitter. And a rocket maker that blasted off its trading from Wall Street this week.Over time, more and more of these ventures have found themselves under the same roof. Musk merged SpaceX — which went public on Friday — with his artificial intelligence company xAI just earlier this year. But he still holds the CEO role at several corporations today, in addition to other various executive titles or ownership stakes.Here’s a look at Musk’s vast business empire. SpaceXMusk is CEO of SpaceX, which he founded in 2002. The company has grown far beyond rockets. It owns satellite communications service Starlink, a big source of cash for the company that generated $4.4 billion in operating income last year. SpaceX also houses social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, which Musk bought for $44 billion in 2022 and parked it under xAI, the maker of the Grok chatbot. Both xAI and X are money losers (the AI business lost $6.4 billion in operations last year). Nonetheless, SpaceX — which lost $2.6 billion overall from operations last year — was able to whip up enough market hype to debut with the biggest initial public offering in history on Friday, closing at just below $161 per share, or a total market value of $2.1 trillion. Some think that price tag significantly overvalues the company. SpaceX has promised it will become a leader in AI and one day help make human life multiplanetary — with lofty, and at times sci-fi sounding, goals that range from putting data centers in space to colonizing Mars. But the bulk of that hinges on unproven technology and massive capital needs. Read More TeslaMusk is also CEO of Tesla, a role he has held at the electric car maker since 2008.Tesla has struggled with rising competition in the EV space. Last year, the company lost its crown as the world’s largest EV maker to China’s BYD. Sales were also bruised during boycotts over Musk’s politics. Those numbers have since rebounded some, but Musk has repeatedly shrugged off troubles — emphasizing that Tesla’s future lies less in car sales than getting people to take rides in them as self-driving taxis. Beyond the road, Tesla has been upping production of robots for homes and businesses. And it’s also been in the solar energy business for about a decade with it purchase of SolarCity, which was founded by Musk and two of his cousins. Tesla went public in 2010, and went on to join the trillion dollar club on the S&P 500. Its market cap currently stands around $1.5 trillion. Sign up for Morning Wire: Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day. Email address Sign up By checking this box, you agree to AP's Terms of Use and acknowledge that AP may collect and use your data pursuant to our Privacy Policy. NeuralinkMusk has also the CEO title at Neuralink, a brain-computer interface company he co-founded in 2016.Neuralink is one of many groups working to connect the human nervous system to machines. It’s launched clinical trials for people who have spinal cord injuries, ALS and other conditions. The company (and sometimes Musk himself ) has announced a handful of brain implants over recent years. In January, Neuralink said it had 21 trial participants worldwide. The Boring CompanyMusk also founded The Boring Company, a decade-old tunnel digging and underground transportation business.The Boring Company is behind projects like the “Vegas Loop” — a network of underground, Tesla-hailing tunnels that first opened around around the Las Vegas Convention Center in 2021. It’s promised to deliver a network of high speed transit — with plans to also make tunnels in Dubai and Nashville. Still, pushback has piled up along the way. The company has been accused of breaking multiple safety and environmental requirements in Las Vegas, where its full route is still unfinished, and other criticism from some local officials in Nashville.Paypal and other previous endeavorsMusk made his initial fortune by creating two companies, Zip2 and PayPal ( once X.com ). Those then-startups were sold to new owners decades ago — but netted him about $200 million at sale, which Musk used to later start SpaceX and invest in Tesla.

Bengals receive Joe Flacco trade projection that makes a deal intriguing originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Cincinnati Bengals are heading into the 2026 NFL season with some renewed confidence in their team being able to contend for a Super Bowl.But, regardless of whether this team is contending or not, they should have the phone lines open for a few of their veteran players in case of a trade. One of those is backup quarterback Joe Flacco.And with the Bengals receiving a trade projection from Bleacher Report's Moe Moton on Flacco, a potential deal at such an evaluation would be very intriguing.Joe Flacco projected trade value should intrigue Bengals"Last year, the Browns traded Flacco to the Bengals for a sixth-round pick," Moton writes. "Cincinnati may be able to get multiple late-round picks from a desperate playoff-contending club. Estimated trade value: 2027 fifth-round pick, 2028 fifth-round pick."After Joe Burrow got hurt last season, the Bengals traded a sixth-round pick to the Cleveland Browns to add Flacco as a stopgap. He thrived, and Flacco proved he still is a solid QB in the NFL despite being 41 years old.But the question then becomes, why should the Bengals even trade Flacco? Burrow's injury history suggests Cincinnati should have a good backup QB option, and Flacco is a fan favorite and would be a great one for this team. So, why trade him away?MORE: Bengals fans should worry about second-year linebackers in 2026Well, if the Bengals could get back this kind of value projected by Moton, then they should seriously consider a trade. Adding two fifth-round picks is not an insignificant return in a trade.While yes, the Bengals would turn to a worse back QB option, they could trade less than this value for someone like Tanner McKee, or trust in longtime veteran QB Josh Johnson to be a decent backup if needed.Trading Flacco might not make sense when initially looking at it, but if the Bengals could get the kind of return Moton is projecting, a trade would be a lot more intriguing and hard to turn down than if it were simply one late-round pick.More NFL news:Stefon Diggs linked to Rams, Chiefs, Commanders after Patriots releaseHarold Fannin Jr. will need to prove his worth in Todd Monken’s Browns offenseSeahawks’ Nick Emmanwori can be an All-Pro if he plays better in pass coverageBears need Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland to step up with DJ Moore tradedESPN analyst says if Cade Klubnik gets on the field for Jets it would mean something went wrong