Out MS Now host Rachel Maddow pointed out in a Monday segment how suspicious it is that Donald Trump has continued to block the opening of a critical new bridge connecting the United States and Canada. The Gordie Howe International Bridge connects Detroit, Michigan, to Ontario, Canada, across the Detroit River, making international travel between the two significantly easier. Experts say it could be huge for the economies on both sides of the bridge, as the current route across the river is far less efficient, and many businesses rely on partners on both sides. Related Rachel Maddow savors the moment as Trump gets repeatedly booed at Knicks game And even though the bridge is complete, Trump won’t let it open. “The White House insists that categorically, just because [Trump is] president, he can’t have a conflict of interest. It’s like dividing by zero. Doesn’t make sense!” Maddow said. Insights for the LGBTQ+ community Subscribe to our briefing for insights into how politics impacts the LGBTQ+ community and more. Subscribe to our Newsletter today “There is a competing bridge a little way down the river,” she pointed out. “A privately owned, very old, very congested toll bridge that will likely lose some of its traffic because of competition.” She then explained that the wealthy family that owns it made a $1 million donation to Trump’s super PAC earlier this year. “This is why we can’t have nice things,” she said, acknowledging the “very practical consequences” of having a “shamelessly corrupt” president. “Heaven forbid a MAGA donor be inconvenienced… Because that, to a corrupt administration, is way worse than literally tens of thousands of people a day being deprived of the use of this… state-of-the-art, brand-new, beautiful bridge.” Subscribe to the LGBTQ Nation newsletter and be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Math teacher Christian Shearhod went viral for his passionate lesson on acceptance that helps students understand what is and is not “gay.” Shearhod, who is straight, was addressing how the term is often used as an insult against people who do not conform to gender expectations. “‘This is gay! That is gay! Everything is gay!’ I hear it all day, but do y’all know what it means?” he asked the class. Related Gay dad goes viral for honest reflection on raising a straight son A student responds: “You like the same gender as yourself.” “Exactly!” he responds. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today He then turns to a PowerPoint presentation and begins asking his students if various things are gay. “Painting your nails, is it gay?” he yells. “No!” the kids yell back. “Wearing pink, is it gay?” “No!” He asks about wearing crop tops, holding hands with your friends, liking Barbie or My Little Pony, and wearing dresses. The kids enthusiastically shout that none of those things are gay. Shearhod shows the students a picture of a man in a pink dress and asks, “Do you think he feels bonita?” The class yells in agreement. He concludes by asking if “boys who like boys” and “girls who like girls” are gay, and everyone excitedly yells, “Yes!” The next slide displays a little girl and her two dads, and everyone applauds. “Can y’all believe that some people look at this and they don’t like that?” he asked. “So hateful, you know what I mean? This is beautiful. And being gay is…” “Okay!” the class responds. The video has amassed over 415 thousand views on TikTok and over 900 comments. “I hope this teacher gets everything good in life,” one person wrote. “what a freakin great example to give those kids.” “I love how you make such a potentially explosive topic into such a fun and easy to understand lesson :)” wrote another. A third person called Shearhod , “THE BEST TEACHER TO EVER EXIST!!!!” @mr.shearhod Is it gay!?? ♬ original sound – Christian Shearhod Shearhod has 1.8 million followers on TikTok and 1.3 million on Instagram. He posts videos on LGBTQ+ inclusion, gender equality, student advocacy, immigration rights, and the like. He has also been outspoken about how it angers people that he still identifies as straight while his partner is a trans woman. @mr.shearhod Protecting kids can sometimes mean protecting them from their family.. ♬ original sound – Christian Shearhod @mr.shearhod Things are just things ♬ original sound – Christian Shearhod @mr.shearhod Today we talked about ICE ♬ original sound – Christian Shearhod He also regularly posts videos with his son. In 2023, he went viral for taking the then-three-year-old to get a manicure after his teacher told the child that only girls could paint their nails. View this post on Instagram A post shared by NBC OUT (@nbcout) Subscribe to the LGBTQ Nation newsletter and be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

U.S. officials have not publicly acknowledged responsibility for the deaths or released a report on their findings from an investigation into the Feb. 28 strike.

Chris Hayes and Ezra Klein discuss how the Democrats are winning the battle for attention, and whether that can translate into winning elections.

James Rew averages 41.71 in 64 first-class games for Somerset [Getty Images]Jamie Smith will miss England's second Test against New Zealand following the birth of his daughter, with James Rew coming into the side as a third debutant.Wicketkeeper Smith's daughter, his second child, was born on Tuesday morning, the day before the Test at The Oval begins on Wednesday.Somerset's Rew, 22, will take the gloves and bat at number seven.He will make his Test debut alongside batter Jordan Cox and pace bowler Sonny Baker. The last time England fielded three debutants in the same XI was against South Africa at The Oval in 2017.It also means a total of five changes to the XI that won the first Test at Lord's by 115 runs.More to follow. Root to captain game-by-game but is 'envious' of Stokes-McCullum dynamicBaker and Cox to make Test debuts at The OvalThe 92mph England fast bowler ready to move on from difficult debut

Man United send Marcus Rashford transfer message to BarcelonaLa Liga champions Barcelona have this week received a message from Manchester United, regarding the future of Marcus Rashford.This comes amid the understanding that the Red Devils are not open to the prospect of loaning their attacking star out once again.Frontman Rashford of course spent this past season plying his trade in the colours of Barcelona, on a temporary deal away from Old Trafford.Despite the Englishman having produced at an impressive rate as a rotation player, however, the Camp Nou brass made the call not to activate their option to make Rashford’s signing permanent.Deco and co. had until now not completely ruled out the possibility of a return for Rashford, eager to talk through the terms of a 2nd successive loan move for next season.As alluded to above, however, if the latest word stemming from the media is anything to go by, then no such transfer appears to be on the table.As per a report from Mundo Deportivo, citing the BBC:‘The Red Devils are not keen on another loan for the 28-year-old.’Rashford’s future, as a result, remains completely up in the air as things stand.Conor Laird – GSFN

Chicago Stars sign Leila Ouahabi following Man City departureThe Chicago Stars have landed one of Europe’s most decorated defenders in Spanish international Leila Ouahabi. She joins the NWSL outfit on a three-year deal through 2028.Announced Tuesday, the move sees the veteran defender arrive from Manchester City as a free agent, pending international transfer clearance.“I’m very excited to join the Chicago Stars,” Ouahabi said in her club statement. “This is a new challenge in my career, and I can’t wait to meet my teammates and start playing. I look forward to bringing my soccer knowledge and experience to the team, and I want to give the best version of me and help my team do the same. Chicago is building a great project, and I think this is the right place to be to compete at my best.”Ouahabi arrives in Chicago following a historic Women’s Super League campaign with Manchester City. She departs after helping the side win the 2025/26 WSL title — the club’s first in 10 years. Soon after, she secured the 2026 Women’s FA Cup to complete a domestic double.Across four seasons in Manchester, she made 106 appearances in all competitions, including 68 in the league. Rightfully, she earned a place in City’s prestigious ‘100 Club’.“We’re thrilled to welcome Leila to the Chicago Stars and are excited to add her experience and international pedigree to our roster,” said Chicago Stars President Karen Leetzow. “Leila is a proven winner and has excelled at some of the biggest clubs and competitions in the world, as well as on the international stage with Spain, and we look forward to her bolstering our back line following a historic season with Manchester City.” A new chapter in the USA for Leila OuahabiOuahabi began her professional career with FC Barcelona Femení in 2011 before spending three seasons at Valencia. She returned to Barcelona in 2016 and enjoyed a trophy-filled second spell. She added three league titles, five Copa de la Reina trophies, two Supercopa crowns and a Champions League title to her growing résumé.Embed from Getty ImagesOuahabi also played a key role in Barcelona’s historic 2021 treble-winning campaign. She helped the club lift the league title, domestic cup and Champions League.Internationally, Ouahabi has earned 66 caps for Spain and represented her country at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the UEFA Women’s Euros in 2022 and 2025. She helped Spain reach the Euro 2025 final before falling to England on penalties in the first shootout-decided final in tournament history.One of Europe’s most decorated left-backs, Ouahabi gives the Stars a proven winner as they look to rebuild and return to contention.For the Stars, the signing is about more than adding experience. It is about bringing in a serial winner who could help shape the club’s next chapter.Related articles from Her Football Hub:Beth Mead completes move to Man City after nine-year Arsenal tenureOde to Alexia Putellas: La Reina crowned in memory, not goodbyeLiga F match-day 30 round-up: Caroline Weir and Misa lead Real Madrid farewells

When Mauricio Pochettino agreed to sign on as head coach of the U.S. men's national team, he was getting an opportunity to experience a sporting culture that he had never participated in firsthand. It didn't take long for Pochettino to notice a longstanding systemic problem with how professional sports league function in this country. Speaking to reporters Tuesday ahead of the USMNT's second World Cup group stage match against Australia, Pochettino was asked about what kind of style he'd like Americans to play. His answer, though, touched on how U.S. sports build complacency as a culture. He said in Spanish via El Pais: “Their culture is playful. They want to play. We told them, “Guys, playing soccer is one thing, competing is another.” They’re two completely different sports. They grow up in a culture of playing. Why? If you start in MLS and you haven’t won a game in three months and you’re at the bottom, what’s the consequence if there’s no promotion or relegation, no international competition? American sports reward losers! But soccer is different: if you reward those who don’t win… If you don’t have goals, you don’t fight. If I lose, what happens? Nothing. They just fire the coach. Also, the American player is disciplined. But with a sense of complacency that isn’t good in soccer. It took us a year and a half to change that mentality.”And he makes a fair point. The fact that American pro sports — particularly MLS — doesn't have promotion and relegation holds back the growth of domestic leagues. MLS essentially functions as an investment vehicle that gives playoff spots to 18 of 30 teams in the league. If you finish at the bottom, there's no consequence for the players or the club, really. There's no urgency or fight. And while second-division USL did form a promotion-relegation system with USL Championship, League One and League Two, it doesn't feed into MLS. So, there's nothing to play for at the top besides simply a league title. And given the influence that MLS and Don Garber have within the U.S. Soccer Federation, it took guts for Pochettino to say that. But really, it needed to be said. The system has to change at some point. This article originally appeared on For The Win: USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino said that American sports 'reward losers'

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Flyers acquired goaltender Joseph Woll and defenseman Simon Benoit in a trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs.They sent goalie Samuel Ersson, defenseman Emil Andrae and a third-round pick in this year's draft to the Leafs.The swap gives Philadelphia a dependable backup to prospective starter Dan Vladar coming off a career year that included a strong first round of the playoffs to beat Pittsburgh. Vladar is eligible to sign an extension July 1.The move to add Ersson, Andrae and a pick for Woll and Benoit is new Toronto general manager John Chayka’s first change to the roster since taking over in early May.

Mega; Rafael Ben-Ari/Rafael Ben Ari/Newscom/The Mega AgencyRacing cyclists escaped serious injuries after being sent flying when an elderly woman rolled her motorized scooter into their path during a race in Germany on Sunday, June 14.The elderly woman, who has not been identified, was hoping to find a better view to take in the Saarland Trofeo Juniors race, when viral footage shared on X showed her rolling into the roadway, causing a disastrous pileup.“A very nasty looking crash but it looks like I got away with it relatively well and with no major injuries,” one cyclist shared via social media. “Sad to have to DNF this Saarland Trofeo this way due to an old lady who was just living in her own world.”X/Kingdom of Cycling“Even a small step onto the road can have serious consequences at these speeds,” Los Brolin, a cycling commentator, said, per The Telegraph. “This was not even the first incident of this kind during the race. Junior racing is already dangerous enough without spectators making it even more dangerous.”According to the outlet, a number of cyclists were impacted by the collision, but none were seriously injured.Sindre Orholm-Lønseth, an 18-year-old cyclist from Norway, ultimately won the race.Read More From GlobeDwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson Expresses His 'Hate' for Politics After Deciding to Not Share His OpinionsJalen Brunson Eyes ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’ Cameo After Knicks' Historic Championship WinPresident Trump’s Son Eric Trump Says He Will Keep His 2 Kids ‘Humble and Grounded’This story Elderly Woman Drives Motorized Scooter Into Path of Racing Bicyclists first appeared on Globe. Follow Globe on Yahoo so you don’t miss what’s coming next.

The Jets have wrapped up their 2026 draft class.New York announced on Tuesday that defensive lineman Darrell Jackson Jr. has signed his rookie deal.Jackson, a fourth-round pick at No. 103 overall, was the Jets’ lone unsigned selection from April.Jackson started his collegiate career at Maryland before heading to Miami for one season. He then played three seasons at Florida State before entering this year’s draft.The Jets drafted eight players in 2026, including three in the first round: David Bailey, Kenyon Sadiq, and Omar Cooper Jr.

Photo by Ben Hsu/Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesThe San Francisco Giants are reportedly open to offers for Rafael Devers, Willy Adames and Matt Chapman before the 2026 MLB trade deadline, and moving all three would have a major impact on the club’s payroll picture.Buster Olney reported on 16 June 2026 that the Giants are open to offers for their three highest-paid position players.According to Spotrac’s luxury-tax figures, trading all three with no retained money would remove $80,319,353 in luxury-tax AAV from San Francisco’s books.That is the clean version. The reality of payroll management is rarely that simple.The Giants have more than $80m tied up in three position playersPhoto by Emilee Chinn/Getty ImagesSpotrac lists Devers at $29,152,686 in luxury-tax AAV for 2026. Adames is at $26,000,000, while Chapman is at $25,166,667.Combined, that is $80,319,353. That number matters because luxury-tax payroll is based on average annual value, not just the current season’s cash salary.If the Giants moved all three without retaining any money, that figure would come off their luxury-tax payroll.That makes $80.3m the cleanest headline number. It should still be treated as a theoretical maximum, not a guaranteed saving.Why that payroll figure is only the starting pointThe Giants have not committed to trading Devers, Adames or Chapman. They are listening, not selling, and those are different positions.Chapman has a full no-trade clause, so he would need to approve any deal.Devers’ contract runs through 2034, which adds long-term complexity to any clean salary-clearing trade.Those details make the $80.3m figure more of a ceiling than a forecast. Even if all three players were traded, the actual savings would depend on how the deals were structured.Any serious trade conversation could involve salary retention, limited markets or player approval.Still, the financial implication is clear. If the Giants are willing to discuss Devers, Adames and Chapman together, they are not just testing the market for minor deadline moves.They are testing whether a roster built around expensive position-player contracts can become more flexible.The headline number is $80,319,353 in luxury-tax AAV. The real story is how difficult it would be to turn that theoretical saving into a clean deadline reset.Read more:Buster Olney says Scott Harris faces MLB’s toughest deadline call with Tarik SkubalThe Mets shouldn’t feel this exposed losing Christian Scott for just two weeksAstros star’s home run spray chart after hitting his 102nd shows exactly what kind of hitter he is

Brent Key and Georgia Tech continue to stack recruiting wins.The Yellow Jackets added another blue-chip prospect to their surging class with the commitment of four-star linebacker Cole Crawford, who announced his pledge just days after taking an official visit to Atlanta.Crawford’s trip to Georgia Tech came together at the perfect time.He had originally planned to visit Kentucky, but that trip was pushed back, allowing the Under Armour All-American to spend the weekend on the Flats instead. The opportunity proved to be a game-changer.The visit culminated with an extended one-on-one meeting with Brent Key before Crawford departed campus on Sunday, and the optimism around the program quickly turned into a commitment.“I fit in great with Tech the scheme works well with what I do,” Crawford told Rivals. “That and how the coaching staff has the same thought process as me meant a lot in my commitment.“Then, going to Georgia Tech, I get to play in a great atmosphere and with a school that is on the rise.”Georgia Tech ultimately beat out Kentucky, Alabama, Tennessee and several other major programs for the versatile defender, who has drawn interest as both a linebacker and tight end throughout the recruiting process.At 6-foot-3 and more than 200 pounds, Crawford brings size, athleticism and football IQ to the Yellow Jackets’ class. The Cartersville (Ga.) standout also plays baseball and comes from a football family, with his father serving as a coach, giving him an advanced understanding of the game.His commitment continues what has been one of the hottest stretches on the recruiting trail in the country.Yellow Jackets are trending for moreGeorgia Tech has piled up commitments throughout June and now sits with 22 pledges as Key and his staff continue to climb the recruiting rankings. The momentum shows no signs of slowing.In fact, more additions could be on the horizon.The Yellow Jackets continue to trend for four-star offensive lineman Joshua Sam-Epelle and his Douglas County teammate, four-star EDGE Justin Weeks. Both prospects have generated significant buzz around Georgia Tech following their official visits, and the program remains in strong position to add each of them.If those recruitments break the Yellow Jackets’ way, Georgia Tech could add two more blue-chip prospects and continue its ascent toward a top-25 recruiting class.For now, though, Crawford becomes the latest headliner in a class that continues to gain steam.The official visit created momentum, Key closed the deal, and Georgia Tech added another impact defender to one of the ACC’s fastest-rising recruiting classes.

It was Sri Lanka's first win over New Zealand at women's World Cups [Getty Images]ICC Women's T20 World Cup, Group 2, SouthamptonNew Zealand 150-6 (20 overs): Devine 45 (30); Dilhari 2-35Sri Lanka 153-5 (19.4 overs): De Silva 54* (37); Patel 2-23Sri Lanka won by five wickets Scorecard, TableNew Zealand's hopes of defending their Women's T20 World Cup title are on the brink after a shock five-wicket defeat by Sri Lanka in Southampton.Both teams were in need of victory after losing their opening matches, and it was Sri Lanka who held their nerve as they reached their target of 151 with two balls to spare. New Zealand's fielding cost them once again. After a flurry of drops against West Indies in their opening defeat, they put down another three chances including Bree Illing's crucial drop of match-winner Nilakshi de Silva on one. Fast bowler Illing inexplicably spilled a simple chance at short fine leg off Melie Kerr's bowling and De Silva punished her for it, finishing unbeaten on 54 from 37 balls.After Sri Lanka's top order stuttered to 55-4, De Silva added a crucial partnership of 50 with Kaveesha Dilhari before the latter was run out with 46 off 30 balls still required. Considering Sri Lanka's lack of batting depth, the equation made New Zealand favourites but De Silva found valuable support in Kaushani Nuthyangana, who made 24 not out to get them over the line. The White Ferns were woeful in the field and too cautious with the bat, scraping to 38-1 from the powerplay before captain Kerr and Sophie Devine dragged them to 150-6 with 45 each.After successive final-over defeats, they are now facing a group-stage exit despite being one of the pre-tournament favourites to join England in the group's top two, while Sri Lanka have kept themselves in contention after their heavy opening defeat by the hosts. Women’s T20 World Cup: Meet the mother-daughter umpiring duo changing the gameWomen's T20 World Cup schedule, fixtures, times & results

A cisgender Washington state high school wrestler is suing state officials, her school district, and others, claiming that a transgender opponent sexually assaulted her during a match. Last week, anti-LGBTQ+ Christian legal advocacy group Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) filed a lawsuit on behalf of Kallie Keeler and her mother, Stephanie Brown. The lawsuit claims that during a December 2025 high school girls’ wrestling tournament sponsored by the Washington Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA), Keeler was forced to throw a match to end an alleged sexual assault by her transgender opponent. Related Trans wrestler Mack Beggs speaks out on being forced to compete as a girl: “It’s a no-win situation” Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today The complaint alleges that the unnamed opponent, who is misgendered throughout, “sexually assaulted [Keeler], shoving his fingers through her spandex clothing, digitally penetrating her vagina, and holding the position for several seconds.” “To stop this, [Keeler] allowed [her opponent] to pin her,” according to the complaint, resulting in a fourth-place finish in the tournament. Keeler and Brown claim tournament officials did not make them aware that the then-15-year-old would be competing against a transgender wrestler, and if they had, Keeler would have declined to compete. As part of its lawsuit, ADF provided video of the match, recorded by Brown. In the three-minute video, Brown can be heard cheering her daughter on, but at no point does she sound alarmed by what she is seeing. At one point, Keeler’s opponent’s arm can be seen between Keeler’s legs. Keeler then appears to look directly at her mother, who can be heard saying, “I don’t know what she said or why her face looked like that,” while laughing. According to the lawsuit, Keeler allegedly “cried to her mom that her opponents’ fingers are ‘in my c***hie!’” She can’t be heard in the audio in the video, though. Notably, the referee, who is clearly visible in the video, did not stop the match. According to Hemant Mehta, multiple wrestlers, wrestling coaches, and parents of youth wrestlers he spoke with for his The Friendly Atheist newsletter told him they saw nothing abnormal in the video. One experienced wrestler told Mehta that they did not “see any sexual assault whatsoever” and that every move in the video was executed as they were taught. “There’s a leg lift on a turn that was high on the thigh, but it was pretty clearly just an exhausted wrestler using poor technique,” another wrestler told Mehta. A female wrestling coach explained that “oil checking” — a joke term for when a finger ends up between an opponent’s cheeks — is a common mishap in wrestling matches, “especially when you’re attempting to lift the opponent’s leg from around the thigh to step through and turn them (which is a very common technique).” But she told Mehta that when she watched the video, “nothing seemed malicious or intentional.” She also went on to note that “no one said anything to the ref, or went to the officials’ table after the match to make a complaint, which is typically what you do if you have a problem as serious as they’re claiming.” According to ADF’s lawsuit, Keeler intended to tell her mother about the alleged assault immediately after the match, but was too upset to do so. At that point, a coach from another District team informed them that Keeler’s opponent was trans. The following Monday, Brown sent an email to her daughter’s school complaining that Keeler had unknowingly wrestled a transgender girl and reporting the alleged assault. As Mehta notes, the lawsuit claims that the Puyallup School District took no action following Brown’s report. Brown and Keeler then took their story to local journalist Brandi Kruse, whose reporting went viral among anti-trans advocates. In February, the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights opened an investigation into Puyallup School District based on Keeler’s allegations. Still, as Mehta notes, the WIAA has taken no action over the incident, and Pierce County prosecutors declined last week to file criminal charges in the case, according to local NBC affiliate KING 5. ADF announced its lawsuit last week, with president and CEO Kristen Waggoner posting about it on X — and anti-trans advocate J.K. Rowling reposting. However, according to Mehta, multiple anti-trans X users posted comments on Waggoner’s post, which included video of the match, criticizing the allegations. “Conflating an otherwise normal wrestling match as sexual assault simply because of the identity of your opponent is absurd,” one user commented. “While I hate this trans ideology s**t more than anyone, this wasn’t sexual assault,” another wrote. “If you are using this video as evidence, it just shows a wrestling match.” “As a former highschool [sic] wrestler I agree with not letting males wrestle females, but nothing in this video constitutes sexual assault,” another commenter wrote on June 11. “There’s [sic] isn’t a single move or action that wouldn’t have been done if it was male v male or female v female.” Subscribe to the LGBTQ Nation newsletter and be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Vice President JD Vance is promoting a new book on faith and facing questions about his own presidential ambitions.

SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. — The last time Rory McIlroy played before fans on Long Island, it got ugly. Really ugly. Cursing, beer-throwing ugly. That was the Ryder Cup last September, and you might remember how that turned out. New York fans thought it was a good idea to insult, belittle and attack the wife of one of the most eye-for-an-eye players in the game. McIlroy and Team Europe had their revenge, winning on American soil, but the damage was done. The over-the-top blathering of a subset of New York fans stained the entire 2025 Bethpage Ryder Cup, along with the reputations (and, in part, the jobs) of many involved in the effort from the American side. Given that Shinnecock is only about an hour or so east of Bethpage, and that many of the same fans who were shouting themselves raw critiquing McIlroy’s parentage and Shane Lowry’s waistline will be in attendance this week, it’s reasonable to wonder if he’s concerned about fan behavior. McIlroy wisely opted for flattery rather than criticism. “I love playing around New York,” he said Tuesday morning. “I love playing in this area. It's got some of the best golf in the world.” Play Golf Pick ‘Em now to make your predictions for the U.S. Open!He’s not wrong about that, but also, he can afford to be magnanimous after coming here and planting his flag on American turf. He doesn’t expect this week’s U.S. Open to have the same kind of patriotic vitriol as the last time he was here. “The Ryder Cup is us-versus-them, very partisan,” he said. “It's just a different beast.”McIlroy wraps any lingering frustrations in a warm cocoon of eff-you. “Was it a rough week for me at times? Absolutely. But it is what it is,” he said. “If that's a price to pay to live the life that I'm living, then I'm OK with that.”Chances are he’s right; the New York fans will likely embrace him. For one thing, they’re softened up from the Knicks’ victory, and for another, McIlroy is a counterpuncher, which they respect. Unless, of course, we get into a situation where it’s McIlroy versus an American like Scottie Scheffler, Brooks Koepka or adopted local boy Cam Young. Then it could get ugly all over again. McIlroy’s been known to get a little salty at fans, particularly when his round isn’t going well. Just last month at the PGA Championship, he pointed out a fan who chanted “U-S-A!” when McIlroy struggled at Aronimink, and he hasn’t been shy about getting in the faces of fans who come at him. But for now, he’s playing nice. “New York is New York, and they're going to make their voices heard, but that's a good thing,” he said. “That's a good atmosphere to play in.”Of course, that’s what he’s saying right now. We’ll see how his head is if Shinnecock pummels him later this week.

Who: Portugal vs DR CongoWhat: FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K matchWhere: Houston Stadium, Houston, Texas, United StatesWhen: Wednesday, 12pm (17:00 GMT)How to follow: Keep up with all updates on Al Jazeera SportPortugal will seek to put 60 years of World Cup hurt behind them when their 2026 campaign begins with a Group K clash with the Democratic Republic of Congo in Houston.While it’s England fans who harken back to the glory days of 1966, the Three Lions have had it considerably better than Portugal since then.Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is seeking to add to his legend by scoring in a sixth World Cup and is dreaming of lifting the only major trophy to elude him in his final tournament.Their group stage begins with a clash with DR Congo, who have qualified for just the second time but await their first goal – and point – in a World Cup fixture.Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo makes his point to Goncalo Guedes during training [Marco Bello/Reuters]Can Ronaldo crown career by helping Portugal to first World Cup trophy?It’s been 60 years since Portugal’s best World Cup showing, a third-place finish inspired by Eusebio in England in 1966 on their tournament debut.They have only returned to the semifinals once since, in 2006, and disappointingly went out in the last eight in Qatar 2022 to Morocco after cruising through a tricky group and then pummelling Switzerland 6-1 in the round of 16.While they do have trophies to show for this golden era – the 2016 UEFA European Championships (Euro 2016) and Nations League last year after a shootout win over Spain – the World Cup has always been the one which got away.Widely considered to be a contender this time, confidence should be high with Vitinha, Joao Neves and Nune Mendes fresh from helping French super club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to a second straight Champions League title, while Bruno Fernandes shone for Manchester United, registering a Premier League record 21 assists.And then there’s Cristiano, who endured a season of frustration with Saudi club side Al-Nassr, despite netting 30 goals in 37 appearances in all competitions.Ronaldo is the only survivor from Portugal’s Euros 2016 triumph, and entering World Cup 2026, he is the only man to have scored in five editions of the tournament (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022).However, of his eight World Cup goals, none have come in knockout games, and he was dropped for the Switzerland game in Qatar – his first non-start at a major tournament in 14 years.His only goal in the last World Cup came from a penalty, and he was scoreless at Euro 2024, when another quarterfinal exit followed on penalties to France.Should Portugal finish top of Group K, they will play their last-32 match against a third-placed finisher, and it would coincide with the anniversary of forward Diogo Jota’s death on July 3.The ex-Liverpool forward passed away in a road accident shortly after helping Portugal lift the UEFA Nations League, and the players are set to wear wristbands in his memory during the match.After securing their World Cup 2026 place through two gruelling qualifying rounds, DR Congo are understandably head over heels to be at the tournament in North America [Troy Taormina/Reuters]DR Congo look to write new history on World Cup returnAfter being pipped to automatic tournament entry by Senegal, DR Congo eventually qualified for their first World Cup in 52 years – previously competing as Zaire – with a 1-0 win over Jamaica in their intercontinental playoff in Mexico in March.Their preparations have been hampered due to an Ebola outbreak, and Portugal is a tough ask to begin their campaign, but the meeting with Uzbekistan on June 27 could give Sebastien Desabre’s men the chance of finishing third in the group and securing a potential knockout tie.While they may not be household names, DR Congo boast plenty of English Premier League experience. Their defence features West Ham’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe of Burnley, who scored the extra-time goal which saw them qualify, as well as Sunderland left-back Arthur Masuaku.His 20-year-old Sunderland teammate Noah Sadiki has been a revelation in the midfield, and Newcastle United’s Yoane Wissa and 35-year-old Cedric Bakambu of Real Betis will lead the line against Portugal.As the first sub-Saharan nation to reach a World Cup, then-African champions Zaire lost all three games in 1974, including a 9-0 humbling by Yugoslavia. In a separate group match against Brazil, full-back Mwepu Ilunga famously charged out of the wall to boot away a Brazilian free-kick in one of the World Cup’s enduring images.It later emerged that the act, which earned him a booking, was an attempt to waste time in the form of political protest, as the players had been threatened with exile if they lost by more than three goals – they were trailing 2-0 at the time.The contest finished 3-0, and they were allowed home, though football in the nation has largely been in the doldrums ever since, until a recent upturn under Desabre.Despite that, perhaps the most recognisable figure in modern Congolese football is actually a super fan.Michel Nkuka Mboladinga has spent the past 13 years attending Leopards games while wearing colourful suits and standing still and silent with one arm raised, imitating a statue of revered Congolese political leader Patrice Lumumba.His presence in the crowd at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in January caught the attention of the world, and he has subsequently been included in the nation’s official delegation for the tournament, reportedly at the request of the players.DR Congo super fan Michel Nkuka Mboladinga poses as a statue of the country’s independence hero Patrice Lumumba during the AFCON defeat to Algeria in Morocco in January [File: Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters]How does the group stage work?Portugal, DR Congo, Colombia and Uzbekistan are in Group K.They will play each other once in the initial stage of the tournament. The top two teams from each of the 12 groups – along with the eight best third-placed teams – will proceed to the next phase, the round of 32, which has been introduced at the World Cup for the first time.Head-to-headThis will be the first meeting of the two nations, and if the Leopards were to spring a surprise, it would be one of the biggest in the competition’s history.Form guide:(Last five games, latest match first)Portugal: W-W-W-D-WDR Congo: L-D-W-L-WPortugal go into the tournament off the back of three straight wins over USA, Chile and Nigeria, following a goalless friendly with Mexico in March.DR Congo were beaten 2-1 by the same Chile side on June 9 in their second and final warm-up game, but played out a stalemate with Denmark six days before, where they introduced an experimental five-man defence formation. Their previous games were the qualifying win over Jamaica in March and the AFCON last-16 defeat to Algeria in January.Team newsWhile Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has a clean bill of health going into the opening game, the elephant in the room is their famous 41-year-old forward.Ronaldo hasn’t scored from open play in his past two major international tournaments, and his on-field powers are waning, missing some good opportunities in the warm-up win over Nigeria to add to his 143 international goals.The popular striker is sure to win his 229th cap, but will it be from the start or in a cameo off the bench?Portugal’s predicted XI: D Costa (goalkeeper); Cancelo, Dias, Inacio, Mendes; J Neves, Fernandes, Vitinha; Bernardo, Ronaldo, Neto.DR Congo’s predicted XI: Mpasi (goalkeeper); Wan-Bissaka, Kapuadi, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Masuaku; Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Mukau; Wissa, Bakambu.What are the predictions for Portugal vs DR Congo?Not surprisingly, Portugal, currently ranked fifth in the FIFA world rankings, are strong favourites heading into this opening Group K matchup.DR Congo, one of Africa’s most improved footballing nations, is in with a puncher’s chance of victory according to Opta at nearly a one-in-four chance of causing an upset at Houston Stadium.Portugal predictorYou can follow the action on Al Jazeera’s dedicated FIFA World Cup 2026 page with all the latest news, match build-up and live text commentary and keep up to date with group standings, real-time match results and schedules.

AdMedia/Newscom/The Mega AgencyLess than a month after Kyle Busch‘s death, a new report says that his wife, Samantha Busch, is set to inherit his entire estate.According to a report from TMZ published on Tuesday, June 16, a petition has been filed requesting to appoint a man named Clifton Homesley as administrator of Kyle’s estate. Attached to the filing was Kyle’s will, which leaves his assets to Samantha. The documents also stated that no wrongful death lawsuit is expected to be filed.Kyle died on May 21 at the age of 41 after battling pneumonia that turned to sepsis. As In Touch previously reported, the day prior to his death, the NASCAR star had lost consciousness while inside a racing simulator.He was rushed to a nearby hospital and his family released a statement saying he had been hospitalized with a “severe illness.” However, hours later, it was revealed that he had passed away.“We are saddened and heartbroken to share the news of the passing of Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup champion and one of our sport’s greatest and fiercest drivers,” NASCAR wrote in a statement via X on May 21. “We extend our deepest condolences to the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and the entire motorsports community.”ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGASamantha, 40, broke her silence via Instagram on her husband’s tragic passing a few days later, thanking those who had offered her and the couple’s two children – Brexton, 11, and Lennix, 4 – support.“While our hearts are absolutely shattered, we have felt God’s presence and arms wrapped tightly around us through each and every one of you,” she continued.Earlier this month, Samantha shared a photo of Brexton and Lennix back at the racetrack and revealed she had made Kyle a promise while he was in the hospital before his death.“I promised him that I would do everything I could to help our children pursue their dreams no matter what. For Brexton, that dream is racing,” the mom of two wrote on June 10.“It wasn’t a dream Kyle chose for him. It was something they shared. They spent countless hours talking about race cars, working together, dreaming together, and building a bond around something they both genuinely loved,” she added. “Racing is what lights Brexton up and as long as it’s the dream in his heart, I’ll be right there beside him, cheering him on every step of the way.”Read More From InTouch WeeklyFans Speculate About Bunnie Xo and Nickleback's Chad Kroeger Following Jelly Roll Split NewsKatherine Jackson ‘Heartbroken’ Over Granddaughter Paris’ ‘Falling Out’ With Brothers Prince and BigiPrincess Kate's Boarding School Fears Come True as Palace Announces Prince George Will Attend Eton CollegeThis story Kyle Busch’s Wife Samantha Busch Set to Inherit Estate After NASCAR Legend’s Death first appeared on InTouch Weekly. Follow InTouch Weekly on Yahoo so you don’t miss what’s coming next.

Arman Tsarukyan vows to back up his words with action. Justin Gaethje challenged Ilia Topuria for the lightweight title in the main event at UFC White House on Sunday at the White House. A massive underdog going into the fight, Gaethje handed Topuria a brutal beating, forcing his corner to throw in the towel at the end of the fourth round. Tsarukyan had placed a massive $1 million bet on Gaethje for a payout of $5.7 million. “Ahalkalakets” had promised to buy Gaethje a RAM truck if he defeated Topuria. Tsarukyan now confirms he will honor his promise to Gaethje. Tsarukyan is scheduled to compete in a wrestling match against Colby Covington at RAF 11 on July 18 in St. Louis, Missouri. Tsarukyan says he will buy Gaethje a truck after his wrestling match.Reaping the Rewards “Of course,” Tsarukyan said on “The Ariel Helwani Show.” “I just checked what color he wants... I'm competing on July 18 in St. Louis, and after St. Louis, I'm going to bring him a truck. RAM. And RAM is the UFC’s official sponsor, maybe they’re gonna give me discount 15 to 20%. If they don’t give me discount, it’s OK. It’s not that expensive.” Tsarukyan also asked Gaethje for his preferred color on social media. Gaethje’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, told him that he would send him the color and model of the truck. Champ, I will send you the color and model😊— Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00) June 15, 2026 Tsarukyan (23-3) has been sidelined from the UFC lightweight title picture since pulling out of a scheduled title fight against Islam Makhachev last year. Topuria won the vacant title against Charles Oliveira after Makhachev moved up to welterweight. Despite Tsarukyan being widely considered the most deserving title contender, Topuria kept insisting on defending his title against Paddy Pimblett, who eventually lost an interim title fight against Gaethje. Topuria’s defeat opens up the lightweight title picture again, with Tsarukyan as the frontrunner for the next shot. Arman Tsarukyan confirms he'll stay true to his word and buy Justin Gaethje a truck:"Of course. I just checked what color he wants... I'm competing on July 18 in St. Louis, and after that, I'm going to bring him a truck." pic.twitter.com/TJHByMuW4N— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 15, 2026

Southeastern Prep (Fla.) five-star Beckham Black has made NIL history following the signing of a recent merchandising deal. The class of 2027 recruit is signing the deal off the back of a busy summer, including a standout performance at the NBPA top 100 camp.Black was also named as a finalist for the 2026 USA Basketball Men’s U17 National Team World Cup roster. The sixth-best prospect in the nation, according to Rivals Industry Rankings, fresh off a season on the grind circuit with Southeastern Prep.[ $19.99 gets you a FULL year of On3 | Rivals national coverage ]“For the first time ever, SCNEXT and ESPN are signing two high school basketball players to merchandising deals: the #1 girls player on the SC NEXT 100, Kaleena Smith, and the #2 boys player on the SC NEXT 100, Beckham Black. Black is the younger brother of Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black.” ESPN’s Shams Charania revealed today.Following the announcement, both Black and Ontario Christian (Calif.) point guard Kaleena Smith became the first high school athlete ever tied to an official ESPN NIL deal. Smith, a class of 2027 prospect, is a five-star and the number one-ranked girls’ high school basketball player in the nation.This is the second time the Knights’ point guard has made NIL history. In 2024, she signed a deal with Adidas, making her their first high school women’s basketball NIL partner. This opened the doors for the likes of Caleb Holt, Tay Kinney, Oliviyah Edwards, and Kate Harpingto also sign deals with the company.Last season, Smith helped guide her school to the 2026 CIF State Girls Basketball Championships open division title. The five-star point guard put up 24 points in the open division state championship game against the number one seed, San Jose Archbishop Mitty (Calif.), finishing her junior year with a 31.5 point average.Meanwhile, Black helped guide Southeastern Prep to a Grind Session World Championship final. putting up a double-double with 16 points and 11 assists, the Falcons would ultimately fall to a 63-68 defeat against Fort Lauderdale Prolific Prep (Fla.). Black finished the season with a 16.4 point average.“It made all the sense in the world to team up with Kaleena and Beckham as they bring their A-game to audience connection both on and off the court.” ESPN’s Kaitee Daley, senior vice president of social, digital, and streaming content, revealed in the press release.Following the announcement, Black and Smith have become the faces of ESPN’s SportsCenterNext merchandise campaign, their official brand and platform dedicated to high school sports. The collection can be viewed on ESPN’s merchandise website, with both players front and center.

Cape Verde players celebrate after the World Cup Group H soccer match between Spain and Cape Verde in Atlanta, Monday, June 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Erik S. Lesser)2026-06-16T07:01:35Z MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — The teams that are ranked 61st, 67th and 85th in FIFA’s world rankings all were heavy underdogs in their first matches at the World Cup.They all played Monday. None of them won. None of them lost, either.Through five days and 16 matches of soccer’s biggest extravaganza ever, the underdogs are proving to be very tough to beat. All four matches on Monday ended in ties — the most in a single day of men’s World Cup play since 1958 — and all of them technically could be considered upsets as well.The biggest win (that wasn’t a win) of all saw Cape Verde — ranked No. 67 and in its World Cup debut — hold No. 2 Spain, a favorite to win the whole thing, 0-0 in what easily has been the biggest shocker of the tournament to this point.“It means everything,” said Cape Verde coach Pedro Leitão Brito, who simply goes by Bubista. The other Monday results:— No. 85 New Zealand, the lowest-ranked team out of the 48 qualifiers entering the World Cup, tied No. 20 Iran 2-2.— No. 61 Saudi Arabia tied No. 16 Uruguay 1-1.— No. 29 Egypt tied No. 9 Belgium 1-1.For Monday’s underdogs, the ties were a pretty big deal. But even they knew what the Cape Verde score meant in the grand scheme of things. “The draw involving Spain,” Saudi Arabia coach Georgios Donis said, “may be the biggest surprise in this World Cup.” Four years ago, the Saudis opened with a shocking win over eventual champion Argentina. Read More The World Cup isn’t like the NCAA tournament. Nobody is eliminated or assured of advancing no matter the outcome of their first match. But if this event was more like March Madness, it’s certain that plenty of brackets would already be busted.Spain was -1500 to beat Cape Verde according to odds posted just before the match started Monday. Those are overwhelming odds, ones that mean bettors would have had to wager $1,500 just to profit $100. And oddsmakers in Las Vegas said Spain was picked to win in a slew of parlays, all of which were quickly doomed. “This shows how difficult it is to play (the first game) in a World Cup,” Uruguay’s Maxi Araújo said. “We’ve seen that they are difficult — not only in our group, but in many groups.” Saudi Arabia’s Abdulelah Alamri (4) shoots and scores their opening goal against Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera (23) during the World Cup Group H soccer match between Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Miami Gardens, Fla., Monday, June 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier) Saudi Arabia’s Abdulelah Alamri (4) shoots and scores their opening goal against Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera (23) during the World Cup Group H soccer match between Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Miami Gardens, Fla., Monday, June 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier) Add AP News on Google Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More He’s right. And there’s not much margin of error now in Groups F and H. Teams are guaranteed three group-stage matches at the World Cup, one against each of the other three teams in their group. The top two finishers in each of the 12 groups are assured of reaching the knockout stage; the eight best third-place teams also will advance.But in Group F (New Zealand, Iran, Belgium and Egypt) and Group H (Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Cape Verde), everyone has exactly one point with two matches left. Teams get three points for a win, no points for a loss.“A lot of positives to build on,” New Zealand’s Elijah Just said. New Zealand's Callan Elliot (24) challenges for the ball with Iran's Milad Mohammadi (5) during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) New Zealand's Callan Elliot (24) challenges for the ball with Iran's Milad Mohammadi (5) during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Add AP News on Google Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More Fans celebrate after Egypt scored the first goal as they watch a broadcast of the World Cup soccer match between Egypt and Belgium at a coffee shop in Cairo, Egypt, Monday, June 15, 2026. Background graffiti shows Egyptian soccer star, Mohamed Salah. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil) Fans celebrate after Egypt scored the first goal as they watch a broadcast of the World Cup soccer match between Egypt and Belgium at a coffee shop in Cairo, Egypt, Monday, June 15, 2026. Background graffiti shows Egyptian soccer star, Mohamed Salah. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil) Add AP News on Google Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More The upsets-that-were-ties trend didn’t start Monday. There were two other significant ones earlier in the tournament: No. 56 Qatar tied No. 19 Switzerland 1-1, and No. 64 Bosnia and Herzegovina tied No. 30 Canada 1-1.Through the first 16 matches, eight ended in ties. The other two weren’t exactly of the shocking variety: No. 18 Japan was a slight underdog going into its 2-2 tie with No. 8 Netherlands, and No. 6 Brazil and No. 7 Morocco — as would be expected, given how close they are in the world rankings — tied their opening match 1-1. There’s been only one match through Monday where a team was 10 or more spots below its opponent in the FIFA world rankings going in and won: No. 33 Ivory Coast beating No. 23 Ecuador 1-0.Not exactly a shocker. But some of these ties would qualify as such.“Football is like that,” Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said. “There are no small opponents here.”___AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/fifa-world-cup TIM REYNOLDS Reynolds is an Associated Press sports writer, based in South Florida. twitter mailto

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Marcus Rashford: Surprise CL giants ready to meet United’s demands With Manchester United needing reinforcements across multiple areas of the squad, INEOS will need to be smart when it comes to player sales.This explains why the co-owners are so eager to get rid of Marcus Rashford as his sale will count as pure profit.Barcelona have opted not to trigger the £26 million buy option in the Mancunian’s loan agreement despite the impressive numbers he registered last season.The Catalans were asking for a discount or another loan, which INEOS refused to entertain as they feel they can get better value from elsewhere.Marcus Rashford: where will he end up next season?There is plenty of interest from Premier League clubs, but the Red Devils would ideally like not to strengthen a direct rival.The Englishman would also prefer to join a foreign club, with Bayern Munich emerging as possible suitors recently.The only problem is that the Bavarians do not want to match the 28-year-old’s current wages. This delay has allowed another European giant to enter the fray.According to Fanatik, Galatasaray are keen to strengthen out wide and they feel the England international’s skillset makes him the perfect recruit.Galatasaray ready to match United’s asking priceThey have Champions League football to offer and their squad boasts star-studded names, which they hope will convince Marcus Rashford to come to Turkiye.United will not mind as the Turkish giants are ready to pay an initial £26 million and will also include add-ons to sweeten the deal.“After Marcus Rashford’s loan spell in Barcelona, ​​the Catalan club decided not to exercise their purchase option to bring him back to the club. Marcus Rashford has become one of the most sought-after names in the market and Galatasaray has mobilized all its resources.“It is stated that the management is highlighting the Champions League factor in order to convince the player. It is stated that head coach Okan Buruk wants a versatile and top-level player in the attacking line.Galatasaray trying to convince Marcus Rashford“It was noted that Rashford’s profile aligns with the technical staff’s expectations. The star footballer, who can play both on the wings and behind the striker, is considered to be able to significantly improve Galatasaray’s attacking power with his speed, effectiveness in one-on-one situations, and goal-scoring contributions.“Galatasaray, who are also working extensively on the financial aspects of the transfer, are reportedly exploring different formulas to meet the player’s high salary expectations. It is rumored that the club management has allocated approximately 30 million Euros for Rashford’s transfer fee, and this figure could rise further depending on the circumstances.”Gala are exploring different ways to meet the forward’s expectations with regards to wages. Whether they can convince Marcus Rashford to come to the Turkish Super Lig will be interesting to see.Feature image Stephen Pond 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

Tottenham agree £52 million deal with Brighton & Hove Albion to sign Jan Paul van HeckeTottenham Hotspur have reached a full agreement with Brighton & Hove Albion to sign centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke. After weeks of negotiations, Spurs have secured a key defensive target for manager Roberto De Zerbi, who is eager to reunite with the player he previously coached on the South Coast. The 26-year-old Netherlands international had entered the final 12 months of his contract at the Amex Stadium, leaving Brighton with a decision to cash in or risk losing him on a free transfer next summer. After rejecting two earlier offers from Tottenham, Brighton have now accepted a £52 million bid for Van Hecke, who has already agreed personal terms ahead of his move to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.This transfer is separate from Brighton’s ongoing interest in Tottenham’s teenage prospect Luka Vuskovic. While reports linked the two deals, negotiations for Van Hecke progressed independently, ensuring the Dutch defender’s move is unaffected by Vuskovic’s potential future status. Van Hecke is currently representing the Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup. During the Oranje’s 2-2 draw with Japan, he delivered a composed performance, completing 92% of his passes and winning all five duels. His tactical intelligence and ball-playing skills were hallmarks of his time under De Zerbi at Brighton, and Spurs now expect him to anchor their backline as they look to rebuild from a difficult 2025–26 campaign.Van Hecke joins a defensive overhaul that already features free-agent signings Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi. With long-serving defender Cristian Romero expected to depart, the arrival of the Dutchman provides an immediate solution for a backline undergoing significant change. By securing a Premier League-proven player already familiar with De Zerbi’s system, Tottenham have moved quickly to ensure they start the new season with a stronger defensive foundation.

Former India captain Kris Srikkanth has thrown his support behind Ravindra Jadeja, insisting that the veteran all-rounder still has a role to play in India's plans for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027 despite his recent struggles in the format.Jadeja was not included in India's squad for the ongoing three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, with the selectors opting to move in a different direction after a lean run in one-day cricket. While questions have emerged over Jadeja's future, Srikkanth believes it would be premature to write off a player who has been one of India's most dependable all-rounders across formats for nearly two decades.Speaking on his YouTube channel 'Cheeky Cheeka', the former India opener argued that Jadeja should remain in contention for the 2027 World Cup and form part of India's all-rounder group alongside Hardik Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy."Jadeja cannot be written off yet as he's a brilliant cricketer. Nitish Kumar Reddy is a developing all-rounder. So once Hardik Pandya is back, it'll be only one of himself and Nitish. The other all-rounder must be Jadeja. But Jadeja also must start performing. Yet, even though he's not at his peak, it'll be foolish to write him off,” he said.Srikkanth also weighed in on Rohit Sharma's ODI future, backing the India captain to continue in the format as long as his performances justify his place in the side.The veteran opener noted that Rohit's spot should be determined by form rather than age, adding that the coming months will be crucial as India begin shaping their squad for the 2027 World Cup."Rohit's inclusion will depend on his form. If he keeps scoring runs, then what's the problem? He has been scoring in the recent ODIs. He looks very fit and is timing the ball well. So you can't jump the gun one way or the other. The next few months will be a trial-and-error period. By January or March next year, we should fix a list of 20 players for the 2027 World Cup," Srikkanth continued.India currently lead the Afghanistan series 1-0 following their victory in the rain-affected opening ODI in Dharamsala. The second match will be played in Lucknow on June 17, where India will aim to wrap up the series, while Afghanistan will be fighting to keep the contest alive.

MLB insider reveals Phillies not making one specific trade would be a 'shock' originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.While the Philadelphia Phillies have rebounded from their disastrous start that got Rob Thomson fired, they now have a massive need at the trade deadline.They already needed to add outfield help before the Adolis Garcia injury, and now this need is greater than ever. Dave Dombrowski must add to the outfield this summer.Fortunately, according to MLB insider Robert Murray for Fansided.com, the Phillies not making a trade for a right-handed hitting outfielder would be a "shock" at this rate, which indicates the Phillies are expected to add another outfielder in the coming month or so.Phillies not making an OF trade would be a 'shock'"At this point, it would be a shock if the Phillies didn't add a righty outfielder," Murray writes.The Phillies plan to add outfield help this summer, and it's been widely reported that they're already in search of such an upgrade.Derek Hill wasn't enough to stop the Phillies from adding more help to the outfield this season. They need another outfielder, ideally a right-handed hitter as well.Murray would be shocked if the Phillies didn't make such a trade, which is a good sign for Phillies fans hoping to see the front office add someone to help the outfield over the next month and a half.MORE: Phillies extending Cristopher Sanchez to his $107 million deal was geniusNow, there is still a huge question about the caliber of player the Phillies add. Just because they add a right-handed hitting outfielder doesn't mean they'll have a big impact on the team.Someone of the Austin Hays and Harrison Bader tier might be the more realistic option, but the Phillies could also add Byron Buxton, Seiya Suzuki, Jo Adell, or Taylor Ward to acquire a more impactful righty slugger for the outfield.But, regardless of who they target, an MLB insider believes it would be a shocker if the Phillies didn't add a right-handed hitting outfield by the August 3 trade deadline.More MLB news:5 reasons to believe in Jordan Walker's breakout for CardinalsEx-MLB GM projects White Sox to sell at trade deadline despite 2026 successTarik Skubal being traded by Tigers would help him in free agencyCubs’ cost to trade for Tarik Skubal from Tigers revealed by ex-MLB GMYankees’ Ryan McMahon problem has a $25 million release solution

Congratulations to Hopedale softball player Delaney Vaillette, who won last week’s honor with 9,413 votes. The final Daily News Girls Athlete of the Week poll includes six athletes who put in top post-season performances. Vote below. The poll will stay open until Sunday, June 21 at 6 p.m. Emily Atwood, Hopedale softball The freshman totaled 19 strikeouts in her team’s two Final Four games. She fanned 11 in a state semifinal win over Georgetown and set down another eight batters in the championship game loss to Maynard. Emmanuella Edozien, Natick track & field The graduate and Arkansas-bound Edozien placed second by .03 seconds at the New England Championships in the 100 hurdles. Chloe Elder, Natick track & field The recent graduate won the 400 meters at the New England championships in North Berwick, Maine. Elder’s time was 54.08 seconds. The previous week, she won the 400 at the Meet of Champions in Andover. Sarah Ewing, Dover-Sherborn tennis The sophomore won her match in straight sets at No. 2 singles on Saturday during the Division 3 state championships against Martha’s Vineyard. Ava McLeod, AMSA softball The junior hit a two-run homer and struck out five to lead the Eagles to the Division 4 state championship and an undefeated season. Bella Walkiewicz, Hopkinton track & field The junior placed fourth in the high jump (5 feet, 5 inches) at the New England Championships.This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Vote in the final spring Daily News girls athlete of the week poll

Jafer Karausta — a 19-year-old social media influencer from Cambridge, England — came out to his Muslim mom on video. Her refusal to accept him left both of them in tears. He spent the rest of the video explaining to her that he can’t change his sexual orientation and promising never to date another man for the rest of his life. Since posting the video, he has expressed thanks for the outpouring of support from viewers. Related Islam is seen as hostile to LGBTQ+ people. This gay Muslim says it’s queerer than you think. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today After telling his mom, she says, “Really? I’m very upset about it. I cannot accept this. It’s not right. I don’t want to see you with another boy…. You should hide who you are… Promise me you’ll never get another boy or live with them.” Karausta admits he’s upset by her response, but promises not to date, saying he’ll be single for life because he doesn’t want to be in a relationship with anyone anyway. He also said that he sometimes wears wigs and plays with makeup to express his feminine side, but promises not to do so anymore after his mother expresses disapproval in the video. His mother repeatedly asks him whether he can change his sexual orientation, and he repeatedly says he cannot because sexuality “a majority of it is biological.” She later questions whether he’s gay because of the number of gay people he’s exposed to on the internet; he then says that’s not the case and that he has known about his sexuality since age five. Nevertheless, his mother still blames herself because she used to dislike the gay people she works with and because she raised him in a bad environment. She also says, “If a nice girl comes around,” or if he really wants to, perhaps he can change his sexual orientation. “Like, I want to change, but I know you can’t change your sexuality…. That’s not how it works,” he explains to his mother. “I’ve always wanted to change. I would stay up every single night, praying that I would be straight, and I’d wake up straight…. I would do that, since I was literally 10 years old, I would pray for that, and it never worked. There’s nothing that you can do…. There’s no changing that. You can’t change your sexuality. I’m like, almost certain of it.” He eventually says that he thinks he is seeking male affection because the only men in his life, his older brother and father, were both abusive. He later reveals that his sister Yasmin already knows but that he never came out to his father (and never will) because his father is abusive and “crazy.” He also says he doesn’t wish to visit his relatives in the island nation of Cyprus because they already “hate” him and won’t accept his sexuality. His mother repeatedly says that “You don’t see gay people” in Cyprus — though Karausta explains that gay people definitely exist there because gay people exist everywhere. His mother encourages him to hide his sexuality from his relatives, and he promises to. When he later asks what she’s thinking, she asks if he knows how gay men have sex. (He replies that he does.) She then admits that she’s worried that he’ll contract diseases (though he replies that he could also contract diseases from heterosexual intercourse). She also worries that he’ll be lonely and not have a family. He says he doesn’t want a family because he’s gay. He repeatedly says his gayness doesn’t matter and that it doesn’t change anything. He also says he will never meet a boy because he has no friends. Near the end of the video, he asks her, “Do you see me any different than you did before?” “No,” she says, “because you’re my son.” She also asks him not to upload the video, worried that his relatives will see. He replies that if relatives see, they can think whatever they want, because it will only reflect on him, not on her. “I want to post myself online because this is what I want to do,” he explains. “I want to do this full-time. This is what I want so badly. Like, this is what I’ve wanted for so long. I want to make videos of my life so people feel seen and acknowledged and entertained.” He then reassures her that posting the video online won’t matter because he will only post it on his YouTube and not his other social media accounts, and it will only get 100 views. The video has over 288,000 views as of June 16. Since posting the video, he admitted, “My mum’s response was incredibly difficult to hear, and it was one of the hardest moments of my life. At the same time, sharing my story has allowed me to connect with so many people around the world who have had similar experiences, and the support I have received has been overwhelming,” The Tab reported. “Although the situation with my family has been painful, I hope that by sharing my experience I can help others feel less alone and encourage more understanding and acceptance. Seeing the response to my video has reminded me that there are so many people out there who genuinely care and want to support others.” While some YouTube commenters said it’s sad that he promised never to date anyone just to make his mother more comfortable, others noted that Karausta is still a young person trying to comfort his distressed mother immediately, and that they may come to feel differently over time. Subscribe to the LGBTQ Nation newsletter and be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

The department cited national security concerns, saying Elon Musk’s company had played a crucial role in the Iran war. It also argued it has the authority to stop environmental lawsuits brought by citizens.

Defensive end Cameron Jordan, a New Orleans Saints icon, is finalizing a one-year, incentive-filled contract with the franchise during his visit with the team on Tuesday, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.Jordan, who will turn 37 next month, has played all 15 of his NFL seasons with the Saints. In the process, he’s collected eight Pro Bowl honors and piled up 132 sacks.This story is being updated.

They started with a humble flyer on MySpace 20 years ago, printing pink and black shirts and empowering women in Sioux Falls to lace up their skates, call on their confidence and compete in bouts worldwide.After 50 recruits in their first year alone and a continued maxed-out roster in all the years to follow, their track is now quiet.On Tuesday, June 16, the Sioux Falls Roller Dollz announced the closure of their volunteer-run, flat-track roller derby league.“After many years and countless memories, bruises, victories, laughter, road trips, late-night practices and lifelong friendships, the time has come for us to say goodbye,” the 2026 Board of Directors announced on social media. “We became a family, a place where people found strength, confidence, belonging and purpose. We built something fierce, supportive, empowering and unforgettable.”Remembering the Roller DollzThe Roller Dollz, official members of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association, were completely skater-owned and operated. Participating skaters, who over the years ranged in age from 18 to women in their 40s, paid for all their own gear, insurance, dues and facility rental for practices and open skate nights at the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds Armory Building.More: Visit the roller-skating ribbon at Jacobson Plaza uptown.They gave back to the community, hosting for years their Bacon Fest fundraiser and Zombie Walk Sioux Falls, a family-friendly Halloween tradition that lurked famously downtown for over 20 years.Beyond the competitive league, the Roller Dollz were well known in the community for their positive body image messaging for girls and women.Their announcement post thanked “dollunteer” coaches, referees, sponsors, community partners and their fans.“Thank you for cheering loudly, showing up faithfully, buying tickets, sharing our events, donating, fundraising and believing in us,” they said. “You helped create the electric atmosphere that made roller derby in the Sioux Falls community so special.”Ollie you need is love: The Siouxer and Let's Skate roll into growing skateboarding scene.This story is developing. Check back for more.Angela George covers trending news for the Argus Leader in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Email ageorge@usatodayco.com.This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Sioux Falls Roller Dollz coming to an end after 20 years

Apr 22, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) warm up before a game against the Minnesota Twins at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn ImagesThe fantasy baseball season is in full swing. Moves must be made, and that will all depend on how your season is going. If my team is thriving, I aim to make it the best in my league. If I am struggling, I must add players to chase a playoff spot. Either way, there is no time to play it lazy. With injuries proving to be a big deal, they must also have a keen eye kept upon them. This is our latest fantasy baseball injury report, focusing on the players that matter the most. Yainer DiazDiaz will return to the Astros for Tuesday's game (June 16). Hunter BrownBrown makes his long-awaited return to the Astros on Tuesday (June 16). Brown was originally a Cy Young contender, so the upside is obviously tremendous. Kodai SengaLikewise, the Mets are inserting Senga back into the rotation on Tuesday. Senga has not been all that start-worthy in fantasy baseball, but his raw skill has high upside, so he must be stashed. Tommy EdmanEdman is going to be ramped up by the Dodgers, so he is rosterable, but not startable until he nets worthy results. Cal RaleighRaleigh's brutal season hopes to trend upwards. He is a buy-low candidate for sure. Raleigh returns on Tuesday. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. A back injury has Guerrero Jr. day-to-day. He has only 3 home runs this season, which is perhaps the most baffling statistic in all of baseball. Nonetheless, Guerrero Jr. is obviously a stash, as his floor cannot be much lower than it currently shows. Trea TurnerX-rays came back clean on Turner's wrist so that he will be managed conservatively by the Phillies, but concern is low in fantasy baseball. If he misses time, it will be one or two games, as reports suggest. Jose RamirezThe Guardians are without Ramirez for 5-7 weeks with a hamate fracture, which is brutal for any hitter. Francisco Lindor notably endured this in spring training and missed about one month. Ramirez can only be benched in fantasy baseball in your IR. Check this week's waiver wire pickups for direction. Corey SeagerSeager has a concussion on top of his sub-.200 batting season. Seager could be traded away if someone bites in fantasy baseball. Otherwise, stash and hope that things turn around. Gleyber TorresAs of June 16, the Tigers are still unsure of the severity of Torres' left-side injury, which could be related to a May injury re-flaring. Err caution, and scan the waiver wireVinnie PasquantinoA hamate bone fracture has Pasquantino out for roughly one month. He may lack viability for the rest of the season, be of little use, and his value is not all that high to begin with. Adolis GarciaGarcia can be dropped as he hits the 60-day IL with a shoulder injury. Will SmithSmith is in the middle of a 10-day IL stint. The Dodgers called up Dalton Rushing, and he is the logical pickup, with useful results as the replacement. Brent RookerAn injury once deemed not bad became a different story. Rooker is on the 10-day IL with a knee bone bruise. Hold on. Randy ArozarenaWill he get traded? We do not know. What we do know is that Arozarena is day-to-day with a hamstring tweak. Arozarena's situation is mild and not trade-worthy in fantasy baseball. Elly De La CruzThe current aim is for the Reds to see De La Cruz back in about one week. Do not even mull a trade; his upside is too big. Francisco LindorLindor is in rehab, and the current estimated return date, per ESPN, is June 26. I would not trade Lindor unless someone offers big bucks, such as a Mets fan. Ronald Acuna Jr. Acuna Jr. is day-to-day with a hamstring issue and is a stash while the waiver wire can supplement his missed time. Any other unlisted injuries are due to return dates that are not immediate. Stay tuned for upcoming updates. More Fantasy Sports On SI News:Rashee Rice's Fantasy Stock Faces Major Questions Following Jail Release And Injury UpdateRory McIlroy, Matt Fitzpatrick Among Top Fantasy Golf Picks (FanDuel) at the U.S OpenTop Fantasy Football Wide Receiver ADP Risers And Fallers: Rashee Rice Plummets While AJ Brown SoarsThe Phillies Should Buy This Fantasy Baseball Breakout to Replace Adolis GarciaThis article was originally published on www.si.com/onsi/fantasy as Jose Ramirez, Francisco Lindor Among Top Players on Fantasy Baseball Injury Report.

Phillies might make unexpected trade to address their Andrew Painter problem originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Philadelphia Phillies are heading towards the 2026 MLB trade deadline with an incredibly clear need to upgrade the outfield, specifically, a right-handed hitter.Adolis Garcia might miss the rest of the year, and with the Phillies' lackluster right-handed hitters, adding a righty outfielder makes too much sense. But that might not be all the Phillies look to address at the MLB trade deadline.According to MLB insider Robert Murray of Fansided.com, the Phillies might look to trade for a new starting pitcher to help address their Andrew Painter problem.Phillies linked to SP trade amid Andrew Painter problem"At this point, it would be a shock if the Phillies didn't add a righty outfielder, and they very well may add in other areas as well, including the rotation," Murray writes.While the outfield need has been well-discussed at this rate, the Phillies problem with Painter might be resolved by a trade at this year's deadline.The young right-hander has struggled in his debut season, and while the Phillies might not give up on him long-term, they could look to add a new starting pitcher to ensure they don't get burned by Painter as they fight for a postseason spot this season.Now, they likely won't be involved in the trade markets for someone like Tarik Skubal, Joe Ryan, or one of the other top names on the market.MORE: Phillies extending Cristopher Sanchez to his $107 million deal was geniusIt might be a need, but not one dire enough to part with their top prospects, especially since the Phillies don't have the best farm system anyway.But the Phillies could look to add a cheap rental option in the trade market to help take some of the load off Painter, and give the team some much-needed rotation depth after cutting Taijaun Walker, and seeing Painter's struggles.While the Phillies aren't likely to make a splash in the starting pitching market, it is one area fans should pay at least a little bit of attention to as the deadline nears.Outfield is the top need and will likely be the priority this summer. But, fans shouldn't count out a pitcher addition just yet, as Painter's struggles have opened the door to a trade.More MLB news:5 reasons to believe in Jordan Walker's breakout for CardinalsEx-MLB GM projects White Sox to sell at trade deadline despite 2026 successTarik Skubal being traded by Tigers would help him in free agencyCubs’ cost to trade for Tarik Skubal from Tigers revealed by ex-MLB GMYankees’ Ryan McMahon problem has a $25 million release solution

2026 World Cup – France vs Senegal – Milan duo Maignan and Rabiot start for Les BleusFrance get their World Cup campaign underway this afternoon when they face off against Senegal in New York, in the opening match of Group I before Iraq faces Norway later.Didier Deschamps has started two Serie A teammates in Milan duo Mike Maignan and Adrien Rabiot, as he looks to get off to a flying start.Former Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly starts in defence for the African side, whilst former teammate of Maignan in Theo Hernandez starts at left-back for France.Como’s Assane Diao is on the bench for Senegal whilst Inter’s Marcus Thuram and Roma’s Manu Koné start on the bench for the European giants.MILAN, ITALY – MAY 17: Marcus Thuram of FC Internazionale Milano poses for a photo with the Coppa Campioni d’Italia and Coppa Italia trophies alongside his father Lilian Thuram following the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Hellas Verona FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)2026 World Cup – France vs Senegal – Official LineupsFrance: Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Theo, Tchouameni, Rabiot; Doue, Olise, Dembele, MbappeSenegal: Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diouf; Gueye, Camara, Gueye; Mane, Jackson, Sarr

The U.S. Department of Education building is seen in Washington, Dec. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)2026-06-16T17:15:09Z WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s administration is further dismantling the Department of Education, moving oversight of special education and civil rights to other agencies.The Department of Justice will take on enforcement of civil rights in education, while the Department of Health and Human Services will oversee special education. The Trump administration made the announcement on Tuesday.The Department of Justice also will take over work protecting student privacy and will provide some training and advisory help to schools.Trump, a Republican, campaigned on shutting down the Education Department, saying he would “move education back to the states where it belongs.” While only Congress can close the department, Trump’s education secretary, Linda McMahon, a billionaire and former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, has formed agreements with other federal agencies to handle much of her department’s work. The Education Department already has offloaded some of its programs through 10 earlier internal agreements, but the agencies involved in Tuesday’s announcement -- the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services and the Office for Civil Rights -- were among the most closely watched. The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services manages billions of dollars in grants and oversees state compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The Office for Civil Rights investigates complaints of discrimination at the nation’s schools and universities. Read More Rachel Gittleman, president of the union that represents department employees, said the decision would create chaos for families, students and schools.“This will leave our most vulnerable students and families who have been shut out of our education system without the services they need and without protection when they face discrimination,” Gittleman said in written a statement.___The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find the AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. ANNIE MA Ma is an Associated Press national writer who covers K-12 education. twitter mailto

The 94-page conspiracy indictment was filed as federal prosecutors in Minnesota had trouble sustaining many criminal cases filed against Immigration and Customs Enforcement protesters.

Officials announced that the Education Department’s civil rights office would also be broken off, the most aggressive move yet to dismantle the department.

Mets get Bo Bichette trade outlook that appears to be $42 million mistake originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The New York Mets were expecting much more from Bo Bichette. Surely, Bichette was expecting much more from himself. But thus far, he hasn't been able to turn his struggles around. Given the infielder's 86 OPS+ and -0.1 bWAR, New York's offseason contract with the two-time All-Star appears to be a mistake. There's no saying whether Bichette can revert to the caliber of player he was with the Toronto Blue Jays. Bichette is earning $42 million in 2026 and has a player option for 2027. FanSided's Chris Landers wrote on Tuesday that if the Mets were to field trade interest in the right-handed hitter, they would have a difficult time finding suitors. "If the Mets would like to wash their hands of this high-priced mistake, though, they could be out of luck. It's hard to justify handing a starting infield job to Bichette given the way he's hitting right now, even if New York decides to sell at the deadline," Landers wrote. "His offensive profile has been alarming, and he doesn't defend well enough to be a valuable player when he's not hitting. These two are stuck with each other, at least for a few more months." There's little to no incentive for Bichette to turn down next year's salary if he cannot make major improvements at the plate. There's a slim chance he secures anywhere close to the current contract he has with the Mets. MORE: Phillies extending Cristopher Sanchez to his $107 million deal was geniusOf course, Bichette could opt to take that route if he felt it was best for his career, putting the money aspect aside. The Mets were hoping for more from him. A lot more. For now, the organization will bank on Bichette being a part of the solution to their woes. More MLB news:5 reasons to believe in Jordan Walker's breakout for CardinalsEx-MLB GM projects White Sox to sell at trade deadline despite 2026 successTarik Skubal being traded by Tigers would help him in free agencyCubs’ cost to trade for Tarik Skubal from Tigers revealed by ex-MLB GMYankees’ Ryan McMahon problem has a $25 million release solution

What's Reportedly Making Celtics 'Uncomfortable' In Giannis Antetokounmpo Pursuit originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Fans are being inundated with rumors about the Boston Celtics potentially pursuing a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo.They should take each rumor with a grain of salt.The Celtics and Heat have been identified as the favorites to trade for Antetokounmpo, with Miami considered the favorite. However, with Brad Stevens leading the front office, Boston is careful about roster-building discussions leaking to the media. As such, the Celtics don't like keeping agents in the loop because agents often relay intel to media members.In a column published Tuesday, ESPN's Brian Windhorst noted that Boston has been reluctant to work with Antetokounmpo's agents amid its rumored pursuit of the Milwaukee Bucks star."The Boston Celtics are also on Antetokounmpo's list," Windhorst wrote. "He'd be willing to extend his contract if he were traded there too, league sources say. The Celtics typically don't get involved in situations in which they have to be involved with player agents alongside the teams."Antetokounmpo and his representation have definitely tried to have a seat at the table during this process -- a fact that makes the Celtics uncomfortable."The Celtics keep things quiet. Their big moves, from the then-stunning hiring of Brad Stevens 13 years ago to the Jrue Holiday trade last summer, typically don't leak. They did have some player/team involvement when they made the deal to get Kristaps Porzingis in 2023, so it's not impossible, but that was an outlier."There are two other stumbling blocks for a Celtics deal:"1. It would potentially require the team to break up the successful duo of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. Regardless of how quiet a team keeps its talks, there's always fallout with the players involved in them."2. It would require the Celtics to completely overhaul how they play."With the 2026 NBA Draft looming on June 23, many believe the Bucks will look to resolve the Antetokounmpo situation before then.Will this story end with the superstar forward in Boston? We'll just have to wait and see.More NBA: Giannis Antetokounmpo Reportedly Looking For Miami Home Amid Trade Rumors

Another top free agent pass rusher is off the market for the Indianapolis Colts.Veteran defensive end Cameron Jordan is reportedly re-signing with the New Orleans Saints.Whether or not the Colts have any interest in adding a defensive end to the mix before training camp has not been reported, but it's a move that at least should be on GM Chris Ballard's radar.The #Saints are bringing back one of their franchise greats, as eight-time Pro Bowl DE Cam Jordan is set to return, sources say. The two sides are putting the finishing touches on a 1-year, incentive-laden deal during his visit today. pic.twitter.com/8dU9cf1QkV— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 16, 2026The Colts experienced quite a bit of turnover at this position during the offseason. However, whether or not this unit has improved or whether Ballard has found an impact presence to pair with Laiatu Latu remains to be seen.Likely competing for those starting snaps opposite of Latu will be Jaylahn Tuimoloau and Key. Tuimoloau played just over 200 defensive snaps as a rookie, while Key has primarily been a rotational defender in his career.Jordan was one of Matt Bowen's top 15 available free agents following minicamp. There are a few other notable edge rushers still on the market.The name of the game is getting after the quarterback, and outside of Latu, the Colts struggled to do that consistently last season, ranking 30th in ESPN's pass rush win rate metric as a collective unit.The Colts have more than enough cap space to make an addition, and at this time of the year, it's not as if a signing is going to break the bank.This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: With Colts in need of pass rush help, Cam Jordan signs with Saints

Norway's soccer chant, explained: The history behind 'Ro! Ro!' bringing viking energy to World Cup originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Each edition of the World Cup gives an inside look at the many cultures from around the world. One of those in the 2026 tournament is Norway.During a friendly held just before this summer's World Cup, many Norwegian fans took part in a massive rowing chant that spanned down an entire side of Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo, Norway. The chant has since gone viral and will almost certainly be seen at the World Cup.In case the chant is not yet familiar, here's the rundown on Norway's rattling chant that will most likely be heard during the team's 2026 World Cup matches.2026 WORLD CUP HQ:Latest World Cup news | Full World Cup schedule | Buy World Cup ticketsNorway soccer chant videoDuring a June 2 friendly against rival Sweden in Oslo, Norway, the home crowd partook in a massive "Hu!" chant in which fans emulated rowing. The chant spanned an entire side of the stadium, and the sea of red-jerseyed fans participating was quite the sight to see.Here is a video of the chant:Norway fans doing a synchronised row! 🇳🇴🚣‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/8H9sEYLKfH— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) June 2, 2026"If it is even slightly as effective as the Icelandic cheer in euros, they will be the dark horses in this World Cup," one viewer said. "Especially with Haaland and Odegaard."Here are a few other reactions to the chant:Wow this is beautiful 😍 I like the harmonious movement— Mazi Udo (@UdoNwakpuru) June 2, 2026Vikings are here.— THEY KNOW THE DIFFERENCE (@ndlovu_sab62552) June 3, 2026pure vibes watching this— Siri | AI x Prediction arc (@SiriOnchainX) June 2, 2026History behind Norway’s rowing chantNorway's chant emulates people rowing a boat. It has drawn similarities to a people rowing a Viking ship, a culture to which Norway is strongly connected.These Viking longships, which included many people rowing, began getting used at the tail end of the 8th century. These vessels included anywhere from six to 16 rowing benches and were between 55 and 75 feet long, according to Warfare History Network.It is unclear how long the chant has been a part of Norwegian soccer, mainly due to Norway not qualifying for many major global soccer tournaments. This year, however, Erling Haaland has led his entourage of Vikings to their first World Cup since 1998.MORE WORLD CUP NEWS:Ranking World Cup groups from hardest to easiest10 World Cup teams with best chance to winRanking 7 best matches of the World CupNorway Vikings team photoAhead of this summer's World Cup, the Norwegian team picture showcased a Viking theme on a beach. The team was equipped with shields, swords, bows and arrows, a horn, and traditional Viking clothing.Here is that photo that is capable of sending a chill down a viewer's spine.Premier League stars Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard being next to each other in the viral Norway National Team picture is AWESOME! 🇳🇴🔥📸 @NFF_landslag/David Yarrow pic.twitter.com/jQ8cNmxQw3— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) June 5, 2026

MUMBAI: In the wake of 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi being involved in a heated exchange with Vishen Halambage, that led to physical contact on the field after Sri Lanka A beat India A in a Super Over finish in the one-day tri-series in Dambulla on Monday, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has advised India A's players to "concentrate on their game rather than getting distracted from any collateral issues.""India A is playing a major tournament, all the upcoming players who can stake their claim for the Indian senior team, they are in the midst of a very big tournament, a tri-nation series, so they should concentrate on their game rather than getting distracted from any collateral issues," Saikia told TOI on Tuesday."They should not focus on that, they should concentrate on their game and they should give their best performance so that India can come out with a victory in the tri-nation series. That is our only concern now."Asked if he had spoken to Sooryavanshi about this incident, Saikia replied, "It is not our duty to speak to the players for any reason. The players are only concentrated with their games and the support staff and the coaches who are present with them, nothing else. So, nobody interferes in their game and their strategy and their preparation for that big series, which is presently going on. We will follow this policy that during a major tournament when they are playing for the country, they should not get distracted by any other secondary issues, which are not of paramount importance. The important thing is India's winning and performing well in the tri-series. So, that is our focus and other than that, we are not doing anything at this stage."He reiterated: "At this stage, we are concentrating and we are allowing our players to focus on their game, not to focus on any other side issues. They should focus on their games and the BCCI is with the team and their game, nothing else."After the match was tied at the end of 50 overs, a Super Over was played in fading light. The light kept getting worse as India A captain Tilak Varma was involved in an argument with the umpires. Sri Lanka A scored 16 in the Super Over. In response, India A could manage only nine as rookie Kugathas Mathulan, a slinger in the mould of Matheesha Pathirana, denied Sooryavanshi and Suryansh Shedge.Heated exchange between Sooryavanshi and Halambage after matchPost the match, Halambage and Wanuja Sahan were seen having words with the departing India batters, which seemed to have triggered the confrontation. Visuals showed Shedge pointing his bat towards Halambage before Sooryavanshi turned back to get into an exchange with the Sri Lankan player. Sooryavanshi and Halambage were then seen shoving each other, with Dickwella separating the two. Sooryavanshi was also seen gesticulating as he walked off the field."A Sri Lankan player had abused Vaibhav as he was walking off the field, but the batter is better advised to avoid being distracted by sledging," a source tracking developments told this paper.India A camp unhappy with umpiring decisionsAnother source informed that the India A camp was upset with what it alleged was some "highly biased umpiring" by Sri Lankan umpires Rageeth Rambukwella and Shantha Fonseka."It was like the team was playing against 13 players. Some of the on-field decisions of the match officials were highly questionable. Shedge (72 off 66 balls) was wrongly adjudged caught on the long-on boundary, as the fielder's boot had stamped the rope. The no-ball and wide decisions in the final over were doubtful. The umpires decided to play the Super Over only when Sri Lanka A agreed to it," the source said.

In a contest of wills, the hard men of Tehran prevailed over the vain man of Washington.

Mikel Merino said Spain had to get over the "grief" of drawing against Cape Verde (Florencia Tan Jun)Mikel Merino said Spain have to react to the "grief" of failing to beat debutants Cape Verde in their World Cup opener, but is confident the European champions are still contenders to win the competition.It was a familiar story of World Cup frustration for La Roja in Atlanta as they failed to break down the African archipelago of just over 500,000 people despite dominating possession in a 0-0 draw.Since winning the competition for the first time in 2010, Spain have won just three of their last 12 World Cup games."As in every match, things don't always go the way one would like. Every player has their own way of dealing with grief," Merino told a press conference on Tuesday."No one has died; it's not mourning in the literal sense. But defeats can often feel that way. When we're so competitive, when we always want to win and always want to bring our best selves, and we don't manage to do it."Spain boss Luis de la Fuente remained calm in the aftermath, with his side unbeaten in 32 competitive games.One win against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay will almost certainly secure their place in the knockout stage with 32 teams progressing from the first ever 48-team World Cup."Staying calm is the priority now. We can't lose our heads over a result that wasn't positive," added Merino."We need to keep a cool head and approach the next match with optimism."Lamine Yamal's introduction as a second half substitute was not enough to break down Cape Verde's dogged resistance, led by 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha.However, Yamal's presence immediately added an extra dimension to the pedestrian Spanish attack.The Barcelona superstar has been carefully nursed back to fitness after nearly two months out with a hamstring injury.However, Merino is hopeful the 18-year-old's "special" talent can unlock defences later in the competition as he gets up to speed."Lamine is undoubtedly a special player. He has great ability to beat his man and disrupt the opposition's defensive shape," said the Arsenal midfielder."He brings a different profile compared to the players who were already on the pitch, and naturally, that alters the opponents' tactical approach. "They began playing differently and crowding his side of the field. That ability to unsettle the defence creates more time and space for other players elsewhere on the pitch."Given Lamine's quality, he can influence any game at any moment."Saudi Arabia's 1-1 draw with Uruguay means all four teams in Group H are tied on one point.Spain face the Saudis next in Atlanta on Sunday.kca/pi

Barcelona leading the race to sign 18-year-old defensive gem – reportAs already reported, FC Barcelona have begun reshaping the way they identify defensive talent, marking a significant shift in the club’s scouting philosophy. While the club has traditionally focused much of its recruitment efforts on Catalonia and the Spanish market, the scouting department is now expanding its international reach in search of a different type of defender.Modern football’s increasing physical demands, faster transitions and greater emphasis on athleticism have encouraged the club to prioritize defenders with more size, strength and physical presence.This strategic adjustment has led Barcelona to intensify their scouting activities outside Spain, as witnessed by their signing of Juwensley Onstein in the winter window, and their recent interest in Lucas Herrington of Australia.Barcelona in pole position for HerringtonBarcelona want Lucas Herrington. (Photo by Elizabeth Ruiz Ruiz/Getty Images)In that context, SPORT reports that Barcelona are currently leading the race for Herrington’s signature.The 18-year-old defender, currently with Colorado Rapids, stands at 1.93 meters and has already earned senior international recognition with Australia despite being born in 2007.Having begun his journey with Brisbane Roar in Australia, the teenager moved to the MLS club in the winter and has made a big impression, making 17 appearances in which he has one goal and an assist.Herrington has also made four appearances for Australia, and is in the national team squad for the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026.Set to become a Barcelona player? (Photo by Luiza Moraes/Getty Images)Known for his physical dominance and aerial ability, Herrington has become one of Barcelona’s primary defensive targets with an eye on the future.Contract until 2029As things stand, Herrington remains contracted with Colorado Rapids until 31 December 2029, with the MLS outfit retaining the option of extending it by another year.But, Barcelona are understood to be making progress towards securing his signing despite interest from several clubs.Should the signing be completed, it is expected that the 18-year-old prospect will become a part of the club’s reserve team, Barça Atletic, under Juliano Belletti.

Arsenal not targeting a move for Manu Koné from RomaAccording to a report from Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have denied that they are in advanced negotiations to sign Manu Koné (25) from AS Roma. The Premier League champions are not currently targeting a move for the France international midfielder. The Gunners had reportedly been in advanced negotiations to sign the 25-year-old midfielder, with Roma demanding a fee in the region of €50 for Koné’s services. However, the latest developments rule out a potential move to Arsenal for now. Arsenal aiming to bolster their attackThe North London outfit look set to bolster their attacking options during the summer transfer window. Morgan Rodgers, Christos Tzolis and Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola are all admired by the Premier League winners. GFFN | Liam Wraith

Detroit City FC fans will have to wait a little bit longer for a new stadiumAs announced in a news release on Tuesday, June 16, AlumniFi Field, the proposed new stadium for DCFC, has had its opening pushed back from 2027 to the spring of 2028. A groundbreaking at the site of the former Southwest Hospital has been scheduled for July.The announcement of the schedule change was paired with the release of new renderings, which includes designs from Ferndale architectural firm Disbrow Ianuzzi. Fans who have made deposits for future season tickets will have access to renderings at Mercado in the Detroit neighborhood of Mexicantown, blocks away from the proposed site in Corktown."Opening the preview center at the Mercado gives our supporters and the broader community a place to connect with what AlumniFi Field is becoming in a way that feels tangible and immediate," said DCFC co-founder and CEO Sean Mann. "The response so far has been incredibly strong, and we are excited to roll out this space in the heart of our community, as we continue to build out a permanent home for soccer in Detroit just a few blocks down the street."The club first proposed AlumniFi Field to be opened ahead of the 2027 season, a timeline that even Mann called "aggressive" back when renderings of the stadium were first revealed in May of 2025. Southfield construction firm Barton Malow has been tapped to build the Corktown stadium.New photos released by the club include renderings of concourses and luxury suites.The stadium will have a capacity of 15,000 seats, with the club saying that 6,000 season ticket deposits have already been made for the first season at the new stadium. The club confirmed that it will play the 2027 USL Championship season at Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck, home of the club since 2016.Need to catch up on the news during your lunch break? Sign up for our Sports Briefing newsletter to get daily summaries of Detroit sports! You can reach Christian at cromo@freepress.com.This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit City FC's new stadium opening pushed back by one year

Photo Credit: Dakota Guerrant/X It was announced on Tuesday afternoon that 2027 four-star wide receiver Dakota Guerrant was committing to the Oregon Ducks over the Michigan Wolverines.BREAKING: Elite 2027 WR Dakota Guerrant has Committed to Oregon, he tells me for @RivalsThe 6’2 195 WR from Harper Woods, MI chose the Ducks over Michigan“Dreams to Reality”https://t.co/pGDVCXuGnbpic.twitter.com/LesCTt53pW— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) June 16, 2026The 6-foot-1.5, 200-pounder from Harper Woods is a borderline five-star talent, coming in at No. 1 in the state of Michigan, No. 7 at the wide receiver position and No. 38 overall in the 2027 class on the Rivals Industry Ranking. He has been a longtime target of Michigan’s dating back to when Ron Bellamy was the position coach in Ann Arbor. New wide receivers coach Micah Simon picked up where Bellamy left off and made Guerrant and his family an immediate priority.Today’s news, of course, is no surprise if you pay close attention to Michigan football recruiting. Guerrant has been trending to Oregon for months now, and while it sucks that he committed somewhere else other than Michigan, that doesn’t necessarily mean the recruitment is completely over.In fact, what just happened was always a very legitimate possibility. Guerrant has been talking about wanting to see more out of Michigan’s passing offense since last year. Now he is wanting to see what things look like under head coach Kyle Whittingham and the rest of the new coaching staff. Of course, none of us will be able to see that until Sept. 5 when the season officially kicks off against Western Michigan. He has wanted to commit before his senior year, so again, this development is not a shock by any means.“I feel like Michigan has always been good to me, the connections they have there, it’s a great football team always and they’ll probably throw it a little more this year,” Guerrant recently told Rivals.That concern about the passing game is precisely why Oregon makes so much sense as a landing spot right now. The Ducks have been a premier destination for quarterbacks and wide receivers over the last few years under head coach Dan Lanning. Two skill players — tight end Kenyon Sadiq and wide receiver Malik Benson — were just drafted into the NFL back in April. Furthermore, Troy Franklin and Tez Johnson are two other wideouts that have been drafted since Lanning arrived at Oregon in 2022.So what will Michigan need to show him specifically? My two cents — volume and explosiveness in the passing game. Guerrant likely wants to see more targets, yards after the catch, and big plays for the wideouts; the kind of stat line that tells a pass-catcher that this is a program that will get him on an NFL radar. The Wolverines have only produced five NFL draft picks at the position this decade — and none the past two years — so they clearly need to bump up their numbers to be legitimate contenders for recruits like Guerrant.All this to say — if Underwood and company take a step forward with the passing game this season, the door will swing open for Michigan to potentially flip Guerrant prior to the December signing window. But for now, we’ll just have to wait and see if the pass game reaches its full potential so the Wolverines can even have a shot at flipping him.

A gay couple leaving a restaurant during a night market event was taunted, chased, and then beaten by at least one man in a group shouting homophobic slurs. The attack happened in Caldwell, Idaho, a small city west of the capital in Boise, Idaho6 News reports Related Wanna pee in Idaho? First, get a forced DNA test to prove your gender, state GOP lawyer suggests Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today The couple was enjoying dinner at the Acapulco restaurant in Caldwell when they attracted the attention of a group of men who began directing homophobic slurs at them, they said. The couple got up and left, but the men followed them through the back entrance. They said they were chased through a parking lot behind the Mexican restaurant and onto railroad tracks just off the small town’s main street, where they were jumped and beaten. Juan Olvera said he was punched to the ground, kicked, and left with a swollen black eye, cuts, and bruises. Eric Reed was punched in the mouth and suffered a gaping hole in his lip requiring six stitches. Both men said they were terrified. “I literally thought I was going to die, and I don’t even know how to explain the fear I have right now. We haven’t left the house for the past few days,” Olvera said. “What’s going to happen to the next person? Are they going to kill them? I literally felt they were going to kill us for being gay. It’s a scary thing to live through, and I never would wish this on anyone.” “I just feel so scared that this could happen to my partner and me, and just seeing my partner’s face afterwards,” he said. Police were quick to apprehend one of the suspects in the attack. Pedro Villarreal III, 55, of Caldwell, was detained and charged with misdemeanor battery. Idaho does not have a hate crime designation based on sexual orientation. “It covers crimes that involve national origin, things of that nature, but unfortunately, sexual orientation is not one of those that is actually covered under Idaho statute,” said Lt. Jeffrey Peterson with the Caldwell Police Department. “It is frustrating,” said the surprisingly sympathetic small-town cop. “We’re here to serve the citizens of Caldwell and Idaho, and unfortunately, when we’re unable to give them the justice that they feel that they need, under the application of the law, it is frustrating.” “It’s difficult when the law ties their hands in these types of cases,” he added. Olvera and Reed said they’ve been together for 15 years and have never experienced this kind of homophobia. The gay mixed-race couple described themselves as “conservative,” according to KTVB7 News. “As politics continue to clash, everybody needs to put that away and remember we’re all Americans in the end. All of us bleed the same, and we’re all Americans,” said Olvera. Subscribe to the LGBTQ Nation newsletter and be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.