Udinese Calcio and A.F.D.S. Udine join forces for blood donationsUdinese Calcio, in collaboration with A.F.D.S., the Friulian Blood Donors Association of Udine, promoted an important social responsibility and sustainability initiative, hosting a bloodmobile at its stadium on 17 June.The initiative saw the active participation of approximately 30 donors, including club members, workers and supporters, who chose to actively participate in a gesture of great civic and human value. This underscores Udinese’s commitment to promoting initiatives in the interest of the wider community and public health.The day was part of the celebrations for World Blood Donor Day, an event established by the World Health Organisation and held on June 14, with the aim of raising public awareness of the importance of voluntary donation.By taking part in this initiative, Udinese Calcio has reaffirmed its role not only in sport but also in wider society, supporting projects that contribute to collective well-being and the promote a culture of solidarity. The club’s collaboration with A.F.D.S. is another example of the club working positively with local organisations, united in promoting fundamental values ​​such as prevention of issues and social responsibility.The event is a further step in the club's journey towards sustainable development models, through which sport serves as a tool for raising awareness and actively engaging the local community.

NJAC-NationalFirst team: Adam Braccioforte, West Morris; Ian Yorks, Randolph; Rhone Armijo, West Morris; Kennan Byers, Randolph; Sean Wemmlinger, Morris Knolls; Andrew Ulto, West Morris; Zachary Richards-Powell, Parsippany Hills; Julian Hernandez, Randolph; Christian Velasco, Randolph; Austin Alfred, Randolph; Isam Jahan, Randolph; Ben Quinn, Randolph; Daniel Akpan, Roxbury; Christopher Rodman, Morris Knolls; Michael Szoke, Randolph; Douglas Brookes, Morris Knolls; Matthew Donnelly, Roxbury; Emmanuel Samaniego, Randolph; Justin Swayze, Randolph; Sivert Ramos, Roxbury; Aquinas Clancy, Morris Knolls; Jacob Conti, RandolphSecond team: Jordan Dixon, Randolph; Aaron Rey Bautista, Morris Knolls; Jake Rosario, West Morris; Russell Goldstein, Randolph; Asher Adeghe, Randolph; Ryan Faulkner, West Morris; Subomi Odedina, Randolph; Xavier Buoye, West Morris; Matthew Elghazaly, West Morris; Christian Jute, West Morris; Brendan Dilling, West Morris; Brayden Hallik, Morris Knolls; Maxwell Kelly, Roxbury; Will Knoth, Morris Knolls; Tyler Stone, Morris Knolls; Maddox Santiago, Morris Knolls; Liam Blaskopf, West Morris; Richard Corcoran, Morris Knolls; Samuel Cardona, Randolph; Erinson Febels, Randolph; Adam Margeson, Morris Knolls; Zahir Hoppe, RandolphHonorable mention: Lex Montanaez, Morris Knolls; Carter Lindert, West Morris; Jonah Kali, Roxbury; Manav Patel, Randolph; Declan Mogan, Parsippany HillsDivision champion: Morris KnollsSportsmanship award: RoxburyNJAC-FreedomFirst team: Hackettstown 4x400 (Aidan Murphy, Marques McKenzie, Christian Torres, Joseph Pangallo); Brendon Lehman, High Point; Samuel Silva, Vernon; Wesley Faller, Lenape Valley; Sean Hall, Hackettstown; Eli Keegan, Hackettstown; Gabriel Villa, High Point; Matthew Frick, Jefferson; Benjamin Janitz, Jefferson; Remy Lighty, Jefferson; Erles Semelfort, Hackettstown; Noah Scherzer, Jefferson; Drew Mountain, Vernon; Aiden Hamilton, High Point; Isaac Smith-Lewis, Lenape Valley; Daniel Elston, High PointSecond team: Denzell Welling, Vernon; Dominick Forder, Hackettstown; Matteo Mancini, High Point; Paxton Gonzalez, High Point; Sean Seugling, Jefferson; Marcus Arias, Vernon; Hudson Dobkowski, Jefferson; Matt Lundy, Jefferson; Jacob de la Cruz, Jefferson; Dylan Hoover, Hackettstown; Sam Murphy, Lenape Valley; Ethan Thomas, Jefferson; Gavin Gailums, High Point; Thomas Bengyak, Hackettstown; Dennis Hoover, Hackettstown; Giovoughni Dureny, High Point; Ryan O'Toole, Lenape Valley; Owen Fryer, Hackettstown; Josh Ramirez, JeffersonHonorable mention: Vincent DiFalco, Vernon; Leslie Assare, Hackettstown; Kingston Brown, High Point; Clinton Walters, Jefferson; Gio Romulo, Lenape ValleyDivision champion: HackettstownSportsmanship award: High PointNJAC-UnitedFirst team: Isaiah Campbell, Morristown; Zachary McQueeney, Morristown; Leo Suttile, Morristown; Jesse Rosenberger, Morristown; Michael Vogts, Mendham; Kyle Wickham, Chatham; Dylan Zadourian, Chatham; Brady Byrne, Chatham; Marcus Valenzuela, Chatham; Matthew Kot, Morristown; Thomas Haines, Chatham; Thomas Proscia, Chatham; Nathan Enelamah, Morristown; Aidan Ponzio, Delbarton; Kevin Grundy, Chatham; John Aymil, Mendham; Anthony Agnoli, Montville; Daniel Gallic, Delbarton; Dever Hanlon, DelbartonSecond team: Caden Blaise, Mendham; Noah Strubel, Mendham; Cole Szabo, Mendham; Cameron Muir, Mendham; Colin Daley, Chatham; Pasquale Buttadauro, Montville; Giovanni Bushell, Delbarton; Todd Smith, Delbarton; Micah Pardue, Morristown; Anthony Manno, Morristown; Henry Ferguson, Chatham; Chris Smith, Montville; Martin Hindenlong, Delbarton; Alan Curtil, Mendham; Jackson Idle, Mendham; Matt Pini, Mendham; Gavin Janosy, Morristown; Krish Patel, Chatham; Reed Ogden, MendhamHonorable mention: Devin Tandon, Chatham; Rafe Dickens, Mendham; Gabriel Mikutowicz, Montville; Kadin Hackett, Morristown; Hans Clovis, DelbartonDivision champion: MorristownSportsmanship award: MorristownNJAC-LibertyFirst team: Rohan Tucker, Madison; Jordan Wilson, Morristown Beard; Mouhamed Sarr, Parsippany; Jack Moore, Morristown Beard; Matthew Troiano, Morristown Beard; Michelangelo Lepore, Mountain Lakes; Braden Huang, Hanover Park; Nathan Beland, Madison; Parsippany 4x400 (Willie Buhanan, Shane Petzinger, Mouhamed Sarr, Ryan Zhang); Christian Lim, Mountain Lakes; Kyle Desrivieres, Madison; Stephen Sun, Mountain Lakes; James Castanon, Madison; Michael Sirna, Madison; Joseph Nigro, Mountain Lakes; Angelo Chirichello, Hanover ParkSecond team: Kyle Dunn, Hanover Park; Gavin White, Morristown Beard; Ryan Zhang, Parsippany; Brandon Keyt, Mountain Lakes; Ian Johnson, Mountain Lakes; Philip Natale, Madison; Roudlerson Pierre, Hanover Park; Jude Abdy, Hanover Park; Mountain Lakes 4x400 (Michael Cera, Sebastian Stickley, Ryan Krzeptowski, Calvin Lim); Jacob Lyttle, Mountain Lakes; Allan Eldridge, Madison; Max Hann, Mountain Lakes; Will Arnstein, Madison; Gavin Delano, Hanover Park; Darius Payne, Morristown Beard; Alexander Vadas, MadisonHonorable mention: Gabe Garcia-Mulvey, Hanover Park; Daniel Palmer, Madison; Kai Cheng, Morristown Beard; Bao Yang Morgan, Mountain Lakes; Andy Portuphy, ParsippanyDivision champion: MadisonSportsmanship award: MadisonNJAC-IndependenceFirst team: Whippany Park 4x400 (Cristian Pecoraro, Andrew Steinberg, David Angulo, Jason Griffin); Andrew Zuccala, Pequannock; Ilario Badalamenti, Kinnelon; Mario Sandoval, Boonton; Alex Blustein, Pequannock; Liam Uychich Pruner, Boonton; Sawyer Smith, Whippany Park; Brayden Lo, Whippany Park; Derek Rider, Whippany Park; Patrick Piechowski, Boonton; Gavin Kelly, Whippany Park; Kali Polanco, Boonton; Gavin Varner, Kinnelon; Antonio de la Rosa, Boonton; Liam Cobane, Whippany Park; Alexander Chiou, Whippany ParkSecond team: Jaciel Lagos, Boonton; Nick Sherburne, Pequannock; Giocchino Panico, Pequannock; Garrett Stevens, Pequannock; Michael Zurfluch, Pequannock; Michael Bimonte, Whippany Park; Josh Parliman, Boonton; Ron Feldman, Kinnelon; Hunter Ashton, Kinnelon; Kieran Fitzgerald, Kinnelon; Ahmed Akbay, Boonton; Julius Asbury, Boonton; Dawood Adeel, Boonton; Matthew Mulligan, Whippany Park; Max Guerard, Whippany Park; Cody Roller, Boonton; Phoenix LaCorte, Boonton; Zach Marsh, Kinnelon; John Bertelli, Pequannock Honorable mention: Henry Manton, Kinnelon; Jaiden Triana, Boonton; Brandon Smith, Whippany Park; Vincent Cantu, Morris Catholic; Chase Zalfino, PequannockDivision champion: Whippany ParkSportsmanship award: KinnelonNJAC-ColonialFirst team: Dover 4x400 (Santiago Ceballos, Chris Morales, Enrique Suquilanda, Bryan Valdes); Emmanuel Oti, Wallkill Valley; Lorenzo Flores DeBenedictis, Wallkill Valley; Frederick Bansemer, Wallkill Valley; Derek Fleming, Wallkill Valley; Christian Oquendo, Dover; Matt McQueen; Sussex Tech; James Donofrio, Kittatinny; Christopher Delcalzo, Wallkill Valley; Jaden Quiles, Dover; Jordan Ebelle, Wallkill Valley; Taiwo Akitunde, Sussex Tech; Joshua Saltzman, Wallkill Valley; Justin Bonaparte, Wallkill Valley; Yousef Hayek, Hopatcong; Dylan Hutchinson, Wallkill ValleySecond team: Newton 4x400 (Sa'Keir Paul, Dylan Purkett, Jaden Roberts, Juan Amaya); Kiyon Simpson, Hopatcong; Kaeden Wilson, Wallkill Valley; Ravell Santos, Kittatinny; Alex Lupercio, Dover; Michael Gibson, Wallkill Valley; Alex Polichko, Hopatcong; Jeremiah Jones, Hopatcong; James Nicols, Newton; Aidan Williams, Hopatcong; Christopher McKenzie, Dover; Kehinde Akinutnde, Sussex Tech; Gavin Oldenburg, Kittatinny; Dominick Cordero; Dover; Luke Gleason, Kittatinny; Travis Barlow, Wallkill ValleyHonorable mention: Jayden ramsey, Sussex Tech; Ethan Koger, Wallkill Valley; Kevin Casul Gomez, Kittatinny; Anthony Quaglio, Newton; Nicholas Lombardi, DoverDivision champion: Wallkill ValleySportsmanship award: DoverNJAC-AmericanFirst team: Cadence Rupprecht, Mount Olive; Le-Shem Little, Sparta; Nicholas Falcone, Morris Hills; Ryan Foley, Mount Olive; Marcus Petit-Frere, Morris Hills; Seamus Corcoran, Pope John; Stephen Shih, Morris Hills; Lajohn Alexis, Morris Hills; Bryce David, Mount Olive; Nicholas Foley, Mount Olive; Anthony Murray, Mount Olive; Ben Wans, Morris Hills; Daniel Arroyo, Pope John; Tyler Wright, Pope John; Nola Ribeiro, Morris Hills; Hunter Iorio, Morris Hills; Jayden Castro, Mount Olive; David Kinney, Pope John; Sam Lagattuta, Mount OliveSecond team: Luke O'Callaghan, Morris Hills; Zayne Carswell, Pope John; Vincent Gesumaria, Pope John; Ethan Poplawski, Pope John; Jeremiah Au, Morris Hills; Colby Batsch, Mount Olive; Evan Kennedy, Pope John; Spencer Prudenti, Pope John; Camilo Sepulveda, Morris Hills; Sarosh Poondla, Morris Hills; Vincent Giacchi, Poep John; Bryann Vilavicencio, Morris Hills; Ethan Beachem, Mount Olive Alexander Gimenez, Morris Hills; Sebastian Matos, Morris Hills; Chris Alden, SpartaHonorable mention: Jacob Weinstock, Sparta; Reece Wilson, Pope John; Santhosh Yanumula, Mount Olive; Anderson Harris, Morris HillsDivision champion: Morris HillsSportsmanship award: Mount OliveThis article originally appeared on Morristown Daily Record: Morris/Sussex boys track and field postseason honors 2026

Julian Alvarez has rejected offers from Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain because he prioritises a move to FC Barcelona according to Mundo Deportivo and Mega, which cited anonymous sources.Getty ImagesJulian Alvarez has rejected offers from Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain because he prioritises a move to FC Barcelona according to Mundo Deportivo and Mega, which cited anonymous sources.A fortnight ago, reports from Argentina explained that Alvarez had agreed to join Barça on a five-year deal.It was also noted that Barça would have to improve their $116 million offer, however. And in the days that followed that news, Real Madrid President Florentino Perez stood accused of “torpedoing” Barça’s attempts to land their top target through a $175 million bid rejected by Alvarez’s current employers Atletico Madrid.With the World Cup now underway, and Alvarez helping defend Argentina’s Qatar 2022 crown with Lionel Messi, we’ve not heard much about the 26-year-old’s transfer saga since.Julian Alvarez Is Prioritizing FC BarcelonaMundo Deportivo writes that the World Cup has opened an “impasse” and Alvarez’s club future is now in the background.In Catalonia, however, there is still faith in being able to land Alvarez, which is helped by the player prioritizing Barça above his other options.So far, Alvarez has turned down a couple of agreements struck by Atetlico with Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal because of this.This attitude is believed to be decisive if Alvarez is to don Blaugrana, and it’s highly valued by the likes of Sporting Director Deco and President Joan Laporta.That being said, coming out in public and stating his desire to join FC Barcelona might also help, and effectively force Atleti’s hand into accepting a proposal from one of their main domestic rivals.While that $116 million sum isn’t enough to land Alvarez given what Real Madrid offered, the overall value of the transfer could perhaps be increased by including a Barça player that Atleti have previously been interested in.That could be Marc Casado, who looks certain to leave his boyhood club this summer. Ferran Torres is another name, but Deco and Co. are reportedly looking to extend his contract, which expires on June 30, 2027.Selling Torres would leave Hansi Flick short of striker options even if Alvarez is made a new FC Barcelona player. Robert Lewandowski is set to depart in less than a fortnight, when he becomes a free agent currently linked to Chicago Fire.This article was originally published on Forbes.com

[SNS]With former Hearts boss Derek McInnes now in situ as Rangers head coach, he already knows he will be working with one familiar face.Lawrence Shankland agreed to join Rangers before flying out with Scotland for the World Cup.But could McInnes bring another Tynecastle stalwart to Ibrox with him in the shape of Cammy Devlin?The Australia midfielder, 28, is also at the World Cup but is out of contract at Hearts.When the Edinburgh club announced a list of departures at the end of last season, Devlin and similarly out of contract goalkeeper Craig Gordon were not among them, signalling they have not given up on retaining the pair.Since joining Hearts in 2021, Devlin has made 171 club appearances, scoring eight times. All five of his senior international appearances so far came while he was with Hearts.Devlin has been linked with a move to Major League Soccer but McInnes' switch to Ibrox will attract speculation about the Australian following his former manager. The midfielder knows the Scottish Premiership well and would offer Rangers a free transfer at a time when the Ibrox club have lost a clutch of players at the end of their loan deals.

“If you think this is a bad deal, what is your alternative?”

Nebraska football will host a major event at Memorial Stadium this weekend. The Huskers will host the Red Sea Rising event on Saturday night.The event will include the second annual Battle of the Boneyard 7-on-7 Tournament, and a special announcement will be made at the end of the night. Some of the top 7-on-7 teams from around the country are expected to participate in this weekend's tournament. Last year was the first time Nebraska hosted the Battle of the Boneyard 7-on-7, and the event was viewed as a massive success. When speaking to Sports Nightly on the radio on June 4, head coach Matt Rhule acknowledged the importance of the fan base in making events like the Red Sea Rising a success. "We have the best fan base in college sports. They're the most loyal fan base. For the finals, how can we fill that stadium up? Because we have people who love the Huskers and love the competition, they'll come watch."The head coach would like to see the crowd exceed 10,000 people on Saturday night. Rhule also believes that fans will be critical to making the event a successful recruiting weekend. "Let's show these recruits that we have the best facilities, we have a great place to live, we have a great education but we also have the best fans in the world. So that's kind of our thought of how we elevate it this year."The Battle of the Boneyard championship rounds begin in Memorial Stadium at approximately 7 p.m. CT. Contact/Follow us @CornhuskersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Nebraska news, notes and opinions.This article originally appeared on Cornhuskers Wire: Nebraska football to host Red Sea Rising event on Saturday night

Crystal Palace to rival Forest for Celtic midfielder Arne EngelsCrystal Palace are considering a move for Celtic midfielder Arne Engels, according to Sacha Tavolieri.The Eagles are preparing for a new era under recently appointed manager Pierre Sage, following a highly successful two-year spell under ex-gaffer Oliver Glasner.Palace are expected to be active in the transfer market this summer as they look to strengthen the squad and provide Sage with the tools needed to build on the club’s recent success.The French coach arrived at Selhurst Park earlier this month following Glasner’s exit.Glasner left the club at the end of his contract shortly after guiding Palace to Europa Conference League glory, adding another trophy to an impressive collection during his tenure.He had previously steered Palace to the FA Cup and Community Shield.Throughout his spell in south London, Glasner was vocal about his desire to see the club invest more in the squad. This summer will be a significant test of Palace’s long-term ambitions.However, they look to be moving in the right direction following links to Celtic’s Engels.The Belgian midfielder has been praised for his ‘world-class’ quality and has attracted interest from several clubs, including Nottingham Forest.Forest have reportedly earmarked him as an ideal replacement for Elliot Anderson, who is expected to leave City Ground this summer.Engels has built a strong reputation during his time in Scotland and has been praised for his technical quality and maturity in midfield.Former Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers previously described him as an ‘outstanding’ talent, and speculation surrounding the player’s future has been growing for some time.Earlier in the summer, there were reports that claimed a move away from Celtic Park could be on the cards, which left a number of clubs on alert.Palace and Forest are now poised to battle for his signature, and if his performances in Scotland are any indication, he could be a shrewd addition for whichever club gets to him first.Palace are also targeting a move for Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney, but are facing serious competition from Everton.

The Florida high school girls track and field season is in the books. Who was the best in 2026 for Jacksonville and Northeast Florida?For fans, here's your chance to vote for the top girls track and field athlete following the 2026 season across Jacksonville and Northeast Florida.Cast your vote for the top athlete in Jacksonville-area girls track and field in the Times-Union's fan poll. Note that the fan poll does not determine the Times-Union's All-First Coast awards, which are released in late June. Fan poll voting remains open through 10 a.m. Sunday, June 21.

A Dallas pub, The Londoner, was forced to close its doors during England's World Cup victory over Croatia, just a day after reporting sales of over 5,000 beers to jubilant fans. The establishment, a hub for England supporters, was shut down by the fire marshal following "the mayhem that descended on us," with social media footage showing extreme overcrowding.The pub had previously boasted about its impressive beer sales the night before the Three Lions' opening match.However, in a statement issued on Wednesday, The Londoner lamented that these sales did not account for the "destruction of our property and landscaping." While "incredibly grateful for the business," the pub reminded patrons it operates within a "complex of other businesses."It read: “We are closed for the rest of the day, on order of the fire marshal.England fans at the Londoner Pub on Mockingbird Lane, Dallas ahead of Englands opening game on Wednesday against Croatia. (PA)“Thank you to those of us who saw the mayhem that descended upon us and understand we did our very best to manage the situation.“The sales are overinflated in reports and do not account for the destruction of our property and landscaping.“We are incredibly grateful for the business and have done our absolute best to manage it.“Reminder to our guests: We are in a complex of other businesses, but there are also residences in Mockingbird Station.”The venue played host to hundreds of Three Lions supporters on Tuesday, which saw many defy police pleas to leave the premises.England fans at the Londoner Pub on Mockingbird Lane, Dallas (James Manning/PA) (PA Wire)During that evening, fans could be seen kicking a football up onto the pub’s balcony, with the ball occasionally landing on the bonnets of nearby vehicles.Plants were also dropped off the edge of the balcony by a very small group.A number of England fans stayed behind to help the clean-up efforts.Police officers entered the pub and ordered supporters to move on just before 10pm.An England fan picks up litter at the Londoner Pub. (PA)After the venue was cleared, a large number of fans remained on the balcony for another couple of hours.Officers confirmed the early closure was due to the venue reaching maximum capacity, with only two security guards on duty.Bar staff previously said 2,352 bottles of beer were sold, with more than 5,000 beers in total being shifted, and around £30,000 made from sales from the evening – although the figure has now been disputed.The Londoner Pub told customers it would be opening its doors again at 11am on Thursday.

Teens representing Great Bay Rowing capped off a record-breaking trip to the 2026 USRowing Youth National Championships with a bronze medal and multiple top-10 finishes, according to a community announcement.The championships were held June 11–14 at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, Florida.Boys Youth 2x takes bronzeRacing in the A Final June 14, Great Bay Rowing's Boys Youth 2x — Eric Berg of Dover and Brogan Fernald of Eliot, Maine — finished third in an extremely tight field, earning the title of third-fastest doubles boat in the country, according to the announcement. This was their second time racing the double and their first time in the A Final.Berg will row at Temple University in the fall, and Fernald has been invited to the U19 Selection Camp in California later this summer, where he hopes to earn a seat in a 2x or 4x for the U19 Worlds competition in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.Girls Youth 2x wins B Final, cracks top 10Great Bay Rowing's Girls Youth 2x — Hannah Bogle of Durham and Annabelle Getchell of South Berwick, Maine — won their B Final, finishing as the ninth-fastest boat in the nation. The result builds on the duo's strong showing last year, when they placed second in the U17 division at Youth Nationals.Team sets participation recordThis year, Great Bay Rowing brought its largest-ever contingent to Nationals: 16 athletes — 10 girls and 6 boys — competing across four days of racing, a new club record for participation at the national championship level, according to the announcement.Additional results include the Women’s Youth 4x, which placed 21st (Aurora Sawtell, Newmarket; Sydney Anderson, Seabrook; Bailey Everett, Barrington; and Jameson Hawkins, Amesbury, Massachusetts). The Women’s Youth 2V 4x also placed 21st overall (Sunny Geary, Wells, Maine; Maisie Johnson, Durham; Emmanuelle Blanchard, Portsmouth; and Caroline Sterndale, Durham). The Men’s U17 4x placed 31st (Braden Gilbert, Dover; Theodore Pastore, Portsmouth; Jackson F. of Durham; and Jack Bonello, Dover).Coach reacts to team's performance"This was an incredible four days for our club," said Hallie Cheyne, director of rowing of Great Bay Rowing. "To bring a record number of athletes to Nationals and have them rise to the occasion — racing against some of the fastest crews in the country — speaks to how much these kids have grown, both as athletes and as teammates."Cheyne added, "I'm proud of every single one of them. This group of athletes have led the charge in bringing GBR to a new level of dedication, training, competition, and love for the sport. I can't wait to see what's next for this group."This story was created by Kimberly Green, KGreen@usatodayco.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Great Bay Rowing brings home bronze, multiple top‑10 finishes at nationals

Elon Musk, founder and CEO of SpaceX, at the launch of the company’s initial public offering Spencer Platt/Getty Images A businessman with ties to Chinese military contractors was among the overseas investors who acquired stakes in SpaceX while it was still a private company. An entity linked to the Qatari royal family also took a stake. The new details come from a private investor list obtained by ProPublica that sheds light on a particularly delicate issue for Elon Musk’s rocket company: which people in countries like China bought into the company, and how. SpaceX built its business off sensitive U.S. government work like making spy satellites for the Pentagon. While there is no ban on Chinese investment in U.S. military contractors, such investment is heavily regulated. In a sign of its sensitivity to the concerns, SpaceX barred investors from China and Hong Kong from buying shares in its initial public offering last week due to “regulatory and compliance risks,” Bloomberg reported. The U.S. government alleges that China has a strategy of using investments in sensitive industries for espionage and to get access to cutting-edge technology. The company’s IPO last week was the largest ever, making Musk the world’s first trillionaire. Musk has extensive business interests in China, where Tesla builds many of its cars. The new records detail at least a dozen investors with addresses in mainland China, Hong Kong or Russia who acquired stakes in SpaceX years ago through a middleman firm in the U.S. called Tomales Bay Capital. The investments are relatively small, ranging from $800,000 to $40 million, and were made between 2018 and 2021. Do You Have Information We Should Know About Elon Musk’s Businesses? We’re still reporting. If you know more about SpaceX, please contact our reporting team. Justin Elliott I’m always looking for under-covered stories about business and politics, no matter the specific subject. Contact me with tips, by email or securely on Signal. I take confidentiality seriously. Contact Me One investment came from an entity owned by David Su, the co-founder of the prominent Beijing venture capital firm MPCi. The Su entity invested $15 million in a SpaceX fund in 2020, according to the investor list. It was not Su’s only foray into the space industry; his company has been a high-profile backer of some of SpaceX’s Chinese competitors. Two satellite companies that Su’s firm invested in were sanctioned by the U.S. government for allegedly assisting the notorious Russian mercenary organization the Wagner Group. One of the companies was sanctioned again last month for allegedly helping Iran attack U.S. military forces during the war. MPCi has also worked with Chinese government investment funds. Last year, the website for China’s Ministry of Science and Technology named Su’s firm as a partner in a state-backed effort to develop the country’s aerospace industry. There is no evidence that Su did anything improper. But the key question from the U.S. government’s perspective would be whether China-based investors got access to nonpublic information about SpaceX’s technology or strategies, said Sarah Bauerle Danzman, an Indiana University professor who has worked for the State Department scrutinizing foreign investments. “If an investor has conflicts of interests with other companies in China — if they could feed that information to competitors — it could be a national security concern,” she said. In a statement, MPCi said that Su “has not received any nonpublic information of SpaceX.” The statement described Su as “a Singapore citizen who resides in Singapore,” adding: “MPCi is a brand name with different teams and funds. Mr. Su is responsible for the US dollar funds.” According to a 2024 profile of him, Su “spent almost 100 per cent of his time in China over the last 20 years.” A lawyer for Tomales Bay Capital said in a statement that the firm “has not provided any non-public, sensitive information regarding SpaceX to investors.” He said the investors are passive limited partners: “Aside from fund financials that include quarterly valuations, Tomales Bay’s investors have not received any further information regarding SpaceX.” “The vast majority, if not all, of the investors included on the unsealed Tomales Bay investor list are not citizens of any foreign adversary, including Russia or China,” said the lawyer, Ryan Stonerock, “and certainly none of them are agents of Russia or China, or any other foreign adversary.” He added that some of the investors “may have mailing addresses listed” in Russia or China but do not actually live there “and are in fact citizens and residents of the United States or other countries that are not foreign adversaries.” SpaceX did not respond to questions. One of the Chinese space companies sanctioned by the U.S. government, Spacety, previously denied providing support to the Wagner Group. All the investors located in China or Russia that ProPublica identified appeared to be either wealthy businesspeople or their children. The new documents come from a corporate dispute in Delaware involving Tomales Bay Capital. The court records were unsealed this month after ProPublica moved to make them public, with the help of attorneys from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and the law firm Shaw Keller. Tomales Bay Capital appealed to the Delaware Supreme Court, which ruled in favor of ProPublica. Tomales Bay Capital is run by an investor named Iqbaljit Kahlon, who has long been close to SpaceX’s leadership and even involved in the company’s operations. SpaceX CFO Bret Johnsen, who’s worked there for 15 years, testified that Kahlon “has been with the company in one form or fashion longer than I have.” Before SpaceX went public, Kahlon made a fortune by acting as a middleman for investors hoping to add the rocket company to their portfolio. His firm regularly bought SpaceX stock, packaged it into investment funds and then charged fees to investors who bought pieces of those funds. In a 2021 pitch to one potential investor in China, Kahlon promised special access to SpaceX, including quarterly updates on the company’s business development, “visits to SpaceX, and the opportunities to interview with Space X’s CFO,” according to the meeting minutes, which later appeared in court records. While ProPublica and other outlets have previously reported on the existence of Chinese investors in SpaceX, the identities of most of the rocket company’s investors have been closely guarded. The Kahlon investor list adds hundreds of names to the public picture of who owns SpaceX. The list details investments in several Tomales Bay Capital funds that have acquired SpaceX stock; it is possible that some of the funds own stakes in other companies too. Some of the SpaceX investors on Kahlon’s ledger are easy to identify: the Indian politician Abhishek Singhvi; Betsy DeVos, the former U.S. secretary of education; a British Virgin Islands company owned by Indonesian billionaires. But others on the list are shell companies whose ultimate owners remain hidden. One such company is a Delaware LLC called HAL9001 Partners Fund I, which invested roughly $10 million in a SpaceX fund in 2020. The incorporation documents for HAL9001 were signed by the venture capitalist Roman Sobachevskiy. The Treasury Department recently fined a company that was co-owned by Sobachevskiy hundreds of millions of dollars for managing a different investment on behalf of a sanctioned Russian oligarch. Sobachevskiy has not been personally accused of wrongdoing. A Tomales Bay Capital spokesperson said that the oligarch “had no involvement with the investment.” Sobachevskiy did not respond to questions, including who put up the money for the SpaceX investment. The records also shed some light on the connections between SpaceX and Qatar. Funds affiliated with Bracket Capital — an investment firm with offices in Los Angeles, London and Qatar — invested about $48 million through a series of deals from 2017 through 2020, the documents show. Bracket has money from the Qatari royal family, according to an email that Kahlon sent to SpaceX’s CFO. The ledger also lists Doha, Qatar, as the address for a mysterious entity called AM FIG Cayman Limited, which invested around $10 million in 2020. The documents do not specify whether the Bracket investments were made on behalf of the royal family or some other client. In 2021, as Kahlon was soliciting backers for yet another SpaceX deal, he texted a Bracket employee: “At the end we can just send Yalda to talk to big guy. We need a bail out lol.” (Yalda Aoukar is Bracket’s co-founder. It’s unclear whether the “big guy” refers to a member of the royal family and what Kahlon meant by “a bail out.”) Bracket did not respond to requests for comment. The investments covered in the ledger were tiny percentages of SpaceX but would have generated windfalls. The company’s valuation has exploded in recent years, from $33.3 billion in 2019 to $2.7 trillion as of Wednesday morning. Last year, ProPublica reported on SpaceX’s unusual approach to accepting money from Chinese investors. According to testimony from the Delaware case, the company allowed Chinese investors to buy stakes in SpaceX so long as the money was routed through the Cayman Islands or other offshore secrecy hubs. The post Before SpaceX IPO, Investors in China Secretly Acquired Stakes appeared first on ProPublica.

Richard Hughes left with agonising decision as surprise talks begin for loan dealLiverpool are undertaking a big change at the back. The outgoing Premier League champions have lost Ibrahima Konate on a free with the Frenchman destined to join Real Madrid. With Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez out of contract in 2027 it promises to be a year of major upheaval at the heart of defence.Jeremy Jacquet is being brought in as a £60m signing from Rennes while Ifeanyi Ndukwe - a promising Austrian defender - is coming in from Austria Vienna.Those two will join Mor Talla Ndiaye as one of Andoni Iraola’s new centre-back options having joined from FC Amitie in Senegal in January.Juventus consider loan offer for Giovanni LeoniAnd what of Giovanni Leoni?The teenager was signed from Parma for £26m back in 2025 - but suffered a torn ACL on debut. Having missed practically the entire 2025/26 season the 19-year-old is now back in contention for a first-team place.But a report in Mondo Primavera - citing the print edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport - is claiming that Leoni could be on his way back to Italy.Because talks have commenced between the player’s entourage, Liverpool and Juventus over a proposed loan deal.Juve's aggressive pursuit of Giovanni Leoni“The Bianconeri have aggressively pursued Giovanni Leoni,” the report reads.“The club's primary objective is to bring in promising players, especially Italians, who are considered ideal for rebuilding a strong identity and a solid foundation within the Juventus locker room.“The chosen formula is a temporary loan, a solution that would allow the Juventus medical and technical staff to test the defender's full fitness on the pitch during the first few months of the season.”Leoni needs match rhythmLiverpool could well sanction the deal to allow Leoni to build match rhythm and fitness before bringing him back into the fold.But Juve - moving under a new direction after missing out on Champions League football - have a plan to add Leoni on a permanent basis.“The Turin management's plan is to include a permanent purchase option in the agreement, to be exercised and negotiated at the end of the next season, with a buy-out window set for June 2027,” the report reads.“Contacts between the player's entourage and the two clubs have officially begun.”It remains to be seen what the club’s answer will be.On one hand it would be a surprise considering the dearth of centre-backs at Anfield. But using Leoni as a regular starter could be a perilous move given his rookie status and relative lack of match action.

DALLAS, TEXAS - JUNE 17: Thomas Tuchel Manager / Head Coach of England during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match between England and Croatia at Dallas Stadium on June 17, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Wildcard is one of the most useful chips in FIFA World Cup Fantasy, but the timing of when you use it can have a big effect on your results for that match day.Some managers prefer to use it early to take advantage of good fixtures, while others save it for later when the tournament becomes harder to predict. The best choice depends on your plan and how you want to manage your team across the competition.What Does the Wildcard Do?The Wildcard lets you make unlimited transfers in one round without losing any points, which means you can fully rebuild your team if you want. It helps you react to form, injuries, and changing fixtures so your squad stays competitive.However, it cannot be used in the first group matchday or the Round of 32 because free transfers are already available in those stages, which makes early planning more structured.READ MORE: FIFA World Cup Fantasy Chips Explained: When to Play Each One for Maximum PointsPopular Strategy: Use It in Round 3One of the most common times to use the Wildcard is Round 3 of the group stage, when the situation in many groups becomes clearer. At this stage, some teams may already have qualified and could rest key players in their final group match, which creates uncertainty for fantasy managers because important players may not start or may not play full minutes.This is why many people start thinking about changes at this point instead of sticking with their original team.At the same time, finishing top of the group is very important for countries like Brazil and Spain because it can give them a better path in the knockout stage. Because of this, even qualified teams often still try to win their final group games and may still use their strongest players, which makes those matches more competitive than they first look.Round 3 can also bring tougher games for players who performed well earlier, since opponents change and some fixtures become more difficult. When this happens, the Wildcard becomes useful because it allows you to reset your squad and bring in players who still have something to prove and are more likely to play full matches. For many managers, this makes Round 3 the best time to refresh the team before the knockout stage begins.Differential Strategy: Save It for the Knockout StageEven though Round 3 is the most popular choice, some managers still choose to save their Wildcard for the knockout rounds. After the Round of 32 or Round of 16, many teams will be out of the tournament. This can leave you with players who no longer have any matches, and your team can become weak if you cannot replace them. It is worth noting that the number of transfers you can make also increases as the competition nears the closing stage. .wc-fantasy-table-wrap { overflow-x: auto; margin: 20px 0; } .wc-fantasy-table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 600px; } .wc-fantasy-table th, .wc-fantasy-table td { border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px 12px; } .wc-fantasy-table th { background: #f5f5f5; font-weight: 600; text-align: left; } .wc-fantasy-table .section { background: #e9ecef; font-weight: 700; text-align: center; } .wc-fantasy-table td:last-child, .wc-fantasy-table th:last-child { text-align: center; } Tournament StageFree TransfersFIFA World Cup Fantasy 2026 Transfer AllocationPre-TournamentUnlimitedBefore Matchday 22Before Matchday 32Before Round of 32UnlimitedBefore Round of 164Before Quarter-finals4Before Semi-finals5Before Final6Nevertheless, at that point, the Wildcard becomes a full reset. It helps you rebuild your team from scratch. You can remove players from teams that are out, bring in players from teams still playing, and adjust your team based on the new fixtures without transfer limits. This makes it easier to stay strong as the tournament moves on.Looking ahead, there could be big surprises where teams we do not expect get knocked out early and do not reach the later stages. When this happens, it can change the whole tournament very fast and can affect fantasy teams that are not ready for it.Final Thought There is no single best time to use the Wildcard because both early and late use can work depending on your plan. Round 3 is the most common choice since it helps with rotation and lets you improve your team before the knockout stage with better information on players who are still active.Saving it for the Round of 16 or Quarter-finals can also work well because it gives you more flexibility when teams are eliminated and the tournament becomes harder to predict. This suits managers who prefer reacting to changes instead of planning too early.In the end, Round 3 is usually the safer option for steady points, while a later use gives more flexibility in the knockout rounds.READ MORE: FIFA World Cup Fantasy: Must-Have Players Before the Matchday 2 Deadline

Ex-FC Barcelona star Marc Cucurella has broken his silence on joining Real Madrid from Chelsea during an interview with El Mundo. Getty ImagesEx-FC Barcelona star Marc Cucurella has broken his silence on joining Real Madrid from Chelsea during an interview with El Mundo. Cucurella had been linked with a possible return to his boyhood club this summer, after publicly flirting with the Blaugrana and admitting that the prospect would be “hard to turn down” while on international duty.Out of nowhere, however, a re-elected Florentino Perez tabled a $69.3 million (€60 million) offer for the left back swiftly accepted by Chelsea, which made him Spain’s only Los Blancos star at the World Cup.Speaking out regarding the move, Cucurella admitted that it’s all happened so quickly. “Everything was done in a day and a half or two. For me it’s much better, much faster, without any headaches,” he said.Cucurella Risks Enraging FC Barcelona Fans With His Comments About Real MadridAlready booed by suspected Barca fans in the stands watching Spain’s opening World Cup 2026 draw with Cabo Verde on Monday, Cucurella risks angering them further with comments about switching to their arch rivals.“There were different options, but when the Madrid offer came, I didn’t hesitate. I think it’s a unique opportunity. Playing for Real Madrid is an honor, and not many players can say that. It has a mystique. I don’t know how to describe it. It’s unpredictable. I think that’s been seen many times in the historic comebacks,” Cucurella explained.“Life has different stages. I’ve had to make an important decision, and I have no doubts. Every footballer dreams of competing at the elite level and for great clubs. When you’re a child, you dream of playing for great teams, and I think Real Madrid is one of them. It’s the team with the most Champions League titles in the world,” he added.With those remarks, Cucurella is bound to enrage Culers. Raised in the village of Alella in the Maresme region, around 15 miles east of the Spotify Camp Nou, he is a La Masia product that owes his fellow Catalans everything.Joining Madrid is one thing. Yet praising them in such a manner is unforgiveable and can put him in the same bracket as Luis Figo.Figo famously made the ultimate betrayal in 2000 when Perez became Real Madrid president for the first time. He had fake peseta notes, lighters and even a pig’s head thrown at him when returning to Catalonia for the first time to play in El Clasico, following his world record switch.Cucurella is setting himself up for a similar frosty reception, though he seems to care very little after being booed throughout Euro 2024 by Germans and then for Spain again at the turn of the week.FC Barcelona’s Squad Planning Changes in Light of Cucurella’s Madrid MoveIn terms of FC Barcelona’s squad planning, Cucurella’s move to Madrid is good news for Alejandro Balde. He’ll now have less competition for the left back spot after ‘Cucu’ took it away from him in the Spain national team, though we also have to wait and see if Joao Cancelo’s loan from Al-Hilal is made permanent in the coming weeks.This article was originally published on Forbes.com

BILBAO, SPAIN - APRIL 21: Victor Munoz of CA Osasuna looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Athletic Club and CA Osasuna at Estadio de San Mames on April 21, 2026 in Bilbao, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images) | Getty Images Thanks to reporting from Sky Sports’ Keith Downie, whom the Liverpool FC fanbase made an acquaintance of last summer during the Alexander Isak transfer saga, the Victor Munoz transfer came together fairly rapidly, within twenty-four hours.🚨 Newcastle thought they had a deal in place for Victor Muñoz — before a late Liverpool hijack. ✔️ 💰 Newcastle had a fee of £29m (+£4.3m) ACCEPTED by Osasuna and the player had AGREED personal terms and told #NUFC he wanted to sign. Agent fees were also agreed. 👨🏻‍⚕️ Newcastle… pic.twitter.com/HhOXq9Lk2g— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) June 18, 2026The move does indeed have the hallmarks of previous FSG-era Liverpool transfers, where a deal sprang out of nowhere and was completed quickly, like Fabinho, or the time the Reds gazumped Tottenham for Luis Diaz.It’s especially similar to the Diaz deal, where it was revealed that LFC’s recruitment was always in contact with the player’s representatives and entered the fray once it looked like he may move to another club. It’s an especially bad look for Newcastle, who have seemingly made a habit of long, played-out negotiations for lower fees, only for another party to swoop in.Víctor Muñoz is by no means a finished product, but he’s already a Spanish international and adds speed, intensity and pressing, some ingredients we desperately lacked throughout last season. He will become the first new piece of Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool team. Welcome to Anfield, Victor.

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLCDave Portnoy has found another way to stir up Knicks fans after New York ended its 53-year NBA title drought.The Barstool Sports founder has made it clear he respects the Knicks’ players, especially Jalen Brunson. But he has also been critical of the fan base, and his latest post leaned into the World Cup to make his point.The timing gave it some bite. The Knicks clinched the title on June 13, just as the 2026 World Cup was ramping up. The tournament had started two days earlier and was already in full swing.Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty ImagesDave Portnoy Knicks World Cup comment targets New York title hypeDave Portnoy on X mocked Knicks fans for still riding the championship high during the early days of the World Cup.He wrote: “I actually think it’s hilarious Knicks fans are still trying to make the Knicks a thing when all anybody cares about is the World Cup.”It was classic Portnoy. The Knicks had just wrapped up the Finals with a 94-90 win over the Spurs, closing out the series 4-1 and finally bringing a title back to New York.But the World Cup had also taken over the global sports calendar. The expanded 48-team tournament was underway across the United States, Canada and Mexico, with matches dominating daily coverage.Knicks NBA Finals win still gives Portnoy plenty to argue withPortnoy’s comment followed several days of mixed reaction from him. He praised Brunson and called the team likable, but criticized Knicks fans and the way New York celebrated the title.It is hard to argue with the basketball side of things. Brunson dropped 45 points in the clincher and was named Finals MVP after leading the Knicks through another comeback win.That is why the World Cup comparison felt more like another jab at the fan base than a real critique of the team. Portnoy has been consistent in separating the Knicks roster from the culture around them.Fans online mostly saw the post as bait, with many pointing out that a New York championship after 53 years was not going to fade quietly, World Cup or not.Portnoy knows that. His post hit the exact nerve he wanted, Knicks fans still celebrating while he tried to tell them the rest of the sports world had already moved on.Read more:How England fans celebrated 4-2 win over Croatia using a Donald Trump bannerHow US – Iran agreement can impact Iranian National Team at FIFA World CupSoccer fans blast Dan Patrick for comparing Lionel Messi’s career to NFL legend Eli Manning

The attack, which shut down the city’s airports for several hours, appeared to be the biggest wave of drone strikes on Russia’s capital since the start of the war.

Henry makes bold claim about Cristiano Ronaldo’s effect on Bruno FernandesArsenal icon Thierry Henry has criticised Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo for putting personal accolades ahead of team glory. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was in the starting XI for Portugal, alongside Red Devils captain Bruno Fernandes, for their 1-1 draw against Congo in their opening 2026 FIFA World Cup group-stage tie. Portugal went ahead in the sixth minute through Joao Neves, but Yoane Wissa drew Congo level at the stroke of half-time, with the two teams going on to share the spoils. Ronaldo played the entire 90 minutes but registered just 25 touches of the ball. The former United man managed three shots, none of which were on target, did not register any dribbles, but won two of his three aerial duels. There was a particular moment involving Joao Cancelo and Fernandes after the break when Portugal had the chance to go ahead.However, the ball intended for the current United skipper was intercepted by Ronaldo, who lashed it wide. Following the game, Henry used this sequence of play to highlight where things went wrong for Portugal. United legend urged to put the team ahead of himselfSpeaking on Fox Sports, Henry insisted that Ronaldo must learn to put the team ahead of his personal glory. The Frenchman said: “One thing that is important people, please, at home: The team needs to score, not you need to score.”“Cristiano Ronaldo has been in that situation multiple times. If you make that run here, you make the defender make a decision to crash the six-yard box. But because he wants to score, he goes into the path of Bruno Fernandes.”“If he goes into the six-yard box — you’ve been in that situation, Alexi — you would’ve had to follow him, and it would’ve been a tap in for Bruno Fernandes. But because he wants to score, he goes into the path of the back pass. You see both players, and it’s easier for you to defend. That’s my thing: The team needs to score, not you.”Former United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic also echoed Henry’s sentiments, adding: “Normally, as a striker, you go from first post to second post to bring the defender with you to open the space for the guy behind. So, obviously you made the wrong choice here, Cristiano.”Portugal have to help RonaldoHenry went on to point out that Ronaldo is no longer the player he was and that the Portugal team must provide him with better chances. He said: “If you play with Cristiano Ronaldo, the other guys need to do a tiny bit more in terms of running in behind and trying to help him because we know what he is right now.”“He’s not going to run into the channel. He’s not going to stretch a team. You need to feed him in the box in order for him to score goals. In the first half, they were very passive in terms of running in behind, because we all know he isn’t that type of guy anymore. If you want him to score, you have to feed him.”On Wednesday, Ronaldo became the oldest outfield player to feature at the FIFA World Cup, and equalled Lionel Messi’s feat of featuring in six editions of the mega event. The Portuguese is now attempting to become the first player to score in six World Cups. Meanwhile, Fernandes, who is coming off a record-breaking season with United, also had a quiet game against Congo. However, things could have been very different had the 31 year old been afforded that one chance to turn the game in the second half. Bruno Fernandes Stats: 2025/26 SeasonSource: Transfermarkt. Henry went on to hint at a growing tension between Ronaldo and the rest of his team-mates, concluding: “You saw the reaction of Bruno Fernandes behind, going like: ‘Let it roll, make a run, create space, so I can tap it in.’ And that’s my thing.”Final ThoughtsMessi’s blistering start to the 2026 World Cup has put further pressure on Ronaldo. The Al-Nassr man, though, would be better advised to take a step back and allow Fernandes to become Portugal’s new talisman. Featured image Yasser Bakhsh 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

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JUNE 16: Michael Olise of France gestures during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between France and Senegal at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 16, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images) | Getty Images The 12th Man booster can be one of the most effective chips in World Cup Fantasy, especially during the group stage when favorable fixtures create opportunities for explosive returns.Unlike your captaincy pick, the 12th Man allows you to target a premium player without restructuring your squad or using valuable transfers. With several tournament favorites facing favorable opponents in Matchday 2, this may be the perfect week to activate the chip.Here are three of the strongest 12th Man candidates based on fixture quality, role within their teams, and potential for a big fantasy haul.Harry Kane (England) – $10.5mWhy Kane stands outIf you’re looking for the safest premium option, Harry Kane is difficult to overlook.England’s captain remains the focal point of everything the Three Lions do in attack. He is on penalty duties, rarely leaves the pitch early, and has built a reputation for punishing weaker opponents on the international stage.The matchup against Ghana is particularly appealing. England will be expected to dominate possession and create plenty of chances, putting Kane in a prime position to deliver attacking returns.One of the biggest advantages of selecting Kane as your 12th Man is that many managers may already have alternative captaincy plans elsewhere in Matchday 2. That makes the England striker an ideal chip target without forcing difficult decisions around the armband.Why he makes the list:England’s primary goal scorerFirst-choice penalty takerStrong history of producing against weaker oppositionExcellent fixture against GhanaVinícius Júnior (Brazil) – $10.0mBrazil’s biggest attacking threatBrazil didn’t fully hit top gear in Matchday 1, but Vinícius Júnior still delivered.The Real Madrid star rescued a point for his country against Morocco and once again demonstrated why he remains Brazil’s most dangerous attacker. His pace, direct running, and ability to create something out of nothing make him a constant fantasy threat.Brazil now faces Haiti in what looks like one of the most favorable fixtures of Matchday 2. While there is always some concern about potential rotation later in the group stage, Vinícius is exactly the type of player capable of producing a double-digit score before any substitutions become relevant.For managers who don’t currently own him, the 12th Man chip provides an easy route into one of the tournament’s elite fantasy assets without tearing apart the rest of their squad.Why he makes the list:Already delivered in Matchday 1Brazil heavily favored against HaitiOne of the tournament’s elite attackersHigh ceiling for goals and bonus pointsMichael Olise (France) – $9.5mA smart alternative to Kylian MbappéFrance’s clash with Iraq is expected to attract plenty of fantasy investment, but not everyone can easily fit Kylian Mbappé into their team.That’s where Michael Olise becomes an intriguing 12th Man option.The French playmaker offers multiple routes to points. Whether operating centrally or from a wide position, Olise is heavily involved in chance creation and set-piece situations. His creativity makes him one of France’s most reliable attacking outlets, particularly against opponents likely to spend large portions of the match defending.With many managers expected to captain Mbappé, Olise offers a different way to benefit from France’s favorable matchup while avoiding major squad changes.Why he makes the list:Excellent fixture against IraqStrong assist potentialInvolved in set piecesEasier to fit than MbappéREAD MORE: FIFA World Cup Fantasy 2026: Best Matchday 2 Wildcard Team (3-4-3)Honorable MentionsLamine Yamal (Spain)Spain’s draw against Cape Verde was one of the surprises of Matchday 1, but Lamine Yamal remains one of the most talented players at the tournament. Spain needs a result against Saudi Arabia, and the teenager could be heavily involved if he receives increased minutes.Mohamed Salah (Egypt)For managers looking for a differential, Salah deserves consideration. Egypt faces New Zealand, and the Liverpool legend remains the team’s undisputed talisman and penalty taker.Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)Portugal’s meeting with Uzbekistan presents an opportunity for Ronaldo to remind fantasy managers why he remains a dangerous option. His goal-scoring instincts and penalty duties always give him upside in favorable fixtures. .wc-fantasy-table-wrap { overflow-x: auto; margin: 20px 0; } .wc-fantasy-table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit; min-width: 600px; } .wc-fantasy-table th, .wc-fantasy-table td { border: 1px solid #d9d9d9; padding: 12px 14px; text-align: left; } .wc-fantasy-table th { background: #0f172a; color: #fff; font-weight: 700; } .wc-fantasy-table tr:nth-child(even) { background: #f8fafc; } .wc-fantasy-table tr:hover { background: #eef6ff; } .wc-fantasy-table .rank-1 { background: #dcfce7; font-weight: 700; } .wc-fantasy-table .rank-2 { background: #eff6ff; } .wc-fantasy-table .rank-3 { background: #fafafa; } @media (max-width: 768px) { .wc-fantasy-table th, .wc-fantasy-table td { padding: 10px; font-size: 14px; } } RankPlayerOpponent🥇 1Harry KaneGhana🥈 2Vinícius JúniorHaiti🥉 3Michael OliseIraqREAD MORE: FIFA World Cup Fantasy: Is Matchday 2 the Best Time to Wildcard?

Real Madrid sign Ibrahima Konaté from Liverpool; French defender signs until 2030Real Madrid have confirmed the signing of Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer from Liverpool.The France international has signed a four-year contract with the Spanish side and will officially become a Real Madrid player when his contract at Anfield expires on July 1st.Konate moves toLa Liga after failing to reach terms on a new contract at Liverpool. The 27-year-old spent five seasons with the Reds, in which he won the Premier League, FA Cup, and two League Cup trophies.Real Madrid have confirmed his signing via an official statement, with the central defender becoming the club's third signing of the summer, following deals for Marc Cucurella and Bernardo Silva."Real Madrid C. F. and Ibrahima Konaté have reached an agreement for him to become a Real Madrid player for the next four seasons, until June 30, 2030,"the statement said.Real Madrid have also agreed a deal to sign Denzel Dumfries from Inter Milan after activating the release clause in the Dutch defender's deal.The Spaniard are planning a bold summer of recruitment after two trophyless seasons at the Bernabeu.Jose Mourinho has returned to Real Madrid as head coach, with a central midfielder and forward also on the club's agenda.The La Liga giants saw a€150m bid for Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez rejected earlier this summer and have a four-player shortlist of potential midfield additions, which includes Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez and West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes.

Stuttgart confirm signing of Dutch forwardVfB Stuttgart have confirmed the signing of 20-year-old Dutch striker Tim van der Leij.The forward makes the switch to Germany from RKC Waalwijk on a four-year contract.“This is a fantastic step for me and a big opportunity. I’m really looking forward to playing for VfB," said van der Leij, who scored 17 goals in 38 games for the Dutch second division side last season."I’ve watched a few of their games and have obviously seen the progress young players have been making in Stuttgart of late. I also want to develop step by step, and I’m really excited to get to know all my team-mates soon and be successful with the club.”VfB Stuttgart sporting director Christian Gentner commented:“Tim is a very talented striker with an exciting profile. He delivered good performances for Waalwijk last season and caught the eye with a lot of goals. We’ll support Tim in taking the next steps in his development at VfB and look forward to our future together.”

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission. It’s time for New Yorkers to celebrate. For the first time in 53 years, the New York Knicks are NBA champions, and the franchise will get its first ticker-tape parade on Thursday. According to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, it could be the largest such parade that New York City has ever seen.More from Rolling StoneHere's Where You Can Still Snag Tickets to Phoebe Bridgers' Sold-Out TourJalen Brunson, Josh Hart to Throw Out First Pitch at Yankees Stadium Tonight: Stream the Baseball Game Online FreeWhere to Buy Tickets to Gracie Abrams' Upcoming 'The Look at My Life' Tour At a Glance: How to Watch the Knicks NYC Parade Stream free: DirecTV, YouTube TV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TVStream outside of New York: ExpressVPNTV channels: MSG Network, FOX 5, ABC7 New York, and NBC 4Date, start time: Thursday, June 18 at 10 a.m. ET “For more than 50 years, New Yorkers have waited for this moment. Through near misses, heartbreak, and a hope that every year could be our year, this city never stopped believing in the Knicks. And this team fulfilled that hope with grit, resilience, and heart — just like the five boroughs itself,” said Mamdani in a statement. “New Yorkers have cheered for our team from packed living rooms in the Bronx to watch parties in Brooklyn, from bars in Queens to Staten Island to Manhattan, and Madison Square Garden itself. Now it’s time for our city to celebrate together. Bing bong.” The parade will start at Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan, before making its way up Broadway to City Hall. Once at City Hall, Mayor Mamdani will present each team member with a Key to the City. All are welcome to watch the Knicks parade in person, but if you’re unable to attend, you can stream the parade online. Read on to find out how. Where to Watch the Knicks NYC Parade Online for Free The Knicks parade will air locally in the New York City area on MSG Network, FOX 5, ABC7 New York, and NBC 4. Here are four live-TV streaming services that carry these channels and offer trials that you can use to stream the Knicks parade for free.Not located in the NYC area? Scroll down further to find out how you can still catch the parade. EDITOR'S PICK DirecTV get free trial ➤ Five-day free trial➤ $39.99/month➤ Up to 185+ channels DirecTV carries local FOX, ABC, and NBC in several packages, and it starts with a five-day free trial that you can use to watch the Knicks parade for free. Some plans also carry MSG Network in New York. After the trial, DirecTV pricing (for plans with local coverage) starts at $39.99 a month. BEST FOR SPORTS Fubo get free trial ➤ $55.99/month➤ Five-day free trial➤ Up to 300+ channels Fubo offers ABC7, FOX5, and MSG Network coverage to New Yorkers. The cable streamer’s plans start at $55.99 a month, but you get a free trial before paying.get free trial ➤ 21-day free trial➤ $54.99/month➤ Up to 100+ channels YouTube TV is another great way to watch the Knicks parade online without cable. The popular streaming service starts with a seven-day free trial (use that to stream the parade for free), and starts at $54.99 a month once the trial ends. Hulu + Live TV get free trial ➤ $89.99/month➤ Three-day free trial➤ 95+ channels Another live-TV streaming service that carries local NYC channels is Hulu + Live TV. Plans start with a three-day free trial before pricing kicks in at $89.99 a month. How to Stream the Knicks Parade Outside of New York If you’re a New Yorker traveling outside of the New York City area, you won’t be able to access the Knicks parade livestreams on local channels using the services above. However, you can access those streams of local channels by using a VPN (virtual private network) to access servers in New York City. Our favorite VPN service is ExpressVPN, which costs about $13 a month and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. It lets you connect to servers all over the world — including New York City for a Knicks parade livestream.get expressvpn When Is the Knicks Parade? The Knicks parade will take place on Thursday, June 18 at 10 a.m. ET.Best of Rolling StoneThe Best Audiophile Turntables for Your Home Audio SystemSign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Nature, Published online: 18 June 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-01910-0Embryonic ‘organizer cells’ can tell embryos of various phyla what kind of body to build.

An 87 day wait remains before the New Orleans Saints open up their 2026 regular season. They'll be on the road to do it, playing at the Detroit Lions on Sunday, Sept. 13. Wearing No. 87 for the Saints is tight end Noah Fant, one of several newcomers on the offensive side of the ball.Fant was a somewhat surprising free agent signing to many. Nevertheless, he's expected to be a big contributor to the Saints offense and a new-look tight end position. Fant is also our Saints Player of the Day, so here's a closer look at his career to date.Name (age): Noah Fant (28)Hometown: Omaha, Neb.Position: Tight endHeight, weight: 6-foot-4, 249 poundsCollege: Iowa HawkeyesRelative Athletic Score: 9.89Drafted: Round 1, 20th overall in 2019 (Denver Broncos)NFL experience: 7 years (1st with Saints)2026 salary cap hit: $3 millionOut of Omaha South High School in Nebraska, Fant set state receiving records before committing to the Iowa Hawkeyes. He saw moderate action as a freshman in 2016, catching 9 passes for 70 yards and a score. In 2017, Fant set a national NCAA record and an Iowa school record with 11 touchdown receptions by a tight end. His 30 catches for 494 yards were also both second on the team. His production was even better in 2018, pulling in 39 receptions for 519 yards and a team-best 7 scores to earn 1st Team All-Big Ten accolades.Both Iowa tight ends, Fant and T.J. Hockenson, were first round picks in the 2019 NFL Draft. Hockenson went eighth overall to the Detroit Lions, while the Denver Broncos selected Fant with the 20th overall choice. As a rookie, Fant recorded 40 catches for 562 yards and 3 scores. That production went up in 2020 with 62 receptions for 673 yards and 3 touchdowns, with his 93 targets second on the team. Fant would have the best season of his seven-year career for the Broncos in 2021. He had 68 receptions for 620 yards and caught 4 touchdowns, leading Denver in receptions.During the 2022 offseason, Fant was part of an enormous trade that brought quarterback Russell Wilson to Denver and sent him and several draft picks to the Seattle Seahawks. He played three years in Seattle, grabbing a total of 130 passes for 1,400 yards and 5 touchdowns. His best year was his first, catching 50 balls for 486 yards and 4 scores. During 2025 free agency, Fant signed a one-year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals. He had 34 receptions for 288 yards but 3 scores for the Bengals last season. The yardage, average yards per catch, and total offensive snaps were the lowest of his NFL career thus far.Fant comes to New Orleans with terrific athleticism that makes him a coverage mismatch for defenses. His intermediate routes aren't consistently precise, but he has the speed to make big plays down the field or turn a short pass into a big gain. Fant is also an effective but underrated blocker, making him an asset for the running game and key weapon as an in-line tight end. An underrated aspect of Fant's game is his durability. He's missed just seven games during his seven-year NFL career.Noah Fant will not start in New Orleans. He'll play behind Juwan Johnson but adds a similar type of receiving threat. Fant will also have a fight to hold onto that second spot with the addition of rookie third round draft choice Oscar Delp in the mix. Johnson, Fant, and Delp gives the Saints a versatile trio of tight ends to open up the offensive playbook, perhaps the best trio at the position in the NFL currently.This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Countdown to Kickoff: Noah Fant is the Saints Player of Day 87

Real Madrid new signing praises Lamine Yamal: ‘Don’t think everyone would be able to cope’Marc Cucurella has been in the headlines in Spain after he signed for Real Madrid, turning down a chance to return to FC Barcelona as well as refusing Atletico Madrid.A former La Masia trainee, the Spanish left-back was very much on the agenda for the Blaugrana but ended up choosing to sign for their arch-rivals in a deal worth €55 million plus another €5 million in add-ons.Now, in an interview with El Mundo (h/t SPORT), Cucurella opened up on his decision to join Real Madrid over Barça and Atletico Madrid, while also praising teenage superstar Lamine Yamal.Praise for LamineOne of the players carrying much of Spain’s hopes at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup is Lamine, and Cucurella believes the Barcelona winger has developed significantly since the European Championship.“I’ve noticed he’s changed a lot since the European Championship; I think he’s much more mature now. He’s been playing professional football for many years now, so he knows what he has to do,” Cucurella said.“I’m really pleased to be able to enjoy watching him play, to have him in our national team, and I hope he’s made a full recovery from his injury and will be a great help to us.”The defender was keen to stress that fame has not altered Yamal’s personality.Lamine Yamal is a superstar at 18. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)“It’s incredible. I went on holiday to Dubai and even came across a poster of Lamine there. But he’s handling it very well, very naturally; he’s still the same biy. More mature, but the same boy he was when he wasn’t such a star or so famous,” he said.“That’s the best thing about him – the way he handles these things so naturally at his age. And at that age, at 18. I don’t think everyone would be able to cope with that.”Cucurella on Real Madrid moveCucurella explained that his transfer to Real Madrid was completed remarkably quickly.“Yes, absolutely. I think it was all sorted in a day and a half or two. As far as I’m concerned, it was much better, much quicker, and without any headaches,” he said.The former Chelsea defender acknowledged that he had other options available but insisted Madrid’s interest made the decision straightforward.Cucurella joined Real Madrid instead of Barcelona. (Photo by Manuel Velasquez/Getty Images)“When the offer from Madrid came in, I didn’t think twice; I think it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. At the end of the day, playing for Real Madrid is an honour and not many players can say that, so I had no doubts whatsoever. “I think both I and those around me – my family – were clear that this was an opportunity we couldn’t turn down, and I’m very happy with the decision we’ve made.”Cucurella’s move is particularly notable given his background in Barcelona’s academy. However, he believes football careers are shaped by different stages and opportunities.“Life has different stages. In this case, I’ve had to make an important decision and I have no doubts; I think it’s a huge step for me. “When you’re a child, you dream of playing for the big clubs, and I think Real Madrid is one of them – it’s the club with the most Champions League titles in the world – and I hope to win trophies with them and have a wonderful spell there.”

🎥 Beer, tackles, ice hockey: World Cup fans go wild!The 2026 World Cup has now been in full swing for a week. And while the tournament has already produced plenty of highlights on the pitch, one group in particular is really delivering: football fans from all over the world.Everyone’s darling, of course, are once again the Scots. The Tartan Army has Boston firmly under its control and, in proper fashion, has made sure that nearly all bars and breweries are running out of beer. But the Scots are not just ever-present with a glass in hand.The other supporters from the British Isles are also traditionally in a party mood. The English fans, too, have already produced one viral clip or another and are quite clearly having a great time in North America.But football fanatics can be more than just wild — they can also be absolutely adorable. A young Uzbek fan experienced that after his team conceded against Colombia.Which moments and which groups of fans have impressed you the most at this World Cup so far? Let us know in the comments!This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

Several important members of this Indianapolis Colts team will be entering the final year of thier current deals.The level of change we see take place next offseason will be tied to how the team performs in 2026. Another missed postseason appearance could lead to sweeping changes from the front office to the coaching staff and on the roster.Here are five key players set to be free agents in 2027.DT DeForest BucknerAgainst both the run and the pass, Buckner has been a force in the middle of the Colts' defense since arriving to Indianapolis. Even in an injury-shortened 2025 season, Buckner ranked 24th among defensive tackles in pass rush win rate and 14th in PFF's run stop rate metric.DT Grover StewartStewart provides a high-end run-stuffing presence in the middle of the Colts' defense. With what Stewart is asked to do, he won't always fill the stat sheet, but his ability to generate push, eat up space, and take on blocks helps stifle the opposing run game, while creating opportunities for others.RB Jonathan TaylorTaylor is a three-time Pro Bowler and made one All-Pro team. He played in 13 games in 2024 and all 17 games last season, rushing for 1,431 yards and 1,585 yards, respectively, as one of the more productive backs in football each year.OL Quenton NelsonOf this group, bringing back Nelson should be the biggest priority for the Colts. Among all guards this season, Nelson ranked fourth in Pro Football Focus' pass-blocking efficiency and fourth in run-blocking grade. He is an eight-time Pro Bowler and has made six All-Pro teams in his career.WR Josh DownsDowns has been a steady and reliable target since entering the NFL, and has been particularly good at picking up first downs. With Michael Pittman now in Pittsburgh, more opportunities should be coming Downs' way this season.This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Several important players for Colts set to be free agents in 2027

Jun. 18—It's not too late to apply for tickets to the 2027 Masters Tournament, but time is running out.Golf fans can submit applications for the annual ticket lottery through June 20.All tickets will be awarded through a selection process. Applications are only available online at masters.com.Tickets for the three practice round days — Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday — are open to anyone. Tickets for the daily tournament rounds — Thursday through Sunday — are open to all except series badge patrons, club and tournament employees, and other related Augusta National Golf Club parties.Practice round tickets are $125 for Monday and Tuesday and $150 for Wednesday. Applicants can ask for a maximum of four per day.Tournament round tickets are $160, with a maximum of two per day.Applicants may request any and all days, but selected applicants are eligible to win only one day. Successful applicants will be notified by email in late July.Series badges for the 2027 Masters are fully subscribed. An application email will be sent to those on the patrons list in early January.The Masters badge has long been one of the most coveted in sports. A patron badge list was established in 1972 and a waiting list was created. The waiting list closed in 1978. It briefly reopened in 2000 and then was closed again.Ticket lotteries for the Augusta National Women's Amateur and Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals also will be held through June 20. Visit anwagolf.com and tickets.drivechipandputt.com for more information.Tickets for the final round of the women's amateur are $150. Tickets for the Drive, Chip and Putt are $35.The 2027 Masters is scheduled for April 5-11. The final round of the Augusta National Women's Amateur is scheduled for April 3, and the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals will be held April 4.

The agreement delays the most difficult steps for Iran for later talks, while granting it crucial benefits.

Plus, the “Obamalisk” opens.

The company’s blockbuster trading debut is the latest example of how individual investors have become a force in financial markets.

Often considered thrill seekers looking for the next adrenaline hit, participants say they’re actually drawn to control and a sense of time slowing down.

Companies — including some with no ties to New York or basketball — have posted memes, changed their avatars to Knicks blue and orange, and cheered the team in their captions.

The Tennessee Titans are wrapping up minicamp and will completely turn their attention to the start of training camp and the regular season.The Titans have had a transformational offseason, which included a complete rebrand, a coaching staff overhaul, and a roster that looks nothing like it did in 2025, and appear to have the foundation to take a step forward and rise from the AFC South basement.Will it happen? No one knows, but one analyst, Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports, believes that is a possibility, and he breaks it down in his best and worst-case scenarios for the Titans in 2026.Tennessee TitansBest-case: The new leadership in Nashville works. Robert Saleh's second stint as a head coach proves far more successful than his first with the Jets. Cam Ward thrives with Brian Daboll as his offensive coordinator, especially with first-round wideout Carnell Tate exploding out of the gate. Ward enjoys a strong Year 2 leap after flashing that potential during the second half of last season. With better coaching, Ward's emergence and a defense improved by key offseason additions like Jermaine Johnson II and Alontae Taylor, Tennessee becomes a wild-card team in the AFC playoff picture.Worst-case: Ward doesn't take the leap everyone is hoping for in Year 2, and the coaching staff doesn't seem up to the task. Saleh confirms that he is a great defensive coordinator but doesn't have what it takes to lead an entire franchise, and the Titans finish last in the AFC South for the fourth season in a row.Sullivan hits close to home, but fails to address the biggest question the Titans must answer in training camp: the offensive line. If Tennessee cannot get it right with the interior of the offensive line, no matter what the coaching staff does or how big a leap Ward takes in 2026, the Titans could struggle. Unfortunately, it won’t be until the preseason that anyone will even have an idea.This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Tennessee Titans: Best and worst case scenarios for 2026 NFL season

The 2026 NBA Draft will be held on June 23-24, and the Memphis Grizzlies are expected to be one of the most active teams.Memphis has three picks at No. 3, 16 and 32. The Grizzlies are the only team with three picks in the top 35 of the draft. As the draft gets closer, follow along for the latest news, rumors, trade speculation and workouts.Phoenix Suns not interested in Ja Morant The Phoenix Suns were a team that surfaced as a potential landing spot for Grizzlies guard Ja Morant at the end of the season. Phoenix has a surplus of shooting guards and wings, which has led to players playing out of position at point guard.After the idea of Phoenix being a potential possibility for Morant, multiple reports have surfaced in recent days to shut down the idea. Arizona Sports' John Gambadoro shut down the idea after a Bleacher Report article highlighted the Suns as a potential landing spot."Ridiculous," Gambadoro said on X. "Take the Suns off the list. Not happening."USA TODAY mock draft has Darryn Peterson to GrizzliesIn USA TODAY's latest mock draft, Kansas guard Darryn Peterson falls out of the top two and is selected by the Grizzlies.On June 15, news broke about Peterson choosing to only meet with the Washington Wizards, the team with the first overall pick, skipping out on potential meetings with any other lottery teams during the pre-draft process.It's a move that might impact how other lottery teams evaluate him. In this mock draft, Peterson is picked behind AJ Dybantsa of BYU and Cam Boozer of Duke.Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Grizzlies 2026 NBA Draft news, trade rumors, Ja Morant latest

The offseason is here, and the clock is ticking again on whether star Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant will remain with the team. Morant has been involved in trade rumors since Jan. 9, when two sources told The Commercial Appeal that the Grizzlies were listening to offers.Memphis ultimately kept Morant through the Feb. 5 trade deadline, but the franchise traded co-star Jaren Jackson Jr., signaling a shift toward a younger rebuild.Ja Morant contractMorant has two years and $87 million left on his contract. Memphis is expected to continue listening to potential trade offers in the coming days. The Grizzlies signed Morant to a five-year, $197 million extension in 2022. The deal made him the highest-paid player in franchise history.Multiple reports have suggested Morant has desired a contract extension since last offseason, but that doesn't appear to be in the Grizzlies' plans. NBA trade timelineIt remains unclear if Morant is more likely to be moved before or after the June 23-24 2026 NBA Draft. If last offseason is any indication, the Grizzlies traded guard Desmond Bane last June ahead of the draft. That allowed the team to acquire draft assets that helped Memphis land Cedric Coward. Giannis Antetokounmpo is the most accomplished NBA player currently involved in trade rumors. There's a belief that his market could play a role in when or if Morant is moved. The Sacramento Kings and Miami Heat are among the teams who have been previously linked to Morant. Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies trade rumors, Ja Morant, latest news

The New York Knicks are NBA Champions this season, mainly because of one signature play, forward OG Anunoby's miraculous tip-in, which gave the Knicks a historic comeback win in Game 4 of the NBA Finals last week. The play ranks up near the top when it comes to New York Sports lore. The Knicks won their first NBA title since 1973 and captured the heart and imagination of the city in the process. One New York sports legend, New York Giants wide receiver David Tyree, already knows where he's ranking Anunoby's basket on the list. “I’m No. 1,” Tyree said jokingly, per the New York Post. “I’ll let everybody else argue. I would give him No. 2 because I’m a Knicks fan; it’s not even a shadow of a doubt. It’s No. 2 for me.”Tyree, of course, is referring to his miraculous "helmet catch" that helped the Giants beat the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. That catch stands as the greatest play in Giants' history, and is ranked near the top in the history of the NFL.“The argument for me is it’s the Super Bowl, undefeated Patriots,” Tyree continued. “What makes OG No. 2 is you talk about the drought the Knicks had been in. That’s what makes this massively over other moments. It’s a stand-alone reality, what basketball means to New York City, what the Knicks mean to New York City. When you’re talking about football and beating an undefeated Patriots team that’s still looked at as a top 10 NFL team of all time, there’s probably more narratives in our Super Bowl.”Tyree, who was a backup wide receiver and special teams ace for Big Blue in the early 2000's, said he can't believe he's still in the conversation when it comes to his catch and where it stands in sports folklore.“With the Helmet Catch, I’m a part of the history — you can’t tell the history of the NFL without the Helmet Catch. I cannot boast about it, and I take it with some humility, because it’s a gift," he said. Anunoby tipped in a rebound of a shot by Jalen Brunson to give the Knicks a one-point lead with just seconds remaining. Just like Tyree's catch on a pass from Eli Manning, onlookers -- and the opponent -- were equally stunned.“Brunson is the Eli of the story, and OG is the Tyree of the story,” Tyree said. “When I think what’s special about a championship team is seizing opportunities that the losers don’t. The timely moments are made, when the hero needs to rise, he raises up. When the unsuspected character is in position, he makes the play.”This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants hero David Tyree thrilled to share New York lore with OG Anunoby

Mark Hare had never touched a softball before joining Milwaukee's Saturday Softball League nearly 20 years ago.“I walked in, said ‘I don’t know how to play,’" Hare said. "They said, ‘We don’t care, welcome to the team, have a beer.’”Now, the league that welcomed Hare, 62, and his then-partner with open arms has entered its 50th season. And Hare is its assistant commissioner.“I am so proud to be part of this organization as it hits this milestone,” Hare said.Originally named the Saturday Softball Beer League, SSBL Milwaukee was founded in 1977, attracting membership via word-of-mouth in the city’s gay bar scene at a time when being openly gay was risky.With the founding of SSBL, Milwaukee became one of the first cities to start a gay softball league alongside San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York and Toronto. It was a founding member of International Pride Softball, or "iPride," an association of gay softball leagues in America and Canada. In the league’s early days, games were held at Mitchell Park behind the Mitchell Domes. Advertisements distributed in local gay bars are now featured in the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project’s archives.Today, the SSBL is the only LGBTQ-oriented softball league in Wisconsin, according to the league's website.The league is open to those 18 and older and offers three divisions based on player experience and comfort level. During its season, which runs May through August, the league hosts games at Wilson Park and offers skills clinics to its nearly 190 players.Mike Westley, the league's umpire-in-chief who joined when he was 19 years old, recalled the tensions involved with playing gay softball during the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. This is Westley’s 45th year with the league.“People were very hidden back then,” Westley said. “They were not as out and as proud as we are right now.”As part of a rebrand this year, SSBL’s new slogan is “Bridging our past to our future,” which league commissioner Kurt Baldwin said is intended to remind players of the challenges its founding players faced.Baldwin said the league combats the stereotype that members of the LGBTQ community are not athletic.Some older players who can no longer participate on the field continue to manage teams, keep the scorebooks and cheer from the sidelines.Melinda Grabowski, 70, also known as the “Queen Bee,” is the manager of the "Stingers” team. With her bee-themed jersey, visor and socks, she is an SSBL fixture who started playing in Milwaukee-area bar leagues when she was 18 years old.“This is family. Everybody knows everybody,” Grabowski said.While the league was originally created for the LGBTQ community, she reiterated that the league is for people of all backgrounds.“I think that most people think of SSBL as a 'gay' league, and it’s not, it’s an everybody league,” Grabowski said. “We let anybody in, and no matter your skill level, we’ll show you how to play.”Gasper "Casper" Garcia, 80, began playing in the league during its early years and was profiled by the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project in May. He said league members often volunteer at American Family Field and engage with the community outside of games."SSBL stands for a lot more than just 'softball league,'" Garcia said.Hare, the assistant commissioner, said it is important for any metropolitan area to have an LGBTQ-inclusive softball league."There’s a need for us, especially in this political climate,” Hare said. “People travel from Illinois, from Madison, from north of the city, so it tells us that we’re doing what we need to be doing right now.”The SSBL will host its 48th national Dairyland Classic tournament July 10-12 at Wirth Park in Brookfield and Kelly’s Bleachers in Big Bend. Between 30 and 40 teams from across the country are expected to participate.This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee LGBTQ+ softball league marks 50th anniversary

Lacy Reynolds was waiting to catch the next flight when the aircraft crashed in Butler, Mo., killing 11 passengers and a pilot. She wasn’t sure she could keep skydiving.

SpaceX has rapidly become one of the world’s most valuable companies. Even so, experts say investing in single stocks can be risky.

The Guardrails Alliance, which has raised $5 million, is positioning itself as a populist effort that will take on the pro-A.I. interests trying to influence this year’s elections.

Everyone agrees that Penn Station is a disaster, but not on how to fix it. Now a Trump-backed, multibillion-dollar plan to rebuild it offers a promising step forward.

In this latest installment of the popular franchise, Woody and Buzz Lightyear are back and must contend with Bonnie’s mesmerizing new toy.

NYON, Switzerland (AP) — After a season of turmoil, American-owned French soccer club Marseille was threatened with a one-year ban from European competitions and fined 10 million euros ($11.5 million).UEFA imposed the sanctions by its expert panel that monitors the finances of every club which qualifies for its competitions like the Champions League. The monitoring system was once called Financial Fair Play.Marseille, majority owned by Frank McCourt, the former Los Angeles Dodgers owner, missed financial targets agreed with UEFA in a previous round of monitoring, UEFA said.UEFA acknowledged Marseille was affected by the “significant and unexpected collapse of the domestic broadcasting revenues.”Still, Marseille will be barred from the next European competition it qualifies for, unless “the club complies with the football earnings target in the 2026-27 season.”Marseille failed to qualify for the next Champions League, finishing fifth in Ligue 1 in a season where coach Roberto de Zerbi was fired, president Pablo Longoria left and fans protested about the direction of the club that was European champion in 1993.Marseille’s expected prize money from UEFA for playing in the Europa League next season would typically be half of the estimated 50-60 million euros ($57-69 million) earned from being in the Champions League this season.An extra UEFA sanction is cutting the quota of senior players Marseille can register in its Europa League squad.In a separate case, UEFA imposed fines totaling 6 million euros ($6.9 million) on Roma for missed financial targets agreed in a previous round of settlement talks. Roma also has a U.S. owner, the Friedkin family.Italian clubs and the Serie A league have struggled to keep pace in the past two decades with the rising revenue of rivals, especially in England's Premier League. ___AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Scarlets prop Harri O'Connor has won five Wales caps [Huw Evans Picture Agency]Wales tight-head prop Harri O'Connor has signed a new contract with Scarlets.The 25-year-old academy product has played 56 times for Scarlets since his senior debut in 2020.O'Connor has made five appearances for Wales, winning his first cap against Italy during the 2024 Six Nations then playing in the internationals against South Africa and Australia that summer."I'm delighted to have signed a new contract with Scarlets. This club has played a huge part in my development and I genuinely believe there is an exciting future ahead," he said.O'Connor follows number eight Fletcher Anderson, skipper Josh Macleod, scrum-half Gareth Davies, full-back Jac Davies, flanker Dan Davis and second row Sam Lousi in penning new deals with the club.Welsh rugby's ins, outs and re-signings for 2026-27

Mexico and South Korea both won their tournament openers, and now the rivals from Group A will face off – the winner of this match will take the lead in the group and is likely to secure their spot in the knockout round. The Mexico vs. South Korea match will be held at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico, and will kick off at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, June 18, on FOX and Telemundo. Find out more about this game and all of this week's biggest matches in our 2026 World Cup guide. Here's everything you need to know about watching the Mexico vs. South Korea match at the 2026 World Cup live from the U.S. (Plus, find out how you can catch every other game of the tournament).Where to watch the Mexico vs. South Korea match:Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026Time: 9 p.m. ETLocation: Estadio Akron, ZapopanTV channels: FOX, TelemundoStreaming:YouTube TV, DirecTV, Peacock, and moreMexico vs. South Korea game time:The 2026 World Cup game between Mexico and South Korea kicks off at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, June 18, 2026.Mexico vs. South Korea channel:FOX will be broadcasting the Mexico vs. South Korea World Cup game in English. A Spanish-language broadcast of the game will air on Telemundo.Where to watch the 2026 World Cup without cable:2026 FIFA World Cup group stage schedule: All times EasternThursday, June 18Czechia vs South Africa: 12 p.m. (FOX) — Mercedes-Benz Stadium, AtlantaSwitzerland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina: 3 p.m. (FOX) — SoFi Stadium, InglewoodCanada vs Qatar: 6 p.m. (FS1) — BC Place, VancouverMexico vs South Korea: 9 p.m. (FOX) — Estadio Akron, ZapopanFriday, June 19United States vs Australia: 3 p.m. (FOX) — Lumen Field, SeattleScotland vs Morocco: 6 p.m. (FOX) — Gillette Stadium, FoxboroughBrazil vs Haiti: 8:30 p.m. (FOX) — Lincoln Financial Field, PhiladelphiaTürkiye vs Paraguay: 11 p.m. (FS1) — Levi's Stadium, Santa ClaraSaturday, June 20Netherlands vs Sweden: 1 p.m. (FOX) — NRG Stadium, HoustonGermany vs Ivory Coast: 4 p.m. (FOX) — BMO Field, TorontoEcuador vs Willemstad Curaçao: 8 p.m. (FS1) — Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas CitySunday, June 21Tunisia vs Japan: 12 a.m. (FS1) — Estadio BBVA Bancomer, GuadalupeSpain vs Saudi Arabia: 12 p.m. (FOX) — Mercedes-Benz Stadium, AtlantaBelgium vs Iran: 3 p.m. (FS1) — SoFi Stadium, InglewoodUruguay vs Cape Verde: 6 p.m. (FS1) — Hard Rock Stadium, MiamiNew Zealand vs Egypt: 9 p.m. (FS1) — BC Place, VancouverMonday, June 22Argentina vs Austria: 1 p.m. (FOX) — AT&T Stadium, ArlingtonFrance vs Iraq: 5 p.m. (FOX) — Lincoln Financial Field, PhiladelphiaNorway vs Senegal: 8 p.m. (FOX) — MetLife Stadium, East RutherfordJordan vs Algeria: 11 p.m. (FS1) — Levi's Stadium, Santa ClaraTuesday, June 23Portugal vs Uzbekistan: 1 p.m. (FOX) — NRG Stadium, HoustonEngland vs Ghana: 4 p.m. (FOX) — Gillette Stadium, FoxboroughPanama vs Croatia: 7 p.m. (FOX) — BMO Field, TorontoColombia vs DR Congo: 10 p.m. (FS1) — Estadio Akron, ZapopanWednesday, June 24Switzerland vs Canada: 3 p.m. (FOX) — BC Place, VancouverBosnia and Herzegovina vs Qatar: 3 p.m. (FS1) — Lumen Field, SeattleScotland vs Brazil: 6 p.m. (FOX) — Hard Rock Stadium, MiamiMorocco vs Haiti: 6 p.m. (FS1) — Mercedes-Benz Stadium, AtlantaCzechia vs Mexico: 9 p.m. (FOX) — Estadio Azteca, Mexico CitySouth Africa vs South Korea: 9 p.m. (FS1) — Estadio BBVA Bancomer, GuadalupeThursday, June 25Ecuador vs Germany: 4 p.m. (FOX) — MetLife Stadium, East RutherfordWillemstad Curaçao vs Ivory Coast: 4 p.m. (FS1) — Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia Tunisia vs Netherlands: 7 p.m. (FOX) — Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas CityJapan vs Sweden: 7 p.m. (FS1) — AT&T Stadium, ArlingtonTürkiye vs United States: 10 p.m. (FOX) — SoFi Stadium, InglewoodParaguay vs Australia: 10 p.m. (FS1) — Levi's Stadium, Santa ClaraFriday, June 26Norway vs France: 3 p.m. (FOX) — Gillette Stadium, FoxboroughSenegal vs Iraq: 3 p.m. (FS1) — BMO Field, TorontoUruguay vs Spain: 8 p.m. (FOX) — Estadio Akron, ZapopanCape Verde vs Saudi Arabia: 8 p.m. (FS1) — NRG Stadium, HoustonNew Zealand vs Belgium: 11 p.m. (FOX) — BC Place, VancouverEgypt vs Iran: 11 p.m. (FS1) — Lumen Field, SeattleSaturday, June 27Panama vs England: 5 p.m. (FOX) — MetLife Stadium, East RutherfordCroatia vs Ghana: 5 p.m. (FS1) — Lincoln Financial Field, PhiladelphiaColombia vs Portugal: 7:30 p.m. (FOX) — Hard Rock Stadium, MiamiDR Congo vs Uzbekistan: 7:30 p.m. (FS1) — Mercedes-Benz Stadium, AtlantaJordan vs Argentina: 10 p.m. (FOX) — AT&T Stadium, ArlingtonAlgeria vs Austria: 10 p.m. (FS1) — Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City

There are several key members of this Jacksonville Jaguars team who are set to enter the final year of their current contracts.In GM James Gladstone's first two seasons, there has been a lot of movement on this Jaguars roster. Year 1 featured a heavy amount of turnover, and while this offseason was quieter, we still saw Devin Lloyd and Travis Etienne sign elsewhere.That said, Gladstone has also been very proactive in retaining key players and not allowing them to hit free agency. Logan Cooke, Jakobi Meyers, Cole Van Lanen, Travon Walker, and Ross Matiscik all received extensions. Next up could be Parker Washington and Brenton Strange, who are entering the final year of their rookie deals. Retaining these feels like a priority for the Jaguars, but what does the future hold for these other five players in contract years?DT Arik ArmsteadThrough 12 games last season, Armstead totaled 41 quarterback pressures, the third-highest mark among defensive tackles during that stretch. He was also near the top of his position group in sacks. However, Armstead suffered a hand injury, and his production would dip down the stretch.DT DaVon HamiltonAs a run-stuffing presence, Hamilton's full impact won't always show up on the stat sheet. But his ability to generate push, eat up space, and take on blocks helps stifle the opposing run game, while creating opportunities for others.OL Ezra ClevelandCleveland has provided a steady presence at left guard for the Jaguars. Among all guards in 2025, he ranked tied for 19th in PFF's pass-blocking efficiency metric and was 35th in run-blocking grade.S Antonio JohnsonAs the year progressed, Johnson's role on defense expanded. He graded out well as a run defender by PFF's metrics, held pass catchers to under 10 yards per reception this season, and came away with five interceptions and three pass breakups. He adds a versatile presence to the Jaguars' secondary.LB Ventrell MillerIt remains to be seen what Miller can do as a full-time starter, but he has the opportunity to earn that role in the middle of the Jaguars' defense this summer. A strong showing from Miller and the Jaguars could again be looking for another starting linebacker in 2027.This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 5 key starters for Jaguars entering final year of contract in 2026

Lead Stories says: Yes, ThanksDid the NBA champion New York Knicks decline an invitation to the White House? No, that's not true: The team's owner, James Dolan, said on radio station WFAN that the team had received an invitation and accepted it. Dolan said the date of the visit had not yet been finalized, adding, "We still have to figure out the details, etc."The claim appeared in a post (archived here) by the @allenanalysis account on X on June 17, 2026. It read:The Knicks declined the White House invitation.New York being New York. 🧡💙This is what the post looked like on X at the time of writing:Image source: post by @allenanalysis on X.Dolan announced the future visit to Washington, D.C., during an appearance on "The Carton Show" on WFAN on June 17, 2026, and the station later shared a post and video (archived here) by SportsNet New York (@sny_knicks) on X. He said:We just did receive an invitation from the White House, which we accepted. We still have to figure out the details, etc., but, yes, of course... and I'm very proud to bring the team to the White House.The video of the announcement is embedded below:James Dolan says on @CartonShowWFAN that the Knicks have accepted an invitation to the White House pic.twitter.com/Evb7TjUIv4 -- SNY Knicks (@sny_knicks) June 17, 2026Lead Stories searched Google News (archived here) and Yahoo News (archived here) and did not find any matching reports from credible news outlets containing the words "New York Knicks decline White House invitation." Instead, there were multiple reports of the NBA champions accepting the invite.

Alexander Sokurov has questioned the Russian president about government repression but he is still controversial among his country’s exiles.

Big tech companies and small start-ups are using social media to hype new tools that allow students to trick teachers and A.I. detectors.